2018 Forturne 1621 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2018 Fortune 1621 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOak KnollUSA

FORTUNE 1621

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 NAPA VALLEY

2018 Forturne 1621 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
I love it when a family-owned winery has a break-out vintage that shows off their expert winemaking and excellent fruit sources. Fortune 1621 Cabernet is a staple in our shop’s value area, and their 2018 is an even higher level of quality, concentration, and balance. At under $30, you honestly do not want to miss the boat on this one. 
 
The 2018 release of the Fortune 1621 Cab is the handiwork of winemaker Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars, and he’s also the winemaker at Laird. The 2018 growing season was faultless and virtually uninterrupted by significant heat spikes. This environment provided a prolonged hang-time, allowing the fruit to accumulate intense flavor and complexity. 
 
Located in Oak Knoll, the vineyard benefits from the evening shadows of the Mayacamas Mountain range, where the micro-climate is one of the coolest in Napa Valley. It produces gorgeous fruit with incredible character, and the 2018 release is something special. At $30, it’s one of the best Cabs that I’ve tasted this year.
 
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
 
“Fresh nose of toasty oak, vanilla, blackberry, Bing cherry and touches of chocolate. The palate is full bodied with jammy fruit entry of ripe cherry, blackberry and hints of oak spice. Can be enjoyed on its own, but has enough structure and concentration to go with grilled meats.”
 
2019 Laird Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

2019 Laird Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

LAIRD

2019 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY 

2019 Laird Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
There are many different styles of Sauvignon Blanc, from brightly focused, to silky and rich, with everything in between. Laird’s 2019 falls into the brightly focused category, but what puts this wine over the top in terms of quality/value was the remarkably concentrated fruit. Laird has their choice of premium vineyards, as one of Napa Valley’s preeminent farming families, and for this wine, they undoubtedly chose right…
 
Laird’s 2019 Sauvignon Blanc emanates from the winery’s Big Ranch Estate Vineyard, which is also home to Mario Andretti’s winery. Here, the gravel and silty clay loam soils, combined with the San Pablo Bay cooling influences, are ideal for ripening Sauvignon Blanc. 
 
Winemaker Brian Mox fermented 15% of the grapes sur lie, and in neutral oak barrels. The balance was fermented in stainless steel tank, preserving the brightly focused fruit, and the combination of the two methods creates a beautiful tension on the palate that’s simply irresistible.
 
LAIRD
2019 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $30
 
Your Price: $26.99
 
“Inviting aromas of elderflower, passion fruit, melon, and Kefir lime lead the way to a medium-bodied white wine with a refreshing zing of bright acid, followed by flavors of white peach, Asian pear, and lemongrass. The well-balanced nature of this wine is evident in its soft, lingering finish.”
2018 Darms Lane Oak Knoll District Chardonnay

2018 Darms Lane Oak Knoll District Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtNapaOak KnollUSA

DARMS LANE

2018 CHARDONNAY
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT
2018 Darms Lane Oak Knoll District Chardonnay

 

Most Chardonnay fans have a preferred style of either rich, buttery and opulent, or clean, crisp and minerally. For my palate, the most important characteristic, regardless of style is balance, and Darms Lane’s 2018 Chardonnay has it from first sip to the last drop. When you read about the winemaker and the vineyard, the quality won’t come as a surprise, but one thing that will surprise you is the unbelievable value at this price.

Darms Lane’s winemaker Brian Mox is well-versed in crafting premium Napa Valley Chardonnay. He spent several vintages as winemaker at Lewis Cellars, and he’s the current winemaker at Laird Family Estate, and both wineries are recognized for exceptional Chardonnay. 

The 2018 combines fruit from the winery’s Bon Passe Estate Vineyard, as well as neighboring Trefethen. The area is know for its complex soils and micro-climate that’s one of the coolest in Napa Valley, enabling the fruit to develop concentrated flavors at ripe sugar levels with refreshing, balanced acidity. 

DARMS LANE
2018 CHARDONNAY
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT

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“Refreshing and vibrant, our 2018 Chardonnay offers aromas of pear, brioche, vanilla, honeysuckle, toasted oak, and hints of lemon curd. The beautifully balanced pallet exhibits flavors of pear, apple, vanilla, and fresh hints of Meyer lemon and tart orange as well as a touch of white peach. The wine has medium body with a subtle richness leading to crisper, clean citrus and stone fruits through the mid pallet and a lively fresh finish. Enjoy!”

2015 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir

2017 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaUSA

LAIRD 

2017 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH 

2015 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is remarkably versatile, and stylistically it can be crafted in more ways than just about any other varietal, ranging from light, bright and elegant, to deep, rich and opulent, and of course, everything in-between. Laird’s Single-Vineyard Pinot from Ghost Ranch definitely lives on the full-bodied end of the spectrum, and beautifully reflects that style.
 
Ghost Ranch is a stunning 9 acre vineyard located on the Sonoma side of Carneros. The site got its name from vineyard workers that had reported seeing children between the rows of vines, and when approached, they would vanish.
 
The winery has always attracted expert winemakers, and they’re currently made by Brian Mox whom previously consulted for both Lewis and Etude.
 
The 2017 is an idyllic example of a deep, full-bodied, and lavish Pinot Noir that doesn’t give an inch in terms of balance. So, if you enjoy Big Pinots, the scariest thing about Laird’s Ghost Ranch Pinot would be missing out on a case.   
 
LAIRD 
2017 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $43/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “The Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2017 is a rich, supple wine with bright acidity along with a lush, satiny mouthfeel. It begins with ripe boysenberry, cherry cola and baking spices, with a hint of sweet vanilla. The finish is penetrating and long, with an overall balance that draws you back in, sip after sip…” 93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2017 Gortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

FORTUNE 1621 2017 Gortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 NAPA VALLEY

 
Sailing into their 2017 vintage with even more energy and forward momentum, Fortune 1621 is a brand that’s become synonymous with value Cabernet Sauvignon in our shop.  With the Bump family at the helm, and a crew that includes winemaker Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars, Fortune 1621 is clearly a voyage worth taking. The 2017 evokes the kind of joy you would get sailing across a glassy, calm ocean, as flavors glide seamlessly across your palate, leaving a soft wake of crushed black fruits, dried lavender, mocha with hints of blueberries.  At under $30, don’t miss the boat on this one…
 
Journeying for more from 18 months in French and American oak barrels, the 2017 set sail from carefully chosen vineyards throughout Napa Valley, each selected for their own unique characteristics which contribute to the final blend.  The 2017 is marked by it’s superior concentration, royal elegance, fine details and dusty tannins that are rarely found at this price…
 
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Fresh nose of toasty oak, red currant, vanilla and touches of mocha. The palate is full bodied with pure notes of cherry, red berry intermingled with blackberry and hints of tobacco.“
 
Customers who enjoy Fortune 1621 Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Napa Cabs…
2016 Silver Ghost Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
SILVER GHOST
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $35/btl

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Winery Notes: “Silver Ghost is a rich, full-bodied  Cabernet  Sauvignon crafted from some of the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley. The wine is deep in color with aromas of black cherry, blueberry and cassis leaping from the glass. On the palate Silver   Ghost reveals layers of red and black fruit intermingled with mocha, toast and savory spice. A sumptuous texture rounds out the long finish.”
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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With origins in Yountville, Coombsville and Oakville, the 2016 was housed in oak barrels for 22 months.  In the glass the 2016 is incredibly hedonistic, with layers of rich and supple dark berries that are intermixed with black coffee, bay leaf, pipe tobacco and dark chocolate.  The finish is long and expansive and makes it impossible to resist diving in for another sip… another glass and another.
2014 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

LAIRD 2014 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY

 
Laird models strength, consistency, and value, and when it comes to traditionally styled Napa Valley Cabernet, theirs is one of the best.  As one of the largest vineyard owners in Napa Valley, Laird has access to some terrific fruit sources.  The 2014 Napa Cab is built from almost equal parts Mast Ranch and Flat Rock vineyards.  The winery produces single vineyard Cabernets from both of these sites which retail for $80 to $90 per bottle…  It’s a brand that I love, and in fact we featured an earlier vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.  Their 2014 made a big impression on our panel with deep and impressive core, layered in dark chocolate, plum and blackberry and etched with character. At $55/btl this classic Napa Valley Cabernet should not be missed… 
 
Laird has always attracted terrific winemakers.  The wines are currently made by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars.  In 2014, Laird’s Consulting Winemaker was Paul Hobbs, one of the top winemakers in the world, having crafted such notables as Opus One, DuMOL, and Peter Michael to name a few.  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Yountville spends nearly two years in oak and generously delivers hedonistic delights with velvety tannins and great length.  If you enjoy classically styled and full-bodied Napa Valley Cabs, you won’t want to miss this latest release from Laird.  
 
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl
 
From Vinous: “A rich, unctuous wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is sweet, layered and enveloping in feel. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and new leather are all fused together. This is an especially intense, flamboyant expression of the vintage.” 
 
Customers who enjoy Laird’s Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two outstanding wines from Laird…
 
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 

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I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir. Made in a deep, velvety style that I love, Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, black cherries, vanilla and spices.  If you like your Pinot Noirs a little fuller bodied, deep, and rich, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

Click to Order

 
When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.  
2016 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

FORTUNE 1621

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Sailing into their 2016 vintage, Fortune 1621 is a brand that’s become synonymous with value Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.  With the Bump family at the helm, and a crew that include winemaker Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars, Fortune 1621 is clearly a voyage worth taking. The 2016 is strikingly concentrated, yet poised and balanced with a layers of crushed black fruits, freshly roasted coffee beans, dried violets with hints of blueberries.  At $30/btl, don’t miss this boat.
 
Billowing from more from 18 months in French and American oak barrels, the 2016 arose from carefully chosen vineyards throughout Napa Valley, each selected for their own unique characteristics which contribute to the final blend.  The 2016 is marked by it’s superior concentration, strong core and dusty tannins that are rarely found at this price…  
 
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 NAPA VALLEY 
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Fresh nose of toasty oak, red currant, vanilla and touches of mocha. The palate is full bodied with pure notes of cherry, red berry intermingled with blackberry and hints of tobacco.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 85% | Merlot 10% | Petit Verdot 4% | Cabernet Franc 1% 
 
 
Customers who enjoy Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2015 Sailors Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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Some of my favorite wine discoveries are those that naturally go on to sell hundreds of cases in just a couple vintages.  It’s a concrete affirmation proving that what we felt when we first tasted the wine resonated and was felt by almost everyone who tries it.  Sailor’s Grave’s Napa Valley Cabernet did just that.  And with its origins in Yountville, Oakville and Chiles Valley, combined with a price-point that makes you smile, it was the quality of the wine that propelled constant re-orders… to the tune of several hundred cases sold in only 2 vintages.
FISTICUFFS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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One of my favorite results that comes from tasting a new wine, is one that makes me do a double-take simply because the taste exceeds my expectations for the price.  The 2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet made me do just that.  Performing well above its weight class for value Napa Cabernet, this undisputed champion hailing from Napa Valley dances inside a tightly wound core, threaded with chocolate covered cherries, blackcurrants, unground coffee bean and cedar spice.
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir

2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

LAIRD

2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH

2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir
I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir.  It was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages crafting the high-scoring Lewis wines, always ranking among the best in the Valley.  It comes from an incredible Pinot Noir Vineyard in Carneros where vineyard workers have long reported seeing children between the rows and down by the creek… that would vanish when approached.  Eerie!  With just a few hundred cases produced, most of the production goes to their wine club.   I strongly recommend securing yours before it vanishes… 
 
Made in a deep, velvety style that I love, Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, black cherries, vanilla and spices.  If you like your Pinot Noirs a little fuller bodied, deep, and rich, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
 
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl
YOU SAVE 10% 
 
Winery Notes: “With enticing garnet hues, that leads way to aromas of fresh raspberries, toasty oak, Bing cherries and baking spice. With a medium body and a balanced smooth palate that opens to distinct layers of wild strawberry, vanilla & sweet cherry compote...”
 
Customers who enjoy Laird’s Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two outstanding wines from Laird…
2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.  
LAIRD
2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
Composed in a chillingly deep, velvety style that I love, and we don’t have anything else quite like it on our tasting menu in Yountville…  Laird’s 2014  Phantom Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, spring flowers, vanilla and spices. If you enjoy full-bodied, deep, velvety Pinots, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
2015 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

FORTUNE 1621

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY

 2015 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Fortune refers to chance or luck and the new 2015 Fortune 1621 at under thirty will have you experiencing both… Chance is finding a superb Napa Valley Cab that’s both concentrated, deep and long, and available in this favorable price range.  Luck is the way you feel the moment this wine touches your lips, giving off a strong feeling of contentment from getting something extra…  Revealing concentrated black fruits threaded together with crushed rock, espresso roast and violets, this absolutely classic Napa Cab was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars and he’s also the current winemaker at Laird.
 
Blossoming more from 18 months in French and American oak barrels, the 2015 arose from multiple carefully chosen vineyards throughout Napa Valley, each selected for their individual characteristics which contribute to the final blend.  The 2015 is marked by a dense, concentrated core that’s rarely found at this price…  This is one value-driven Napa Cab that I absolutely recommend. 
 
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Fresh nose of black cherry, vanilla and touches of mocha. The palate is full bodied with pure notes of cherry, red berry intermingled with caramel and hints of blackberry.”

 

Customers that would enjoy Fortune 1621’s Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2015 Vellichor Chalk Hill Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
VELLICHOR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CHALK HILL 2015
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
 
 
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
 
The 2015 unfurls intense aromas of black raspberries, spring flowers, espresso roast, black chocolates.  Washing over the palate with dark berries, creme de cassis and camphor, deliciously governed by the wines voluptuous, rich texture.  Kept for 20 months in oak barrels, magnificent flavors cascade over your palate and tattoo a lasting impression in your mind…
 
Laird 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Laird 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

LAIRD

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY

Laird 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
When it comes to traditionally styled Napa Valley Cabernet, one of my favorite examples is from Laird Family Winery.  As one of the largest land owners in Napa Valley, Laird has access to some terrific fruit sources.  The 2013 Napa Cab is built from almost equal parts Mast Ranch and Flat Rock vineyards.  The winery produces single vineyard Cabernets from both of these sites which retail for $80 to $90 per bottle…  It’s a brand that I love, and in fact we featured their 2012 vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.  At $53/btl the 2013 is simply stunning and a wine that shouldn’t be missed.
 
Laird has always attracted terrific winemakers.  The wines are currently made by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars.  In 2013, Laird’s Consulting Winemaker was Paul Hobbs, one of the top winemakers in the world, having crafted such notables as Opus One, DuMOL, and Peter Michael to name a few.  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Yountville spends an impressive 22 months in oak and generously delivers hedonistic delights with velvety tannins and great length.  The most common reaction to tasting this one is “Why haven’t I heard of these guys before?”  Consider yourself in-the-know!
 
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $52.99/btl
YOU SAVE 11%
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “Laird’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is a strong effort, with deep blueberry and blackberry fruit, charcoal and licorice, a touch of spicy oak and moderate tannin. This should be a wine to drink in its first 3-4 years, but certainly has the stuffing and structure to last 15 more years.” 
91+ Points

 

Customers who enjoy Laird’s 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these terrific Laird Family Wines…
Laird 2014 Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir Laird 2013 Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
LAIRD
2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
Winery Notes: “The aroma is a brilliant medley of rose petals, black cherry, licorice, and cedar. As the wine hits your palate, the lively acidity is evocative of tart strawberries, while undertones of toffee and marzipan slowly make their presence. The ripe tannins are well-integrated and allow for a lingering finish” 

 
LAIRD
2013 JILLIAN’S BLEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $48/btl
Your Price: $44/btl 
 
Flawlessly constructed, and with no shortage of brawn, Laird’s sensational 2013 Jillian’s Blend reveals a tapestry of beautifully knit, meaty and extravagant flavors.  Absolutely brilliant, the 2013 is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), sourced from the winery’s famed Mast Ranch Vineyard.  Their single vineyard Mast Ranch Cab sells for $80/btl,