2020 Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley

2020 Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley

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DOMUS AUREA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MAIPO VALLEY 2020

2020 Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley

Clos Quebrada de Macul, a venerable Chilean vineyard founded in 1970, is nestled upon a rugged, low-yielding hillside that demands meticulous cultivation. Isabelle and Ricardo Peña established the estate, primarily planting Cabernet Sauvignon alongside smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, which flourish in this elevated, distinctive terroir. Initially, their coveted grapes were highly sought after by Chile’s premier wineries, commanding premium market prices. This success inspired the Peñas to embark on a new venture, founding their own winery.

In 1996, the Peñas introduced their inaugural vintage of Domus Aurea, which has since become the vineyard’s flagship wine and a celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon. Year after year, Domus Aurea garners international acclaim for its exceptional quality.

The 2020 vintage perpetuates this legacy, offering a wine of extraordinary power and depth. Featuring seamlessly integrated tannins, captivating complexity, and a remarkably enduring finish, it is a testament to the vineyard’s unique terroir and the expert craftsmanship of the Peña team.

DOMUS AUREA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MAIPO VALLEY 2020
Retails at: $90

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“Domus Aurea comes from the historic Parcela 10 at the Clos Quebrada de Macul property, near the foot of the Andes, in Maipo Alto. That 16-hectare parcel was planted in 1970, and this wine corresponds to a selection of vines that produced a warm, generous, succulent, and voluptuous wine in 2020. The nose maintains the area’s classic notes of menthol, herbs, and eucalyptus. The palate is generous in everything: in tannins, in alcohol, in tones of candied red fruits, and in herbs. This is a big and powerful mouth-filling wine.”

96 Points

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

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Krupp Brothers

Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wheelman
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

In the mid-1990s, the Krupp brothers were captivated by a rugged 750-acre parcel atop Atlas Peak. Despite its formidable challenges—water scarcity, isolation, and volcanic, rocky terrain—the brothers were determined to cultivate a vineyard. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate an underground water source, they succeeded with the unconventional aid of a water witch.

The Stagecoach Vineyard, a testament to the Krupps’ perseverance and vision, has become one of Napa Valley’s most iconic properties. It produces bold, penetrating wines with extraordinary structure. The Wheelman, a limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon, is renowned for its exceptional quality, robustness, and volcanic minerality. Aged 22 months in 70% new French oak, the 2021 release is approachable now but promises to evolve gracefully for years to come.

Embrace the legacy of the Stagecoach Vineyard by experiencing the extraordinary Wheelman Cabernet Sauvignon.

Krupp Brothers
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wheelman
Napa Valley 2021

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“The Krupps Brothers The Wheelman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is loaded with enticing dark fruit and spice, delivering a complex and elegant experience. The nose is initially brooding, revealing rich notes of black plums, ripe Bing cherries, and a touch of chocolate-covered espresso beans. Indian spices and a subtle hint of fresh lavender add complexity, while rocky mineral nuances provide an earthy element. The wine is supple and silky on the palate, with a concentrated yet elegant structure. Pure and linear, the distinctive flavors of sweet red and black berries and vanilla spice dance across the tongue, creating a vibrant, complex tapestry. The finish is lingering, leaving a lasting impression of the wine’s great depth and character. Drink or cellar until 2036.”

93 Points

2022 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2022 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

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BLACK PINE

PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2022

2022 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

For over four decades, Roger Roessler honed his craft in fine dining. Yet, amidst the delectable plates and discerning palates, a deeper passion blossomed – a love for wine. This passion is now bottled in the exceptional Roger Roessler Black Pine Pinot Noir.

Black Pine is more than just a wine; it’s a testament to Roger’s dedication to producing value Pinot Noir. Crafted from meticulously hand-selected vineyards along the Sonoma Coast, this Pinot Noir offers remarkable consistency across vintages. Each bottle reflects the artistry of his cherished grower partnerships, culminating in a symphony of flavors sure to impress.

The 2022 release is a vibrant expression of this dedication. Its silky texture caresses the palate while brilliant notes of fruit and spice dance on the tongue. This Pinot Noir transcends expectations, offering an unparalleled experience at a truly inviting price point.

BLACK PINE
PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2022
Retails at: $38

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“The 2022 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir opens projecting a captivating nose with red cherries leading the way, mingling with baking spices. A hint of dried mushrooms adds an earthy complexity, while a floral lilac note infuses elegance. On the palate, the wine is a delightful dance between bright fruit and subtle earthiness. Tart cranberries and juicy pomegranate dance with cola bean, creating a dynamic flavor profile. A liquid mineral element adds complexity, complementing the lush texture and keeping the wine fresh. The vibrant, supple fruit combines with a lush palate, creating a smooth, harmonious drinking experience. It offers a complex, intriguing aromatic profile and a juicy, vibrant palate. The combination of bright fruit, subtle earthiness, and a touch of minerality makes this a truly enjoyable Pinot Noir.”

94 Points

NV Marcel Cabelier Cremant Du Jura Brut

NV Marcel Cabelier Cremant Du Jura Brut

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MARCEL CABELIER

CREMANT DU JURA
NON-VINTAGE BRUT

NV Marcel Cabelier Cremant Du Jura Brut

Proving that delicious sparkling wines don’t have to be expensive, our tasting panel was delighted to discover Marcel Cabalier Crémant du Jura Brut ($26), and let me tell you why. Marcel Cabelier is part of Maison du Vigneron, the top producer of wines in the Jura region. Jura is found in eastern France, located between Burgundy and Switzerland, and has diverse terroirs, including limestone and marl soils, which contribute to the identity of its wines.

The AOC’s cool climate with a high elevation is perfect for a diverse range of high-quality sparkling wines. Meticulously crafted using the traditional method, like Champagne, Crémant du Jura represents unparalleled value and impressive quality. 

This bottling presents fine bubbles, crisp acidity, a lively palate with a delicate balance of fruitiness and minerality, and an appealing choice for those seeking sparkling wines with regional character.

MARCEL CABELIER
CREMANT DU JURA
NON-VINTAGE BRUT

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“The Marcel Cabalier Crémant du Jura Brut is zesty and fresh with aromas of peony, hibiscus, pink grapefruit, and strawberry. On the palate, the wine has vibrant acidity and flavors of blood orange, lime zest, and lemonade. This wine is refreshing and bright and definitely over-delivers for wines in this category.”

93 Points

2021 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Jean Leducq St. Helena

2021 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Jean Leducq St. Helena

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EHLERS ESTATE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
JEAN LEDUCQ
ST. HELENA 2021

2021 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Jean Leducq St. Helena

Established in 1886, Ehlers Estate, located in one of Napa’s most elite neighborhoods, crafts beautiful wines reminiscent of an older Napa Valley style marked by robust structure, balance, and a palpable sense of place. The historic estate and stone winery were established in the late 1800s by Bernard Ehlers and purchased by the Leducq family in 1987, also the founders of the Leducq Foundation for Cardiovascular Research.

Mike Wolf, one of the leading viticulture experts in Napa Valley, whose past and present clients include To Kalon, Scarecrow, and Vine Hill Ranch, manages the vineyard. The Jean Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a single block on the estate and pays tribute to founder Jean Leducq’s legacy and strong work ethic.

The 2021 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and though young, it is powerfully seductive on the first sip and takes your palate on a rollercoaster ride of flavor complexity, ending in a long, smooth finish with a lasting impression.

EHLERS ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
JEAN LEDUCQ
ST. HELENA 2021

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“The Ehlers Estate 2021 Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon has incredible depth and opens with aromas of volcanic rocks, petrichor, bergamot, boysenberry, melted chocolate, and cigar box. On the palate, the wine has flavors of black cherry, blackberry, baking spices, and dusty minerality. The wine has a robust flavor intensity with a long finish that carries on and on with a silky texture. This wine is outstanding now and will improve with a few years of age if you can stand to hold onto it that long.”

97 Points

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

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PESOLILLO

MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
FILARI IN COSTA
ABRUZZO ITALY 2020

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

Established in 1961, the Pesolillo Estate thrives in a hilly area known as “Colle Rotondo” in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where Montepulciano is the star grape variety. There, Montepulciano flourishes from an ideal balance of sun, wind, rainfall, and clay soils, and the rules state that it makes up at least 85% of red wines labeled Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

The estate’s southern-facing vineyards receive maximum sunlight, allowing for full ripeness, sugar development, and aromatic complexity, resulting in thrilling wines. 

The fruit for the 2020 vintage was destemmed, crushed, and fermented at controlled temperatures before spending five to six months in a combination of oak and stainless steel, ensuring a seamless integration of flavors and tannins with a delightful, velvety texture.

PESOLILLO
MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
FILARI IN COSTA
ABRUZZO ITALY 2020

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“The wine’s creamy fruit is dense, mature, powerful, and full of blackberry and raspberry flavor. The tannins are strong and well-integrated, adding structure and complexity. The fruit and spice flavors are perfectly balanced, with a clean and refreshing finish. The alcohol is high, but not overpowering, and adds a rich, velvety texture. Overall, this is a great wine with a complex and expressive flavor profile.”

94 Points

2022 DuMol Pinot Noir Wester Reach Russian River Valley

2022 DuMol Pinot Noir Wester Reach Russian River Valley

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DuMOL

PINOT NOIR
WESTER REACH 2022
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2022 DuMol Pinot Noir Wester Reach Russian River Valley

DuMOL’s Wester Reach Pinot Noir embodies nearly thirty years of expertise, dedication, and commitment to capturing the Russian River Valley’s most striking characteristics. The winery, founded in 1996, focuses on crafting supremely balanced wines true to their varietal, region, and terroir. 

DuMOL’s Wester Reach Pinot Noir intertwines fruit from DuMOL Estate, Hanna, Dutton Ranch, Flax, and Placida Vineyards, highlighting the Russian River Valley’s most defining attributes.

The 2022 release exudes balance and sophistication, powered by vibrant red fruit, subtle earthy nuances, wildflowers, and silky textures that genuinely reflect the region’s hallmarks, leaving your taste buds yearning for another sip.

DuMOL
PINOT NOIR
WESTER REACH 2022
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

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“The 2022 DuMOL Wester Reach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir begins with a bright, rich, sultry nose with powerful ripe cherries, strawberry preserves, crushed rocks, cola bean, shiitake mushrooms, wild white rose petals, and pie spices. The palate is focused, linear, layered, and concentrated with pomegranate, mandarin peel, pie cherries, boysenberries, and nutmeg. While bright and fresh as Pinot Noir should be, it also has a savory character that balances the intense fruit, leading to a long, powerful finish. I can’t wait to drink more…”

96 Points

2021 Harvey & Harriet Red Blend San Luis Obispo

2021 Harvey & Harriet Red Blend San Luis Obispo

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HARVEY & HARRIET

RED BLEND 2021
SAN LUIS OBISPO

2021 Harvey & Harriet Red Blend San Luis Obispo

In each vintage since its creation, the Harvey & Harriet Red from Paso Robles impresses critics and consumers alike with its remarkable depth of flavor and harmonious marriage of classic varieties at a very modest price. Eric Jensen, Booker Vineyard’s founder and winemaker, was named the 2022 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year for his years of passionate winemaking, outstanding leadership, and vision.

The Harvey and Harriet brand is a tribute to Eric’s parents, who loved wine but most likely couldn’t afford today’s upper-echelon wines. Still, this bottling consistently offers superior quality at an incredible value. 

The 2021 release delivers depth of flavor, balanced tannins, and a rich tapestry of fruit and earthy notes, and its complex yet approachable profile makes it a standout.

HARVEY & HARRIET
RED BLEND 2021
SAN LUIS OBISPO

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“…a smoking good blend based on Bordeaux varieties that tastes like it costs three times the price. Cassis, graphite, violets, and classy oak define the aromatics, and it’s beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. Don’t miss this crazy value in Bordeaux blends from California!”

93 Points

2022 Domaine Fillon Et Fils Sauvignon Blanc Saint-Bris Burgundy

2022 Domaine Fillon Et Fils Sauvignon Blanc Saint-Bris Burgundy

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DOMAINE FILLON ET FILS

SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022
SAINT-BRIS, BURGUNDY

2022 Domaine Fillon Et Fils Sauvignon Blanc Saint-Bris Burgundy

Domaine Fillon & Fils’ roots trace back to the early 1900s, with the winery’s first tasting cellar and headquarters established in 1935 in the village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux. The winery ownership remains under the same family today, building on a legacy of wines proudly crafted on-site and sourced from 90 acres of vineyard holdings throughout Burgundy.

Saint-Bris is the only appellation in Burgundy that allows the production of Sauvignon Blanc, and the variety thrives due to the cooler microclimate and limestone-rich, calcareous soil. 

The 2022 release captivated our tasting panel with its vibrant acidity, expressive citrus notes, and distinctive minerality, leaving us all wanting to add this unique wine to our own personal cellars.

DOMAINE FILLON ET FILS
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022
SAINT-BRIS, BURGUNDY

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“The Domaine Fillon & Fils 2022 Saint-Bris Sauvignon begins with subtle floral hints, lemon zest, creamy nuances, brioche, and a wet stone mineral essence. On the palate, the wine has a light, refreshing body with crisp acidity and flavors of green apple, peach yogurt, and bread dough. The wine concludes with an animated finish and an irresistible ease of enjoyment.”

94 Points

2019 Pope Valley Winery Proprietary Red Napa Valley

2019 Pope Valley Winery Proprietary Red Napa Valley

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POPE VALLEY WINERY

PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2019

2019 Pope Valley Winery Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Nestled in the northeastern hills beyond Howell Mountain in a quiet part of Napa Valley, Pope Valley Winery owns and farms eighty acres of premium vines. The winery’s pair of estate vineyards yield outstanding wines that embody the distinct qualities of the Pope Valley AVA. Each meticulously crafted wine adheres to the highest standards of winemaking excellence, placing them in a league that would typically command triple-digit prices among other Napa Valley wines.

The Director of Winemaking, Jean Hoefliger, works closely with Winemaker Greg Fitzgerald, combining their extensive expertise, passion, and inherent skill to craft top-tier wines, elevating the winery to a world-class standard. 

The 2019 Proprietary Red Wine is 84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, both sourced from the Eakle Ranch Estate, giving the vineyard’s signature complexity from its Pleasanton loam and Bressa-Dibble soils that produce wines with distinctive, expressive character.

POPE VALLEY WINERY
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $48

Your Price: $36

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“The Pope Valley Vineyards Proprietary Red 2019 begins with a ripe nose of dark fruits, chocolate, sweet florals, and a touch of pie spice. The palate continues with wild blackberries, ripe cherries, a hint of vanilla, pencil lead, and dried herbs. The balance of sweet, ripe fruits balances savory characteristics that add to the complexity and depth. This wine finishes with a moderately long finish that will pair beautifully with smoked or grilled meats.

92 Points