2020 Erikson And Caradin Cabernet Sauvignon Bilateral Napa Valley

2020 Erikson And Caradin Cabernet Sauvignon Bilateral Oakville Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

ERIKSON & CARADIN 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
BILATERAL 2020
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

2020 Erikson And Caradin Cabernet Sauvignon Bilateral Napa Valley

Erikson & Caradin is a small, innovative winery in Napa Valley that is committed to producing fine wines with a handcrafted approach. The proprietors believe that soil, elevation, and climate play crucial roles in winemaking but that expertise and ambition can take wine to the next level.

The winery’s Innovative Series explores different vine training methods, and the “Bilateral” wine celebrates bilaterally-trained Cabernet Sauvignon vines grown in Oakville. The fruit for the 2020 vintage came from a vineyard across from Screaming Eagle, one of Napa’s most renowned wineries. The bilateral viticultural practices used in this vineyard resulted in grapes with great intensity and concentration, which is reflected in the finished wine.

The 2020 Bilateral Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful and complex wine with intense flavors and a balanced structure that will surely please Cabernet Sauvignon lovers.

ERIKSON & CARADIN 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
BILATERAL 2020
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

Retails at: $140

Your Price: $49.99

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“The Erikson & Caradin 2020 Bilateral Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon has fragrant aromas of blueberry pie, black currants, elegant florals, fresh sage, and milk chocolate. The palate continues with ripe blackberries, black plums, Bing cherries, mocha, hints of allspice, and a touch of sweet vanilla. The seamless, lingering palate is very supple, with satiny tannins and a long, refined finish.”

95+ Points

2020 Foley Johnson Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

FOLEY JOHNSON 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
RUTHERFORD 2020

Bill Foley is a titan in the wine industry, with around thirty successful brands, including Merus, Lancaster, Kuleto, and many others. Foley Johnson is paramount because it bears his name and is in the heart of Rutherford, one of the most significant regions in America for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon with a distinct “Rutherford dust” characteristic.
 
The Foleys believe that sustainable farming in their vineyards preserves the local ecosystem and produces fruit that more accurately depicts the unique terroir in this small pocket of Napa Valley. The 2020 release upholds the standards of previous vintages with powerfully layered flavors accented by the signature “Rutherford dust,” a dynamic structure with ripe tannins. At less than $50, Foley Johnson is one of the best values in the region.
 
FOLEY JOHNSON 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
RUTHERFORD 2020
Retails at: $75
 
Your Price: $45
 
 
“The Foley Johnson Estate Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 begins with a savory nose dominated by deep black cherry, ripe blackberry, fresh red currants, dried salame, and ground espresso, followed by tobacco leaf, vanilla hints, and white flowers. The structured palate has slightly dusty tannins, which frame a wine that reflects similarities in the nose with bright, fresh red fruits balanced by deeper black fruits and baker’s chocolate. These elements combine to create an elegantly complex wine that drinks great at release but will continue to age gracefully for the next eight years or so.”
93 Points
2020 Domaine De Leyre-Loup Morgon Beaujolais France

2020 Domaine De Leyre-Loup Morgon Beaujolais France

with No Comment $30 and underBurgandyFranceKevin Vogt

DOMAINE DE LEYRE-LOUP

MORGON 2020
BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE

2020 Domaine De Leyre-Loup Morgon Beaujolais France
Domaine de Leyre-Loup is located in Beaujolais and encompasses 25 acres of vines on granitic soils perfectly suited to growing expressive Gamay of rare richness and high quality. The Morgon AOC is the second largest Beaujolais Cru known for powerful wines that are good for laying down and developing delightful earthy, Pinot Noir-like notes over time.
 
The Domaine’s 50-year-old vines in Morgon give fruit with great concentration and structure that get hand-harvested and sorted, partially destemmed before fermentation. The grapes undergo a traditional, regional fermentation with semi-carbonic maceration in stainless steel resulting in a softer tannin extraction and the creation of lively fruit and spice aromatics that the 2020 vintage shows off in a delicate, focused style.
 
DOMAINE DE LEYRE-LOUP
MORGON 2020
BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The 2020 Domaine de Leyre-Loup Beaujolais Morgon begins with aromas of bright red fruits such as cranberry and raspberry with hints of white pepper, dried herbs, and earth. On the palate, the wine has concentrated fruit flavors of ripe strawberry and juicy fruit punch accented by herbal notes of black tea and sweet tobacco leaf. This wine has an impressive flavor intensity that awakens your taste buds and keeps them alive.”
94-95 Points
2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo

2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo

with No Comment $40-$50Central CoastChardonnayKevin VogtPaso RoblesUSA

MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR

BLANC [CHARDONNAY-BLEND]
SAN LUIS OBISPO 2020

2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo
Farming is life for Eric Jensen, so he works exclusively with farmers who share the common goal of growing the best fruit possible using organic or biodynamic practices, coaxing the vines to perform at their apex. Gaining experience from neighbors Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure, and friend Justin Smith of Saxum, Eric’s wines make a bold statement of quality with an ideal balance of opulence, intensity, and richness.
 
Eric designs his wines to capture high-quality wine’s most intriguing qualities but with a value price to be shared with friends, family, and your favorite neighbors any day of the week. This Chardonnay-based blend is sourced from select vineyard sites in San Luis Obispo and is rich, sleek, and ready to drink now or in five to six years for aged complexity.
 
MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR
BLANC [CHARDONNAY-BLEND]
SAN LUIS OBISPO 2020
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The Chardonnay-based 2020 Blanc has lush tropical fruits on the nose with accents of toast, almonds and sweet spice. The palate offers generous fruits, a sleek, polished texture, youthful new oak spices and expansive flavors on the long finish. Super classy!”
95 Points
2020 Domaines Ott Chateau De Selle Rose Cotes De Provence

2020 Domaines Ott Chateau De Selle Rose Cotes De Provence

with No Comment $40-$50FranceKevin VogtProvenceProvenceRosé

DOMAINES OTT

CHÂTEAU DE SELLE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE 2020

2020 Domaines Ott Chateau De Selle Rose Cotes De Provence
Provence is the oldest winemaking region in France and the only in the world dedicated to rosé. Marcel Ott purchased several acres in the late 1800s, and 125 years later, the family estates are still run by the Ott family, with each Domaine producing wines of definition and allegiance to each vineyard’s unique terroir.
 
Chateau de Selle’s Vineyard sits on gypsum, red clay, dolomite, and sandstone mixed with gravel and large stones nestled high into the limestone slopes sheltered from winter frosts and harsh weather. The vines are grown on terraced vineyards that procure nuances from the diverse soils influenced by the sea, giving the 2020 vintage laser definition, making it “another gorgeous Ott,” as written by James Suckling.
 
DOMAINES OTT
CHÂTEAU DE SELLE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE 2020
Retails at: $54
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“…Ott’s 2020 Cotes de Provence Rose Chateau de Selle boasts restrained aromas of peach, melon and citrus underscored by hints of crushed stone. In the mouth, it’s medium-bodied and concentrated, with ample intensity, a slightly creamy texture and a long, mouthwatering finish. Like the other top rosés of Domaines Ott, this is a wine that is often better in its second year.”
93 Points
 
“This is big on drinkability with light cherry, strawberry and peach aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, creamy and minerally with fresh, stony character. Vivid at the end. Another gorgeous Ott. Drink now.”
93 Points
2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirSanta Rita HillsUSA

LULI

2020 PINOT NOIR
SANTA RITA HILLS

2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
Seeking to create a new line of handcrafted wines from top-notch fruit at affordable prices, Luli was launched in 2007 by the combined knowledge, skills, and experience of Master Sommelier Sara Floyd, vineyard manager Mark Pisoni, and winemaker Jeff Pisoni. The Pisoni brothers grew up farming in the Santa Lucia Highlands with their father Gary, one of California’s most respected growers, sourcing fruit for Luli from vineyards in or near the same land they call home.
 
Wine is life for Sara and the Pisoni brothers, so the desire to bring family and friends together to swirl a glass of fine wine for a reasonable price is a passion for all three. Possibly one of the best winemaking teams in history, this successful partnership illustrates the talents and strengths of three different masterminds in each vintage and every glass poured.
 
LULI
2020 PINOT NOIR
SANTA RITA HILLS
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The 2020 Luli Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir begins with an intriguing nose that includes fresh strawberries, English rose petals, cotton candy, and Autumn baking spices. The palate mimics these traits, adding cherry cola, red plums, liquid minerals, and a bright freshness combined with a supple texture that beautifully rounds this wine out. Drink it now, and over the next six to eight years.”
92 Points
2020 Domaines Ott By. Ott Provence Rose

2020 Domaines Ott By. Ott Provence Rose

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtProvenceProvenceRosé

DOMAINES OTT

2020 BY. OTT
PROVENCE ROSÉ

2020 Domaines Ott By. Ott Provence Rose
A benchmark in style, Domaines Ott is one of the top rosé producers globally and acts as a reference standard in its category, setting the highest bar for quality. Provence, the oldest vineyard land in mainland France, has for the last 2600 years been primarily focused on crafting fruity, focused, dry rosés with a delicate color but a deep concentration of red fruit flavors and backbone of minerality.
 
Setting out to produce the finest examples of Provençal wines crafted from noble grape varieties, Marcel Ott discovered the Estate which would become Domains Ott in 1896. Today, cousins Christian and Jean-François Ott continue with the same dedication, creating classic and refreshing rosé blends, setting timeless precedence of quality. 
 
DOMAINES OTT
2020 BY. OTT
PROVENCE ROSÉ
 
Your Price: $27.99
 
 
“Plenty of sliced strawberries and peaches with citrus and perfume. Medium-bodied, showing lovely fruit and balance. Creamy finish. Drink and enjoy.”
91 Points
 
“Light orange-pink. Ripe pit fruits and red berries on the nose, along with a hint of smokiness. Juicy and open-knit, offering strawberry and nectarine flavors that show very good clarity and back-end cut. Finishes smooth and long, leaving a suggestion of pit fruits behind.”
90 Points
2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River

2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRoséRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL

ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SLUSSER VINEYARD
2020 RUSSIAN RIVER 

2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River
Representing a singular expression of the people, place, and vintage, Joseph Jewell wines bring people together with easy approachability, conversation-driving quality, and powerful varietal character. They source from expressive, cool-climate vineyards that provide the ingredients necessary to create wines that stand out for their pristine balance and thoughtful sophistication. Their 2020 Rosé was a bright star at our tasting with piercing aromatics, mineral-intensity, and contagious energy, and at $24, it’s a superb value. 
 
Farmed by the same family for over 100 years, Slusser Vineyard is in the middle reach of the Russian River Valley, where Mark West Creek’s flooding resulted in intense minerality in the wines. 
 
Calling on 100% Pinot Noir, winemaker Adrian Jewell crafted this Rosé in a brightly focused style, highlighting the vineyard’s keen minerality and freshness of fruit that will leave your taste buds craving more.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SLUSSER VINEYARD
2020 RUSSIAN RIVER
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
“Fruity and layered in waves of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon, this light, crisp wine delivers vibrant flavor and texture. Dried herb and a hint of lemongrass add complementary nuance and deliciousness.” 
91 Points
2020 Maison Lispaul Sancerre Les Deux Rangs Loire Valley

2020 Maison Lispaul Sancerre Les Deux Rangs Loire Valley

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtLoire ValleySancerre

MAISON LISPAUL

2020 SANCERRE
LES DEUX RANGS
LOIRE VALLEY

2020 Maison Lispaul Sancerre Les Deux Rangs Loire Valley
When it comes to refreshing wines with dynamic complexity, laser focus, and tantalizing acidity, Sancerre is unparalleled. They offer stratospherically high quality/value compared to neighboring Burgundy, where you could be paying several times the bottle price for wines of comparable quality. Shirley Gaucher’s 2020 Sancerre Les Deux Rangs is classically concentrated, refreshingly bright, and focused, offering tremendous value, immediately noticeable in your glass. 
 
Drawn from established thirty-year-old vines grown in classic clay and flint soils, Shirley Gaucher’s Sancerre is vinified in stainless steel tanks for eight months, preserving the wine’s natural freshness, keen acidity, and fruit purity. 
 
Made at Maison Lispaul, named for the winemaker’s two children Lison and Paul-Henri, which is a small family-run estate, with proprietor David Maudry coming from a family of vintners. Their Sancerre comes from a 15-hectare plot on the left bank of the Loire, chosen for its Southern exposure, silex (flint)-rich soils, and expressive fruit.
 
MAISON LISPAUL
2020 SANCERRE
LES DEUX RANGS
LOIRE VALLEY
 
Your Price: $28
 
 
“The Shirley Gaucher Sancerre Les Deux Rangs 2020 shimmers in the glass and begins with a beautiful combination of lively fruits and florals on the nose, including ripe pomelo, lime peel, white peach, and wild rose petals. It has a laser-like focus on the palate with grapefruit, Kiwi, and mandarins, along with a focused, penetrating, and vibrant finish.”
91 Points
2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado

with No Comment $30 and underGrenache BlancKevin VogtSierra FoothillsUSA

SKINNER

GRENACHE BLANC
2020 EL DORADO 

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado
Setting out to epitomize Sierra Foothill wines, Skinner designed their state-of-the-art winery to support chemical-free, small-lot fermentations. They strategically assembled a team of like-minded, talented individuals, including winemaker Adam Smith, former assistant winemaker at Craggy Range in New Zealand, and Domaine Serene in Oregon. Specializing in Rhône varieties, their Grenache Blanc exemplifies their team’s combined experience, environmental awareness, and the full capabilities of their vineyard. 
 
At 1,400 feet elevation, the alluvial soils of Skinner’s vineyard combine with elevation-induced cool temperatures, resulting in fruit with bright acidity and balanced flavors. Their vineyard’s shallow topsoil and decomposed granite cause the vines to struggle for water and nutrients, encouraging flavor intensity. 
 
Combining Concrete, Stainless Steel, and French oak fermentation vessels for increased complexity, Skinner’s winemaking team ferments their Grenache Blanc on the lees, increasing textural richness. At $24, this wine offers substantial value.
 
SKINNER
GRENACHE BLANC
2020 EL DORADO
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
Foothill Wine Festival 2021
Double Gold Medal
Best of Show – White Wine
100 Points
 
“The aromatics on the 2020 Grenache Blanc are punchy and brilliant, as the nose suggests a wine of tremendous posture. The first impression is crushed limestone and white flowers, giving way to underpinnings of blood orange, honeysuckle and sandalwood. This wine’s clean, platinum hue and lithe aromatics only begin to tell the story of its deep, complex palate presence of weight and electric tension; a tight balance of flowers, fruit and dirt, this is a real testament to the transcendence of El Dorado-grown white Rhônes.”