2013 Cabaud Mon Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Cabaud Mon Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleSt HelenaUSA

CABAUD

2013 MON HOMMAGE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2013 Cabaud Mon Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon
You might 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… However, most people haven’t heard of Cabaud, and with their tiny production, there’s no surprise.  The previous vintage caught the eye of Robert Parker who scored the 2012 91-94 Points and now with the 2013 vintage, which Robert Parker said might be the finest vintage he’s experienced over the last 37 years, I wouldn’t wait for the scores to secure the 2013.  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 $130 Cabaud is a killer deal…I cannot put into words how incredible this wine is. 
 
Combining fruit from Glass Mountain in St Helena with Beckstoffer’s iconic Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville, you can taste the magic of these two sites, each enhancing the best qualities of the other and melding together perfectly.  After resting for nearly 20 months in barrel and for another 3 years in the bottle, this 2013 is mind-bogglingly great!  It reminded me of when I first tasted Humanitas Signum and the recent Keever Inspirado, yet ramped up a notch. This is absolutely one of the best bottles in the shop under $150/btl right now… 
 
CABAUD
2013 MON HOMMAGE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $130/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A dense purple color is accompanied by mesmerizing wet stone and liquid minerals interwoven with blackberry jam, crushed blueberries, red currant and spring flowers.  The full-bodied opulence, sweet tannin, and extraordinary richness combine in a hypnotic way. It is the wine equivalent of sliding in between satin sheets and finding warmth and suppleness, but also balanced firmness and incredible tone, all in perfect balance.  Let your mind wander…” 97 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Fort Ross Sea Slopes Sonoma County Pinot Noir

2016 Fort Ross Sea Slopes Sonoma County Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Fort Ross SeaviewKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaUSA

FORT ROSS 2016 Fort Ross Sea Slopes Sonoma County Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
SEA SLOPES 

Always intellectually pleasing, detailed and memorable, Fort Ross is one of our most requested Pinots… Formed from the winery’s Estate vineyard, located in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA, which in 2011 was approved as its own Appellation within the Sonoma Coast, the area is also a source for such notables as Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli, Flowers and Pahlmeyer, to list a few… Fort Ross excelled in 2016 and at under forty per bottle, this Pinot has everything that I look for in classic, extreme Sonoma Coast Pinot.  
 
The 2016 is vibrant and with a delicious, supple texture, it perfectly expresses the exceptional terroir found in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA.  It was expertly guided from grape to bottle by renowned winemaker Jeff Pisoni and is loaded with class and wonderfully articulate flavors.  If you’ve tasted any of the earlier vintages of Fort Ross, you likely need no further convincing, other than the fact that the 2016 is now available.  If you haven’t tried a Pinot from this beloved producer, here’s a chance to enjoy one at a truly fantastic price.
 
FORT ROSS
2016 PINOT NOIR
SEA SLOPES
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl
 
 
“… the 2016 Pinot Noir Sea Slopes gives up notions of warm cranberries and Bing cherries with a raspberry leaves, dried sage and tilled soil undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied, refreshing and vivacious with a nice bit of chew to the texture and a persistent earthy finish” 
90 Points
“The 2016 Pinot Noir Sea Slopes is another terrific value from this estate. Cherries, strawberries, spice, and an undeniable salty, marine-like minerality give way to a fresh, elegant medium-bodied effort that shows the cooler, complex style of the Sonoma Coast appelation. Bravo.” 
91 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Fort Ross Sea Slopes Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…

  

2015 Matias Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
MATIAS 
2015 PINOT NOIR
SIERRA MAR VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 

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Anybody who’s tasted the Matias wines knows what an incredible value they offer.  The level of class and sophistication is higher than any Pinot Noir close to this price point.  Their single vineyard 2015 SierraMar Pinot explodes from the glass with bright bing cherry, wild raspberries, spice box and hints of white pepper.   It emerges from Gary Franscioni’s Sierra Mar Vineyard, one of Santa Lucia Highlands highest elevation vineyards.  The Franscioni’s own and farm the iconic Garys’ and Rosella Vineyards and are partners in the revered Pisoni and Soberanes Vineyards… 
CROSSBARN
2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS 
 
Your Price:   $36/btl 

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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.  This wine, with three 90-92 point reviews, is an excellent introduction to the wines of Paul Hobbs. 
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.”