2018 Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

JANZEN

BECKSTOFFER TO KALON
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

2018 Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon
“To Kalon” is Greek for “highest good,” a name fitting for Andy Beckstoffer’s To Kalon Vineyard, which is one of the greatest Cabernet vineyards in the New World, described by many as Napa’s First Growth. Initially planted in 1868, the vineyard is located on the Oakville bench and has a rich history of producing powerful wines with depth, balance, and vast complexity. 
 
Beckstoffer To Kalon designated wines can easily top $500 per bottle, and the site consistently produces some of the highest-scoring Cabernets in the Valley. The viticulture crew impeccably farms this vineyard, and well-draining soils combine with evening shadows that preserve acidity and intense fruit flavors. Janzen’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer To Kalon is “head-turning,” as Jeb Dunnuck writes, and a stunning example of the vineyard’s paramount quality.
 
JANZEN
BECKSTOFFER TO KALON
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
 
Your Price: $225
 
 
“…the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is more expressive and ready to go, offering a beautiful bouquet of cassis, blueberries, flowery incense, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, and violet-like nuances. Beautifully balanced and full-bodied, with that classic To Kalon sexiness as well as purity on the palate, this is another head-turning wine in this lineup that can be drunk today or cellared for 15-20 years.”
98 Points
2018 Heir Apparent Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain

2018 Heir Apparent Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonSpring MountainUSA

HEIR APPARENT

2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SPRING MOUNTAIN

2018 Heir Apparent Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain
Heir Apparent winemaker Dwight Bonewell is known for his mastery of assemblage, creating luxury-style Napa Cabernet Sauvignons from some of the valley’s best vineyards. This wine hails from the Spring Mountain District, a region of small vineyards split by springs and streams, with 20 different soil types creating a patchwork of different terroirs, contributing to an extensive range of complexity in concentrated mountain fruit.
 
There are only 1000 acres planted within the Spring Mountain District appellation’s 8,600, but the wines from the area are recognized worldwide for their signature supple, balanced tannins and deeply pronounced flavors. 2018 was a cooler vintage, providing longer hang-time, allowing more significant flavor development that transformed this wine into a vast kaleidoscope of fruit, earth, spice, minerals, and much more that you don’t want to miss!
 
HEIR APPARENT
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Retails at: $165
 
 
 
The 2018 Heir Apparent Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon begins with aromas of Marionberry pie, mint, bay leaf, cassis, and brown sugar. On the palate, the wine is rich with flavors of blackberries, cassis, and hot cocoa with soft, delicate tannins that lead into a long, elegant finish. This wine is perfect for sipping in front of a warm fireplace with a special person.”
94 Points
2018 Lancaster Winemakers Cuvee Alexander Valley

2018 Lancaster Winemakers Cuvee Alexander Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Alexander ValleyKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaUSA

LANCASTER

2018 WINEMAKER’S CUVEE 
ALEXANDER VALLEY

2018 Lancaster Winemakers Cuvee Alexander Valley
Millions of years ago, volcanic and seismic activity shaped much of Alexander Valley, leaving the area with dozens of unique soil types and microclimates, proven to produce savory and delicious Bordeaux-style blends. Lancaster’s hillside estate soils are nutrient deficient, forcing the vine to concentrate more on survival and less on green leaf growth, ideal for growing grapes with distinct character and varietal expression.
 
Each vintage brings opportunities to learn and improve, so viticulturist Brian Malone and winemaker David Drake work closely to monitor small vineyard changes with satellite mapping and climatic analysis from vineyard weather stations. Every vineyard block is evaluated for each microclimate’s most superior clones and rootstocks, producing wines that boast robust flavors and compete with some of Napa Valley’s finest red wines. 
 
LANCASTER
2018 WINEMAKER’S CUVEE 
ALEXANDER VALLEY
Retails at: $85
 
Your Price: $69.99
 
 
“The 2018 Winemaker’s Cuvee is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Medium ruby, it has pretty scents of Morello cherries, cigar box, lavender and pencil shavings. The full-bodied palate is approachable straight from the bottle, with grainy tannins, refreshing acidity and a long, mineral-laced finish.” 
93 Points
2018 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five

2018 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaStags LeapUSA

SHAFER

2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ONE POINT FIVE 

2018 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five
John Shafer began making wine in 1978 and was eager for his son Doug to join him as the lead winemaker, but Doug turned him down two or three times before finally agreeing to a partnership in 1983, which they refer to as the “generation and a half” or One Point Five. The father-son team spent the last 35 years overseeing the production of their Stags Leap wines, which rank among the best in the valley and embody their passion for the district.
 
Sourced from Borderline and Shafer’s Hillside Estate vineyards, known for producing small berries with structure and depth of flavors, One Point Five represents the quintessence of the region. The wine is a worldwide favorite that’s perennially high scoring and beloved for having seamlessly soft tannins and a luscious mouthfeel that’s enjoyable today and suitable to age for a decade.
 
SHAFER
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ONE POINT FIVE 
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“This is a muscular wine with a velvety backdrop—classic for the vintage and appellation. Silky tannins glide across a foundation of turned earth, crushed rock, clove and tobacco. The wine is hugely structured and grand. Dark plum, cherry and mocha flavors round out the profile….”
97 Points, “Cellar Selection”
 
“This has a deliciously ripe and perfumed nose of blueberries, cloves, potpourri and gravel. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and fresh acidity. Creamy and elegant with a driven, focused finish. Cooler and more refined at the end…”
95 Points
 
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) might be the finest vintage to date. Dense purple-hued, with a thrilling nose of blue and black fruits as well as graphite and crushed stone, it’s medium to full-bodied and has a wonderfully pure, elegant texture, ample underlying tannins, and a great finish. It shows the more focused, elegant, yet structured style of the vintage to a T.”
95 Points
2018 Querciabella Mongrana Maremma Toscana

2018 Querciabella Mongrana Maremma Toscana

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin VogtSangioveseTuscany

QUERCIABELLA

2018 MONGRANA
MAREMMA TOSCANA

2018 Querciabella Mongrana Maremma Toscana
Querciabella represents the most significant extension of certified organic vineyards in Italy, emphasizing respect for the vine’s natural cycles through plant-based compost and cover crops that protect the soil by naturally replenishing vital nutrients. After reaching the height of success in Chianti, Querciabella looked to the Tuscan coast in Maremma for its future endeavors, planting 33 hectares of biodynamically farmed vines in 2000, producing outstanding fruit. 
 
Featured on the Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 List” in 2013 and their “Top 100 Value Wines” in 2019 and 2020, Querciabella’s Mongrana is an exceptional value and a joy to drink. Following gentle fermentation, the wine is aged 12 months in stainless steel and cement vats, allowing the vivid, fresh fruit and rustic mineral notes to shine in this brilliantly ruby red Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 
 
QUERCIABELLA
2018 MONGRANA
MAREMMA TOSCANA
 
Your Price: $25
 
 
“Plenty of fresh blackberry, blackcurrant leaf, pepper and licorice on the nose. It’s full-bodied with delicious, wild brambleberry and herb notes, framed by firm, elegant tannins. Long, fresh finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink from 2021.”
94 Points
 
“Ripe and polished, this red offers plum, black cherry, licorice and spice flavors. Vibrant and harmonious, with slightly chewy tannins gracing the lingering aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2024.”
92 Points
2018 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red

2018 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

WESTWOOD

2018 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED

2018 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red
Legends of biodynamic viticulture, Westwood spares no expense raising the highest quality wines possible from their Demeter-certified Biodynamic vineyard, one of just a handful in North America. Their winemaker is Philippe Melka, named by the Wine Advocate as “one of the Top 10 Winemakers in the World,” whose vast experience includes winemaking at Bryant Family, Quintessa, Hundred Acre, Mastery, and Dominus.
 
Westwood Legend arose from the cool, wind-swept Annadel Gap Vineyard, located between Mt. Hood and Sonoma Mountain, and includes specially sourced organic grapes from Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Formatted to bring out the best qualities of the Estate, the “superbly expressive” 2018 blend earned a massive 97 Point rating from Tasting Panel Magazine, and at around $50, delivers legendary quality.
 
WESTWOOD
2018 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $65
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“In its third vintage, this superbly expressive red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Mourvedre emits scents of jasmine, plum blossoms and cafe mocha. Winemakers Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky fermented the wine in closed-top stainless steel tanks as well as a French oak upright tank. Aged in 30% new French oak for 20 months. The palate mirrors the nose, adding a graceful array of floral notes with more robust flavors ascending to heavenly levels of black raspberry, coffee, and dots of white pepper that cause the mouth to salivate.”
97 Points
2018 Duckhorn Three Palms Napa Valley Merlot

2018 Duckhorn Three Palms Napa Valley Merlot

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtMerlotMerlotNapaUSA

DUCKHORN 

2018 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT

2018 Duckhorn Three Palms Napa Valley Merlot
Since its first bottling in 1978, Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot set the gold standard for New World Merlot, reaching the pinnacle in 2017 by ranking #1 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, the second-ever domestic Merlot to achieve that status. Located in Northern Napa Valley, Three Palms Vineyard sits at the exact location where warm temperatures and rocky, volcanic soils force the vine’s roots deep into the ground in search of nutrients, boosting the minerality and depth of flavors.
 
The growing conditions in 2018 were optimal, with a mild spring and summer followed by a temperate fall allowing the grapes an extended hang-time, achieving the perfect ripeness of fruit and tannin components. Duckhorn’s tradition of excellence comes full circle in this powerful yet elegant, full-bodied Merlot with a long, ethereal finish that’ll keep you wanting more and more.
 
DUCKHORN 
2018 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT
Retails at: $110
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“Elegantly structured and featuring concentrated cherry tart and raspberry pastry flavors that are loaded with toasty richness. Creamy and spice-filled finish is backed by firm acidity and tannins. Drink now through 2026.”
94 Points
2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard

2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

STYLER

2018 PINOT NOIR
SUACCI VINEYARD

2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard
Styler focuses exclusively on cool-climate Pinot Noir with an emphasis on sustainability and site expression. Driven by a love for Pinot Noir and the desire to accurately reflect the grape’s origins by utilizing a hands-off winemaking approach, Styler partnered with UC Davis alumni Scott Rich to bring their dreams to fruition. Scott’s experience includes making wine at Morga Winery in Bel Air, Etude in Napa Valley, and Corpora in Chile.
 
This Pinot Noir arose from the Goldridge soils of Suacci Vineyard, where naturally low yields of tiny grape clusters powerfully reflect their origin with remarkable clarity and sophisticated balance. The 2018 vintage was aged 20 months in barrel, offering focused, concentrated fruit with savory intensity and elegant balance that creates a delightfully joyous experience from the first sip to the last.
 
STYLER
2018 PINOT NOIR
SUACCI VINEYARD
Retails at: $60
 
 
 
“The 2018 Styler Suacci Pinot Noir has a wonderfully unique combination of elements on the nose, including dried mushrooms, ripe red berries, spice cake, with light hints of glove leather, and orange blossoms. The palate is bright and concentrated with sweet strawberries, concentrated tart cherries, elegant florals, and baking spices. It finishes long and balanced, with the sweet fruit dancing perfectly in sync with the bright freshness.”
93 Points
2018 Mike And Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard

2018 Mike And Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40CoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSAZinfandel

MIKE AND MOLLY

2018 ZINFANDEL
R.W. MOORE VINEYARD

2018 Mike And Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard
The only thing deeper than the roots of the ancient Zinfandel vines at R.W. Moore Vineyard is Mike and Molly Hendry’s ties to Napa Valley. Mike’s grandparents purchased a vineyard at the base of Mount Veeder in 1939, where the Hendry Winery is today. Molly’s uncle Bill owns the historic R.W. Moore Vineyard in Coombsville’s center, planted in 1905 and part of the U.C. Davis Heritage Vineyard project, where genetic material is studied and preserved. 
 
This field blend of approximately 95% Zinfandel, 1% Petite Sirah, 1% Carignan, 1% Mourvedre, and 2% Mourtaou is grown in Coombsville, where the cooling influences of the Pacific Ocean keep the grapes from developing overripe, jammy fruit characteristics, producing a more balanced Zinfandel. The resulting wine is elegantly styled and profoundly complex, and at $40, the value is memorable.
 
MIKE AND MOLLY
2018 ZINFANDEL
R.W. MOORE VINEYARD
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“This is a richly layered and complex wine from the great estate site. It is juicy and expressive in bold flavors of cherry and blackberry. With a softness to the palate, it invites one into a supple tannin structure and integrated oak, finishing in just a subtle hint of vanilla.”
92 Points
2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

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

CASTALIA

2018 PINOT NOIR
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD

2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard
Rochioli Vineyard produces unforgettably distinct, powerful fruit that’s both riveting and enchanting. Few people know the vineyard as intimately as Terry Bering, Cellar Master of J. Rochioli Vineyards since 1990. Terry started Castalia Wines in 1992, producing a tiny bit of Pinot Noir from grapes he purchased from a hillside block of Rochioli Vineyard, known for small yields of intensely concentrated fruit. 
 
This supreme example of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir accentuates the region’s vibrant cherry essence in a rich, sultry style, delineating the site’s most distinct qualities with impressive depth, keen focus, great length, and powerful concentration. 
 
CASTALIA
2018 PINOT NOIR
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $59.99
 
 
“The Castalia Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 explodes from the glass with a powerful nose of sweet red cherries, deep black plums, strawberry preserves, exotic cola bean, herbs de Provence, white pepper, and dried rose petals. It’s one of those wines that grabs you from the first whiff and won’t let you go. A gorgeous palate follows with concentrated wild berries, bright red currants, rich cherries, kitchen spices, black tea, and hints of Kalamata olives. It is a very complex, dynamic wine that is exceptionally concentrated, delightfully long, and a thrill to enjoy.” 
96 Points