2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

SKRYNE ROAD

PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red
Looking at the varietal makeup of Skryne Road’s 2016 Proprietary Red you might think you’re contemplating a Super Tuscan Blend with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon met with Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.  Of course, the moment this wine hits your palate you’ll know it’s entirely New World in style with a rich, voluptuous texture, laced in holiday spices, sweet oak, sassafras, supple berries and black chocolates.  When we first offered this wine last Fall, we know it would make a lot of friends, and especially at this incredible price.  Now there are just a handful of cases left, so if you’ve been on the fence about this one, or you want to re-order before it’s too late, don’t wait too long to hit the order button.
 
The name Skryne (pronounced screen)  Road pays tribute to the winery owners routes and family home on Skryne Road in Ireland.  After arriving in Napa Valley in 1994 they embarked on the path towards producing a wine.  The first descriptors that come to mind when tasting this wine are riveting, deep and enchanting and you simply won’t believe how great this wine is…
 
SKRYNE ROAD
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $62/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2016 Blend is bright with flavors of bramble-berry and black cherry combined with vanilla bean. The palate is round and supple, with fruity characteristics of raspberry jam and soft, silky tannins. Culminating with hints of peppercorn and baking spices” 
 
Customers who enjoy Skryne Road Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2014 Blind Tasting Proprietary Red
 2015 Hoopla The Mutt Napa Valley Proprietary Red
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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Tasting Notes: “Seductive aromas of ripe black plum, crushed blackberries, white Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla jump from the glass. A dense core of perfectly balanced black cherry, crushed blueberries, blackberry preserves with a touch of black pepper unfurl and expand across your palate.  Opulent without being too heavy, the supple fruit tannins combine with a very long finish to make your mouth water and beg for the next sip.  Absolutely delicious and ready to drink right now, or you can hold until 2024.”  94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

 
HOOPLA
2015 THE MUTT
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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2014 Witchery Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUncategorizedUSA

WITCHERY 

2014 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 
It is an absolute thrill to find an upper-echelon Cabernet from a boutique winery with a couple extra years of age built in.  In this particular case, it took an unusual circumstance for this one to still be available.  Witchery uncovered a handful of cases of their flagship Oakville Reserve Cabernet from the heralded 2014 vintage, stowed away unnoticed in their warehouse for years.  We opened a bottle at our last tasting and the bouquet alone was so intensely hedonistic that it rocked me to the core.  This wine screams top-tier Oakville Cabernet and was hewn from a vineyard that sits directly South of Opus One.  At under $100/btl, grab what you can, because once you taste how great the 2014 is right now, you’ll likely be on a witch-hunt for more.
 
Witchery’s 2014 Oakville Reserve flaunts a haunting perfume laced with crushed black fruits, camphor, burning embers that come intertwined with black chocolates, dried violets and roasted espresso. Those of you who tasted any of the previous vintages of Witchery know what this wine is capable of…  Multiply that hedonism by two extra years in the bottle, and, well you get the picture…
 
WITCHERY
2014 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $110.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Profound, intoxicating aromas aromas of majestic blue and black fruits, white chocolate, and cassis soar from the glass. Extravagant layers of chocolate covered blueberry, plum, roasted coffee, and black-cherry completely wrap your palate.  The pure, fine grain tannins are gently woven throughout and carry the wine effortlessly through the long voluptuous finish…” 
 
Customers who enjoy Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these Oakville Cabernets…
CABAUD
2013 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “An intense, glass-staining purple color combines beautifully with flavors of blueberry pie filling, with muddled blackberries, red currant, bramble, white flowers and bakers chocolate. The supple, full-bodied opulence, sweet tannin, and rich, dense center core intermingle with the powerful fruit to seduce you with the first sip. The finish is long, powerful and supple with just enough fruit tannins to allow this one to age for a decade or so.  Kudos to Luke Morlet for crafting such a stunning wine.”  96 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 OAKVILLE
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Misc. is an abbreviation of the word Miscellaneous, a term defined as “having various qualities, aspects, or subjects.”  Well, trust me, there is nothing abbreviated about this wine…  Winery Notes: “Located on the eastern side of this infamous appellation, the vineyard provides a great combination of terroir that serves as the backbone of this wine. Notes of blueberry and cola are enriched by undertones of crushed herbs and lavender. Meanwhile hints of roasted fig and mulberry land on the palate as luscious tannins offer a relentless finish.”
2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $50-$60ChardonnayCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

FAR NIENTE

2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY

2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay
When making a list of Napa Valley’s most paradigmatic and historically significant Chardonnay producers, the name Far Niente is carved in stone, quite literally. The winery was established in 1885 and prospered until prohibition in 1919.  In 1979 wine country pioneer Gil Nickel purchased the Estate and during the three year restoration, the name Far Niente was found carved in stone in front of the winery where it still remains today.  Nearly forty years later, their Chardonnay is considered by many to be a Benchmark for Napa Valley Chardonnay.  I’ve enjoyed their Chardonnay for years and for me the 2017 stands out for it’s remarkable balance, penetrating fruit and brilliant details.
 
Composed from superlative vineyard sources located in Napa Valley’s idyllic Coombsville region, the 2017 Chardonnay holds true to the Far Niente style of rich opulence and lavish detail.  It reveals mystical elements that come with finely laced tropical notes, liquid floral and toasted almond.  Fans of top-quality California Chardonnay shouldn’t miss this stunning release.
 
FAR NIENTE
2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl

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YOU SAVE 21% 
 
Winery Notes: “Aromas of melon, sweet citrus and white blossom floral layered with notes of flint, yeast and sweetly toasted oak. A smooth and focused entry is followed by a silky midpalate with ripe flavors of honeydew and lemon, supported by just of touch of wet stone, yeast and toasted hazelnuts. The finish is long and structured with citrus rind and mouthwatering acid.“
 
Customers who enjoy Far Niente Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
 
2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
RAMEY
2014 CHARDONNAY
PLATT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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PAHLMEYER
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016  Chardonnay has a lovely savory, yeasty/toasty nose over a core of warm grapefruit, fresh apricots and allspice with a touch of candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling stone fruit and spicy layers, supported by great freshness and finishing long and creamy.” 95 Points
2015 Mastery Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2015 Mastery Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $90-$100CoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

MASTERY 2015 Mastery Napa Valley Proprietary Red

PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY

 
There is a rock-solid reason the 2015 vintage in Napa has been touted for having more 100 point wines than any other… It was simply a spectacular vintage that produced more incredible wines than ever before.  The new 2015 MASTERY is a perfect reflection of this wonderful vintage.  With just two barrels produced, MASTERY is not only our most limited wine, but it’s also one of our most requested wines every year. In producing those two barrels, winemaker Rudy Zuidema and Master Sommelier Kevin Vogt collaborate to oversee every minute detail surrounding the winemaking and use rigorous sorting practices to create a wine with not only a sense of place, but with stunning precision, length, and balance.  The 2015 is finely detailed with a sweet inner core of focused red and black berries, supple tannins, and flavors that build layer upon layer of pure bliss.  With a total production of 46 cases, this vintage of Mastery will disappear far too early…
Wrought from Napa Valley’s highly acclaimed Coombsville region, the vineyard is located on volcanic soils on the Eastern outskirts of the town of Napa.  This elegantly styled, yet focused and penetrating Napa Valley Cabernet Blend satisfies everything a Cabernet drinker looks for.  After spending about 2 years in French oak, this perfectly balanced blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc enchants your taste buds.  If you would like to add some of this exceptional wine to your cellar, please place your order right away.  This is another in a long list of near-perfect vintages of Mastery and we know you will absolutely love it!  It is truly amazing.
 
MASTERY
PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $95/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Encapsulating every characteristic that makes the 2015 vintage so great, the 2015 Mastery has seductive aromas of crushed blackberries, red currant, freshly cut violets and a touch of vanilla spice, delicately balanced by hints of cherry pipe tobacco and wet slate.  Alluringly bright red fruits perfectly balance the rich, supple black fruits in perfect harmony, providing both depth and length as well as complexity on the palate.  The finish is rich, yet pristinely balanced, providing immense satisfaction.” Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
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
 

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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.  
2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

Vista

2017 Proprietary Red
Atlas Peak

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red“Capturing a depth and richness that is completely unheard of at this price, Vista Atlas Peak unfurls aromas of muddled blackberries, black plum, crushed granite, graphite  and hints of vanilla.  The palate is powerfully concentrated with a stunning array of flavors including deep black cherries, blackberry tart, blueberry syrup, with hints of tobacco and chocolate.  Powerful mountain fruit created a wine that is focused and linear in style, yet richly structured with balanced fruit tannins and a palate staining mid palate that leads to a long, intense finish.”  94 – 96 Points  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

 

VISTA 
2017 Proprietary Red
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl
2013 Cabaud Benedictions Cabernet Sauvignon

2103 Cabaud ‘Benedictions’ Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

CABAUD 

2013 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

2013 Cabaud Benedictions Cabernet Sauvignon
After tasting over 5,000 wines in 2018, our number one pick was clear the instant we tasted it… Each and every enthusiastic and glowing review that followed, cemented the wine permanently onto the list, and it became clear that it’s a wine that everybody loves.  After all, this wine combines the highest level of winemaking with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Andy Beckstoffer’s heritage vineyards in Oakville.  Many of you know winemaker Luc Morlet from his work at Newton Cellars, Peter Michael, or from his own label Morlet which is raking in 100 point scores… The 2013 Benedictions is the top wine produced at Cabaud and it’s made from the iconic Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville.  The previous vintage caught the eye of Robert Parker who scored the 2012 94-96 points and the 2013 is even better…
 
Finding new wines made by top winemakers, that are somewhat unheard of, pays off big at times… I would estimate Morlet’s Cabs to range from $165 to around $300/btl.  At $150 Cabaud is a killer deal,  I cannot put into words how incredible this wine is.  Wines of this caliber and at this price never last long… I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.  Make sure to join our Insider’s Club and receive special offers on some of our featured wines…
 
CABAUD
2013 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “An intense, glass-staining purple color combines beautifully with flavors of blueberry pie filling, with muddled blackberries, red currant, bramble, white flowers and bakers chocolate. The supple, full-bodied opulence, sweet tannin, and rich, dense center core intermingle with the powerful fruit to seduce you with the first sip. The finish is long, powerful and supple with just enough fruit tannins to allow this one to age for a decade or so.  Kudos to Luke Morlet for crafting such a stunning wine.“96 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary Red

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

HOURGLASS

2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED

2016 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary RedYour palate immediately recognizes a wine that is absolutely remarkable, and mine instantly identified the 2016 HG III as a wine that deserved a top spot on my top 5 wines of the year.  Locking in my #2 spot with a bouquet that makes my skin tingle, and at first taste, a wave of thrills and excitement ensues.  The wine was authored by legendary winemaker Tony Biagi… Tony spent nearly 10 years crafting the high-scoring Plumpjack wines, which rank among the best in Napa Valley. Their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl and garner 100 point scores…  At under fifty, the HG III is an exceptionally low price of admission for wine with this outstanding pedigree.  
 
With an exhilarating, velvety texture and endless layers of sweet blueberries, cherry pipe tobacco, dried flowers and black chocolate, the HG III combines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah into an exhilarating wine of pure brilliance.  After spending around 16 months in French oak, the 2016 is stunningly gorgeous now, and it’s undoubtedly the best version of HG III yet.  Don’t hesitate to secure your case… 
 
HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $53.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes:  “Finding a wine that is rich and deep, but also has a liveliness and freshness that gives it complexity and length is rare.  This beauty starts with a nose of black cherries, bakers chocolate, Autumn spices and white flowers. The rich and supple palate is focused and pure with sweet blackberries, vanilla bean and ripe black plums. The finish is balanced, concentrated, long and very satisfying.  The tannins are soft enough that you may enjoy this now, but it’s concentrated enough that you can cellar it for a decade or more.” 95 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

2013 Humanitas George’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

HUMANITAS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 GEORGE’S VINEYARD

 
Clinching the #5 spot on my list of the Top Five Wines of 2018 is a wine that is so immediately compelling that I get a blissful sense each time I taste it. Experiencing that in a wine, particularly at this price, compels me to put some in my own cellar so I can experience it again and again.  With the clarity and definition fitting a wine you’d rightfully pay much more for, the 2013 Humanitas George’s Vineyard Cabernet cascades across your palate with enticing flavors and penetrating intensity, revealing endless layers of silky dark fruits, bittersweet chocolate, dried violets, and hints of sweet vanilla…  Over-achieving at its $65 retail price, make sure to join our Insider’s Club and unlock special values.
 
Authored by winemaker Rob Lloyd, former winemaker at Rombauer,  this gorgeous 2013 Cabernet was sourced from a single vineyard in Wooden Valley, located near Altamura. Benefitting from 22 months in oak barrels and now with 3 years of development in the bottle, words can’t express how great this wine is drinking right now… With a mere 240 cases produced, and very few remaining, I strongly recommend grabbing yours, now. 
 
HUMANITAS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 GEORGE’S VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “A prodigious wine that is intensely focused and penetrating without being cloying on the palate.  The linear construction concentrates expansive layers of red currant, animal blood and crushed blackberries with toasty sweet vanilla and supple tannins.  The perfect combination of both red and black fruits, violets, graphite and cocoa powder, all wrapped in a mouth-quenching style that makes your palate beg for another sip.” 95 Points

2014 Silverado GEO Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Silverado GEO Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

SILVERADO  2014 Silverado GEO Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 GEO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

 
Coombville is one of Napa’s hottest up-and-coming regions, and at the same time it’s one of the coolest, literally… The cooler daytime temps allow the Bordeaux varietals to slowly ripen, developing deep, complex flavors. I find Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville incredibly alluring with a sort of earthy hedonism that makes them absolutely unique. The soils are rocky and volcanic, and the wines always reflect those characteristics beautifully.  Luminaries Caldwell, Paul Hobbs, Pahlmeyer, Purlieu, Meteor and Favia to name just a few, all source from this idyllic terroir.  Silverado has farmed their Mt. George Ranch Vineyard in Coombsville for a couple of decades, and GEO was made to celebrate 20 years there.   
 
Silverado Vineyards is owned by the Disney family, who bought their first 81 acre vineyard in Yountville in 1976.  They’ve since strategically acquired vineyards in Stags Leap, Carneros and Coombsville, propelling the winery to become exclusively estate-grown.  The 2014 GEO perfectly illustrates all of the hallmarks that I love about Coombsville with concentrated blackberry, scorched earth, sultry minerals and satiny texture.  With the 95 Point score from James Suckling, don’t wait too long to secure your case.  
 
SILVERADO 
2014 GEO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl 
 
From James Suckling: “Vibrant aromas of blueberries and blackcurrants follow through to a full body, a tight and dense center palate and a long and silky finish. So beautiful. Polished and refined...” 95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Silverado GEO Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabernets…
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
 2014 Cimarossa Riva di Cimarossa Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 82% | Merlot 10% |
Petit Verdot 6% | Cabernet Franc 2%
CIMAROSSA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
RIVE DI CIMAROSSA
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rive Di Cimarossa has a dense ruby/purple color, classic lead pencil shavings intermixed with blackcurrant, mulberry and blackberry fruit. That dense color is followed by a full-bodied wine with sweet tannin, low acidity and outstanding ripeness and purity. Drink it now and over the next 15-20 years.”  92 Points