2014 Chateau de Haute-Serre Malbec

2014 Château De Haute-Serre Malbec

with No Comment $30 and underCahorsFranceKevin VogtMalbec

CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE 2014 Chateau de Haute-Serre Malbec

2014 MALBEC
CAHORS, FRANCE

 
Did you know the Malbec grape originates in France, and thrives in the Cahors region in the South of France, but today, around 70% of the Malbec planted worldwide is in Argentina… However, Château de Haute-Serre’s Vineyards in Cahors, France date back to middle ages… In 2009, Haute-Serre got a little help from the Master of Malbec Paul Hobbs, who’s been pushing the boundaries of Malbec on multiple continents for decades.  With Paul  as consulting winemaker, their 2010 went on to earn a place on the Spectator Top 100.  Most are familiar with the style of Argentine Malbecs, which are known for their fruit-forward, plummy/blackberry and velvety texture. For those looking for a more densely packed, concentrated Malbec with savory undertones, firm tannins and meaty character, Old-World Malbec from Cahors may be just what they’re looking for. 
 
Malbec is a thick-skinned grape that needs more sun than Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to mature and Château de Haute-Serre’s parcel has excellent Southwest and Southeast exposure allowing the grapes to reach optimum maturity.  They’ve been making news long before earning a spot on the WS Top 100 list…  Back in 1889 their Malbec was honored by being placed on a Gala menu in line with the famous Château Margaux and Pommard wines.  I strongly recommend trying a case… you’ll be really glad you did.  
 
CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE
2014 MALBEC
CAHORS, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $25/btl 
 
 

  
 
“On some of the highest vineyards in Cahors, this estate has a history reaching back to the Middle Ages. This latest vintage from this major estate has a firm structure and cool texture. Allied to acidity and dark tannins, the rich black fruits are going to need time to mature. Drink from 2020.” 90 Points

 
 “A concentrated red, building ripe cherry, plum pudding and licorice drop flavors that are detailed with floral, cocoa powder and raspberry accents. Fresh acidity and mineral elements give focus through the orange peel-tinged finish. Drink now through 2022...” 90 Points

 

 

Customers who enjoy Chateau De Haute-Serre Malbec may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
RICCITELLIhttp://bit.ly/2014RiccitelliMalbec
2014 MALBEC
THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL 
FAR FROM THE TREE
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Deep purple in color, with beautiful aromas of wild dark fruits, vanilla and chocolate in the nose. This is a complex and rich vine with smooth ripe tannins and a long finish…”  95 Points, Decanter
CATENA
2014 CABERNET FRANC
SAN CARLOS
APPELLATION SERIES
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $22.99/btl 

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From Vinous: “Enticing aromatic lift to the aromas of purple fruits, violet and brown spices. Suaver than the Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, offering exhilarating cut and penetration and an ideal balance between sweetness and suppleness of fruit and acidity. Savory, plush and ripe for all its energy…”  91 Points
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.  
2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Vineyard

2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Vineyard Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

BLACK CORDON

2014 CHARDONNAY
LAGUNA ROAD VINEYARD 

2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road VineyardScientists suspect that taste and memory are inextricably bound… I’m given a reminder of that every time we open a bottle of a Paul Hobbs made Chardonnay. His Chardonnays provoke instant feelings of joy along with a serene calming sensation, pulling on your emotions in way that only the absolute best winemakers can accomplish.  With lovely weight and decadent texture, exquisite flavors wrap your palate in a silk blanket, laced with Meyer Lemon, tangerine oil, ripe pineapple, butterscotch, and nutmeg.  At $65 this elaborately flavored Chardonnay would take you to a happy place, you’ll want to grab as much as you can.  Make sure to sign up for our emails to receive special offers on selected wines.

 
Although not indicated on the bottle, the fruit for Black Cordon’s Laguna Road Chardonnay comes from the iconic Ulises Valdez Vineyard.  You might recognize the UV Vineyard from single vineyard Chardonnays by Aubert and Paul Hobbs. You might expect to pay upwards of $75/btl for a Chardonnay from this hallowed ground, don’t wait to secure yours… A mere 4 barrels (93 cases) were produced of this absolutely stunning Chardonnay. 
 
BLACK CORDON
2014 CHARDONNAY
LAGUNA ROAD VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price:
 
Tasting Notes: “Rich, decadent and inviting, the 2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Chardonnay is bursting with Meyer Lemond, almond shavings, tangerine and honeyed apple.  Wildflowers, nutmeg and orange rind add to it’s deep complexity.  On the palate the wine is sensual and balanced with terrific weight and structure”  93 Cases Produced 
2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary’s Block Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30-$40Bennett ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

GREY STACK

2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK

2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc
It’s all about the vineyard, and when I think of California’s most memorable Sauvignon Blancs, I’m continually drawn to Dry Stack Vineyard in Bennett Valley.  That feeling was set in stone when I tasted Grey Stack’s latest release which has already scored 94 Points (that’s particularly high for Sauvignon Blanc.)  Perfectly expressing the essence of Dry Stack… Intense, vivid and with copious rocky minerals and abundant yet detailed notes of fresh guava, ripe tangerine, Island mango and mineral infused citrus.  You might think $32 is a little high for Sauvignon Blanc, but when you taste the wine it’s actually a stunning value for a wine of this magnitude. 
 
Brought to life by winemaker Patrick Sullivan whose vast experience includes making wine at Peter Michael, Paul Hobbs, Lewis Cellars and Rudd.  The Dry Stack Vineyard is strategically positioned in Bennett Valley which lies Southeast of Santa Rosa along a minor Mountain range.  With a cooler climate with heavy maritime influence, the vineyard itself sits at 550 feet in elevation on a rocky bench and produces fruit of magical qualities.  If you love Sauvignon Blanc, or better yet, even if you don’t… Try this one and you’ll probably never look back. 
 
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “This block is home to a mysterious clone of Sauvignon Blanc that appears to be the only one of its kind in the region and thought to hail originally from Northern Italy. The resulting wine is citrus-driven on the nose and on the palate-a pure expression that shows complexity and rich layers of flavor, with an intensity of lemongrass.” 94 Points

 

 
Customers that enjoy Grey Stack’s Rosemary’s Block  Sauvignon Blanc may also enjoy these two terrific whites…
2016 Illumination by Quintessa Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Elizabeth Spencer Mendocino Sauvignon Blance
ILLUMINATION
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
BY QUINTESSA 
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
With a striking bouquet that is one of the most penetrating and intense from any Sauvignon Blanc I’ve ever experienced, spotlighting vivid passionfruit, exotic mango, zesty tangerine, caramelized grapefruit and sweet floral, Quintessa’s 2016  Illumination is exceptionally bright and full of energy. This wine guaranteed to brighten any occasion…
ELIZABETH SPENCER
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2017 MENDOCINO
Retails at:  $22.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “… lovingly inspired by the Loire Valley. White peach and apricot, yellow grapefruit, and lemon blossom aromas erupt from the glass. These aromatics carry through and lend a dry fruitiness to the mineral driven pallet. The wine has very appealing ripeness and great balancing acidity, where the complexity of stone fruit and green apples, yield to a very citrusy, crisp finish.”
2015 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay

2015 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

ORRIN-SAGE

2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA MOUNTAIN

2015 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay
There’s something mystical about a wine so under-the-radar that all of the information available is written on the bottle… But, etched in your mind are the flavors which write a story of its origins, and the care that went into creating it.  That’s the feeling that washed over me when I tasted Orrin-Sage’s 2015 Chardonnay, and it was met with a feeling of blissful disbelief when I found out we could offer this wine.  I was reminded a little bit of Walter Hansel and even Paul Hobbs when tasting it, and as I read further into it, the story became more detailed and full of lavish characters, with notes of ripe nectarines, Island pineapples, French Bistro creme brûlée and fresh baked lemon Meringue cookies.   You simply can’t put this one down…
 
The publicist did let slide that this is a limited edition of only 160 cases produced.  It gets really interesting when you learn that this story was originally destined to be penned by a different world renowned author, but somehow as luck would have it, this narrative made its way to Orrin Sage, and now, luck falls on anybody fortunate enough to take it all in. 
 
ORRIN-SAGE
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This gorgeous Chardonnay is a marvelous bottling that was sired from an incredible vineyard source. The wine begins with aromatics of poached pear, ripe nectarines, heavy whipping cream and a touch of sweet vanilla. There are dense flavors of candied citrus, ripe pineapple, lemon meringue and crème brulee that toy with the subtle minerality. This is just an awesome value at this price “
 
Customers who enjoy the Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain 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 Solamente Terra Blanca Vineyard Pinot Noir

2014 Solamente Terra Blanca Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

SOLAMENTE

2014 PINOT NOIR
TERRA BLANCA VINEYARD

2014 Solamente Terra Blanca Vineyard Pinot Noir
Appropriately named Solamente (translates to only), this was the only Pinot Noir on my mind, after a grueling 100 wines tasted.   All I could think about is how perfectly this wine hit the spot, with it’s layered and silky mouthfeel, depth and elegance, this gorgeous Pinot tastes every bit like a top-level California Pinot Noir, and the only difference is that it doesn’t have the premium price tag that normally comes with one…  It was composed by Rolando Herrera, who gained valuable first-hand experience as Director of Winemaking for legendary winemaker Paul Hobbs.  Layers of dark fruits emerge, delicately woven throughout are subtle expressions of sassafras, wild flowers, English tea and spice.  At $65/btl retail this wine would put a big smile on your face.
 
Arising from the Terra Blanca Vineyard located Carneros, the 2013 perfectly marries Dijon and Pommard clones, both icons for producing wines of notable elegance with profound aromas.  After quietly resting for 12 months in oak barrels, this 2014 Pinot Noir is shining brightly now and is poised to drink beautifully over the next 5-7 years. 
 
SOLAMENTE
2014 PINOT NOIR
TERRA BLANCA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
Your Price:
 
Cellar Tracker Tasting Notes: “This deep ruby wine flaunts bright aromas of cranberries, black cherries, raspberries, pickling spice and violets. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with medium-weight but grippy tannins, it has impressive presence on the mid-palate. The medium length finish concludes with a wisp of oak. This is an outstanding Pinot…“
 
Customers that enjoy Solamente’s Terra Blanca Vineyard Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Black Kite Knight's Rest Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
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
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 PINOT NOIR
HALLBERG VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price:
 
Tasting Notes, “… Pristine elegance combined with an incredibly delicate balance, weaving in all of the intricate details and building like a romance novel. This wine may not be my first love, but it is the first California Pinot Noir that simply left me speechless and completely satisfied...”
 

 97 Points Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir

2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

LAIRD

2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH

2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir
Have you ever wondered what makes Pinot Noir so complex?  Did you know that not all Pinot Noir Vines are the same?  Laird’s Phantom Ranch Pinot is a 50/50 blend of two distinctly different Pinot Noir clones.  Clone 115 comes from Morey St Denis, one of Burgundy’s noble areas and is known for producing elegant wines.  The Pommard Clone which also comes from Burgundy is revered for lending structure and meaty characters as well as remarkable fragrance.  Paul Hobbs selected both of these clones for Laird’s Phantom Ranch Vineyard to create a wine with the perfect combination of structure, elegance and aroma.  This is a Pinot Noir that will haunt your dreams…
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. The winery has always attracted terrific winemakers.  In 2014, Laird’s Consulting Winemaker was Paul Hobbs, one of the top winemakers in the world… If you enjoy full-bodied, deep, velvety Pinots, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
 
LAIRD
2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2014 Pinot Noir Phantom Ranch has a more evolved nose of forest floor and spice, raw, generous almost opulent black cherry and strawberry fruit, a healthy, pure mouthfeel and a long finish. This is serious Pinot to drink over then next 7-8 years.” 90 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Laird’s Phantom Ranch Pinot may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2013 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2013 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
LAIRD
2013 JILLIAN’S BLEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $48/btl
Your Price: $44/btl 
 
Flawlessly constructed, and with no shortage of brawn, Laird’s sensational 2013 Jillian’s Blend reveals a tapestry of beautifully knit, meaty and extravagant flavors.  Absolutely brilliant, the 2013 is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), sourced from the winery’s famed Mast Ranch Vineyard.  Their single vineyard Mast Ranch Cab sells for $80/btl…
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 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
Laird 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Laird 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

LAIRD

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY

Laird 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
When it comes to traditionally styled Napa Valley Cabernet, one of my favorite examples is from Laird Family Winery.  As one of the largest land owners in Napa Valley, Laird has access to some terrific fruit sources.  The 2013 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 their 2012 vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.  At $53/btl the 2013 is simply stunning and a wine that shouldn’t be missed.
 
Laird has always attracted terrific winemakers.  The wines are currently made by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars.  In 2013, 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 an impressive 22 months in oak and generously delivers hedonistic delights with velvety tannins and great length.  The most common reaction to tasting this one is “Why haven’t I heard of these guys before?”  Consider yourself in-the-know!
 
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $52.99/btl
YOU SAVE 11%
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “Laird’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is a strong effort, with deep blueberry and blackberry fruit, charcoal and licorice, a touch of spicy oak and moderate tannin. This should be a wine to drink in its first 3-4 years, but certainly has the stuffing and structure to last 15 more years.” 
91+ Points

 

Customers who enjoy Laird’s 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these terrific Laird Family Wines…
Laird 2014 Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir Laird 2013 Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
LAIRD
2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
Winery Notes: “The aroma is a brilliant medley of rose petals, black cherry, licorice, and cedar. As the wine hits your palate, the lively acidity is evocative of tart strawberries, while undertones of toffee and marzipan slowly make their presence. The ripe tannins are well-integrated and allow for a lingering finish” 

 
LAIRD
2013 JILLIAN’S BLEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $48/btl
Your Price: $44/btl 
 
Flawlessly constructed, and with no shortage of brawn, Laird’s sensational 2013 Jillian’s Blend reveals a tapestry of beautifully knit, meaty and extravagant flavors.  Absolutely brilliant, the 2013 is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), sourced from the winery’s famed Mast Ranch Vineyard.  Their single vineyard Mast Ranch Cab sells for $80/btl, 

Hungry Blonde 2015 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros

with No Comment $30 and underCarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

HUNGRY BLONDE

2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY, CARNEROS

Unapologetically bold, Hungry Blonde’s 94 Point Napa Valley Chardonnay makes no excuses for being made in a rich and buttery style that defines classic California Chardonnay to the fullest.  Authored by the iconic Cary Gott, the fruit for this captivating Chardonnay comes from the Poe Vineyard, which sits adjacent to the world renowned Hyde Vineyard.  Fittingly, Larry Hyde’s HDV Chardonnay, sells for $60… It’s consistently been an originator of numerous enthusiastic utterances and significant re-orders, and as Jeb Dunnuck, former critic for Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate wrote, “At 30 bucks it’s a killer value.”

For those of you who love the classic “California Style” of Chardonnay, a la Beringer Private Reserve, Rombauer, Frank Family, Paul Hobbs, Far Niente, etc., Hungry Blonde should pique your interest…  If you’re looking for a leaner, more Burgundian style Chardonnay, then this is simply not for you.  With delectable flavors spanning white peach, smoky hazelnuts, buttered citrus and honeysuckle, at just $29.99/btl, Hungry Blonde delivers everything you might expect from an upper echelon Napa Valley Chardonnay.

HUNGRY BLONDE
2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY, CARNEROS
Your Price: $29.99/btl
From Jeb Dunnuck, “There’s 2000 cases of the 2015 Chardonnay Hungry Blonde, and it’s one seriously good Chardonnay. Aged sur lie in 20% new French oak, this classic beauty gives up lot of orchard fruits, some buttered citrus and peach, medium to full-bodied richness, and terrific balance. It’s thereal deal and will keep for 5+ years. At 30 bucks it’s a killer value.” 94 Points

Customers who enjoy Hungry Blonde’s 2015 Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…