2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado

with No Comment $30 and underGrenache BlancKevin VogtSierra FoothillsUSA

SKINNER

GRENACHE BLANC
2020 EL DORADO 

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado
Setting out to epitomize Sierra Foothill wines, Skinner designed their state-of-the-art winery to support chemical-free, small-lot fermentations. They strategically assembled a team of like-minded, talented individuals, including winemaker Adam Smith, former assistant winemaker at Craggy Range in New Zealand, and Domaine Serene in Oregon. Specializing in Rhône varieties, their Grenache Blanc exemplifies their team’s combined experience, environmental awareness, and the full capabilities of their vineyard. 
 
At 1,400 feet elevation, the alluvial soils of Skinner’s vineyard combine with elevation-induced cool temperatures, resulting in fruit with bright acidity and balanced flavors. Their vineyard’s shallow topsoil and decomposed granite cause the vines to struggle for water and nutrients, encouraging flavor intensity. 
 
Combining Concrete, Stainless Steel, and French oak fermentation vessels for increased complexity, Skinner’s winemaking team ferments their Grenache Blanc on the lees, increasing textural richness. At $24, this wine offers substantial value.
 
SKINNER
GRENACHE BLANC
2020 EL DORADO
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
Foothill Wine Festival 2021
Double Gold Medal
Best of Show – White Wine
100 Points
 
“The aromatics on the 2020 Grenache Blanc are punchy and brilliant, as the nose suggests a wine of tremendous posture. The first impression is crushed limestone and white flowers, giving way to underpinnings of blood orange, honeysuckle and sandalwood. This wine’s clean, platinum hue and lithe aromatics only begin to tell the story of its deep, complex palate presence of weight and electric tension; a tight balance of flowers, fruit and dirt, this is a real testament to the transcendence of El Dorado-grown white Rhônes.”
2018 Aston Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2018 Aston Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

ASTON

2018 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

2018 Aston Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Co-founded two decades earlier by industry leaders Fred Schrader, Chuck Sweeney, and Thomas Rivers Brown, Aston arose from 14 acres of prime coastal vineyards near Annapolis. The winery is now under the sole ownership of Brown, and with the vines coming into age, the quality of the wine produced is at an even higher level, and the brand is ready to claim its throne as one of the Sonoma Coast’s top players. Brown describes Annapolis Pinots as having a savage quality, yielding a more significant, structured style of this Burgundian variety. 
 
Aston Vineyard is located along the Northern reaches of the Sonoma Coast and planted to Dijon clones 115, 667, and 777, which together produce a complete wine with outstanding depth and floral lift. As the vines have aged over the last two decades, Brown has noticed the fruit characteristics have become more interesting, and the 2018 release shows off the site’s capabilities. 
 
This wine enters from a vintage the Wine Spectator describes as “Nearly perfect conditions; full-flavored wines backed by crisp acidity, especially from coastal vineyards,” then was aged in 100% new French oak barrels. Fans of BIG, rustic, full-bodied, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs should scoop this up by the case.
 
ASTON
2018 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $75
 
Your Price: $45
 
 
“2018 was a winegrower’s dream come true. We had every available advantage leading into harvest and ample hang time for the fruit to fully mature. While still made up of all Estate fruit, this bottling comes from its own block in the vineyard. The result in the glass is a balanced, expressive Pinot Noir that resonates with all the hallmark notes of the Estate vineyard. The wine displays a red-purple hue in the glass. Aromas suggest blackberry jam, cranberry, plum, orange pith, and nutmeg. The sleek, structured palate resonates with notes of raspberry, pomegranate pulp, river rock, and lavender. This wine possesses vivacious energy and shows extremely well today.”
2017 Buoncristiani O.P.C. Proprietary Red Napa Valle

2017 Buoncristiani O.P.C. Proprietary Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

BUONCRISTIANI

O.P.C. PROPRIETARY RED
2017 NAPA VALLEY

2017 Buoncristiani O.P.C. Proprietary Red Napa Valle
Re-birthed each new vintage, driven by the synergy of marrying top-quality Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and other Bordeaux varieties by hand, Buoncristiani O.P.C. highlights some of Napa’s most illustrious vineyards, including Hyde, Stagecoach, and Hossfeld. The Buoncristiani brothers created O.P.C. to make a wine unique to them, guided by a shared passion, and precipitated by the amalgamation of skills. As a result, the 2017 vintage is “beautifully textured,” marked by complexity, balance, and absolute value. 
 
Highlighting a New World winemaker’s freedom to create a wine outside the bounds of classic varietal blends, winemaker Jay Buoncristiani merged Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petite Verdot with Syrah, enhancing the layers and textures in the wine.
 
The 2017 release showcases the vintage’s most intense characteristics with focus, enveloping elegance, enhanced with twenty months rest in barrels. At $70, it’s truly stunning, but at under $50, few can compete.
 
BUONCRISTIANI
O.P.C. PROPRIETARY RED
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $70
 
 
 
“…complex, nuanced style in its mulled plums, black tea, peppery herbs, and orange blossom aroma and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, rich and beautifully textured on the palate, with ripe, mouthcoating tannins, it’s another terrific 2017 from this team that will evolve for a solid 10-15 years, that is, if you can keep your hands off bottles.”
93 Points
 
“…Deep garnet-purple colored, it has black raspberries, warm plums and boysenberries with hints of mocha, anise, black pepper and tar. The palate is full-bodied, rich, soft and plush with loads of spicy sparks and a long, peppery finish.”
92+ Points

“This has a fresh and complex nose with notes of ripe dark fruit and mint. Medium to full body with a fleshy palate and firm tannin structure. Polished and juicy fruit…Drink or hold.” 
92 Points
 
“… supple, forward wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. The tannins are a bit stern today, but time in the bottle should take care of that.” 
92 Points
2017 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2017 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

LARKMEAD

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2017 NAPA VALLEY

2017 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Above ground, Larkmead Vineyards is a masterpiece of sustainable farming with winemaking at the highest level. Still, it’s what’s beneath their vineyard that makes them a marvel of New World Cabernet production and genuinely unique. Planted above ancient riverbed gravel with a similar well-draining environment to Napa’s hillsides, Larkmead Vineyard produces powerful fruit with mesmeric complexity. Their 2017 release is a classic example of their vineyard’s identity, shown through the vintage’s lens, capturing their team’s drive, emotion, and combined expertise. 
 
Capturing the vineyard’s diversity by fermenting in multiple small lots, winemaker Dan Petroski’s intimate knowledge of the property shines in this wine. The vineyard borders Selby Creek and the Napa River, where an accumulation of ancient riverbed gravel, clay, and loam, formed the perfect canvas to cultivate grapes.
 
Utilizing a systems approach to farming, Nabor Camarena and viticulturist Kelly Maher farm Larkmeads Vineyard as a single component of the larger surrounding ecosystem, lending to the uniform balance of their wines.
 
LARKMEAD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $125
 
 
 
“With 10% Merlot, this is a structured red that’s built by broad tannins but approachable in its youth. Earthy peat, dried herb, cedar and cigar box play against a depth of dark cherry, cassis and plum, while fresh acidity permeates beneath, making for a cohesive package.”
96 Points
 
“This is really subtle and complex with black truffles, blackberries, lavender and rosemary. Medium to full body. Firm and silky tannins with beautiful fruit. Linear and racy. Love the balance and finesse. Drink now or hold.”
94 Points
2016 Chateau Haut-Beausejour Saint-Estephe Bordeaux

2016 Chateau Haut-Beausejour Saint-Estephe Bordeaux

with No Comment $30-$40BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

CHÂTEAU 

HAUT-BEAUSÉJOUR
SAINT-ESTÈPHE
2016 BORDEAUX

2016 Chateau Haut-Beausejour Saint-Estephe Bordeaux
Saint-Estèphe is the Northernmost sub-region of Medoc’s six communal appellations and produces sturdy, robust wines rich with old-world charisma, depth, and character. Château Haut-Beauséjour is a dark horse of the region, acquired by Louis Roederer in the 90s and crafted by Nicolas Glumineau, a graduate of the University of Bordeaux with a Master of Genetics applied to enology, who began his career at 1st growth producer’s Haut-Brion and Château Margaux. 
 
St. Estèphe’s proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde River create a temperate, maritime climate, combines with well-draining gravel over clay soils to produce powerful fruit with chiseled character. 
 
Calling on a more significant percentage of Merlot than other Châteaux in Saint-Estèphe at 62%, Nicolas completes the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of Petit Verdot, creating a supple, fleshy aspect, balancing Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon’s powerful tannins.
 
CHÂTEAU 
HAUT-BEAUSÉJOUR
SAINT-ESTÈPHE
2016 BORDEAUX
 
Your Price: $37.99
 
 
“A generous, dramatic but forthrightly tannic St.-Estèphe that has enough cassis fruit, smoke and minty freshness to easily carry this structure and still come off energetic at the long, refreshing finish. Drink or hold.”
92 Points
 
“Another Pichon Comtesse estate up in St-Estèphe with a lovely ripe fruit expression. There are some tight, austere tannins right now, and the wine is a little less immediately exuberant than some, but give it a few years in bottle to flesh out…”
90 Points
 
“The 2016 Haut-Beauséjour is a very pretty, expressive wine that isn’t trying to do too much or be something it is not. Supple, plump and juicy, it offers lovely depth and impeccable balance in an open, approachable style that will offer plenty of pleasure over the next 15-20 years, give or take.”
89-91 Points
2015 Varner Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard Santa Barbara County

2015 Varner Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard Santa Barbara County

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirUSA

VARNER

2015 PINOT NOIR
LOS ALAMOS VINEYARD
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

2015 Varner Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard Santa Barbara County
Twin brothers Bob and Jim Varner handcraft balanced, emotion-invoking wines enriched with value. Referencing a string of successful wines, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate called them “One of the stars of the Central Coast,” noting, “Few winemakers do… Pinot Noir better.” Their 2015 Los Alamos Vineyard Pinot Noir is subtly expressive and delicately balanced, impressive at any price, but ridiculously great at $23. 
 
The wind-swept slopes of Los Alamos Vineyard are centered between Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys, offering the best characteristics of both regions, with pristine freshness. 
 
Varner’s Los Alamos Pinot combines clone 777 grown in shallow soils with low fertility and older vine Pommard clone, contributing opulence and floral character. The Wine Spectator’s Vintage report notes that Santa Barbara Pinot Noir shined in the 2015 vintage. Varner is a stunning example.
 
VARNER
2015 PINOT NOIR
LOS ALAMOS VINEYARD
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $23
 
 
“The 2015 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard has a pale garnet color and a classic nose of woodsmoke, cranberries, Bing cherries, tree bark, dried citrus peel, pipe tobacco and dusty earth. In the mouth, it’s light-bodied and delicate with finely grained tannins and juicy freshness, finishing long and amaro-tinged. Drink 2019-2026.”
91 Points
2019 Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert Zinfandel Blend

2019 Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert Zinfandel Blend

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtUSAZinfandel

ORIN SWIFT

8 YEARS IN THE DESERT
2019 ZINFANDEL BLEND

2019 Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert Zinfandel Blend
Eight Years in the Desert represents Orin Swift’s full-circle, which began with two tons of Zinfandel in 1998. In 2000, the Zinfandel wasn’t great as a single-varietal, so Dave Phinney, Orin Swift founder, created a blend and produced the inaugural vintage of The Prisoner, which he continued to make for the following eight vintages before selling The Prisoner brand. Eight Years in the Desert’s name references his eight-year non-compete agreement where Orin Swift couldn’t produce Zinfandel Blends, and lucky for us, they’ve now escaped those bounds. 
 
Calling on a vast collection of premier vineyards spanning California’s most ideal growing regions, 8 Years in the Desert is premeditatively crafted in a bold, approachable style, bearing delectable complexity and seductive fruits. 
 
Creatively, beginning in 2017, each sequential vintage of this wine reveals a new label that will continue for eight vintages. The 2019 release is centered around Zinfandel and magnified by Petite Sirah and Syrah, aged eight months in French and American oak.
 
ORIN SWIFT
8 YEARS IN THE DESERT
2019 ZINFANDEL BLEND
 
Your Price: $45
 
 
“Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Zinfandel Blend 8 Years in the Desert delivers notions of stewed plums, baked raspberries and fruitcake with hints of powdered cinnamon, clove oil, tree bark, hoisin and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of ripe, spicy black and red fruits, supported by chewy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and earthy.”
93 Points
2016 Amapola Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Sonoma Valley

2016 Amapola Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Sonoma Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

AMAPOLA CREEK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 ESTATE SONOMA VALLEY 

2016 Amapola Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Sonoma Valley
Maestro of Sonoma winemaking with 50+ years experience, Richard Arrowood helped pioneer small-lot, single-vineyard wines unveiling terroir significance. His Estate neighbors the highly-acclaimed Monte Rosso Vineyard, and his 15 acres of organically farmed vines carved into red, iron-oxide soils produce powerful berries with deep savory intensity. At $100, his 2016 Estate Cab earned an exceptional 94 point score from Robert Parker; at $46, the best score will be a case for your cellar. 
 
Richard’s Cabernet highlights the diversity of his Estate’s terroir by combining fruit from China Wall, Bobcat Run, Fox Trot Meadow, and Montaña Vista blocks, each with a distinct micro-climate and soil profile. 
 
A masterpiece of hedonism, the 2016 release includes 7% Petit Verdot that contributes to the seamless texture and aids in harnessing the power of Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. After 24 months in seasoned French oak barrels, the wine’s dynamic complexity is on display, showcasing Dick Arrowood’s vast skillset. 
 
AMAPOLA CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 ESTATE SONOMA VALLEY 
Retails at: $100
 
Your Price: $46
 
 
“… the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard displays a deep garnet-purple color and tantalizing scents of plum pudding, crème de cassis and blueberry pie with touches of hoisin, licorice, sandalwood and cedar chest plus a hint of cloves. The palate is big, concentrated and full-bodied, laden with black and blue fruit preserves and framed by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing wonderfully long and spicy…”
94 Points
 
“… a deep ruby/plum color as well as a beautiful perfume of cassis, sandalwood, menthol, and lead pencil shavings. This medium-bodied, seamlessly textured, balanced Sonoma Cabernet has bright acidity, moderate depth yet terrific balance, and a clean, classy finish. It’s going to continue drinking nicely for a solid 15-20 years.”
92+ Points
2018 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District

2018 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSpring MountainUSA

BARNETT 

2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

2018 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District
Carved into a 35º slope at 2000 feet elevation on Spring Mountain, Barnett’s Vineyard is impeccably farmed on a vine-by-vine basis, ensuring each berry reaches the pinnacle of ripeness. Once harvested, Winemaker David Tate ferments each block individually, performing multiple punch-downs daily, maximizing flavor concentration. Their unwavering use of traditional techniques and micro-managing production has solidified them as a paragon on Spring Mountain for more than 30 years. 
 
Crafted with the intent to showcase Spring Mountain’s most distinct characteristics, displayed with grace and persistence, Barnett’s team intricately combines fruit from their high-elevation Estate and neighboring York Creek Vineyards in creating their Spring Mountain District Cabernet.
 
Blending the 2018 Barnett, David utilized 8% Petit Verdot for increased depth, structure, and balancing the ripe and supple Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, which he aged for 22 months in barrel. At less than $100, this wine perfectly expresses the profound qualities that I look for in Spring Mountain Cabernet. 
 
BARNETT 
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at: $80
 
Your Price: $75
 
 
“In 2018 climatic conditions were perfect up on Spring Mountain. This Cabernet is evidence of that. Fresh blackberry, anise and mocha are the first things apparent on the nose followed by cola, acai berry and menthol. This is a silky lush wine with layers of dark chocolate, cedar and freshly ground coffee. The tannins are chiefly present, being round pleasing chalky tannins with firm mountain acid balancing them out. The finish is chocolate covered plum. This powerhouse Cabernet is already showing well and will develop even more complexity over the next 10-12 years (2030-2032).”
2016 Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch

2016 Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtProprietary RedSouth Africa

MEERLUST

2016 RUBICON
STELLENBOSCH

2016 Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch
Setting in motion a movement of Bordeaux-style blends in Stellenbosch, Meerlust began producing Rubicon in 1980 and unmasked the possibilities of a region with regal stature, historical strength, and timeless intrigue. Exploiting cool ocean breezes and evening mists, Meerlust sits fifteen kilometers south of Stellenbosch, where ancient soils combine with a maritime influence, creating a powerful expression of the region. At less than $40, this pillar of Stellenbosch deserves a spot in your cellar. 
 
Meerlust is a historical estate dating back to 1756, with a rich history of producing classic expressions of the region. Their longstanding traditions and stewardship of their vineyards continue under the guidance of eighth-generation winemaker Hannes Myburgh. 
 
Calling on four of Bordeaux’s top five varietals, Meerlust’s 2016 Rubicon marries 49% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged for 16 months in barrels. The wine is rich with supple fruits and silky tannins, offering great concentration, balance, and old-world-like intrigue.
 
MEERLUST
2016 RUBICON
STELLENBOSCH 
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“Cedar wood, spice, a touch of fynbos on nose and palate. Good acidity and layers of flavour that balance the ripe fruit, with a deft touch. Drinking Window 2021 – 2028”
93 Points
 
“The 2016 Rubicon has an expressive nose of mulberry with subtle oak and red and brown spices… the full-bodied palate is still tight and structured with a grippy, chewy edge, but elegance can be gained with age and this wine ends well structured with focused balance.”
90+ Points
 
“Very Old World in style, with a graceful profile and mouthwatering acidity standing firmly behind notes of cherry, savory mineral, rose hip and rosemary. Supple tannins create good harmony and give this more muscle. Needs a bit more time, but well-executed. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2029.”
90 Points