2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUncategorizedUSA

VISTA

2017 RUTHERFORD
PROPRIETARY RED

 
Being part of a wine brand that’s shattering records and has everybody talking is always fun, and Vista turns out to be our single most popular wine we’ve ever offered… This is a $23 Rutherford Blend that tastes like it should cost many many times its price.  When I first tasted this wine I was asked to estimate the retail price with no information other than what was on the label.  After considering the focused and penetrating red fruits, classic Rutherford dust characteristics, and long, pleasant finish, my number was $75-$95/btl… Turns out, the intended retail was $95, had it been finished as a single vineyard Rutherford Cabernet under a different brand name.  If you look for value reds from Napa Valley, I strongly recommend that you double or even triple down on this one…
 
Originating from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Rutherford Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet, heightened with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductive red berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and Rutherford dust.  At $23 bucks this wine shatters expectations of how great a value wine can possibly be in this price.
 
VISTA
2017 RUTHERFORD
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.”  92 – 95 Points
2017 Loring Kessler-Haak Vineyard Pinot Noir

2017 Loring Kessler-Haak Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSanta BarbaraSanta Rita HillsUncategorizedUSA

LORING 2017 Loring Kessler-Haak Vineyard Pinot Noir

2017 PINOT NOIR
KESSLER-HAAK VINEYARD
SANTA RITA HILLS

 
If you’ve ever wondered whether a winemaker’s passion for their artistry could manifest itself directly into the flavors and personality of the wine they produce, just take one sip of ANY of Brian Loring’s Pinot Noirs and you’ll know… His passion for the Pinot Noir grape began in Burgundy and was later propelled by the wines of Josh Jensen (Calera), and from there reached Williams Selyem, Chalone, Sanford and Cottonwood Canyon.  The level of passion that he has for the varietal adds another dimension to his winemaking which is absolutely on-point.  His Pinot Noirs are revered for their ability to express terroir and for their uncanny levels of balance and charisma.  At this price, they should not be missed.
 
We often note that vineyard owners have a clear advantage when it comes to selecting grapes for their own wines and knowing when to pick… They know their land like nobody else, and Brian recognized that and sought out some of California’s best Pinot Noir vineyards, then instructed the owners of each vineyard to treat the Loring blocks exactly the same way as they treat the blocks for the wines they produce for themselves.  A perfect example is his single vineyard Pinot from Kessler-Haak Vineyard, which expresses in vivid detail the remarkable complexity and deep, saturating flavors that this vineyard is able to produce and was the highlight of our tasting…
 
LORING
2017 PINOT NOIR
KESSLER-HAAK VINEYARD
SANTA RITA HILLS
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 

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From PinotFile: “Dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of fertile earth and wine cave. A charge of boisterous black raspberry and blackberry fruit greets the palate, fills every nook and cranny in the mouth, and exits with aplomb. Velvety in texture with noticeable, but not intrusive tannins.”  92 Points

 

2017 Loring Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 Loring Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir
LORING
2017 PINOT NOIR
CLOS PEPE VINEYARD
SANTA RITA HILLS
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
 
From PinotFile: “Moderate garnet color in the glass. Uplifting aromas of black cherry and spice rub lead to a mid weight plus styled wine with a generous core of delicious black cherry and purple berry fruit. Supple tannins provide marvelous support and the energetic acidity adds vigor. A compelling wine with an extremely long finish.”  94 Points
LORING
2017 PINOT NOIR
ROSELLA’S VINEYARD
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
 
From PinotFile: “... Grand aromas of purple grape, boysenberry and sandalwood. My first word after taking a sip was Wow! An ephemeral wine with flat-out delicious, well-spiced, dark red cherry fruit that really captures the palate with goodness. Wondrous harmony with endless aromatic pleasure on the finish. Praise the Lord! Gary Franscioni really knows how to raise wine grapes!”  95 Points

2017 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRoséSonomaSonoma CoastUncategorizedUSA

FLOWERS

ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
2017 SONOMA COAST
 
Blooming with freshly picked strawberry, intense raspberry, wild lavender and rose petals, the 2017 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir cultivates feelings of energy and jubilation with a single sip. The 2017 was harvested from a selection of family-owned sites within the extreme Sonoma Coast, and including fruit from the winery’s Estate vineyard located in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA, which in 2011 was approved as its own Appellation within the Sonoma Coast.  The area is also a source for such notables as Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli, Fort Ross and Pahlmeyer to list a few, and with a 95 Point score from California Wine Review, I strongly recommend planting some of this in your glass.
 
With attention to every detail, Flowers hand-sorts their fruit on their custom-built shaker table before gently dispersing the berries onto the next sorting table where six sorters assess every cluster before allowing only the best fruit to pass through by gravity flow into the fermenters.  The 2017 is fresh and vibrant and grows even more complex with aeration and at $29.99/btl it simply should not be missed.
 
FLOWERS
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
2017 SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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From California Wine Review: “Layered aromatics of strawberry, raspberry, starfruit and rose petal highlight the complex palate, driven by orange marmalade countered with fresh citrus peels, and balanced by the signature coastal mineralogy and defined salinity.”  95 Points, CA Wine Review
 
Customers who enjoy Flowers Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Rosés… 
2017 Chateau Des Garcinieres Provence Rose
 2017 Azur Rose of Syrah
CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES
2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Importers Tasting Notes: “… Blessed by the same sun and sea breezes as Tahiti Beach, Cap 21, and the memory of Voile Rouge, it embodies the delicate, romantic taste of 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault and 10% Rolle, marrying the refreshing flavors of strawberry and cherry, mixed with mineral nuances into one glass…”
AZUR
2017 ROSÉ
 
Your Price $31.99/btl

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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…

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VISTA 

2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK

How do you get an incredible Atlas Peak Cabernet Blend for $23? Quite honestly, you don’t, unless something very unusual  occurs… Originally intended to be single vineyard Cabernets, a winemaking  miscommunication led to a portion of two separate high-end projects getting accidentally blended into the wrong tanks.  The result is two absolutely stunning blends that became the Vista wines… and both batches were originally slated to sell for $95/btl, had the original concept gone smoothly.  We knew when we previously offered Vista Rutherford Blend, we would make some die-hard fans… and we were right. We bought everything that they made and in a relatively short time, we sold-out of all 728 cases of the Rutherford… Our single biggest seller of all time.
 
Luckily, but almost miraculously so, there is this Atlas Peak version of Vista, and it is even better than the Rutherford… Atlas Peak is an area long celebrated for its concentrated flavors and rocky terroir, and this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Atlas Peak Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductively deep black berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and crushed rock.  If you like the idea of a top quality Napa Cabernet blend at an incredible value, I highly recommend loading up on this one before it also sells out all too soon… 
 
VISTA 
2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl
 
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
2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

CRU9 2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When a wine producer has an undeviating focus to produce the absolute best wines imaginable in their category, and they’re not in it to make a buck, but to give back to help non-profits, you actually get a surreal sense of excitement and energy when you taste them.  If you’ve been reading my emails for any length of time, you already know how I feel about CRU9.  It was one of our best winery discoveries in 2018 and after tasting the new releases coming up in 2019… it’s clear to me that they’ve gotten even better.  The 2017 Chardonnay was forged from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, and although it’s name needs to be kept secret, one taste will tell you everything you need to know…
 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can virtually 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 wines 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
2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully perfumed Chardonnay with a compelling, complex nose of dried pineapple, ripe pear, rich butterscotch, fresh green herbs, Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with more dried pineapple, crisp apple, buttered caramel, chamomile tea, and a beautifully long finish that goes on and on.  An exceptional effort that balances the palate richness with perfectly zingy acidity that brightens and lifts the palate just enough so it doesn’t come off as heavy.”  93+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9 Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2017 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Hailing from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, this is a source for single vineyard wines from Ramey, Sojourn and Cherry Pie. Spending 15 months in oak and aged sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “This Foley Johnson Chardonnay features fruit from their family owned estate vineyards in Carneros, an appellation known for producing world-class Chardonnay. This wine displays aromas of vanilla, coconut, and yellow peaches along with flavors of butter, caramel sauces, and poached pears on the palate.“
2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $50-$60ChardonnayCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

FAR NIENTE

2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY

2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay
When making a list of Napa Valley’s most paradigmatic and historically significant Chardonnay producers, the name Far Niente is carved in stone, quite literally. The winery was established in 1885 and prospered until prohibition in 1919.  In 1979 wine country pioneer Gil Nickel purchased the Estate and during the three year restoration, the name Far Niente was found carved in stone in front of the winery where it still remains today.  Nearly forty years later, their Chardonnay is considered by many to be a Benchmark for Napa Valley Chardonnay.  I’ve enjoyed their Chardonnay for years and for me the 2017 stands out for it’s remarkable balance, penetrating fruit and brilliant details.
 
Composed from superlative vineyard sources located in Napa Valley’s idyllic Coombsville region, the 2017 Chardonnay holds true to the Far Niente style of rich opulence and lavish detail.  It reveals mystical elements that come with finely laced tropical notes, liquid floral and toasted almond.  Fans of top-quality California Chardonnay shouldn’t miss this stunning release.
 
FAR NIENTE
2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Aromas of melon, sweet citrus and white blossom floral layered with notes of flint, yeast and sweetly toasted oak. A smooth and focused entry is followed by a silky midpalate with ripe flavors of honeydew and lemon, supported by just of touch of wet stone, yeast and toasted hazelnuts. The finish is long and structured with citrus rind and mouthwatering acid.“
 
Customers who enjoy Far Niente Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
 
2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
RAMEY
2014 CHARDONNAY
PLATT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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PAHLMEYER
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016  Chardonnay has a lovely savory, yeasty/toasty nose over a core of warm grapefruit, fresh apricots and allspice with a touch of candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling stone fruit and spicy layers, supported by great freshness and finishing long and creamy.” 95 Points
2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

Vista

2017 Proprietary Red
Atlas Peak

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red“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  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

 

VISTA 
2017 Proprietary Red
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl

2017 Armida Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

ARMIDA

2017 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
One of my favorite attributes found in wines is a perceptible level of tension on the palate. Tension can highlight specific characteristics in a wine and contribute energy and complexity on the palate.  There are many winemaking tools and techniques that can be used to create it.  Utilizing multiple clones, varietals or vineyards can add tension. It can come from utilizing both younger and older vines, the use of different types of oak barrels or multiple fermentation methods.  Armida’s 2017 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel shows tremendous tension and was created from a mix of 2/3 old and 1/3 younger vines.  They source from over a dozen vineyard sources Dry Creek, both hillside and valley floor and most of them are farmed by 4th and 5th generation farmers.
 
Immersed in exceptional vineyards, this classic Californian Zinfandel perfectly portrays the essence of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel.  The winery ferments the grapes from each distinct vineyard separately before creating a masterful blend.  They also use a complex mix of American, Hungarian and French oak adding yet even more complexity.  At $23/btl, you simply can’t afford to miss this…
 
ARMIDA
2017 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Inky black with brash and seductive blackberry, plum, and smoky oak aromas. Bold, rich flavors of black-cherry jam, raspberry, cola, mocha and anise are wrapped in a warm blanket of vanilla spice and oak. A muscular yet balanced wine finishing long and sweet.“
Zinfandel 90% | Petite Sirah 10%
 
 
Customers who enjoy Armida Dry Creek Zinfandel may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red 2016 Prisoner Wine Co Saldo Zinfandel
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 

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From Tasting Panel: “… (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) … 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
SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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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.
2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

2017 Vista Rutherford Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedRutherfordUSA

VISTA  2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD

Update: We are SOLD OUT of the 2017 Vista Rutherford Red Blend.  However, we just received the 2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red.  Quite frankly, we think it may be even better than the Vista Rutherford.  And it’s STILL only $23 btl.   Click Here for More Details

 
How do you get an incredible Rutherford Cabernet Blend for $23? Frankly, you don’t, unless something unusual happens… Originally intended to be a Single Vineyard Cabernet, a winemaking miscommunication led to some barrels from other high-end projects getting accidentally blended into the same tank.  The result is an absolutely stunning Rutherford Blend that needs a new home… When I first tasted this wine I was asked to estimate the retail price with no information other than what was on the label.  After considering the focused and penetrating red fruits, classic Rutherford dust characteristics and long, pleasant finish, my number was $75-$95/btl… Turns out it was $95, had it been finished as a single vineyard Rutherford Cabernet.  We knew this wine would leave countless fans wanting more, which was proven by around a 1/2 pallet/week in re-orders that have poured in.  Now the wine is nearly sold out, so if you haven’t stocked up yet, this is the last call… 
 
Originating from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Rutherford Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet, heightened with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductive red berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and Rutherford dust.   If you look for value Reds from Napa Valley, I strongly recommend that you double or even triple down on this one, before it’s too late…   
 
VISTA 
2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD
Intended Retail $95/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.” 92 – 95 Points
2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSAYountville

GHOST BLOCK 2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
MORGAENLEE VINEYARD
YOUNTVILLE, CA

 
The Ghost Block Vineyard lies adjacent to the Yountville cemetery, and legend has it that the ghost of George Yount, founder of Yountville haunts the cemetery on moon-lit nights… The historic family that owns the vineyard has been farming in Napa Valley since 1903, and has owned the Ghost Block parcel since 1930, yet producing the first vintage of Ghost Block in 2004.  Their 2017 Sauvignon Blanc from the MorgaenLee Vineyard in Yountville summons detailed tropical fruits, rock minerals, shaved coconut and supple cantaloupe.  The flavors are long, lingering, and unlike Yount’s ghost, they’re full of life.  The only thing scarier than the haunted cemetery is running out of this chillingly delicious Sauvignon Blanc.  
 
Ghost Block Sauvignon is aged 10 months Sur Lie, a french term meaning “on the sediment.”  This style of winemaking adds palpable levels of richness and body which meld perfectly with the Island fruits, minerals and firm acidity.  At our tasting, we were so captivated by the 2017 that it’s not only haunting the wine racks in our shop, but we’re pouring it by the glass in the tasting room.  Come by for a taste…
 
GHOST BLOCK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
MORGAENLEE VINEYARD
YOUNTVILLE, CA
 
Your Price: $24.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “A ripe full bodied sauvignon blanc that has a great balance of aromas. A grassy herbal scent with tropical tones and flavors of melon and pear which lead to a nice mid-palette weight of tropical and stone fruits. The lasting finish is full with pleasant oak undertones.“
 
Customers who enjoy Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard  Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Whites… 
2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Farella Coombsville Sauvingnon Blanc
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast: “This block is home to a mysterious clone of Sauvignon Blanc that appears to be the only one of its kind in the region and thought to hail originally from Northern Italy. The resulting wine is citrus-driven on the nose and on the palate-a pure expression that shows complexity and rich layers of flavor, with an intensity of lemongrass.”  94 Points
FARELLA 
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
LA LUCE, ESTATE
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $25.99/btl