2014 Abiouness Van Der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir

2014 Abiouness Van Der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

ABIOUNESS

2014 PINOT NOIR
VAN DER KAMP VINEYARD

2014 Abiouness Van Der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir
One of the best qualities that a winemaker can have is to be prepared for anything.  With experience at wineries in Napa Valley, Burgundy, Sauterne and Australia, winemaker Nicole Abiouness has a vast skill-set and through every trial and tribulation that she’s encountered along the way, she’s become an incredibly talented winemaker.  She shows off her skill-set in her 2014 Van Der Kamp Pinot Noir, which is created in a round, supple and deeply compelling style that continually evolves and changes in the glass.  At $45/btl this wine competes with the very best…
 
Born from the Van Der Kamp Vineyard perched at the top of Sonoma Mountain at around 1,200-1,500 feet above sea level.  This regions remarkable terroir shines brightly in this wine.  The vineyard is farmed by Ulysses Van Der Kamp, who touches each vine and cares for them in a way that he’s truly become part of the terroir that makes this vineyard special.  With just 119 cases produced, don’t wait too long to secure yours…
 
ABIOUNESS
2014 PINOT NOIR
VAN DER KAMP VINEYARD
Retails at: $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Raspberry, rhubarb and sweet cherries fill the nose. The palate is loaded with the bright red fruits and there is an acidity that rivals the tannins making it a perfect food wine.”
 
Customers that enjoy Abiouness Van Der Kamp Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2015 Cosa Obra Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 Matias Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir
COSA OBRA
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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It’s telling when any one wine is still requested and praised months or even years post offering…  When this happens, some might call it storied or legendary, but when a value Pinot Noir makes this list, it simply speaks to the above average quality of the wine.  For those of you who tasted, loved and are still talking about 2013 Cosa Obra Pinot, all I can say is, wait until you taste the 2015…
MATIAS 
2015 PINOT NOIR
SIERRA MAR VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 

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Anybody who’s tasted the Matias wines knows what an incredible value they offer.  The level of class and sophistication is higher than any Pinot Noir close to this price point.  Their single vineyard 2015 Sierra Mar Pinot explodes from the glass with bright bing cherry, wild raspberries, spice box and hints of white pepper.   It emerges from Gary Franscioni’s Sierra Mar Vineyard, one of Santa Lucia Highlands highest elevation vineyards…
2016 James Joseph Kathryn's Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

2016 James Joseph Kathryn’s Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtMt VeederNapaProprietary RedUSA

JAMES JOSEPH 2016 James Joseph Kathryn's Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

KATHRYN’S RESERVE
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 MOUNT VEEDER

In wine, greatness can come from a steadfast focus on your core strengths.  With James Joseph, we’ve scaled back production by 75% in 2016, producing just four barrels of the absolute best wine fathomable.  Born from a single vineyard located at 1,100 feet elevation on Mount Veeder, the 2016 is riveting, profound and deeply hedonistic. This Cabernet blend combines Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in a way that perfectly expresses Mount Veeder terroir with a vivid display of fine-grained tannins, focused berries, dried flowers, chocolate and stony minerality.  With rising costs to produce this truly top level Cuvee, the wine will only be available at $45/btl through October 1st. 
 
In the glass the 2016 draws you in with a dramatic, alluring perfume, laced in violets, mountainy berries, shaved chocolates and graphite.  The 2016 was authored by Grant Long Jr., winemaker at Witchery, Steps and Aonair and it was kept for 21 months in oak.  Those of you who tasted any of the previous vintages of James Joseph, know exactly what to expect… $100/btl quality at a price that’s an epic value… 
Orders are ready to ship After October 1st.
 
JAMES JOSEPH
KATHRYN’S RESERVE
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 MOUNT VEEDER
Retails at:  $50/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl 
YOU SAVE 10%
 
Tasting Notes: “Deeply rich aromas of black raspberries, Bing cherries, black currants, cocoa powder, pipe tobacco and a hint of sweet vanilla.  On the palate, layers of crushed blackberries, liquid mineral, sweet blue fruits, freshly ground coffee and oak spice all in perfect balance.  The tannins support a long, opulent finish.  Drink now or over the next 12 years.” 100 Cases Produced
2014 Steps Winemaker's Reserve Proprietary Blend 2015 James Joseph Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
STEPS 
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE 
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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The 6 barrel production  Winemaker’s  Reserve is heavily based in Atlas Peak, and made transparent by its striking crushed rock minerality and dusty tannins that make the area so desired.  The final blend has a solid core of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, magnified by 14% Cabernet Franc from Kenefick Palisades Vineyard, 9% Malbec from Oakville and 5% Petit Verdot from Coombsville.
JAMES JOSEPH
NAPA VALLEY RESERVE
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “An enchanting bouquet of ripe bing cherry, black plum, raspberry liqueur, mocha, violets and hints of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate the wine is remarkably rich and densely concentrated.  Lavish layers of ripe blackberries, bittersweet chocolate, espresso and sweet black cherry are intertwined and compel you to another sip.  This wine can be enjoyed upon release or cellared for 10-15 years.”  150 Cases Produced
 
91% Cabernet Sauvignon | 6% Merlot | 3% Cabernet Franc
2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUncategorizedUSA

HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT

2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet SauvignonCABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 CHARMING CREEK
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

 
How much would you expect to pay for a bottle of Oakville Cabernet from a vineyard bordering Opus One? I’m sure you know that Oakville is Napa Valley’s crown-jewel AVA and it’s widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon.  But this particular Oakville Cabernet comes from a secret vineyard that borders OPUS ONE on the North Side…  Sounds expensive right?  Fortunately for us, this one was created by Nick Goldschmidt whom many of you recognize from his Crazy Creek Cabernet which is arguably the best value in California Cabernet.  The 2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Cabernet is a classic representation of Oakville Cabernet with plenty of blackberry, plush tannins, depth and charisma.  The only thing missing is the high price… At $34.99/btl, you’ll definitely want a case.
 
Nick Goldschmidt’s 2016 Charming Creek is a wine with enormous upside potential.  It’s made obvious by the wine’s dense and extracted core, which unfurls a flurry of mountain berries, crushed rock, spice box and subtle tobacco.  With little coaxing in the glass the wine begins to impersonate some of Oakville’s giants, with remarkable detail, poise and extraction.  It’s easy to forget that you only paid $35/btl, when this wine starts showing off…  Just don’t wait too long, because values this great are always in high demand.
 
HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 CHARMING CREEK
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 30%
 
Tasting Notes: “Inky black intensity with an opulence and richness carrying a complex center core of fruits that include black mountain berries, red raspberry, and minerals. The palate further unfolds with crushed dewberries, kirsch, and ripe black cherry and tobacco flavors. The perfect balance of both red and black fruits perfectly defines the signature style that makes Oakville so famous.”
 
Customers who enjoy Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2014 Goldschmidt Game Ranch Vineyard Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
GOLDSCHMIDT
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
GAME RANCH VINEYARD
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $89.00/btl
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl

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Napa Valley has an untold number of microclimates, which are small pockets of land where the climate differs substantially from the surrounding areas.  This is one of the leading factors why some of the best Napa Valley wine Estates are clustered closely together. Hence, Goldschmidt’s Game RanchVineyard in Oakville… It has immediate neighbors that include Plumpjack, Rudd, Groth and Screaming Eagle.
KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT
2015 CRAZY CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY
Retails at:  $24.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl

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From The Tasting Panel: “Named for Goldschmidt’s middle daughter, the wine’s grapes hail from Crazy Creek, a vineyard known to produce some iconic wines. Big, bright, blue fruit notes on the nose are meaty, with a chocolate espresso twist and dry tannins showing on the palate.  It’s a little masterpiece with a dark chocolate finish that way over delivers on price-to-quality.“ 94 Points
2015 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaStags LeapUSA

NICKEL & NICKEL

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
CC RANCH, RUTHERFORD

2015 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Generous… Moving… Deeply Enchanting…  These are all fitting descriptors for Nickel & Nickel’s C.C. Ranch Cabernet from Napa Valley’s prized Rutherford AVA.  The winery was established in the late 1990’s by the parters at Far Niente Winery with a philosophy of producing 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines.  The property was thoughtfully restored from an 1800’s farmstead and lying beneath the farmstead is a 30,000 sq. ft. subterranean barrel room, where wine can gently be moved from tank to barrel through the winery’s  custom-formed hollow columns.  With no expense spared along with attention to every minute detail combined with access to some of Napa Valley’s best vineyard sources, Nickel & Nickel is producing a bevy of classic Cabernet Sauvignons that are full of charm and worth seeking out. 
 
Their 2015 C. C. Ranch Cabernet offers a dynamic combination of vivid berries, enchanting spices, chocolates and notes of classic Rutherford Dust.  Crated from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and kept in premium French oak barrels, this wine is showy, distinct and memorable.  The first thing I wrote down after tasting it was WOW!, underlined twice.  If you’re passing through Yountville, come by the shop for a taste… You’ll be glad you did.    
 
NICKEL & NICKEL
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
CC RANCH, RUTHERFORD
Retails at: $120.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 16%
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon C C Ranch Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of warm blackberries and blueberry compote with hints of cedar chest, mocha and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it is velvety and elegant with lovely perfume and great persistence.” 95+ Points
 
Customers who enjoy Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
2014 Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
 2015 Shafer One Point Five Stags' Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
PARADIGM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 OAKVILLE ESTATE
Retails at:  $84.00/btl
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl

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When considering a list of Napa Valley wineries that best represent all of the qualities, charm and history that the area has to offer, Paradigmis etched deeply on my list.  This absolutely stunning wine made by Heidi Barrett comes from the Oakville AVA of Napa Valley, an area widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon…
SHAFER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 ONE POINT FIVE
STAGS LEAP DISTRICT
 
Your Price: $94.99/btl 

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2012 Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva Rioja

2012 Muga Selección Especial Rioja Reserva

with No Comment $30-$40HaroKevin VogtProprietary RedSpain

MUGA

2012 Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva Rioja

2012 RIOJA RESERVA
SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL

 
When I tasted Muga’s 2012 Selección Especial, the first three adjectives that came to mind were appealing, engaging and irresistible.  It’s been quite a while since I’ve tasted a Rioja that I love this much.  It immediately dazzles your palate with seductive black fruits, intriguing complexity, and focused, penetrating flavors that simply make you want to keep sipping.  Muga is one of Rioja’s most idolized producers and they have the scores to back it up.  At under forty per bottle the 2012 Selección Especial has already earned a monster 95 point score, and I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.  
 
Muga’s Selección Especial comes from a high elevation vineyard located in the Rioja Alta region of Haro.  The blend is dominated by 70% Tempranillo, enhanced with other indigenous varietals.  The wine spends 26 months in oak and now with a few years in the bottle the 2012 is firing on all cylinders… Don’t miss it…
 
MUGA
2012 RIOJA RESERVA
SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 20%
 
From James Suckling: “A linear and super-fine wine with black cherry and berry character and hints of flowers. Full body yet very tight and closed. Beautiful texture.” 95 Points
 
 
Customers who enjoy Muga Selección Especial Reserva Rioja  may also enjoy these two fantastic wines…
2012 Vik Milla Calla Proprietary Red 2015 Quinta Do Vallado Reserva Douro
VIK
2012 MILLA CALA
PROPRIETARY RED
MILLAHUE VALLEY, CHILE
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator: “Rich and refined, delivering unctuous dark fruit and spice flavors that offer a creamy svelteness. Slate and mineral accents linger on the complex finish, with dark chocolate and olive notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Drink now through 2022…”  94 Points
QUINTA DO VALLADO
2015 RESERVA 
DOURO, PORTUGAL
Retails at: $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Reserva is a field blend of very old vines (100+ years old)… Reasonably concentrated for the producer’s subregion and the vintage, this actually has fleshed out since I last saw it. Yet it retains that graceful, textured feel, the freshness and the fine fruit. I suspect the wine will show even more elegance as it continues to age… This is going to be a hard-to-resist wine when it hits the table at dinner.”  93 Points
2016 Leto Cellars Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc

2016 Leto Cellars Old Vine St Helena Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancSt HelenaUSA

LETO CELLARS 2016 Leto Cellars Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc

2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA 

If you’ve ever wondered what terroir tastes like, and if it could be found in a bottle of Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc, the answer is in a bottle of Leto’s 2016… Terroir refers to all of the environmental factors that collectively  contribute to a wine’s character and flavors.  Things like climate, farming practices, soil type, etc.  Reflecting terroir, older vines often provide the best representation of their unique characteristics because the root systems are deeper, allowing more complexity to flow from the earth.  Leto’s Sauvignon Blanc was created from 1/2 century old vines grown in a single vineyard in Napa Valley’s iconic St. Helena AVA.  The wine is remarkably intriguing, hedonistic and full of life. Leto’s 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is rich, and inviting with sensational flavors spanning fresh coconut, ripe pear, orchard fruits, chalk and rock minerals
 
Created by Brad Warner, the owner/winemaker who has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, Brad’s talent shows in this brilliant interpretation of St Helena Sauvignon Blanc.  Arising from the Varozza Vineyard on Pratt Avenue in St Helena, the older vines yield just 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 tons per acre of stunningly compelling fruit.  At $22/btl, one taste and you won’t LET it gO… 
 
LETO CELLARS
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA
 
Your Price: $21.99/btl 
 
Tasting Notes: “This beautifully balanced sauvignon blanc has an intriguing balance of  flavors including ripe pear, supple cantaloupe  and exotic tropical fruits that penetrate your palate then transition to ripe stone fruits, liquid mineral and shaved coconut.  It is an exotically styled and elegantly composed Sauvignon Blanc satisfies on every level.” 92 Points
Customers who enjoy Leto Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Leto St Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Picayune Napa County Sauvignon Blanc
LETO 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2014 ST. HELENA
Retails at:  $85/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2014 Leto is a deeply   penetrating and gorgeously 
styled Napa Valley Cabernet with enticing aromas of blackberry tart, cassis, pencil lead, tobacco leaf and rocky minerals.  These aromatics blend seamlessly with a saturating palate of red and black cherries, crushed blueberries, dried sage and a hint of camphor. The tannins are velvety yet slightly firm and the flavors supple and rich yet mouth quenching at the same time. A nicely balanced acid profile keeps all of the rich fruit in check so they all meld into a beautifully complete Cabernet that has style, elegance, weight and length.  What more could you want?”  95 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier  
PICAYUNE
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA COUNTY & SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $20.99/btl 

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Taking things to the next level with their 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Picayune’s 2016 comes alive in the glass with remarkable clarity, focus and penetrating fruit.  Picayune is a stand-out in affordable, premium quality Sauvignon Blanc, and originates from declassified barrels from top Sauvignon Blanc producers around Napa and Sonoma Counties, and retails for just a fraction of the price.  Bursting vibrantly from the glass with a melange of lime, jasmine, crushed rock and grapefruit notes, forecasting an elaborate parade of orange blossoms, lemon curd, and honeysuckle, all displayed with textural intrigue and uncanny purity. 
2016 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2016 Lewis Cellars Alec’s Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

LEWIS CELLARS

ALEC’S BLEND
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red
Bottled horsepower… Lewis Alec’s Blend offers a high-octane mix of power, elegance and profound luxury.  It’s the liquid version of a Maserati GT, and it cuts a swath across your taste buds with an unapologetically bold, petal-to-the metal style that’s perfectly dialed in.  The winery continues on a winning trajectory, after their 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet ranked #1 in the world on the 2016 Wine Spectator Top 100 List.  Saturating your palate in lavish dark fruits, bacon fat, dried violets, subtle smoke and roasted meats.  The 2016 Alec’s Blend truly has it all and I recommend grabbing your case before the critics release their scores on this wine… 
 
This wine takes a victory lap after production with around 18 months in premium oak barrels, and fruit sourced from several meticulously selected, painstakingly farmed vineyards throughout Napa Valley. The 2016 is built around a core of 61% Syrah that’s bolstered with Merlot and Petit Sirah.  The 2016 engages your senses at the drop of the flag, and doesn’t let up all the way through the finish line…  A stunning display of power, control and energy, strap in and hold on, because you are going for a ride.   
 
LEWIS CELLARS
ALEC’S BLEND
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Alec has been listening to country music lately and his 2016 Blend is the Kenny Chesney of our line-up – super popular with something for everyone.  You’ll find truck-loads of ripe, oak-infused berries, with cherries, peaches, vanilla and creamy caramel.  Dusky and broad-shouldered on the palate, this blend of 61% Syrah, 38% Merlot and 1% Petite Sirah is fruitful to the finish and tons of summer fun.”
 
Customers that enjoy Lewis Cellars Alec’s Blend may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
 
2013 Jonata Todos Proprietary Red 2016 Lewis Cellars Masons Cabernet Sauvignon
JONATA
2013 TODOS
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From James Suckling, “This is so complex and fantastic showing the complexity and drinkability. Full body, layered and gorgeous. Dried berry, dried meat and date. So subtle. This is mostly Syrah but hints of nine grape types from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Franc...” 95 Points
LEWIS CELLARS
2016 MASONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl

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2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

EnRoute 

2016 PINOT NOIR
LES POMMIERS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
One of my favorite things about Pinot Noir is it’s vast complexity and EnRoute’s Les Pommiers has incredible clonal diversity ranging from Pommard, Mt. Eden, Swan, and Dijon clones to list a few.  It’s created in a lush and enchanting style, fitting of the architecture at EnRoute’s sister winery Far Niente located in Napa Valley.  EnRoute is a story written from extraordinary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.  The wines generous style and outgoing personality makes it a lot of fun to enjoy… I strongly recommend adding some to your collection. 
 
Their 2016 Les Pommiers Pinot Noir was scribed from the winery’s Northern Spy Vineyard in Green Valley, and their Amber Ridge Vineyard located in the Middle Reach (Northernmost) area of the Russian River Valley.  It’s the two vineyards that cast a wide variety of characters, each with qualities that compliment and support one another.  The final result is a ride that you won’t want to miss… 
 
EnRoute 
2016 PINOT NOIR
LES POMMIERS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers possesses the luxurious perfume aromatics and rich textures that we love about Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. On the nose, aromas of ripe cherry and plum are complemented by notes of earth, sage and forest floor. Generous-yet-soft red-fruit flavors expand on the palate, with elegant tannins that are the definition of silky. A mouthwatering natural acidity glides across the finish, making this vintage irresistibly approachable upon release.“
 
Customers who enjoy EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
 
 
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Las Altura Pinot Noir
 
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 
 
I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir.  It was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages crafting the high-scoring Lewis wines, always ranking among the best in the Valley.
BELLE GLOS
2016 PINOT NOIR 
LAS ALTURAS VYD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet

2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

AVEO 2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 ATLAS PEAK

 
There seems to be a direct correlation between Aerospace Engineers and many of the skills that it takes to become a world-class winemaker.  Just look at Brian Loring who wrote code for submarine missile launch and torpedo guidance systems and now produces a bevy of highly sought after Pinot Noirs.  Steve Jennings, winemaker at Aveo comes from a similar background as an Aerospace Engineer.  With aerospace engineering there’s extreme attention to detail and exact precision that’s needed.  When you take that same approach to winemaking the results speak for themselves.  Aveo‘s 2013 Atlas Peak Cabernet is riveting, deep and enchanting.  Even at the winery’s $75 retail price this wine will have you flying high with excitement…it kicks in the afterburners, and with the tiny production, don’t wait until it’s wheels up…
 
Given wings from one of Atlas Peak’s most revered vineyards… (If I could tell you which one, I’m certain you’d grab a case.)  Aveo co-ferments Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) with Merlot and Petit Verdot to allow the flavors to vector into a singular, rounded wine.  The wine spends an impressive 26 months in oak, and coming from one of Napa Valley’s greatest vintages, this one deserves a spot in your hanger or cellar.
 
AVEO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2013 ATLAS PEAK
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A dense, deep garnet color perfectly frames the intensely  concentrated yet laser-like focused flavors of red currants, fresh blackberries, Rainier cherries, Asian spice box along with a touch of smoke.  The penetrating flavors combine beautifully with the sweet yet dusty tannins, liquid minerals, cocoa powder and a touch of vanilla spice. The concentrated and generous flavors make it a delight to drink now, but the firm tannin structure promises well over a decade of future enjoyment too…” 95 Points
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 85% | Merlot 10% | Petit Verdot 5%
2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

BEVAN 2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

2016 ONTOGENY
PROPRIETARY RED

 
Have you ever had a wine so stunningly brilliant that it made you question the theory that taste is subjective? I can’t fathom anybody not getting that feeling when they taste Bevan‘s 2016 Ontogeny.  This is Bevan‘s least expensive of his big reds and the 2016 has a larger percentage of Cabernet than ever before. I generally try not to predict the potential for a perfect score, however that was before I tasted Bevan‘s Ontogeny… I strongly recommend grabbing as much as you can, before the scores are out.  His 2012 Ontogeny scored 99 points from Robert Parker and the 2016 is at a new level…
 
Accumulating perfect 100 point scores at a record pace, Russell Bevan clearly has a Midas touch in winemaking.  His Ontogeny Proprietary Red combines four of the top five Bordeaux Varietals, grown in several of his top vineyard sites.  The wine is kept in a variety of high-end oak barrels and the 2016 is showing so much potential right now that it has to be experienced to fathom how good is.  There truly aren’t enough superlatives to describe this one…
 
BEVAN
2016 ONTOGENY
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Ontogeny. Like our EE, this is more Cabernet Sauvignon than ever before. Less mineral, more pure fruit. It also has a layer of richness that the previous Ontogeny wines didn’t have. The fruit profile from the additional Cabernet Sauvignon is blackberry, boysenberry and there is a hint of mocha that really pops on the finish. Deep purple, incredibly seductive. This is as decadent as Ontogeny has ever been.”
 
Customers who enjoy Bevan Ontogeny may also enjoy these two Bevan Releases…
 
2016 Bevan Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir 2016 Bevan Tench Vineyard EE Proprietary Red
BEVAN
2016 PINOT NOIR
PETALUMA GAP
 
Your Price: $75/btl
 
Winery Notes: “The Petaluma Gap is made up of four different clones and all of them are expressed on different levels. The power and massive textures come from the Pommard clone, the floral aromatics from the Swan, roasted earth from the Calera and bright fruit from the 828 clone. The combination is a powerful, deep wine that in the glass looks like Cabernet but in the nose is all Pinot Noir seduction. In the world of Pinot Noir this is an 800-pound gorilla.”
BEVAN
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
TENCH VINEYARD EE, OAKVILLE 
 
Your Price: $199.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “2016 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard reveals a deep garnet-purple color and reticent nose of crushed black and red cherries, mulberries with wafts of dried herbs, lavender and fresh roses plus hints of pencil shavings and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, very fine and very fresh in the mouth, it has drop dead gorgeous poise and sophistication with a long, graceful finish that cannot fail to impress.”  97-100 Points