$ 49.99
96 points
A blockbuster new red from new discovery Herman Story winery - get on the bandwagon now while it's still available.
96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Nuts & Bolts checks in as 100% Syrah from a mix of vineyards that spent 18 months in 85% new French oak. This cuvée always delivers the goods. The 2018 sports a deep purple color, rocking Syrah notes of blackberries, ground pepper, smoked meat, and roasted meat, full-bodied richness, remarkable purity, and silky yet present tannins. This pleasure-bent, sexy, yet pure, balanced Syrah can be enjoyed any time over the coming 7-8 years. It's the finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted".
95 Points Wine Enthusiast: "Incredibly dark in color and intense in aromas, this bottling is lush with concentrated blackberry, black currant, charred wood and a hint of coffee on the nose. On the palate, firm yet polished tannins uphold dense flavors of black cherry, roasted black currant and plum, cola, espresso bean and cracked pepper. Acid washes into the finish."
Robert Parker: "One of my favorite estates in the Central Coast is Russell From's Herman Story, who makes unapologetic rich, layered, flavor loaded wines that are a joy to drink."
$ 39.99
D66 is the new release from Orin Swift's winery and vineyards in Maury, France. Don't miss it!
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Côtes Catalanes D66 is a bonafide blockbuster from winemaker Richard Case that does everything right. Loaded with notions of ripe blackberry and currant fruits, chocolate, ground pepper, licorice, and leafy herbs, this puppy hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth yet stays nicely balanced and light on its feet. Rich, opulent, and decadent are the buzzwords here, and it should keep for 7-8 years. The blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged 12 months in barrel."
previous vintage 95 Points Robert Parker: "Rocking stuff, the Côtes Catalanes Grenache D66 (80% Grenache and 20% Grenache Blanc) from Richard Floyd boasts a deep, saturated color as well as hedonistic notes of black currants, chocolate, massive crushed rock-like minerality and baking spices. Rich, full-bodied, unctuous and concentrated, yet with considerable purity and freshness, it's a big blockbuster beauty to drink over the coming decade."
The small town of Maury is in the outer Roussillon very close to the Spanish border and nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales where owner Dave Phinney owns approximately 235 acres of mostly Grenache vines with a little Syrah and Carignan. The majority of the vines were planted more than 60 years ago, with many of the vineyards being even older. The terrain is dominated by black schist with a couple small deposits of Granite and Limestone in red rocky soils known as Angile. Schist is a crystalline rock based soil that retains heat well but is poor in organic nutrients and nitrogens. In other words, these vines really have to struggle. The result is a very dark, concentrated, and rich wine.
The Orin Swift 2015 D66 has a very dark, opaque red color with subtle aromas of toasted oak, ripe blueberry jam and dried rose petal. The entry is mouth coating and lush. Opulent plum and ultra ripe cherry are balanced with asian spices and a bright vein of minerality and acidity that give great structure, weight and balance to the long finish. The tannin chains are long and will lend to ageability for 5 to 10 years. A delicious blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan.
$ 79.99
New release!
The new 2016 vintage of Silver Oak's iconic Alexander Valley Cabernet has arrived - reserve your allocation now!
The 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is maroon in color with a garnet hue. It has an enticing nose of maraschino cherries, blackberry bramble and brisket with notes of clove and star anise. Mouthwatering with a juicy entry, this wine has a fruity mid-palate of currant with toasted vanilla and roasted brown sugar character from American oak barrels. Structured tannins provide an elegant character with a long and expressive finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine will provide drinking through 2041.
Robert Parker: "The Silver Oak Alexander Valley cuvee is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new oak... Herbaceous, with sweet red and black currant fruit, spice box, and tell-tale oakiness, this is a wine to drink during its first decade of life
$ 299.99
100 points! limited
The new vintage of Dominus Estate 2016 Proprietary Red now available - limited.
100 points Robert Parker: "A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 40% new oak, the 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is deep purple-black in color and quite reticent at this youthful stage to begin, offering up subtle notions of potpourri, Indian spices, cigar box and iron ore over a core of crushed blackberries and black cherries with intermittent wafts of black and red currants, new leather and smoked meats. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a densely packed mid-palate and oodles of freshness framed by very ripe, finely grained tannins and laced with compelling earthy accents. It offers incredible vibrancy with tons of black and red fruit sparkle in the mid-palate leading to a provocative mineral element on the very long finish. If I could give more than 100 for this one, I would. To be released in May 2019."
98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Another possible legend in the making is the 2016 Dominus, a classic blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc brought up in 40% new French oak. Pure, pristine notes of charcoal, cold fireplace, smoke tobacco, and both blue and black fruits all flow to a full-bodied 2016 that has incredible elegance and finesse, yet also depth and density. It’s more backward and reserved than the 2015 and needs 4-5 years of cellaring. It will unquestionably live for 25-30 years."
Since its inaugural vintage in 1983, the wines of Dominus Estate have been crafted in a traditional and terroir-driven style by the luminous Christian Moueix of Chateau Petrus fame. Unable to pass up the change to make what he called the “Haut-Brion of Napa”, Moueix came to own the legendary Napanook Vineyard. Moueix eschews irrigation, acidification, and the heavy usage of oak common amongst his Napa colleagues. The exceptional terroir of Napanook in combination with his skillful viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques have repeatedly resulted in some of the most broadly enjoyable Napa Cabs available and clearly place Dominus in the upper echelon of this genre.
$ 114.99
96 Points - rare
One of the top-scoring Cabernets of the stellar 2014 vintage from Forman - limited.
96 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is dense, pliant and wonderfully expressive. Ric Forman's wines are always on the restrained side, but the 2015 packs a good bit of punch. Sweet red cherry, raspberry, sage, mint, and rose petal overtones all add to the wine's precision and nuance. In 2015, Forman took in fruit from Thorevilos, which he co-manages with David Abreu, but ultimately decided to add that juice to the Cabernet Sauvignon rather than bottle it separately. Dollops of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the blend. This is one of the classiest wines of the vintage. Best of all, Forman's Cabernet is probably the single greatest value in Napa Valley Cabernet."
...Ric Forman is arguably Napa Valley’s first superstar winemaker. Although sometimes overlooked today, there is little question Forman has had a profound influence on a number of younger winemakers who still speak of him with great reverence. In 2012 Forman celebrated his 46th harvest. Today, Forman counts on the assistance of his son Toby, in running this small, family-owned jewel of an estate. As for the wines, they are superb, but, best of all, remain realistically priced for the consumer who wants to drink top-flight Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon without having to take out a second mortgage. The Chardonnay is made in the non-malo style Forman pioneered in the 1970s. Forman’s Cabernet is one of the classic masterpieces of Napa Valley, even if recent vintages come across as a bit riper than the norm. Still, it is impossible to go wrong with any of these wines."
$ 64.99 $ 70.00
Far Niente makes one of Napa Valley's classic Chardonnays - limited.
The Far Niente 2018 Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley offers up a bevy of aromas of melon, hazelnut, citrus, fig and spice are complimented by toasty notes in the nose. The palate offers a full entry with floral notes that lead through layers of fruit that give structure and complexity. The length and balance are impressive as they lead to a mouth watering finish.
Far Niente Chardonnay is a careful blend of estate vineyards that grow in the cooler southern areas of the Napa Valley. Once winemaker Stephanie Putnam determined when to pick each block, the grapes were hand picked, sorted, pressed and then the juice was settled. Fermentation in french oak barrels usually lasts about three weeks and then the wine is aged on its yeast for another 8-9 months before the final blend is determined.
$ 46.99
New release of the fantastic Bolt Cutter Cabernet blend from Herman Story. Limited.
Winemaker Tasting Notes: "The 2018 Bolt Cutter Red is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petit Verdot, 25% Syrah. There’s no denying it, with this much attitude, swagger and raw unbridled power nothing can stop this. This is basically an axe wielding shark wearing a tuxedo, driving a monster truck in an Evel Knievel jump across the Grand Canyon. Prickly pear jam, salted cherries, hoisin sauce, fire scorched poblanos, brand new BF Goodrich 33’’ Baja T/AS off road tires, char crusted bloody filet mignon, blasted limestone quarry, Ferrari seats, well spiced Mexican hot chocolate and rusted pocket knives."
Proprietor and winemaker Russell P. From began Herman Story Wines in 2011 with 7 barrels stashed in his employer's cellar. What started as a modest homage to his rancher grandfather has become a beacon to those seeking opulent, structured Syrah and Grenache (and now Cabernet). These are no nonsense, balls to the wall wines that are not for the faint of heart or the pinky raising set.
$ 129.99
$ 24.99
OTHERS is the new release from Dave Phinney's new winery and vineyards in Maury, France.
Others is a literal and figurative reference utilizing fruit beyond the D66 blend. Chosen for their unique signature, these vineyards are stylistically meant to be drunk earlier, thus resulting in a powerful yet approachable wine. As is the case with D66, small yields are the norm because of extremely rocky hillside sites with scarce water reserves. This dynamic creates small berried fruit with intense color and concentration. Situated in the foothills of the Pyrénées-Orientales, Others is made at the Department 66 winery.
The wine has a ruby, purple opaque hue with aromas of licorice, spring flowers, campfire, toast and sweet vanilla. On the palette there are abundant flavors of blackberry, wild berry, pepper and spice. Intense and concentrated with a persistent finish, the wine is ready to drink now and enjoy over the next 5 years.
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan
$ 44.99
$ 59.95
97 pts - rare
New release from Paso cult producer Booker Vineyards. As always, limited.
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The My Favorite Neighbor is in the same ballpark and offers terrific notes of crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, lead pencil shavings, and cedary herbs. It’s a full-bodied, silky, impeccably balanced beauty that has just subtle background oak, a stacked mid-palate, and terrific purity of fruit."
95 points Robert Parker: "A barrel sample blended of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 10% Petit Verdot, the My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend is deep garnet-purple in color and a little cedary to begin, giving way to fragrant blackcurrants, black cherries and black raspberries with touches of spice cake, Sichuan pepper, violets and hoisin. Full-bodied, densely packed and with velvety tannins, it delivers tons of tightly wound flavors, finishing long...As I've commented in the past,the wines from Eric Jensen at Booker are some of the most impressive releases coming out of California. While in the past, they relied on pure fruit and texture to impress, today they possess layered, elegant and complex characters paired with serious depth, richness and structure."
$ 15.99
$ 21.99
90 points - best buy
One of the best buys from Spain we've discovered. Limited.
90 Points Robert Parker: "The just-bottled 2017 Black Slate la Vilella Alta from Mas Alta is still the oakiest of the Black Slate range, for people who grew up with classic well-oaked Priorat, despite the fact that the élevage was in well-seasoned oak barrels. This has the signature of Michael Tardieu and Philippe Cambie, the winemakers behind this wine; it's a ripe and heady Priorat red produced with 50% Garnacha, 30% Cariñena and 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with a full-bodied palate and plenty of tannins. This is a powerful wine to lay down or enjoy with powerful food
The inspiration for the Black Slate Project is a Burgundian concept of village nomenclature, applied to the Priorat. One region, nine historic villages, each with its distinct character, but all unmistakably Priorat. Sun-scorched vines cling to breathtakingly steep hillsides with their roots deeply plunged in the llicorella soils of this pristine, ancient region.
Bodegas Mas Alta is a joint project with renowned Rhone negociant and winemaker, Michel Tardieu, and noted French enologist, Philippe Cambie. It is located in the middle of D.O.C. Priorat, based in the village of Vilella Alta. The estate vineyards are high density plantings at approximately 1050 feet above sea level, in front of Serra del Montsant, a mountain range that reaches 3300 feet. Very steep and abrupt, the altitude, inclination, and slopes make a decisive influence on grape's maturity. The vineyards of La Viella Alta are situated on steep slopes of slates alongside of what once was the river of Escaladei. The heat of south-facing vineyards combing with the cooler north-facing parcels to create a well-balanced wine with ripe fruit and softness.
$ 36.00
95 points - new release
Walter Hansel's Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay is a beautiful, hand-crafted 100% Chardonnay from one of our favorite boutique producers down the road from Kistler. Limited.
95 Points Robert Parker: "The 2018 Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce opens slowly to lovely aromas of warm peaches and apricots with accents of toast, roasted almonds and honey. The medium-bodied palate is silky, super concentrated, layered and fresh, cut through with uplifting mineral character and finishing very, very long. Gorgeous!"
93 points Antonio Galloni: "The 2018 Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce is rich and vivid, yet also light on its feet. A wine of real personality and character, the Alyce is intense and yet not at all heavy. Lemon peel, almond, dried flowers and sweet spice are all nicely lifted in a class, understated Chardonnay that will drink well with minimal cellaring."
Robert Parker: "...This is an enviable winery run by Stephen Hansel with exceptionally high-quality Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that he sells at modest prices, which speaks to his humility and commitment to serious wine consumers. There are more than 80 acres of estate, so it is not small, split evenly between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He breaks the cuvées down by their vineyard terroir/site."
$ 199.00
Dom Perignon is of the highest-rated and best Champagnes anywhere. Forget Cristal and the others, this is the one to buy while it's still available! Very Limited
98 Points James Suckling: "A firm and vivid Champagne with a precise, focused palate. Full-bodied and dry. It’s very layered and bright with light pineapple, peach, praline, cooked-apple and stone aromas and flavors. It’s very subtle and focused at the end. Integrated with richness and high acidity. Good depth. Reminds me of the 1995. Very clean. Solid. Lovely to drink already, but will age nicely."
The Dom Perignon 2006 Brut Champagne is the latest release from this venerable Champagne house and can easily be aged 20+ years, if you can wait that long.
Is this a gift? You can choose a gift card message of your choice during checkout and the wine will be wrapped in tissue paper and accompanied by tasting notes.
$ 21.99
Best buy
From esteemed Napa Winemaker, Benoit Touquette, the 2016 Arbalest Bordeaux Rouge is one of the best buys in Red Bordeaux we've discovered! A fruit-forward wine oozing juiciness and deep, dark flavors. On the nose, the slight scent of cedar and truffle tell you it’s predominantly Merlot.
91 Points Robert Parker: "Here's a seriously fun Bordeaux wine that offers jaw-dropping great value, made by French native, Napa super-star winemaker Benoit Touquette. The 2016 Arbalest is a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The Petit Verdot and the Cabernet Sauvignon come from the Left Bank. I’m not allowed to tell the name of the Château, but it’s in the Saint-Estèphe area. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc come from the Right Bank, where the soil is clay-limestone on limestone rock, with a southwest exposure. Medium garnet-purple colored, it charges out of the gate with notes of warm black plums, Black Forest cake, licorice and candied violets plus hints of fallen leaves and cedar chest. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy black fruit, framed by ripe rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy."
previous vintage 91 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Mostly Merlot blended with 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the Arbalest was brought up 16 months in tank and 30% new oak. It offers a perfumed, gorgeous bouquet of plums, incense, spice and hints of forest floor. Full-bodied, ripe and rounded, with a sexy, opulent style, lots of mid-palate depth, and a great finish, it's well worth your time and money and is a smoking deal at 20 bucks. This wine comes from a collaboration between winemaker Benoit Touquette and importer/distributor Kimberly Jones."
$ 89.99 $ 100.00
Limited new release
Inaugural Release of Derange Red Blend from Prisoner Wine Co. Extremely Limited.
A new red blend from the folks behind the popular Prisoner wine. This rich, peddle-to-the-metal red explodes with a melange of dark berry, chocolate, and brown sugar aromas. The super lush palate packs quite a wallop with more of the same berry flavors. If you're a fan of The Prisoner, consider this its big brother.
Derange Red is a new wine from Dave Phinney's Prisoner Wine Group. An amazing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah. Rich and enticing aromas of blackberry, vanilla bean, baking spices, dark chocolate, and caramel. The palate is overly luscious and giving with notesof dark cherry and blueberry leading to an opulent, velvety finish.
$ 47.00
94 Points
The new Flowers 2018 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast now available.
94 Points James Suckling: "Beautiful dark berries with ripe strawberries and hints of decadence and richness. Some meat, too. Full-bodied, dense and rich with tight and linear tannins. Needs a year or two to soften. Better in 2022."
93 Points Wine Enthusiast: "The Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is a very pretty appellation-level Pinot from Flowers. Rose petal, crushed flowers, sage, mint and crushed berries are all nicely laced together, with a touch of whole cluster influence that adds attractive aromatic overtones. Medium in body, gracious and light on its feet, the 2017 has so much to offer. What a pretty wine this is."
$ 49.95
New release!
New Release of Eternally Silenced Pinot Noir from Prisoner Wine Co. Limited.
Rich and elegant, soft and well-balanced. Aromas of pine needles, cranberry, dark cherry, cedar, clove, and brown spice lead to fresh red berry flavors, an ample structure, and seamless tannins. Sourced: 25% Santa Barbara, 25% Sonoma Coast, 20% Napa Valley, 20% Edna Valley, 10% Monterey. Blend: 95% Pinot Noir, 5% Syrah/Viognier.
$ 175.00
The Two Bottle Gift box includes one bottle of Silver Oak 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and one bottle of Silver Oak 2016 Twomey Merlot. It displays beautifully in a premium crafted Brix26 wooden logo box.
This handsome collector box comes wrapped in tissue paper with complete tasting notes on each wine (personalized gift card available during checkout).
$ 49.99 $ 58.00
Duckhorn's Goldeneye is a beautiful Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley that should be on the short list for any Pinot lover. Get the new vintage before the ratings come out!
94 Points Brix26: "Always one of our favorite Pinots, the Goldeneye 2017 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir knocks it out of the park. From a stellar vintage, its rich and distinctive, with complex, concentrated black cherry, wild berry, savory spice and fresh earth scents. The tannins are rich and mouthcoating, yet the fruit pours through. Drink now through 2022."
$ 54.99
Frank Family is one of the new blue-chip Cabernet producers in Napa Valley. Founded by Rich Frank and Koerner Rombauer, their small-production wines are emerging as some of the most sought after in the valley. Try the fantastic Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon while it lasts!
The 2016 Frank Family Vineyard’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon exposes its depth immediately with its dense dark purple color. The aromas are bountiful, brimming with juicy brambleberries and ripe black cherries that are laced with notes of smoke and roasted espresso and followed by hints of tobacco, earth and cedar. The palate is opulent and intense, bursting with ripe blackberries and currants, with just a touch of sage. The rich fruit is balanced with complex tannins providing a plush, yet firm mouthfeel that is round and supple with lasting depth.
90 Points Robert Parker: "Made up of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is very deep garnet-purple in color and displays expressive notions of baked plums, warm cassis and licorice with hints of bay leaves and scorched earth. Medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with juicy black fruit and earthy sparks, finishing chewy."
$ 49.00
Just released and sourced exclusively. Fashioned by Matt Meyer, son of Silver Oak Cellars’ owners Bonny and Justin Meyer. About as limited as Silver Oak Wines and equally delicious, this rarity is an irresistible offer at a fantastic price.
Tasting Notes: "Spitfire is a good old American Cabernet that is polished and elegant. The aromas spring to life with ripe plum and blackberries jumping out of the glass. Once open for a few minutes, we start to see the telltale American Oak vanilla along with hints of caramel and pepper. Two years in oak have softened the palate, making this a very approachable Oakville red wine. As with previous vintages we get hints of cardamom and other savory characters.
Unlike previous vintages, this wine does not seem to need extra bottle aging to settle down. The 2076 seems surprisingly drinkable for such a young cabernet, making it extremely enjoyable at the moment and an appropriate accompaniment to your next steak.100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.7% ABV.
$ 24.99
93 Points WS
Always one of the favorite California Zins we carry.
93 Points Wine Spectator: "Plump and luscious, this is jam-packed with fruit. Lively blackberry, pepper and other spice box aromas lead to ripe and rich flavors of black raspberry, caramel and licorice. There are more complex Zinfandels, but few that are more enjoyable to drink. Drink now through 2022."
Wine Enthusiast: "You could use this as a teaching tool for classic Sonoma County Zinfandel. It's full-bodied, dry and spicy, with briary flavors of wild berries, mocha, tobacco, leather and exotic spices. More importantly, it's absolutely delicious. The grapes come from Seghesio's best vineyards in the Alexander and Dry Creek valleys. An astonishing value."
$ 39.99
New release alert! Prisoner's Thorn Merlot is a fantastic wine sourced from the Hudson and Stagecoach Vineyards and over-delivers big time. Limited.
Tasting Notes: Deep purple in color, releasing aromas of black cherry with hints of cedar and pencil lead. Dense flavors of dark fruits and rich plum are framed by velvety tannins and a lush finish.
While working with their growers, the winery came across small vineyard lots of Merlot which had managed to survive being replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon. Inspired to preserve these remaining Merlot lots and introduce their distinct style of Napa Valley Merlot, Thorn was created. The wine is a blend of Merlot, along with Syrah and Malbec. . Thorn is sourced from acclaimed vineyard sites throughout the Napa Valley. The family of small vineyards, offers vines of varying ages and regionality, lending to the layers of character and complexity.
$ 49.99
A blockbuster new Napa Valley red blend from one of our favorite small producers. Get the new vintage before the ratings come out!
Coho Winery is the shared aspiration of Brooks Painter and Gary Lipp to produce flavorful, balanced wines. The Coho 2015 Headwaters Red Napa Valley (Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and Petite Verdot blended in) shows off a dense purple color plus a sweet perfume of espresso, white chocolate, black cherries, and figs. With tremendous opulence, density, and a long,lush finish, it will provide plenty of pleasure anytime over the next decade.
94 Points James Suckling: "Aromas of blackberry and chocolate with spice and currant character. Hints of bark too. Full body, round and juicy tannins. Shows some tension for the vintage. A blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 19% Petit Verdot. Drink or hold."
92Points Wine Spectator: "Aromatic, with warm espresso, sage and worn leather notes leading off, backed by a core of slightly chewy mulled currant, fig and huckleberry flavors. Keeps an old-school bent through the finish, revealing a flash of cast iron. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2028."
$ 22.99
New Conundrum Red from the folks at Caymus now available!
Winery Notes: Twenty-five years ago, we introduced Conundrum as an exotic, enticing white blend--now Conundrum Red continues this tradition, bending the rules in its own unique way. Serious yet down-to-earth, this wine knows no boundaries. Pair it with everything from pizza to tandoori to fajitas to BBQ. Its structure, richness and complexity make it great any time of the year--be bold and serve it chilled.
The Conundrum 2018 red opens with the aromas of plums and rich berries, its earthiness overlaid with the subtle richness of cocoa. On the palate are concentrated flavors of dried, dark fruit, lush chocolate-covered cherries and a smokiness that makes this wine the perfect complement to many dishes. Sturdy tannins are rounded out by the ripeness of the berries for a texturous but smooth feel. The finish is long and serious, with a toasted quality of oak and layers of rich flavor that slowly trail off, enticing you back for another sip.
$ 19.99
Introducing Orin Swift's delicious new red from France: Locations "F"!
F-6 is Orin Swift's French Red Wine made from the finest varietals and locations throughout France. Grenache from the Roussillon, Syrah from the Rhone, and assorted Bordeaux varietals have been sensibly blended in an original style that showcases the best of what this historic land has to offer. They come together to form yet another delicious red blend from this cult producer of The Prisoner red. Try this great new release while it's still available.
Tasting Notes: Opaque with ruby accents, the wine is intensely perfumed with aromas of vivid berry, warm spice, plum, kirsch, lavender and subtle oak nuances. The entry is juicy and penetrating with rich flavors of ripe blackberry, racy currant and blueberry that generously coat the palate. Easy drinking, the finish is long and clean with just the right amount of polished tannins to keep the fruit in focus. Extremely well-balanced, this delicious red is ready to open and drink now.
$ 34.99
$ 29.99
Textbook is a small-produciton Cabernet discovery from the heart of Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District, sourced from a vineyard next to Dominus! Beautiful Cab for a reasonable price - try it while its still available. A fantastic value.
The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes from two single vineyard sites located within the Oak Knoll and Yountville AVA's. These ideal environments yield Cabernet Sauvignon with more structure and less flash than their warmer region brethren, and with a decidedly Bordelaise sensibility, witness some neighboring wines from Dominus and Grgich Cellars. In addition to the Cabernet, a touch of Cabernet Franc adds great acid structure while the Merlot and Petit Verdot contributed to aromatics leading to a classic "Bordeaux" flavor profile. We believe it is a "textbook" example of this noble variety grown in these outstanding appellations and that it can be enjoyed for several years to come.
$ 49.99
A fantastic new discovery!
A fantastic new Cabernet blend discovery that sells for a song. Try this gem before its gone.
92 Points Robert Parker: "A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color. It leaps from the glass with warm cassis, baked plums and wild blueberries scents, plus hints of clove oil and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of crunchy fruit, framed by plush tannins and tons of freshness, finishing with a spicy kick."
Sourced from meticulously farmed vineyards in Yountville, Calistoga and St. Helena, the second release of this blend has a deep ruby color with complex aromas of black cherry, blackberry and graphite. Rich and lush on the palate with flavors of ripe black plum, dark berry fruit, baking spice and cassis. The long finish is layered with beautiful concentration and silky tannin. 62.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12.5% Petit Verdot = 100% delicious. Only 168 cases made by rockstar winemaker Benoit Touquette.
$ 29.99
The new Prisoner white wine! A delicious white blend that will be here for a short time only.
Robert Parker: "A blend of 30% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier, 20% Roussanne and the balance Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc and a few other grapes, the Proprietary White Blindfold is close in quality to the brilliant 2012 I reviewed last year. Reminiscent of some of Sine Qua Non’s white wines from California’s Central Coast, the 2013 is more zesty, and plays it closer to the vest, but it offers lovely notes of fresh pineapple, tangerine skins, orange marmalade, melon and honeysuckle. I wish more California wineries would consider using such innovative blends as this given the high quality that can result. This beauty should be enjoyed over the next several years....This brand was first created by Orin Swift, but is now run by winemaker Jen Beloz and David Phinney. The wines’ impressive labels reflect the innovative and creative nature of this wine company."
$ 49.99
New release! The Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir is the newest addition to the Belle Glos lineup.
The 2018 Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir, sourced from the southern alluvial plains of Russian River Valley, where the proximity to the Pacific Ocean creates cool morning fog and afternoon breezes resulting in an uncommonly long growing season. Once an old dairy farm and pastureland, this site has since realized its true potential as a prime Pinot Noir vineyard.
Tasting Notes: The color is quite striking, with the brilliant red ruby hue hinting at the luscious fruit to come. The aromas are abundant with bright cherry, cranberry and brown spice, reminiscent of warm cinnamon toast topped with plum jam. On the palate, the bright cherry opens the show, then evolves into a lush, sweetly spiced plum pudding, coating the mouth with a velvety richness. The acidity is as vibrant as the color, lifting the medley of fruit to lavish heights and augmenting the spicy tones. The wine then develops an intense mineral note, adding yet another dimension, lending way to silky tannins and a lengthy finish that will leave you wanting more.
$ 44.00
95 Points
Another beautiful small-production Pinot Noir from Walter Hansel who continues to make a small amount of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay down the road from Kistler, at unbelievably sane prices. Stock up while available.
92 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Hansel's 2017 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is a very pretty and expressive wine. Spice, game, earthy notes, licorice and dried cherry give the South Slope its distinctly savory personality. Pliant and juicy, the 2017 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Today, the fruit is a bit in the background, while earthier qualities are more present than they were last year."
92 Points Robert Parker: Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir South Slope (all Dijon clone 777) has a savory nose of toast, dried leaves, pipe tobacco, dried rose petals, amaro and tangerine peel with a core of blackberries and cranberries. The palate is medium-bodied and silky with fine, grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long...
...This is an enviable winery run by Stephen Hansel with exceptionally high-quality Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that he sells at modest prices, which speaks to his humility and commitment to serious wine consumers. There are more than 80 acres of estate, so it is not small, split evenly between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He breaks the cuvées down by their vineyard terroir/site"
$ 449.00
We've made choosing a gift for Cabernet lovers easy with our 6-Pack featuring Napa Valley's top Collectible Cabernets. A must for any Cabernet-lover! 10% discount already built into price.
Each 6-pack includes one bottle of the following wines:
Silver Oak 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Joseph Phelps 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Cakebread 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Duckhorn 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Shafer 2017 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Schrader 2017 "Double Diamond" Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
All bottles come wrapped in tissue paper with complete tasting notes on each wine. Gift Card available at checkout
$ 14.99
An amazing value from the South of France - hurry!
95 Points Decanter: "60% Syrah, 40% Grenache. Lovely rich opulent and floral, black berry and plum nose, the palate is big with well layered fruit, attractively firm but soft tannin and hints of oak, a big wine with a lovely finish. *Gold Medal Winner Decanter Asia Wine Awards.*
Robert Parker: "A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, the Cotes du Rhone Saint-Esprit is a screaming value. If offers bold black cherry and blueberry fruit aromas, lively fruit flavors, silky tannins and a crisp, lengthy mocha-tinged finish. Drink this fun, bouncy little wine over the next couple of years."
$ 49.99
New release of Cuttings from The Prisoner Wine Co. Limited.
An amazing blend of Cabernet (65%), Syrah (15%), Petite Sirah (15%) and Zinfandel (5%). It's kind of a reverse blend of original Prisoner. The Syrah adds a rich mouth feel and silkiness to the depth of the Cabernet and the Petite brings structure and presence to the blend. The Cabernet comes from hilltop vineyards directly across from Pritchard Hill, as well as vineyards on Howell Mountain and Spring Mountain. With 20% new French and American oak, this is a very impressive wine.
Brix26 Inside Scoop: After years of amazing and envious success with their red blend, Prisoner has finally released two new wines: a red and a white! Keeping in line with their roots, they have sourced from prominent, high quality vineyards throughout California, and they are fantastic. The Prisoner Wine Co. Cuttings Red combines the richness, complexity and depth of Cabernet with the structure and intensity of Petite Sirah and Syrah, all the while channeling the robust character of Zinfandel. Both the name and label were inspired by the age-old method of using cuttings from a vineyard to propagate new vines. This wine is powerful and structured, with intense aromas of ripe dark fruit, black cherry and subtle spicy notes of cedar and anise. The palate is rich and dense, with flavors of sweet plum and red berries and complimented with a hint of dark cocoa powder. Polished tannins and integrated French oak adorn a long silky finish.
$ 84.95
96 Point New Release
New release of Pahlmeyer's famous Chardonnay. Limited.
97 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Tasted from barrel, the 2018 Chardonnay is shaping up to be magnificent. Fresh, light on its feet and saline - surprisingly so - the 2018 dazzles with its energy and total class. This may be the single most elegant Chardonnay I have ever tasted from Pahlmeyer. All of the richness is there but bright lemon confit, white flowers, mint and tropical overtones all grace this exquisite Chardonnay. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. In 2018, Pahlmeyer will not bottle a Savoir-Faire selection; all of the best fruit is here."
96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Not yet bottled, the 2018 Chardonnay is a brilliant effort in the making, showing a rich, powerful, classic Pahlmeyer. Buttered citrus, toasted bread, honeysuckle, and brioche all flow to a full-bodied Chardonnay that has both richness and freshness."
95+ Points Robert Parker: "A tank sample to be bottled in December, the 2018 Chardonnay springs from the glass with vivacious pink grapefruit, white peach and lemon tart scents with touches of fresh ginger, orange blossoms, beeswax and shaved almonds. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers super-intense citrus flavors with loads of savory sparks and a satiny texture, finishing on a lingering ginger nut note.
$ 39.99
$ 49.95
93 Points - great buy
A classic Napa Cabernet from Freemark Abbey.
95 Points Decanter: "The estate known today as Freemark Abbey was established in 1886 by one of the first female wine-growers in Napa. Today Ted Edwards is head winemaker, working for the past three decades to develop relationships with growers, allowing exclusive sourcing rights to specific plots, which is crucial to the winery’s success. This wine has been aged for 28 months in a mixture of French and American oak. Powerful blackcurrant nose, with slightly charred oak. Very rich without being jammy, it packs a punch. An assertive and very youthful style, but good acidity and tannins mean this should go the distance. This is softly structured but with a good level of tannins. Violets and rose petals lead up to a lengthy finish. Great purity and clarity here."
93 Points James Suckling: "This shows hot stones, ash, undertones of citrus, slate and oyster shell. Lots of blue fruit on the palate with licorice character to define the full body, tight yet grippy tannins and fruity yet minerally finish. Drink in 2019."
Robert Parker: "...Freemark Abbey remains one of the legendary Napa Valley wineries. In spite of what many feared when it was acquired by the Jackson family of Kendall-Jackson, things have only gotten stronger and more consistent under their leadership, with the continuation of chief winemaker Ted Edwards. Since I have been tasting these wines over the last few years, this has been a consistent producer of high quality wines in both red and white. They have added a couple of new cuvées to the portfolio, but are still well-known for their non-malolactic style of Chardonnay."
$ 54.99
New! 95 Points
New Merlot from the folks at Caymus! Jenny Wagner, daughter of Caymus' Chuck Wagner, has introduced this outstanding Merlot from her new label Emmolo. One of the best Napa Valley Merlots we've discovered this year.
95 Points Brix26: "This is going to surprise you by being bigger than many Cabs in your cellar. This well-balanced and darkly colored wine evokes the scents of saddle leather, coffee and plum, with traces of smokiness amidst its rich fruit. Smooth with ripe flavors of plums, prunes and cocoa, balanced by acidity and a grippy tannin character. Fantastic.".
Jenny Wagner, Winemaker: "My goal for this wine was to create a well-balanced Merlot with superbly rich fruit,soft tannins and dark color. This first release exhibits aromas of mahogany smoke,leather and brown spice, while earthy flavors intertwine with caramelized plum and smooth tannins reminiscent of ground cocoa."
Sold Out
97 points - new release
Roederer Estate's special tête de cuvée, L'Ermitage, is a sparkling wine made only in exceptional years from pre-selected, estate-grown grapes. Carrying on the tradition of Champagne Louis Roederer in France, Roederer Estate produces its sparkling wines in the traditional French methode and adds special oak-aged reserve wines to each blend. L'Ermitage debuted with the 1989 vintage and is designed to be California's version of Roederer's "Cristal." Limited.
97 Points Wine Enthusiast "Cellar Selection": "Luxurious and layered, this nicely mature wine has a broad range of complex aromas and flavors, from fig to mushroom to butter and baking spices that ride a supple texture and linger for a long finish. The very fine bead, plush texture and a creamy richness that verges on sweetness are practically irresistible. Best through 2025."
95 Points Wine Spectator: "Extravagant, yet balanced and refined, with lush, crisp brioche, fresh ginger and spice, roasted hazelnut and Asian pear flavors that fan out on the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2020."
Wine & Spirits "BEST OF THE YEAR": "Roederer Estate's Brut is reliably open and delicious, this year's cuvée bursting with concentrated apple flavor. It's clean and dry with a long delicate finish enhanced by the barrel-aged reserve wines that winemaker Arnaud Weyrich blends in. Its bold flavors and vinous texture would be great with cracked crab."
$ 99.99
The latest newcomer to the Napa Valley Cult Cabernet scene! Limited.
Ghost Block vineyard is named in honor of Napa's pioneer winemakers who rest in a tiny 150 year old cemetery on the north edge of Yountville - the epicenter of Napa Valley. Graced with perfect drainage and sunny exposure, Ghost Block Vineyard is a jewel, 16 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, an heirloom, passed down through a single family for over 100 years. Coveted by celebrity winemakers, the fruit from this and nearby vineyards has been the cornerstone of many of Napa's "Cult Wines". The secret is out. Production is very limited.
2017 was a superb vintage. The vines reacted beautifully to the weather which allowed for full development and maturity. Explosive aromas of black cherry pie with hints of sweet chocolate. The underlining dry herbs and vanilla on the nose, lead into an enticing full, lush palate of mature plum, black cherry, and dark chocolate.Integrated throughout the wine is mouth-watering cranberry, and dense oak. This wine is delicious on release with round fine grained tannins; the perfect aging qualities. Each glass invites you to the next!
$ 59.99
New release
New release from Caymus! Limited.
previous vintage 93 Points Wine Spectator: "Dark and plush, this combines structure with polish, offering notes of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, grilled herb and toasty spice that linger toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2025."
Winemaker Chuck Wager: "A velvety purple with ruby-red highlights, the 2017 vintage of Grand Durif features an abundant one of dark plums and baked blueberries, woven with scents of lavender, white rose petals, sweet smoke and brown spice. Entry on the palate is smooth, yielding to a pop of high, luxurious tannins that then sneak back, revealing lush fruit flavors of dark berry cobbler. What gives this wine its singular character are the tannins - strong yet supple, pronounced while being strikingly soft. The finish is long, with warm, evocative notes of unsweetened cocoa. Still quite young, this vintage can be enjoyed now and also has tremendous aging potential."
~ Chuck Wagner
$ 29.99
Brand new Chardonnay release from the Prisoner Wine Co: introducing The Snitch Chardonnay.
Leave it to The Prisoner Wine Company to bottle such a provocative, bombastic Chardonnay from Oak Knoll and Carneros, blended with a touch of Roussanne. The Snitch Chardonnay is a big, roomy, and sweet-fruited, this has notes of grilled pineapple, yellow plum, and ripe figs, and it will pair beautifully with something simple but decadent.
$ 59.99
Exclusive new release from one of Napa Valley's finest producers. The Lewis Cellars 2018 Alec's Blend is a delicious blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Guaranteed to stain your teeth purple. Small-production.
previous vintage 94 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Alec’s Blend checks in as a blend of 61% Syrah, 38% Merlot, and the rest Petite Sirah. This deep ruby/purple-colored effort shines on all accounts and offers classy notes of blueberries, ripe black cherries, white flowers, graphite, and flowery, peppery spice. It’s medium to full-bodied, has beautiful richness and depth, yet stays lively, pure, and light on its feet. It’s a beautiful wine."
$ 129.99
New release - 97+ points
One of Napa Valley's most collectable Cabernets, order the fantastic new Far Niente 2017 Cabernet at a special new-release price.
previous vintage 97+ Points Robert Parker: "A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, the very deep purple-black colored Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Bottled prances out of the glass with gorgeous black cherries, molten chocolate, licorice and warm cassis scents plus underlying notions of candied violets, cigar box and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses great elegance and bags of poise with wonderfully ripe, plush tannins framing the perfumed black fruits, finishing very long and layered."
The wine combines select vineyards in Rutherford, Calistoga and St. Helena that complement our home in Oakville and embody our long-established house style. Cabernet has been a hallmark of Far Niente’s winemaking program beginning with its very first vintage in 1982. The marriage of these diverse vineyard sites has allowed us to craft our finest expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine exemplifies our nearly four decades of mastery in growing and making Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2018 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, blend is 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.8% Petit Verdot, 2.3% Cabernet Franc, .5% Merlot and .1% Malbec. The 2017 vintage was harvested between September 20 and October 27 and was aged in French oak (60% new, 40% once-used) for 16 months.
$ 49.99
95 points
A fantastic new Chiantico Classico from one of Italy's best producers, and an amazing buy for the price. Limited.
95 Points Robert Parker: "The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is immediately more inky and balsamic in terms of aromas. As soon as you lift the wine to your nose, you get pretty tones of blackberry, cassis, rosemary essence, licorice and a touch of medicinal herb. I love when Sangiovese produces those elegant aromas, and for that reason, this wine stands tall among the three single-vineyard expressions from Marco Pallanti and Castello di Ama. It shows fiber, richness and lasting structure with a very well-managed quality of tannins."
95 Points James Suckling: "What first strikes you about the nose is that it offers one of the purest fruit expressions of all the Gran Seleziones. Blackcurrants, orange and lemon rind, brambleberries, heather, sage, thyme and blackberry leaves are all a feature. The tannins are steely, and the flavors are so savory. The fruit is carried through to the long, chewy finish by the highly refreshing acidity. Drink in 2020."
91 Points Wine Spectator: "Shows fine purity to the cherry, strawberry and leather notes, with a hint of licorice. Ripe, sweet fruit and a juicy texture collide as this plays out on the long finish. Drink now through 2025."