2016 Leto Cellars Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc

2016 Leto Cellars Old Vine St Helena Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancSt HelenaUSA

LETO CELLARS 2016 Leto Cellars Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc

2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA 

If you’ve ever wondered what terroir tastes like, and if it could be found in a bottle of Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc, the answer is in a bottle of Leto’s 2016… Terroir refers to all of the environmental factors that collectively  contribute to a wine’s character and flavors.  Things like climate, farming practices, soil type, etc.  Reflecting terroir, older vines often provide the best representation of their unique characteristics because the root systems are deeper, allowing more complexity to flow from the earth.  Leto’s Sauvignon Blanc was created from 1/2 century old vines grown in a single vineyard in Napa Valley’s iconic St. Helena AVA.  The wine is remarkably intriguing, hedonistic and full of life. Leto’s 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is rich, and inviting with sensational flavors spanning fresh coconut, ripe pear, orchard fruits, chalk and rock minerals
 
Created by Brad Warner, the owner/winemaker who has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, Brad’s talent shows in this brilliant interpretation of St Helena Sauvignon Blanc.  Arising from the Varozza Vineyard on Pratt Avenue in St Helena, the older vines yield just 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 tons per acre of stunningly compelling fruit.  At $22/btl, one taste and you won’t LET it gO… 
 
LETO CELLARS
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA
 
Your Price: $21.99/btl 
 
Tasting Notes: “This beautifully balanced sauvignon blanc has an intriguing balance of  flavors including ripe pear, supple cantaloupe  and exotic tropical fruits that penetrate your palate then transition to ripe stone fruits, liquid mineral and shaved coconut.  It is an exotically styled and elegantly composed Sauvignon Blanc satisfies on every level.” 92 Points
Customers who enjoy Leto Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Leto St Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Picayune Napa County Sauvignon Blanc
LETO 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2014 ST. HELENA
Retails at:  $85/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2014 Leto is a deeply   penetrating and gorgeously 
styled Napa Valley Cabernet with enticing aromas of blackberry tart, cassis, pencil lead, tobacco leaf and rocky minerals.  These aromatics blend seamlessly with a saturating palate of red and black cherries, crushed blueberries, dried sage and a hint of camphor. The tannins are velvety yet slightly firm and the flavors supple and rich yet mouth quenching at the same time. A nicely balanced acid profile keeps all of the rich fruit in check so they all meld into a beautifully complete Cabernet that has style, elegance, weight and length.  What more could you want?”  95 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier  
PICAYUNE
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA COUNTY & SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $20.99/btl 

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Taking things to the next level with their 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Picayune’s 2016 comes alive in the glass with remarkable clarity, focus and penetrating fruit.  Picayune is a stand-out in affordable, premium quality Sauvignon Blanc, and originates from declassified barrels from top Sauvignon Blanc producers around Napa and Sonoma Counties, and retails for just a fraction of the price.  Bursting vibrantly from the glass with a melange of lime, jasmine, crushed rock and grapefruit notes, forecasting an elaborate parade of orange blossoms, lemon curd, and honeysuckle, all displayed with textural intrigue and uncanny purity. 
2016 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2016 Lewis Cellars Alec’s Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

LEWIS CELLARS

ALEC’S BLEND
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red
Bottled horsepower… Lewis Alec’s Blend offers a high-octane mix of power, elegance and profound luxury.  It’s the liquid version of a Maserati GT, and it cuts a swath across your taste buds with an unapologetically bold, petal-to-the metal style that’s perfectly dialed in.  The winery continues on a winning trajectory, after their 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet ranked #1 in the world on the 2016 Wine Spectator Top 100 List.  Saturating your palate in lavish dark fruits, bacon fat, dried violets, subtle smoke and roasted meats.  The 2016 Alec’s Blend truly has it all and I recommend grabbing your case before the critics release their scores on this wine… 
 
This wine takes a victory lap after production with around 18 months in premium oak barrels, and fruit sourced from several meticulously selected, painstakingly farmed vineyards throughout Napa Valley. The 2016 is built around a core of 61% Syrah that’s bolstered with Merlot and Petit Sirah.  The 2016 engages your senses at the drop of the flag, and doesn’t let up all the way through the finish line…  A stunning display of power, control and energy, strap in and hold on, because you are going for a ride.   
 
LEWIS CELLARS
ALEC’S BLEND
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Alec has been listening to country music lately and his 2016 Blend is the Kenny Chesney of our line-up – super popular with something for everyone.  You’ll find truck-loads of ripe, oak-infused berries, with cherries, peaches, vanilla and creamy caramel.  Dusky and broad-shouldered on the palate, this blend of 61% Syrah, 38% Merlot and 1% Petite Sirah is fruitful to the finish and tons of summer fun.”
 
Customers that enjoy Lewis Cellars Alec’s Blend may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
 
2013 Jonata Todos Proprietary Red 2016 Lewis Cellars Masons Cabernet Sauvignon
JONATA
2013 TODOS
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From James Suckling, “This is so complex and fantastic showing the complexity and drinkability. Full body, layered and gorgeous. Dried berry, dried meat and date. So subtle. This is mostly Syrah but hints of nine grape types from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Franc...” 95 Points
LEWIS CELLARS
2016 MASONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl

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2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

EnRoute 

2016 PINOT NOIR
LES POMMIERS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
One of my favorite things about Pinot Noir is it’s vast complexity and EnRoute’s Les Pommiers has incredible clonal diversity ranging from Pommard, Mt. Eden, Swan, and Dijon clones to list a few.  It’s created in a lush and enchanting style, fitting of the architecture at EnRoute’s sister winery Far Niente located in Napa Valley.  EnRoute is a story written from extraordinary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.  The wines generous style and outgoing personality makes it a lot of fun to enjoy… I strongly recommend adding some to your collection. 
 
Their 2016 Les Pommiers Pinot Noir was scribed from the winery’s Northern Spy Vineyard in Green Valley, and their Amber Ridge Vineyard located in the Middle Reach (Northernmost) area of the Russian River Valley.  It’s the two vineyards that cast a wide variety of characters, each with qualities that compliment and support one another.  The final result is a ride that you won’t want to miss… 
 
EnRoute 
2016 PINOT NOIR
LES POMMIERS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers possesses the luxurious perfume aromatics and rich textures that we love about Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. On the nose, aromas of ripe cherry and plum are complemented by notes of earth, sage and forest floor. Generous-yet-soft red-fruit flavors expand on the palate, with elegant tannins that are the definition of silky. A mouthwatering natural acidity glides across the finish, making this vintage irresistibly approachable upon release.“
 
Customers who enjoy EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
 
 
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Las Altura Pinot Noir
 
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 
 
I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir.  It was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages crafting the high-scoring Lewis wines, always ranking among the best in the Valley.
BELLE GLOS
2016 PINOT NOIR 
LAS ALTURAS VYD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

BEVAN 2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

2016 ONTOGENY
PROPRIETARY RED

 
Have you ever had a wine so stunningly brilliant that it made you question the theory that taste is subjective? I can’t fathom anybody not getting that feeling when they taste Bevan‘s 2016 Ontogeny.  This is Bevan‘s least expensive of his big reds and the 2016 has a larger percentage of Cabernet than ever before. I generally try not to predict the potential for a perfect score, however that was before I tasted Bevan‘s Ontogeny… I strongly recommend grabbing as much as you can, before the scores are out.  His 2012 Ontogeny scored 99 points from Robert Parker and the 2016 is at a new level…
 
Accumulating perfect 100 point scores at a record pace, Russell Bevan clearly has a Midas touch in winemaking.  His Ontogeny Proprietary Red combines four of the top five Bordeaux Varietals, grown in several of his top vineyard sites.  The wine is kept in a variety of high-end oak barrels and the 2016 is showing so much potential right now that it has to be experienced to fathom how good is.  There truly aren’t enough superlatives to describe this one…
 
BEVAN
2016 ONTOGENY
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Ontogeny. Like our EE, this is more Cabernet Sauvignon than ever before. Less mineral, more pure fruit. It also has a layer of richness that the previous Ontogeny wines didn’t have. The fruit profile from the additional Cabernet Sauvignon is blackberry, boysenberry and there is a hint of mocha that really pops on the finish. Deep purple, incredibly seductive. This is as decadent as Ontogeny has ever been.”
 
Customers who enjoy Bevan Ontogeny may also enjoy these two Bevan Releases…
 
2016 Bevan Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir 2016 Bevan Tench Vineyard EE Proprietary Red
BEVAN
2016 PINOT NOIR
PETALUMA GAP
 
Your Price: $75/btl
 
Winery Notes: “The Petaluma Gap is made up of four different clones and all of them are expressed on different levels. The power and massive textures come from the Pommard clone, the floral aromatics from the Swan, roasted earth from the Calera and bright fruit from the 828 clone. The combination is a powerful, deep wine that in the glass looks like Cabernet but in the nose is all Pinot Noir seduction. In the world of Pinot Noir this is an 800-pound gorilla.”
BEVAN
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
TENCH VINEYARD EE, OAKVILLE 
 
Your Price: $199.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “2016 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard reveals a deep garnet-purple color and reticent nose of crushed black and red cherries, mulberries with wafts of dried herbs, lavender and fresh roses plus hints of pencil shavings and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, very fine and very fresh in the mouth, it has drop dead gorgeous poise and sophistication with a long, graceful finish that cannot fail to impress.”  97-100 Points
2016 Schrader Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Schrader Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

DOUBLE DIAMOND 

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
From the producers of Schrader… 

2016 Schrader Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’ve paged through a Wine Spectator Magazine anytime over the last 10 years, you’ve likely read about Schrader, as it’s impossible to overlook their two dozen (and counting), perfect 100 point wines.  When talking about the upper echelon of wines produced in Napa Valley, they’re always at the top of the list.  Of course when your Cabernets are among the best in the world and you’re paying for some of the best blocks in the To-Kalon and other renowned Vineyards, it should come as no surprise that the wines fetch around $500/btl.  What many people don’t know is that Schrader produces a second wine under the Double Diamond label.  After a three-year hiatus, the wine is back by popular demand and on top of that, it’s bears Oakville origins.  At under $100/btl, this simply can’t be beat.
 
This gorgeous Oakville Cabernet was crafted by Thomas Brown, who’s absolutely at the top of his game and is one of the dominating forces in Cabernet Sauvignon…  He made history as the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100 Point score from the Wine Spectator, and he’s also the winemaker at Revana, Maybach, Gemstone and Outpost to name a few.  At under $100/btl this pedigreed Cab deserves a spot in your cellar, on your table and in your belly…
 
DOUBLE DIAMOND 
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Double Diamond, from the producers of Schrader, opens with layered, intriguing aromas of black currants, dark cherries, blackberry, cherry compote, toast and oak spice. The notes of herbs, pine cone and dried earth. In the mouth, the palate is rich and juicy, bursting with big, rich flavor.“
 
Customers who enjoy Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Oakville Cabs…
2014 Goldschmidt Game Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
GOLDSCHMIDT
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
GAME RANCH VINEYARD
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $89.00/btl
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl 

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Napa Valley has an untold number of microclimates, which are small pockets of land where the climate differs substantially from the surrounding areas.  This is one of the leading factors why some of the best Napa Valley wine Estates are clustered closely together. Hence, Nick Goldschmidt’s Game Ranch Vineyard in Oakville… It has immediate neighbors that include Plumpjack, Rudd, Groth and Screaming Eagle. 
PARADIGM
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE ESTATE
Retails at:  $84.00/btl
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl

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When considering a list of Napa Valley wineries that best represent all of the qualities, charm and history that the area has to offer, Paradigmis etched deeply on my list.  This absolutely stunning wine made by Heidi Barrett comes from the Oakville AVA of Napa Valley, an area widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon.  Paradigm’s neighbors include icons, Dominus, Harlan Estate, Opus One, To-Kalon and Martha’s Vineyard… 
2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

HOURGLASS

2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED 

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red
The best wines only take your palate an instant to recognize that it’s something remarkable, and that’s exactly what we look for in our tastings each week.  In fact, we taste nearly a wine a minute at our group tastings because it happens that quickly when you come across something profound.  Sometimes you know just based on the aroma, but when it hits your palate it should light you up with excitement, which is exactly what happened when I tasted the new Hourglass HG III.  The wine was authored by legendary winemaker Toni Biagi… Tony spent nearly 10 years crafting the high-scoring Plumpjack wines, which rank among the best in Napa Valley, and their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl…  At under fifty, the HG III is a low price of admission for wine of this outstanding pedigree.  
 
With an exhilarating velvety texture, and endless layers of sweet blueberries, cherry pipe tobacco, dried flowers and black chcolate, the HG III combines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah into an exhilarating wine of pure brilliance.  
After spending around 16 months in French oak, the 2016 is stunningly gorgeous now, and it’s undoubtably the best version of HG III yet.  Don’t hesitate to secure your case… 
 
HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $53.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
 
“Showing the quality of this vintage, the 2016 HG III is a big, opulent, incredibly sexy effort that boasts a deep purple color and terrific notes of black cherries, chocolate, dried flowers, and spice. Made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah (that’s the III of HG III), it’s one heck of a red blend and well worth seeking out.”  91-93 Points
“A barrel sample, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary Red Hourglass H. G. III is beautifully scented at this nascent stage of crushed plums, mulberries, kirsch and black cherries with wafts of spice cake and chocolate box. Full-bodied, rich, soft and seductive at this youthful stage, it offers lovely plush tannins and plenty of vivacity on the finish.”  91-93 Points
Customers who enjoy Hourglass HG III may also enjoy these two stunning Reds… 
2015 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red 2016 Dancing Hares Mad Hatter Proprietary Red
JUSLYN
2015 PERRY’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
 

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The first impression I had when I tasted Juslyn’s 2015 Perry’s Blend was one of shattered expectations, and those were set high, given the high quality of wines that the winery has produced over the last several vintages. They’ve also attracted some incredible talent…  Assisting in their constant pursuit of perfection, consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi, who’s worked alongside Jayson Woodbridge at Hundred Acre…
DANCING HARES
2016 MAD HATTER
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl 

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2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir

2016 Martinelli ‘Bella Vigna’ Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

MARTINELLI 

2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA

2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir
After earning a monstrous 96 Point score on their 2015, you might be wondering if this $45 Pinot could get any better… Take one sip of their 2016 and you’ll have a definitive answer.  The 2016 combines fruit from several of the winery’s top sites including Bondi, Lolita and Zio Tony Ranches, with the largest share being from Bondi.  They produce single vineyard Pinots from each of these incredible vineyards which sell for around $70/btl.  At $45 the Bella Vigna offers a stunning value…  The level of quality/value is made abundantly clear the moment this wine splashes into your glass as the bouquet grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go.  By the time it’s hits your palate, you’ll wish you had ordered more… 
 
The Bella Vigna Pinot embodies all the hallmarks that made Martinelli one of Russian River’s most beloved producers.  With the help of consulting winemaker Erin Green whom worked alongside Helen Turley in the early ’90’s on some of her projects, including Bryant Family & Martinelli, the winery has remained a paragon of the Russian River Valley.  If you love BIG, rich, California Pinot Noirs, you’ll want to secure a case of this one, yesterday.
 
MARTINELLI 
2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA
 
Retails at: $45/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Deep and enchanting aromas of intense black-cherry, wild plum and holiday spices engage your senses. On the palate, lavish and vibrant flavors envelope your taste buds and unlock vivid flavors embedded in wild berries, black tea, spring flowers, rhubarb and forest floor.  The texture is velvety and with plenty of body, concentration and richness.  Drink this beauty now and over the next 10 years.” 
 
Customers that enjoy Martinelli’s Bella Vigna Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 Martinelli Bella Vigna Chardonnay
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast: “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 93 Points
MARTINELLI
2015 CHARDONNAY
BELLA VIGNA
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

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

VALDEZ

2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

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

Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.
2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

ANTHILL FARMS

2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
I’ll always remember Anthill Farms as the micro-produced Pinot Noir that was kept hidden behind the counter at The Wine Shop. It was so completely under-the-radar that unless you overheard a conversation, or came across some inside information, most people wouldn’t have known it existed.  The scarcity of this brand hasn’t changed much since then.  Their first vintage in 2004 was just 8 1/2 barrels and now they produce around a dozen small-lot Pinot Noirs and a Chardonnay.  The founders all met while working in the cellar at Williams-Selyem winery and they’ve been able to limit the brands exposure and produce absolutely brilliant wines.  At $39.99 a bottle, don’t let this one scurry away.  
 
Created from two of the coolest sites in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the first of which comes from the edge of the Petaluma Gap, and the second from a Ridge near the Pacific Ocean.  While both locations are geographically distinct, they’re also linked by the direct influence of the Pacific’s cool, marine air. Both vineyards give the grapes a long, cool hang-time so they can develop profound flavors, but with enough acidity to keep them lively and fresh.  If you love tiny production Pinot Noirs that won’t be found in your neighbors cellar, this one’s for you… 
 
ANTHILL FARMS
2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
From Vinous: “The 2016 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is endowed with terrific depth in this vintage. Beautifully expressive and resonant, the 2016 offers notable richness in its succulent red cherry, plum and spice nuances. This open-knit, juicy Pinot will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a fabulous appellation-level Pinot.“ 92 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Anthill Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast: “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 93 Points
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From PinotFile: “Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and dried herbs draw you into the glass. A forceful attack of delicious dark cherry fruit expands in the mouth, carrying over to a finish with respectable intensity and a burst of acidity.” 92 Points
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir

2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

LAIRD

2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH

2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir
I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir.  It was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages crafting the high-scoring Lewis wines, always ranking among the best in the Valley.  It comes from an incredible Pinot Noir Vineyard in Carneros where vineyard workers have long reported seeing children between the rows and down by the creek… that would vanish when approached.  Eerie!  With just a few hundred cases produced, most of the production goes to their wine club.   I strongly recommend securing yours before it vanishes… 
 
Made in a deep, velvety style that I love, Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, black cherries, vanilla and spices.  If you like your Pinot Noirs a little fuller bodied, deep, and rich, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
 
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl
YOU SAVE 10% 
 
Winery Notes: “With enticing garnet hues, that leads way to aromas of fresh raspberries, toasty oak, Bing cherries and baking spice. With a medium body and a balanced smooth palate that opens to distinct layers of wild strawberry, vanilla & sweet cherry compote...”
 
Customers who enjoy Laird’s Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two outstanding wines from Laird…
2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.  
LAIRD
2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
Composed in a chillingly deep, velvety style that I love, and we don’t have anything else quite like it on our tasting menu in Yountville…  Laird’s 2014  Phantom Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, spring flowers, vanilla and spices. If you enjoy full-bodied, deep, velvety Pinots, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.