Have you ever pulled a wine out of the back of your cellar and been stunned by how well it was drinking? When an age-worthy wine develops over a decade or more, the complex chemical reactions between the sugars, acids and tannins can transform and alter the aroma, color, mouthfeel and flavor. Not all wine has the ability to develop into something far better than what it was upon release, but when all of the contributing factors are perfectly balanced, I’ve tasted $8 wines that have outperformed current vintage wines at 20 times their price. Young Ridge’s 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet awed me over the way that it’s positively developed. A perfumed bouquet grabbed me at the first whiff with complex, compelling and hedonistic notes that are profoundly pleasing. On the palate the wine is deep, penetrating and silky, with fine grained tannins, dark berries, cassis, coco and baking spices. This wine hit my palate beautifully.
Originating from a single vineyard perched high on a ridge in the rolling western hills of Napa Valley, this finely sculpted and beautifully detailed 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon is firing on all cylinders right now. If you love perfectly aged Cabernet Sauvignon, and don’t want to have to wait 15 years to enjoy one… This one’s for you.
YOUNG RIDGE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2001 NAPA VALLEY
LIBRARY RELEASE
Retails at: $78.00/btl
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Tasting Notes, “Wild dried rose petals and camomile tea on the nose with dried cherry, red currant and asian plum. The palate follows with silky and elegant red fruits, spice box, and hints of dried berries. Buy it and drink it now, it is perfectly ready to go.”
2013 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
WILLIAMS SELYEM
If you’ve ever wondered if California’s most Iconic Pinot Noir could get any better, you’ll find your answer in their 2013 Sonoma County… Some of the greatest wines in the world reward patience, and this is one that already has. Tasting it now must feel similar to winning the lottery, twice… Once when you were able to acquire this sought-after wine, and a second time when you discover that it’s developed into something far greater than you ever imagined. I recommend sitting down before tasting it because the perfume alone will knock you off your feet, as wild raspberries, holiday spices, plum and black tea intertwine in perfect detail. We bought every bottle we could after tasting this wine and we’re thrilled to feature it by the glass.
With their inaugural vintage in 1982, Williams-Selyem became a reference-standard for high-quality domestic Pinot Noir. They made history in 2007 when Wine Enthusiast awarded their Litton Estate Pinot a perfect 100 Points… This was the first Pinot Noir in North America to earn 100 points score from any major wine publication. Forged from iconic sites including Rochioli, Bucher and Lone Oak Vineyards, the 2013 delights your senses with vivid red fruits and finely detailed flavors that overlay in layers across your palate.
WILLIAMS SELYEM
2013 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY
Your Price: $64.99/btl
Winery Notes: “The nose leads with raspberry and fresh mountain strawberry notes followed by a wonderful stone fruit lift. The aromas transition into darker elements of bitter cherry, Carnauba wax, and mocha. Notes of smoky herbs, cinnamon, and black tea are framed with well integrated acid and tannin. The Sonoma County will offer early enjoyment with its soft and supple mouthfeel and texture.”
Customers that enjoy Williams Selyem’s Sonoma Coast Pinot, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2015 Octopoda North Coast Cabernet Franc
OCTOPODA
2015 CABERNET FRANC
NORTH COAST
Pulling you in like tentacles from the deep, Octopoda is the real deal in great Cabernet Franc. Some of the best Cabernet Francs produced in California are regarded for their profound elegance and aromatics. The only problem is that finding a great one, and at a reasonable price is about as rare as spotting a mythical sea creature. And, there’s a reason that Cabernet Franc grapes are in higher demand and cost more on average then Cabernet Sauvignon. When carefully selected and produced, they can rival some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons out there. Case and point, this one is really special and sucks you in…
Inked from a single vineyard North of Calistoga, the 2015 Octopoda Cabernet Franc is oozes squid ink black fruits, volcanic minerals, camphor, and black cherries and graphite with flavors deeper than the Mariana Trench. Held captive for 14 months in oak barrels, this 2015 is absolutely stunning right now and should age gracefully for the next decade or more.
OCTOPODA
2015 CABERNET FRANC
NORTH COAST
Your Price: $29.99/btl
Winery Notes: “Complex, lush and well balanced. This offers great intensity of dark fruit, baking cocoa, fresh herbs and licorice. The fruit shows beautiful ripeness tempered with savory herb notes.”
Customers who enjoy Octopoda’s Cabernet Franc may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2015 Ty Caton “Ty’s Red” Sonoma Proprietary Red
TY CATON
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
TY’S RED, SONOMA
You may already be one of the many people who repeatedly orders case after case of Ty Caton wines from us, and if not, you might want to start. The reason being, Ty proves every vintage that great wine doesn’t need to be expensive. His 2015 Proprietary Red has “crowd pleaser” written all over it. A tell-tale sign of this wine’s popularity is made obvious by the number of bottles we drink personally (grin). At under $25, this wine oozes with fun-filled charm as it serenades your senses with lush black raspberry fruit, chocolate covered cherries, holiday spices and Japanese tea. Making a grand entrance from the newly recognized Moon Mountain AVA, which lies on the Sonoma side of Mount Veeder, Ty Caton’s talent for blending will make you grin too.
Merging Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Merlot in a style that’s both intriguing and one that makes you want to come back for another sip, the 2015 is really drinking beautifully. This wine is filled with qualities hard to find at this modest price point, so if you’re looking for a blend that delivers weekend quality at a weekday price, we’re certain you’ll like this one…
TY CATON
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
TY’S RED, SONOMA
Retails at: $36.00/btl
Your Price: $24.99/btl
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Winery Notes: “With savory aromas and a deep luscious color, this much-loved wine strokes your palate with flavors of dark cherry, blackberry and cassis. The thick velvety texture gives way to toasty oak and finishes with just a hint of chocolate. Enjoy with your favorite grilled meats.”
Customers that would enjoy Ty Caton’s Ty’s Red may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2015 Prisoner Wine Company Dérangé Proprietary Red
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 DÉRANGÉ
PROPRIETARY RED
Best described by the catchy slogan from the early 1900’s, Go big, or go home, which references experiencing something to the fullest and being bold and extravagant, Prisoner Wine Company found a way to bottle it… Tipping the scales of extract, and deep chocolaty flavors, this larger-than-life Cabernet Sauvignon Blend hails from iconic sites including Lee Hudson’s renowned Carneros Vineyard, Sage Canyon on Spring Mountain, Heitz Taplin, to list a few. Held captive for 18 months in French oak barrels, this bold, dramatic and monstrous blend was a tough fugitive to catch. We’ve imprisoned bottles in our shop for months, and just got the go-ahead to release them to you…
Created in big, masculine style, the 2015 Dérangé is an unapologetic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. Bursting with intense black fruits, clove spice, unsweetened berry cobbler, black chocolates, and more chocolate… this deep and velvety wine has a finish that goes on and on. I strongly recommend securing a case before it’s too late.
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 DÉRANGÉ
PROPRIETARY RED
Your Price: $99.99/btl
Winery Notes: “In the late spring of 2016, all 2015 TPWC lots were evaluated for character. The most concentrated and delicious lots of each variety were selected for the first vintage of Dérangé. After lot selection, all barrels destined for Dérangé were hand-selected by tasting each and every one. This red blend is full of black cherry, clove spice, blackberry cobbler, and vanilla toast. The mouthfeel is full on the entry and the soft tannins and balanced acidity are a delicious combo.”
Customers that enjoy Prisoner Wine Company’s Dérangé, may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Prisoner Wine Co…
2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
What pairs best with Memorial Day & 4th of July holidays? For me, the answer is Zinfandel. Although the grape allegedly originated in Croatia, Zinfandel thrives better in California than any place else, period. For that reason, Zinfandel is purely American. If I had to choose only one Zinfandel to serve, it would have to be Gamba. A perennial crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are gaining world-wide acclaim. After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers “...Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.“
Fashioned from an organically farmed vineyard planted in 1920, the ancient vines have relied on winter rains as their sole source of irrigation for over 95 years. Yielding just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit, the 2016 exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel. It’s simply stunning and absolutely rocking…
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at: $52.00/btl
Winery Notes: “This 2016 Old Vine Zinfandel from the Gamba Starr Road Ranch offers hints of dried raspberry, blueberry compote, herbs, and candied plum on the nose. Dark and alluring in color, and the palate is bold yet well-integrated, with a velvety texture and weighty, yet graceful structure. Fully ripe, this Zin showcases knockout layers of mouth filling blackberry cobbler, herb and leather on the palate. This sumptuous wine embraces concentration and velvety richness. Robust, it finishes dusted in allspice, and cinnamon toast.“
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at: $45.00/btl
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Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers. When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand. This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel. Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.
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GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at: $52.00/btl
Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party… All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time. Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim. After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.”
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2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
PRIM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
There’s something magical that happens when a powerful Howell Mountain Cabernet has a few extra years in the bottle… As good as they can be at release, they really blossom into something even more incredible with a little extra age. The two challenges in enjoying one on a regular basis are the high cost, and patience to wait that long. With the average cost of 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet likely well over $100, you get the picture… The 2012 Prim Howell Mountain Cabernet is a stunningly brilliant example that’s riveting, deeply focused, and underlines all of the qualities that make Howell Mountain wines so wonderous. On CellarTracker a consumer tasted this wine a year ago and wrote, “$80 retail and worth it.” I couldn’t agree more, and it’s even better now… Of course I recommend grabbing as much as you can, because this likely won’t last the day.
Crafted by Rudy Von Strasser who’s been making hits since the 1980’s. He gained experience while interning at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, then at Icons Trefethen and Newton. Reigning from a vineyard perched at 1,700 feet, Prim’s 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet has developed into a wine that I just can’t get enough of…
PRIM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
Retails at: $80/btl
Winery Notes: “Enticing aromas of crushed blackberries and cassis are complemented by dark chocolate. Black licorice, cocoa powder, and espresso add complexity to this opulent wine. Exceptional concentration and a rich mouth-feel create a powerful impression that finishes with polished tannins enticing minerality, an exceptional vintage from our Howell Mountain vineyards.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 92% | Malbec 6% | Petit Verdot 2%
2014 Paradigm Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
PARADIGM
2014 OAKVILLE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
When considering a list of Napa Valley wineries that best represent all of the qualities, charm and history that the area has to offer, Paradigm is 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. Paradigm’s neighbors include icons, Dominus, Harlan Estate, Opus One, To-Kalon and Martha’s Vineyard… The average price of wine from those vineyards is likely well over $200 per bottle… At $79.99/btl Paradigm tips the scales with groundbreaking levels of quality.
A perennial favorite, the 2014 is made in a round and supple style, and is brimming with wild blackberries, dark chocolate covered blackberries, cigar box and classic Oakville minerality. Supple yet fine-grained tannins wrap effortlessly around your palate in every direction, as a parade of vivid black fruits, spice box, cocoa and violets seduce your senses. Spending 18 months in French oak barrels, Paradigm remains one of the best values in the coveted Oakville Appellation. Here’s a fantastic opportunity to taste a Heidi Barrett made Cabernet, sourced from one of Napa Valley’s crown jewel growing regions, and at a fraction of the price of many of its neighbors…
PARADIGM
2014 OAKVILLE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $84.00/btl
Your Price: $79.99/btl
Winery Notes: “The 2014 vintage produced some delicious rich wines and this deeply colored Cab is no exception. The aromas are enticing and open, showing ripe fruit, complexity, and layers of refined French Oak. This is a very expressive complete wine that will age beautifully. Mouth-coating flavors of black cherry, currant, and blackberry followed by chewy tannins lead to an overall palate feel that is delicious. With perfect balance and ripeness, this is a stellar vintage.”
Customers who enjoy Paradigm’s Oakville Cabernet may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
If you could only drink only one Brunello di Montalcino, what would it be? Robert Parker wrote “it would have to be Pertimali.” The only problem is they’re a microscopic Italian producer owning only 7 hectares (about 17 acres), and they’re highly-desired… Antonio Galloni wrote that Livio Sassetti is “One of Italy’s finest,” and they’ve been making hits since 1982… Their 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is indescribably gorgeous with an intoxicating perfume of wild violets, crushed raspberries, cola and black truffle. At under fifty per bottle, you may want to skip to the order button…
Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons. With attention to every detail, their Brunello has become a Sommelier favorite, gracing the Grand Award winning wine lists of Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller and many others as well… Because of the minuscule production, there’s simply never enough of this wine to satisfy demand. I strongly recommend securing your case, before this one runs out…
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at: $55.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl
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From The Wine Enthusiast: “Floral and refined, this opens with alluring scents of violet, iris, perfumed berry, earth and a whiff of pressed powder. The savory, elegant palate offers up juicy wild cherry, raspberry, truffle, anise and white pepper framed in a network of silky tannins. It’s already extremely accessible and will offer fine drinking pleasure for the near and mid-term.” 94 Points
Customers who enjoy Livio Sassetti’s 2011 Brunello Pertimali may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2015 Leto Cellars Old Vine St. Helena Sauvignon Blanc
LETO CELLARS
2015 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA
What is terroir? It 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 Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect example. Originating from half-century old vines from a single vineyard in Napa Valley’s iconic St. Helena AVA, this is a Sauvignon Blanc with a clear and vibrant voice… Remarkably intriguing, hedonistic and full of life, Leto’s 2015 Sauvignon Blanc draws you in with yellow orchard fruits, ripe pear, orange peel, chalk and 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 just $22/btl, one taste and you’re not going to want to LET it gO…
LETO CELLARS
2015 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA
Your Price: $21.99/btl
Tasting Notes: “This is a bright yet rich white with Bosc pear, ripe honeydew melon and exotic passionfruit that transitions into a limeade and lemon custard mid palate with liquid minerals on the finish. It is an enticing, mouth quenching Sauvignon Blanc that keeps you begging for another sip.”
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
Customers who enjoy Leto’s Sauvignon Blanc may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Leto Cellars..