2018 Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir

2018 Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

BELLE GLOS

2018 PINOT NOIR
LAS ALTURAS 

2018 Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir
When it comes to the deepest, Inkiest and most extravagant Pinot Noirs, Joe Wagner, founder of Belle Glos is an innovator for this unique style. He launched the brand in 2001 and focused on showcasing Pinot Noirs produced from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions.
 
His method of incorporating unprecedented levels (by Pinot Noir standards) of lavish fruits, sweet oak and stacked berries, resonated with wine lovers across the globe. He was involved in the Wagner Family wine business at an early age, taking in valuable lessons from his father, Chuck Wagner, who founded Caymus Vineyards. In July of 2015 Joe split off the value priced Meomi Pinot Noir label from Belle Glos and sold it to Constellation Brands for an eye-popping $315 million…
 
One of my favorites each year hails from the Las Alturas Vineyard, which is perched at 1,200 feet elevation on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The vineyard is heavily influenced by coastal fog from the Monterey Bay, and from gusty maritime winds that funnel in from the bay throughout the afternoons, which contributes to one of the longest growing seasons in California, and in turn, allows for a long hang-time and fully developed flavors. If you enjoy BIG, inky and full-bodied California Pinot Noir, along with our best price in years, this one should top your list. 
 
BELLE GLOS
2018 PINOT NOIR
LAS ALTURAS
Retails at: $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 27%
 
Winery Notes: “Deep garnet in color with an aromatic medley of black cherry, marionberry, ripe plum and a hint of anise. Dark fruit on the palate with flavors of wild berries, caramelized oak and cacao nibs complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, cedar and a hint of lavender and forest floor. Rich and unrestrained, this wine’s abundant fruit is beautifully balanced by firm acidity and layers of red and black fruit.”
2018 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2018 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

BLACK PINE

2018 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

2018 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Now entering their tenth vintage, Black Pine has built a reputation as one of the greatest value Pinot Noirs to grace the shelves in our shop, after a culmination of outstanding efforts. If you’ve enjoyed any of their earlier vintages, you already know what to expect, but if you haven’t, I guarantee you’ll love it once you do.
 
Conceived from carefully chosen vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap, Russian River, and Sonoma Coast, the 2018 Black Pine has a lush mouthfeel, terrific intensity, and balance.
 
The 2018 was kept for ten months in French oak and delivers outstanding weight, richness and has a stunning palate presence. The new release is so good that not only did it live up to our grand expectations, but it absolutely crushed them…  
 
BLACK PINE
2018 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $30
 

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“The vibrant garnet color gives way to bright floral strawberry- raspberry aromatics, while in the mouth the velvety texture delivers ripe cherry, red plum and a touch of earthiness that defines this outstanding bottling. The moderate tannins give length to the finish of this balanced wine”

2018 Recoltant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Recoltant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

RECOLTANT

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 NAPA VALLEY

2018 Recoltant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

It feels great to be on the leading edge of a new brand that’s destined to make an impact in the competitive $40 Napa Cabernet category. Recoltant is the younger brother to Le Pich and Purlieu, and the wine is produced by Julien Fayard, who is absolutely at the top of his game… 

Recoltant is a collaboration of declassified barrels of premium Cabernet that didn’t quite fit into Le Pich or Purlieu. The final blend was stitched together from several celebrated regions throughout Napa Valley, and Julian made the wine with the same standards of excellence that he practices in all of his projects.  

Julien Fayard learned his craft at Chateau Lafite Rothschild, before gaining even more valuable experience as Director of Winemaking for Philippe Melka at elite Napa Valley producers like Lail, Gemstone, Hundred Acre, and Mastery. The result is so great at this price that you really have to try it.

RECOLTANT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 NAPA VALLEY

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“The Recoltant Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 mimics sibling wines Purlieu and Le Pich in many ways. It is inky black in color, with a nose of mixed black berries, black currants, glove leather, and rose petal. On the palate, the wine is deep and rich with flavors of blackberry cobbler, kitchen spice, and grandma’s pie crust combined with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Winemaker Julian Fayard’s genius shines through because even with all of these powerful characteristics, this wine is not the least bit cloying or overly heavy.”  94 Points

2018 Paydirt ‘Going for Broke’ California Proprietary Blend

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedUSA

PAYDIRT

GOING FOR BROKE
PROPRIETARY BLEND
2018 CALIFORNIA

Paydirt burst onto the wine scene in 2010 and quickly made a name for themselves with their crowd-pleasing, California-style Reds. The winery proved early on that they could hold-their-own in the competitive $30 red blend category. Now entering their 2018 vintage, they’re onto a new challenge in the sub $20 price range.

The 2018 faultlessly combines 81% old vine Zinfandel with Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Barbera and Cabernet from top-sites including Dusi in Paso Robles, Bokisch in Lodi, and includes vineyards in Oak Knoll and St Helena.

Paydirt has attracted talented winemakers, and one of Paso’s top winemakers, McPrice Myers, made the first vintages. The 2018 was authored by Kent Jarman, who’s also the winemaker at Coup de Foudre and Kenefick Ranch, and previously the assistant winemaker at Duckhorn Vineyards.

PAYDIRT
GOING FOR BROKE
PROPRIETARY BLEND
2018 CALIFORNIA

Your Price: $19.99

“The nose is filled with ripe blackberries, smoked plum, orange relish, cranberry, blueberry compote, white pepper, and dark chocolate. The palate is round, juicy, and bursting with fresh-ness and concentrated red and dark fruit components. The finish is persistent, layered and vibrant, with a touch of spice.”
2018 Capture Tradition Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Capture Tradition Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyKevin VogtSauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

CAPTURE

2018 TRADITION
SAUVIGNON BLANC

 

2018 Capture Tradition Sauvignon BlancCapture seized our attention more than a decade ago with their very first vintage, and we knew immediately that the brand was something special. At the time, the late Denis Malbec was the winemaker, and today they’re crafted by Winemaster Graham Weerts, who has extensive winemaking experience throughout Bordeaux and South Africa, as well as Stonestreet and Arrowood wineries in Sonoma County.
 
Capture Sauvignon Blanc has always stayed true to its traditions of crafting a Bordeaux-style Sauvignon Blanc that’s balanced, pure, rounded, and loaded with detailed stone fruits and earthy minerals.  
 
The winery’s decision to ferment in stainless steel and age the wine for ten months sur lie further highlights the purity of the fruit. The resulting wine is palate refreshing with finely sculpted flavors and energy. I highly recommend a case while supplies last.
 
CAPTURE
2018 TRADITION
SAUVIGNON BLANC
 
Your Price: $25
 
“Bordeaux-like with its crisp citrus, lemon, and white flower bouquet, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Tradition is medium-bodied, vibrant and pure on the palate, with beautiful purity and freshness. It’s impeccably made and well worth drinking…” 91 Points
 
“The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Tradition comes 76% from Alexander Valley and 24% from Lake County, made in stainless steel with lees stirring. It offers gregarious scents of tarragon, chive and mown grass with kiwi, gooseberry, white peaches, flint and lychee notes. The palate is light-bodied and lively with pure fruits, bright acidity and a long, refreshing finish.”  90 Points
2018 TOR Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay

2018 TOR Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $50-$60CarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

TOR

2018 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS, NAPA VALLEY

2018 TOR Carneros Napa Valley ChardonnayIf you enjoy some of California’s top Chardonnays, and you want to find one at an obtainable price, TOR’s 2018 Carneros Chardonnay is for you. When you read below about the origins of the grapes, and then consider that they’re paired with the immeasurable talents of winemaker Jeff Ames, you might just decide to skip right down to the order button…

Tor’s 2018 Chardonnay is a barrel selection from Steve Beresini’s heritage vines, Larry Hyde’s world-renowned Carneros fruit, and the iconic Durell Vineyard in Sonoma, and any one of these three sites could be considered one of California’s Grand Cru Vineyards.

All three sites were hand-harvested separately, and at their individual optimum ripeness before being pressed directly into small French oak barrels, where winemaker Jeff Ames was then able to identify and capture the best qualities from each vineyard, and harmonize them into something absolutely remarkable.

TOR
2018 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS, NAPA VALLEY

Your Price: $55/btl

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Winery Notes: “This wine is from three historic Chardonnay vineyards, the sum of this winemaker’s selection is greater than its parts. Steve Beresini’s thirty-year-old, dry-farmed heritage vines gives depth and texture, Hyde Vineyard’s wind-cooled topography gives minerality and precision, Durell vineyard contributes richness and opulence. 470 cases made.” 94 Points ~ International Wine Report

2018 Rapport Napa Valley Grenache

2018 Rapport Napa Valley Grenache

with No Comment $30-$40GrenacheKevin VogtNapaUSA

RAPPORT

2018 Rapport Napa Valley Grenache2018 GRENACHE 
NAPA VALLEY

 
In the wine business, it’s not just who you know, but it’s who you surround yourself with that can help pave the way for success in a new brand.  Outpost winery on Howell Mountain has always been a breeding ground for talent… Some of their clients included Schrader, GTS, Maybach and Gemstone to name just a few. That’s also where Brent Sloan, owner of Rapport wines and former GM at Outpost met Anne Fogerty, who happens to be Thomas Rivers Brown’s assistant winemaker.  Her wife Camille is the director of winemaking for Fayard wines, and the combined talent of all three is a force to be reckoned with in the world of boutique wine production.  Their 2018 Grenache is sourced from vines located along the Eastern edge Rutherford, and if I could name the vineyard, you’d of already ordered a case…  The wine is profoundly detailed, penetrating and intense, and it’s absolutely one of the most stunning examples of Napa Valley Grenache that I’ve tasted.
The 2018 vintage provided idyllic growing conditions that were perfect for ripening Grenache, with a mild summer and extended Fall sunshine.  Rapport Grenache spends minimal time in oak in order to preserve the most pure expression of the fruit.  It was fermented whole-cluster, which is an old-world method of fermenting the fruit on the stems, and lends structure and depth to the wine. Trust me on this wine… You’ll be seriously glad you did.  
 
RAPPORT
2018 GRENACHE 
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Our Rapport 2018 Grenache opens with soaring aromatics of kirsch liqueur, black cherries, and strawberry jam. It is lush, medium-bodied and unfiltered while offering complex flavors of red fruit savoriness which should be consumed in its first decade of life.”
2018 Domaine Ott Chateau de Selle Provence Rose

2018 Domiane Ott Chateau de Selle Provence Rosé

with No Comment $40-$50FranceKevin VogtProvenceProvenceRoséUncategorized

DOMAINE OTT 2018 Domaine Ott Chateau de Selle Provence Rose

2018 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CHATEAU DE SELLE

 
Every different kind of wine has at least one brand that sets a prescience of quality, and act as a reference-standard for the category. When it comes to dry Rosé from Southern France, Domaine Ott reigns supreme. They’re one of the most iconic producers of Rosé wines, and they’re consistently high-scoring, and they always sell out.  Château de Selle was the first estate acquired by Marcel Ott in 1912 and they’ve continued to create some of the most detailed and intellectually profound Rosé on the market.  Emerging from Provence, France where greater than 50% of the wine output is Rosé, Domaines Ott’s Chateau de Selle will win you over with detailed mandarine orange, lime peal, striking minerality and crystalline structure.  This is simply one of the best Rosés in the world and with Labor Day weekend coming up fast, now is the time to stock up.
 
With attention to every minute detail under consideration, beginning with the terroir, and finishing with the stunning perfume bottle like packaging, Domaines Ott is the epitome of classic Provençal Rosé.  While there might be a lot of Rosés available in the $20-$30 range that are easy to love, Domaines Ott will have you infatuated from the moment it touches your lips. Rosé simply doesn’t get any better…
 
DOMAINE OTT
2018 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CHATEAU DE SELLE
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
 
From Wine & Spirits: “De Selle was Marcel Ott’s first estate, an imposingly rocky slope of gypsum, red clay, dolomite, gravel and sandstone in Taradeau that he purchased in 1912. The rosé it produced in 2018-a blend of grenache with cinsault, syrah and mourvèdre-is more open than the Clos Mireille: De Selle is immediately inviting in its fresh, floral scents of melon and rosemary. The urge to drink it becomes only more immediate when the tangy wine hits the palate, delivering seashell minerality like a jolt of electricity. Bright and energetic, it would make short work of a dozen oysters.“ 93 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Provence Rosés…
2017 Chateau des Garcinieres Cotes du Provence Rose
 2018 Domaine Ott Clos Mireille Provence Rose
CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES
2018 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Importers Tasting Notes: “... This biodynamic Rosé is vibrant and fresh; aromas of white peach and passion fruit emerge from the glass with a hint of lavender to remind us of its home by the sea. As with previous vintages, the mouth is filled with delicate raspberry and wild strawberry. The hallmark minerality of the wine is persistent thru the lively finish. Crisp and lovely, the striking acidity makes it a perfect example of why all others try to imitate the Rosés’ of Provence!”
 
DOMAINE OTT
2018 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CLOS MIREILLE
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From Wine & Spirits: “Clos Mireille sits close to the sea, a patch of schist and clay in La Londe Les Maures. Planted to grenache, with some cinsault, rolle and syrah, and farmed organically, it produced a tight rosé in 2018, succulent and strong. It tastes vividly of sea spray, powered by Meyer lemon-like acidity, while herbal notes play at the edges, like an echo of the scrub that grows between the vines. For all its power, this is a quiet wine, a rosé that demands close attention over a leisurely fish dinner.”  94 Points
2018 Crocker & Starr Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Crocker & Starr AVA Nap Valley Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

CROCKER & STARR 2018 Crocker & Starr Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
AVA NAPA VALLEY

 
Of all of the Sauvignon Blancs produced in California, some of the most sought after are those made by Pam Starr.  Through her work at Spottswoode and her own label Crocker & Starr, she built her reputation as one of California’s top winemakers, with an emphasis on high quality Sauvignon Blanc.  Her new AVA Napa Valley white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, (formerly named Bridesmaid,) is an entry-level version of Crocker & Starr’s pricier Sauvignon Blanc, and at $24, it’s absolutely one of the best we’ve tasted this year.  The 2018 blend includes 6% Semillon, which adds a candied lemon element and contributes to a richer, more opulent texture.
 
The 2018 was founded around a collection of secret vineyards in St Helena, Rutherford and Calistoga, and spent 8 months in a combination of barrels, cement eggs and stainless tanks. On the palate the 2018 has copious energy and brilliant focus, with a light richness, superb acidity and lingering complexity.  If you’re searching for a delicious palate refreshing white to share with your friends and family this summer, this is it.
 
CROCKER & STARR
2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
AVA NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Vibrant and forward aromas of nectarine and lime blossoms set the expectation for the juicy, round and fresh flavors which are very true to the aromas. The addition of the Semillon brings a roundness to the more austere and citrusy Sauvignon blanc. This wine is so good!“
 
Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr AVA Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Sauvignon Blancs…
2017 Grey Stack Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Laird Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
 
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
LAIRD
2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rose

2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rosé

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtRoséUSA

VANDELLA 2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rose

2018 ROSÉ
LA FEMME NOREN

 
When describing Rosé, words like expansive, full-bodied, depth, and length are rarely used, but that’s only because there aren’t many Rosés quite like this one…  Vandella’s 100 case production of 2018 Rosé was created from 100% Touriga Nacional, which is widely considered to be Portugal’s finest grape variety.  Of course these vines were grown in California, and it’s a varietal that induces profound structure and terrific spice qualities.  Each individual grape was hand harvested by the winemaker and specifically chosen for the sensory attributes he knew would eventually translate into a wine that was truly intriguing and unlike any other rosé out there. The grapes were then pressed whole cluster, which contributed to the wines deep garnet color and full-bodied style.
 
Defined by a surreal presence on the palate and long, expansive flavors, the 2018 is laced with vivid red berries, detailed spices, and intense floral notes.  On the palate the mouthfeel is scrumptious and full, and as the flavors begin to expand, you’ll have one of those “where have you been all my life?” moments.  You can actually sense the care that went into producing this remarkable wine when you taste it, and at less than $30/btl you’ll want to grab a case or two before it vanishes.
 
VANDELLA
2018 ROSÉ
LA FEMME NOREN
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 Click to Order
 
Winemaker’s Notes: “A vivid, utterly distinctive rosé with intense floral aromatics and layers of scrumptious bright fruit notes: early spring strawberries, watermelon rind, passion fruit, cotton candy, and green banana. There is a lot of complexity sewn into the subtlety of the mid-palate- as spice notes work to compliment the zippy juiciness. Perhaps what makes this rosé so truly exceptional, is the surreal mouthfeel and profoundly long finish that are most uncommon in rosé, and of which showcases the true artistry and vision in the winemaking approach.”  100 Cases Produced
 
Customers that enjoy Vandella La Femme Noren Rosé may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
2016 Vandella Scarrow Paso Robles Proprietary Blend 0218 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rose of Pinot Noir
VANDELLA
2016 SCARROW
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at: $48.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The deepest, darkest, most brooding  Vandella to date.  Satsuma plums and vivid white pepper take the lead on this rendition of our flagship blend, bolstered by purple flowers, anise, cherry cola and razzleberry pie.  The bright juicy red stone-fruit characteristics remain dominant from start to finish, working to juxtapose the soft, velvety mid-palate.  Rounded tannins and delicate acid make this wine irresistible and dangerously easy to drink.“
FLOWERS
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
2018 SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 

Winery Notes: “Elegant and distinct with aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and subtle hints of mint. Bursts of fresh citrus colorfully drive the palate and are delicately balanced with flavors of nectarine and stone fruit. A silky entrance coupled with fresh and uplifting acidity leaves you with our signature coastal expressiveness. Sourced from a small selection of family-owned coastal vineyards as well as our Sea View Ridge estate...”