2014 J Gregory Extol Proprietary Red

2014 J Gregory Extol Proprietary Red

with No Comment Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

J. GREGORY 2014 J Gregory Extol Proprietary Red

2014 EXTOL
PROPRIETARY RED

 
Do you ever look back at an iconic wineries first release price and kick yourself for not loading up?  Just think, when OPUS ONE released their inaugural 1979 vintage and it was $50, and the most expensive California wine at the time.  Now, 36 successful vintages later and it’s $350/btl and still ranks among the most expensive wines in Napa Valley.  You’re not going to find OPUS ONE at $50 ever again, but we just found the next best thing… J Gregory’s is made by Mark Jessup who was on the original winemaking team at OPUS ONE from 1979 through 1987.  His “Extol” Proprietary Red is his version of OPUS ONE, and at $95 it’s indescribably great. 
 
The 2014 is build around a solid core of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and dressed with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petite Verdot.  The favors are penetrating yet supple, and the wine has a regal presence on the palate that takes you to a happy place. The 2014 spent 22 months developing in french Oak and it envelopes your taste buds in muddled berries, wild mint, and bakers chocolate.  At our price, you might need someone to pinch you to make sure you’re not dreaming of a time when OPUS ONE was around the same.
 
J GREGORY
2014 EXTOL
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $95/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “A prodigious offering that is pure, penetrating and powerful with a delightful center-core of fruit on the palate.  Exceptional concentrations of black cherry, red currant and blackberry, intertwine with tobacco leaf, sage, hints of black pepper and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.The beautifully integrated tannins and perfect balance of red and black fruits carry the concentrations of flavors to an extraordinary finish.  This is a sensationally pure, amazingly balanced wine that has everything I look for in an ultra-premium red.”  96 Points
2014 William Knuttel D Rafanelli Vineyard Mary's Block Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 William Knuttel D. Rafanelli Vineyard Mary’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSA

WILLIAM KNUTTEL 2014 William Knuttel D Rafanelli Vineyard Mary's Block Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
D. RAFANELLI VINEYARD
2014 MARY’S BLOCK

 
When it comes to the most Iconic Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel Vineyards in Sonoma County, the Rafanelli Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is foremost.  Their wines are nearly impossible to acquire and are mailing list and restaurant only… What many people don’t know is that William Knuttel produces two Cabernets from Rafanelli Vineyard, so as you can imagine, we couldn’t wait to try them.  Their 2014 D. Rafanelli Mary’s Block is remarkably stunning, and it’s made in an elegant, long and expansive style that keeps you coming back for more.  At around $40, this makes my list of the best Cabernets in Sonoma County.
 
Proprietor William Knuttel isn’t a stranger to high-quality Sonoma County Cabernet.  He was the Vice President and winemaker at Chalk Hill from 1996 through 2003 and he was also winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyards through 2011.  The Mary’s Block produced minuscule yields of just 1.4 tons per are of intensely flavored, BB sized berries, and the resulting wine spent 19 months in oak.  In this realistic price category, this will compete favorably with the best Cabernets produced in Napa Valley and in fact, it did at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition where it earned a Gold Medal.  You simply need to try it.  8 barrels produced.
 
WILLIAM KNUTTEL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
D. RAFANELLI VINEYARD
2014 MARY’S BLOCK
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
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Winery Notes: “Mary’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon combines black cherry, ripe plum and blackberry fruit, spiced with brooding herbs. Oak and toast highlight and focus the ripe berry and cherry flavors, completely complementing the aromas. Hillside tannins are fully resolved, leading to a full, balanced and supple finish…”
Gold – 2018 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
 
Customers who enjoy William Knuttel Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2014 Humanitas Piscis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Kuleto Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
HUMANITAS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 PISCIS VINEYARD
Retails at: $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “....The nose has a sultry opulence with pungent berry intensity followed by blueberry tart, creme de cassis, hints of bay leaf, liquid mineral and sweetened dark chocolate.  The palate begins with penetrating, focused flavors of crushed blackberries and red currants, followed by secondary characteristics including wet stone, cigar box and vanilla spice.  For this price point, this wine is approaching perfection… I can’t remember having a wine that costs less and drinks better… Simply fabulous!”  97 Points
KULETO
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast: “From the producer’s estate at over 1,000 feet in elevation, this seamlessly textured wine grabs one’s palate from the start and doesn’t let go. Huckleberry and cedar notes meet bay leaf accents and grippy tannins, all enveloped in smoky oak. It finishes with bright, fresh blackberry.”  92 Points
2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

with No Comment $40-$50BaroloBaroloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

FRATELLI ALESSANDRIA 2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

 
Some of the best things in life are emotionally resonating, and that sensation can come from anything that moves us.  A great speech, poem, song, play, picture, and in this case, Fratellia Alessandria Barolo…  At a recent trade tasting at Farmstead in St Helena, this wine moved us more than ANY other wine at the event and if you could only see what it was up against, you’d have already ordered a case.  The wine is stunningly detailed and powerfully expressive.  It bounds from the glass with black cherries, wild plum, pipe tobacco, crushed mint and candied orange peel.  With brilliant evolution and finesse, this remarkable illustration of Barolo has already earned solid reviews from two of the Country’s top critics.  Of course, with the limited number of cases of this gem that make their way into the US, you’ll want to move quickly… 
 
We certainly weren’t the first to discover this gorgeous Barolo… It was originally recognized by King Carlo Alberto in 1843 for having notable quality.  The Fratelli Estate crowns the small hilltop village of Verduno, and the 2014 includes fruit from Riva Rocca, Rocca dell’Olmo, Neirane, Campasso and Bosco vineyards, and it’s truly one of the best 2014 Barolo’s under $100/btl that I’ve tasted.  I strongly recommend securing a case. 
 
FRATELLI ALESSANDRIA
2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
 
Your Price: $47.99/btl 
 
Vinous Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
“Now with a few months in bottle, Alessandria’s 2014 Barolo is a real powerhouse. Smoke, scorched earth, tobacco, menthol, licorice and wild cherry all convey an impression of gravitas, as this potent, muscular Barolo shows off its personality. The 2014 has quite a bit of density and richness at this level. I won’t be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. There is so much going on here.” 
 
91 + Points
“The Fratelli Alessandria 2014 Barolo is a streamlined and elegant wine that imparts delicate tones of wild berry, spice, licorice, rosemary twig and candied orange peel. This is a classic expression and an absolute embodiment of Barolo tradition. The finish is long and silky with lingering tones of smoke and crushed mineral. This wine is very nicely done. It ages slowly in large Slavonian oak casks for three years...” 
 
91 Points
Customers who enjoy Fratelli Alessandria may also enjoy these two stunning Barolos…
 
2014 Rocche Costamagna Barolo
 2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo
ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA
2014 BAROLO 
ROCCHE DELL’ANNUNZIATA
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “This opens with red berry, new leather and eucalyptus aromas. The firmly structured palate offers red cherry, star anise and a hint of white pepper alongside close-grained tannins and bright acidity…”  90 Points
GIACOMO GRIMALDI
2014 BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator:  “Cherry and plum flavors resonate throughout this red, joined by notes of eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and spice. The fruit persists, with a firm grip of tannins as this fades on the finish…”  92 Points
2014 Anantaah Bella's Blend Spring Mountain District

2014 Anantaah Bella’s Blend Spring Mountain District

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

ANANTAAH2014 Anantaah Bella's Blend Spring Mountain District

2014 BELLA’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

 

From a mountainous area where the bottle prices are generally as steep as the terrain, it’s extremely rare to find a Cabernet Blend that drinks as great as this one. It’s no surprise that Anantaah is one of our most requested wines and that’s about to increase exponentially once you taste the 2014…  It’s created in an enchanting style that unwinds with decadent blue fruits, cocoa dusted blackberries, wild plums and complex spices.  The winery produces less than 500 cases annually between all of their wines and there’s never enough of this wine to match demand.

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 2 1/2 years of development in the bottle, this wine is gorgeous right now and has the structure to go another decade. 

 

ANANTAAH 
2014 BELLA’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The nose of this Anantaah Bella’s blend 2014 is rich, elegant and opulent with deep black fruits, crushed blackberries and black plum, followed ripe blueberry, fresh tobacco leaf, crushed rocks, cocoa powder and cigar box.  The palate begins with deeply penetrating, focused flavors of concentrated black cherries, supple black currants and cassis, followed by a hint of sweet vanilla spice.  It is very long on the finish and immensely pleasurable to drink.  94 Points
2014 Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet Sauvingon

2014 Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

INGLENOOK  2014 Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet Sauvingon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 RUTHERFORD

 
If the historic Inglenook Winery was portrayed in a film, it would be filled with rich history, challenges, grand awards, and new beginnings. The winery was founded in 1879, making it the 5th oldest winery in Napa Valley and in the late 1970’s, the property was purchased by iconic film director Francis Ford Coppola.  Francis made pivotal enhancements to the Estate, and took the winemaking to an even higher level when he hired famed winemaking consultant André Tchelistcheff.  By 1990, the Wine Spectator awarded the 1941 Inglenook Cabernet a perfect 100 Point score, naming it one of the Top Wines of the Century and to this day, Inglenook is still catching the eye of critics, and the 2014 has an abundance of stellar reviews.  The wine is produced in a confident, show-stopping style, yet it hasn’t forgotten it’s roots as one of Napa’s most historic Cabernets.  At $65, you’ll want tickets to this show…
 
Cut from Chateau, Cohn, Creek, Small Block, and Walnut Vineyards, this wine is classically Rutherford and embodies the perfect mix of drama, charisma and antiquity.  The main character is Cabernet Sauvignon at 93%, but it’s supported by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot, which add focus and  a soft suppleness to the wine, making it even more irresistible.  Don’t miss this stellar release.
 
INGLENOOK 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 RUTHERFORD
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
Your Price: $65/btl 

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“Soft and round, with an undeniable Old World-like balance, this wine shows dark chocolate, tobacco and tar notes. Its power derives from its complex texture, imbued with a smoky oak essence and clove and graphite accents.”  93 Points
“…a beauty of classicism and balance. Dense purple in color, with notes of crème de cassis, blackberry, cedar wood and forest floor, the wine is full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and pure, with moderate tannins and the potential for 20-25 years of upside”  92 Points
“… pulses with a host of savory and mineral notes that confer notable freshness. Quite representative of the vintage, the Cabernet displays considerable energy and tension, with terrific intensity throughout. Graphite, lavender, mint, smoke and tobacco are all finely knit in a Cabernet that offers quite a bit of potential.” 92-95 Points
Customers who enjoy Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabernets…
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.”
ROBERT CRAIG
2015 AFFINITY 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 

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From James Suckling: “Very pretty stones, oyster shell, blueberries and underbrush character. The palate is very composed with lots of bright, tangy fruit, grainy tannins and a minerally yet at the same time fruit-driven finish. A unique wine. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, malbec and petit verdot. Drink in 2020 even if delicious now.”  94 Points
2014 Amapola Creek Estate Sonoma County Cuvee Alis

2014 Amapola Creek Estate Sonoma County Cuvee Alis

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaUncategorizedUSA

AMAPOLA CREEK 2014 Amapola Creek Estate Sonoma County Cuvee Alis

2014 CUVEE ALIS
ESTATE, SONOMA COUNTY

 
If a deeply compelling, complex red from a site that neighbors the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma County doesn’t pique your interest, how about getting the same wine at a special price?  Add to that a 92 Point Score from Robert Parker and it being produced by legendary winemaker Dick Arrowood, and your taste buds might already be salivating to try it… Beautifully elegant and remarkably individualistic, this wine simply pops on your palate with an explosion of flavors that linger on and on.  The grapes were sourced from the Amapola Creek Estate Vineyard which I mentioned above borders the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard, made famous by Ridge in the 1960’s…  It was expertly authored by renowned winemaker Dick Arrowood who rocketed to fame crafting some of Sonoma’s most notable wines, including Chateau St. Jean from 1974 through 1990.
 
Created from a collection of various vineyard blocks, diversity is what truly sets this wine apart. After resting for 18 months in French oak barrels, this wine is made in an approachable style that will immediately bring a smile to your face… At the winery price of $48/btl, this wine will take you to that happy place, but with our special offer you may want to clear some serious room in the cellar.  This is the perfect Red Blend to share at Spring and Summer barbecues. 
 
AMAPOLA CREEK
2014 CUVEE ALIS
ESTATE, SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Blended of 69% Grenache, 9% Syrah and 22% Mourvedre, the 2014 Cuvee Alis Estate Vineyard has a medium garnet color and a beautifully spicy nose of Chinese five spice and Sichuan pepper with a good core of cherry preserves, blueberries and dried plums, plus a waft of Provence herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is led by spice box and savory notes with velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great persistence.” 92 Points
2014 Liparita V Block Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Liparita V Block Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

LIPARITA  2014 Liparita V Block Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon

 

2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
V BLOCK, YOUNTVILLE

 
With the ever-growing number of new wineries in Napa Valley, sometimes it pays to re-discover a historic Estate.  Liparita, originally named Liparita – La Jota is absolutely one of the oldest wine Estates in Napa Valley, with the original property on Howell Mountain dating back to 1880.  In 1900 their claret earned a gold medal in Paris and another in Saint Louis in 1904.  Like many other Napa Valley wineries, Liparita vanished with Prohibition and remained a ghost winery that didn’t re-open until the late 1980’s.  Now, nearly 140 years after their inception, Liparita is producing stunning, classically-styled Cabernet Sauvignons and you really ought to try this one.  
 
Conjured from a single block that’s ideally located in a benchlands vineyard in Napa Valley’s iconic Yountville AVA, the 2014 erupts from the glass with intense blackberry, red plum, pipe tobacco and dark chocolate.  Kept for 21 months in oak barrels, the 2014 is made in a deep, supple style that opens up beautifully in the glass.  This one is going to fly… 
 
LIPARITA 
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
V BLOCK, YOUNTVILLE
Retails at: $65.00/btl
 
 
From James Suckling: “Attractive spice, walnut, earth and currant character follows through to a medium body, fresh acidity and a tangy, complex aftertaste. Fun, traditional-styled cab. Drink now or hold.” 91 Points
2014 Cabaud Benedictions Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Cabaud Benedictions Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUncategorizedUSA

CABAUD 2014 Cabaud Benedictions Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

 
In the California wine world, the name Beckstoffer rings synonymous with quality, and the best Beckstoffer sites are the six Heritage Vineyards: To-Kalon; Missouri Hopper; Dr. Crane; George III; Las Piedras; and Bourn. Each historic site is capable of producing world-class fruit, generating many of the highest rated, most sought after wines in Napa Valley.  Cabaud’s 2014 Benedictions is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville. Centered just North of the town of Yountville on the Southern end of Oakville, you might recognize this name from single-vineyard Cabernets produced by Alpha Omega, Purlieu, B. Cellars among others, but what you probably won’t see is finding a wine from this vineyard at under $100/btl… The average is more likely North of $175 per bottle and Cabaud is simply one of the best.
 
Finding new wines made by top producers that are somewhat unheard of, pays off big at times… Cabaud’s winemaker is Luc Morlet, whom many of you many know from his work at Peter Michael or from his own label Morlet which is raking in 100 point scores…  I would estimate Morlet’s Cabs to range from $165 to around $300/btl and at $150 Cabaud is a fantastic wine… I cannot put into words how incredible this wine is. Wines of this caliber, at this price never last long… I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
CABAUD
2014 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully deep ruby color immediately captures your imagination of what is about to unfold… A quick swirl and sniff reveals a nose of red currants, black plum skin, wet stone, hints of English rose petals and sweet vanilla oak. Then at first sip, layers of lush red plums, dried blueberries, wild mountain blackberries combine with hints of green tea and tobacco leaf. The supple, seamless elegance and lively freshness of the red and black fruits combine with the fine-grained tannins and a beautifully balanced center core, telegraphing more than a decade of cellar life. The finish is long and powerful, yet refined and focused as well. This one will be a delight to drink for many, many years.”  96 Points
2014 Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

CHARLES HEINTZ 2014 Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 CHARDONNAY
SEARBY VINEYARD

 
In a conversation about Russian River Valley’s most renowned vineyards, the name Charles Henitz never goes without mention.  Many recognize Heintz Vineyard from luminaries like Williams Selyem, DuMOL and Pierson Meyer that have all purchased their revered grapes.  Charles Heintz also produces a small amount of wine under their own label and under the guidance of Hugh Chappelle, former winemaker at Flowers and Lynmar to name a few… Their 2014 Chardonnay sourced from the Searby Vineyard bears striking balance, precision, detail, and exceptionally delicious complexity.  This wine makes absolutely no excuses at it’s $48 retail price… At $39.99, it’s one of the greatest Chardonnays that I’ve tasted in a long time.
 
Brought to life from the Searby Vineyard which you might recognize from Kosta Browne, Nickel & Nickel and Duckhorn Migration who have all made Chardonnays from this remarkable hillside vineyard.  This Chardonnay screams cool-climate, impeccably well-made Russian River Valley Chardonnay with penetrating flavors of lemon meringue, Bosc pear, tropical fruits and butterscotch. It’s perfectly balanced and leaves your taste buds yearning for another sip.
 
CHARLES HEINTZ
2014 CHARDONNAY
SEARBY VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Winery notes: “Intense stone fruit and tropical fruit aroma are prominent; followed by subtle ripe apple, orange blossom, white flower stoniness.  The aromatics continue on the palate with complex notes of pastry and candied citrus.  Acidity is brisk and racy, with a refreshing juiciness.  A good match with boldly flavored international cuisines, this wine will show best from late 2018 through 2023.“
 
Customers who enjoy Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding wines…
2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 Charles Heintz Swan Selection Pinot Noir
BLACK CORDON
2014 CHARDONNAY
LAGUNA ROAD VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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(use code bc40)
 
Tasting Notes: “Rich, decadent and inviting, the 2014  Black Cordon Laguna Road Chardonnay is bursting with Meyer Lemond, almond shavings, tangerine and honeyed apple.  Wildflowers, nutmeg and orange rind add to it’s deep complexity.  On the palate the wine is sensual and balanced with terrific weight and structure”  93 Cases Produced 
CHARLES HEINTZ
2015 PINOT NOIR
SWAN SELECTION
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Shows deep, dark and inviting appearance and the concentration of the vintage.  Abundant fresh red fruit aromatics including bing cherry, blackberry, black raspberry and ripe Santa Rosa plum.  Subtle notes of Asian spice, cardamom, coriander and subtle clove show underneath the fruit-driven nose.  The texture is expansive and young with youthful tannins.  Consistently our longest-lived Pinot Noir, we expect the 2015 vintage to age beautifully through 2023-2025 with ideal storage conditions.”
2014 Chateau de Haute-Serre Malbec

2014 Château De Haute-Serre Malbec

with No Comment $30 and underCahorsFranceKevin VogtMalbec

CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE 2014 Chateau de Haute-Serre Malbec

2014 MALBEC
CAHORS, FRANCE

 
Did you know the Malbec grape originates in France, and thrives in the Cahors region in the South of France, but today, around 70% of the Malbec planted worldwide is in Argentina… However, Château de Haute-Serre’s Vineyards in Cahors, France date back to middle ages… In 2009, Haute-Serre got a little help from the Master of Malbec Paul Hobbs, who’s been pushing the boundaries of Malbec on multiple continents for decades.  With Paul  as consulting winemaker, their 2010 went on to earn a place on the Spectator Top 100.  Most are familiar with the style of Argentine Malbecs, which are known for their fruit-forward, plummy/blackberry and velvety texture. For those looking for a more densely packed, concentrated Malbec with savory undertones, firm tannins and meaty character, Old-World Malbec from Cahors may be just what they’re looking for. 
 
Malbec is a thick-skinned grape that needs more sun than Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to mature and Château de Haute-Serre’s parcel has excellent Southwest and Southeast exposure allowing the grapes to reach optimum maturity.  They’ve been making news long before earning a spot on the WS Top 100 list…  Back in 1889 their Malbec was honored by being placed on a Gala menu in line with the famous Château Margaux and Pommard wines.  I strongly recommend trying a case… you’ll be really glad you did.  
 
CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE
2014 MALBEC
CAHORS, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $25/btl 
 
 

  
 
“On some of the highest vineyards in Cahors, this estate has a history reaching back to the Middle Ages. This latest vintage from this major estate has a firm structure and cool texture. Allied to acidity and dark tannins, the rich black fruits are going to need time to mature. Drink from 2020.” 90 Points

 
 “A concentrated red, building ripe cherry, plum pudding and licorice drop flavors that are detailed with floral, cocoa powder and raspberry accents. Fresh acidity and mineral elements give focus through the orange peel-tinged finish. Drink now through 2022...” 90 Points

 

 

Customers who enjoy Chateau De Haute-Serre Malbec may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
RICCITELLIhttp://bit.ly/2014RiccitelliMalbec
2014 MALBEC
THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL 
FAR FROM THE TREE
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Deep purple in color, with beautiful aromas of wild dark fruits, vanilla and chocolate in the nose. This is a complex and rich vine with smooth ripe tannins and a long finish…”  95 Points, Decanter
CATENA
2014 CABERNET FRANC
SAN CARLOS
APPELLATION SERIES
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $22.99/btl 

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From Vinous: “Enticing aromatic lift to the aromas of purple fruits, violet and brown spices. Suaver than the Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, offering exhilarating cut and penetration and an ideal balance between sweetness and suppleness of fruit and acidity. Savory, plush and ripe for all its energy…”  91 Points