What makes the Carménère grape special? We hear a lot about the five red Bordeaux Varietals, but some people don’t know there’s actually a sixth. Carménère comes from the Medoc region of Bordeaux where it has been known for producing deep, powerful red wines. It’s thought to be a member of the Cabernet Sauvignon family and now rarely found in France, Carménère found it’s place in Chile where it reigns king. Interestingly, Chilean growers inadvertently preserved the grape during the last 150 years, mistaking it for Merlot. Carménère at it’s best produces wines that are as vivid as they are deep, with penetrating, focused flavors that unwind methodically across your palate and exhibit tremendous power and structure. A clear-cut example is the 99 Point Montes Purple Angel Carménère.
Ever since Carménère was found throughout Medoc, it was often complimented with Petit Verdot. Petit Verdot softens the edges and bridles the intense power and depth with a velvety, voluptuous embrace. Montes recognized that and added 8% Petit Verdot to their 2015 Purple Angel and after silently developing for 18 months in barrel, the 2015 is stunningly brilliant. With the 99 Point score this vintage, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours…
MONTES
PURPLE ANGEL
2015 CARMENERE
APALTA VINEYARD, CHILE
Retails at: $90.00/btl
Your Price: $64.99/btl
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From James Suckling: “This is perhaps the greatest Purple Angel ever. Full body, tight and compressed with an amazing texture and density. Fantastic fine tannins that are silky and polished. I love the energy and intensity. A blend of 92% carmenere and 8% petit verdot. One for the cellar but I can’t wait to drink it again.” 99 Points
Customers who enjoy Montes Purple Angel may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT
I’m often asked what’s the best Cab under $20. I can honestly say that I haven’t found one that I like better than this Katherine Goldschmidt at this price point. The wine also earned an incredible 94 Point score in the January issue of Tasting Panel Magazine and at $19.99/btl, there’s simply nothing like it. Great wines never last long, especially when they’re drinking as well as this one is right now. The winery has already released the 2016, but we couldn’t say goodbye to this one yet… It comes from a single vineyard which for years went to Simi for their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($75)… At just $19.99/btl, Katherine Goldschmidt’s Crazy Creek Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly expresses just how inspiring Cabernet Sauvignon can be from Alexander Valley.
Ramping everything up a notch or two in terms of sheer power and concentration, the 2015 Crazy Creek releases a dense core and remarkable palate presence, unlike anything I’ve tasted at this price. It saturates your palate in an abundance of chocolate covered cherries, crushed blackberries, roasted coffee and black currants, and just like the previous two vintages, this beauty out-performs most Cabernets at double its price…
KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT
2015 CRAZY CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY
Retails at: $24.00/btl
Your Price: $19.99/btl
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From The Tasting Panel: “Named for Goldschmidt’s middle daughter, the wine’s grapes hail from Crazy Creek, a vineyard known to produce some iconic wines. Big, bright, blue fruit notes on the nose are meaty, with a chocolate espresso twist and dry tannins showing on the palate. It’s a little masterpiece with a dark chocolate finish that way over delivers on price-to-quality.” 94 Points
Customers that would enjoy Katherine Goldschmidt’s Crazy Creek Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2015 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
GOLDENEYE
2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Duckhorn Wine Company has always had an eye for discovering premium vineyard sites. Just look at Three Palms Vineyard in Calistoga or their recent purchase of Calera Vineyards on Mount Harlan. In 1996 Dan Duckhorn recognized the potential for world-class Pinot Noir in California’s Anderson Valley AVA. Perfectly positioned near the Pacific Ocean and with a wide diurnal temperature variation, spanning 40-50 degrees, Duckhorn seized the opportunity to create a Pinot Noir that would stand on its own as one of California’s finest. They now produce a handful of Pinots under the Goldeneye label, and with the top level ranging $80-$125, their Anderson Valley Pinot at $45/btl is delightful.
Combining fruit from both warm and cool portions of the Valley, the tension created from the contrast of styles and flavors gives this Pinot a classic portrayal of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. Housed for 10 months in oak, the 2015 is rich, wonderfully textured and bursts from the glass with soaring dark fruits, forest floor, Columbian coffee and holiday spices. I’ve enjoyed Goldeneye for years and the 2015 ranks among my favorite vintages of this revered Anderson Valley Pinot.
GOLDENEYE
2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at: $58/btl
Your Price: $45/btl
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From Wine Enthusiast, “This is a full-bodied, ripe and mouthfilling wine that offers generous black-plum and black-cherry flavors, a smooth texture and a lingering finish. The aroma is nicely spiced in new oak accents that meld well with the black fruits on the palate.” 91 Points
Customers that enjoy Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay
CHATEAU MONTELENA
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
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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…
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RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at: $48.00/btl
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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
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FAILLA
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Your Price: $34.99/btl
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.
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2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
In a conversation about the most recognizable blends in the world, it’s rare for the composition of varietals to come up. These wines are branded solely on taste and the location of the grapes. The components that make up the wine are eclipsed by the overall flavors and style. Before we tell you what’s in Westwood’s Legend, we should tell you who’s behind it. The legend was made by Ben Cane who spent 6 years on the winemaking team at Twomey, and David Ramey, one of California’s most legendary winemakers, who helped put many iconic wineries get on the map including Dominus, Rudd Estate and Jericho Canyon… The feeling that I had when tasting this wine was one of euphoria and sheer contentment. When I found out I could offer this wine to you I jumped at the chance.
This legend arose from the bio-dynamically farmed Annadel Gap Estate Vineyard located between Mt Hood and Sonoma Mountain. The area is heavily influenced by morning fog and high-winds, and the variety of soil types lend to the wines vast complexity. The flavors are intriguing and balanced and introduce themselves in a silky and enchanting style that make this wine as unique as it is delicious. It’s already earned 95 points from Tasting Panel Magazine, don’t hesitate to secure your case.
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $44.00/btl
From Tasting Panel: “This proprietary red blend (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) is sourced [mostly from] the estate vineyard, situated between Mt. Hood and the Sonoma Mountains. The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.” 95 Points
Customers that enjoy Westwood’s Legend may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
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HORSE & PLOW
2014 GRENACHE
BLOCKHOUSE VINEYARD
Retails at: $34.00/btl
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Horse & Plow’s single vineyard Grenache is from Yountville, just a stone’s throw from our shop, and it completely rocked my world when I tasted it. This beautifully proportioned and profoundly pleasing red should be the wikipedia reference for California Grenache. With a round, velvet lined core, the 2014 envelopes your palate in a bumper crop of plump, juicy flavors with red plum, wild berries, mineral, cocoa and subtle spice.
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SANS LIEGE
2015 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Your Price: $29/btl
Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love. A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more. |
2015 Cru9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
CRU9
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2015 NAPA VALLEY
When we first introduced CRU9’s 2014 Cabernet, everybody that tried it couldn’t stop talking about how great it was for the price. All I can say about the 2015 is that you may want to keep your lips sealed on our little secret here… It’s even better than the 2014 and with a complete production of just 4 barrels or 100 cases, be sure to secure yours before the word gets out… The 2015 bears a powerful yet inviting voice and cascades across the palate with stunning clarity. At the winery retail of $60/btl I’m all in… At $39.99/btl, we bought every bottle that we could… If you choose to place your order on our website, you will need code cru920 to unlock this low price.
Carved from a secret vineyard sources in Oakville, St. Helena and Rutherford, the 2015 exhibits all the best traits of the vintage. On the palate, waves of concentrated black cherry, velvety cassis, espresso roast and chocolate raspberry mousse circulate and add new dimensions as the wine opens up. Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Ruby’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA (read more). Every time you buy a bottle of CRU9, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
CRU9
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $60.00/btl
Tasting Notes: “Cru 9 Stop Talking Cabernet 2015 has a deep purple color offering a penetrating nose of crushed blackberries, bing cherry, deep black currants scorched minerally earth and hints of cinnamon spice box. A stunning example that is penetrating and focused with a taught, broad shouldered structure and linear style, balanced with concentrated red and black fruits and dusty tannins that cut a swath across your palate and lingers on and on. Drink now through 2028.”
95 Points Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
Customers that enjoy Cru9’s Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Cru9…
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CRU 9
2015 PINOT NOIR
SEE YOU IN YOUR DREAMS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $48.00/btl
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Tasting Notes: “A sweetly perfumed Pinot Noir with a compellingly sultry nose of dried violets, ripe raspberries, tart red cherries, spiced cola beans and dried green tea. On the palate, it is supple and lush with crushed blueberries, tart cranberry, candied lime peel and an exceptionally long finish that lasts for over a minute. An exceptional effort that drinks great now, but will age gracefully for years… Drink now through 2024.” 94+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
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CRU9
2016 CHARDONNAY
As Ever…
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom, citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years…” 93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
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2015 Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir
ETUDE
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRACE BENOIST RANCH

With around two hundred 90+ point scores under their belt, Etude is the reigning King of the Carneros AVA. Founded in 1982 by wine country icon Tony Soter, I can’t think of any other Carneros winery that defines the AVA as well as Etude, and now nearly four decades later they remain a paragon. With all of the hallmarks that make the Carneros AVA so wondrous, you can almost smell the fog from the San Pablo Bay in their 2015 Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot. Classic Carneros down to the core and at $39.99/btl it will put a smile on your face…
Tucked along the Northwest corner of Carneros, Etude’s Grace Benoist Ranch benefits from a strong maritime influence and rocky, volcanic soils, making it ideally suited for Pinot Noir. A correlation of the best grapes from individual vineyard blocks on Grace Benoist Ranch, this wine always tells the story of a particular vintage from a very unique place. The 2015 is such a good story that you won’t be able to put it down until the last page has turned.
ETUDE
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRACE BENOIST RANCH
Retails at: $47.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 14%
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“… the 2015 Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch has a savory, sautéed herbs-laced nose over a core of red currants, cranberries and Bing cherries plus hints of dusty earth and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with savory/earthy flavors, framed by chewy tannins and finishing with a lot of interesting layers.” 92 Points
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“... a deeply colored effort that has medium-bodied notes of red currants, cherries, campfire and forest floor. It has plenty of texture and a charming, rounded, delicious style ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.” 91 points |
Customers that enjoy Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
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2015 Domain Tortochot Morey-Saint-Denis Red Burgandy
DOMAINE TORTOCHOT
MOREY-SAINT-DENIS
2015 RED BURGUNDY
Jacques Devauges of Clos de Tart, says, “To make bad wine in 2015, one must wake up and say to yourself, ‘I will make bad wine’.”
What’s all the buzz about? Vintages like 2015 are as rare as they are extraordinary, and after a mild winter and Spring rains, the vines flowered early allowing the grapes near perfect conditions to develop profound flavors. At Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, not a single grape was de-stemmed and there was virtually no sorting needed. The region of Cote du Nuits produced many profound wines, earning an overall vintage rating of 98 Points from the Wine Spectator.
Domaine Tortochot’s 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis Red Burgundy romanced our palates seductive red fruits and sensual charm, opening up to baked raspberries, holiday spices, fresh unsweetened cherry cake and sappy minerality. Embodying all of the hallmark characteristics that lure me in to Morey-Saint-Denis, Tortochot’s 2015 is round and alive with enthusiastic red fruits, breadth and energy. With very few cases of this wine available in the US, here’s a chance to own a stunning 2015 Burgundy at a price that will make you smile.
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis from Domaine Tortochot was matured in toasty French oak and has an elegant, fresh, yet minerally bouquet with wild forest mushrooms and white flower scents swirling through the red and black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with subtle tannins, supple blackberry and delicate raspberry fruit. It then finishes with a very pretty touch of cola and hints of sweet vanilla during the very satisfying, complex finish.”
Customers that enjoy Domaine Tortochot Morey-Saint-Denis, may also enjoy these two terrific wines..
2015 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
CUVEE ALYCE
When Walter Hansel Winery comes up in a conversation, it’s easy to reminisce about how they’re a model of consistency, and how their wines continually outshine the vast majority in their category. Then comes the reviews, and they’re second to none. Robert Parker writes that they’re “… consistently terrific wines… realistically priced… consumers couldn’t have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel.” When your brand sets a standard of undeviating quality and exceptionally high scores, it can be tough to stand out among your own vast accomplishments. Walter Hansel has done just that with their flagship Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay…
Alyce is named after Stephen’s mother and makes her entrance from an elevated section of the vineyard that’s planted to a mix of Kistler clones brought over from Hudson and Hyde Vineyards. Having yields of just 2 tons per acre Alyce always has remarkable power and intensity. It’s also kept for around 3-4 months longer on the lees and is regarded for being the biggest and most opulent of all of the single vineyard Chardonnays. With that, it also sells out the quickest… Here’s a chance to secure yours.
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
CUVEE ALYCE
Your Price: $36/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce (named after his mother ) is produced from a field blend of Hyde and Hudson Wente selections. This is a big Chardonnay made from tiny berries. Orange marmalade, tangerine oil, honeysuckle and citrus are all present in this beautifully textured, full-bodied Chardonnay that shows little evidence of oak. It should drink well for at least a decade.” 93-95 Points
Customers who enjoy Walter Hansel’s Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay may also enjoy these two stunning Walter Hansel Releases…
2015 Witchery Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
WITCHERY
2015 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an elite Cabernet producer in Napa Valley? Topping the list are: a vineyard location capable of producing world-class fruit; an experienced and exceptionally gifted winemaker; then a proprietor that has a laser-like focus targeted to his goals without ever sacrificing quality. The last piece of the puzzle is beautiful packaging and an intriguing name that matches what’s in the bottle… Witchery checks off every box on this list with their Oakville fruit sourced from a vineyard that sits directly South of Opus One.
Winemaker Grant Long Jr, whose growing list of accomplishments is absolutely undeniable, and is a valuable piece to this puzzle. In 2015, Witchery’s proprietors steadfast focus led them to scale back production by nearly two thirds, focusing on their top vineyards. And the packaging, I think it speaks for itself.
Witchery’s 2015 Oakville Reserve flaunts a vivid perfume, accented by majestic levels of blackberry fruit, intertwined with white chocolate, crushed rock, violets and black coffee. This brooding charm was imprisoned for nearly two years in 100% new French oak barrels. With a mere 6 barrels produced, add some of this remarkable wine to your cellar right away.
WITCHERY
2015 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $110/btl
Your Price: $89/btl
YOU SAVE 19%
Tasting Notes: “An intoxicating perfume of majestic dark fruits, white chocolate and cassis escape from the glass. The 2015 has a deep, concentrated core that opens up with layers of chocolate covered blueberry, cassis, roasted espresso, and subtle sage. The voluptuous mouthfeel is supported by fine grain tannins, gently woven throughout and the long pleasurable finish…”
Customers who enjoy Witchery’s Oakville Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning wines…






























