2018 Waterstone Merlot Napa Valley

2018 Waterstone Merlot Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCarnerosKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

WATERSTONE

MERLOT 2018
NAPA VALLEY

2018 Waterstone Merlot Napa Valley

Founded on a singular goal to craft luxury wines at affordable prices by putting enological knowledge at the forefront, Waterstone Winery launched in 2000. The quality of their wines and brand’s success centers on relationships with some of Napa Valley’s best growers and long-term grape growing contracts throughout Napa Valley.
The Truchard Vineyard in Carneros ascends into the Mayacamas mountains with low-yielding vines that give this Merlot ultimate character, complexity, and freshness. The extra-long hang-time in the 2018 vintage created dynamic flavors and aromas, retained bright acidity, and provided a solid structure for this wine to stand the test of time.
WATERSTONE
MERLOT 2018
NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $29.99
“The Waterstone 2018 Merlot opens with enticing aromas of red plum, black cherry, clove, mocha, cinnamon, and crushed rocks. On the palate, the wine’s intense depth coats the mouth with flavors of blackberry, milk chocolate, and sweet baking spices. The round mouthfeel and sultry texture warm your soul like a cashmere sweater on a cool, breezy night.”
93 Points
2017 J. Gregory Chardonnay Carneros Napa Valley

2017 J. Gregory Chardonnay Carneros Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

J. GREGORY

2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS, NAPA VALLEY

2017 J. Gregory Chardonnay Carneros Napa Valley
Winemaker Mark Jessup built the foundation of J Gregory winery upon a core of small family growers that allow him to select from a broad spectrum of fruit profiles. For his Chardonnay, Mark chose Tony and Jo Ann Truchard’s Vineyard in Carneros, which they’ve family farmed for the last 40 years. Truchard is a noble source revered for producing opulent, expressive fruit. Wineries like Far Niente and Nickel and Nickel have sourced grapes there for years. J Gregory’s Chardonnay is stunning at the winery’s $54 price, but at our price, there aren’t enough superlatives to describe it. 
 
Mark produces his Chardonnay in a balanced and highly-detailed style loaded with tropical fruits, organic honey, and stoney minerals. He ferments in a combination of French oak and stainless steel, which creates an exciting tension on the palate that’s divine.  
 
Mark Jessup is a veteran winemaker that was part of the original winemaking team at OPUS ONE from 1979 through 1987. After OPUS, he chose to pursue his dream of building a winery of his own. He produces just 200 cases of this remarkable Carneros Chardonnay, and I hope you try it. 
 
J. GREGORY
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $54
 
 
“The J Gregory Carneros Chardonnay 2017 begins with a rich nose including ripe passionfruit, Asian pears, Golden Delicious apples, fresh quince, marzipan, hints of vanilla, and Summer florals. The palate has complimentary notes with a hint of butter, smooth, silky, seamless mouthfeel, a long, elegant finish and is drinking beautifully now.”
92 Points
2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

RAPP RANCH

2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 

2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

 

Some of the most memorable Chardonnays offer a brilliant play between tension and elegance. Rapp Ranch’s 2017 Napa Chardonnay is a stunning example and arose from two different sites that work beautifully together, and harmoniously accentuate the best qualities from one another. This liquid gold was also made by Rudy Zuidema, whom you might recognize as the winemaker for Mastery.

 
The 2017 vintage intertwines fruit from the Truchard Vineyard, which lies just up the hill from Lee Hudson’s Vineyard, as well as the Poseidon Vineyard, which sits directly on the Napa Valley Marina. The Truchard block sits between Far Niente and Nickel and Nickle’s rows and contributes the incredibly opulent and expressive fruit. 
 
The Poseidon Vineyard is planted in clay soils and contributes an electric acidity that lifts the richer fruit from Truchard. It’s the power and muscle behind the pure and delicious Truchard fruit. This beauty is simply one of my favorite Napa Chardonnays that I’ve tasted this year. With 232 cases made, don’t wait to stake your claim. 
 
RAPP RANCH
2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at: $40
 
Your Price: $36
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“The Rapp Ranch Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of grace and elegance from the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley. Golden straw in color, the aromas of Asian pear, oats and French vanilla ice cream remind you of an inviting warm cobbler. The rich and round mouthfeel coats your palate with flavors of candied citrus, macadamia nuts, and cinnamon. A beautiful balance of weight and acid, this wine is sure to disappear quickly!”