2020 Giulia Negri Cru Borolo La Tartufaia La Morra Piedmont Italy

2020 Giulia Negri Cru Borolo La Tartufaia La Morra Piedmont Italy

with No Comment $70-$80BaroloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

Giulia Negri

Cru Barolo 2020
La Tartufaia, La Morra
Piedmont, Italy

2020 Giulia Negri Cru Borolo La Tartufaia La Morra Piedmont Italy

Since the 1880s, the Diatto-Negri family has crafted exceptional Barolo from the renown slopes of Serradenari. Today, Giulia Negri carries on this noble tradition, producing wines embodying this celebrated terroir’s depth, complexity, and finesse.

Serradenari, the highest Cru of La Morra, is known for its expressive, elegant Nebbiolo. This unique microclimate, characterized by high altitude and Tortonian soils rich in clay, loam, and sand, imparts remarkable acidity and elegance to the wines. The vineyard’s proximity to Alba’s white truffle grounds adds an intriguing earthy dimension.

Giulia’s 2020 La Tartufaia Barolo is a testament to this terroir and its truffle-laden heritage. Each vine is meticulously tended, and the grapes are harvested at the peak of ripeness. The wine is crafted with a gentle touch, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged for 24 months in traditional Slavonian oak barrels. The result is a harmonious blend of power and refinement, with layers of red fruit, spice, and earthy truffle notes.

Giulia Negri
Cru Barolo 2020
La Tartufaia, La Morra
Piedmont, Italy
Retails at: $80

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“This wine is deeply rooted in terroir, exuding a tapestry of forest floor, tar, earthy clay, and a range of medicinal herbs. Crushed cherries and raspberries move between the more savory note gently lifting the wine. Structured with vibrant acidity that lifts the tart red fruit flavors across the palate as fresh herbs and pine needle accents add to the complex nature of this wine. Drink 2026 – 2045”

94 Points

2022 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

2022 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

with No Comment $100 and overKevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUSAWillamette Valley

Beaux Frères

Pinot Noir 2022
Beaux Frères Vineyard
Willamette Valley

2022 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Discover the epitome of Oregon Pinot Noir with the 2022 Beaux Frères, ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard.’ This exquisite and super high-scoring wine, sourced from the heart of the Willamette Valley’s renowned Ribbon Ridge AVA, is a testament to the estate’s unwavering commitment to quality.

This wine hails from the winery’s flagship vineyard—a jewel in the region. This single-vineyard expression showcases the unique character of the region’s marine sedimentary soils and a legacy of meticulous viticulture and winemaking.

Founded by Michael G. Etzel, with the support of his sister, Pat, and her husband, Robert J. Parker, the estate has transformed a former pig farm into a world-class vineyard. Planted at a remarkably dense 2,200 vines per acre, the vineyard maximizes the potential of its exceptional site.

The 2022 vintage produced a remarkably concentrated and age-worthy wine. The grapes reached peak ripeness with reduced yields, resulting in a wine of exceptional complexity and depth. As the years pass, this Pinot Noir will continue evolving, revealing layers of flavor and structure that will delight discerning palates.

Beaux Frères
Pinot Noir 2022
Beaux Frères Vineyard
Willamette Valley

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“A jeweled, youthful ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir The Beaux Freres Vineyard is fantastically layered with bright red fruit, preserved cranberries, lifted spice, and crushed stones, and the palate is elegant and refined, with fine tannins and a great harmonious and tapered finish. It’s very well-detailed, with a chiseled structure that makes itself known, and it’s only going to improve with time in the bottle. Drink 2026-2046.”

98 Points

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

with No Comment $30-$40FranceKevin VogtLoire ValleySancerre

Jean-Pierre Vacher

Sancerre 2023
Loire Valley, France

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

Sancerre, a region renowned for its chalky limestone soils and moderate continental climate, has long been a sanctuary for world-class Sauvignon Blanc. This terroir produces wines characterized by a crispness and mineral-driven elegance that are truly distinctive.

Jean-Pierre Vacher, a pioneer in Sancerre winemaking since 1989, established a legacy that continues to thrive today. His son Jérôme and daughter-in-law Karine now oversee the estate, infusing their passion into every bottle, capturing the essence of Sancerre.

The 2023 Sancerre Blanc is a testament to the Vacher family’s dedication. Carefully tended across 25 acres, the vineyard produced grapes that showcase the region’s unique vibrancy.

This wine offers a complex tapestry of flavors: flinty minerality, zesty citrus, and ripe orchard fruit. Its lively acidity provides a crisp, refreshing finish, reflecting the land and the family’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Jean-Pierre Vacher
Sancerre 2023
Loire Valley, France

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“The Jean-Pierre Vacher 2023 Sancerre Blanc offers a delicate bouquet of white and orange blossoms, laced with a subtle hint of ginger, and orange zest, grapefruit, and green passionfruit. On the palate, ripe citrus notes intertwine with green mango, melon, while a chalky minerality provides a refreshing acidic backbone. The finish is clean and fresh, showcasing a classic example of the esteemed region.”

94 Points

2019 Pauillac de Latour Pauillac Bordeaux France

2019 Pauillac de Latour Pauillac Bordeaux France

with No Comment $100 and overBordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

Pauillac de Latour

Pauillac 2019
Bordeaux, France

2019 Pauillac de Latour Pauillac Bordeaux France

Château Latour, a storied First Growth estate in Bordeaux, has a legacy that stretches back to the mid-14th century. Nestled on a sloping hillside along the Gironde Estuary, the estate benefits from a unique terroir where warm breezes protect the vines from frost. This idyllic setting, combined with centuries of winemaking expertise, has solidified Latour’s position at the pinnacle of Bordeaux’s history.

While many Bordeaux estates produce two wines, Château Latour offers a third: Le Pauillac. Crafted from younger vines that may not quite meet the exacting standards of the Grand Vin, Le Pauillac nevertheless captures the essence of the estate’s character.

Produced with meticulous care, Le Pauillac presents an approachable yet refined expression of the Château Latour legacy. Typically a blend of 45% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Petit Verdot, Le Pauillac offers an inviting introduction to the Latour family of wines—providing luxury and heritage without the Grand Vin’s lofty price tag.

Pauillac de Latour
Pauillac 2019
Bordeaux, France

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“Blackberries and blackcurrants with lead-pencil overtones in the nose and palate. Mint, too. It’s full-bodied with very fine, polished tannins and an extremely long finish. Shows class and refinement. Start drinking after 2027.”

96 Points

2021 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #28 Napa Valley

2021 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #28 Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaStags LeapUSA

Dolum Estates

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cask #28, Napa Valley 2021

2021 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #28 Napa Valley

Dolum Estates’ founders are driven by a passion for crafting wines of distinct character and refined elegance, each bottle a testament to its origin. The 2021 Cask #28 Cabernet Sauvignon, hailing from the prestigious Stags Leap District, is born of a boutique vineyard just south of the Yountville crossroads. This wine encapsulates the district’s essence, offering rich, concentrated fruit, intricate layers of flavor, and a refreshing acidity that lingers on the palate.

With his deep-rooted soil science expertise and decades of experience at renowned wineries like Hess Collection and Robert Craig, Winemaker Chad Alexander brings a masterful touch to Dolum Estates. His commitment to terroir-driven winemaking shines through in Cask #28, creating a wine of impressive depth and complexity with balance and grace.

The unique terroir of the Stags Leap District, shaped by the radiant heat of rocky cliffs and tempered by cool southern breezes, yields exceptionally intense Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Normally priced at $120 and acclaimed by critics, this remarkable wine is now available to you for just $50.

Dolum Estates
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cask #28, Napa Valley 2021
Retails at: $120

Your Price: $49.99

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“Refined nose with wild berries, currants, dried herbs, pencil lead and some tar. Medium to full body with finely grained tannins. Poised with a delicate texture at the center. Juicy blue and dark berries with a flavorful, vivid finish full of spices and herbs. Better after 2025.”

94 Points

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

Mastery

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Mastery’s 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a striking expression of one of Napa’s most celebrated vintages. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this release captures the essence of a vintage renowned for its “fresh, vibrant, and powerfully fruited wines showing precision, floral lift and a sense of place,” as praised by Wine Spectator.

Winemaker Rudy Zuidema’s cumulative knowledge over the past 30 years is commanding in this bold Cabernet Sauvignon, which beautifully articulates the terroir of Rapp Ranch and Shadybrook Estate Vineyards in Coombsville. His intimate understanding of Coombsville terroir is on full display, crafting a wine that harmonizes power with nuance, allowing the land’s identity to come alive in the glass.

Forged from Coombsville’s volcanic soils, the 2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates its origins, offering concentrated flavors and refined complexity. With only two barrels produced, this limited release reflects the pinnacle of varietal purity and balance. At $95, Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t get any better!

Mastery
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

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“The Mastery 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with alluring aromas of freshly baked Marionberry pie, blueberries, black plums espresso with frothy milk, and crushed volcanic rock. The wine expands on the palate, adding to the aromas and flavors of blackberries, cassis, baking spices, and warm gingerbread on a Christmas morning while sitting in front of the crackling fireplace. This wine is powerful and has a strong backbone of structural tannins and acidity that will provide years of longevity.”

96 Points

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Zialena

Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville 2019

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

Zialena has quickly become one of this year’s greatest discoveries for high-quality, affordable Cabernet Sauvignon. I vividly remember my first taste—it had outshone several $100+ Napa Cabs during our tasting. The winery is an exciting venture led by Lisa and Mark Mazzoni, fourth-generation growers dedicated to sustainable farming. For years, their family vineyard has provided fruit to renowned wineries like Ridge and Jordan, but now it’s their time to showcase the exceptional quality of their grapes.

Zialena is more than a winery; it’s a legacy built on generations of expertise. Mark, a skilled viticulturist who sharpened his craft at elite sites like Bacchus and Vino Farms, brings a deep understanding of grape cultivation. His winemaking prowess was further refined under the guidance of Philippe Melka at Vineyard 29, blending tradition with innovation.

Their commitment to sustainable farming honors the land that nurtures their vines. Located on a historic 120-acre estate in Alexander Valley, Zialena thrives in an extraordinary terroir, with diverse soil types, microclimates, and elevations shaping the unique character of their wines. At an exceptional value of $36, this is a must-have for Cab-lovers.

Zialena
Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville 2019
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $36

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“The stunning Zialena Geyserville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 offers a captivating nose of rich black plums bursting alongside wild blueberries and hints of candied cherries. Delicate floral notes of sweet violets emerge, followed by aromas of crushed wet granite that adds complexity. The palate explodes with cascading layers of bright red currants, juicy brambly marionberry, and muddled mixed berries. The rich, concentrated fruits are beautifully balanced by a lively acidity, creating a genuinely harmonious drinking experience. At a surprising value, this Zialena Geyserville Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptionally satisfying choice for any Cabernet lover. This is a remarkable wine!”

95 Points

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

Your Price: $29.99

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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

Your Price: $39.99

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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