2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Cru9 ‘As Ever’ Russian River Valley Chardonnay

CRU9 AS EVER…

2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
 
If you’ve been reading my emails this year, you already know how I feel about Cru9. It’s absolutely one of the best new discoveries for us this year, and with a quality-to-price ratio that you simply will not believe. The 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is created from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, but due to a non-disclosure agreement, the fruit source needs to be kept secret.  One taste, however, will tell you everything you need to know.  This wine competes with the best $50 Chardonnays that I’ve tasted, it’s startling how good it is. 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can almost 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 wine’s 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 AS EVER…
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom, citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years. 100 Cases Produced” 
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9’s Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2015 Silverpoint Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
If the best wines were like a puzzle, this wine would have every piece laid out perfectly.  With everything from an accomplished winemaker, iconic vineyard, blockbuster vintage and a terrific price, this wine truly has it all.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who’s responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines from ’85-’97, and even made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the 1999 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was the first Sonoma wine to receive the honor of being the #1 Wine in the World…
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyared Zinfandel

2013 Valdez St Peter’s Church Zinfandel

VALDEZ

2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH

2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyared Zinfandel
When comparing the Valdez St. Peter’s Church Vineyard Zin to all of the others that I’ve tasted over the years, it’s number one in my mind.  Detailed, intense, penetrating, balanced are all perfect descriptors for this wine… The winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  I’ve always believed that “perfect” wines are exceptional to nearly everyone who tastes them, regardless of varietal.  This is one of those and fortunately it’s a Zinfandel, which happens to be the perfect complement to summer barbecues… 
Arising from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel. Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.  Carved from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality, Robert Parker alerts readers that it “…may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years,”  this exemplary ancient vine Zinfandel absolutely shouldn’t be missed…
 
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes: “… This bold zinfandel boasts flavors and aromas of dark juicy blackberries, black currants, hints of cocoa and tobacco leaf. Elegant tannins grip on the palate for beautiful long finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez’s St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…

 

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2014 Tonti Family Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel Russian River Valley
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 

Click to Order

Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  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.
TONTI
2014 RESERVE
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 

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Have you ever wondered what makes Old Vine wines unique?  There are two defining factors that when combined, become even more powerful.  Like humans, as vines age their circulation becomes weaker which results in smaller berries and more focused and concentrated flavors.  Older vines also have deeper root systems, which increases the complexity in the wine.  Perfectly expressing what Old Vines are about, Tonti’s Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s. 

Huge Tax Week Savings For YOU!

Whether you’re feeling the sting from tax season or you’re celebrating another great year, I have the perfect solution… Wine is a delightful partner for times like these, and as a great friend and mentor to me in the wine business would frequently say: “In good times we might need a glass of wine, and in bad times, maybe a bottle, but during tax time, we surely need a couple of cases…”
We’ve carefully selected 4 assorted 15-bottle cases that we would be proud to have in our own cellars… AND priced them substantially lower than our everyday low prices to make anyone’s tax season that much better… To learn more about the wines featured in each case, select your preferred price range by clicking on any of the four mixed case images below. Each case includes 3 bottles each of 5 different wines, and ground shipping is included in most States.

2013 Leto Cellars St Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

LETO CELLARS

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY

 
What do Grace Family, Vineyard 29, Revana and Leto Cellars have in common?  For starters, they all make classic, absolutely stunning Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Napa Valley’s prized St. Helena AVA.  There’s one glaringly obvious aspect that they don’t have in common, like being a Cherry Picked Wines Insider List selection.  When tasting this wine there’s absolutely no doubt in your mind, or on your palate that it’s a high quality, $85, absolutely gorgeous single vineyard St Helena Cabernet.  Brad Warner, owner and winemaker has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, and it shows in this classically styled, deep and hauntingly penetrating wine
Emerging from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality… One that Robert Parker alerted readers that it “…may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years,” this stunning Cabernet spent an impressive 22 months in French Oak and reaped the rewards of more than 2 1/2 years of bottle development.  With just 8 barrels produced, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case. One taste and you won’t LET(g)O.  
 
LETO CELLARS
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes:The 2013 Leto is a classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet with aromas of black cherry, red plum, Good & Plenty candy, dried mustard seed and damp earth.  These aromatics beautifully complement a mouth coating palate of red currants, Bing cherry and mixed red and black fruits. The tannins are silky and the flavors expansive. A nice lingering acidity keep the palate lively and perfectly compliments the spice box notes and toasted vanilla finish.”
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier 
2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

DUCKHORN

2015 THREE PALMS VINEYARD
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT

 2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot
When we offered Duckhorn’s 2014 Three Palms Merlot last October we asked the question, where do you go after being the reference standard in your field for nearly four decades…  Predicting Duckhorn would elevate their game to an even higher level, after earning their highest score ever from the Wine Spectator, they went on to become the #1 Wine in the World on the 2017 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  Over the last 40 years, Duckhorn has become an inspirational icon for mastering Bordeaux varietals, and particularly Merlot in Napa Valley.  I can think of no other wine brand that defines iconic for a single varietal than Duckhorn does for Merlot… 
A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, the 2015 conquers your senses with mineral laced blackberry, unsweetened chocolate-raspberry souffle, graphite, cassis and dried rose petals.  Arising from another monumental vintage in Napa Valley, the 2015 blossoms after developing for 18 months in oak barrels then 12 months in the bottle before release…  Marked by the wine‘s signature dense core and beautiful satin texture, the 2015 unwinds with intensely flavored black fruits, holiday spices, plum, cassis and vanilla.  I strongly recommend securing a case of this celebrated California Merlot.  
 
DUCKHORN
2015 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT
Retails at:  $98.00/btl
Your Price: $94.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes:Reflecting what can be achieved from a legendary vineyard in an exceptional growing season, this wine displays captivating aromas of fresh cranberry, blueberry, fig, cedar and cocoa nibs. On the dense, mouth-filling palate, sophisticated notes of wet slate minerality add poise and definition to flavors of plum, molasses, cherry and crushed rose petals. Silky tannins carry the wine to a beautifully structured finish with hints of moist earth, cranberry and bittersweet chocolate.”
Merlot 91% | Cabernet Sauvignon 7% | Petit Verdot 1.5% | Cabernet Franc .5%
 
Customers who enjoy Duckhorn’s Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, may also enjoy these two outstanding Merlots…
2013 Paloma Spring Mountain Merlot 2014 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
PALOMA
2013 MERLOT
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Your Price: $56.99/btl 
 
DUCKHORN
2014 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “…Intense aromas of ripe cherry, plum and black fig rise from the glass, underscored by hints of leather and cedar. On the palate, it is lush and supple, with bright acidity and velvety tannins supporting layers of raspberry and black cherry, as well as hints of coffee and chocolate that carry through on the long finish.”
2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montelcino

2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montalcino

PIANCORNELLO

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
2013 MONTALCINO, ITALY 

2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montelcino
In a category filled with some of the best wines in the world, Piancornello’s 96 Point 2013 Brunello stands out as One of the Brunellos of the vintage (Vinous).  The 2013 vintage in Montalcino clearly has a lot to offer.  The Wine Enthusiast wrote: “If you want to experience the energy, elegance and age-worthy structure that first drew wine lovers and collectors to Brunello di Montalcino decades ago, then 2013 is your vintage.” Jancis Robinson wrote: “the wines of Montalcino are expected to be exceptional.”  I’ve enjoyed Piancornello’s Brunello for years and the 2013 stands out as their best ever… 
Sweeping across the palate with stunning detail, Picancornello’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a textbook example of this classic varietal.  Painting a tapestry of deeply mineral laced red fruits, crushed chamomile, dried rose petals and wild lavender, the 2013 is redeemingly structured, balanced and determined.  I highly recommend securing a case of this classic 96 Point Brunello. 
 
PIANCORNELLO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
2013 MONTALCINO, ITALY 
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 28%
 
 
From Vinous: “Deep red-ruby. Highly perfumed, mineral aromas of raspberry, red cherry, violet and iron. Wonderfully sappy but youthfully imploded in the mouth, this remarkably precise and well-delineated Brunello offers an extremely refined set of flinty red and black fruit herbal flavors. Finishes with a firm edge of tannins and very good floral and spicy lift. An outstanding, very pure and deep wine that really needs about a decade of patience. One of the Brunellos of the vintage.” 96 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Piancornello’s Brunello di Montalcino, may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2012 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino 2013 Parusso Barolo Bussia
LA RASINA
2012 BRUNELLO DIMONTALCINO
Your Price: $45/btl
 
From James Suckling, “A wonderfully precise and clear red with cherry, plum and floral character. Hints of lemons. Full body and firm and velvety tannins. Long and tannic. Yet this still shows polish. Better in 2020.”  96 Points
PARUSSO
2013 BAROLO BUSSIA
PIEDMONT, ITALY 
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
Your Price: $74.99/btl
From James Suckling, “This is one of the greatest wines I have ever had from here. So much ripe cherry, raspberry and floral character. Medium body, super-refined tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much going on here…”  97 Points
2015 Failla Sonoma County Chardonnay

2015 Failla Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

FAILLA

2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST

2015 Failla Sonoma County Chardonnay
After dominating one varietal for nearly two decades as winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars, the natural progression is to start a new challenge, create something fresh, then conquer that too… Ehren Jordan’s viticultural training in France greatly influenced his farming and winemaking choices, which are evident in this sensational Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. 
 
Utilizing fruit from Keefer Ranch, Olivet and Flood Gate Vineyards, the 2015 washes over your palate with blissful intrigue as flavors linger on the palate with stunning length.  This Chardonnay romances your palate, cultivating feelings you didn’t think were possible in a white wine…
 
Some say that variety is the spice of life, and that statement certainly holds true in Fallia’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.  Aged in a mix of concrete egg, french oak and stainless steel, the 2015 is bright and brilliantly complex.  A Chardonnay this great won’t be “on the market” for long.  We think you’ll FAiLLa in love with it, just like we did… 
 
FAILLA
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
 
From The Wine Spectator:Wins points for purity, offering a clean expression of ripe pear, apple and citrus flavors, with a pleasant dash of cedary oak adding dimension and depth. Drink now through 2020.90 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Failla’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2015 Silverpoint Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Sonoma County Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
If the best wines were like a puzzle, this wine would have every piece laid out perfectly.  With everything from an accomplished winemaker, iconic vineyard, blockbuster vintage and a terrific price, this wine truly has it all.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who’s responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines from ’85-’97, and even made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the 1999 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was the first Sonoma wine to receive the honor of being the #1 Wine in the World…
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
2015 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

FORTUNE 1621

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY

 2015 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Fortune refers to chance or luck and the new 2015 Fortune 1621 at under thirty will have you experiencing both… Chance is finding a superb Napa Valley Cab that’s both concentrated, deep and long, and available in this favorable price range.  Luck is the way you feel the moment this wine touches your lips, giving off a strong feeling of contentment from getting something extra…  Revealing concentrated black fruits threaded together with crushed rock, espresso roast and violets, this absolutely classic Napa Cab was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars and he’s also the current winemaker at Laird.
 
Blossoming more from 18 months in French and American oak barrels, the 2015 arose from multiple carefully chosen vineyards throughout Napa Valley, each selected for their individual characteristics which contribute to the final blend.  The 2015 is marked by a dense, concentrated core that’s rarely found at this price…  This is one value-driven Napa Cab that I absolutely recommend. 
 
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 
 
Winery Notes:Fresh nose of black cherry, vanilla and touches of mocha. The palate is full bodied with pure notes of cherry, red berry intermingled with caramel and hints of blackberry.”

 

Customers that would enjoy Fortune 1621’s Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2015 Vellichor Chalk Hill Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
VELLICHOR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CHALK HILL 2015
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
 
 
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
 
The 2015 unfurls intense aromas of black raspberries, spring flowers, espresso roast, black chocolates.  Washing over the palate with dark berries, creme de cassis and camphor, deliciously governed by the wines voluptuous, rich texture.  Kept for 20 months in oak barrels, magnificent flavors cascade over your palate and tattoo a lasting impression in your mind…
 
2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir

2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir

LAIRD

2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH

2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir
Have you ever wondered what makes Pinot Noir so complex?  Did you know that not all Pinot Noir Vines are the same?  Laird’s Phantom Ranch Pinot is a 50/50 blend of two distinctly different Pinot Noir clones.  Clone 115 comes from Morey St Denis, one of Burgundy’s noble areas and is known for producing elegant wines.  The Pommard Clone which also comes from Burgundy is revered for lending structure and meaty characters as well as remarkable fragrance.  Paul Hobbs selected both of these clones for Laird’s Phantom Ranch Vineyard to create a wine with the perfect combination of structure, elegance and aroma.  This is a Pinot Noir that will haunt your dreams…
Composed in a chillingly deep, velvety style that I love, and we don’t have anything else quite like it on our tasting menu in Yountville…  Laird’s 2014 Phantom Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, spring flowers, vanilla and spices. The winery has always attracted terrific winemakers.  In 2014, Laird’s Consulting Winemaker was Paul Hobbs, one of the top winemakers in the world… If you enjoy full-bodied, deep, velvety Pinots, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
 
LAIRD
2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2014 Pinot Noir Phantom Ranch has a more evolved nose of forest floor and spice, raw, generous almost opulent black cherry and strawberry fruit, a healthy, pure mouthfeel and a long finish. This is serious Pinot to drink over then next 7-8 years.” 90 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Laird’s Phantom Ranch Pinot may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2013 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2013 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
LAIRD
2013 JILLIAN’S BLEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $48/btl
Your Price: $44/btl 
 
Flawlessly constructed, and with no shortage of brawn, Laird’s sensational 2013 Jillian’s Blend reveals a tapestry of beautifully knit, meaty and extravagant flavors.  Absolutely brilliant, the 2013 is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), sourced from the winery’s famed Mast Ranch Vineyard.  Their single vineyard Mast Ranch Cab sells for $80/btl…
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $52.99/btl
 
Laird’s 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is built from almost equal parts Mast Ranch and Flat Rock vineyards.  The winery produces single vineyard Cabernets from both of these sites which retail for $80 to $90 per bottle…  It’s a brand that I love, and in fact we featured their 2012 vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.
2013 Humanitas Piscis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Humanitas Piscis Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

HUMANITAS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 PISCIS VINEYARD

2013 Humanitas Piscis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
We’ve introduced several single vineyard Cabernets from Humanitas, and each one has perfectly expressed it’s individual origin in vivid detail.  One thing they’ve clearly had in common is their irrefutable quality… We couldn’t wait to introduce the new Piscis Vineyard, which stands out for it’s seductive and sultry qualities and round, supple mouthfeel.  Loaded with alluring dark fruits, chocolatey expresso, creme de cassis and dried violets, this 2013 puts it all out there.  At $65/btl retail, this wine truly has it all…when you visit our website you’ll want all you can get…
Expertly composed by winemaker Rob Lloyd, former winemaker at Rombauer, this 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly marries deep, concentrated flavors with hedonistic and sultry undertones, wrapping them together in a velvety embrace that you don’t want to let go… Bursting at the seems with alluring flavors of sensual dark berries, milk chocolate, wild flowers and cigar box.  If you’ve tasted any of the Humanitas wines, you’ve likely already clicked the order button… If you haven’t, here’s a chance to enjoy one of their best, at a fantastic price.  
  
HUMANITAS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 PISCIS VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “An explosive nose that exudes chocolate covered cherries, aged tobacco leaf, dried flowers and hints of sweet vanilla.  On approach, the lush, deep, black fruits wrap your palate in a balanced elegance that is rich and opulent, yet remains fresh and lively at the same time.  Then cocoa powder dusted blueberries emerge, along with cherry jolly rancher candy which weigh in perfectly against the slightly dusty tannins which trail off into a long, mouth quenching finish.  Drink now through 2020.”
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier