2024 Raig De Raim Garnatxa Blanca Terra Alta, Spain

2024 Raig De Raim Garnatxa Blanca Terra Alta, Spain

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary WhiteSpain

Raig De Raïm

Garnatxa Blanca
Terra Alta, Spain 2024

2024 Raig De Raim Garnatxa Blanca Terra Alta, Spain

From Terra Alta, the widely recognized birthplace of Garnatxa Blanca, Raig de Raïm stands as a definitive expression of what the grape can achieve at its highest level. Precise yet generous, it delivers energy and structure in equal measure, revealing Garnatxa Blanca’s full range with all elements in a steady balance. Its sense of completeness feels earned rather than constructed, the natural result of shaping the variety where it has always belonged.

That precision is rooted firmly in Terra Alta’s soils. Organically farmed vines, aged between 10 and 25 years, are planted in clay-chalky terrain that naturally promotes lift and definition. These conditions sharpen acidity and give the wine its architectural line, allowing fruit and structure to move together rather than with weight.

In the cellar, careful handling completes the picture. Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel preserves aromatic detail and freshness, allowing the wine’s natural energy to remain intact. There is no oak to soften or distract, only a clear, focused expression that carries through to a finish defined by lift, and linear persistence.

Raig De Raïm
Garnatxa Blanca
Terra Alta, Spain 2024

Your Price: $25

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“The color of pale straw in the glass, this blend of Garnatxa blanco and Macabeo deliver fresh, youthful enticement with a combination of citrus blossoms, ripe apples, pear, and a squeeze of fresh pineapple. The acidity is well housed in a succulent palate and crisp finish.”

91 Points

2023 Luna Gaia Agramante Grillo Sicily, Italy

2023 Luna Gaia Agramante Grillo Sicily, Italy

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin VogtProprietary White

Luna Gaia

Agramante Grillo
Sicily, Italy 2023

2023 Luna Gaia Agramante Grillo Sicily, Italy

Luna Gaia 2023 Agramante Grillo brings a vibrant expression of Sicily’s sun-kissed terroir, effortlessly fusing varietal purity, captivating minerality, and the soulful traditions of its island birthplace. Born from a collaboration between Cantina Orsogna and the biodynamic BioGaia collective, the wine’s artistic label celebrates Sicily’s renowned puppet theater with a nod to a culture where storytelling and viticulture intertwine.

Rooted in the fertile soils of the Valle del Belice, where volcanic earth meets cooling Mediterranean breezes, the biodynamically farmed vineyards impart a crystalline sense of place to this remarkable wine. The vineyard’s unique microclimate ensures a wine filled with bracing freshness, vibrant acidity, and mineral-laced clarity that dances effortlessly across the palate.

Unoaked yet profoundly nuanced, the 2023 Agramante Grillo enchants with crisp citrus, whispers of oyster shells, and an intriguing, stony spine. Its freshness and remarkable drinkability make it an approachable and engaging wine. As invigorating as a Mediterranean breeze, this vintage beckons you to savor the hidden treasures of Sicily, leaving an impression that is both lasting and delicious.

Luna Gaia
Agramante Grillo
Sicily, Italy 2023

Your Price: $24

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“The Luna Gaia 2023 Agramante Grillo from Sicily presents a beautiful nose featuring aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossoms, dried apricots, pears, pineapple, and browned butter with sage. On the palate, the wine has a succulent texture that coats the palate with bright stone fruit flavors, hints of tropical fruits and spices, and a long, complex finish. This wine is decadent and fun at the same time, showcasing the variety and Sicilian wine.”

94 Points

2023 Clementine by Cold Spring Vin Blanc El Dorado California

2023 Clementine by Cold Spring Vin Blanc El Dorado California

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary WhiteUSA

Clementine

by Cold Spring
Vin Blanc 2023
El Dorado, California

2023 Clementine by Cold Spring Vin Blanc El Dorado California

With crystalline focus and aromatic depth, the 2023 Clementine Vin Blanc redefines the possibilities for Rhône-inspired whites grown in California’s high-altitude terrain. Perched in the Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations where the Pacific’s cooling influence meets summer warmth, the vineyards yield grapes of dazzling clarity and depth.

With a soul rooted in the Rhône Valley and a voice unmistakably Californian, this wine captures the rare harmony between sun-drenched fruit and alpine lift. Harvested at the apex of ripeness, the 2023 vintage pulses with natural energy. Winemaker Adam Smith employs whole-cluster pressing and wild yeast fermentation, allowing the vineyard’s voice to speak with purity and intention.

During our tasting, which featured White Burgundies and other Californian whites—some costing twice or even three times as much—Clementine emerged as the unexpected star. Its brilliance lies in its balance: a wine that stirs both intellect and emotion. For those seeking something simultaneously soulful and electric, this bottle sets a new standard—a beautifully kept secret worth discovering.

Clementine
by Cold Spring
Vin Blanc 2023
El Dorado, California

Your Price: $25

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“The Clementine 2023 Vin Blanc is perfumed with aromas of white blossoms, chamomile, honeycomb, buttercream frosted peach Danish pastry, lime, and tangerine. On the palate, the wine has flavors of yellow apple, ripe pear, juicy apricot, sweet spices, and a subtle exotic hint of lychee. The wine is floral and expressive with a gentle roundness on the finish.”

93 Points

2019 Villa Loren Amarone Della Volpolicella Veneto Italy

2019 Villa Loren Amarone Della Volpolicella Veneto Italy

with No Comment $30-$40ItalyKevin VogtProprietary White

VILLA LOREN

AMARONE DELLA VOLPOLICELLA
VENETO ITALY 2019

2019 Villa Loren Amarone Della Volpolicella Veneto Italy
Progetti Agricoli is an established Italian producer showcasing the best in Italian wine production, and their Villa Loren label focuses on wines of Veneto. Within Veneto lies Valpolicella DOCG, where Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, and Molinara grapes are hand-harvested late in the season for Amarone della Valpolicella. Once harvested, the grapes are dried in well-aerated drying lofts for three to four months, desiccating the grapes and concentrating sugars, flavors, and aromas.
 
Fermentation for Amarone is a long, slow process due to high sugar levels in the juice and cooler temperatures in the winter, enhancing flavor components as the sugar slowly converts into alcohol. The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella from Villa Loren was aged in medium-sized oak casks for 24 months before bottling and left to rest in the bottle for eight months before release. The resulting rich, layered, luscious wine is an absolute delight and offers exceptional value at under $40 for one of Italy’s most desired styles of wine.  
 
VILLA LOREN
AMARONE DELLA VOLPOLICELLA
VENETO ITALY 2019
 
 
 
“The Villa Loren Amarone della Valpolicella 2019 is a deep garnet red in color, with aromas of fresh figs, cocoa powder, dried rose petals and nutmeg. The concentrated palate continues this theme with bittersweet chocolate-covered tart dried black cherries, preserved plums, and sweet black fruits. These sweet flavors are beautifully balanced with a slightly bitter black tea character. The balance of sweet-tart fruit, bitter, drying tannins, and long, lingering finish combine to leave your mouth watering, yearning for another sip.
93 Points
2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal

2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPortugalProprietary White

QUINTA DA RAZA

ALVARINHO TRAJADURA
VINHO VERDE PORTUGAL 2021

2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal
Quinta da Raza is a family-owned winery located in the Vinho Verde DOC in Northwestern Portugal. The estate has been in operation for five generations, and they are passionate about producing high-quality wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
 
Vinho Verde is a coastal region that is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. This combination of maritime influences and granite soils creates an ideal environment for growing white grape varieties. These grapes are often blended together to create both complex and refreshing wines.
 
The 2021 Alvarinho Trajadura is a perfect example of this type of wine. It is a blend of 60% Alvarinho and 40% Trajadura, and it was fermented in stainless steel and aged on the lees for four months. This results in a wine that is bright, refreshing, and full of flavor.
 
This wine is perfect for enjoying by the pool on a hot summer day. It would also be a great pairing for seafood dishes or light salads.
 
QUINTA DA RAZA
ALVARINHO TRAJADURA
VINHO VERDE PORTUGAL 2021
 
Your Price: $22
 
 
“The Quinta da Raza 2021 Alvarinho Trajadura is light, bright, and opens with playful notes of lime blossom, jasmine, grapefruit, white peach, fresh ginger, and a chalky minerality. On the palate, the wine is slightly effervescent with zesty acidity and flavors of blood orange, lime zest, cantaloupe, and freshly squeezed lemonade. This wine is a quintessential necessity for summertime with its opulence and levity and leaves a lasting impression accompanied by an impressive finish.”
97 Points
2022 Massican Annia White Blend California

2022 Massican Annia White Blend California

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtProprietary WhiteUSA

MASSICAN

ANNIA WHITE BLEND
CALIFORNIA 2022

2022 Massican Annia White Blend California
Dan Petroski is a well-known (former Larkmead) winemaker in Napa Valley, and his latest creation is Annia, a white wine that’s a delight to drink.
 
Annia is a blend of Friulian grapes (Ribolla Gialla and Tocai Friulano) and Chardonnay, made in a Mediterranean style. This blend creates a fresh, vibrant, and approachable wine with a kaleidoscope of aromatics. The Chardonnay provides structure and acidity, while the Friulian grapes add complexity and depth.
 
The 2022 vintage of Annia is a lovely wine that’s pale yellow with citrus and orange blossom aromas and a palate that is fresh and lively, with peach and lemon zest flavors with an underlying thread of complex minerality, leading to a long, lingering finish.
 
If you enjoy interesting white wines, I think you will love this one.
 
MASSICAN
ANNIA WHITE BLEND
CALIFORNIA 2022
 
 
 
“The Massican 2022 Annia is an elegantly styled white blend that brings aromas of orange blossom, peach, yellow apple, lemon, wet stones, and an oceanic salinity. On the palate, the flavors are broadened by the medium to full-bodied texture with notes of white blossoms, peach, lemon zest, and a crisp minerality. This wine is not only easy to drink but brings complexity that carries into a beautiful finish.”
95 Points
2021 Harvey & Harriet White Blend San Luis Obispo

2021 Harvey & Harriet White Blend San Luis Obispo

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary WhiteUSA

HARVEY & HARRIET

WHITE BLEND 2021
SAN LUIS OBISPO

2021 Harvey & Harriet White Blend San Luis Obispo
Eric Jensen of Booker Vineyards in Paso Robles created Harvey & Harriet to honor his hardworking parents, who raised a large family in a small home on a tight budget and loved wine. Eric’s parents wouldn’t have been able to afford the best quality wines at today’s prices, so this label intentionally brings delicious wines to the table that everyone can enjoy.
 
This White Blend is a new addition for Harvey & Harriet, comprised of Chardonnay, Albariño, Viognier, and Pinot Grigio. The Chardonnay contributes incredible richness and body, while the other varieties bring complex citrus and orchard fruits and a beautifully aromatic, floral lift. The wine is bright, fresh, and soft-textured, making it a delight to drink.
 
HARVEY & HARRIET
WHITE BLEND 2021
SAN LUIS OBISPO
 
 
 
“The 2021 White Blend, a blend of Albariño, Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Gris, has intense aromas of peach, lemongrass, fresh citrus, honey and flint, opening to new aromatic nuances with each return to the glass. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with perfumed fruit, loaded with juicy acidity, and it finishes with a touch of anchoring texture. It’s a delicious yet serious white with alluring generosity that keeps you coming back for more.”
95 Points
2020 Arbe Garbe White Blend Sonoma County

2020 Arbe Garbe White Blend Sonoma County

with No Comment $30-$40Proprietary WhiteSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

ARBE GARBE

WHITE BLEND 2020
SONOMA COUNTY

2020 Arbe Garbe White Blend Sonoma County
Letizia Pauletto and Enrico Maria Bertoz have reconnected with the roots of their native region of Friuli, Italy, by crafting pure, refined wines from Friulian varieties uncommonly found in the US. Enrico and Letizia worked harvests in Friuli while attending college, polishing their skills and picking up valuable old-world techniques. After arriving in California, Enrico gained additional experience at Sine Qua Non, Joseph Phelps, and Flora Springs, paving the way for his success with this brand.
 
Arbe Garbe is a white blend of Tocai Friulano, a relative of Sauvignon Blanc, of which only around 50 acres are planted in California, Malvasia Bianca, an ancient variety with Greek origins, and Chardonnay. The 2020 release may be the freshest yet with clean, crisp, focused flavors that are unlike any other wine from California and provides a unique and inviting drinking experience.
 
ARBE GARBE
WHITE BLEND 2020
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“The Arbe Garbe 2020 Sonoma County Proprietary White begins with opulent floral notes of honeysuckle, orange blossom, and jasmine, followed by cinnamon apple strudel, quince, ginger, and lemon verbena. The flavors on the palate are a bit riper with golden apple, green pineapple, white peach, nectarine, and a hint of honey. This wine is delightfully refreshing with a medium body, providing roundness and checking all the boxes.”
95 points
2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado

with No Comment $30 and underGrenache BlancKevin VogtSierra FoothillsUSA

SKINNER

GRENACHE BLANC
2020 EL DORADO 

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado
Setting out to epitomize Sierra Foothill wines, Skinner designed their state-of-the-art winery to support chemical-free, small-lot fermentations. They strategically assembled a team of like-minded, talented individuals, including winemaker Adam Smith, former assistant winemaker at Craggy Range in New Zealand, and Domaine Serene in Oregon. Specializing in Rhône varieties, their Grenache Blanc exemplifies their team’s combined experience, environmental awareness, and the full capabilities of their vineyard. 
 
At 1,400 feet elevation, the alluvial soils of Skinner’s vineyard combine with elevation-induced cool temperatures, resulting in fruit with bright acidity and balanced flavors. Their vineyard’s shallow topsoil and decomposed granite cause the vines to struggle for water and nutrients, encouraging flavor intensity. 
 
Combining Concrete, Stainless Steel, and French oak fermentation vessels for increased complexity, Skinner’s winemaking team ferments their Grenache Blanc on the lees, increasing textural richness. At $24, this wine offers substantial value.
 
SKINNER
GRENACHE BLANC
2020 EL DORADO
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
Foothill Wine Festival 2021
Double Gold Medal
Best of Show – White Wine
100 Points
 
“The aromatics on the 2020 Grenache Blanc are punchy and brilliant, as the nose suggests a wine of tremendous posture. The first impression is crushed limestone and white flowers, giving way to underpinnings of blood orange, honeysuckle and sandalwood. This wine’s clean, platinum hue and lithe aromatics only begin to tell the story of its deep, complex palate presence of weight and electric tension; a tight balance of flowers, fruit and dirt, this is a real testament to the transcendence of El Dorado-grown white Rhônes.”
2018 Arrived Proprietary White Paso Robles

2018 Arrived Proprietary White Paso Robles

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary WhiteUSA

ARRIVED

PROPRIETARY WHITE
2018 PASO ROBLES 

2018 Arrived Proprietary White Paso Robles
Chateauneuf-du-Pape white wines are a rare delicacy, often created by combining Grenache Blanc and Clairette Blanche. There are less than 175 total acres of Clairette Blanche planted in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and in California, it’s almost non-existent. Arrived arose from the Dusi Family’s Paper Street Vineyard in Paso Robles and is a near equal blend of both grapes. The wine is mesmeric, offering finely etched details, graceful opulence, and wildly intriguing nuances.
 
Arrived was cut from chalky, limestone-rich white soils that produce vibrant wines with remarkable clarity, intricacy, depth, and balance. The vineyard, located in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, is owned and farmed by the Dusi family. 
 
The whole grape clusters were pressed and fermented in stainless steel before spending just nine months in neutral barrels. The 2019 Arrived has incredible energy and offers various tropical fruits, honeysuckle, and stony minerals. With a total production of 75 cases, don’t wait to secure yours.
 
ARRIVED
PROPRIETARY WHITE
2018 PASO ROBLES
Retails at: $35
 
Your Price: $25
 
 
“Gravenstein apple, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemon zest, asian pear, and a core of minerality that continues to develop in the glass. Lifted, concentrated, showing a bright purity of fruit. Succulent. Balanced. Refreshing.”