2013 Von Strasser Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Von Strasser Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

VON STRASSER

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DIAMOND MOUNTAIN

2013 Von Strasser Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
When I look back at my top-selling wine of all time, which was the 2007 Ascent Diamond Mountain Cabernet, I can’t help but to find similarities in Von Strasser’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was also created exclusively from Diamond Mountain fruit.  An idyllic expression of the areas distinct volcanic terroir, this stunningly elegant and penetrating wine saturates your taste buds with an abundance of blackberry cassis, mineral laced raspberry, Ghirardelli chocolate and roasted coffee. The overall texture, is both deep and elegant and foreshadows the long and expansive finish.  It’s rare to find a Diamond Mountain Cabernet that we can offer you , and this is the first time since Ascent that we’ve found one for you…
 
Von Strasser was a fixture on Diamond Mountain for more than two decades and while they sold the vineyard in 2015, they kept the brand, and purchased a new winery on Silverado Trail where the wines are now being made. Von Strasser gained valuable experience at Trefethen and Newton wineries and he has extensive experience working with Diamond Mountain fruit.  His 2013 Cabernet is drinking so beautifully right now, it was astonishing how elegantly this wine hits your palate and it continues to impress all the way through the finish.
 
VON STRASSER
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DIAMOND MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes:Immediate nose is pleasing with dark fruit of blueberry, blackberry and leather layered with flavors of licorice, coffee, pomegranate and subtle earthy undertones.  Wrap it up with supple tannins to enjoy now or up to 10 years.”
2014 Arbor Bench Estate Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Arbor Bench Dry Creek Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

ARBOR BENCH

2014 Arbor Bench Estate Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DRY CREEK VALLEY, ESTATE

Most people might think of world-class Zinfandel when they think of Dry Creek Valley, however there’s a lot more to love about California’s oldest AVA.  With roots going back more than 140 years, it’s among the longest in the New World.  The fertile landscape provides exceptional fruit to over 70 wineries, the majority of which are family owned.  And while the area might be best known for Zinfandel, there are pockets that produce exceptional Cabernet.  With an obvious difference in terroir and micro-climate, this Cabernet has a hedonistic mix of majestic fruits laced with savory undertones that makes it unique. Arbor Bench had our entire panel nodding our heads in approval, and at the winery’s $48 retail price it’s a solid bottle of Cab and you’ll want to stock your shelves for near and long term enjoyment.
 
This beautiful Cabernet is created by veteran winemaker Christopher Markell, whose nearly four decades of winemaking experience shines bright. Peaking from nearly two years in French oak and made from 100% Estate grown fruit, it saturates your taste buds in brilliantly expressive, yet supple flavors of Mountain berries, black chocolates, tobacco leaf and baking spices.  This wine is irresistible now, yet will age gracefully for another 7-8 years.  I highly recommend a case. 
 
ARBOR BENCH
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DRY CREEK VALLEY, ESTATE
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
 
From the Wine Enthusiast:Full bodied and fleshy, this 100% varietal wine offers polished tannin and toasty oak, the flavors lean and classically defined in pencil, cedar and soy. Notes of black pepper and tobacco etch themselves onto a lengthy finish.”  90 Points
 
Customers that would enjoy Arbor Bench Estate Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2015 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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Fortune 1621’s 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet reveals 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.  The 2015 is marked by a dense, concentrated core that’s rarely found at this price… 
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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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…
2013 Mira Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Mira Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

MIRA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY

2013 Mira Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
With two decades of winemaking experience at one of the top wine Estates in the world under his belt, along with a long and decorated history of making exceptional wines, winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez has everything it takes to create incredible wines.  He is responsible for crafting the 2001 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia “Masseto” which received 100 points from Wine Spectator and was described as “possibly the best Tuscan red ever.”  Calling on everything he’s learned over the course of his winemaking career and channeling it into creating a premier Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Mira’s 2013 Cabernet had me in awe over the quality.  At $55/btl it stands tall among the best in it’s category…one sip and you’ll be writing me thank you emails when you taste it.
 
Created from a selection of some of Napa Valley’s top sites, Mira’s 2013 Cabernet immediately struck me with its subtle yet structured style and compelled me further with its remarkable detail and long, elegant finish.  Like many of the best 2013’s from Napa Valley, it’s really showing off its breed and class now.  This is definitely a can’t-miss wine. 
 
MIRA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $55.00/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes:Deep brick red with a slight purple hue to the wine’s color. Beguiling blackberry and blueberry dominate the aromas with more complex cranberry, cinnamon, currant and pipe tobacco coming through as the aromas unfold. With noteworthy tannins and an earthy mouthfeel, the wine has a lingering, long and pleasant finish making it drinkable today and for many years to come.” 
2015 Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Witchery Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

WITCHERY

2015 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

 

2015 Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an elite Cabernet producer in Napa Valley?  Topping the list are: a vineyard location capable of producing world-class fruit; an experienced and exceptionally gifted winemaker; then a proprietor that has a laser-like focus targeted to his goals without ever sacrificing quality.  The last piece of the puzzle is beautiful packaging and an intriguing name that matches what’s in the bottle… Witchery checks off every box on this list with their Oakville fruit sourced from a vineyard that sits directly South of Opus One. 
 
Winemaker Grant Long Jr, whose growing list of accomplishments is absolutely undeniable, and is a valuable piece to this puzzle.  In 2015, Witchery’s proprietors steadfast focus led them to scale back production by nearly two thirds, focusing on their top vineyards.  And the packaging, I think it speaks for itself.  
 
Witchery’s 2015 Oakville Reserve flaunts a vivid perfume, accented by majestic levels of blackberry fruit, intertwined with white chocolate, crushed rock, violets and black coffee. This brooding charm was imprisoned for nearly two years in 100% new French oak barrels.  With a mere 6 barrels produced, add some of this remarkable wine to your cellar right away.
 
WITCHERY
2015 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
Retails at: $110/btl
 
Your Price: $89/btl 
YOU SAVE 19%
 
Tasting Notes:An intoxicating perfume of majestic dark fruits, white chocolate and cassis escape from the glass.  The 2015 has a deep, concentrated core that opens up with layers of chocolate covered blueberry, cassis, roasted espresso, and subtle sage. The voluptuous mouthfeel is supported by fine grain tannins, gently woven throughout and the long pleasurable finish…” 
 
Customers who enjoy Witchery’s Oakville Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning wines… 
2015 MISC Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Witchery Howell Mountain Napa Valley Proprietary Red
MISC
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DIAMOND MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $94.99/btl 
 
This two barrel production of Diamond Mountain Cabernet, arising from the highest vineyard on Diamond Mountain, oozes with majestic dark berries, roasted coffee, volcanic minerals and black chocolates.  An idyllic expression of DiamondMountain with an unbelievable presence that saturates your palate in a profusion of blackberry cassis, crushed raspberries, and espresso roast.
WITCHERY RESERVE
2015 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $125/btl
Your Price: $89/btl 

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2012 The Mascot Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 The Mascot Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

THE MASCOT 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 NAPA VALLEY

2012 The Mascot Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Ever wonder what happens to the grapes from the younger vines of some of the top wine estates in Napa? The wine from these vineyards would simply be way too good to sell off, so in this case, they made an incredible marriage of wines from their three amazing brands. The Mascot is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon born from distinct hillside vineyards; specifically from the comparatively younger vines of BOND, Harlan Estate, and Promontory. It started out as a small project in the 2008 vintage, championed by Will Harlan and shared among the family, winemaking team, and close friends. Drawing fruit from blocks of more recently replanted vineyards between 7-15 years of age, The Mascot has such deep and expansive flavors and is so compelling, it’ll make you question how you got a wine of this quality, for this price.  Grab some now before this Mascot disappears…
Although the winery doesn’t specify exact grape varietal percentages in each vintage, The Mascot is always 90 – 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. This fantastic 2012 Cabernet perfectly reflects the breed and heritage of its incredible origins and will make you grin from ear to ear when you taste it.
 
THE MASCOT 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $130/btl 

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Winery Notes: “The growing season of 2012 was defined by ideal conditions – warm, gentle, and even – and the resulting wine reflects this benevolence. The nose is wrapped around a core of red fruit and subtle spice. Upon entry, a spherical density expands into lush, vibrant warmth. Continuing easily across the palate, finely textured tannins resolve into a lengthy finish. The 2012 is generous and welcoming in its youth, and for the patient it promises deeper layers as the years pass.”
2014 Calculated Risk Mount Veeder Proprietary Red

2014 Calculated Risk Mount Veeder Proprietary Red

CALCULATED RISK

PROPRIETARY RED
2014 MOUNT VEEDER

2014 Calculated Risk Mount Veeder Proprietary Red
I’ve always found a mystical element in Mount Veeder fruit that always draws me in.  It’s the largest AVA within Napa Valley but the rugged terrain limits production to just 1.3% of Napa Valley grapes.  Yielding small, powerful berries, the sandstone and shale soils set this Mountain apart from all others in Napa.  It’s also the coolest Mountain which allows the grapes to have a longer hang-time so they can develop into something majestic.  One of the area’s hallmarks is the fine-grained tannins, along with brambly Mountain berries, stony minerality, and exceptional concentration.  The only thing keeping us from enjoying Mount Veeder wine every day is their scarcity and the often high-elevation price tag.  Of the ten 2014 Mount Veeder Cabernets that I found listed in the Wine Spectator, the average price was well over $100/btl. This Calculated Risk is sure to pay off…
 
A calculated blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon this remarkable representation of Mount Veeder hails from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality.  Exhibiting all of the characteristics of Mount Veeder fruit, from the stunning weight and concentration to the stony minerality, mystical bramble fruits and floral, this wine has it all.  The only risk will be waiting too long to secure your case…
 
CALCULATED RISK
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 MOUNT VEEDER
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes:Coming from the exclusive Mt. Veeder appellation, where almost all work is done by hand due to the rugged and steep terrain, this elegant wine offers beautiful notes of black raspberry, currant and tobacco. Tannins are well integrated and beautifully balanced.”
 
2001 Young Ridge Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Library Release

2001 Young Ridge Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Library Release

YOUNG RIDGE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2001 NAPA VALLEY
LIBRARY RELEASE 

2001 Young Ridge Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Library ReleaseHave you ever pulled a wine out of the back of your cellar and been stunned by how well it was drinking?  When an age-worthy wine develops over a decade or more, the complex chemical reactions between the sugars, acids and tannins can transform and alter the aroma, color, mouthfeel and flavor.  Not all wine has the ability to develop into something far better than what it was upon release, but when all of the contributing factors are perfectly balanced, I’ve tasted $8 wines that have outperformed current vintage wines at 20 times their price.  Young Ridge’s 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet awed me over the way that it’s positively developed.  A perfumed bouquet grabbed me at the first whiff with complex, compelling and hedonistic notes that are profoundly pleasing.  On the palate the wine is deep, penetrating and silky, with fine grained tannins, dark berries, cassis, coco and baking spices.  This wine hit my palate beautifully.
 
Originating from a single vineyard perched high on a ridge in the rolling western hills of Napa Valley, this finely sculpted and beautifully detailed 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon is firing on all cylinders right now.  If you love perfectly aged Cabernet Sauvignon, and don’t want to have to wait 15 years to enjoy one… This one’s for you. 
 
YOUNG RIDGE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2001 NAPA VALLEY
LIBRARY RELEASE 
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes,Wild dried rose petals and camomile tea on the nose with dried cherry, red currant and asian plum.  The palate follows with silky and elegant red fruits, spice box, and hints of dried berries.  Buy it and drink it now, it is perfectly ready to go.”
2015 Prisoner Wine Company Derange Proprietary Red

2015 Prisoner Wine Company Dérangé Proprietary Red

PRISONER WINE CO.

2015 DÉRANGÉ
PROPRIETARY RED

2015 Prisoner Wine Company Derange Proprietary RedBest described by the catchy slogan from the early 1900’s, Go big, or go home, which references experiencing something to the fullest and being bold and extravagant, Prisoner Wine Company found a way to bottle it… Tipping the scales of extract, and deep chocolaty flavors, this larger-than-life Cabernet Sauvignon Blend hails from iconic sites including Lee Hudson’s renowned Carneros Vineyard, Sage Canyon on Spring Mountain, Heitz Taplin, to list a few.  Held captive for 18 months in French oak barrels, this bold, dramatic and monstrous blend was a tough fugitive to catch.  We’ve imprisoned bottles in our shop for months, and just got the go-ahead to release them to you…
Created in big, masculine style, the 2015 Dérangé is an unapologetic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel.  Bursting with intense black fruits, clove spice, unsweetened berry cobbler, black chocolates, and more chocolate… this deep and velvety wine has a finish that goes on and on.  I strongly recommend securing a case before it’s too late. 
 
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 DÉRANGÉ
PROPRIETARY RED
Your Price: $99.99/btl
 
Winery Notes:In the late spring of 2016, all 2015 TPWC lots were evaluated for character. The most concentrated and delicious lots of each variety were selected for the first vintage of Dérangé. After lot selection, all barrels destined for Dérangé were hand-selected by tasting each and every one. This red blend is full of black cherry, clove spice, blackberry cobbler, and vanilla toast. The mouthfeel is full on the entry and the soft tannins and balanced acidity are a delicious combo.”
 
Customers that enjoy Prisoner Wine Company’s Dérangé, may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Prisoner Wine Co…
2016 Prisoner Wine Company "The Prisoner" Proprietary Blend 2015 Prisoner Wine Company "Cuttings" Cabernet Sauvingnon 
PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at:  $47.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl  
A wine of unrestrained jubilance and infectious charm, the new 2016 Prisoner unshackles a bounty of deliciously elaborate flavors, and with even more vibrancy and determination. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2016 escapes powerfully from the glass, permeating with beautifully focused ripe cherries, wild strawberry, chocolate, and crushed violets.
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

PRIM 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN

2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
There’s something magical that happens when a powerful Howell Mountain Cabernet has a few extra years in the bottle…  As good as they can be at release, they really blossom into something even more incredible with a little extra age. The two challenges in enjoying one on a regular basis are the high cost, and patience to wait that long.  With the average cost of 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet likely well over $100, you get the picture…  The 2012 Prim Howell Mountain Cabernet is a stunningly brilliant example that’s riveting, deeply focused, and underlines all of the qualities that make Howell Mountain wines so wonderous. On CellarTracker a consumer tasted this wine a year ago and wrote, “$80 retail and worth it.”  I couldn’t agree more, and it’s even better now…  Of course I recommend grabbing as much as you can, because this likely won’t last the day.
Crafted by Rudy Von Strasser who’s been making hits since the 1980’s.  He gained experience while interning at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, then at Icons Trefethen and Newton.  Reigning from a vineyard perched at 1,700 feet, Prim’s 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet has developed into a wine that I just can’t get enough of… 
 
PRIM 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $80/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes:Enticing aromas of crushed blackberries and cassis are complemented by dark chocolate. Black licorice, cocoa powder, and espresso add complexity to this opulent wine. Exceptional concentration and a rich mouth-feel create a powerful impression that finishes with polished tannins enticing minerality, an exceptional vintage from our Howell Mountain vineyards.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 92% | Malbec 6% | Petit Verdot 2% 
2014 Paradigm Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Paradigm Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

PARADIGM 2014 Paradigm Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 OAKVILLE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON  

 
When considering a list of Napa Valley wineries that best represent all of the qualities, charm and history that the area has to offer, Paradigm is etched deeply on my list.  This absolutely stunning wine made by Heidi Barrett comes from the Oakville AVA of Napa Valley, an area widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon.  Paradigm’s neighbors include icons, Dominus, Harlan Estate, Opus One, To-Kalon and Martha’s Vineyard…  The average price of wine from those vineyards is likely well over $200 per bottle… At $79.99/btl Paradigm tips the scales with groundbreaking levels of quality.
 
A perennial favorite, the 2014 is made in a round and supple style, and is brimming with wild blackberries, dark chocolate covered blackberries, cigar box and classic Oakville minerality. Supple yet fine-grained tannins wrap effortlessly around your palate in every direction, as a parade of vivid black fruits, spice box, cocoa and violets seduce your senses.  Spending 18 months in French oak barrels, Paradigm remains one of the best values in the coveted Oakville Appellation.  Here’s a fantastic opportunity to taste a Heidi Barrett made Cabernet, sourced from one of Napa Valley’s crown jewel growing regions, and at a fraction of the price of many of its neighbors…
 
PARADIGM
2014 OAKVILLE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $84.00/btl
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl 
 

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Winery Notes:The 2014 vintage produced some delicious rich wines and this deeply colored Cab is no exception.  The aromas are enticing and open, showing ripe fruit, complexity, and layers of refined French Oak.  This is a very expressive complete wine that will age beautifully.  Mouth-coating flavors of black cherry, currant, and blackberry followed by chewy tannins lead to an overall palate feel that is delicious. With perfect balance and ripeness, this is a stellar vintage.”
 
Customers who enjoy Paradigm’s Oakville Cabernet may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2014 La Sirena Pirate TreasuRed Proprietary Blend 2014 Tamber Bey Rabicano Cabernet Sauvignon
LA SIRENA
PIRATE TREASURED
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
 
Wine doesn’t always have to be serious to be great… This wine is both fun and great at the same time, and it was authored by the ever Iconic winemaker Heidi Barrett. Heidi’s list of past and present clients includes Amuse Bouche, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur and  Barbour. In 2000 Heidi made history at the Napa Valley Wine Auction when a single 6L bottle of ’92 Screaming Eagle sold for a record $500,000. 
TAMBER BEY
2014 RABICANO
DEUX CHEVAUX VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl 
 
 Tamber Bey’s Deux Chevaux Vineyard in Yountville is in a prime location and lies just across the Napa River from the 100 Point producing Kapcsandy Estate Vineyards, and with the iconic Ghost Block Vineyard just a stone’s throw away, this vineyard is definitely in the right neighborhood.  This fruit was then given a voice by winemaker Andy Jones, who began working alongside winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown in 2008 at Black Sears Winery…