2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

MAURITSON 2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

2016 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
When asked why I love Zinfandel so much, the answer is simple…  Although the grape allegedly originated in Croatia, Zinfandel thrives in California and nobody produces better Zin than California, period.  One of the best illustrations of classic California Zinfandel is Mauritson’s Dry Creek Valley.  With perfectly balanced, expressive, inviting fruit, the 2016 escapes from the glass with floral infused raspberry, black cherry, baking spices and incense.  With substantial vineyard holdings in Sonoma’s iconic Rockpile AVA, the Mauritson’s were influential in helping Rockpile become an AVA in 2002.  The family has been farming for more than 140 years, and at around forty bucks, their Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel completes with the best of the best… At $29.99/btl, it’s a steal…
 
A blend of Block 5, Rockpile Ridge, Madrone Spring and Cemetery vineyards, the 2016 perfectly expresses Dry Creek Valley terroir, emphasized by the gravelly nuance, firm tannins and a rich mouthfeel.  Peeling back layers of boysenberry, black raspberry and plum reveals wild flowers, truffle, and cracked pepper.  Our veteran tasting panel unanimously agreed that this wine drinks well beyond it’s modest price. Don’t wait too long to secure yours.
 
MAURITSON
2016 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Retails at:  $39.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Perfumed aromas of black boysenberry cobbler with graham cracker crust waft from the glass. Hints of anise, fresh fig, and earthiness beautifully complement the fruit profile. The entry is full but inviting, exhibiting flavors of mocha, wet gravel, and black cherry. The mouthfeel is seamless from start to finish, indicative of perfectly integrated tannin and acid. Please enjoy this wine for the next 7-10 years.”
 
Customers that enjoy Mauritson Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: Insiders Club Members Only

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Winery Notes: “... a bold, well structured wine with an aromatic nose of ripe berries, brown spice, and black licorice. The color is a beautiful and vibrant dark crimson. The wine is deftly balanced, with flavors that burst on the palate, offering well defined dark cherry, raspberry and blueberry that give way to dark chocolate, spicy pepper and a hint of nutty oak. The frame is firm yet round without harsh edges, with an appealing, weighty, yet buoyant mid palate, and a refreshing lift on the lengthy, enjoyable, toasty finish.”
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: Insiders Club Members Only

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Tasting Notes: “This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!”  94 Points
2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

MARTINELLI  2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
Some of the best wines have a style of their own that’s so recognizable that they literally carve out their own category, and in turn change the entire industry for the better.  Martinelli’s larger-than-life style of producing weighty, plump and full bodied wines has become a hallmark of their brand and over the years they’ve amassed a large following, along with a string of stellar reviews for them.  Their 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an absolute classic and has earned a monster 95 Point score from Wine Enthusiast.  At under $40, the level of quality/value is made abundantly clear the moment this wine splashes into your glass, as the bouquet grabs you and doesn’t let go.  By the time it’s hits your palate, you’ll wish you had ordered more…
 
Composed of fruit from Blue Slide Ridge, Three Sister’s and a touch of Bondi Ranch, their 2014 Sonoma Coast bottling embodies Martinelli’s signature style, which has made them one of the Russian River Valley’s most beloved producers.  With the help of consulting winemaker Erin Green, whom worked alongside Helen Turley in the early ’90’s on some of her projects, the winery has remained a paragon of the Russian River Valley.  If you love BIG, rich, California Pinot Noirs, you’ll want to secure a case of this one, yesterday.
 
MARTINELLI
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 11%
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “This wine is memorable and impressive-a ripe exploration of earthy goodness that’s rich and velvety smooth. Spicy red fruit seduces amidst a well-developed core of complex orange peel and cardamom highlights, the oak well-integrated and supportive.” 95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Martinelli’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two outstanding Pinots…
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl

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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. Made in a deep, velvety style that I love, Laird’s 2016  Ghost Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, black cherries, vanilla and spices.  If you like your Pinot Noirs a little fuller bodied, deep, and rich, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
MARTINELLI
2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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The 2016 combines fruit from several of the winery’s top sites including Bondi, Lolita and Zio Tony Ranches, with the largest share being from Bondi.  They produce single vineyard Pinots  from each of these incredible vineyards which sell for around $70/btl.  At $45 the Bella Vigna offers a stunning value..  The level of quality/value is made abundantly clear the moment this wine splashes into your glass as the bouquet grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go.

2014 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

SILVER OAK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY

When it comes to high quality domestic Cabernet Sauvignon, I can’t think of any brand that’s defined the space as dominantly as Silver Oak has over the past 4 decades.  Silver Oak is one of the most recognizable names across the globe in premium level Cabernet Sauvignon from the New World.  The upcoming release of the 2014 Napa Valley is an absolute classic that’s made in the distinctive Silver Oak style, divulging extravagant levels of sweet black fruits, camphor and vanilla.  2014 was another Blockbuster vintage, and this release displays the year’s amazing rich mouthfeel, weighty palate and dense core.  The Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage for Napa Valley Cab 96 Points, rivaling the 2012 and 2013 vintages and they note that it produced many dense, charming, cellar-worthy wines.
 
Revealing beautiful focus and concentration, and supported by supple tannins that slowly reveal layer after layer of crushed blackberry, creamy black currants, rosemary, chocolates and hints of truffle.  If you would like to add some of this classic Napa Valley Cabernet to your cellar, please do so right away and take advantage of special pre-release pricing and ground shipping included on all full or mixed 15 bottle cases to most States.
 
Release Date: February 2nd, 2019
 
SILVER OAK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:     $125.00/btl
 
Pre Release: $114.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has an opaque crimson color with a purplish hue. The alluring nose draws you in with notes of cassis, black cherry, pipe tobacco, salted caramel, cocoa beans and fresh strawberry. This full-bodied wine enters with a depth of flavor and offers mouth-coating, velvety tannins and flavors of cream soda and red fruit. Black currant and vanilla notes crescendo through the palate to the lengthy finish. This wine is drinkable upon release, but given proper cellaring conditions can be enjoyed through 2040.“
2016 Clos Du Caillou 'Cotes Du Rhone" Cuvee Unique VV

2016 Clos Du Caillou ‘Cotes du Rhone’ Cuvee Unique VV

with No Comment $30 and underCotes du RhoneFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone ValleyUncategorized

CLOS Du CAILLOU

2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV

2016 Clos Du Caillou 'Cotes Du Rhone" Cuvee Unique VV
When searching for the greatest value in wine, it pays to look at any winery that’s capable of producing 100 Point scores.  Le Clos du Caillou is a paragon producer of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and they make hundred-pointers look easy.  Their Old Vine Cotes-du-Rhone is a stunning value and comes from a parcel that’s completely walled by renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.  It’s predominantly old-vine Grenache, accentuated with Syrah and Carignon and the 2016 leaps from the glass with a palate energizing perfume of sweet raspberries, dried cherry, lavender and a touch of spices… At under thirty per bottle, it’s one of the highest quality, complex gems out there…
 
It’s created from vines averaging over 45 years old, which are grown in quartz river stones, clay and sand. If you love classic Cotes du Rhone wines, or would like to experience a wonderful expression from this renowned region, this is one of the best, at a fantastic price.  The 2016 is bright, loaded with minerals and offers vivid red fruits, toasted spices, and wild rose.  Robert Parker’s review below is on their lower tier Cotes du Rhone, not the VV (old vines) which is even better… Trust me on this one… You’ll be glad you did.
 
CLOS Du CAILLOU
2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 
Robert Parker’s Review on the Regular Cotes to Rhone (The VV is Even Better)…  “The estate’s entry-level wine, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Le Caillou is a stunning value, offering gluggable cherry and blueberry fruit, ample weight and a velvety texture. This Grenache-dominated blend should drink well for the next 5 years.” 90 Points 
 
Customers that enjoy Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone VV may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
2014 Lavau Gigondas
 2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Gigondas
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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From Vinous: “Youthful violet. Aromas of fresh black and blue fruits are complemented by suggestions of peppery spices and pungent flowers. Sweet and open-knit, offering jammy blueberry and cherry compote flavors that tighten up slowly in the glass. Finishes smoky and long, with harmonious tannins coming in late.” 90 Points
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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From Vinous: “Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.“ 90 Points

 

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

SKRYNE ROAD

PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red
Looking at the varietal makeup of Skryne Road’s 2016 Proprietary Red you might think you’re contemplating a Super Tuscan Blend with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon met with Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.  Of course, the moment this wine hits your palate you’ll know it’s entirely New World in style with a rich, voluptuous texture, laced in holiday spices, sweet oak, sassafras, supple berries and black chocolates.  When we first offered this wine last Fall, we know it would make a lot of friends, and especially at this incredible price.  Now there are just a handful of cases left, so if you’ve been on the fence about this one, or you want to re-order before it’s too late, don’t wait too long to hit the order button.
 
The name Skryne (pronounced screen)  Road pays tribute to the winery owners routes and family home on Skryne Road in Ireland.  After arriving in Napa Valley in 1994 they embarked on the path towards producing a wine.  The first descriptors that come to mind when tasting this wine are riveting, deep and enchanting and you simply won’t believe how great this wine is…
 
SKRYNE ROAD
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $62/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2016 Blend is bright with flavors of bramble-berry and black cherry combined with vanilla bean. The palate is round and supple, with fruity characteristics of raspberry jam and soft, silky tannins. Culminating with hints of peppercorn and baking spices” 
 
Customers who enjoy Skryne Road Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2014 Blind Tasting Proprietary Red
 2015 Hoopla The Mutt Napa Valley Proprietary Red
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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Tasting Notes: “Seductive aromas of ripe black plum, crushed blackberries, white Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla jump from the glass. A dense core of perfectly balanced black cherry, crushed blueberries, blackberry preserves with a touch of black pepper unfurl and expand across your palate.  Opulent without being too heavy, the supple fruit tannins combine with a very long finish to make your mouth water and beg for the next sip.  Absolutely delicious and ready to drink right now, or you can hold until 2024.”  94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

 
HOOPLA
2015 THE MUTT
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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2014 Witchery Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUncategorizedUSA

WITCHERY 

2014 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 
It is an absolute thrill to find an upper-echelon Cabernet from a boutique winery with a couple extra years of age built in.  In this particular case, it took an unusual circumstance for this one to still be available.  Witchery uncovered a handful of cases of their flagship Oakville Reserve Cabernet from the heralded 2014 vintage, stowed away unnoticed in their warehouse for years.  We opened a bottle at our last tasting and the bouquet alone was so intensely hedonistic that it rocked me to the core.  This wine screams top-tier Oakville Cabernet and was hewn from a vineyard that sits directly South of Opus One.  At under $100/btl, grab what you can, because once you taste how great the 2014 is right now, you’ll likely be on a witch-hunt for more.
 
Witchery’s 2014 Oakville Reserve flaunts a haunting perfume laced with crushed black fruits, camphor, burning embers that come intertwined with black chocolates, dried violets and roasted espresso. Those of you who tasted any of the previous vintages of Witchery know what this wine is capable of…  Multiply that hedonism by two extra years in the bottle, and, well you get the picture…
 
WITCHERY
2014 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $110.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Profound, intoxicating aromas aromas of majestic blue and black fruits, white chocolate, and cassis soar from the glass. Extravagant layers of chocolate covered blueberry, plum, roasted coffee, and black-cherry completely wrap your palate.  The pure, fine grain tannins are gently woven throughout and carry the wine effortlessly through the long voluptuous finish…” 
 
Customers who enjoy Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these Oakville Cabernets…
CABAUD
2013 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “An intense, glass-staining purple color combines beautifully with flavors of blueberry pie filling, with muddled blackberries, red currant, bramble, white flowers and bakers chocolate. The supple, full-bodied opulence, sweet tannin, and rich, dense center core intermingle with the powerful fruit to seduce you with the first sip. The finish is long, powerful and supple with just enough fruit tannins to allow this one to age for a decade or so.  Kudos to Luke Morlet for crafting such a stunning wine.”  96 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 OAKVILLE
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Misc. is an abbreviation of the word Miscellaneous, a term defined as “having various qualities, aspects, or subjects.”  Well, trust me, there is nothing abbreviated about this wine…  Winery Notes: “Located on the eastern side of this infamous appellation, the vineyard provides a great combination of terroir that serves as the backbone of this wine. Notes of blueberry and cola are enriched by undertones of crushed herbs and lavender. Meanwhile hints of roasted fig and mulberry land on the palate as luscious tannins offer a relentless finish.”

2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

GAMBA

2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES

 
Throughout my career I’ve offered some truly memorable wines that have developed amazing followings, but only a handful have inspired the kind of love affair that Gamba has.  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.” Absolutely bursting at the seams with magnificent levels of jammy black raspberries and briary red fruits, Gus Gamba’s new 2016 Family Ranches could be the poster child for Gus Gamba’s Zinfandel.  They’re always charming and hedonistic, with stunning opulence and full of extracted detail.  At this price, their 2016 Family Ranches should not be missed.
 
Designed from a unique correlation of estate and neighboring vineyards, as well as merging young and old vines, the Family Ranches bottling creates a lush, fruit-forward Zin that’s laced with compelling depth and precision.  Many of my Zin loving clients have proclaimed that Gamba Zin is The BEST wine in the world, and if you love elaborately flavored, delicious Zinfandel decadence, you’ll want to grab a case of Gamba’s Family Ranches while you still can.
 
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 Family Ranches Zinfandel is a bold, well structured wine with an aromatic nose of ripe berries, brown spice, and black licorice. The color is a beautiful and vibrant dark crimson. The wine is deftly balanced, with flavors that burst on the palate, offering well defined dark cherry, raspberry and blueberry that give way to dark chocolate, spicy pepper and a hint of nutty oak. The frame is firm yet round without harsh edges, with an appealing, weighty, yet buoyant mid palate, and a refreshing lift on the lengthy, enjoyable, toasty finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Family Ranches Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel
 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Alexander Valley Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “... 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.”
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!”
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2015 Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Philip Togni Spring Mountain, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

PHILIP TOGNI 2015 Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPRING MOUNTAIN, ESTATE

 
The true mark of quality in a wine is not how great it is immediately, but how long it’s great over time.  One of the best examples in the New World is Philip Togni’s legendary Spring Mountain Estate Cabernet.  The wine has a proven track record to last 30 years and is utterly breathtaking upon release…  Chock full of hedonistic aromas spanning from pulverized mountain berries and roasted coffee beans to graphite and cigar box, and it will simply light up your senses.  At a recent tasting event in Brussels, Togni’s 1990 Cabernet outperformed iconic Bordeaux producers, Château Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion and Mouton to list a few…  The 2015 vintage has already earned two separate 96 Point scores from both Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, as well as The Wine Spectator, so don’t wait too long to secure yours. 
 
A pinnacle on Spring Mountain, Philip Togni’s Estate vineyard is perched at 2,000 feet in elevation and produces fruit of stunning qualities.  Immensely complex, layers of blackberries, pressed mulberries, sage, and cassis are intertwined with veins of iron and volcanic minerals.  Solidly braced with flavors that glide to a seemingly endless finish, the 2015 is an absolute classic and shouldn’t be missed.  
 
PHILIP TOGNI
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPRING MOUNTAIN, ESTATE
 
Your Price: $135/btl
 

 

“A focused, tannic style, featuring tobacco and sage notes intermixed liberally with steeped currant and blackberry fruit flavors. Terrific cast iron and graphite hints flow underneath. This has loads of character and range, showing very vigorous, savory-edged cut. Youthfully rugged, with brambleedged grip to burn. Cellaring will let all the elements meld. Best from 2021 through 2040.” 96 Points
“Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a very classic nose of cassis, warm plums and crushed blackberries with notions of cigar box, garrigue, damp soil and truffles plus wafts of menthol and underbrush. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and minerally.” 96 Points
 
 
Customers that enjoy Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs… 
2015 Larkmead Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 BV Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
LARKMEAD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “With a tiny 3% addition of Cabernet Franc, this wine is defined by aromas of violet and crushed rock. Oak, clove and graphite dot a landscape of bold structure on the palate, with bright acidity balancing the concentration and grip. Enjoy 2025 – 2030.”  97 Points, Cellar Selection 
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS
GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…very deep purple-black in color and reveals bags of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis notes with mocha, Sichuan pepper and hoisin plus unsmoked cigars and cedar chest hints. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with layers of black fruits and spices, it has a firm, grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long…” 96+ Points

 

2015 Pavillon De Taillefer Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux

with No Comment $40-$50BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin VogtSaint EmilionUncategorized

PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER

2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX

Across the world, critics are raving about the 2015 vintage in Bordeaux. The vintage set a record for perfect 100 Point wines from Wine Enthusiast, and around half of those were from Saint Emilion.  The Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 97 Points, noting Saint Emilion was the sweet spot, and this was the appellation’s highest rated vintage since 2010.  Saint Emilion is the oldest active wine producing region in Bordeaux, officially formed in 1199.  This stunning representation of a Grand Cru Saint-Emilion was created by Catherine Cohen, who interned with the legendary Jean-Claude Berrouet at Château Petrus.  Jean-Claude immediately recognized her talents and installed Catherine at the famous La Fleur Petrus where she made the wines from 1995 to 2001.  At $45/btl, this wine had our entire panel in awe…
 
Created from half-century old vines, and revealing textbook Saint Emilion crushed red fruits, shaved rock and plush black plum, this wine leaves your taste buds yearning for another sip.  Catherine and her husband Phillippe purchased the Estate in 2006 after it was personally recommended by Jean-Claude Berrouet.  This Estate is now clearly on a positive trajectory and this is one journey that you don’t want to miss.
 
PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER
2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 vintage of Pavillon de Taillefer has enticing aromas of black cherry, red plum, licorice, and spice, with hints of smoke, fine herbs, glove leather, cocoa powder, violets and dried tobacco. The elegant, velvety palate begins with plush Bing cherry, dried blueberry, baker’s chocolate, wet slate and crushed minerals.“
93+ Points, Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy Chateau Pontete Bellegrave, may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
2015 Chateau Pontete Bellegrave Graves De Vayres Bordeaux
 2015 CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
CHÂTEA PONTÊTE 
BELLEGRAVE
2015 BORDEAUX 
GRAVES DE VAYRES
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Chateau Pontete Bellegrave’s 2015 is beautifully detailed and firmly concentrated and packed inside of a generous yet muscular frame are micro-layers of red and black fruits, crushed violets, cocoa dusted chocolate truffles and hints of graphite.  A terrific value, this lovely Bordeaux is rarely imported into the US, and when it is, it unfailingly generates plenty of flattering comments and re-orders.   If you enjoy complex, delicious, full-bodied reds, this one’s an excellent value at under forty per bottle. 

 
CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA
LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
2015 BORDEAUX 
 
Your Price: $33/btl 

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Did you know that one of the most expensive wines in the world upon release is Chateau Petrus, and that it’s made from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the Pomerolregion in Bordeaux?  Lalande-de-Pomerolborders the Pomerol region to the north and of the two main villages Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac, Néac has clay and gravelly soils commonly seen in Pomerol.   Chateau Vieux Potana comes from Néac and exhibits the dusty, chalky tannins, dark berries and gravely undertones that are classic to the region.

 

 
   
2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

CRU9 2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When a wine producer has an undeviating focus to produce the absolute best wines imaginable in their category, and they’re not in it to make a buck, but to give back to help non-profits, you actually get a surreal sense of excitement and energy when you taste them.  If you’ve been reading my emails for any length of time, you already know how I feel about CRU9.  It was one of our best winery discoveries in 2018 and after tasting the new releases coming up in 2019… it’s clear to me that they’ve gotten even better.  The 2017 Chardonnay was forged from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, and although it’s name needs to be kept secret, one taste will tell you everything you need to know…
 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can virtually taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment.’ The sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wines rich, opulent texture.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a CRU9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully perfumed Chardonnay with a compelling, complex nose of dried pineapple, ripe pear, rich butterscotch, fresh green herbs, Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with more dried pineapple, crisp apple, buttered caramel, chamomile tea, and a beautifully long finish that goes on and on.  An exceptional effort that balances the palate richness with perfectly zingy acidity that brightens and lifts the palate just enough so it doesn’t come off as heavy.”  93+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9 Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2017 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Hailing from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, this is a source for single vineyard wines from Ramey, Sojourn and Cherry Pie. Spending 15 months in oak and aged sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “This Foley Johnson Chardonnay features fruit from their family owned estate vineyards in Carneros, an appellation known for producing world-class Chardonnay. This wine displays aromas of vanilla, coconut, and yellow peaches along with flavors of butter, caramel sauces, and poached pears on the palate.“