2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red

2014 Laird Jillian’s Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSAYountville

LAIRD

JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY

2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary RedWhen 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.  The 2014 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is sourced from the winery’s renowned Mast Ranch and Linda Vista Vineyards.  Their Mast Ranch Cab sells for $80/btl… Because we love it so much, we worked some magic to be able to offer you the wine at our lowest price since their 2011 vintage.
 
Developing for 21 months in oak, the 2014 has a striking core with layers of blueberry and blackberry fruit, intertwined with espresso roast, liquid floral, cassis and black chocolate.  Those of you who’ve enjoyed earlier vintages of Laird’s popular Jillian’s Blend, likely need no further convincing.  l can’t wait for you to try the 2014… 
 
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Complex and precocious just like the real Jillian. Its deep, ruby red appearance accompanied by viscous legs leads the way to a seductive bouquet of toasted oak, lavender and ripe strawberries. A medium bodied palate, with delicate tannins and acidity, leads the way to tart dusty cherries and boysenberries that dance across your palate, while flavors of clove, vanilla and blueberry custard unfold on the finish.”
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 65% | Syrah 18% | Merlot 10% | Malbec 5% | Petit Verdot 2%

 

Customers who enjoy Laird’s Jillian’s Blend may also enjoy these two outstanding wines from Laird…
2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir 2013 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
LAIRD
2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH
Retails at:  $55/btl
 

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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.
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $52.99/btl
 
Laird’s 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 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.

 

2015 Octopoda North Coast Cabernet Franc

2015 Octopoda North Coast Cabernet Franc

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancCalistogaKevin VogtNorth CoastUSA

OCTOPODA 

2015 CABERNET FRANC
NORTH COAST

2015 Octopoda North Coast Cabernet FrancPulling you in like tentacles from the deep, Octopoda is the real deal in great Cabernet Franc. Some of the best Cabernet Francs produced in California are regarded for their profound elegance and aromatics.  The only problem is that finding a great one, and at a reasonable price is about as rare as spotting a mythical sea creature.  And, there’s a reason that Cabernet Franc grapes are in higher demand and cost more on average then Cabernet Sauvignon. When carefully selected and produced, they can rival some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons out there.  Case and point, this one is really special and sucks you in…
 
Inked from a single vineyard North of Calistoga, the 2015 Octopoda Cabernet Franc is oozes squid ink black fruits, volcanic minerals, camphor, and black cherries and graphite with flavors deeper than the Mariana Trench. Held captive for 14 months in oak barrels, this 2015 is absolutely stunning right now and should age gracefully for the next decade or more.  
 
OCTOPODA 
2015 CABERNET FRANC
NORTH COAST
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Complex, lush and well balanced. This offers great intensity of dark fruit, baking cocoa, fresh herbs and licorice. The fruit shows beautiful ripeness tempered with savory herb notes.”
 
Customers who enjoy Octopoda’s Cabernet Franc may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds… 
2014 Selene Chesler Cabernet Franc
 2015 James Joseph Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Franc
SELENE
2014 CHESLER
CABERNET FRANC
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
 

This profound interpretation of Cabernet Franc and Merlot was created by legendary winemaker Mia Klein, whose track record includes making wines for Dalla Valle, Spottswoode, Araujo, Viader, and Chappellet, as well as being named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine.  This perfectly choreographed dance between the dominant Cabernet Franc is softened by blending elegant Merlot. 
JAMES JOSEPH
2015 CABERNET FRANC
RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
 
With a total production of only 4 barrels, this rarely bottled varietal from James Josephgrabs you right from the start.  Showing surreal-like tension between Atlas Peak and Diamond Mountain terroirs, the 2015 is locked and loaded with crushed black fruits, camphor, burning embers, and black cherries, laced with volcanic minerals, graphite and crushed rock
2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

LOBO

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 ATLAS PEAK

2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the greatest benefits of having our shop in Yountville is the people that we meet. The connections that we make often result in discovering great wines that are still flying somewhat under the radar.  Lobo is the perfect example.  Proprietor Randy Wulff moved in just behind our shop after he lost his home in the Atlas fire.  We quickly fell in love with his wines for how expressive, profound and hedonistic they were.  Their 2014 Cabernet from Atlas Peak is made in a round, supple yet deeply focused style that comes intermixed with rocky and mineral qualities classic to Atlas Peak. This wine will put a smile on your face, but your hair will be bristling that you didn’t buy a second case.
 
The winery’s flagship bottling of the Atlas Peak Estate Cabernet was carved from Randy’s (former) home vineyard which is perched at 1,350 feet elevation and planted in volcanic, rocky soils.  They use tight spacing to encourage the vines to struggle, which in turn helps to create the incredibly expressive and deep flavors.  Housed for 24 months in oak barrels, this 2014 is brilliant right now, with flavors prowling your taste buds with perfect balance and precision.  Don’t be the lone wolf that misses out on this one…
 
LOBO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 ATLAS PEAK
Retails at:  $80/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Showcasing classic Mountain fruit character, the Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 displays a pristinely focused and firm bounty of red currant, black cherry and red plum, perfectly balanced with the fine grained yet slightly dusty tannins.  Secondary characteristics of cherry cough drop, sweet tobacco leaf, spice box,  fresh sage leaf and sweet vanilla oak dance in perfect step with the concentrated fruit, then followed by a long, velvety finish.  First impressions are always important and looking back at my initial tasting notes, I wrote ‘Wow, this is really killer stuff…’ Drink now through 2030.“
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
2015 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

SADDLEBACK2015 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 OAKVILLE

Nils Venge has always been known as a bit of a cowboy in the wine industry, making wine his own special way, and taking risks that have undoubtedly paid off.  You’re about as likely to find him on a tractor in the vineyard, than just about anywhere else.  Early on, he set the bar as the first American winemaker to earn a perfect 100 Point score from Robert Parker with the 1985 Groth Reserve Cab, and three decades later he’s still blazing the trails, producing bold and unapologetically expressive wines. The winery is located behind Opus One and a stones throw from Silver Oak’s Napa property.  At $75/btl this Oakville Cab will make even the most gristled cowboy grin.
 
Crafted in a deep, showy style, offering layer after layer of dense black fruits, exotic chocolates, white flowers and hints of graphite.  Our panel was shocked by how well the 2013 was showing and we bought all we could…  Kept for 24 months in oak barrels this beauty has had nearly 2 1/2 years of bottle development and it’s gorgeous right now.  I highly recommend adding some of this to your cellar.  
 
SADDLEBACK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 OAKVILLE
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “On the nose, a healthy dose of ripe red berries. On the palate, it approaches as a denser, full wine; its bold structure is evident. Robust black currant, anise and coriander are balanced by notes of blood-orange zest and violets. Throughout, a graphite minerality adds to its layered complexity. The flavorful finish leaves lingering notes of vanilla balanced by delicate tannins… Drinking well through 2023.“
2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

with No Comment $90-$100CalistogaKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

DUCKHORN

2015 THREE PALMS VINEYARD
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT

 2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot
When we offered Duckhorn’s 2014 Three Palms Merlot last October we asked the question, where do you go after being the reference standard in your field for nearly four decades…  Predicting Duckhorn would elevate their game to an even higher level, after earning their highest score ever from the Wine Spectator, they went on to become the #1 Wine in the World on the 2017 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  Over the last 40 years, Duckhorn has become an inspirational icon for mastering Bordeaux varietals, and particularly Merlot in Napa Valley.  I can think of no other wine brand that defines iconic for a single varietal than Duckhorn does for Merlot… 
A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, the 2015 conquers your senses with mineral laced blackberry, unsweetened chocolate-raspberry souffle, graphite, cassis and dried rose petals.  Arising from another monumental vintage in Napa Valley, the 2015 blossoms after developing for 18 months in oak barrels then 12 months in the bottle before release…  Marked by the wine‘s signature dense core and beautiful satin texture, the 2015 unwinds with intensely flavored black fruits, holiday spices, plum, cassis and vanilla.  I strongly recommend securing a case of this celebrated California Merlot.  
 
DUCKHORN
2015 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT
Retails at:  $98.00/btl
Your Price: $94.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Reflecting what can be achieved from a legendary vineyard in an exceptional growing season, this wine displays captivating aromas of fresh cranberry, blueberry, fig, cedar and cocoa nibs. On the dense, mouth-filling palate, sophisticated notes of wet slate minerality add poise and definition to flavors of plum, molasses, cherry and crushed rose petals. Silky tannins carry the wine to a beautifully structured finish with hints of moist earth, cranberry and bittersweet chocolate.”
Merlot 91% | Cabernet Sauvignon 7% | Petit Verdot 1.5% | Cabernet Franc .5%
 
Customers who enjoy Duckhorn’s Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, may also enjoy these two outstanding Merlots…
2013 Paloma Spring Mountain Merlot 2014 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
PALOMA
2013 MERLOT
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Your Price: $56.99/btl 
 
DUCKHORN
2014 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “…Intense aromas of ripe cherry, plum and black fig rise from the glass, underscored by hints of leather and cedar. On the palate, it is lush and supple, with bright acidity and velvety tannins supporting layers of raspberry and black cherry, as well as hints of coffee and chocolate that carry through on the long finish.”
2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakKevin VogtMt VeederNapaProprietary RedUSA

STEPS RESERVE

BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED

2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red
Created in a style that mirrors many ultra high-end Napa Valley Cabernet based wines, with 24 months in oak, premium vineyard sources and an intense, deeply compelling style that lets you know you’re tasting something special. The only thing not mirrored is the high price tag… Upon entry the 2015 Reserve Blend penetrates your taste buds with dreamlike intensity and all of the scrumptiously thrilling qualities and unforgettable flavors and aromas that make Steps Reserve so wondrous.  Only available at $45 per bottle through March 31st, 2018, we wanted to give you one final shot to secure a case or two of this remarkable wine before the price increases…
Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels.  Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015 Steps Reserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
 
STEPS RESERVE 
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $50/btl
Your Price: $45/btl 
YOU SAVE 10% (through March 31, 2018)
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Rich, opulent aromas emerge laced with fresh black raspberries, chocolate covered cherries, espresso roast and a touch of sweet vanilla oak.  Penetrating, velvety flavors of crushed blackberries, black plum, minerals, kirsch and hints of roasted coffee expand across your palate as layer upon layer of complexity unfolds.  The supple yet slightly dusty tannins beautifully frame the plush fruit as it elegantly caresses your palate through the long pleasurable finish…”  Delicious now, this wine will cellar for at least 12 years.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 68% | Cabernet Franc 21% | Malbec 11%

 

Customers who enjoy the Steps Barrel Select may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds… 
2015 James Joseph Reserve Cabernet Franc 2014 Steps Winemaker's Reserve Proprietary Blend
JAMES JOSEPH
2015 CABERNET FRANC
RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
With a total production of only 4 barrels, this rarely bottled varietal from James Joseph grabs you right from the start.  Showing surreal-like tension between Atlas Peak and Diamond Mountain terroirs, the 2015 is locked and loaded with crushed black fruits, camphor, burning embers, and black cherries, laced with volcanic minerals, graphite and crushed rock
STEPS 
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE 
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
The 6 barrel production  Winemaker’s Reserve is heavily based in Atlas Peak, and made transparent by its striking crushed rock minerality and dusty tannins that make the area so desired.  The final blend has a solid core of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, magnified by 14% Cabernet Franc from Kenefick Palisades Vineyard, 9% Malbec from Oakville and 5% Petit Verdot from Coombsville.

Sparkman 2015 Holler Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonColumbia ValleyKevin VogtUSAWashington State
SPARKMAN
2015 HOLLER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Sparking an intense love affair with Washington Wines with just a single taste, when we first offered Sparkman’s 2013 Holler Cabernet two years ago we knew it would induce one of those where have you been all my life moments…  Later that year it went on to rank #21 in the world on the Wine Spectator Top 100 and even outscored icons like Screaming Eagle at more than 25 times its price.  The 2015 Sparkman Holler will make you fall in love with Columbia Valley wines all over again and hits your palate with a thundering cascade of dark brambly fruits, roasted coffee, minerals and crushed violets.  It’s honestly thrilling to taste this wine, considering it’s still sells for around thirty per bottle.
Carved from eight distinct vineyards and kept for 19 months in oak Barrels, the 2015 is stunningly concentrated, poised and beautifully proportioned.  Both the 2013 and 2014 were wines that left a deep impression, and followed up by the 2015, I can honestly say this is my favorite one yet.  If you’ve had interest in experiencing a great wine from this incredible region, this is the perfect opportunity to try one of the best.
SPARKMAN
2015 HOLLER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl
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Winery Notes: “Phantasmagoria: red black blue fruit chocolates flowers spices textures, depth breadth. Velvet stone smoke cinnamon kelp play dough grip supple rich minerals.” 

 

Customers that enjoy Sparkman’s Holler Cabernet Sauvignon,  may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
OBSIDIAN RIDGE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 ESTATE, RED HILLS
Retails at: $32.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl
A wine with fabulous upside potential, this idyllic expression of Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from the winery’s high elevation vineyard where the explosive terroir manifests perfectly in this exceptional, award-winning Cabernet.   Perpetually high scoring, an earlier vintage was named Best Cabernet at the Lake County Wine Awards Competition, where it earned a Double Gold Medal and outperformed some of the area’s other top wines.
LUKE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 COLUMBIA VALLEY
Retails at:   $30/btl
Your Price:  $23/btl
Recognized as one of the 2016 Wine Spectator wineries to watch, Luke’s 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and extracted, yet perfectly poised and elegant, with substantial quantities of chocolate covered raspberries, creme de cassis, pulverized blackberries, and dried violets.  A palpable sense of value is absolutely unmistakable in this wine, and the previous three consecutive vintages have all earned 90 and above scores in the Wine Spectator…