2017 Halcon Alturas Syrah Yorkville Highlands

2017 Halcón Alturas Syrah Yorkville Highlands

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSyrahUSA

HALCÓN

2017 ALTURAS SYRAH
YORKVILLE HIGHLANDS 

2017 Halcon Alturas Syrah Yorkville HighlandsHalcón is a rising star in Anderson Valley, crafted by Scott Shapley who’s also the winemaker at ROAR. The vineyard was planted without the slightest compromise at an altitude of 2,500 feet, and the densely planted vines grown in heavily metamorphosed sandstone, fractured shale, and quartz-rich rock produce brilliant quality fruit. One taste of their 94pt Syrah at our price will tell you all you need to know…

Halcón Estate Vineyard is one of the highest elevation vineyards in California. It’s densely planted to heritage selections from Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. Their Syrah is reminiscent of Côte-Rôtie and was co-fermented with Viognier, which adds lift and a beautiful focus to the dense core of fruit. 
 
For added depth and structure, Scott utilized 50% whole-cluster fermentation in the winemaking process and kept the wine in mostly neutral oak barrels. If you’ve been waiting for the next rising wave in California Syrah, it’s here, and you too will be a believer the moment you try it.
 
HALCÓN
2017 ALTURAS SYRAH
YORKVILLE HIGHLANDS 
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
 
“The 2017 Alturas is another stellar wine in this range. Rich and deep in feel, the 2017 has a bit more body than is typical for the Halcón wines, and yet it retains all of the signatures of the house style. Firm tannins wrap around a core of red fruit, licorice, wild flowers, herbs and rose petal. The 2017 is pretty alluring today, but it will be even better in another few years’ time, once all the elements have come together a bit more fully.” 94 Points
2017 Hirsch Pinot Noir San Andreas Fault

2017 Hirsch Pinot Noir San Andreas Fault

with No Comment $40-$50Fort Ross SeaviewKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaUSA

HIRSCH

2017 PINOT NOIR
SAN ANDREAS FAULT

2017 Hirsch Pinot Noir San Andreas FaultHirsch Vineyards overlooks the Pacific Ocean and sits within the highly-revered Fort Ross Seaview AVA, where icons Marcassin, Peter Michael, and Pahlmeyer all source fruit. The vineyard produces some of the most powerfully concentrated, distinct, and complexly flavored Pinot Noir grapes in all of California. Simply put, Hirsch is one of those rare wines that you remember for months or even years after tasting…  

Similar to Burgundy, Hirsch Vineyard has 67 individual blocks, each corresponding with soil and terroir changes created by the nearby San Andreas Fault. This beauty is the winery’s flagship wine, and in the 2017 vintage, it encompasses 28 separate blocks within the Estate and is an extraordinary representation of their property. 
 
The 2017 vintage of San Andreas Fault has super-concentrated red and blue fruits, intense pomegranate, raspberry tea, and sea minerals. At $50, this is Grand Cru quality California Pinot Noir that’s brilliant now and will cellar for at least another decade. 
 
HIRSCH
2017 PINOT NOIR
SAN ANDREAS FAULT
Retails at: $60
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“A homage to the great fault line near Hirsch, this pinot has a brambly, rich array of red cherries and some blue-fruit notes with fresh, sappy, forest aromas, too. The palate has plenty of punchy tannin and forthright, fresh, unwavering drive.” 
93 Points
 
 
 
“… Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir San Andreas Fault has a delicately played nose with touches of cinnamon stick, dried leaves, perfumed earth and a mineral vein plus rose petal perfume, red berries and black fruit sparks. The palate is light to medium-bodied with delicate intensity and well-balanced fruit and earth character, knit by grainy tannins and juicy freshness, finishing long and nuanced”  92 Points
2016 Shottesbrooke Estate Series Shiraz McLaren Vale

2016 Shottesbrooke Estate Series Shiraz McLaren Vale

with No Comment $30 and underAustraliaKevin VogtMcLaren ValeSyrah

SHOTTESBROOKE

ESTATE SERIES SHIRAZ
2016 MCLAREN VALE

2016 Shottesbrooke Estate Series Shiraz McLaren Vale

 
In the sub-twenty dollar category for red wines, very few wine regions and grape varietals can compete with Australian Shiraz. Value priced Shiraz from a quality producer can deliver a powerful, robust wine that’s jam-packed with intensely complex and hedonistic flavors. We tasted Shottesbrooke’s 2016 Estate Series Shiraz dead-center in a 70 bottle tasting, and it stood out as one of the most varietally sound, and simply stunning wines, regardless of cost.
 
Shottesbrooke Estate Series Shiraz combines the power of McLaren Vale fruit with the elegance of Adelaide Hills, and the result is a wine that truly has it all. The wine was aged in both French and American oak barrels, which contributes to the intriguing spice characteristics. 
 
2016 was a stellar vintage in McLaren Vale, and one the Wine Spectator described as having, “Generous yields in a standout year.” This wine could be the poster child of great Australian Shiraz, and at under twenty bucks, I guarantee you’ll be delighted by the quality… 
 
SHOTTESBROOKE
ESTATE SERIES SHIRAZ
2016 MCLAREN VALE
 
Your Price: $19.99
 
 
 
 
“Black ruby color. Elegant aromas of nougat, ripe berry melange, pecan, milk chocolate, and damp earth with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a colossal, long praline, candied ginger, tamarind, dill, black pepper, and pimento finish with moderate oak flavor. A distinctive, elegant wine that offers a conversation piece and excellent meal companion.” 92 Points, Gold Medal, Exceptional, Best Buy
2016 Matias Chardonnay Rosella's Vineyard

2016 Matias Chardonnay Rosella’s Vineyard

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtMontereySanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

MATIAS 

2016 CHARDONNAY
ROSELLA’S VINEYARD

2016 Matias Chardonnay Rosella's VineyardHow much would you expect to pay for a Chardonnay from one of the top vineyards in California? Chardonnays from Rosella’s Vineyard average around $50 per bottle, and producers like ROAR, Saxon Brown, and Loring all make Chardonnays from it. Matias perfectly articulates the vineyard’s best qualities, and at $55, the quality is ridiculously high. Of course, few other California Chardonnays can compete.  

Rosella’s vineyard was planted by Gary Franscioni, who’s one of California’s most distinguished growers, having also partnered in iconic sites like Pisoni, Garys’, Sierra Mar and Soberanes. Rosella’s vineyard sits on the Santa Lucia Mountain Range benchlands, and they chose it for its healthy maritime influenced climate and Arroyo Seco sandy loam soils. 
 
Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem authored this stunning California Chardonnay. The style is unabashedly Californian with super-rich, opulent flavors that span buttered pineapple, candied ginger, lemon meringue, and bright acidity.
 
MATIAS 
2016 CHARDONNAY
ROSELLA’S VINEYARD
Retails at: $55
 
 
 
 
 
“The 2016 Matias Rosella’s Chardonnay offers vivid aromas of green apples, sweet passionfruit, dried flowers and liquid minerals. The palate is full, rich and sultry with flavors of candied pineapple, exotic tropical fruits, key lime pie, butterscotch and sweet vanilla, without being heavy or flabby. These flavors and aromas combine to lead to a very long, balanced, mouth quenching finish.” 94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Works and Days Pinot Noir Hill Justice Vineyard Sonoma County

2016 Works and Days Pinot Noir Hill Justice Vineyard Sonoma County

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

WORKS AND DAYS

2016 PINOT NOIR
HILL JUSTICE VINEYARD
SONOMA COUNTY

2016 Works and Days Pinot Noir Hill Justice Vineyard Sonoma CountyI often hear about a winemaker’s hands-off approach to winemaking, but one of many things that struck me about Cabell Coursey’s winemaking is his hands-on approach. He believes that the more time spent in the vineyard directly results in better wine. He also picks early and ferments longer, which is a technique that he learned in Burgundy, and it creates balanced wines with fruit, acidity, and tannin. Once you taste it, I’m confident that it’s a wine that you’ll want to enjoy a lot more of in the future. 

Inspired by Burgundy, Cabell learned winemaking from the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. Then he honed his skills in New Zealand and the Willamette Valley before working at iconic producers DuMOL and Kosta Browne.
 
The Hill Justice Vineyard is perched at 1100 feet on Sonoma Mountain, and the rocky, red-soils are rich in clay and produce exceptional quality fruit. The Swiss clonal selection is rare in California but thrives in the extreme environment. If you love Pinot Noir, you should try this beauty before its days are done.
 
WORKS AND DAYS
2016 PINOT NOIR
HILL JUSTICE VINEYARD
SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at: $65
 
 
 
 
 
“Lavender aromatics accent a delicately built body that develops intensity as it opens. Asian spice, white pepper and toasted oak burnish on the palate before settling into a soft rounded finish of dark cherry.” 91 Points
2017 Mike and Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard

2017 Mike and Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40CoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSAZinfandel

MIKE AND MOLLY

2017 ZINFANDEL
R.W. MOORE VINEYARD

2017 Mike and Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore VineyardThe only thing deeper than the roots of the ancient vines in the 1905 planted R.W. Moore Vineyard, is the combined family ties in the Napa Valley wine industry of Mike & Molly Hendry. Mike’s grandparents purchased 120 acres at the base of Mount Veeder in the 1930s, where the Hendry Winery sits today, and Molly grew up visiting her uncle Bill at his R.W. Moore Vineyard, which Turley and Biale fans recognize. 

The historic R.W. Moore Vineyard is located in Napa Valley’s highly acclaimed Coombsville region and is an entirely dry-farmed vineyard, where winter rains are the sole source of irrigation. The vines are a field blend of approximately 95% Zinfandel intermixed with Petite Sirah, Carignane, Mourvedre, and Mourtaou. 
 
The wine team made the 2017 vintage in a richly elegant, enchanting style that envelopes your palate in plush dark fruits, satiny tannins, and compelling spice notes. At $36, this Old Vine Zinfandel is an absolute joy.
 
MIKE AND MOLLY
2017 ZINFANDEL
R.W. MOORE VINEYARD
Retails at: $40
 
 
 
 
“This graceful wine is aged in French oak, one-third of it new. Brambly, rich red fruit remains lifted and structured on the palate, alongside a grip of baking spice, black pepper and leather.” 91 Points
 
 
 
“A blend of 95% Zinfandel and 1% each of Petite Sirah, Carignan and Mourvèdre as well as 2% of the rare Cabernet Pfeffer. In some years it shows red fruits like raspberry and cherry; in others, dark fruits like black cherries and blackberries. The vines are dry-farmed, giving small, peppery, intense berries. Drinking Window 2020 – 2028” 91 Points
2016 Pavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2016 Pavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleRutherfordSpring MountainUSA

PAVI

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Pavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa ValleyPavi means lightning, and their new 2016 Napa Cabernet precisely reflects that. The 2016 vintage has a regal presence on the palate that’s defined by lush fruit and superior richness. Renown winemaker Rob Lawson owns the winery, and throughout his career, Rob helped craft some of the top brands produced at Napa Wine Company while he was GM. He’s also responsible for helping shape the 2007 Kapcscandy Grand Vin, which scored a perfect 100 point score from Robert Parker.   

Pavi’s 2016 release combines high-quality grapes from Rutherford, Oakville, and Spring Mountain AVAs. The Rutherford vineyard is on the Southeastern end of the AVA, just South of Caymus, and the Oakville fruit comes from the center of Oakville.
 
The final blend is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon along with 3% Petite Verdot, which contributes to the lush, dark fruit. The only downside is there were only 150 cases of this beauty produced, and at this price, you might want to strike quickly…
 
PAVI
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $85
 
 
“This is a lush, full-bodied wine, rich and bright with dark-fruit flavors and floral aromas. The intense flavors of black cherry, peppery spice, and cocoa come together in a balanced wine that is a perfect complement to savory grilled and braised meats, mushroom pizza and the perfect hamburger”
2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa Valley

2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaOakvilleRoséUSA

POP 300

2019 ROSÉ
NAPA VALLEY

2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa ValleyFor wine lovers, being in-the-know can sometimes result in finding a wine that so overperforms that you’ll feel like you stole something when you try it. POP 300’s Rosé hands you all of that on a silver platter, and here’s why… Many wine lovers would argue that To Kalon in Oakville is the most celebrated vineyard in California. A little known secret is that there’s a tiny block of Pinot Noir in the center of this magical vineyard, and it’s called Wilsey-To Kalon. There, location combined with being connected yields some incredible fruit, and POP 300 Rosé has my vote for being in the Lucky Land Club.

Oakville produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, but very few people would consider that Pinot Noir even exits in the region. This genuinely unique Rosé of Pinot Noir is made by Luke Russ, whose day job is the Commercial Director at O’Shaughnessy Winery.
 
Luke made the 2019 vintage in a brightly focused style, with vivid red cherry, mineral-infused raspberry, pink grapefruit, and spring flowers. This beauty is one of the most scarce Rosés that we watch for each year, and there’s never enough to match demand.
 
POP 300
2019 ROSÉ
NAPA VALLEY
 
 
 
“This release of the 2019 vintage of POP 300’s Rosé just happens to coincide with the ripening of many different fruits from our orchard, and it reminds me of quite a few of them. The nose begins with white peach, yellow plum, ripe raspberries and white flowers. The palate is deep and supple with flavors including ripe peach, Asian pear, honeydew melon along with a saline/mineral quality. The rich mouthfeel is beautifully balanced with bright acidity. This is an absolutely wonderful warm weather wine.” 91 Points
2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

BERINGER

2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private ReserveAs much as I love tasting and discovering new, and as-of-yet undiscovered wine producers, there’s nothing like the feeling of historic significance, pride and antiquity that I get from tasting a wine that helped pave the way for Napa to become one of the greatest wine regions of the world. Beringer’s flagship Private Reserve Cabernet hasn’t skipped a beat either, and their 2015 ranked as the #24 Wine-Of-The-Year on James Sucklings Top 100 in 2018 with an outstanding 99 Point score. Here’s a chance to own it, and at a fantastic price… 

Beringer is one of Napa Valley’s most historically significant wineries. Period. After all, they’re California’s oldest continually operating winery, and they’re the only winery in history to have both a red and white wine honored as the #1 wine on the Wine Spectator Top 100. 
 
The 2015 Private Reserve was built on a core of 62% fruit from Bancroft and Steinhauer Ranches atop Howell Mountain, which provided enormous structure and richness. Made even better with fruit from the iron-rich Home and Chabot Vineyards in St. Helena and topped with fruit from Spring Mountain and Mount Veeder to round out the stunningly complex blend…
 
BERINGER
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $170
 
Your Price: $135
 
 
“The spice and walnut aromas are so enticing. Undertones of blackberries and black truffles. Full-bodied, dense and layered with fantastic tension and seamless tannins. It goes on for minutes. All about classic structure and beauty.”  99 Points, Top 100 Wines of 2018
 
 
“…This full-bodied, ripe, voluptuous beauty shows the vintage to a T, offering a blast of sweet blackcurrants, licorice, ground herbs, and graphite aromas and flavors. Blockbuster styled, with full body and an expansive, sexy texture, it has the depth and density to continue drinking brilliantly for 20+ years.” 97 Points
 
“… the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of plum preserves, baked blackberries and cassis with hints of menthol, sandalwood and chocolate box. Full-bodied with soft, seductive tannins and a lively backbone supporting the generous, ripe, opulent fruit, it has a decadent spiciness and great length.” 95+ Points
2014 Fattori Valpolicella Ripasso Col De La Basita

2014 Fattori Valpolicella Ripasso Col De La Basita

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin Vogt

FATTORI

VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO
2014 COL DE LA BASITA 

2014 Fattori Valpolicella Ripasso Col De La BasitaIn the same way that Brunello drinkers gravitate towards a Rosso di Montalcino, and Barolo fans look to a Langhe Nebbiolo, Amarone aficionados will often pursue Valpolicella Ripasso when seeking value. Amarone and Valpolicella Ripasso are both made with the same grapes, and the key difference is Ripasso, which translates to re-pass, is made with a second pressing of the dried grapes used for Amarone. They’re not quite as extracted as Amarone, but they fall deliciously in-between regular Valpolicella and Amarone, and they’re also a fraction of Amarone’s price…      

To make Valpolicella Ripasso, you start with the grapes used in Valpolicella, primarily Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The grapes are harvested late, and once picked, the tops of the clusters are dried for roughly 120 days. The first fermentation and pressing of the dried grapes are used to make Amarone, and these once-pressed grapes are “re-passed” into the tanks of partially fermented Valpolicella to increase body, depth, and color. 
 
Fattori’s 2014 Col de La Basita Valpolicella Ripasso arose from 5 acres of vines grown on a plateau in Basita, in well-drained shaley clay and sub-alkaline rock. The wine is remarkably expressive and oozes ripe red fruits and enchanting elegance.    
 
FATTORI
VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO
2014 COL DE LA BASITA
 
 
“Fattori’s 2014 Valpolicella Ripasso Col de la Bastia is a convincing red wine that offers lasting power and momentum. It shows solid aromatic determination with dried fruit, raisin, prune and dried cherry. The wine also offers an openly savory side with leather, tobacco and a touch of smoked pancetta. Pair this wine with pasta all’Amatriciana.” 88 Points