2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Chardonnay

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

BUCHER

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River ChardonnayRIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER

 
When reading about Bucher’s Rio Oro Chardonnay it won’t take long to realize it’s an unparalleled value and one of the greatest that we’ve discovered in years.  When tallying the incredible pedigree, and weighing it against the $23 price tag, you’ll want to act quickly, because deals like this don’t come around often.  You may already recognize Bucher Vineyard from luminaries Williams Selyem, Siduri, and Frank Family that have all made wine from this remarkable site.  When learning that it was made by Adam Lee of Siduri, it should have your taste buds eager to try it… And if that’s not enough convincing, the 94 Point Rating from the Pinot File should seal deal. Make sure to join our email list to unlock special offers…
 
Located on Westside Road in Healdsburg, Bucher’s Estate Vineyard was originally planted in 1997 with the assistance of Bob Cabral, former winemaker at Williams Selyem.  There are only 2 acres of Chardonnay planted, and for their Rio Oro Chardonnay they’ve also added a neighboring vineyard.  Each lot is fermented separately and later combined to create a truly individualistic and overwhelmingly satisfying expression of Russian River Chardonnay…
 
BUCHER
RIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
From Pinot File: “Light golden yellow color in the glass. Lavish aromas of lemony custard, Golden Delicious apple, wildflower honey and brioche. Sleek, bright and crisp on the palate with sumptuous flavors of lemon, grapefruit and apple with a compliment of oak infused blond caramel and honeyed nuts. Beautifully crafted, with sound acidity and noticeable finishing length.”  94 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Bucher Rio Oro Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding Chardonnays…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
 
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.”  90 Points 
2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

VALDEZ

2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay
If you follow some of California’s preeminent Chardonnay producers like Paul Hobbs and Aubert, chances are you’ve seen the name Ulises Valdez, or UV on some of their top bottlings.  Ulises Valdez is one of California’s most sought after wine growers and when he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand. The elephant in the room is that at $34.99/btl, the 2016 Valdez Russian River Chardonnay is such a fantastic value, it’ll challenge what you think is even possible at this price point.  Upon entry the only thing on my mind was the rich, lavish mouthfeel, laced with notes of overripe pear, juicy yellow melon, French Bistro creme brûlée and subtle lemon bar.  
 
Combining fruit from three iconic Russian River Vineyards, Lancel Creek, Campbell and Laguna, the 2016 is wonderfully detailed and complex with terrific weight that’s perfectly balanced with bright acidity.  After developing for 15 months in French oak barrels the 2016 is stunning right now… We’re thrilled to pour this wine by the glass in our Yountville store, so I hope you can come in for a taste. 
 
VALDEZ
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Smooth, full-bodied, and crisp; The 2016 chardonnay fills the palate with juicy citrus fruits, honey, and hints of vanilla. The 2016 vintage is slightly brighter than the 2015 with a touch more acidity that presents a nice freshness in the wine. This wine is fermented with wild native yeast, and aged for 15 months in 100% French Oak (20% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered…”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay
 2013 Valdez St Peters Church Vineyard Zinfandel
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

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.
2017 Farella La Luce Estate Coombsville Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Farella La Luce, Estate, Coombsville Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

FARELLA 

SAUVIGNON BLANC
2017 LA LUCE, ESTATE
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

2017 Farella La Luce Estate Coombsville Sauvignon Blanc
In a world where clarity is hard to find, I will say with absolute clarity that you’d be hard pressed to find a better Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc at anywhere near this price.  Tom Farella’s 2017 Estate Sauvignon Blanc has mesmerizing nuances of Loire Valley-like honeydew melon, ripe tangerine and light tropical notes that flow from the glass.  One of the most balanced domestic Sauvignon Blancs that I’ve ever tasted, the 2017 reveals wonderful energy, freshness and profound purity.  The 2016 was our most loved Sauvignon Blancs on our tasting menu in Yountville, and the 2017 is even better… 
 
Keeping only 15-20% of their single-block Sauvignon Blanc grapes, the balance goes to high powered producers like Lail and Realm for their award winning Sauvignon Blancs.  The 2017 is dreamlike, with remarkable balance, focused fruit and a long, palate refreshing finish.  The wine was fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness, the wine’s uplifted aromatics and fabulous notes of citrus oil, crushed rock, white flowers, honeyed melon and tangerine are generous and frankly hard to resist.  If you’re in pursuit of a Sauvignon Blanc that will be a palpable stand-out at Summer and Fall festivities, you’ll want to pick this beauty up by the case.
 
FARELLA 
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2017 LA LUCE, ESTATE
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $25.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes:  “Aromas of light tropical fruits, white flowers and bright citrus, lead to vivid flavors of honeydew melon, Island mango, blood orange and minerals culminating in crisp lively finish.”
 
Customers who enjoy Farella Estate Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Sauvignon Blancs…
2016 Picayun Napa County Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Grey Stack Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc
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.
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast: “This block is home to a mysterious clone of Sauvignon Blanc that appears to be the only one of its kind in the region and thought to hail originally from Northern Italy. The resulting wine is citrus-driven on the nose and on the palate-a pure expression that shows complexity and rich layers of flavor, with an intensity of lemongrass.”  94 Points
2017 Chateau Des Garcinieres Cotes De Provence Provence Rose

2017 Châteu Des Garcinières Côtes De Provence Provence Rosé

with No Comment $30 and underFranceProvenceRosé

CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES 

2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE

2017 Chateau Des Garcinieres Cotes De Provence Provence Rose
More often then not, the best wines that we discover come from close friends in the wine industry.  When Roger Roessler, whom you might know from Black Pine first told us about this Rosé that he was importing from France, his excitement was so contagious that we immediately tasted it.  It seems like Roger found a wine that has bottled excitement and intermixed it with vivid coastal breeze, bright, sun-drenched acidity, warm red fruits and soft, delicate flavors.  At $23/btl the quality is unrivaled.
 
Provence is a region in Southeastern France which is perfectly suited for producing profound Rosé wines.  Chateau des Garcinieres has been family owned and operated since 1898 and their family has been caring for the grapes for four generations.  Their 2017 Rosé combines Grenache, Cinsaut and Rolle varietals and on the palate the balance of warm Orchard fruits, bright acidity and delicate sea-like nuances bring a smile to my face every time I taste it.  
 
CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES 
2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
Importers Tasting Notes: “St. Tropez lies just around the corner from the birthplace of this wine on 44 acres tended by just one family since 1898. Blessed by the same sun and sea breezes as Tahiti Beach, Cap 21, and the memory of Voile Rouge, it embodies the delicate, romantic taste of 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault and 10% Rolle, marrying the refreshing flavors of strawberry and cherry, mixed with mineral nuances into one glass…”

 

Customers who enjoy Chateau Des Garcinieres Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Rosés… 
2017 Azur Rose of Syrah 2017 Domain La Croix Saint-Laurant Sancerre Rose
AZUR
2017 ROSÉ
 
Your Price $31.99/btl

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A remarkably compelling, Provençal inspired Rosé, brought to life by the ever talented Julien Fayard, who learned his craft at Chateau Lafite Rothschild as well as gained valuable, first-hand experience as Director of Winemaking for Philippe Melka…  Offers elegant layers of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon…
DOMAINE LA CROIX
2017 SANCERRE ROSÉ
SAINT-LAURANT
 
Your price: $29.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Nose is a cornucopia of fruit aromas, a full on attack. Supple, smooth, elegant in the mouth, shows great tension, with flavors of blood orange, white grapefruit, green melon. Great balance, incredibly long finish, a balanced, full flavored, clean, crisp wine.”
2017 Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Cotes De Provence Rosé

2017 Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Provence Rosé

with No Comment $40-$50FranceKevin VogtRosé

DOMAINES OTT

2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CHATEAU DE SELLE

2017 Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Cotes De Provence Rosé
As much as I love finding new, unknown wineries, I also enjoy bringing you producers that are dominating their category.  Domaines Ott is one of the most iconic producers of Rosé, and their Chateau de Selle recently earned a monster 95 Point score.  Château de Selle was the first estate acquired by Marcel Ott in 1912 and they’ve continued to create some of the most detailed and intellectually profound Rosé on the market.  Emerging from Provence France where greater than 50% of the wine output is Rosé, Domaines Ott’s Chateau de Selle might start out light and bright, but it will win you over with striking minerality, brilliant depth and crystalline structure.  With the 95 Point score, don’t wait too long to secure yours.
 
With attention to every minute detail that begins with the terroir and follows through with stunning perfume bottle like packaging, Domaines Ott is the epitome of classic Provençal Rose.  While there might be a lot of Rosé’s in the $20-$30 range that are easy to love, Domaines Ott will have you infatuated from the moment it touches your lips. Rosé simply doesn’t get any better…  
 
DOMAINES OTT
2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CHATEAU DE SELLE
 
Your Price: $46.99/btl
 
From Wine & Spirits: “The Château de Selle sits on a limestone slope in the forested inland reaches of Provence. The soil is nearly half rock and the sun is intense, an imposing landscape for cultivating anything, yet this rosé is one of the most elegant we tasted from the 2017 vintage. The concentration of the fruit comes through in the wine’s luxurious satin texture, while the flavors remain restrained-hints of melon, lemon and red cherry highlighting its earthy savor. It’s very pale, but don’t let the hue fool you: It’s structured and mineral, a firm rosé that wouldn’t be out of place at Le Bernardin.“ 95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Rosés…
2017 Azur Rosé of Syrah
 2017 Domaine La Croix Sancerre Rosé
AZUR
2017 Rosé of Syrah
 
Your Price $31.99/btl
 
A remarkably compelling, Provençal inspired Rosé, brought to life by the ever talented Julien Fayard, who learned his craft at Chateau Lafite Rothschild as well as gained valuable, first-hand experience as Director of Winemaking for Philippe Melka…  Offers elegant layers of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon…
DOMAINE LA CROIX
2017 SANCERRE ROSE
SAINT-LAURANT
 
Your price: $29.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Nose is a cornucopia of fruit aromas, a full on attack. Supple, smooth, elegant in the mouth, shows great tension, with flavors of blood orange, white grapefruit, green melon. Great balance, incredibly long finish, a balanced, full flavored, clean, crisp wine.”
 
2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay

2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $70-$80Atlas PeakCarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapa

PAHLMEYER

2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
Becoming Napa Valley’s first Cult Chardonnay after Demi Moore tried to seduce Michael Douglas in the hit movie Disclosure back in 1994, Pahlmeyer became nearly impossible to acquire, overnight. More than two decades later and it’s still making a powerful statement of prestige, along with three 95 Point reviews, the demand is still going full-bore.  It’s made in a style that has remarkable weight, dimension and intensity, and under the guidance of Bibiana Gonzalez Rave it’s only gotten better. She’s added a level of elegance to the wines that marries perfectly with the classic rich, unctuous style that Pahlmeyer is known for.
 
Created from the winery’s Estate Vineyard, as well as Antinori’s Antica Vineyard on Atlas Peak and Larry Hyde’s iconic Vineyard in Carneros, the 2016 has all the ingredients necessary to be everything you’d want in a powerful yet elegant Napa Valley Chardonnay.  With attention to every minute detail, the fruit was picked at night before being rigorously inspected by hand at the winery.  Kept for 11 months in 100% new Francois Freres oak Barrels, the wine is simply gorgeous.
 
PAHLMEYER
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl
 
 
“… Apricot, honey, dried flowers and lightly buttery notes get a kick of energy from the freshness of vintage and the personality of the mountain sites (Estate and Antica) that inform this bottling, Winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez-Rave has brought an added level of finesse to the Pahlmeyer Chardonnay.”  95 Points
“The 2016 Chardonnay has a lovely savory, yeasty/toasty nose over a core of warm grapefruit, fresh apricots and allspice with a touch of candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling stone fruit and spicy layers, supported by great freshness and finishing long and creamy.”  95 Points
“Gorgeous aromatics of heady voluptuousness conjure elements of caramel, honey and baked apple behind a golden hue of color in this memorable, no-holds-barred white. The flavors follow through along a lengthy layered pathway lined in sparks of anise and key lime, finishing in juicy crisp acidity.”  95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2015 DuMOL Chloe Russian River Valley Chardonnay
 2014 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red
DuMOL
2015 CHLOE CHARDONNAY
RITCHIE-LORENZO VINEYARDS
 
Your Price: $67.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “… a big, rich, classic Russian River Chardonnay that has loads of ripe orchard fruits, honeysuckle, dried herbs/earth, and spice all soaring from the glass. It’s another impeccably balanced, pure, classic effort from this estate that does everything right.”  97 Points
PAHLMEYER
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $175.00/btl
 
Your Price:  $159.99/btl 

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From James Suckling: “Fantastic aromatics with blackberries, blackcurrants and iodine. Licorice, too. Medium to fulll body, fine and velvety tannins and a very polished and gorgeous finish. Caressing and dialed in. Why wait? An intellectual wine here. Lovely now.” 97 Points
2016 Prisoner Wine Co Blindfold Proprietary White

2016 Prisoner Wine Co ‘Blindfold’ Proprietary White

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary WhiteUSA

PRISONER WINE CO.

2016 BLINDFOLD
PROPRIETARY WHITE

2016 Prisoner Wine Co Blindfold Proprietary White
In the wine world, thinking outside the box, creativity, experimentation and innovation is the best way to create something that people will remember. Prisoner Wine Company embodies all of these qualities.  As the sister version to the popular Prisoner Red, the Blindfold White projects what feels like Cirque du Soleil performance on your palate and the wine encompasses a truly unique varietal combination, built around a core of Chardonnay and enhanced with Rhone varietals that add energy, lift and a myriad of complex nuances.   This wine is surprisingly delicate and nuanced, and simply fascinating to swirl and taste, and even better, finding a wine of this level, at under thirty per bottle is enough to make even red wine only drinkers smile with delight.
 
Formulated from dozens of distinguished vineyard sites throughout California, Prisoner Wine Company’s  Blindfold the 2016 leaps enthusiastically from the glass with apricot preserves, yellow orchard fruits, mineral-infused pear, and notions of honeysuckle. Resting for 10 months in a combination of fermentation vessels, the new Prisoner white casts a tremendous amount of enjoyment and simply has to be experienced to truly be appreciated.
 
PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 BLINDFOLD
PROPRIETARY WHITE
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $26.99/btl
YOU SAVE 15%
 
From The Wine Spectator: “Opens with a smoky, buttery brioche note, which lingers in the background as a spicy accent to the vanilla pudding and lemon curd flavors and opulent core of apricot preserves. Not a shy wine, but has a supple texture and plenty of expression on the long finish. Chardonnay, Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Chenin Blanc. Drink now.”  89 pts
 
2015 Prisoner Wine Co 'Cuttings' Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Prisoner Wine Co 'The Prisoner' Proprietary Red
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at:  $47.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl  

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A wine of unrestrained jubilance and infectious charm, the new 2016 Prisoner unshackles a bounty of deliciously elaborate flavors, and with even more vibrancy and determination. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2016 escapes powerfully from the glass, permeating with beautifully focused ripe cherries, wild strawberry, chocolate, and crushed violets.
2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $40-$50ChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

CHATEAU MONTELENA 

2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY

 
The best wines evoke memories, intellectual thoughts and feelings when you taste them, and every time I taste Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay, thoughts of Independence and patriotism come to mind.  Two hundred years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Chateau Montelena made a pivotal statement at the 1976 Judgement in Paris when their 1973 Chardonnay came in 1st place.  It eclipsed all other French and California Chardonnays at the historic tasting, as depicted in the movie Bottle Shock…  Continuing their legacy of producing enchanting, brightly focused Chardonnays, the 2015 is remarkably tropical this year with bright, freshly picked kumquat, nectarine, lemon oil and candied ginger.  Symbolizing the American dream, hard work and independence, here’s a chance to own the most celebrated Chardonnay in US history…
 
Remaining true to their roots and focusing on the pure expression of fruit, crisp acidity and mineral finish, Chateau Montelena is unlike many California Chardonnay producers that have adopted a creamy, buttery, profile with a heavier oak influence.  Kept for just 10 months in neutral French oak barrels, the 2015 is bright and focused with vivid Island fruits, candied lemon, shaved almonds and tangerine oil. I strongly recommend a case of this iconic Napa Valley Chardonnay for your cellar.  
 
CHATEAU MONTELENA 
2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $58.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 13%
 
From Vinous: “Just bottled, the 2015 Chardonnay is shaping up to be a gorgeous wine. The warmer vintage has resulted in a slightly richer style of Chardonnay, although the house style built on energy and tension is still very much in evidence. Candied lemon, white flowers and mint are nicely textured. Soft, enveloping and gracious, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring.” 92 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Chateau Montelena Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 Failla Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

Click to Order

 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
FAILLA
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 

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After dominating one varietal for nearly two decades as winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars, the natural progression is to start a new challenge, create something fresh, then conquer that too… Ehren Jordan’s viticultural training in France greatly influenced his farming and winemaking choices, which are evident in this sensational Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.  
2106 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay

2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtSanta BarbaraUSA

CALCULATED RISK

2106 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay

2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA 

 
What makes Santa Barbara Chardonnay unique? For starters, Chardonnay is Santa Barbara County’s most widely planted grape, surpassing Pinot Noir by more than 25%.  The varietal thrives in the cooler climate, caused by the transverse nature of the two Mountain ranges that sandwich this viticultural region.  Limestone soils also help maintain acidity, which helps create an exotic tropical fruit character, which is one of the signatures that I love about Santa Barbara Chardonnay.  I find many of my favorite Santa Barbara Chardonnays show bountiful yet delicate orchard fruits, exotic tropical fruits, vibrant acidity, and are laced in minerality.  Calculated Risk’s 2016 Chardonnay caught me by surprise. Not only did it showcase everything that I love about Santa Barbara Chardonnay, but I simply couldn’t believe how good it was at its $38 retail price.  At $23/btl, I jumped at the opportunity to share it with you.  
 
A non-disclosure agreement prevents us from telling you the vineyard source, but the 2016 leaps from the glass with green & yellow apple, passionfruit, toasted pear and lemon blossoms, then carrying through on the palate with an elegant depth and pristine style.   At $23/btl your only risk will be not buying enough.  
 
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 
YOU SAVE 39%
 
Winery Notes: “A brilliant, golden yellow look with hints of pineapple, white peach, pear and pomelo on the nose. The palate offers lime leaf, honeysuckle, lemon and a hint of subtle lavender.”
 
Customers who enjoy Calculated Risk Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding wines…
2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
 2014 Calculated Risk Mount Veeder Proprietary Red
MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.”  90 Points 
CALCULATED RISK
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 MOUNT VEEDER
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 

I’ve always found a mystical element in Mount Veeder fruit that always draws me in.  It’s the largest AVA within Napa Valley but the rugged terrain limits production to just 1.3% of Napa Valley grapes.  Yielding small, powerful berries, the sandstone and shale soils set this Mountain apart from all others in Napa.  It’s also the coolest Mountain which allows the grapes to have a longer hang-time so they can develop into something majestic.  
2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary’s Block Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30-$40Bennett ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

GREY STACK

2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK

2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc
It’s all about the vineyard, and when I think of California’s most memorable Sauvignon Blancs, I’m continually drawn to Dry Stack Vineyard in Bennett Valley.  That feeling was set in stone when I tasted Grey Stack’s latest release which has already scored 94 Points (that’s particularly high for Sauvignon Blanc.)  Perfectly expressing the essence of Dry Stack… Intense, vivid and with copious rocky minerals and abundant yet detailed notes of fresh guava, ripe tangerine, Island mango and mineral infused citrus.  You might think $32 is a little high for Sauvignon Blanc, but when you taste the wine it’s actually a stunning value for a wine of this magnitude. 
 
Brought to life by winemaker Patrick Sullivan whose vast experience includes making wine at Peter Michael, Paul Hobbs, Lewis Cellars and Rudd.  The Dry Stack Vineyard is strategically positioned in Bennett Valley which lies Southeast of Santa Rosa along a minor Mountain range.  With a cooler climate with heavy maritime influence, the vineyard itself sits at 550 feet in elevation on a rocky bench and produces fruit of magical qualities.  If you love Sauvignon Blanc, or better yet, even if you don’t… Try this one and you’ll probably never look back. 
 
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “This block is home to a mysterious clone of Sauvignon Blanc that appears to be the only one of its kind in the region and thought to hail originally from Northern Italy. The resulting wine is citrus-driven on the nose and on the palate-a pure expression that shows complexity and rich layers of flavor, with an intensity of lemongrass.” 94 Points

 

 
Customers that enjoy Grey Stack’s Rosemary’s Block  Sauvignon Blanc may also enjoy these two terrific whites…
2016 Illumination by Quintessa Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Elizabeth Spencer Mendocino Sauvignon Blance
ILLUMINATION
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
BY QUINTESSA 
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
With a striking bouquet that is one of the most penetrating and intense from any Sauvignon Blanc I’ve ever experienced, spotlighting vivid passionfruit, exotic mango, zesty tangerine, caramelized grapefruit and sweet floral, Quintessa’s 2016  Illumination is exceptionally bright and full of energy. This wine guaranteed to brighten any occasion…
ELIZABETH SPENCER
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2017 MENDOCINO
Retails at:  $22.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “… lovingly inspired by the Loire Valley. White peach and apricot, yellow grapefruit, and lemon blossom aromas erupt from the glass. These aromatics carry through and lend a dry fruitiness to the mineral driven pallet. The wine has very appealing ripeness and great balancing acidity, where the complexity of stone fruit and green apples, yield to a very citrusy, crisp finish.”