Inventory Reduction ~ Cabernet Sauvignon & Cab Blends

 
Cabernet is King in Napa and for most of the 20th century, Cabernet Sauvignon was the world’s most widely planted premium red wine grape.  We certainly ship more Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet based blends than any other varietal, and for that reason our inventory reduction in this category is the largest… 
 
Helping to clear room for next year’s new releases, our 2018 Inventory Reduction is the biggest ever.  With thousands of bottles of wine that have to move, we’re planning 3 days of dramatic discounts, making this a wonderful opportunity to try out some new amazing wines and re-stock your cellar for 2019. 
 
Each day we’ll focus on a specific area of the warehouse, and today is Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Blends…
 
 This offer is valid through Tuesday 12-31-18 at 12:00PM PST and only while supplies last
 

2016 Heir Apparent Cellar Selection Oakville Red

HEIR APPARENT

2016 OAKVILLE RED
CELLAR SELECTION

Have you ever wondered what makes the Oakville AVA so revered for producing Bordeaux Varietals? Over many thousands of years sediment has washed down from the hillsides creating notoriously complex earth.  On the Western side of Oakville where icons Harlan, Martha’s Vineyard and Beckstoffer ToKalon Vineyards lie, the soils are sandy and gravelly, which result in exceptional drainage, which helps produce large root systems and healthy vines.  On the Eastern side, near Screaming Eagle, Rudd and Plumpjack, the soils are red in color and loaded with minerals and volcanic composites. Some of the best wines produced in Napa Valley have Oakville origins and the average price per bottle is likely higher than any other AVA in the Valley.  It’s rare to find an Oakville wine under $100/btl.  Make sure to join our Insider’s Club (it’s free) to unlock special offers ~ or use the Click to Order button and see your price in the cart.
 
Heir Apparent’s 2016 Oakville Red seduces your senses with intense aromas of dark berries, exotic florals, minerals and hints of graphite.  Calling on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot all sourced exclusively from Oakville, the 2016 Cellar Selection offers stunning levels of pleasure, and should drink well over the next 12-15 years.  I highly recommend locking up a case… You’ll be glad you did. 
 
HEIR APPARENT
2016 OAKVILLE RED
CELLAR SELECTION
Retails at:  $110/btl
 

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Winery Notes:Coming from the prestigious Oakville appellation, this carefully selected of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Merlot shows firm tannins, a compact structure along with hits of black cherry, currant, plum and dark toast.
2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red

2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red

CROCKER & STARR

2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red2015 BRIDESMAID
PROPRIETARY RED

Taking things to the next level, the new vintage of Bridesmaid Red not only has a new look, but the wine is now sourced exclusively from Napa Valley’s iconic St Helena AVA…  The wine was inspired through Pam Starr’s work at Spottswoode and Gemstone and over the years it’s amassed a remarkable following.  The 2015 is powerful, compact and dangerously hedonistic, with a seductive bouquet spanning blue and red fruits, spring flowers, pipe tobacco and exotic chocolates.  Sensual flavors cascade over the palate with incredible energy and an effortless nature.  The blend is a collaboration of declassified barrels of premium wine, carefully selected from the winery’s Estate, as well as other top Napa Valley wineries after their own blends are complete.  The wine that makes it into these bottles often had an intended retail of more than 2-3 times the price…
 
Using Cabernet Franc as the base and layering in Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the 2015 Bridesmaid Red is highly detailed and captures the diverse terrain of the St Helena AVA faultlessly.  Those of you that have enjoyed any of the earlier vintages of this wine, just know one thing…  This is the BEST one yet.   If you haven’t experienced this absolutely stunning blend, here’s the perfect opportunity to do so…
 
CROCKER & STARR
2015 BRIDESMAID 
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate:A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec, the medium garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Franc Blend Bridesmaid gives gorgeous kirsch, raspberry pie and blackberries scents with a beautiful undercurrent of roses, cinnamon stick, potpourri and fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and great vivacity, finishing long and perfumed...” 93+ Points
 
Cabernet Franc 60% | Merlot 23% | Petit Verdot 11% | Malbec 6%
 
Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Red may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
 
2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Reserve 2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red
STEPS RESERVE
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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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.

HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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The Hourglass HGII Blend 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, and their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl and garner 100 point scores…  At under fifty, the HG III is a low price of admission for wine of this outstanding pedigree.

2015 Mastery Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2015 Mastery Napa Valley Proprietary Red

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
2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red

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
2016 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary Red

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

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

2016 Orin Swift Papillon Proprietary Red

2016 Orin Swift Papillon Proprietary Red

ORIN SWIFT 2016 Orin Swift Papillon Proprietary Red

2016 PAPILLON
PROPRIETARY RED

 
The wine equivalent of a marathon runner, Orin Swift’s Papillon moves across the palate with stamina and escalating energy, building definition with each new stride.  With all five Bordeaux varietals entering the race, the 2016 pushed through 15 months of oak barrels, and offers a burst of sweet mulberries followed by an adrenalin rush of hedonistic delights that will leave you racing to track down another case.  Built from some of Napa Valley’s most iconic vineyard sources, including fruit from Atlas Peak and St. Helena AVAs, it’s no surprise that the previous three consecutive vintages have earned stellar 94 to 95 Point scores from Robert Parker… Don’t get lapped and miss out on your case of 2016.  
 
Carved from carefully chosen vineyards spread throughout various prestigious growing regions in Napa Valley, the 2016 offers up intense aromas beginning with dark cherries and plum and then moving to black chocolates, dried violets, and graphite that leap from the glass.  If you love deep, rich, full-bodied blends, this one is an absolute delight… 
 
ORIN SWIFT
2016 PAPILLON
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: An inky, dark garnet sits in the glass with bursting aromatics even from afar-ripe blackcurrant and blackberry with hints of Kirsch, Madagascar vanilla and cigar box. Velvety and rich on entry and through the mid, the wine offers flavors of dark plum, blueberry and notes of fennel, fresh leather and a subtle minerality. Plush, layered and dense, the wine finishes with dusty tannins and a lingering touch of black cherry.”
 
Customers that enjoy Orin Swift Papillon may also enjoy these two fantastic Reds…
2016 Orin Swift Machete Proprietary Red 2017 Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert
ORIN SWIFT
2016 MACHETE
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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The 2016 Orin Swift Machete stampedes from the glass with a glorious and persistent perfume layered with blueberry velvet cake, dried violets, and incense, intertwined with a tinge of bacon fat and wood smoke.  Machete  has clinched coveted positions on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list on three separate occasions. The 2016 is one of their best yet and I wouldn’t miss it… 

ORIN SWIFT
8 YEARS IN THE DESERT
2017 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $45.99/btl 

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Riveting, seductive and sensual were the first words to come to my mind when I tasted the 2017 blend.  The wine is primarily Zinfandel heightened with Petite Syrah and Syrah.  Dave Phinney is clearly a master at blending and creating new and unique wines that are wildly delicious and irresistible upon release. 

2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

2017 Vista Rutherford Red Blend

VISTA  2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD

Update: We are SOLD OUT of the 2017 Vista Rutherford Red Blend.  However, we just received the 2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red.  Quite frankly, we think it may be even better than the Vista Rutherford.  And it’s STILL only $23 btl.   Click Here for More Details

 
How do you get an incredible Rutherford Cabernet Blend for $23? Frankly, you don’t, unless something unusual happens… Originally intended to be a Single Vineyard Cabernet, a winemaking miscommunication led to some barrels from other high-end projects getting accidentally blended into the same tank.  The result is an absolutely stunning Rutherford Blend that needs a new home… When I first tasted this wine I was asked to estimate the retail price with no information other than what was on the label.  After considering the focused and penetrating red fruits, classic Rutherford dust characteristics and long, pleasant finish, my number was $75-$95/btl… Turns out it was $95, had it been finished as a single vineyard Rutherford Cabernet.  We knew this wine would leave countless fans wanting more, which was proven by around a 1/2 pallet/week in re-orders that have poured in.  Now the wine is nearly sold out, so if you haven’t stocked up yet, this is the last call… 
 
Originating from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Rutherford Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet, heightened with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductive red berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and Rutherford dust.   If you look for value Reds from Napa Valley, I strongly recommend that you double or even triple down on this one, before it’s too late…   
 
VISTA 
2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD
Intended Retail $95/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl

Click to Order

Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.” 92 – 95 Points
2016 Y Rousseau Son of a Butcher Proprietary Red

2016 Y. Rousseau ‘Son of a Butcher’ Proprietary Red

Y. ROUSSEAU

2016 Y Rousseau Son of a Butcher Proprietary Red2016 PROPRIETARY RED
SON OF A BUTCHER

 
One of the greatest contributing factors to some American blends being so delicious upon release is the ability for American winemakers to be as creative as they want when making a wine.  They have the unrestricted artistic freedom to blend any varietals together. A perfect example is Y. Rousseau’s Son of a Butcher which utilizes the intense color and firm structure of the Tannat grape, and is made even more compelling with additions of Bordeaux Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. I’m certain that if you could have seen the grins that came over the faces of our tasting panel when we tasted this wine, you would’ve already ordered a case…
 
Why tannat? Aside from the vast and unique contributions that Tannat (deemed the “healthy grape” due to high levels of antioxidants) adds to the blend, like robust character, intense fruit, spice and structure, winemaker Yannik Rousseau is from South West of France where the grape is widely grown.  Tannat on it’s own can often be gripping and powerful, but when blended with Bordeaux varietals, the power of the Tannat grape can be harnessed into something truly special.  This wine has that magic and it’s clear from the moment the wine splashes into your glass and the deep, fragrant perfume of ripe blackberry pie, roasted coffee, white pepper and dried flowers lets you know you’re going to like it…
 
Y. ROUSSEAU
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
SON OF A BUTCHER
 
Your Price: $23/btl
 
Winery Notes:45% Tannat 25% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot 15% Cabernet Franc. Son Of a Butcher shows the softer side of Yannick’s favorite red grape – Tannat – and its amazing potential as a blending variety. The deep, dark, spicy bouquet revolves around blackberries, white pepper, plums, violets, dry leaves with notes of licorice and roasted coffee. Supple and full-bodied, it’s an unmistakable California resident, rich and with youthful vibe, but the one who doesn’t forget its French heritage. Aged for 18 months in 15% new and 85% neutral French oak barrels.
 
Customers who enjoy Y. Rousseau’s Son of a Butcher may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2015 Hoopla The Mutt Proprietary Red 2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red
HOOPLA
2015 THE MUTT
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl

Click to Order

VISTA
2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD
 
Your Price: $23/btl

Click to Order

 
Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.92 – 95 Points  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2014 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

2014 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

KEEVER  2014 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

2014 INSPIRADO 
PROPRIETARY RED 

 
Occasionally, we offer a wine so great that it becomes an object of legend, and Keever Inspirado is at the top of that list.  Appropriately named Inspirado, which translates to Inspired, the wine was carefully constructed by Celia Welch who’s an absolute legend.  You might recognize her artistry from Scarecrow, D.R. Stephens, Barbour, Dalla Valle… The 2014 Inspirado is even richer and more opulent than the 2013, opening up to a basket of ripe berries intermixed with holiday spices, black chocolate and vanilla bean. The long and expansive finish is a hallmark of this wine, and it’s so compelling, that it always leaves me thinking about the wine long after tasting it.  At under $100/btl, this is absolutely stunning… 
 
A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon that’s inspired with additions of Merlot and Malbec, the 2014 Inspirado envelops your taste buds with rich, scrumptious textures that come layered in sweet blackberries, espresso roast, scorched earth and dried cherry. This is, without a doubt, one of the best bottles in the shop under $100/btl right now…
 
KEEVER 
2014 INSPIRADO 
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl 

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Winery Notes:This Bordeaux-style blend shows all the complexity that one would expect, ranging from dark juicy blueberry aromas to mocha, dried cherry, and faint hints of vanilla. The aromas promise great things to come, and the palate impression delivers the same, opening with dark purple fruit tones wrapped in an expansive, velvety texture, then transitioning into darker and more savory notes but with the same rich, very polished tannins. The combination of Cabernet clones as well as the other Bordeaux-based varieties in this blend lend to the wine a sense of completeness and of density from entry to finish.” 
 
Customers who enjoy Keever Inspirado may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
2016 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary Red
2013 Cabaud Benedictions Cabernet Sauvignon
HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $53.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

Click to Order 

The Hourglass HGII Blend was authored by legendary winemaker Toni Biagi. Tony spent nearly 10 years crafting the high-scoring  Plumpjack wines, which rank among the best in Napa Valley, and their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl and garner 100 point scores…  At under fifty, the HG III is a low price of admission for wine of this outstanding pedigree.  

CABAUD
2013 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 
 
What do you get when you combine the highest level of winemaking with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Andy Beckstoffer’s heritage vineyards in Oakville?  You get a wine that competes with the best in the world… 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…