2014 Cimarossa Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Cimarossa Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

CIMAROSSA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
RIVE DI CIMAROSSA

2014 Cimarossa Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
This profound interpretation of Howell Mountain Cabernet was created by legendary winemaker Mia Klein, whose track record includes making wines for Dalla Valle, Spottswoode, Araujo, Viader, and Chappellet, as well as being named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine.  Howell Mountain wines are revered for their authoritative power, depth and towering structure and it takes a skilled artisan like Mia Klein to add an element of elegance.  Mia perfectly harnessed each wild and unbridled characteristic and led them down the path of perfect precision. The 2014 oozes inky dark berries, freshly ground coffee, graphite and subtle licorice and continually offers up new elements with aeration. With the average cost of Howell Mountain Cabernet likely well over $100, I wouldn’t wait to add this one to your cellar.
 
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon includes all ten vineyard blocks on Cimarossa’s Estate where elevations range from 1600 to 2100 feet.  Created from five distinct Cabernet clones grown in several different soil types, the 2014 is stunningly complex yet perfectly balanced.  Housed for 22 months in oak, the 2014 has everything that I look for in top-quality Howell Mountain Cabernet and with a touch of elegance that makes it easy to love.
 
CIMAROSSA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
RIVE DI CIMAROSSA
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rive Di Cimarossa has a dense ruby/purple color, classic lead pencil shavings intermixed with blackcurrant, mulberry and blackberry fruit. That dense color is followed by a full-bodied wine with sweet tannin, low acidity and outstanding ripeness and purity. Drink it now and over the next 15-20 years.” 92 Points 
 
Customers who enjoy Cimarossa Howell Mountain Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Mountain wines… 
 
2015 Witchery Howell Mountain Proprietary Reserve
 2015 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red
WITCHERY
2015 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $125/btl
 
Your Price: $89/btl

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JUSLYN
2015 PERRY’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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The first impression I had when I tasted Juslyn’s 2015 Perry’s Blend was one of shattered expectations, and those were set high, given the high quality of wines that the winery has produced over the last several vintages. They’ve also attracted some incredible talent…  Assisting in their constant pursuit of perfection, consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi, who’s worked alongside Jayson Woodbridge at Hundred Acre…
2017 Black Pines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2017 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUncategorizedUSA

BLACK PINE

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

2017 Black Pines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
There can only be one Best Ever value Pinot Noir, and for me, Black Pine has owned that title for years.  One taste of the new 2017 and you’ll know why…  It delivers outstanding weight, balance and a stunning presence on the palate, then opens up to a tapestry of vivid dark berries, candied plum, caramelized cherries, dried rose and hints of clove. There’s one simple reason why it’s constantly re-ordered and it’s because it truly drinks like a Pinot Noir that should be about double the price.
 
Brought to life by Drew Huffine, whose experience includes working with many elite Pinot Noir producers including Kosta Browne, DuMOL, Auteur, Copain and Donum, the 2017 was conceived from carefully chosen vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap, Russian River and Sonoma Coast.  If you’ve tasted any of the earlier vintages of Black Pine, you already know what to expect… This is yet another big score from a winery that we adore.
 
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
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Winery Notes: “The wine shows appealing aromas of Bing cherry mixed with vanilla and baking spice. The deep ruby and purple wine reveals candied red plum that lingers in the glass…. sensuous and mouth filling and shows black cherry and strawberry flavors. Medium bodied flavors of perfumed Cherry, lush red fruit and clove give way to the bright natural acidity and fine tannins that draw out a long and impressive finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2015 Cosa Obra Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands 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
2014 PINOT NOIR
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $40/btl
 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “Dark and concentrated pomegranate and rosebud aromas meet with juniper and sweet pine needle on the nose of this bottling. The attack is a clean and flavorful, mixing dried cranberry and tangy cherry with thyme, marjoram and peppercorn, culminating in a camphor-like finish.”  92 Points
2015 Chalk Hill Estate Proprietary Red

2015 Chalk Hill Estate Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50$50-$60Chalk HillKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaUncategorizedUSA

CHALK HILL

2015 ESTATE RED
PROPRIETARY RED

2015 Chalk Hill Estate Proprietary Red
Named for it’s unique volcanic soils composed of chalky white ash, the Chalk Hill AVA produces stunning wines, and in my mind, this one reigns supreme.  This wine makes absolutely no excuses at it’s $70 retail price…  A paragon of Northern Sonoma County, and especially when it comes to Bordeaux varietals, this towering, ostentatious effort from Chalk Hill Winery is brimming with super-concentrated dark berries, black chocolates, pipe tobacco, and creme de cassis. The 2015 has superb presence on the palate with great intensity, depth and balance.  Unsurprisingly, it’s already earned 94 Points from Robert Parker.
 
A fusion of nearly 60% Cabernet Sauvignon enhanced with Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot, the wine‘s deep, concentrated core is complex and extracted, carving out layers of vivid dark berries, black tea, sweet vanilla and cigar box.  After evolving for 20 months in oak and kept for over a year in the bottle, this compelling wine is drinking beautifully now and will cellar effortlessly for two decades…
 
CHALK HILL
2015 ESTATE RED
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Estate Red is deep garnet-purple colored and delivers a good amount of oak-inspired notions to begin over a core of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry pie, preserved plums and chocolate box with hints of vanilla pod and cigar box. Big, concentrated and full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with black fruit preserves, framed by ripe, firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a woody note. Forget it for 5-6 years and drink it over the next 20.“ 94 Points 
 
Customers who enjoy Chalk Hill Estate Red may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2016 Dancing Hares Mad Hatter Proprietary Red
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.
DANCING HARES
2016 MAD HATTER
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl

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2014 Ehlers Estate St Helena Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Ehlers Estate St Helena Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment Uncategorized

EHLERS ESTATE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 ST. HELENA 

2014 Ehlers Estate St Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
More times than I can count, I’ve had customers notice the bottle of Ehlers on the bar and shout, “Ehlers, I love Ehlers…” Why? Because the wine is a stunning example of classic St. Helena Cabernet at a price that makes sense.  In grape growing, much as in real estate, location-location-location is absolutely essential.   And when your neighbors include the renowned “Aida” Vineyard, Turley and Revana, wine lovers should pay keen attention.  On the palate the 2015 is fuller, deeper and more structured than previous vintages and offers up a memorable core of cocoa dusted blackberries, tart black-cherry, gravely minerals and roasted coffee.  A rocking bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon at the winery’s $55 retail price, it shouldn’t be missed.
 
Expertly crafted by Kevin Morrisey whom previously made wine at Stags’ Leap Winery and Etude, the 2015 checks in with 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot, all sourced from the winery’s Estate Vineyard. And from a neighborhood that likely averages North of $100/btl, I strongly recommend a case of this gorgeous St. Helena Cabernet.  I’m certain you’ll be glad you did…
 
EHLERS ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 ST. HELENA
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “This is a grand, sophisticated, Cabernet Sauvignon from the loamy benchland soils of our estate vineyard. The wine is layered with blackberry, black raspberry, chocolate mousse, and carries a compelling density. Focused acid, firm tannins, a touch of spice, and finishing with impressions of black licorice. Classic and complex, this is a fine Bordeaux-style Cabernet blend that will age for decades.“
2012 Anantaah Bella's Blend Proprietary Red

2012 Anantaah Bella’s Blend Spring Mountain District Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSpring MountainUncategorizedUSA

ANANTAAH

2012 BELLA’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

2012 Anantaah Bella's Blend Proprietary Red 
From a mountainous area where the bottle prices are generally as steep as the terrain, it’s extremely rare to come across a killer Bordeaux Style Blend at under $80/btl.  Anantaah’s 2012 Bella’s Blend lassoed my brain and refused to let go… Created in a rich, layered style, unfurling decadent blue and black fruits, chocolate covered plum and savory spices.  The winery produces less than 500 cases a year, between all of their wines and there’s simply never enough of this wine to match demand. Words can hardly express how great this 2012 is drinking…
 
Originating from the Madrone Vineyard located at 1,900 feet in elevation, this deep, velvety Red possesses a multitude of layers and remarkable balance.  Perpetually changing and evolving in the glass, layer after layer of impeccably well-balanced flavors coat your palate in an abundance of dark fruits and sweet, velvety tannins.  Aged for nearly two full years in barrels and now with around 3 1/2 years of development in the bottle, this wine is gorgeous right now and has the structure to go another decade.
 
ANANTAAH
2012 BELLA’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
  
Winery Notes: “… Deep dark purple in color, with the initial aromatics of blackberries. After you roll it around on your palette the dark plum, blackberries and dark cherries open up with a touch of minerality; the finish is long and lingering as the flavors continue to unravel. Wait for the finish….is that a bit of spice...”

Kenefick Ranch 2012 Petite Sirah Calistoga Estate

with No Comment $30 and underCalistogaKevin VogtNapaPetite SirahUncategorizedUSA
KENEFICK RANCH
2012 PETITE SIRAH
CALISTOGA, ESTATE
 
California Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux Style Blends aren’t the only wines that are shining bright from the 2012 vintage…  Some of the best examples of Durif, AKA Petite Sirah can age gracefully for up to two decades.  Even the word Petite refers to the small berries that these vines produce, and in turn, the greater skin to juice ratio creates a wine with penetrating intensity, yet supple, velvety tannins.  Kenefick Ranch’s 8 barrel production of their 2012 Estate Petite Sirah has everything that I look for in a great California Petite Sirah.  The flavors are deep and penetrating and on the palate the wine is pure silk, presented in a plump, velvety overlay.  At $45/btl retail this wine will bring a smile to your face.
With warm days and cool nights, Calistoga offers the perfect climate for Petite Sirah to fully develop, and many of California’s best examples of this variety come from the Calistoga area.  This quintessential Calistoga Petite Sirah was expertly guided from grape to bottle by talented winemaker Kent Jarman, who’s also the winemaker at Coup de Foudre, and previously the assistant winemaker at Duckhorn.  Kept for 18 months in Meyrieux Barrels, this 2012 is brimming with blue fruits, spices and plum.
 
KENEFICK RANCH
2012 PETITE SIRAH
CALISTOGA, ESTATE
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
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Winery Notes: “We treat this Petite Sirah in a gentle manner during fermentation to allow the heavy tannin profile to integrate properly. Aromatics of dark cherry, plum and spice are enveloped in a rich, fresh berry profile. Copious velvet tannins let this wine finish very long. Good to drink now and will cellar well for the next 10-15 years.”
 
Customers who enjoy the Kenefick Ranch Petite Sirah may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…

 

LEWIS CELLARS
ALEC’S BLEND
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
Your Price: $59.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2015 Alec’s Blend is a lot like the Honda XR500 that Alec takes to the trails of Lefthand Canyon in Boulder, CO – big, powerful, and lots of fun. Bursting with sappy black cherry, chocolaty oak spice and Madagascar vanilla, it’s a dense and delicious blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit-driven and plush but framed in fine, polished tannins, this ride will make you smile...”
CARLISLE
2015 PETITE SIRAH
PALISADES VINEYARD
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “Another monster in the making… This is no ordinary Petite Sirah, but then, few are. Nearly black as a moonless night, the wine’s aromatics soar from the glass, offering up floral notes intermixed with blackberry, incense, blueberry liqueur, graphite and licorice. Huge intensity of flavor, sweet but noticeable tannins, low acidity, but fabulous richness, and a broad, almost endless finish characterize this Petite Sirah that should age well for 30-50 or more years…” 91-94 Points