2016 Cru⁹ ‘Stop Talking’ Napa Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

CRU⁹

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2016 NAPA VALLEY

 
When we first introduced Cru9’s Cabernet last year, we knew that once ANYBODY tasted it that they wouldn’t be able to stop talking about how great it is at this price.  The conversation on the 2016 would be highlighted by a compact core of dense blackberry, velvety cassis, cocoa dusted raspberries and crushed granite. And with great volume, and an even more powerful voice than earlier vintages, the 2016 is confident and authoritative, yet finely detailed and effortlessly balanced. Of course, you may want to whisper since there were only 11 barrels produced… At this price it’s simply one of the best Cabernets in the shop.
 
Resonating from a secret vineyard sources in Oakville, St. Helena and Rutherford, the 2016 exhibits all the best traits of the vintage.  On the palate, waves of concentrated blackberry, sandalwood, black currants, white flowers and earthy minerals 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…
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Cru 9 Stop Talking Cabernet 2016 has an intense purple color offering a powerful nose of ripe blackberries, black cherry, dried currants, crushed rocks, cigar box and hints of cinnamon.  On the palate, it is intensely penetrating and focused with concentrated wild mountain blackberries, cassis and velvety tannins. It finishes in a linear style that’s so focused and penetrating, it brings an immediate smile to your face and is exceptionally satisfying.  In a world where hundred plus dollar Napa Cabs are the norm, this is the ultimate ‘Bang for your Buck’ wine. Superb! Drink now through 2029.” 97 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Silver Ghost Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Silver Ghost Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

SILVER GHOST  2016 Silver Ghost Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY

 
From a part of the world where Cabernet Sauvignon grapes average around $8,000 per ton, the list of producers that can create a quality wine at a relative value is getting more and more rare. Silver Ghost’s proprietor is well connected with handful of secret vineyard sources in Rutherford, Calistoga and Yountville which allows him to produce a killer Napa Valley Cabernet at under forty per bottle… Without divulging specifics on the vineyard names or locations, Proprietor Weston Eidson is able to offer this wine at a lower price than the quality in the bottle suggests, and once you taste it, it’ll tell you everything you need to know.
 
The 2016 showcases the diversity of each vineyard, with each adding its own unique character and complexity to the final blend.  Cellared for around 22 months in French oak barrels, the 2016 is not only rich and concentrated, but it’s supple and smooth offering an array of crushed black fruits, chocolate covered cherries, cassis and roasted espresso.  Those of you who’ve tasted Weston’s earlier vintages of Silver Ghost already know… If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend grabbing some before it vaporizes.
 
SILVER GHOST
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $35/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Silver Ghost is a rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from some of the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley. The wine is deep in color with aromas of black cherry, blueberry and cassis leaping from the glass. On the palate Silver Ghost reveals layers of red and black fruit intermingled with mocha, toast and savory spice. A sumptuous texture rounds out the long finish.” 93 Points – Tasting Panel Magazine
 
Customers who enjoy Silver Ghost Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning value Cabs… 
2016 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Humanitas Piscis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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With origins in Yountville, Coombsville and Oakville, the 2016 was housed in oak barrels for 22 months.  In the glass the 2016 is incredibly hedonistic, with layers of rich and supple dark berries that are intermixed with black coffee, bay leaf, pipe tobacco and dark chocolate.  The finish is long and expansive and makes it impossible to resist diving in for another sip… another glass and another.
HUMANITAS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 PISCIS VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 
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...” 97 Points
2016 Heir Apparent Cellar Selection Oakville Red Wine

2016 Heir Apparent Cellar Selection Oakville Red

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUncategorizedUSA

HEIR APPARENT 2016 Heir Apparent Cellar Selection Oakville Red Wine

2016 OAKVILLE RED
CELLAR SELECTION

 
I love watching a brand that we’ve featured early on gain momentum, as well as earn the really high scores that they deserve… If you read Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate you’ve likely already taken notice of Heir Apparent/Grand Napa’s 2016’s, which earned monster scores including 95 Points on their Rutherford Blend.  The Oakville Red is my favorite, and although unrated, we’ve experienced an expanding flow of re-orders since we first wrote about it in December.  The level of value at this price-point is unlike anything else that I’ve tasted in Oakville.  Some of the greatest wines produced in Napa Valley have Oakville origins, and the average price per bottle is likely higher than any other AVA in the Valley.  It’s rare to find an Oakville wine at this price, the value is unmatched.
 
Heir Apparent’s 2016 Oakville Red seduces your senses with intense aromas of dark berries, exotic florals, minerals and hints of graphite.  Calling on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot all sourced exclusively from Oakville, the 2016 Cellar Selection offers stunning levels of pleasure, and should drink well over the next 12-15 years.  I highly recommend locking up a case… You’ll be glad you did.
 
HEIR APPARENT
2016 OAKVILLE RED
CELLAR SELECTION
Retails at:  $110/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “Coming from the prestigious Oakville appellation, this carefully selected of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Merlot shows firm tannins, a compact structure along with hits of black cherry, currant, plum and dark toast.“

2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

MARTINELLI

2016 CHARDONNAY
BELLA VIGNA

 
The latest releases from Martinelli are so stunning, that Julianna Martinelli came to our tasting room to personally show us how incredible they are, and they quite honestly might be the best they ever produced.  A perfect example is the 2016 Bella Vigna Chardonnay. It is so powerfully rich and yet delicately balanced that words alone can’t describe it. The core of the 2016 comes from the iconic Zio Tony Ranch Vineyard and was brightened with fruit from Martinelli Road.  On the palate, the wine has regal opulence matched with majestic balance, and displays focused flavors spanning from lemon meringue pie and lemon blossoms to honeyed pineapple.  At this price, the level of quality/value may just crush everything you thought possible at this price and by the time it’s hits your palate, you’ll wish you had ordered more…
 
The 2016 was brought to life by winemakers Courtney Wagoner and Erin Green. Erin worked alongside Helen Turley in the early ’90’s on some of her projects, including at Bryant Family & Martinelli and also was director of winemaking at Pahlmeyer.  There’s simply never enough of their Chardonnay to meet demand, and based on the quality of the 2016, really high scores aren’t far behind.
 
MARTINELLI
2016 CHARDONNAY
BELLA VIGNA
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2016 Bella Vigna Chardonnay has notes of lemon, hazelnut, and golden apple on the nose. A bright lemon zest entry gives way to a rich middle and citrus finish.”
 
Customers who enjoy Martinelli Bella Vigna Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2014 Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Vineyard Chardonnay
CHARLES HEINTZ
2014 CHARDONNAY
SEARBY VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your price: $39.99/btl 
 
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.
BLACK CORDON
2014 CHARDONNAY
LAGUNA ROAD VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 
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 
2016 Sonnet Tondre's Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2016 Sonnet Tondre’s Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsSonomaUSA

SONNET 2016 Sonnet Tondre's Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
TONDRE’S GRAPEFIELD
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

 
Looking back at the most loved Pinot Noirs I’ve featured over the years, there’s one from the Santa Lucia Highlands that rises above the rest.  Sonnet’s Tondre’s Grapefield Pinot Noir comes from an incredible site that neighbors the iconic Garys’ Vineyard.  And it’s appropriately named, with a perfume so muse-worthy that it makes it easy to wax poetic about.  One twirl of the glass unleashes a burst of red cherries woven throughout with wild rose petals, fresh violets and spices.  On the palate the wine is plush and satiny with perfect balance, and after tasting the 2016, you’ll want to get yours before the reviews… Trust me on this one.  
 
Santa Lucia Highlands is well-known for producing Pinot Noirs with great depth, often showing cherry-berry pie and exotic spices.  The topography and proximity to the Pacific Ocean allows for a long hang time, and in many areas, the fruit is able to reach optimum maturity, resulting in profound flavors.  This could be the poster-child for classic Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot and at $40/btl it’s absolutely one of the best in the shop.   I highly recommend picking up a case, while supplies last… you can (and will) thank me later. 
 
SONNET
2016 PINOT NOIR
TONDRE’S GRAPEFIELD
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 11%
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 vintage pinot noir shows an array of cherry fruit, red berries, nutmeg, and that recognizable Santa Lucia Highlands AVA spiciness, that resembles dried herbs, potpourri and briar patch. The palate is soft and plush with balanced acidity and moderate tannin.”
 
Customers that enjoy Sonnet Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2013 Fort Ross FRV Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 Matias Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir
FORT ROSS
2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
From Jeb Dunnuck: “The  2013 Pinot Noir FRV Fort Ross  Vineyard sports a ruby color as well as an open knit, ready-to-go bouquet of dried cherries, tobacco, menthol, and dried herbs. It’s pretty, medium-bodied, rounded, and supple, with an evolved style ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.” 90 Points
MATIAS 
2015 PINOT NOIR
ROSELLA’S VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Rose petals, cranberry and dust show on the nose of this bottling, which grows more intense on the nose as it sits open, offering riper fruit. Dried sagebrush and baked earth flavors show on the sip as the red fruit and floral components arise with grace.”  93 Points

2016 Juslyn Second Daughter Spring Mountain Estate Proprietary Red

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

JUSLYN  

SECOND DAUGHTER
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
SPRING MOUNTAIN ESTATE

 
There are lots of limited release wines that the majority of wine lovers will never hear about…  Juslyn’s 4 barrel production of their Second Daughter Proprietary Red is a perfect example.  Juslyn is one of the top wineries in the valley, and if you follow Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, you’ve likely taken notice.  They’re making high 90’s scores look easy… Their high-elevation Estate vineyard on Spring Mountain produces stunning fruit, and now consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi is taking their winemaking to an even higher level.  Angelina worked alongside Jayson Woodbridge at Hundred Acre, producing stunning wines.  The 2016 Second Daughter is a ridiculously great value at it’s $65 retail price…. You may want to skip down to the order link and grab as much as you can… 
 
Combining 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, the 2016 Second Daughter conveys all of the noble traits that make Spring Mountain so desired, with a dense core of fruit, savory spices, chocolate mint and sweet mulberries.  The wine was kept in barrel for 24 months and the 2016 vintage is absolute gorgeous right now and promises another 10-12 years of enjoyment.  Just don’t wait too long to secure your case…  
 
JUSLYN 
SECOND DAUGHTER
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
SPRING MOUNTAIN ESTATE
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “Our first release of our Second Daughter. The wine is inspired by the chosen family and close ties between Perry, CJ and Stephanie, their “Second Daughter”. The unit has worked together since 2003, professionally and personally through countless ups and downs that only true family can survive. In 2010 each inked an inspiring Thai-scripted tattoo on their left forearm, meaning “Eternal Love”. Our Second Daughter is dedicated to the Juslyn family near and far, you always have our Eternal Love“

2016 Vin Perdu Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $70-$80Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VIN PERDU

PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY

 
Exceptional quality in the bottle is always paramount, but there’s something extra great about a wine that exceeds expectations in terms of quality and has really cool packaging to back it up.  Heidi Barrett is not only innovative in her winemaking, but she also has some of the most creative packaging too. Vin Perdu is a great example and the label actually animates as you view it from different angles, which adds another element to the drama that ensues before tasting any Heidi Barrett made wine.  The 2016 is impressively deep and layered with lavish dark berries, sweet oak, spices and mocha.  It’s already earned 94 points from Vinous and you might want to grab a case of it before this hologram disappears…
 
Arising from Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, La Sirena,  Fantesca and Barrett & Barrett vineyards, the 2016 checks in at 75% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.  As one of Napa Valley’s most talented winemakers, some of Heidi’s past and present clients includes Amuse Bouche, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur and Barbour.  I strongly recommend  a case of this absolutely stunning Heidi Barrett made wine…
 
VIN PERDU
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $95/btl
 
 
From Vinous: “The 2016 Vin Perdu is absolutely gorgeous. In 2016, Vin Perdu is once again based on a core of Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, ample and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2016 has a lot to recommend it. Mocha, plum, bittersweet chocolate, leather and spice meld together in a super-expressive, resonant wine from John Schwartz and Heidi Barrett. The Vin Perdu is technically the second wine of Amuse Bouche, but in many vintages I prefer it. It is one of the great values in Napa Valley wine.”  94 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Vin Perdu may also enjoy these two terrific Red Blends…
2014 Keever Inspirado Napa Valley Proprietary Red
 2016 Coup De Foudre 37.2 Cuvee
KEEVER
2014 INSPIRADO
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl

 

Occasionally, we offer a wine so great that it becomes an object of legend, and KeeverInspirado is at the top of that list.  Appropriately named Inspirado, which translates to Inspired, the wine was carefully constructed by Celia Welch who’s an absolute legend.  You might recognize her artistry from Scarecrow, D.R. Stephens, Barbour, Dalla Valle… The 2014 Inspirado is even richer and more opulent than the 2013, opening up to a basket of ripe berries intermixed with holiday spices, black chocolate and vanilla bean….
COUP DE FOUDRE
2016 CUVEE 37.2
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $75/btl

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From Vinous: “The 2016 Merlot Cuvee 37.2 is just as good from bottle as it was from barrel. Deeply layered and yet also super-polished, the 2016 has much to recommend it. A rush of dark cherry, plum, leather, smoke, licorice, grilled herb and earthy notes abound in this beautifully resonant and expressive Merlot-based blend. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 has terrific freshness.” 94 Points
2016 Coup De Foudre Napa Valley 37.2 Cuvee

2016 Coup De Foudre Napa Valley Cuvee 37.2

with No Comment $70-$80Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

COUP DE FOUDRE 2016 Coup De Foudre Napa Valley 37.2 Cuvee

2016 CUVEE 37.2
NAPA VALLEY

 
With a name like Coup de Foudre  (pronounced koo dah foo drah) meaning the moment when lightning strikes, or when something unforgettable occurs that you want to capture forever, my expectations were set high…  They were made even higher by knowing who’s behind the project… Coup de Foudre is owned by John Schwarts whom you might recognize from Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, Vin Perdu and PharaohMoans.  John has an eye for exceptional talent, working with the likes of Heidi Barrett, et.al.  The 2016 Cuvee shattered my absolutely stratospheric expectations, starting with a unique double label design where you can peel the top layer off to keep, leaving one more below it, to a riveting bouquet and dense, polished core that’s stunningly balanced, poised and polished.  At $75 this wine has everything that I look for in an Ultra Premium Napa Valley Blend.
 
The wine was pristinely constructed by talented winemaker Kent Jarman who perfected his craft at Kenefick Ranch Winery and Duckhorn Vineyards in the early 2000’s.  This distinctive Bordeaux styled blend is built around a core of top-quality Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot.  The 2016 has already earned 94 Points from Vinous and with 450 cases produced, this one most certainly won’t be available for long.
 

 

COUP DE FOUDRE 
2016 CUVEE 37.2
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $75/btl
 
From Vinous: “The 2016 Merlot Cuvee 37.2 is just as good from bottle as it was from barrel. Deeply layered and yet also super-polished, the 2016 has much to recommend it. A rush of dark cherry, plum, leather, smoke, licorice, grilled herb and earthy notes abound in this beautifully resonant and expressive Merlot-based blend. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 has terrific freshness.”  94 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Coup de Foudre Cuvee 37.2 may also enjoy these two terrific Red Blends…
2015 Rapp Ranch Cutter's Reserve Napa Valley Proprietary Red
 2016 Vin Perdu Napa Valley Proprietary Red
RAPP RANCH 
CUTTERS RESERVE 
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “This Napa Valley red blend is uniquely driven by 45% Petit Verdot.  Blueberry , licorice, and rose petal entice the nose with secondary aromas of rhubarb, mint and graphite.  Medium bodied on the palate, a burst of mixed berries, anise, and kirsch kiss the tongue.  Balanced, firm tannins lead to a bright, long, lingering finish.“
VIN PERDU
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $75/btl 

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2016 Alexana Terroir Series Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2016 Alexana Terroir Series Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUSAWillamette Valley

ALEXANA2016 Alexana Terroir Series Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
TERROIR SERIES
WILLAMETTE VALLEY

 
It’s not easy making a killer 94 Point Pinot that’s not only a great value, but one that is also complex, balanced and jam-packed with character.  Alexana’s Terroir Series Pinot was created from a diverse clonal selection, and encompasses fruit from five of Willamette Valley’s top AVA’s which lend volume to the wines complexity.  At the winery, the fruit is triple-hand-sorted allowing only the best berries through.  The wine was crafted by Bryan Weil who previously worked at Domaine Serene. On the palate the wine is exceedingly sensual and satiny-smooth, and at under forty per bottle, this Pinot has everything I look for in top-quality Oregon Pinot.  But with the recent 94 Point score, I wouldn’t wait to secure yours.
 
As the sister winery to Revana in St. Helena, Alexana is quickly building it’s own stellar reputation of excellence… In 2013 their Dundee Hills Pinot earned the #17 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see their 2016 Terroir Series make the list this year too. It glides seamlessly across your palate leaving impressions of Morello cherries, pressed boysenberries, violets and dark chocolates. This absolutely brilliant interpretation of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is simply one of my favorite Pinots that I’ve tasted this year, in this wonderfully realistic price range.
 
ALEXANA
2016 PINOT NOIR
TERROIR SERIES
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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From The Wine Spectator:“Precise and harmonious, offering layered raspberry and cherry flavors laced with smoky anise and spice notes, building richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025.” 94 Points, Highly Recommended
 
 
Customers who enjoy Alexana Terroir Series Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…
 
2013 Fort Ross FRV Pinot Noir
ELOUAN 
RESERVE PINOT NOIR
KLAMATH’S KETTLE
2016 OREGON
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast: “One of a pair of reserves from Joe Wagner’s new Oregon project, this full-bodied wine carries a liquorous, bourbon-like scent. Its rich and soft berry and cherry flavors show a streak of licorice and a light touch of toast. Big, round and almost voluptuous, it’s ready to drink now and into the early 2020s.“90 Points
FORT ROSS
2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “The  2013 Pinot Noir FRV Fort Ross  Vineyard sports a ruby color as well as an open knit, ready-to-go bouquet of dried cherries, tobacco, menthol, and dried herbs. It’s pretty, medium-bodied, rounded, and supple, with an evolved style ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.” 90 Points
20116 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underAustraliaCabernet SauvignonLanghorne CreekMcLaren ValeUncategorized

SHOTTESBROOKE 20116 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
LANGHORNE CREEK, AUSTRALIA

 
Some of the most complex, hedonistic and individualist Cabernet Sauvignon for your dollar, can be found down under.  The grape, which is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc has a long history in Australia dating back to the mid 1800’s.  Luminaries Penfolds, Leeuwin and Cape Mentelle have helped to canonize Australian grown Cabernet as a serious contender on the world stage.  Shottesbrooke’s 2016 reminded me how great these can be at our tasting, with classic and profound notes of eucalyptus, blue plums, juniper berry and baking spices.  As the wine opened in my glass it became increasingly complex with layers of dark berries, sandalwood, black licorice. It wasn’t a big surprise to learn this beauty earned 95 Points from Australia’s leading wine critic and author James Halliday.
 
Created from the Langhorne Creek AVA located inside the Fleurieu zone, which is also home to the McLaren Vale region.  The area is well-known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and Shottesbrooke’s 2016 perfectly expresses the area’s rich terroir.  The 2016 is deeply aromatic, wildly complex and very approachable and at $19.99 offers extraordinary value.
 
SHOTTESBROOKE
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
LANGHORNE CREEK, AUSTRALIA
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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From James Halliday: “While not particularly deep, the hue is youthful, and the fragrant eucalypt nuances that accompany the fresh cassis of the palate are regional (and shared with Coonawarra). The finely spun tannins are a feature of a medium-bodied cabernet made to be drunk whenever the idea pleases you. Screwcap. 14.5% alc. To 2030″  95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2016 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon
 2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl

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Famiglia Bianchi is our number one selling International brand of all time, by far… So much so, that it may never be surpassed. When you taste them, each wine in the brand offers a palpable sense of value that’s absolutely unmistakable, and we were recently reminded of that in a glass of their new 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine offers luscious dark fruits, followed by a cavalcade of dark spices, black chocolates, slate and minerals that unwind methodically across your palate.  Their 2012 Malbec won the Grand Trophee, for the “World’s Best Red Wine” at the prestigious 2014 Vinalies Internationales Wine Competition in Paris, France, where it outperformed 3,500 wines from 41 countries. 
VISTA
2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Tasting Notes: “Capturing a depth and richness that is completely unheard of at this price, Vista  Atlas Peak unfurls aromas of muddled blackberries, black plum, crushed granite, graphite  and hints of vanilla.  The palate is powerfully concentrated with a stunning array of flavors including deep black cherries, blackberry tart, blueberry syrup, with hints of tobacco and chocolate.  Powerful mountain fruit created a wine that is focused and linear in style, yet richly structured with balanced fruit tannins and a palate staining mid palate that leads to a long, intense finish.” 94 – 96 Points