2015 Azelia Barolo

2015 Azelia Barolo Piedmont, Italy

with No Comment $40-$50BaroloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

AZELIA 

2015 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
2015 Azelia Barolo
 
The reports on the 2015 Vintage in Italy’s iconic Piedmont region make it perfectly clear that 2015 marks the greatest vintage for Barolo since 2010. James Suckling, longtime European Bureau Chief for the Wine Spectator wrote that the “full capability of the nebbiolo grape’s expressive nature is alive in Barolo 2015.” 
 
When referencing a history of terrific wines from Azelia, Robert Parker alerted his readers that “wines from…Azelia, can hold their own with the very best in the region” and “prices are exceedingly fair considering the quality of what goes into the bottle.” 
 
Azelia Barolo even graced the wine list at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry restaurant in Yountville California, and for years, it’s cemented itself as one of the best values for classic Barolo in our shop.
 
Azelia bears all of the hallmarks of the vintage; Muscular, toned, aromatically complex, and full of energy, and if you love classically styled, penetrating and focused Barolo, the value that you get with Azelia is truly hard to find. 
 
AZELIA 
2015 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
 
Your Price: $45/btl
 
 
“Aromas of coal dust and tar with a distinctly savory, stony edge and nuances of dried herb-wrapped cherries. The acidity is assertive and delivers a strong burst of red plum-pit flavor, ahead of chalky, smooth tannins. Nice balance…” 
 
“This is an enriched expression that shows the intensity and tightness of Nebbiolo with just a margin of the immediate softness and accessibility of this warm vintage… comes together well on the palate with nice precision and focus...” 
2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

2015 Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

CROSSBARN

2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS

2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
The short-list of the world’s top consulting winemakers is small, and many would argue that Paul Hobbs should be at the top.  To me, the most clear-cut reason for him being there is simply that people love his wines…  Forbes calls Paul the Steve Jobs of wine, referencing his ardent exactitude of winemaking and he’s clearly one of the most innovative and gifted winemakers.  The Forbes article also notes, that Hobbs was twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker.  While we offer many wines that Paul Hobbs touches, we don’t often have the opportunity to feature one of his own… This wine, with three 90-92 point reviews, is an excellent introduction to the wines of Paul Hobbs. 
Created in a deep, plush and penetrating style, and sourced from a selection of Sonoma Coast Vineyards, the 2015 Crossbarn Pinot is really easy to love.  This is a wonderful introduction to Paul Hobbs wines and at $36/btl and ground shipping included on 15, don’t miss it.   
 
CROSSBARN
2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS 
Your Price:   $36/btl
 
 
“Deep ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir is intensely scented of crushed black and red cherries with hints of game, mossy tree bark and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with vibrant cherry and red berry flavors, framed by velvety tannins, finishing with great purity.”  90 Points 
“The 2015 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is plump, juicy and forward, with tons of black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender and spice notes. Succulent and racy, the 2015 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains juicy.”  90 Points
“… Aromas of crushed violet, Chinese tea, ripe raspberry, currant and musk are seamlessly echoed on a silky yet structured palate resplendent with wild berry, fresh cherry, blood orange and a hint of spice. A long, energetic finish turns somewhat nostalgic with the reminiscence of warm, tart, cherry pie.”  92 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Paul Hobbs’ Crossbarn Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Black Kite Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
From The Wine Enthusiast, “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.”  93 Points, Editor’s Choice
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
From The Wine Enthusiast, “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.”  93 Points

Vin Perdu 2015 Proprietary Red

with No Comment $70-$80Kevin VogtNapaProprietary Red
VIN PERDU
PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Exceptional quality in the bottle is always paramount, but there’s something extra great about a wine that exceeds expectations in terms of quality and has great packaging to back it up.  Heidi Barrett is not only innovative in her winemaking, but she also has some of the most creative wine labels, and particularly with the 2015 Vin Perdu. The label changes as you view it from different angles making it stand out even more.  The wine is impressively deep and layered in lavish dark berries, sweet oak, minerals and milk chocolate.  It’s already earned 94 points from James Suckling and you might want to grab a case of it before this hologram disappears.
Arising from Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, La Sirena and Fantesca vineyards, the 2015 is nearly 50% Cabernet Franc blended with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  As one of Napa Valley’s most talented winemakers, some of Heidi’s past and present clients includes Amuse Bouche, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur and Barbour.  I strongly recommend  a case of this absolutely stunning Heidi Barrett made wine…
VIN PERDU
PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Your Price:  $74.99/btl Click to Order
+ Ground Shipping Included on ANY Full or Mixed 15-Pack
(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
“…dense, powerful and beautifully textured in the glass. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, leather, licorice and sweet spices wrap around the palate. Supple and pliant, the Vin Perdu is super expressive.”

92 Points

 “I love the tension and chewiness to this young wine with blackberries, licorice and minerals. Full bodied, firm tannins and a fresh finish. So balanced.”

94 Points

 

 
Customers who enjoy Vin Perdu’s Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two terrific Heidi Barrett made wines…
PARADIGM
2013 OAKVILLE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Your Price: $79.99/btl
Filling the glass with a divine and exotic tapestry, intertwined with intense black cherries, dark chocolate covered blackberries, espresso and classic Oakville minerality.  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 Oakville neighbors include icons, Dominus, Harlan Estate, Opus One, To-Kalon and Martha’s Vineyard…
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.