2016 Ty Caton Winemaker's Cuvee Moon Mountain District

2016 Ty Caton Winemaker’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMoon MountainNapaUSA

TY CATON 

WINEMAKER’S CUVEE
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT 

2016 Ty Caton Winemaker's Cuvee Moon Mountain DistrictIf you enjoy robust, hedonistic Cabs from Mount Veeder, and the elegant and savory wines from Spring Mountain, you would also enjoy wines from Moon Mountain. Positioned on the Sonoma side of Mount Veeder, the well-drained red volcanic soils are also home to icons like the Monte Rosso, which was made famous by Louis Martini, and Frederick’s Vineyard used by Turley. At the $38 retail price, Ty Caton’s Winemaker’s Cuvée from Moon Mountain earned a Gold Medal at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. But at our price, few others can compete.  

Ty selected clone 337 for his Cabernet, which is commonly found in cult wines and thrives in the well-drained volcanic soils. On the palate, the wine is stunningly deep, enchanting, and full of hedonistic delights. 
 
The 2016 Cuvée checks in at 90% Cabernet Sauvignon entwined with Merlot and spent 15 months in oak barrels. Now with a couple of years in the bottle, it conquers your senses with an exotic tapestry of opulent black fruits, liquid floral, and crushed rock.
 
TY CATON 
WINEMAKER’S CUVEE
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at: $38
 
 
 
 
 
“The 2016 Estate Winemaker’s Cuvee meets the palate with rich and full-bodied flavors of black currant, red plums, and cassis, followed by oak notes of cedar and vanilla. These dark flavors produce a lush and velvety textured mouth feel that combine with supple tannins, and leads to a long silky finish.”
2014 William Knuttel D Rafanelli Vineyard Mary's Block Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 William Knuttel D. Rafanelli Vineyard Mary’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSA

WILLIAM KNUTTEL 2014 William Knuttel D Rafanelli Vineyard Mary's Block Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
D. RAFANELLI VINEYARD
2014 MARY’S BLOCK

 
When it comes to the most Iconic Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel Vineyards in Sonoma County, the Rafanelli Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is foremost.  Their wines are nearly impossible to acquire and are mailing list and restaurant only… What many people don’t know is that William Knuttel produces two Cabernets from Rafanelli Vineyard, so as you can imagine, we couldn’t wait to try them.  Their 2014 D. Rafanelli Mary’s Block is remarkably stunning, and it’s made in an elegant, long and expansive style that keeps you coming back for more.  At around $40, this makes my list of the best Cabernets in Sonoma County.
 
Proprietor William Knuttel isn’t a stranger to high-quality Sonoma County Cabernet.  He was the Vice President and winemaker at Chalk Hill from 1996 through 2003 and he was also winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyards through 2011.  The Mary’s Block produced minuscule yields of just 1.4 tons per are of intensely flavored, BB sized berries, and the resulting wine spent 19 months in oak.  In this realistic price category, this will compete favorably with the best Cabernets produced in Napa Valley and in fact, it did at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition where it earned a Gold Medal.  You simply need to try it.  8 barrels produced.
 
WILLIAM KNUTTEL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
D. RAFANELLI VINEYARD
2014 MARY’S BLOCK
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 11%
 
Winery Notes: “Mary’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon combines black cherry, ripe plum and blackberry fruit, spiced with brooding herbs. Oak and toast highlight and focus the ripe berry and cherry flavors, completely complementing the aromas. Hillside tannins are fully resolved, leading to a full, balanced and supple finish…”
Gold – 2018 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
 
Customers who enjoy William Knuttel Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2014 Humanitas Piscis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Kuleto Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
HUMANITAS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 PISCIS VINEYARD
Retails at: $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “....The nose has a sultry opulence with pungent berry intensity followed by blueberry tart, creme de cassis, hints of bay leaf, liquid mineral and sweetened dark chocolate.  The palate begins with penetrating, focused flavors of crushed blackberries and red currants, followed by secondary characteristics including wet stone, cigar box and vanilla spice.  For this price point, this wine is approaching perfection… I can’t remember having a wine that costs less and drinks better… Simply fabulous!”  97 Points
KULETO
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast: “From the producer’s estate at over 1,000 feet in elevation, this seamlessly textured wine grabs one’s palate from the start and doesn’t let go. Huckleberry and cedar notes meet bay leaf accents and grippy tannins, all enveloped in smoky oak. It finishes with bright, fresh blackberry.”  92 Points
2013 Anarchist Philosopher Proprietary Red

2013 Anarchist Wine Co The Philosopher Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedUSA

ANARCHIST WINE CO. 2013 Anarchist Philosopher Proprietary Red

THE PHILOSOPHER
2013 PROPRIETARY RED

 
When tasting Anarchist’s 2013 Proprietary Red The Philosopher, we knew it would be easy to theorize about how it’s a wine with wide appeal, and based on the steady stream of re-orders, we were right.  The rich, supple mouthfeel and silky smooth layers make the wine really easy to love… It wasn’t a big surprise to read that this wine earned 97 Points and a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and another Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  For a wine to receive a Double Gold, it needs to first earn unanimous Gold medals from every professional judge on the panel… Next the rare Double Gold earners are then reviewed by the panel and this one scored 97 Points. At $38/btl it not only has a big score, but it is a big score… from Cherry Picked Wines it’s a complete steal…
 
Built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon and blended with Merlot, Petite Sirah and Syrah, the 2013 transcends from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality.  The quality was so apparent when this wine was in barrel the winemaker advocated for no label at all since the wine speaks for itself.  That wasn’t legal, so lo and behold they did label it…
 
ANARCHIST WINE CO.
THE PHILOSOPHER
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $38/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “…Classic Cabernet aromas of black cherry, plum, and violets, along with toffee, anise and hints of soy. Mouth-filling palate with ripe cherry, vanilla, cigar box and a bit of graphite. Nicely balanced acidity in a full-bodied wine, with well-integrated tannins...”

2015 Cornerstone Ram’s Horn Vineyard Syrah

with No Comment $30 and underMendocinoMendocino RidgeSyrahUncategorized

CORNERSTONE

2015 SYRAH
RAM’S HORN VINEYARD

 
Some of the greatest values in red wines can be found in American Syrah.  It’s one of the classic varietals of the world, and was made famous in the Northern Rhone valley of France with the world-class wines from Cote Rotie and Hermitage.  Many would argue that in the New World, Americans are a little behind the curve in the appreciation of Syrah and it’s because of this, that you can occasionally find a ridiculous deal on a fantastic wine.  There’s no better example than Cornerstone’s 2015 single vineyard Syrah which is a stunning bottle of wine at it’s $85 retail price… Make sure to join our Insider’s Club mailing list (it’s free) to unlock special offers and see one of the best values that I’ve come across in my career.
 
This remarkable expression of California Syrah was authored by talented winemaking duo Kari Auringer and Charles Thomas. Kari worked under Celia Welch at Cornerstone as well as contributing to the fame of some of the Napa Valley’s most luminous names including Scarecrow, Keever, Kelly Fleming and Corra. Charles has more than 30 years winemaking experience including crafting Robert Mondavi’s Reserve Cabernets, the first twelve vintages of OPUS ONE, and his work at Cardinale, Lokoya, Verité and Rudd.  This beauty also defeated EVERY wine in the Syrah & Shiraz over $41/btl category at the SF Chronicle Competition, and was named “Best of Class.” You may want to grab all you can…
 
CORNERSTONE
2015 SYRAH
RAM’S HORN VINEYARD
Retails at:  $85/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “French by heritage, California in spirit. These head trained Syrah grapes were lovingly grown high on a steep hillside at 1,800 feet, overlooking the little town of Hopland in Mendocino. Small berries on petite clusters struggle on this dry farmed ranch, which gives this wine a dark and concentrated color. The aromas are a complex combination of ripe black berries, boysenberry and earthy sage. You’ll also likely find typical Syrah notes of smoked bacon, tar and black pepper. Lush and fleshy on the palate, this wine is ripe from long sun-drenched days. More new world in style than old world, but there is plenty of backbone that Syrah is known for. The finish lingers with a melody of mocha, licorice and a hint of allspice wrapped up in silky integrated tannins.“
Best In Class | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 
 
Customers who enjoy Cornerstone Ram’s Horn Vineyard Syrah may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2014 Valdez Sonoma Coast Zinfandel
 2013 Anarchist Wine Co Conspiracy Theory Proprietary Red
VALDEZ
2014 ZINFANDEL
SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at:  $30/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “Aromas and flavors of juicy blackberries and currants are expressed in the 2014ValdezZinfandel. This wine has fresh acidity and light tannins that are in harmonious balance while hints of licorice and spice linger on the finish. Fruit for this wine is sourced from 3 different Sonoma County AVAs: Dry creek, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley.”
ANARCHIST WINE CO.
CONSPIRACY THEORY
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $36/btl
 

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Tasting Notes, “This unique blend begins with a compact nose of Bing cherry, wet slate, cotton candy and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it begins with focused black plum, penetrating wild red and black berries and Ibarra Chocolate. The finish is mouth-filling without being cloying, with just the right amount of dusty tannin, cocoa powder and a touch of baking spices.”
2015 Cornerstone Ram's Horn Vineyard Syrah

2015 Cornerstone Ram’s Horn Vineyard Syrah

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMendocinoSyrahUSA

CORNERSTONE 

2015 SYRAH
RAM’S HORN VINEYARD

2015 Cornerstone Ram's Horn Vineyard Syrah
Syrah is a darling varietal among many in the wine industry, and a friend of consumers looking for wines of stunning quality and character at a value price.  It’s one of the classic varietals of the world, and was made famous in the Northern Rhone valley of France with the world-class wines from Cote Rotie and Hermitage.  Many would argue that in the New World, Americans are a little behind the curve in the appreciation of Syrah. Because of this, you can occasionally find a remarkable value… There’s no better example than Cornerstone’s 2015 single vineyard Syrah which is a stunning bottle of wine at it’s $85 retail price… Join our Insider’s Club email list and you’ll see this ranks among one of the best values that I’ve come across in my career.
 
This remarkable expression of California Syrah was authored by talented winemaking duo Kari Auringer and Charles Thomas. Kari worked under Celia Welch at Cornerstone as well as contributing to the fame of some of the Napa Valley’s most luminous names including Scarecrow, Keever, Kelly Fleming and Corra. Charles has more than 30 years winemaking experience including crafting Robert Mondavi’s Reserve Cabernets, the first twelve vintages of OPUS ONE, and his work at Cardinale, Lokoya, Verité and Rudd.  This beauty also defeated EVERY wine in the Syrah & Shiraz over $41/btl category at the SF Chronicle Competition, and was named “Best of Class.” At this price, you may want to grab all you can…
 
CORNERSTONE 
2015 SYRAH
RAM’S HORN VINEYARD 
Retails at:  $85/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “French by heritage, California in spirit. These head trained Syrah grapes were lovingly grown high on a steep hillside at 1,800 feet, overlooking the little town of Hopland in Mendocino. Small berries on petite clusters struggle on this dry farmed ranch, which gives this wine a dark and concentrated color. The aromas are a complex combination of ripe black berries, boysenberry and earthy sage. You’ll also likely find typical Syrah notes of smoked bacon, tar and black pepper. Lush and fleshy on the palate, this wine is ripe from long sun-drenched days. More new world in style than old world, but there is plenty of backbone that Syrah is known for. The finish lingers with a melody of mocha, licorice and a hint of allspice wrapped up in silky integrated tannins.”  Best In Class | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 
2014 Iris Oregon Pinot Noir

2014 Iris Oregon Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUncategorizedWillamette Valley

IRIS

2014 Iris Oregon Pinot NoirPINOT NOIR
2014 OREGON

 
What does it mean when a wine that we can offer at $17 earns Double Gold in the $24-$27.99 Pinot Noir Category at The San Francisco Chronicle Competition, which is the largest competition of American wines in the world?  In short, it means make some room in the cellar, because a Double Gold is equivalent to a unanimous rating by all of the judges.  All wines at the SF Chronicle competition are tasted blind, and wines that earn a gold medal are then tasted again the next day. A wine that receives a gold medal from EVERY judge is awarded a Double Gold… When a $17 bottle defeats all of the other wines in a category filled with Pinots in the mid twenties, it gets my attention.  When our panel tasted the 2014 Iris Pinot Noir we unanimously agreed that it was special and we couldn’t wait to share it with you.   
 
Emerging from one of Oregon’s greatest vintages, rivaling the historic 2008 and 2012 vintages, the 2014’s offer the best of both years.  The 2014 Iris Pinot Noir is brimming with concentrated red berries, liquid floral, sassafras and wild plum.  This Pinot was brought to life by talented Pinot artist Aaron Lieberman-who has over a decade of experience in Oregon winemaking at notables such as Owen Roe and Isabelle Dutartre.  At $17/btl, this wine will make any Pinot lover smile. 
 
IRIS
PINOT NOIR
2014 OREGON
Retails at:  $24/btl
 
Your Price: $17/btl
YOU SAVE 29%
 
Winery Notes: “Showcasing aromas of raspberry, cranberry, salmonberry and wet stone; this refreshing wine offers a perky acidity, crisp tannins, and a smooth finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Iris Willamette Valley Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Black Pines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 

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YOU SAVE 23% 

 
Brought to life by Drew Huffine, whose experience includes working with many elite Pinot Noir producers including Kosta Browne, DuMOL, Auteur, Copain and Donum, the 2017 was conceived from carefully chosen vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap, Russian River and Sonoma Coast.  If you’ve tasted any of the earlier vintages of Black Pine, you already know what to expect… 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 
 
The 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir combines fruit from Hallberg, Floodgate and Bucher Vineyards… Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell fans likely recognize these sites.  The 2014 washes over your palate with stunning balance, detail and length, and it perfectly portrays everything that I look for in cool climate California Pinot Noir. 
2015 Prisoner Wine Co. Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Prisoner Wine Co. ‘Cuttings’ Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSpring MountainUSA

PRISONER WINE CO.

2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

2015 Prisoner Wine Co. Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon
As the big, masculine brother to the popular Prisoner blend, the 2015 Cuttings is a larger-than-life Cabernet Sauvignon that immediately grabs you with decadent levels of richness and unbridled depth.  Hailing from high-elevation vineyards, including Bella Vista, Obsidian Ridge, and the York Creek Vineyard on Spring Mountain, Prisoner Wine Company’s Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon is a one-of-a-kind, dramatic, ostentatious effort that oozes with otherworldly intensity, wrapped in a voluptuous, satin texture.  Bursting with intense mulberries, unsweetened blackberry cobbler, decadent creme de cassis and forest floor, at $39.99/btl this is a wine that truly has it all.  
 
A forever frontrunner on our tasting menu in Yountville, the 2015 is built around a core of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, elevated with Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel.  The 2015 has already won Best of Class in the $55-$58.99 Cabernet category at the San Francisco Chronicle and at $39.99/btl it will completely redefine what you may have thought possible for Cabernet at this price point… Created in an extravagant and velvety style, plush tannins blanket your palate ushering forth a finish that lasts for more than 30 seconds…
 
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 27%
 
Winery Notes: “Inspired by the age-old method of using cuttings from idyllic sites for the propagation of new vines, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases some of our favorite hillside vineyards. Cuttings combines the deep, intense flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon with the structure and richness of Petite Sirah and Syrah. A small amount of Zinfandel adds a nice layer of complexity and spiciness.  Deliciously smooth with flavors of blueberry, dark cherry, and cocoa. Aromas of fresh roasted coffee, black currant, vanilla bean, brown spice, and wild berries.”