2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Silver Oak

Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

Silver Oak is a quintessential expression of American winemaking, with a steadfast commitment to American oak. Sourced exclusively from their Missouri cooperage, where this noble wood flourishes, the oak imparts a signature character to every bottle.

Founded in 1972 within the walls of a dairy barn, Silver Oak emerged from a partnership between Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. Their visionary goal: crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s premier vineyards near Oakville and the Silverado Trail. This aspiration is encapsulated in the winery’s name.

Today, Silver Oak cultivates vineyards in Napa and Alexander Valley, each terroir contributing its unique essence to the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. While oak aging remains constant, the wines evolve with the subtleties of the land.

The 2020 Alexander Valley is a testament to this philosophy. A precise blend of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, and 0.6% Malbec, this wine is a meticulous composition that showcases the innovation and unwavering dedication behind this enduring classic.

Silver Oak
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020
Retails at: $100

Your Price: $89.99

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“The Silver Oak 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is elegantly opulent and opens with aromas of lavender, dill, cedar, blackberry pie, baking spices, and white pepper. On the palate, the wine has a round, supple texture and flavors of black cherries, plums, coconut, cinnamon raisin toast, and savory spice. This wine is enjoyable immediately after the cork is pulled, and still has the concentration and structure to age for years to come.”

95 Points

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $40-$50ItalyKevin VogtSangioveseTuscany

Boscarelli

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tuscany, Italy 2020

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

Boscarelli’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a winemaking masterpiece that honors the noble heritage of Prugnolo Gentile, a local Sangiovese clone, and a true expression of Italian vinicultural artistry. This is no ordinary Italian red – it’s one of the most captivating wines I’ve encountered recently, offering a remarkable balance of intensity, focus, and terroir-driven character at an exceptional value.

Nestled in the hills of Cervognano di Montepulciano, Poderi Boscarelli reflects over half a century of the De Ferrari Corradi family’s unwavering dedication to excellence. The 2020 vintage embodies this legacy, adhering to the strict DOCG regulations that demand a minimum of 70% Prugnolo Gentile, a grape renowned for its remarkable aging potential. Over time, this wine evolves into a symphony of elegance, seamlessly blending Chianti Classico’s finesse with Brunello di Montalcino’s structured sophistication.

This wine stands out due to its meticulous craftsmanship. The vineyards, blessed with red, sandy, and mineral-rich soils, yield fruit of exceptional quality. Aging in Allier French and Slavonian oak barrels adds layers of complexity, while including a small percentage of Canaiolo contributes a touch of rustic charm. The result is a wine that embodies tradition while feeling utterly contemporary – an authentic reflection of Tuscany’s soul.

Boscarelli
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tuscany, Italy 2020

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“Nuanced minerality chiselled to the ripe red berries, blood orange zest, savory plums and cherries. Medium to full body on the palate with a bone-dry, transparent middle and a tight, mineral coating of tannins. Fruity but pithy and precise, too. A joy to taste and drink already, but can hold well in the next five to eight years, if not more.”

93 Points

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $50-$60Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Jordan

Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

In the heart of Alexander Valley, Jordan Winery shines as a symbol of sustainable practices and exceptional winemaking. Nestled amidst 1,200 acres of pristine land, over 75% of which remains untouched, the estate reflects a profound respect for the natural environment. This commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship underscores Jordan’s dedication to responsible viticulture.

Founded in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan and now proudly carried forward by their son, John, the winery embodies a harmonious blend of passion and purpose. This philosophy is beautifully expressed in the 2020 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Crafted from a selection of estate vineyards and trusted family growers, this vintage is a masterful composition, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with complementary notes of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. After 13 months of careful aging in French oak, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds with captivating elegance. Vibrant fruit flavors dance alongside velvety tannins, culminating in a complex finish that lingers on the palate.

A timeless expression of Alexander Valley’s unique terroir and Jordan’s unwavering pursuit of excellence, this wine is destined to age gracefully, offering years of enjoyment.

Jordan
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

Your Price: $59.99

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“With lower alcohol than most California Cabs, this elegant beauty revives an old-world acidity that levels out with freshness on the palate that relates to its excellent food-pairing abilities. Plum, anise, tilled soil, and Italian herbs integrate with a luxe mouthfeel.”

96 Points

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

with No Comment $60-$70ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Castello di Ama

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

Castello di Ama stands as a pillar of excellence in Chianti Classico, redefining the boundaries of this celebrated region. Renowned for crafting Sangiovese-dominant blends that consistently earn high-90s scores, the estate’s legacy reflects the visionary spirit of its founders.

In 1976, four Roman families recognized the untapped potential of a magnificent 55-hectare estate in Tuscany. Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 as Viticulturist and Winemaker, became a cornerstone of its success. His innovative approach propelled Castello di Ama to global acclaim. Notably, during his presidency of the Chianti Classico Consortium (2006-2012), he spearheaded the creation of the “Gran Selezione” category, setting a new benchmark for quality within the appellation.

The 2020 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione embodies the brilliance of its terroir. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, with subtle accents of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, this wine achieves a sublime balance of vibrancy, elegance, and structure. Blessed by a near-perfect growing season, the 2020 vintage yielded fruit of exceptional character. The result is a wine of profound depth and poise, where juicy acidity and a seamless texture converge with a powerful yet graceful expression of Tuscany’s finest vineyards.

Castello di Ama
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

Your Price: $69.99

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“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers up a compelling mix of blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, spice, lavender and black pepper, showing striking inner sweetness, gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and mid-blowing balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Production is down about 30% in 2020 because of stringent selection.”

95 Points

2020 Ludus Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill

2020 Ludus Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonChalk HillKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Ludus

Cabernet Sauvignon
Chalk Hill 2020

2020 Ludus Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill

The 2020 Ludus Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the artistry of Robert Goyette, a visionary co-founder of La Crema and a former assistant winemaker at Chalk Hill. Deeply rooted in this celebrated region, Goyette masterfully captures the essence of Chalk Hill’s unique terroir.

Nestled on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, this renowned AVA boasts chalk-white ash and quartzite-rich volcanic soils, providing an ideal environment for Bordeaux varieties to flourish.

The 2020 vintage showcases meticulous craftsmanship, beginning with carefully cultivated vines thriving at 1,000 feet above sea level. Only the finest berries are selected, ensuring exceptional quality in every bottle. Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, this wine reflects Robert Goyette’s profound connection to the Chalk Hill AVA.

Each sip unveils a symphony of flavors: juicy black fruits intertwine with subtle spices and earthy undertones, all elegantly framed by velvety tannins. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth, capturing the essence of Chalk Hill’s terroir while offering exceptional value.

Ludus
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chalk Hill 2020
Retails at: $50

Your Price: $29.99

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“The Ludus 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chalk Hill AVA opens with elegant notes ripe blackberries, black cherries, subtle hints of cedar, tobacco, graham crackers, and a volcanic minerality. On the palate, the wine has flavors of cassis, plum, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and black olives, complemented by a touch of baking spices. The finish is long and lingering and leaves a lasting impression.”

94 Points

2020 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

2020 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaUSA

Eco Terreno

Cuvée Tierra 2020
Alexander Valley

2020 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

Eco Terreno’s 2020 Cuvée Tierra is a testament to sustainable winemaking, a harmonious blend of quality, value, and environmental consciousness. Rooted in the rich terroir of Alexander Valley, this wine embodies the essence of biodynamic farming, where the vineyard’s health and ecosystem take precedence.

Founded by renowned winemaker Mark Lyon, formerly of Sebastiani Vineyards, Eco Terreno brings decades of expertise to crafting exceptional wines. The 2020 Cuvée Tierra, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, showcases the estate’s commitment to producing wines of depth and character.

Crafted from estate-grown fruit, the 2020 Cuvée Tierra captures the rustic elegance and earthy undertones of its Alexander Valley origin. Each taste reveals layers of dark fruit, subtle spice, and the hallmark dustiness of the valley’s terroir, offering an experience that’s rarely found in this value range.

Eco Terreno
Cuvée Tierra 2020
Alexander Valley

Your Price: $27

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“The Eco Terreno 2020 Cuvée Tierra opens with a complex and inviting bouquet of rose petals, dried thyme, black raspberry, plum, a hint of pie crust, hot chocolate, and a subtle earthy undertone. On the palate, there are flavors of black cherry, hot chocolate, and espresso beans, adding a comforting dimension with savory undertones. The wine has soft, velvety tannins and supple fruits, leading to a long and satisfying finish of harmonious fruit, spice, and earth unique to Alexander Valley.”

94 Points

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

with No Comment $30-$40BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin VogtSaint Emilion

Galius

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2020

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

In the heart of Saint-Émilion lies Château Galius, named for a legendary Roman soldier who left the battlefield to cultivate the land he received as a war bounty. In this region where Gallo-Roman culture first took root, Galius exchanged his weapons for farming tools, helping to sow the earliest vines that would shape Saint-Émilion’s winemaking legacy. 

Château Galius continues this legacy across eleven hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards. Rooted in the famed clay-limestone soils that have birthed some of the world’s most coveted wines, these half-century-old vines thrive, producing exceptional grapes year after year.

The 2020 vintage, a testament to nature’s balance and the winemaker’s artistry, emerged from a challenging year. Early rains nurtured the vines, preparing them for the intense summer heat. This delicate equilibrium resulted in an extraordinary wine.

A masterful blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers a harmonious interplay of power and elegance. Rich, concentrated fruit flavors unfold on the palate, balanced by a refreshing acidity that leaves a lasting impression. This impressive Saint-Émilion value is a tribute to Galius’s past, with a promise for the future.

Galius
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2020

Your Price: $35

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“Dark plums, blueberries, violets, loganberries and bay leaves on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. I like the intense and persistent bitter chocolate and dark berry fruit. Better from 2025.”

92 Points

2020 Giulia Negri Cru Borolo La Tartufaia La Morra Piedmont Italy

2020 Giulia Negri Cru Borolo La Tartufaia La Morra Piedmont Italy

with No Comment $70-$80BaroloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

Giulia Negri

Cru Barolo 2020
La Tartufaia, La Morra
Piedmont, Italy

2020 Giulia Negri Cru Borolo La Tartufaia La Morra Piedmont Italy

Since the 1880s, the Diatto-Negri family has crafted exceptional Barolo from the renown slopes of Serradenari. Today, Giulia Negri carries on this noble tradition, producing wines embodying this celebrated terroir’s depth, complexity, and finesse.

Serradenari, the highest Cru of La Morra, is known for its expressive, elegant Nebbiolo. This unique microclimate, characterized by high altitude and Tortonian soils rich in clay, loam, and sand, imparts remarkable acidity and elegance to the wines. The vineyard’s proximity to Alba’s white truffle grounds adds an intriguing earthy dimension.

Giulia’s 2020 La Tartufaia Barolo is a testament to this terroir and its truffle-laden heritage. Each vine is meticulously tended, and the grapes are harvested at the peak of ripeness. The wine is crafted with a gentle touch, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged for 24 months in traditional Slavonian oak barrels. The result is a harmonious blend of power and refinement, with layers of red fruit, spice, and earthy truffle notes.

Giulia Negri
Cru Barolo 2020
La Tartufaia, La Morra
Piedmont, Italy
Retails at: $80

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“This wine is deeply rooted in terroir, exuding a tapestry of forest floor, tar, earthy clay, and a range of medicinal herbs. Crushed cherries and raspberries move between the more savory note gently lifting the wine. Structured with vibrant acidity that lifts the tart red fruit flavors across the palate as fresh herbs and pine needle accents add to the complex nature of this wine. Drink 2026 – 2045”

94 Points

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

with No Comment $30-$40BurgandyChablisFranceKevin Vogt

Thierry Laffay

Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

Nestled amidst the serene slopes of the Serein River Valley, the vineyards of Chablis flourish upon a rare and storied terroir: Kimmeridgian marl, a sedimentary clay rich in limestone that imparts the wines with their signature bright, mineral character. This soil, coupled with the valley’s Atlantic-tempered climate, creates a harmonious balance. The cool air slows the ripening of the grapes, preserving the vibrant, racy acidity that defines Chablis wines.

Since 1978, Thierry Laffay has meticulously cultivated this remarkable landscape, nurturing just over 17 acres of Chardonnay. For Laffay, it’s not merely about growing grapes—it’s about embracing simplicity and authenticity and sharing the fruits of his labor. His family-run estate adheres to traditional methods, aging wines exclusively in stainless steel tanks and bottled a year after harvest, ensuring the purity of flavor. The 2020 growing season, marked by ideal weather conditions, yielded wines of exceptional quality with the potential for graceful aging.

The 2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis, a standout in recent tastings, exemplifies the brilliance of the vintage. With its vibrant acidity and elegant minerality, it showcases precisely what makes top-tier Chablis so captivating—an unforgettable expression of both land and craftsmanship.

Thierry Laffay
Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

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“The Theirry Laffay 2020 Chablis opens with notes of chalky minerality, crushed seashells, chamomile, pears, and quince. On the palate, the wine is lively with a silky mouthfeel and flavors of golden apples, apricots, grapefruit, and lemon custard. The wine has a near-creamy texture balanced by fresh, vibrant acidity and a crisp, stony finish.”

95 Points

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Italy

with No Comment $30 and underBrunelloItalyKevin VogtMontalcinoPiedmont

Idi Di Marzo

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy, 2020

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy

The Idi di Marzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from De Cerchio is more than a wine; it’s a testament to the Abruzzo region’s rich viticultural heritage. Crafted from sustainably farmed Montepulciano grapes, this wine embodies the essence of the region’s rugged landscape, where vines flourish between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine Mountains. Each sip reveals the terroir’s mineral-rich soul, imparting a depth and complexity that is truly remarkable.

For four generations, the De Cerchio family has refined the art of winemaking, each vintage building upon the passion and knowledge passed down. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the 2020 Idi di Marzo, which has garnered acclaim from renowned Italian wine critics James Suckling and Luca Maroni.

The 2020 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo showcases a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, offering layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. This wine is not merely a reflection of the land but a testament to the De Cerchio winemaking team’s passion and expertise poured into every bottle.

Idi Di Marzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy, 2020

Your Price: $24

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“The nose is savory, but in a warm, comforting way, like a mountain cabin in autumn, with aromas of chocolate, berries, leather, soil and herbs. On the palate, grilled, peppery meat underscores the herbaceousness, but lingering berries bring brightness and levity. Great value, especially considering this wine bears the top sustainable certification.”

90 Points