2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Cru9 ‘As Ever’ Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

CRU9 AS EVER…

2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
 
If you’ve been reading my emails this year, you already know how I feel about Cru9. It’s absolutely one of the best new discoveries for us this year, and with a quality-to-price ratio that you simply will not believe. The 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is created from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, but due to a non-disclosure agreement, the fruit source needs to be kept secret.  One taste, however, will tell you everything you need to know.  This wine competes with the best $50 Chardonnays that I’ve tasted, it’s startling how good it is. 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can almost taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, the sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.  Notably Cru9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a Cru9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.  
 
CRU9 AS EVER…
2016 CHARDONNAY
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. 100 Cases Produced” 
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9’s Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2015 Silverpoint Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
If the best wines were like a puzzle, this wine would have every piece laid out perfectly.  With everything from an accomplished winemaker, iconic vineyard, blockbuster vintage and a terrific price, this wine truly has it all.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who’s responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines from ’85-’97, and even made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the 1999 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was the first Sonoma wine to receive the honor of being the #1 Wine in the World…
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
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
2016 Carlisle Mixed Pack Zinfandel

2016 Carlisle Dupratt & Montafi Vineyard Zinfandels

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtMendocino RidgeNorth CoastRussian River ValleyUSAZinfandel

CARLISLE

2016 ZINFANDEL(S)
DUPRATT & MONTAFI

2016 Carlisle Mixed Pack Zinfandel
Mavens at crafting ancient-vine Zinfandels, Carlisle perennially proves the greatness that can be achieved from heritage vines.  In reference to a bevy of world-class wines, Referencing Carlisle, Robert Parker states “Brilliant winemaking, a highly committed proprietor, and extraordinarily fair prices make Carlisle a no-brainer for wine consumers looking for fun.” High-scores and rare retail opportunities make them nearly impossible to obtain.  If you haven’t had an opportunity to experience wine from this iconic winery, here’s a great opportunity to do so…
Both Montafi Ranch and DuPratt Vineyard perfectly delineate the magnificent complexity and depth that can only be achieved through heritage vines.  One small swirl of the glass unleashes an intoxicating bouquet of remarkably intense, detailed fruits laced with abundant complexity.  Crafted in a deep, penetrating style that’s incredibly hedonistic and remarkably balanced, I highly recommend trying both… 

Click to Order Mixed 15 Pack

2016 Carlisle Mendocino Ridge Dupratt Vineyard Zinfandel 2016 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Russian River Valley Zinfandel
CARLISLE
2016 ZINFANDEL
DUPRATT VINEYARD
Your Price: $47.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby. Aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, and underbrush gain strength with air. Quite juicy and succulent, flavors of red fruits and subtle vanilla notes are lifted by zesty minerality. The tannins are gentle but acidity (always the mark of this terroir) provides for ample structure. Surprisingly refined and elegant in this vintage. Drink from 2019 though 2028.”
CARLISLE
2016 ZINFANDEL
MONTAFI RANCH
Your Price: $47.99/btl

Click to Order

 
Winery Notes: “Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby. Noticeably darker than the 2015… an utterly compelling nose of red cherry and raspberry highlighted by notes of sage and underbrush. On the palate, the nobility of this great site shines through. Totally seamless. Perfect finish. Hard to ask for anything more from a wine, regardless of variety…. it should age quite well. Drink from release through 2027.”
2016 Malene Rose Central Coast

2016 Malene Rosé Central Coast

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtRoséUSA

MALENE

2016 ROSÉ
CENTRAL COAST

2016 Malene Rose Central Coast
The wine business isn’t always a bed of roses… At this years Spring Rosé tasting there must have been 70 rosés that our team had to tirelessly taste through… (and, no, we’re not accepting applications.)  There was one rosé that stood out above the rest for it’s remarkable detail, stunning balance and precise flavors.  We weren’t the only one’s that liked it… It also earned an impressive 91 Point score and Editor’s Choice from the Wine Enthusiast.  At $19.99/btl, I’m planning on enjoying this beauty all Spring and Summer long, and I invite you to do the same…
One sip of Malene’s 2016 Rosé and you might think you’re in Provence, France, transporting your mind with delicate rose petal, raspberry, lime peel and hints of lavender.  The winery expertly blends Rhone Varieties from carefully chosen vineyards throughout California.  Fermented using three different types of vessels to add even more complexity, you simply have to taste this stunning Rosé to believe it…
 
MALENE
2016 ROSÉ
CENTRAL COAST
Retails at:  $22.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “There’s a chalky power to the nose of this lightly hued wine, its baking soda aromas melding with rose petal, lime peel and watermelon scents. There’s tremendous tension to the palate, where bubblegum and ambrosia melon flavors meet limestone-like minerality. Ripe enough to make it playful, it’s bright enough to drink all day.” 91 Points, Editors’ Choice
 
Customers who enjoy Malene’s 2016 Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding whites…
2017 Laird Cold Creek Ranch Pinot Grigio 2016 Azur Rose of Syrah
LAIRD 
2017 PINOT GRIGIO
COLD CREEK RANCH
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 
AZUR
2016 Rosé of Syrah
NAPA | SIERRA FOOTHILLS
 
Your Price $31.99/btl
A remarkably compelling, Provençal inspired Rosé, brought to life by the ever talented Julien Fayard, who learned his craft at Chateau Lafite Rothschild as well as gained valuable, first-hand experience as Director of Winemaking for Philippe Melka…  Offers elegant layers of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon…
2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

GAMBA

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE

Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa. 
Gamba always crafts stunningly rich, wonderfully articulate Zinfandel that stems from ancient vines planted in 1900 and yields just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit.  Unsurprisingly, many of my Zin loving clients have proclaimed that Gamba Zin is The BEST wine in the world.  With another steep decline in production, I strongly recommend securing a case, before it’s too late. 
 
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
 
 
Winemaker notes: “The 2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel has elegant, violet, dried herb and inviting cherry aromas. The mouthfeel is savory and full, complete with subtle notes of sweet red cherry, tobacco, brown butter, and a delicious streak of baked dark fruits, making for a complex wine that’s enjoyable from start to finish. Ripe raspberry, cherry, and a delicious spicy undercurrent work together seamlessly to provide complexity and bold waves of persistent flavor.”
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Old Vine Estate Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2015 Carlisle "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel

 
 2014 Tonti Family Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
CARLISLE 
2015 ZINFANDEL
CARLISLE VINEYARD 
 
Your Price: $47.99/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…This is another killer wine, as it is always one of the top wines in his extensive and impressive portfolio. The alcohol is 15.3%, but that’s a minor component to this big, juicy, succulent, in-your-face, dramatic Zinfandel that boasts raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, licorice, tar, earth and roasted Provençal herbs. ….”   90-93 Points
TONTI
2014 RESERVE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
 
Have you ever wondered what makes Old Vine wines unique?  There are two defining factors that when combined, become even more powerful.  Like humans, as vines age their circulation becomes weaker which results in smaller berries and more focused and concentrated flavors.  Older vines also have deeper root systems, which increases the complexity in the wine.  Perfectly expressing what Old Vines are about, Tonti’s Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s. 

Pop 300 2016 Oakville Proprietary White

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary WhiteUSA
POP 300

2016 OAKVILLE
PROPRIETARY WHITE
POP 300 is the direct result of growing up in a small town surrounded by legendary farmers and winemakers.  It’s well known that Oakville produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon fruit in the world, but there are also other varietals grown in Oakville, you just have to know someone to find them…  This is a truly unique, six barrel production white blend by Luke Russ, who’s day job is the Commercial Director at O’Shaughnessey Winery.  It was built around a core Chardonnay and enhanced with Rhone varietals, and pops ebulliently out of the glass with a fireworks display of honeydew melon, Bosc Pear, lemon grass, ginger and banana cream pie.  At under forty per bottle, you really should try some of this…
POP 300 isn’t the only winery playing on the tension between Chardonnay and Rhone varietals.  Orin Swift’s Mannequin and Prisoner Wine Company’s Blindfold are a couple prime examples.  Manfred Krankl  at Sine qu Non has also mastered this type of blend, but POP 300 might be the only one doing this exclusively from Oakville fruit.  Made even more intriguing during the fermentation process where the wine was fermented in a combination of Stainless Steel and French oak.  If you’re searching for a dynamic white that not only pop’s with flavor, but won’t blow up your wine budget, this is it.
POP 300
2016 OAKVILLE
PROPRIETARY WHITE
Your Price: $37.99/btl Click to Order
+ Ground Shipping Included on ANY Full or Mixed 15-Pack
(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
“This is a spectacular wine with bright, exotic tropical fruits, mouthwatering honeydew melon, ripe Bosc pear, Spring flowers and hints of baking spices. The compelling blend has an orchestrated murmuration of penetrating, intense flavors that dance on your tongue in a focused, concentrated style, then expand into a long, complex finish.  It is extremely rare to find such a unique and individualistic wine that truly is one of a kind.” Kevin Vogt, Master Sommelier

 

Customers that enjoy Pop 300’s Proprietary White may also enjoy these two delicious white wines…

 

HANZELL
SEBELLA CHARDONNAY
2015 SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at:  $36.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl
California’s answer to classic Chablis, the 2015  Hanzell Sebella Chardonnay induces an immediate feeling of contentment, followed by a rush of exhilarating flavors and an array of fresh nectarines, citrus blossom, warm pear, liquified stones and floral infused honey.
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 BLINDFOLD
PROPRIETARY WHITE
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $26.99/btl
As the sister version to the popular Prisoner Red, the Blindfold White administers what feels like Cirque du Soleil performance on your palate, with its ebullient zest, delineation and stunning vibrancy.  This wine is surprisingly delicate and nuanced, and simply fascinating to swirl and taste…

Saldo 2016 Zinfandel Prisoner Wine Co.

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtNapaUSAZinfandel
SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Translated from Spanish, the word Saldo means balance.  The 2016 Saldo not only balances fruit from several of California’s most renowned appellations, but it perfectly scales the focused, jammy fruit, aromatic spices and round, plush tannins.  Wonderfully alive on the palate, the 2016 expresses vibrant red fruit, crushed pepper, blueberry liqueur and cocoa dusted cherries. Winemaker Chrissy Wittmann is really showing her obvious talent in this remarkably balanced, yet full-bodied Zin, which arrives loaded with vibrancy and is layered with excitement.  A serious value, the retail price has remained nearly unchanged since their first vintage back in 2007.
Fantastic vineyards encompassing six different appellations, including fruit from famed sites like the famed Grist Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley which Turley uses in a single vineyard Zin. The 2016 Saldo provides another seamless example of California Zinfandel, thoughtfully underlining many of the best qualities from each carefully chosen vineyard and Appellation.  If you love a rich, full-bodied yet balanced California Zinfandel, here it is.
SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $27.99/btl Click to Order
+ Ground Shipping Included on ANY Full or Mixed 15-Pack
(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
Winemaker Notes, “Dark ruby color with bold aromas of black licorice, black pepper, cherry, and baking spice. The entry is rich, full, and scintillating. The palate is mouthwatering and smooth with a hint of chocolate. The finish is voluptuous with soft, velvety tannins.”

 

PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
Hailing from renowned sites, including Ink Grade Vineyard on Howell Mountain, Prisoner Wine Company’s Cabernet Sauvignon Cuttings is a one-of-a-kind, dramatic, ostentatious effort that oozes with otherworldly intensity, wrapped in a voluptuous, satin texture.
PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at:  $47.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
A wine of unrestrained jubilance and infectious charm, the new 2016 Prisoner unshackles a bounty of deliciously elaborate flavors, and with even more vibrancy and determination. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2016 escapes powerfully from the glass, permeating with beautifully focused ripe cherries, wild strawberry, chocolate, and crushed violets.