2021 Hill Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Hill Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

HILL FAMILY

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Hill Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Doug and Darci Hill acquired one acre north of Yountville in 1981 and began growing fruit for premium Napa Valley wineries and vegetables for local restaurants, including Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. In 2001, they released their first wines, a Merlot and a red blend. Today, they own 120 acres of 100% family-owned, family-farmed, and family-operated land utilizing sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices.

Winemaker Alison Doran has been with the team since the inaugural vintage. She’s honed her skills under the guidance of the legendary André Tchelistcheff, completed a degree in Winemaking from UC Davis, and spent time in the noble Alsace region in France.

The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon combines mountain fruit from the Baker Vineyard on Atlas Peak and grapes from the valley floor to showcase Napa’s signature terroir and bold character. At $65, this powerful and elegant expression of Napa Valley Cabernet is a joy to behold. 

HILL FAMILY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2021
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $65

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“The Hill Family Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 begins with a nose of black currants, crushed blueberries, cardamom, cocoa powder, menthol, and lavender. It continues on the palate with intense blackberries, ripe black plums, espresso grounds, and sweet vanilla wrapped in firm, gripping tannins. The concentrated fruit balances the tannin grip just enough to make this wine drinkable now but will reward you by cellaring for a decade or more.”

94+ Points

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

ROCHIOLI

ESTATE PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2021

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

From a vineyard synonymous with excellence and terroir expression, the Rochioli family understood the potential of their land from very early on. Tom Rochioli’s deep interest in producing terroir-driven wines with little human intervention helped make his grapes some of the most valuable in the Russian River Valley. 

In 1968, Tom’s father, Joe Rochioli Jr., planted Pinot Noir clones from France in the Russian River Valley and began selling fruit to Davis Bynum and Williams-Selyem. Tom took over as the business manager of the winery in 1983 and soon after became the winemaker, convincing his father they needed to release their first estate-bottled Pinot Noir under the Rochioli name. 

The 1985 Pinot Noir debuted in 1987, and the wine was immediately honored as the “Best Pinot Noir in America” by Wine Spectator. The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir is a blend of estate sites, including Little Hill, Sweetwater, West Block, Big Hill, and East Block, aged for 15 months in French oak, and showcases the charm of the Russian River Valley with a rich body and complex spices.

ROCHIOLI
ESTATE PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2021

Your Price: $95

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“A deep transparent ruby, the elegant 2021 Pinot Noir Estate displays a refined, classic appeal in its notes of wild raspberry, fresh roses, and forest herbs. Medium-bodied, it reveals fine tannins and remarkable purity throughout its fresh, well-balanced layers of orange peel, ripe red cherry, and floral, spicy notes that continue long on the palate. A beautiful Pinot with a lot of immediate appeal, it will continue to drink well over the next 6-8 years. This stunning wine far exceeds its entry-level status. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

96 Points

2021 Ace Of Spades Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

2021 Ace Of Spades Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesUSA

ACE OF SPADES 

BY PERRIN + DOBBS VINEYARDS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
PASO ROBLES 2021

2021 Ace Of Spades Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

Winemaker Chad Alexander of Perrin + Dobbs crafts superior wines from Bordeaux varieties in Paso Robles’ unique terroir. The AVA is one of California’s best wine-growing regions because of its proximity to the Pacific coast, creating California’s most dramatic diurnal temperature swings resulting in rich, complex flavors.

The 2021 Ace of Spades Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. It is full-bodied and structured, with rich, sophisticated aromas and polished tannins. The wine will develop even more complexity with age.

At $22, the Ace of Spades is an excellent value for a Cabernet Sauvignon of this quality. It will surely please Cabernet lovers looking for enjoyable wine now and over the next five years.

ACE OF SPADES 
BY PERRIN + DOBBS VIEYARDS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
PASO ROBLES 2021
Retails at: $42

Your Price: $22

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“The Ace of Spades Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 from Perrin + Dobbs Vineyards begins with a bright nose of briary wild red and black berries, pepper spice, camphor, pipe tobacco, and sweet florals. It continues on the palate with ripe blackberries, Morello cherries, and Burgundy plums, all wrapped in satiny, fine-grained tannins. At this price, this Cabernet Sauvignon is surprisingly deep and complex and will be my new go-to Cab in this price range.”

93 Points

2021 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley

2021 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Diamond MountainKevin VogtNapaOak KnollProprietary RedSaint HelenaUSA

STEPS

RESERVE BARREL SELECT
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley
STEPS Barrel Select Reserve is a quintessential Napa Valley Blend crafted by Grant Long, Jr., the renowned winemaker behind Aonair, Reverie II, James Joseph, and Witchery. Grant’s winemaking wizardry creates approachable wines with a supple texture, hedonistic flavors, and ageability.
 
The 2021 STEPS unites plush valley floor fruit from Oak Knoll and St. Helena with structured mountain fruit from Diamond Mountain, showcasing the exceptional balance of Napa terroir.
 
The blend for this vintage is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 50% new French oak and 50% once-used French oak, seamlessly harmonizing power and elegance.
 
STEPS
RESERVE BARREL SELECT
NAPA VALLEY 2021
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The 2021 Steps Reserve Barrel Select has fresh aromas of violets, black tea leaves, berry bramble, ripe plum, and black olive. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with bright acidity and flavors of black cherry, black currant, mint, dark chocolate, and cloves. The wine’s intensity and fine-grained tannins will allow for graceful development, although it’s drinking quite nicely already.”
94 Points
2021 Standard Deviation Grenache Bennett Valley

2021 Standard Deviation Grenache Bennett Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Bennett ValleyGrenacheKevin VogtSonomaUSA

STANDARD DEVIATION 

GRENACHE 2021
BENNETT VALLEY

2021 Standard Deviation Grenache Bennett Valley
Standard Deviation is the culmination of two great minds in the wine industry with dreams to create high-quality, micro-production wines at an everyday budget. Winemaker Justin Harmon and Vintner Josh Peeples bring Standard Deviation from exceptional terroir in Bennet Valley. Justin is known for his Argot wines, while Josh owns Elyse Winery and has made wine since 2002. He previously co-founded a start-up order management software company for the beverage industry in the late 1990s.
 
Grenache grapes are widely grown worldwide and used to produce single-varietal wines and blends, particularly notable in the wines of the Rhône Valley. Bennet Valley in Sonoma County provides an ideal growing environment for Grenache with a cool climate that lengthens the grapes’ hang time, promoting deep flavor development. The exemplary 2021 vintage produced lower yields, further concentrating flavors and aromas, resulting in a remarkably pure, fresh, complex wine.
 
STANDARD DEVIATION 
GRENACHE 2021
BENNETT VALLEY
Retails at: $65
 
 
 
“The Standard Deviation 2021 Grenache from Bennet Valley opens with fresh lavender, rosemary, bright red fruits, white pepper, and an earthy minerality. On the palate, the wine has concentrated flavors of bing cherry, strawberry, cranberry, savory spice, and blackberry compote. The wine has a silky texture and fresh acidity that perfectly complements the fruit flavors and delivers a delicious finish.”
94 Points
2021 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

SILVER GHOST 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Proprietor and winemaker of Silver Ghost, Weston Eidson, attended graduate school in the UK, leading him to discover some of Europe’s most extraordinary wine-growing regions and inspiring his journey into wine. Weston also explored South Africa and Chile before landing in Napa Valley, where he met Jason Moore of Modus Operandi and learned valuable skills working the 2012 harvest. He’s since learned from his mentor, Russell Bevan.
 
Weston’s great-grandfather John Montagu was an automobile pioneer with connections to Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. Silver Ghost pays homage to his favorite vehicle, the 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, and like the classic car, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red wine displays nuanced characteristics and authenticity from a dedicated winemaking team and fruit from Napa’s finest vineyards.
 
The 2021 release is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced with Merlot, and Petite Verdot, aged 22 months in French oak barrels, resulting in a supple and powerful Cabernet that’s not only ready-to-drink now but will continue to develop additional complexity with age.
 
SILVER GHOST 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
NAPA VALLEY 2021
Retails at: $45
 
 
 
Ripe, dark-fruited character with vanilla, licorice, walnuts and moist earth. Medium- to full-bodied with supple tannins. Juicy and sleek with a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
92 Points
2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal

2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPortugalProprietary White

QUINTA DA RAZA

ALVARINHO TRAJADURA
VINHO VERDE PORTUGAL 2021

2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal
Quinta da Raza is a family-owned winery located in the Vinho Verde DOC in Northwestern Portugal. The estate has been in operation for five generations, and they are passionate about producing high-quality wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
 
Vinho Verde is a coastal region that is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. This combination of maritime influences and granite soils creates an ideal environment for growing white grape varieties. These grapes are often blended together to create both complex and refreshing wines.
 
The 2021 Alvarinho Trajadura is a perfect example of this type of wine. It is a blend of 60% Alvarinho and 40% Trajadura, and it was fermented in stainless steel and aged on the lees for four months. This results in a wine that is bright, refreshing, and full of flavor.
 
This wine is perfect for enjoying by the pool on a hot summer day. It would also be a great pairing for seafood dishes or light salads.
 
QUINTA DA RAZA
ALVARINHO TRAJADURA
VINHO VERDE PORTUGAL 2021
 
Your Price: $22
 
 
“The Quinta da Raza 2021 Alvarinho Trajadura is light, bright, and opens with playful notes of lime blossom, jasmine, grapefruit, white peach, fresh ginger, and a chalky minerality. On the palate, the wine is slightly effervescent with zesty acidity and flavors of blood orange, lime zest, cantaloupe, and freshly squeezed lemonade. This wine is a quintessential necessity for summertime with its opulence and levity and leaves a lasting impression accompanied by an impressive finish.”
97 Points
2021 Vineyard 36 Foundation Red Napa Valley

2021 Vineyard 36 Foundation Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOak KnollOakvilleProprietary RedRutherfordUSA

VINEYARD 36 

FOUNDATION RED
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Vineyard 36 Foundation Red Napa Valley
Professional hockey players Tim Gleason and Cam Ward teamed up with their friend Jason Earnest to create Vineyard 36 out of the group’s shared vision and a common goal to produce wines that express the diversity of Napa Valley. Keith Emerson joined as the Director of Winemaking in 2017, ironically having run programs for ultra-premium custom crush clientele for Vineyard 29 since 2005 at their state-of-the-art gravity-flow facility, bringing two decades of winemaking expertise and experience.
 
The Foundation pays tribute to Tim and Cam’s careers in hockey with an ice rink-shaped oval with faint skate marks. The Roman numeral III in the center represents the bond and friendship between the three friends. The 2021 vintage comprises 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, sourced from Oakville, Oak Knoll, and Rutherford, giving a complete, balanced Napa red wine with power and definition. 
 
The Cabernet comes from one of Rutherford’s best-known vineyards, but non-disclosure agreements prevent me from telling you which one. 
 
VINEYARD 36 
FOUNDATION RED
NAPA VALLEY 2021
Retails at: $55
 
 
 
“The Vineyard 36 Foundation Napa Red 2021 begins with a bright nose with wild berries, marzipan, white rose, and spearmint hints. The lush palate continues with concentrated candied cherries, penetrating sweet boysenberries, leading to a lengthy finish with a nice balance between the ripe fruits and complexity, combined with slightly chalky/satiny tannins that will continue to unfurl in the future.” 
94 Points
2021 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley

2021 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir The Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

WALTER HANSEL

PINOT NOIR 2021
THE ESTATE VINEYARDS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2021 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley
Born with a love and passion for agriculture, Walter Hansel enlisted his son Stephen to help him plant grapevines on the family estate in the Russian River Valley. Throughout the 1980s, Walter and Stephen experimented with making wine for fun, and thanks to Stephen’s legendary Pinot Noir-producing friend Tom Rochioli, the father-son team learned the nuances of viticulture and how to translate that knowledge into stellar wines.
 
Walter Hansels’ vineyards comprise six different Pinot Noir clones, and The Estate Vineyards Pinot encompasses each, establishing a uniform balance and ultimate complexity. The 2021 release was fermented in stainless steel with an addition of 5% whole clusters to a small number of tanks and matured in French oak for 12 months giving a style focused on the purity of the fruit with a hint of spice.
 
WALTER HANSEL
PINOT NOIR 2021
THE ESTATE VINEYARDS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
 
 
“The 2021 Pinot Noir The Estate Vineyards is gracious, elegant and silky. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, spice and mint are nicely laced together in a juicy, mid-weight Pinot that delivers the goods. The 2021 offers tons of immediacy, but marries that with a good bit of energy. This is a very serious wine with a bright, bright future.”
92 Points
2021 Kanzler Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard RRV

2021 Kanzler Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard Russian River Valley

with No Comment $60-$70ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

KANZLER

CHARDONNAY 2021
WALKER STATION VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2021 Kanzler Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard RRV
In 1996, the Kanzler family was the first to plant vineyards in the chilly Sebastopol Hills in western Sonoma County, just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. Steve Kanzler immersed himself in viticulture, taking classes at UC Davis, and sought advice from neighbors, winemakers, vineyard managers, and soil experts all around the county to perfect his knowledge and understanding of grape growing.
 
After the first harvest in 2000, Kanzler began to sell fruit to prominent and up-and-coming wineries, including Lynmar, Rivers-Marie, and Kosta Browne. The Kanzlers recognized the immense quality of another vineyard, Walker Station, and so when the opportunity came up to lease it after Harry Walker of Walker Station Vineyard retired, they didn’t hesitate.
 
Kanzler’s 2021 Walker Station Vineyard Chardonnay is sourced from the cool, hilly Green Valley of the Russian River Valley, giving opulent, fresh fruit that winemaker Alex Kanzler crafts into a focused style combining elegance, power, and finesse.
 
KANZLER
CHARDONNAY 2021
WALKER STATION VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
 
 
“The Kanzler 2021 Walker Station Chardonnay opens with energetic notes of acacia blossoms, jasmine, quince, yellow apple, star fruit, and buttercream frosting. On the palate, the wine has layered flavors that unfold into pear, apricot, baked apple pie, bourbon anglaise, and a crisp minerality. This wine has a satin-like quality that envelopes your taste buds and leads to a pleasant finish that enlightens the senses.”
95 Points