2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCoombsvilleKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

Pass Wines

Merlot 2019
Coombsville, Napa Valley

2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

With a mere 96 cases produced, the 2019 Pass Wines Coombsville Merlot epitomizes the boutique spirit of Napa Valley. Each bottle reflects the meticulous craft of Ryan Pass, a UC Davis graduate who began his journey at Farella Vineyards in 2015. Under the mentorship of esteemed vintner Tom Farella, Ryan’s promotion to Winemaker in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in his career, where he gained invaluable insight from a master of the trade. His wines carry the legacy of that tutelage, emphasizing precision, artistry, and passion.

Vineyard partnerships are central to Ryan’s approach, where the terroir becomes the canvas for his creativity. He sourced from two distinct Coombsville vineyards for this Merlot, carefully selected to harmonize minerality, fruit, and spice. The result is a wine of profound elegance and sophistication, gently aged in neutral oak to retain its vibrant freshness.

This Merlot embodies not just the essence of Coombsville but also Ryan’s commitment to producing wines deeply connected to land and craft.

Pass Wines
Merlot 2019
Coombsville, Napa Valley
Retails at: $36

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“The Pass Wines 2019 Coombsville Merlot begins with a cool-climate-driven fruit characteristic with red and black cherries and plums, with the AVA’s signature volcanic minerality, resembling graphite, followed with notes of savory spice and cloves. On the palate, the wine has a dusty cocoa power component, mocha, and blackberries, with underlying spice and wet stones after a summer rain. This wine has brilliant acidity that intricately balances the fruit, spice, and mineral notes with a long, pleasant finish.”

96 Points

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Walter Hansel

Pinot Noir 2022
The South Slope Vineyard
Russian River Valley

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

With every vintage, Walter Hansel sets a new standard for California Pinot Noir, offering the kind of elegance and complexity typically reserved for California’s most prestigious producers—yet at a refreshingly accessible price. The 2022 South Slope Pinot Noir is no exception, capturing the essence of the Russian River Valley with layers of vibrant fruit, seamless texture, and remarkable balance.

The story of Walter Hansel Winery is rooted in a deep passion for the land. Driven by a lifelong love for agriculture, Walter Hansel planted the first vines on their family estate with the help of his son, Stephen. What began as a father-son project in the 1980s evolved into a pursuit of winemaking excellence.

The Estate spans 80 acres of contiguous vineyards, with the South Slope at the highest elevation and furthest southern point. This plot, planted to the prized Clone 777, produces wines known for their complex earthiness and depth. The 2022 South Slope Pinot Noir was aged in oak, allowing it to develop a rich, layered profile. Earning 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck, this wine is a shining example of the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Walter Hansel
Pinot Noir 2022
The South Slope Vineyard
Russian River Valley

Your Price: $48

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“The 2022 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is made entirely from the Dijon clone 777 and pours a deep magenta hue. In the glass, it gives off a more floral perfume, with notes of violets, black raspberry coulis, sweet cedar, and mossy forest floor, and brighter fresh red fruit comes through on the palate. Medium-bodied, it reveals more focus on the palate, with a mouthwatering feel, and it has fine tannins and a light, salty finish. A very lovely wine, it’s going to reach its tenth birthday with ease if stored properly. 405 cases were produced.”

94 Points

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

with No Comment $30-$40BurgandyChablisFranceKevin Vogt

Thierry Laffay

Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

Nestled amidst the serene slopes of the Serein River Valley, the vineyards of Chablis flourish upon a rare and storied terroir: Kimmeridgian marl, a sedimentary clay rich in limestone that imparts the wines with their signature bright, mineral character. This soil, coupled with the valley’s Atlantic-tempered climate, creates a harmonious balance. The cool air slows the ripening of the grapes, preserving the vibrant, racy acidity that defines Chablis wines.

Since 1978, Thierry Laffay has meticulously cultivated this remarkable landscape, nurturing just over 17 acres of Chardonnay. For Laffay, it’s not merely about growing grapes—it’s about embracing simplicity and authenticity and sharing the fruits of his labor. His family-run estate adheres to traditional methods, aging wines exclusively in stainless steel tanks and bottled a year after harvest, ensuring the purity of flavor. The 2020 growing season, marked by ideal weather conditions, yielded wines of exceptional quality with the potential for graceful aging.

The 2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis, a standout in recent tastings, exemplifies the brilliance of the vintage. With its vibrant acidity and elegant minerality, it showcases precisely what makes top-tier Chablis so captivating—an unforgettable expression of both land and craftsmanship.

Thierry Laffay
Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

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“The Theirry Laffay 2020 Chablis opens with notes of chalky minerality, crushed seashells, chamomile, pears, and quince. On the palate, the wine is lively with a silky mouthfeel and flavors of golden apples, apricots, grapefruit, and lemon custard. The wine has a near-creamy texture balanced by fresh, vibrant acidity and a crisp, stony finish.”

95 Points

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedUSA

Bevan Cellars

Ontogeny Red
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

Bevan’s Ontogeny is swiftly becoming a paragon of exceptional Napa Valley wine. Just last year, the 2021 vintage claimed the top spot on Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 10 Napa Bordeaux Blends Under $125 list, following a similar accolade for the 2019 vintage, which was #1 in Dunnuck’s Top Ten Values for Valley Cabernet. The takeaway? You’ll want to secure the 2022 vintage before more scores come out, as it’s poised to continue this remarkable trend.

The 2022 Ontogeny draws its strength primarily from the esteemed Tench Vineyard across from Screaming Eagle in Oakville. Russell crafts a single-vineyard Cabernet from Tench that retails for over $200, but Ontogeny, as the most accessible of his flagship reds, offers an unparalleled entry into the Bevan experience. Despite being the least expensive Red in his portfolio, it’s a wine that never compromises on the depth, power, and intensity that have become Bevan’s trademark.

Russell Bevan, alongside his partner Victoria De Crescenzo, launched Bevan Cellars in 2005, seizing the opportunity to create wines that stunned the Napa Valley scene. Under Russell’s visionary leadership, Bevan Cellars has consistently delivered extraordinary wines. The 2022 Ontogeny Red Blend stands out for its brilliance, cementing its place as a must-have in any serious collector’s cellar.

Bevan Cellars
Ontogeny Red
Napa Valley 2022

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“The Bevan Cellars 2022 Ontogeny Napa Valley Red Wine is rich and supple, opening with notes of violets, rocky minerality, blackberries, dark chocolate, and blueberry pie. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and penetrating with flavors of black plums, blueberries, toasted baking spices, black tea leaves, and hazelnuts. The wine evolves in the glass as it opens up and its long lingering finish is complex and warms the soul.”

95 Points

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Italy

with No Comment $30 and underBrunelloItalyKevin VogtMontalcinoPiedmont

Idi Di Marzo

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy, 2020

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy

The Idi di Marzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from De Cerchio is more than a wine; it’s a testament to the Abruzzo region’s rich viticultural heritage. Crafted from sustainably farmed Montepulciano grapes, this wine embodies the essence of the region’s rugged landscape, where vines flourish between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine Mountains. Each sip reveals the terroir’s mineral-rich soul, imparting a depth and complexity that is truly remarkable.

For four generations, the De Cerchio family has refined the art of winemaking, each vintage building upon the passion and knowledge passed down. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the 2020 Idi di Marzo, which has garnered acclaim from renowned Italian wine critics James Suckling and Luca Maroni.

The 2020 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo showcases a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, offering layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. This wine is not merely a reflection of the land but a testament to the De Cerchio winemaking team’s passion and expertise poured into every bottle.

Idi Di Marzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy, 2020

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“The nose is savory, but in a warm, comforting way, like a mountain cabin in autumn, with aromas of chocolate, berries, leather, soil and herbs. On the palate, grilled, peppery meat underscores the herbaceousness, but lingering berries bring brightness and levity. Great value, especially considering this wine bears the top sustainable certification.”

90 Points

2021 Details by Sinegal Cabernet Sauvinon Sonoma County

2021 Details by Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

Details by Sinegal

Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County 2021

2021 Details by Sinegal Cabernet Sauvinon Sonoma County

For those seeking exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon without the exorbitant price tag, Details by Sinegal is a must-experience. Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck aptly describes it as a Sonoma wine that rivals Napa Cabernets costing two to three times as much.

How does Details by Sinegal achieve such remarkable quality at an accessible price? The winemaking team meticulously crafts each bottle, focusing on every detail to replicate the characteristics of premium wines. Hand-selected fruit from Sonoma County’s finest vineyards, under the guidance of winemaker Ryan Knoth, ensures that every bottle reflects the expertise gained from working alongside legendary winemakers like David Abreu, Michel Rolland, and Fredrik Johansson.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Sourced primarily from Sonoma Valley, with a touch of Knights Valley for added structure and freshness, this vintage delivers a Bordeaux-inspired experience with a distinctly Californian character.

At under $50, the level of quality in Details by Sinegal is truly exceptional and nearly unmatched.

Details by Sinegal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County 2021
Retails at: $50

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“Coming from Sonoma and based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Details is a smoking bottle of wine, as well as an incredible value. Darker berries, currants, scorched earth, lead pencil, and hints of chocolate all define the aromatics, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a plush, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It’s from Sonoma but will stand toe to toe with any number of Napa Cabernet Sauvignons that run two to three times the price.”

93 Points

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Hartford Court

Pinot Noir 2022
Land’s Edge Vineyards
Sonoma Coast

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

Poised within the picturesque town of Forestville, just a brief drive from the rugged Sonoma Coast, Hartford Court Winery has established a reputation for producing captivating wines from meticulously selected, single-vineyard sites. With a profound devotion to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they curate an extensive portfolio of over two dozen bottlings, each sourced from low-yielding vineyards. Each vineyard imparts its own distinctive character, showcasing the remarkable diversity of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and beyond. Hartford Court’s meticulous approach transforms their admiration for Pinot Noir into wines embodying their origins’ beauty and nuance.

The 2022 Land’s Edge Vineyards Pinot Noir originates from two estate vineyards perched on the Sonoma Coast—Far Coast and Seascape—where the land meets the untamed Pacific Ocean. This proximity to the ocean imparts a unique character to the wine, harmoniously blending the bright, red fruit typical of California Pinot Noir with the coastal influence of oceanic salinity and wet stone minerality. With its vibrant acidity and lingering freshness, the 2022 vintage is a testament to the dramatic landscape from which it comes, capturing the essence of Sonoma’s coastal terroir.

Hartford Court
Pinot Noir 2022
Land’s Edge Vineyards
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $55

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“From the far Sonoma Coast, the 2022 Pinot Noir Land’s Edge Vineyards was aged for 9 months in 32% new French oak barrels. In the glass, it displays a medium ruby color and offers expressive notes of red berries, cranberries, and juniper. There’s a good bit of reduction initially that benefits from a little air at this stage, but it starts to reveal darker notes as it opens, so I would recommend decanting if opening it on the young side. The palate has a wonderful, compact feel, with refreshing lift, fine tannins, and a snappy finish. I personally enjoy the bright and coiled energy that comes through in this one. It’s a lovely wine that is going to drink well over the next 15 years.”

94 Points

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

Illumination

Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

Quintessa, a renowned Rutherford producer, extends its meticulous craftsmanship to Sauvignon Blanc, crafting Illumination, a wine as exquisite as its flagship red. This luminous expression bursts with vibrant notes of passionfruit, white peach, orange blossom, and zesty tangerine, creating a captivating bouquet.

Rooted in a deep commitment to the environment, Quintessa selected specific blocks to cultivate thriving clonal varieties, capturing the essence of Napa and Sonoma’s diverse terroir. With the same precision that defines their renowned reds, Illumination is crafted from vines planted in 2002, resulting in a Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional character and depth.

The 2023 vintage marks a stellar year in Napa Valley. Abundant winter rains and moderate temperatures fostered an ideal growing season, culminating in the 2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc. This exceptional wine showcases Napa’s elegance and vitality, making it a true showstopper.

Illumination
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

Your Price: $59.99

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“The Illumination 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Napa Valley and Sonoma County to offer a balanced, vibrant bouquet of citrus and floral notes, including orange blossom, acacia, followed by a burst of lime zest, lemon, and a hint of grapefruit. On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing, with a touch of minerality reminiscent of wet stones. The acidity is well-balanced, leading to a lingering finish that reveals subtle notes of peaches and cream, and a delicate pastry dough character.”

95 Points

2018 Luce Brunello di Montalcino

2018 Luce Brunello di Montalcino

with No Comment $100 and overBrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Luce

Brunello di Montalcino
Montalcino 2018

2018 Luce Brunello di Montalcino

In 1980, Brunello di Montalcino became Italy’s inaugural wine to receive the prestigious DOCG designation, solidifying its position as the crown jewel of Montalcino’s winemaking tradition. Nestled within Tuscany’s rolling hills, this enchanting village, where vineyards intertwine with ancient olive groves, boasts a unique microclimate that nurtures exceptional viticulture. Montalcino’s harmonious blend of landscape and heritage yields some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

At Tenuta Luce, each facet of the winemaking process is approached with profound respect for the land, the vineyards, and the artisans who bring it to life. The 2018 Luce Brunello di Montalcino embodies this dedication. Blessed by a temperate summer devoid of excessive rain or scorching heat, the grapes achieved optimal phenolic ripeness, developing layers of complexity. Following fermentation in cement tanks, the wine matured in Slavonian oak barrels, resulting in a luxuriously smooth red that encapsulates the richness and elegance of Montalcino.

Luce’s 2018 vintage offers a bold and captivating expression of the year, characterized by its “beautiful texture and balance,” as commended by James Suckling, a renowned Italian wine critic.

Luce
Brunello di Montalcino
Montalcino 2018
Retails at: $150

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“A finely structured and focused Brunello with a complex array of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, licorice and hints of praline. Iodine and oyster shells, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine tannins. Beautiful texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. Try in 2025.”

96 Points

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Caymus

Cabernet Sauvignon
50th Anniversary, One Liters
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

Founded in 1971 by the visionary Wagner family, Caymus Vineyards has become an iconic name in Napa Valley winemaking. Their inaugural vintage in 1972, born from 55 acres of carefully tended vines, set the stage for a legacy of excellence that continues today.

Under the stewardship of the Wagner family’s second and third generations, Caymus Vineyards remains committed to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a milestone marking the winery’s 50th anniversary, is a testament to this enduring passion.

This exceptional vintage was shaped by a season of challenging conditions characterized by low crop yields and minimal irrigation. These factors allowed the grapes to develop intense flavors and aromas, resulting in a wine of extraordinary depth and complexity.

Harvested at their peak ripeness, the 2022 release delivers the signature richness that defines the Caymus style. Full-bodied and bold, it stands as a tribute to half a century of dedication, and the Wagner family’s enduring love for the art of winemaking.

Caymus
Cabernet Sauvignon
50th Anniversary, One Liters
Napa Valley 2022
Retails at: $110

Your Price: $89.99

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“A creamy, forward style, with a core of warmed raspberry and boysenberry preserves infused liberally with mocha and melted licorice. Shows a late flicker of chaparral. This is meant for near-term hedonism. Drink now through 2034.”

91 Points