2014 Bucher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Bucher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

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BUCHER 2014 Bucher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

It’s always all about the vineyard, and Bucher has attracted luminaries like Williams Selyem, Merry Edwards and Siduri to craft single-vineyard Pinot Noirs bearing their vineyard name. When a vineyard like this becomes a thing of legend, I always seek out wines produced by the Estate that owns and farms the land too.  Bucher’s Vineyard is extraordinarily special, located on Westside Road in Healdsburg, and originally planted in 1997 with the assistance of Bob Cabral, former winemaker at Williams Selyem.  Numerous high-scoring and memorable wines are rising from this site, and the 2014 Bucher Russian River Estate Pinot Noir is no exception.  Even at the winery’s $40 retail price, this is a wine worth hoarding…
 
Thoughtfully constructed from seven different blocks inside the Bucher Estate, and orchestrated from a labyrinth of revered Pinot Noir clones including Swan, Mt Eden, Pommard and Dijon, the 2014 Bucher exhibits the depth and complexity that you would expect from a high end Pinot Noir.  The wine was made by Pinot artist Adam Lee whom you might recognize from Siduri, and with just a handful of cases left of the 2014, don’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
BUCHER
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Fragrant aromatics of tart cherry and cranberry, along with hints of baking spices and sandalwood, introduce this classic Russian River Valley Pinot. From the smooth entry and mouthfeel to the broad, lingering finish, this wine offers a full complement of flavors with depth, richness, and varietal purity. Wild berry, plum, and black cherry mingle with traces of earth, anise, spice box, and a mineral essence. The tannin and oak structure will continue to integrate with additional bottle aging...”
 
Customers that enjoy Bucher’s 2014 Russian River Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Black Pine 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 Pinot 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 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

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FOLEY JOHNSON  2015 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY

 
How much would you expect to pay for a Cabernet from Napa Valley’s revered Rutherford AVA?  Iconic producers Quintessa, BV and Scarecrow all set a precedence for quality in Rutherford.  I recently checked the average retail price of the nearly 3 dozen 2015 vintage Rutherford Cabernets listed in the Wine Spectator and they averaged over $140/btl…  This is a real barometer to the quality of this appellation, and if you’ve followed my emails for a while, you know that one of my favorite Rutherford producers is Foley Johnson.  Their name is synonymous with great value, and even at the winery retail price of $75 it’s a terrific find.  At $39.99/btl, it competes favorably with the best in the Valley.  As a testament to the quality of Foley Johnson’s 2015 Rutherford Cabernet, the winery auctioned 10 cases of 2015 Rutherford Cabernet at the 2018 Premiere Napa Valley Auction and it went for $1800 per case… 
 
Arising from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, and as conveyed by Andre Tchelistcheff, legendary winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyards, “Cabernets need a touch of that Rutherford dust.” This exemplary 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon shines with all of the hallmarks that I love most about Rutherford.  It’s brimming with bright, focused red fruits, crushed violets, graphite, chocolate covered raspberries and of course, beautiful Rutherford dust.
 
FOLEY JOHNSON 
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 46%
 
Winery Notes: “This 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a focused deep red to purple color with a brilliantly dark core. The nose exudes an initial attack of bright dark cherry, black fruits, purple flowers and cocoa with a background hint of savory herbs. The palate offers nice heft and weight, with elegant flavors of blue and black fruits, roasted coffee, graphite, vanilla and sage. Its full mouthfeel is structured by firm tannins leading into a poised finish...” 
2014 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

2014 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

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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 

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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… 
 

2013 La Rasina Brunello Di Montalcino

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LA RASINA

2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

 
Classic, profound, detailed, all perfectly describe La Rasina’s 96 point Brunello di Montalcino. The wine is intensely aromatic, focused and persistent.  The winery continues to make investments in their vineyards and winemaking, and just when we thought they couldn’t get any better, they did… La Rasina has been one of our most popular Brunellos in the shop for years, and this vintage is at an entirely new level of detail and enchantment. The 2013 is noticeably more masculine and powerfully structured with and deep layers of mineral laced red fruits, iron, Spring violets and spiced plum.  At $49.99, this Brunello truly has it all… 
 
One of the few remaining wineries in Montalcino that’s owned and farmed by a Montalcino born family, La Rasina was founded nearly 1/2 century ago.  The Estate shows a palpable dedication to excellence which is obvious in a glass of this stunning 2013 Brunello.  Further refined in oak barrels for two years, the 2013 enters from another outstanding vintage in Montalcino and one the Wine Spectator describes as producing, “balanced Brunellos with vibrant structures.”  I highly recommend a case of this classic and high-scoring Brunello.  
 
LA RASINA
2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
From James Suckling: “A wealth of ripe fruit with spice, tobacco, cedar and plum aromas that follow through to a full body, chewy and dense tannins and a ripe and delicious finish. A solid and stoic young red. Give it three or four years to soften. Made from organic grapes.” 96 Points
 
Customers who enjoy La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino may also enjoy these two Italian wines…
2013 Giovanni Rosso, Barolo Piedmont Ital
 2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…”  93 Points
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

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GHOST BLOCK 2017 Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
MORGAENLEE VINEYARD
YOUNTVILLE, CA

 
The Ghost Block Vineyard lies adjacent to the Yountville cemetery, and legend has it that the ghost of George Yount, founder of Yountville haunts the cemetery on moon-lit nights… The historic family that owns the vineyard has been farming in Napa Valley since 1903, and has owned the Ghost Block parcel since 1930, yet producing the first vintage of Ghost Block in 2004.  Their 2017 Sauvignon Blanc from the MorgaenLee Vineyard in Yountville summons detailed tropical fruits, rock minerals, shaved coconut and supple cantaloupe.  The flavors are long, lingering, and unlike Yount’s ghost, they’re full of life.  The only thing scarier than the haunted cemetery is running out of this chillingly delicious Sauvignon Blanc.  
 
Ghost Block Sauvignon is aged 10 months Sur Lie, a french term meaning “on the sediment.”  This style of winemaking adds palpable levels of richness and body which meld perfectly with the Island fruits, minerals and firm acidity.  At our tasting, we were so captivated by the 2017 that it’s not only haunting the wine racks in our shop, but we’re pouring it by the glass in the tasting room.  Come by for a taste…
 
GHOST BLOCK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
MORGAENLEE VINEYARD
YOUNTVILLE, CA
 
Your Price: $24.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “A ripe full bodied sauvignon blanc that has a great balance of aromas. A grassy herbal scent with tropical tones and flavors of melon and pear which lead to a nice mid-palette weight of tropical and stone fruits. The lasting finish is full with pleasant oak undertones.“
 
Customers who enjoy Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard  Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Whites… 
2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Farella Coombsville Sauvingnon Blanc
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl 

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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
FARELLA 
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
LA LUCE, ESTATE
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $25.99/btl 
 

The Prisoner Napa Valley Proprietary Red

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THE PRISONER

PROPRIETARY RED 
2017 NAPA VALLEY

 
Electric, jubilant, infectiously charming, the new 2017 Prisoner unshackles a posse of vibrant and elaborate flavors that are both intense and broadening, and become even more complex with aeration. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2017 permeates with unsweetened cherry cobbler, wild strawberries, chocolate dipped blueberries and liquid floral. Condemning your taste buds to a sentence filled with provocative red fruits, sweet tannins and elaborate flavors, even the toughest restraints couldn’t contain the fun and excitement that this wine exudes. 
 
A glass-staining, deep, dense ruby/purple in color, the 2017 Prisoner is from a gang of top vineyard sites throughout Napa Valley, including Korte Ranch in St Helena and Tiedemann Ranch in Yountville.  Each distinct vineyard block adds its own unique dimension, helping to complete the uniquely complex flavors that we have come to love and expect from The Prisoner.  I strongly recommend stocking up on the 2017… You’ll be glad you did.  
 
THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY RED 
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 14%
 
Winery Notes: “Features enticing aromas of Bing cherry, dark chocolate, clove, and roasted fig. Persistent flavors of ripe raspberry, boysenberry, pomegranate, and vanilla linger harmoniously, for a smooth and luscious finish.“
 
2016 Prisoner Wine Co Blindfold Proprietary White 2015 Prisoner Wine Co Derange Proprietary Red
PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 BLINDFOLD
PROPRIETARY WHITE
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $26.99/btl 

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PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 DÉRANGÉ
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 

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2016 Pax The Hermit Syrah

2016 Pax ‘The Hermit’ Syrah

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PAX 2016 Pax The Hermit Syrah

2016 SYRAH
THE HERMIT

 
Why is Syrah such a great value?  Syrah is one of the classic varietals of the world, and while legend has its origins in Persia, it was made famous in the Northern Rhone valley of France with the world-class wines 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, Syrah is still a remarkable value…  Legendary Syrah producer Pax Mahle recognized the untapped potential for domestic Syrah nearly 20 years ago and produced his first vintage of Alder Springs Syrah in 2000.  He’s now producing 100 point Syrahs, and many would include him in the same conversation with Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non and John Alban of Alban Vineyards.  All three have proven abilities to produce domestic Syrah that will compete with the best wines in the world.  At $39.99/btl you have to try this… 
 
The 2016 Pax The Hermit Syrah combines fruit from Alder Springs, Castelli-Knight Ranch, Griffins Lair and Walker Vine Hill Vineyards, which three of those vineyards also makeup his Sonoma Hillside Syrah which recently earned a perfect 100 point score from Vinous.  Again, you have to try this… The 2016 is classic, cool climate California Syrah which stunning depth, length and balance.  With only 411 cases produced, don’t wait to secure yours.  
 
PAX
2016 SYRAH
THE HERMIT
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Iron, green peppercorn, black pepper, bittersweet chocolate, black cherry and sweet plums dominate the aromas of this classic expression of Syrah.  The flavors follow the complex aromas and highlight the fantastic balance of the  2016 vintage. Intense and begging for some time in your cellar, this classic  Syrah has very smooth tannins and  is incredibly dense and powerful for what is essentially a blend of the  barrels that are not used in our high-end wines. This is clearly a testament of the quality of the amazing array of vineyards that we pull  fruit from.”  411 cases made
 
Customers who enjoy Pax The Hermit Syrah may also enjoy these two terrific Syrahs…
2014 Lavau Gigondas   2014 Baldacci Allwin Syrah  
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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From Vinous,  “Youthful violet. Aromas of fresh black and blue fruits are complemented by suggestions of peppery spices and pungent flowers. Sweet and open-knit, offering jammy blueberry and cherry compote flavors that tighten up slowly in the glass. Finishes smoky and long, with harmonious tannins coming in late.”  90 Points
BALDACCI
2014 ALLWIN SYRAH
CARNEROS, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45/btl
 
 
The 2014 Allwin Syrah was carved out of a single vineyard in Napa Valleys cool climate Carneros AVA, and after meticulous sorting, the wine was fermented whole berry, adding to the complex flavors and dimension.  I should add that Baldacci’s Vineyard Manager is Josh Clark, one of wine country’s most sought after viticulturists, whose list of clients include icons like Outpost, Hourglass, and Kinsella and to list a few…
2017 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc Blend

2017 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Napa Valley Proprietary White

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CROCKER & STARR

2017 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc Blend2017 BRIDESMAID WHITE
AVA, NAPA VALLEY

 
Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party… Even better is when the wine itself is contagiously fun and energetic.  Crocker & Starr’s new 2017 Bridesmaid White exudes those qualities and the 2017 is delightfully engaging, provocative and full of life.  The 2017 tosses a bouquet of sweet flowers and citrus leaves before waltzing down the aisle with exotic passion fruit, Island mango, honey drizzled pear, and orange zest.  This exciting blend is a collaboration of declassified barrels of premium wine lots, carefully selected from several of Napa Valley’s premier wineries after their own blends are complete.  The wine that makes it into the bottle often had an intended retail of more than double the price…
 
Bridesmaid was inspired through Pam Starr’s work at notables as Spottswoode and Gemstone and at under twenty per bottle, this is a delicious introduction to the wines of Crocker & Starr.  The blend consists of remarkably high-quality Sauvignon Blanc wed with a small amount of Semillon, adding a silkiness to the wine that’s simply mesmerizing. I strongly recommend stocking up on this gorgeous declassified jewel.
 
CROCKER & STARR
2017 BRIDESMAID WHITE
AVA, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $19/btl
 
Winery Notes: “This brilliant Sauvignon Blanc blend is pale straw yellow in the glass and the aroma is loaded with honeysuckle, lychee, lime leaves, and laced with the slight salinity of oyster shell. Mouthwatering flavors of lemon meringue pie, key lime, honeydew melon, and white peach gleam on the palate. And the Semillon adds jelly richness to the wine’s medium-bodied, perfectly balanced center. The wine shines all the way through the savory finish, which is lined with crushed seashell. You will love this so much that a case simply won’t be enough.“
 
Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid White may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2016 Picayune Napa County Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
LETO CELLARS
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA
 
Your Price: $21.99/btl

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PICAYUNE
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA COUNTY &
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $20.99/btl

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Picayune’s 2016 comes alive in the glass with remarkable clarity, focus and penetrating fruit. Bursting vibrantly from the glass with a melange of lime, jasmine, crushed rock and grapefruit notes, forecasting an elaborate parade of orange blossoms, lemon curd, and honeysuckle, all displayed with textural intrigue and uncanny purity.
2015 Duckhorn Paraduxx Proprietary Red

2015 Duckhorn Paraduxx Proprietary Red

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PARADUXX

2015 PROPRIETARY RED
BY DUCKHORN WINE CO.

2015 Duckhorn Paraduxx Proprietary Red
Duckhorn is a paragon for Merlot and their top offering achieved the Wine Spectator #1 wine in the world… Ergo, expectations are high for every other wine they produce. Their 2015 Paraduxx surpassed all of my expectations, and I was captivated by the wine’s rich, supple nature, concentrated core and penetrating, long finish.  The winery is clearly on an upward path, recently acquiring legendary Pinot producers CALERA and KOSTA BROWNE.  The quality of their other wines have not skipped a beat, and in fact, the recent vintages from Duckhorn set a new standard for the brand. The 2015 Paraduxx shines a bright light on what can be achieved at this price point…
 
In the glass, a provocative bouquet ascends layers cocoa dusted berries, crème de cassis, spice box and gorgeous blackberry. The 2015 is stacked with velvety dark fruits and is marked by a scrumptious texture, and soft tannins.  The 2015 was built around a core of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and was enhanced with Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot.  Fans of deep, round, opulent reds will be thrilled with this new release…
 
PARADUXX
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
BY DUCKHORN WINE CO.
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 20%
 
From James Suckling: “Red plums, red cherries, herbs and Chinese spices. Medium-bodied with some nicely firm tannins and fresh acidity to carry things through to the fruity finish. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel and petit verdot. Drink now.” 91 Points
54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 16% Zinfandel, 11% Petit Verdot

 

Customers that enjoy Paraduxx Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Duckhorn Wine Co…
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 82% | Merlot 10% | Petit Verdot 6% | Cabernet Franc 2%
DUCKHORN
2015 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $56/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl
 
The consensus in the wine industry points to Merlot being back and with serious vigor. The varietal took a hit in 2004 with the debut of the movie Sideways which besmirched Merlot causing US Merlot sales to crater. A study by Vineyard Financial Associates estimates that it cost Merlot farmers over 400M in lost revenue in the decade following the movie.  Of course none of that made Duckhorn blink, in fact they’ve been climbing to new heights, and recently went on to become the #1 Wine in the World on the 2017 Wine Spectator Top 100 list with their 2014 Three Palms Merlot.

2015 Walter Hansel Chardonnays

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WALTER HANSEL

2015 CHARDONNAYS
CAHILL LANE | NORTH SLOPE | CUVEE ALYCE

Each time I share a bottle of Walter Hansel Chardonnay, I get an unequivocal feeling that I’ve under-paid for it, because the wine inside the glass mimics Chardonnays at a significantly higher price.  When the winery comes up in a conversation, it’s very easy to reminisce about how they’re a model of consistency, and how their wines continually outshine the vast majority in their category.  Then comes the reviews, which always shine.  Robert Parker writes that they’re “… consistently terrific wines… realistically priced… consumers couldn’t have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel.”  Their 2015 Chardonnays are brilliantly detailed, profound and offer a glaring sense of value with every sip.  I strongly recommend stocking up, because there’s never enough to meet demand.
 
 
2015 Walter Hansel North Slope Chardonnay 2015 Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Chardonnay 2015 Walter Hansel Russian River Valley Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
NORTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $32/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 season resulted in tiny clusters and small berries with production levels off by a minimum of 25%. The following 2015s will be bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2015 Chardonnay The North Slope is a relatively small parcel planted on the sandy, loamy, Goldridge soils. This wine has a light greenish-gold color, a beautiful nose of nectarine, white peach and pineapple followed by a sexy, broad, savory full-bodied mouthfeel with an almost exotic fruit character. This is heady stuff and concentrated as most 2015s are. It should drink nicely for 7-8 years.” 94-96 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
CAHILL LANE
 
Your Price: $32/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Chardonnay Cahill Lane is made from 100% Old Wente clone and planted in one of the few areas of his vineyard that has adobe-clay soil intermixed with sandy Goldridge material. The yields tend to be relatively large, so Stephen Hansel crop-thinned by at least 30%. The result is a big, beautiful wine that reminds me of a Corton-Charlemagne. Plenty of deep, poached pear, white peach, nectarine, tangerine oil and caramelized citrus are all present in ths wine that shows virtually no oak, full body and loads of texture. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.” 91-94 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
CUVEE ALYCE
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce features lovely lemon curd, pink grapefruit and underripe pineapple with touches of toasted almonds, fresh ginger and honey toast. Medium-bodied and super intense in the mouth, it has a racy line cutting through the electrically charged fruit, finishing very long and minerally…”
94+ Points