2016 Cru9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Cru9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

CRU9 2016 Cru9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
STOP TALKING…
2016 NAPA VALLEY

 
Selected for having unparalleled concentration, remarkable depth and laser focus, CRU9’s 2016 Cabernet was the obvious choice for our #2 pick this year.  The wine could be the poster child for classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and throughout the year, it became increasingly clear that this wine was truly special as it generated an open tap of enthusiastic comments and large re-orders.  Resonating from secret vineyard sources in Oakville, St. Helena, and Rutherford, the 2016 exhibits all the best traits of the vintage.  On the palate, waves of concentrated blackberry, sandalwood, black currants, white flowers and earthy minerals circulate and add new dimensions as the wine opens up… At the winery retail of $60/btl it’s amazing, and it’s simply one of the best Cabernets in the shop.
 
Emerging from a Blockbuster vintage, which the Wine Spectator rated the 2016 vintage from Napa Valley as the best since 1997 for Napa Cabs, the 2016 is confident and authoritative, yet finely detailed and effortlessly balanced.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Ruby’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a bottle of CRU9, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
STOP TALKING…
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Cru 9 Stop Talking Cabernet 2016 has an intense purple color offering a powerful nose of ripe blackberries, black cherry, dried currants, crushed rocks, cigar box and hints of cinnamon.  On the palate, it is intensely penetrating and focused with concentrated wild mountain blackberries, cassis and velvety tannins. It finishes in a linear style that’s so focused and penetrating, it brings an immediate smile to your face and is exceptionally satisfying.  In a world where hundred plus dollar Napa Cabs are the norm, this is the ultimate ‘Bang for your Buck’ wine. Superb! Drink now through 2029.” 97 Points

2016 Cru⁹ ‘Stop Talking’ Napa Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

CRU⁹

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2016 NAPA VALLEY

 
When we first introduced Cru9’s Cabernet last year, we knew that once ANYBODY tasted it that they wouldn’t be able to stop talking about how great it is at this price.  The conversation on the 2016 would be highlighted by a compact core of dense blackberry, velvety cassis, cocoa dusted raspberries and crushed granite. And with great volume, and an even more powerful voice than earlier vintages, the 2016 is confident and authoritative, yet finely detailed and effortlessly balanced. Of course, you may want to whisper since there were only 11 barrels produced… At this price it’s simply one of the best Cabernets in the shop.
 
Resonating from a secret vineyard sources in Oakville, St. Helena and Rutherford, the 2016 exhibits all the best traits of the vintage.  On the palate, waves of concentrated blackberry, sandalwood, black currants, white flowers and earthy minerals circulate and add new dimensions as the wine opens up.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Ruby’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA (read more).  Every time you buy a bottle of CRU9, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Cru 9 Stop Talking Cabernet 2016 has an intense purple color offering a powerful nose of ripe blackberries, black cherry, dried currants, crushed rocks, cigar box and hints of cinnamon.  On the palate, it is intensely penetrating and focused with concentrated wild mountain blackberries, cassis and velvety tannins. It finishes in a linear style that’s so focused and penetrating, it brings an immediate smile to your face and is exceptionally satisfying.  In a world where hundred plus dollar Napa Cabs are the norm, this is the ultimate ‘Bang for your Buck’ wine. Superb! Drink now through 2029.” 97 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

CRU9 2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When a wine producer has an undeviating focus to produce the absolute best wines imaginable in their category, and they’re not in it to make a buck, but to give back to help non-profits, you actually get a surreal sense of excitement and energy when you taste them.  If you’ve been reading my emails for any length of time, you already know how I feel about CRU9.  It was one of our best winery discoveries in 2018 and after tasting the new releases coming up in 2019… it’s clear to me that they’ve gotten even better.  The 2017 Chardonnay was forged from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, and although it’s name needs to be kept secret, one taste will tell you everything you need to know…
 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can virtually taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment.’ The sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wines rich, opulent texture.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a CRU9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully perfumed Chardonnay with a compelling, complex nose of dried pineapple, ripe pear, rich butterscotch, fresh green herbs, Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with more dried pineapple, crisp apple, buttered caramel, chamomile tea, and a beautifully long finish that goes on and on.  An exceptional effort that balances the palate richness with perfectly zingy acidity that brightens and lifts the palate just enough so it doesn’t come off as heavy.”  93+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9 Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2017 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Hailing from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, this is a source for single vineyard wines from Ramey, Sojourn and Cherry Pie. Spending 15 months in oak and aged sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

Click to Order

 
Winery Notes: “This Foley Johnson Chardonnay features fruit from their family owned estate vineyards in Carneros, an appellation known for producing world-class Chardonnay. This wine displays aromas of vanilla, coconut, and yellow peaches along with flavors of butter, caramel sauces, and poached pears on the palate.“
2015 CRU9 See You In Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2015 CRU⁹ See You in Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

CRU⁹

2015 CRU9 See You In Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
SEE YOU IN YOUR DREAMS

Thinking of wine brands that best reflect the best of what I’m always looking for, CRU⁹ is a reference standard.  With pristine balance and lovely detail, when I first tasted their Pinot it was love at first taste…  Truth be told, if I could tell you the vineyard source for this tiny 200 case production Pinot you would likely top off your cellar immediately.  However, with a non-disclosure agreement in place, the fruit source remains a secret… but one taste (and your ensuing grin) will tell you everything you really need to know.  The instant this wine touches your palate, the energetic detail and definition lets you know you’re getting into something special…
 
With a complete production of just 8 barrels, the 2015 models precisely what I look for in absolute top-level Russian River Valley Pinot, with vivid red fruits, crushed blueberries, beautifully integrated wild rose, spiced cola beans and tea.  Notably, CRU⁹ also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Ruby’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA (read more).  Every time you buy a bottle of CRU⁹, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.  At $50/btl this Pinot truly has it all, and you’re going to want it all. 
 
Make sure to join our email list and unlock special offers…
 
CRU⁹
2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
SEE YOU IN YOUR DREAMS
Retails at: $50.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A sweetly perfumed Pinot Noir with a compellingly sultry nose of dried violets, ripe raspberries, tart red cherries, spiced cola beans and dried green tea.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with crushed blueberries, tart cranberry, candied lime peel and an exceptionally long finish that lasts for over a minute.  An exceptional effort that drinks great now, but will age gracefully for years… Drink now through 2024.“
 94+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier 
 
Customers that enjoy CRU⁹’s Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific wines from CRU⁹…
 
2016 CRU9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 CRU9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
CRU⁹
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
AS EVER…
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom,  citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years...”

93 Points,  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
CRU⁹
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes, “CRU⁹ Stop Talking Cabernet 2015 has a deep purple color offering a penetrating nose of crushed blackberries, bing cherry, deep black currants scorched minerally earth and hints of cinnamon spice box.  A stunning example that is penetrating and focused with a taught, broad shouldered structure and linear style, balanced with concentrated red and black fruits and dusty tannins that cut a swath across your palate and lingers on and on.  Drink now through 2028.” 
95 Points Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Cru9 ‘As Ever’ Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

CRU9 AS EVER…

2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
 
If you’ve been reading my emails this year, you already know how I feel about Cru9. It’s absolutely one of the best new discoveries for us this year, and with a quality-to-price ratio that you simply will not believe. The 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is created from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, but due to a non-disclosure agreement, the fruit source needs to be kept secret.  One taste, however, will tell you everything you need to know.  This wine competes with the best $50 Chardonnays that I’ve tasted, it’s startling how good it is. 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can almost taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, the sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.  Notably Cru9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a Cru9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.  
 
CRU9 AS EVER…
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom, citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years. 100 Cases Produced” 
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9’s Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2015 Silverpoint Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
If the best wines were like a puzzle, this wine would have every piece laid out perfectly.  With everything from an accomplished winemaker, iconic vineyard, blockbuster vintage and a terrific price, this wine truly has it all.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who’s responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines from ’85-’97, and even made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the 1999 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was the first Sonoma wine to receive the honor of being the #1 Wine in the World…
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
2014 Cru 9 Stop Talking Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Cru 9 Stop Talking Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

CRU 9

2014 Cru 9 Stop Talking Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON STOP TALKING…
2014 NAPA VALLEY

 
How often do you go into someone’s wine cellar and see a high quality wine that you’ve never heard of before?  It’s rare to find a wine that’s produced on such a small scale that it’s essentially nowhere to be found… Cru 9’s 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet is one of those wines. With a complete production of just 4 barrels, (100 cases,) this wine is just about as rare as they come.  The wine is remarkably stunning, and so good that we’re glad it’s still a secret… Rightfully named “stop talking”, I’m certain when the word gets out about how good this wine is, it will disappear fast.  At the winery retail of $50/btl I’m all in…and we bought every bottle that we could.
Carved from a secret vineyard source in Napa Valley, and due to a a non-disclosure agreement, the fruit source needs to be kept secret… The 2014 Cru 9 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and it shows. On the palate, waves of concentrated blackberry, cassis, espresso and plum preserves circulate and add new dimensions as the wine opens up.  It’s made in a deep but supple style that I find highly appealing. 
 
CRU 9
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Cru 9 Stop Talking is a full-bodied, rich Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from one of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards. Complex aromas of Bing cherry, red plum and crushed blackberries perfectly complement the wine’s deep ruby hue. The palate is rich and long with great depth, showing balanced red and black fruits, bakers chocolate, spice box, dried green herbs and finishes with youthful dusty tannins.  Drink from 2019 through 2028.”
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
Customers that enjoy Cru 9’s Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2012 Humanitas Reid Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Marion Cru 9 Pinot Noir
HUMANITAS
2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
REID VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Expertly composed by winemaker Rob Lloyd, former winemaker at Rombauer, this 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon originates from a single vineyard on the North Eastern edge of St Helena.  Stunningly concentrated and dangerously hedonistic, the 2012 ReidVineyard Cab is bursting with authoritative and alluring flavors of sensual dark fruits, chocolate espresso, scorched earth and pipe tobacco.  
CRU 9
2014 PINOT NOIR
MARION, RUSSIAN RIVER
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
“This is a prodigious Pinot Noir that offers an awesome nose of wild Spring flowers, cherry cola, fresh crushed raspberries, tart red plum and sweet vanilla spice.  It is concentrated, structured, amazingly balanced and follows through on the palate with black bing cherries, wild berries and dried orange peel intermixed in an elegant, seamlessly graceful style that is absolutely stunning to drink now, but will cellar through 2024.” 95 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier