2014 Witchery Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

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WITCHERY 

2014 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 
It is an absolute thrill to find an upper-echelon Cabernet from a boutique winery with a couple extra years of age built in.  In this particular case, it took an unusual circumstance for this one to still be available.  Witchery uncovered a handful of cases of their flagship Oakville Reserve Cabernet from the heralded 2014 vintage, stowed away unnoticed in their warehouse for years.  We opened a bottle at our last tasting and the bouquet alone was so intensely hedonistic that it rocked me to the core.  This wine screams top-tier Oakville Cabernet and was hewn from a vineyard that sits directly South of Opus One.  At under $100/btl, grab what you can, because once you taste how great the 2014 is right now, you’ll likely be on a witch-hunt for more.
 
Witchery’s 2014 Oakville Reserve flaunts a haunting perfume laced with crushed black fruits, camphor, burning embers that come intertwined with black chocolates, dried violets and roasted espresso. Those of you who tasted any of the previous vintages of Witchery know what this wine is capable of…  Multiply that hedonism by two extra years in the bottle, and, well you get the picture…
 
WITCHERY
2014 OAKVILLE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $110.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Profound, intoxicating aromas aromas of majestic blue and black fruits, white chocolate, and cassis soar from the glass. Extravagant layers of chocolate covered blueberry, plum, roasted coffee, and black-cherry completely wrap your palate.  The pure, fine grain tannins are gently woven throughout and carry the wine effortlessly through the long voluptuous finish…” 
 
Customers who enjoy Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these Oakville Cabernets…
CABAUD
2013 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “An intense, glass-staining purple color combines beautifully with flavors of blueberry pie filling, with muddled blackberries, red currant, bramble, white flowers and bakers chocolate. The supple, full-bodied opulence, sweet tannin, and rich, dense center core intermingle with the powerful fruit to seduce you with the first sip. The finish is long, powerful and supple with just enough fruit tannins to allow this one to age for a decade or so.  Kudos to Luke Morlet for crafting such a stunning wine.”  96 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 OAKVILLE
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Misc. is an abbreviation of the word Miscellaneous, a term defined as “having various qualities, aspects, or subjects.”  Well, trust me, there is nothing abbreviated about this wine…  Winery Notes: “Located on the eastern side of this infamous appellation, the vineyard provides a great combination of terroir that serves as the backbone of this wine. Notes of blueberry and cola are enriched by undertones of crushed herbs and lavender. Meanwhile hints of roasted fig and mulberry land on the palate as luscious tannins offer a relentless finish.”

2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel

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GAMBA

2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES

 
Throughout my career I’ve offered some truly memorable wines that have developed amazing followings, but only a handful have inspired the kind of love affair that Gamba has.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.” Absolutely bursting at the seams with magnificent levels of jammy black raspberries and briary red fruits, Gus Gamba’s new 2016 Family Ranches could be the poster child for Gus Gamba’s Zinfandel.  They’re always charming and hedonistic, with stunning opulence and full of extracted detail.  At this price, their 2016 Family Ranches should not be missed.
 
Designed from a unique correlation of estate and neighboring vineyards, as well as merging young and old vines, the Family Ranches bottling creates a lush, fruit-forward Zin that’s laced with compelling depth and precision.  Many of my Zin loving clients have proclaimed that Gamba Zin is The BEST wine in the world, and if you love elaborately flavored, delicious Zinfandel decadence, you’ll want to grab a case of Gamba’s Family Ranches while you still can.
 
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 Family Ranches Zinfandel is a bold, well structured wine with an aromatic nose of ripe berries, brown spice, and black licorice. The color is a beautiful and vibrant dark crimson. The wine is deftly balanced, with flavors that burst on the palate, offering well defined dark cherry, raspberry and blueberry that give way to dark chocolate, spicy pepper and a hint of nutty oak. The frame is firm yet round without harsh edges, with an appealing, weighty, yet buoyant mid palate, and a refreshing lift on the lengthy, enjoyable, toasty finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Family Ranches Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel
 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Alexander Valley Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “... offers hints of dried raspberry, blueberry compote, herbs, and candied plum on the nose. Dark and alluring in color, and the palate is bold yet well-integrated, with a velvety texture and weighty, yet graceful structure. Fully ripe, this Zin showcases knockout layers of mouth filling blackberry cobbler, herb and leather on the palate. This sumptuous wine embraces concentration and velvety richness. Robust, it finishes dusted in allspice, and cinnamon toast.”
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!”
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

2014 Enos Totem Ridge Vineyard Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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ENOS 

2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
TOTEM RIDGE VINEYARD
KNIGHTS VALLEY

 
How great can a wine really be at this price? Anybody that’s tasted VISTA and JOSEPH JEWELL knows first-hand the quality of wines that we’ve been able to find at that price.  The new 2014 ENOS Cabernet is in the same category.  The vintage brought a fuller, richer and more structured wine, which is exactly what this wine needed to become something you are going to think about for a long time.  When you taste it for the first time you’ll be shocked by the level of quality, which is amplified in all the right places… The vineyard is located on the Southern edge of the Knight’s Valley, which is an appellation shared with icons like Peter Michael and Anakota and at $60/btl this Cabernet would likely make you very happy.  At our price it’s one of the best wines that I’ve ever tasted.
 
Commanding a presence from one of Napa Valley’s best vintages, one that the Wine Spectator describes as producing “dense, charming, cellar-worthy wines,” the 2014 bursts from the glass with intense dark fruits, beautifully intertwined with vivid red currants, veins of minerals, lavender, chocolates, and slate.  On the palate the wine is deep and rich with intriguing, expansive flavors that bring you back for more.  This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages, so don’t wait for the next one to secure yours… 
 
ENOS 
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
TOTEM RIDGE VINEYARD
KNIGHTS VALLEY
Retails at:  $60/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “An enticing wine that has a beautifully pungent nose of bright red fruits, fresh black currants, green sage and cracked black pepper.  The approach is rich, concentrated and envelopes your palate with focused pressed blackberries, graphite, crème de cassis and cigar box.  The wine is vibrant and intense with impressive balance and brimming with crushed blueberries and ripe blackberry fruit followed by tobacco leaf and vanilla spice box.  The finish is long, and expansive with slightly dusty tannins… Unbelievable for the price”  93 Points 
2015 Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Philip Togni Spring Mountain, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

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PHILIP TOGNI 2015 Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPRING MOUNTAIN, ESTATE

 
The true mark of quality in a wine is not how great it is immediately, but how long it’s great over time.  One of the best examples in the New World is Philip Togni’s legendary Spring Mountain Estate Cabernet.  The wine has a proven track record to last 30 years and is utterly breathtaking upon release…  Chock full of hedonistic aromas spanning from pulverized mountain berries and roasted coffee beans to graphite and cigar box, and it will simply light up your senses.  At a recent tasting event in Brussels, Togni’s 1990 Cabernet outperformed iconic Bordeaux producers, Château Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion and Mouton to list a few…  The 2015 vintage has already earned two separate 96 Point scores from both Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, as well as The Wine Spectator, so don’t wait too long to secure yours. 
 
A pinnacle on Spring Mountain, Philip Togni’s Estate vineyard is perched at 2,000 feet in elevation and produces fruit of stunning qualities.  Immensely complex, layers of blackberries, pressed mulberries, sage, and cassis are intertwined with veins of iron and volcanic minerals.  Solidly braced with flavors that glide to a seemingly endless finish, the 2015 is an absolute classic and shouldn’t be missed.  
 
PHILIP TOGNI
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPRING MOUNTAIN, ESTATE
 
Your Price: $135/btl
 

 

“A focused, tannic style, featuring tobacco and sage notes intermixed liberally with steeped currant and blackberry fruit flavors. Terrific cast iron and graphite hints flow underneath. This has loads of character and range, showing very vigorous, savory-edged cut. Youthfully rugged, with brambleedged grip to burn. Cellaring will let all the elements meld. Best from 2021 through 2040.” 96 Points
“Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a very classic nose of cassis, warm plums and crushed blackberries with notions of cigar box, garrigue, damp soil and truffles plus wafts of menthol and underbrush. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and minerally.” 96 Points
 
 
Customers that enjoy Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs… 
2015 Larkmead Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 BV Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
LARKMEAD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “With a tiny 3% addition of Cabernet Franc, this wine is defined by aromas of violet and crushed rock. Oak, clove and graphite dot a landscape of bold structure on the palate, with bright acidity balancing the concentration and grip. Enjoy 2025 – 2030.”  97 Points, Cellar Selection 
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS
GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…very deep purple-black in color and reveals bags of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis notes with mocha, Sichuan pepper and hoisin plus unsmoked cigars and cedar chest hints. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with layers of black fruits and spices, it has a firm, grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long…” 96+ Points

 

2015 Pavillon De Taillefer Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux

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PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER

2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX

Across the world, critics are raving about the 2015 vintage in Bordeaux. The vintage set a record for perfect 100 Point wines from Wine Enthusiast, and around half of those were from Saint Emilion.  The Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 97 Points, noting Saint Emilion was the sweet spot, and this was the appellation’s highest rated vintage since 2010.  Saint Emilion is the oldest active wine producing region in Bordeaux, officially formed in 1199.  This stunning representation of a Grand Cru Saint-Emilion was created by Catherine Cohen, who interned with the legendary Jean-Claude Berrouet at Château Petrus.  Jean-Claude immediately recognized her talents and installed Catherine at the famous La Fleur Petrus where she made the wines from 1995 to 2001.  At $45/btl, this wine had our entire panel in awe…
 
Created from half-century old vines, and revealing textbook Saint Emilion crushed red fruits, shaved rock and plush black plum, this wine leaves your taste buds yearning for another sip.  Catherine and her husband Phillippe purchased the Estate in 2006 after it was personally recommended by Jean-Claude Berrouet.  This Estate is now clearly on a positive trajectory and this is one journey that you don’t want to miss.
 
PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER
2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 vintage of Pavillon de Taillefer has enticing aromas of black cherry, red plum, licorice, and spice, with hints of smoke, fine herbs, glove leather, cocoa powder, violets and dried tobacco. The elegant, velvety palate begins with plush Bing cherry, dried blueberry, baker’s chocolate, wet slate and crushed minerals.“
93+ Points, Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy Chateau Pontete Bellegrave, may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
2015 Chateau Pontete Bellegrave Graves De Vayres Bordeaux
 2015 CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
CHÂTEA PONTÊTE 
BELLEGRAVE
2015 BORDEAUX 
GRAVES DE VAYRES
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Chateau Pontete Bellegrave’s 2015 is beautifully detailed and firmly concentrated and packed inside of a generous yet muscular frame are micro-layers of red and black fruits, crushed violets, cocoa dusted chocolate truffles and hints of graphite.  A terrific value, this lovely Bordeaux is rarely imported into the US, and when it is, it unfailingly generates plenty of flattering comments and re-orders.   If you enjoy complex, delicious, full-bodied reds, this one’s an excellent value at under forty per bottle. 

 
CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA
LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
2015 BORDEAUX 
 
Your Price: $33/btl 

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Did you know that one of the most expensive wines in the world upon release is Chateau Petrus, and that it’s made from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the Pomerolregion in Bordeaux?  Lalande-de-Pomerolborders the Pomerol region to the north and of the two main villages Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac, Néac has clay and gravelly soils commonly seen in Pomerol.   Chateau Vieux Potana comes from Néac and exhibits the dusty, chalky tannins, dark berries and gravely undertones that are classic to the region.

 

 
   
2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

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CRU9 2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When a wine producer has an undeviating focus to produce the absolute best wines imaginable in their category, and they’re not in it to make a buck, but to give back to help non-profits, you actually get a surreal sense of excitement and energy when you taste them.  If you’ve been reading my emails for any length of time, you already know how I feel about CRU9.  It was one of our best winery discoveries in 2018 and after tasting the new releases coming up in 2019… it’s clear to me that they’ve gotten even better.  The 2017 Chardonnay was forged from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, and although it’s name needs to be kept secret, one taste will tell you everything you need to know…
 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can virtually taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment.’ The sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wines rich, opulent texture.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a CRU9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully perfumed Chardonnay with a compelling, complex nose of dried pineapple, ripe pear, rich butterscotch, fresh green herbs, Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with more dried pineapple, crisp apple, buttered caramel, chamomile tea, and a beautifully long finish that goes on and on.  An exceptional effort that balances the palate richness with perfectly zingy acidity that brightens and lifts the palate just enough so it doesn’t come off as heavy.”  93+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9 Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2017 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Hailing from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, this is a source for single vineyard wines from Ramey, Sojourn and Cherry Pie. Spending 15 months in oak and aged sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “This Foley Johnson Chardonnay features fruit from their family owned estate vineyards in Carneros, an appellation known for producing world-class Chardonnay. This wine displays aromas of vanilla, coconut, and yellow peaches along with flavors of butter, caramel sauces, and poached pears on the palate.“
2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir

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BRULIAM 2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD

 
If an individual vineyard’s unique terroir along with all of the nuances and complexities that it’s capable of producing were a voice, the Soberanes Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands would be one of the loudest and most beautiful in the New World.  The vineyard has become synonymous with excellence and is becoming more and more well known for producing fruit with otherworldly complexity. It’s easy to get excited when you see its name printed on a label, and wineries like Roar, Lucia and Black Kite all make single vineyard Pinots from it.  Bruliam Soberanes embraces clarity and definition and leaps from the glass with ripe boysenberry, mineral-laced cherries, wild rose, dark plum and holiday spices. With the average price of Pinot Noir from Soberanes estimated to be upwards of $50/btl, I strongly recommend making some serious room for this one..
 
Created from 100% Pisoni Clone, Soberanes is the latest vineyard planted by the Pisoni’s & Franscioni’s, whose families have been farming the area for over 100 years.  Bruliam brilliantly expresses the remarkably distinct flavors and textures that this vineyard is becoming known for.  It was strategically guided from grape to bottle by medical doctor-turned-winemaker Kerith Overstreet and this charming and sophisticated Pinot Noir should not be missed.
 
BRULIAM
2015 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Deep and hearty aromas of boysenberry, hickory smoke, iron, bay leaf and forest floor show on this single-vineyard expression. Dark rhubarb, baked strawberry and red plum pop on the sip, with healthy pinches of mace and cinnamon spice. It is very complex.” 92 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…
 
2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Fort Ross FRV Vineyard Pinot Noir
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “... Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff.  Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom.  Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop…”  
FORT ROSS
2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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There are plenty of reasons why we love Fort Ross Pinot Noirs.  Their winemaking is second to none with Jeff Pisoni calling the shots. Further, their prices have also remained realistic over the years, despite the growing fan base and well-deserved scores.  The number one thing that keeps me coming back year-after-year is the ideal location of their vineyard… It’s centered in the idyllic Fort Ross Seaview AVA, which in 2011 was approved as its own Appellation within the Sonoma Coast, the area is also a source for such notables as Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli, Flowers and Pahlmeyer, to list a few…

Inventory Reduction ~ All Red Other Than Cabs & Cab Blends

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We have an absolutely spectacular array of reds that don’t fit into the Cabernet realm, from plush and juicy Merlots to rich and spicy Syrahs, firm and gripping Barolo to silky and complex red Burgundies and everything in between. 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, this is the last of 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’ve focused on a specific area of the warehouse, and today is all the reds of the world that don’t include Cabernet and Cab blends…  
 
Offer valid through 12-31-18 at 12:00PM PST and only while supplies last.
 

Inventory Reduction ~ Cabernet Sauvignon & Cab Blends

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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
 

Inventory Reduction ~ White Wines

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Greetings, 
 
If you’ve followed my emails for over a year, you’re probably anticipating the huge inventory reduction that we run just before the end of the year.  With thousands of bottles of wine to move, we’re planning three days of dramatic discounts, making this a fabulous opportunity to try out some amazing wines and re-stock your cellar for 2019. 
 
With savings of up to 50% below retail and even lower than our normal discounts, each day we’ll focus on a specific area of the warehouse, beginning today with our white wines… 
 
Offer valid through 12-31-18 at 12:00PM PST and only while supplies last…