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California Red Wines
Shebang Tenth Cuvee Red Blend, Sonoma Valley
$ 12.99
A fantastic red from Bedrock winemaker Morgan-Twain Peterson, one of the hottest young winemakers in California.
90 Points Robert Parker "Best Buy": "A Mediterranean blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, Alicante Bouchet, Syrah and assorted mixed blacks fermented with native yeasts and aged in primarily neutral containers (15% in new French oak), it is a California version of a high-class Cotes du Rhone. Lots of berry fruit intermixed with lavender, pepper and meaty black cherry and black currant flavors emerge from this satisfying, round, expansive, generous red. An outstanding, killer value that should provide pleasure over the next 1-2 years. If there is a better value in California wine, I would like to know about it."
....Morgan Twain-Peterson is one of the most impressive young winemakers I have ever met, and it’s not just because he grew up the son of a famous producer. Making wines at this level requires talent, passion, hard work and a great palate, none of which is easily inherited. Along with Mike Officer of Carlisle, Twain-Peterson is on a mission to rediscover what he calls California’s old-vine “heritage” vineyards. These historic sites planted by California’s early immigrants, often home to unknown field blends, remain some of the most fascinating vineyards in California. Officer and Twain-Peterson were tired of seeing these old sites gobbled up by industrial-scale wineries, so they decided to do something about it. Bravo."
Orin Swift Locations F-4
$ 16.99
Introducing Orin Swift's delicious new red from France: Locations "F"!
F-4 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.
Orin Swift 2011 Locations "I"
$ 16.99
Introducing Orin Swift's delicious new red from Italy: Locations "I"!
2011 marks the first vintage of Orin Swift's Italian Red Wine made from the finest varietals and locations throughout Italy: a blend of Negroamaro, Nero D'Avolo, Barbera and native varietals from Puglia 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: Revealing an attractive color spectrum of crimson and scarlet with a slight magenta band on the rim, the wine explodes. with aromas of macerated raspberries, dried lavender, plum tart, and toasty accents. The palate is imediately hit with super lush flavors of lush berries and spice, supported with a dense core that has just the right amount of characteristic acidity. The tannins are already velvety and soft which provide for a lingering finish with hints of minerality and some herbal notes.
Orin Swift Locations E-4
$ 16.99
Introducing Orin Swift's delicious new red from Spain: Locations "E"!
The E-4 marks the fourth release of Orin Swift's Spanish Red Wine made from the finest varietals and locations throughout Spain. Grenache from Priorat and Rioja, Tempranillo from Rioja and Carignan from Ribero del Duero. 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!
The wine has a vibrant ruby color with a scarletband on the rim. The aromas take a minute to awaken, then take off into a blend of ripe boysenberry, stone fruit, warm spice, and a hint of oak. A rich entry leads to a robust and savory mid palette that is intense and concentrated with a persistent finish of ripe, soft tannins. Extremely well-balanced, the wine is ready to open and drink now. Sante!
Borra 2012 Fusion Red Blend, Lodi
$ 18.99
This may be the best red wine under $20 we've discovered this year. A blockbuster delicious blend of Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot and Zinfandel from Borra's Gill Creek Ranch in Lodi. Fans of The Prisoner will instantly love this wine.
Deep rich color, with a purple edge. Powerful aroma of ripe fruits, including berries and plums, with delicate notes of vanilla. Big and rich on the palate, the wine combines softer tannins with a long and luscious finish. Ideal with roasted meats, wild game, or richer stews and pastas.
Buehler 2011 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
$ 18.99
A perennial best buy in Napa Valley Zinfandel!
Beuhler 2011 Napa Valley Zinfandel is a mix of their estate vineyards and grapes from other select Napa Valley high quality, low-yielding vineyards. Dry-farmed for over 23 years, the 4.5 acre estate block consists of mature thirty-eight year old vines which typically give around 2.5 tons/acre of beautiful hillside Zinfandel fruit. Interspersed among the head-trained vines are a handful of Petite Sirah vines representing perhaps 5% of the total vines in this block. A traditional field companion to Zinfandel in pre-prohibition California vineyards, Petite Sirah contributes pepper, color, and tannin structure to the wine.
Klinker Brick 2014 Old Vines Zinfandel, Lodi
$ 19.00
One of the best value boutique Zinfandels in California! An intense, fruit-filled wine you expect to cost at least twice as much. If you have yet to try a Zin from Lodi, this is the one!
The Klinker Brick 2014 Old Vines Zinfandel is produced from an amalgam of 14 different vineyard blocks, ranging in age from 35 to 110 years old. This vintage saw lower yields than 2005, producing a wine that is both complex and bold. Showing typical Klinker Brick cherry/berry/plum fruit components with aromatic spices on the nose, this wine is incredibly well balanced with a silky smooth texture and a long lingering finish. One of their best!
75 Wine Company "The Sum" 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 19.99
The Seventy Five Wine Co. "The Sum" Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a fantastic $20 discovery in California Cabernet from the Beckstoffers who are synonmous with managing some of Napa Valley's most famous vineyards. Don't miss!
This amazingly well endowed profoundly rich red wine must be smelled and tasted to be believed. The color is a rich, deep purple garnet and gives but a small hint as to what’s inside. The nose gives off soaring and wonderfully focused aromas of ripe stone fruit, vanilla, cherries, cedar cigar box, blackberries and cinnamon. In the mouth, there are layers upon layers of broad, sweet opulent fruit balanced by firm tannins, great acidity and oak. This wine truly showcases the potential of blending and is a must have.
JaM 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 19.99
It's back! One of our fastest-selling $20 Cabernets has returned with a killer new vintage. Don't miss.
Our goal was to apply small lot high end winemaking practices in the production of this wine. To that end the Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel were all harvested in mid to late September at 25.5-26.5 brix to ensure optimal ripeness. The fermentation was managed for maximum fruit extraction and to develop velvety tannins. The resulting wine is an amazingly rich and exceptionally smooth Cabernet Sauvignon. True to it’s name, the wine is full of rich fruit flavors blended with a nice dollop of oak.
Seventy Five Wine Co. 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 19.99
The Seventy Five Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic $20 discovery in California Cabernet from the Beckstoffers who are synonmous with managing some of Napa Valley's most famous vineyards - this is their first wine from the up-and-coming Lake County area north of Napa. Don't miss!
The Seventy Five 2013 Cabernet is a blend of vineyards from Lake and Napa Counties. We find these diverse, high quality vineyards to compliment one another perfectly. The high altitude rocky vineyard sites in Lake County deliver angularity, complexity and austerity while the Napa Valley fruit provides deep concentration and focus. This wine is dense and tremendously focused, with a wonderful nose and palate of cedar, blueberry, saddle leather and white pepper. The finish showcases a perfect balance of acid, tannin and sweet toasted oak. Meticulous, detail oriented winemaking and complete attention to detail has produced a wine of tremendous presence and complexity that must be tasted to be believed.
Brix26 Inside Scoop: Since the inaugural vintage a few years ao, the Seventy Five Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon continues to be our most highly recommended $20 Cabernet on the site.
Steltzner 2013 Stag's Leap Claret, Napa Valley
$ 19.99
The Steltzner Claret is one of our best Cabernet discoveries under $20! You will think you are drinking a Stag's Leap Cabernet at twice the price.
Steltzner Vineyards 2013 Claret Napa Valley is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Their approach is to blend a wine that is as complex as it is drinkable-exciting enough for a special occasion, and smooth enough for every day. It is intended to be enjoyed with good food, good friends, and good cheer. An amazing Cabernet blend from Napa Valley's Stag's Leap District.
Twenty Bench 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 19.99
Don't miss this incredible value Cabernet produced by Regusci. Unlike their estate in Stag's Leap Cab, the Twenty Bench Cabernet sells for a song. An amazing value that tastes like it should cost 3 times the price.
The Twenty Bench 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon has concentrated currant fruit with undertones of cassis dominate the palate of the wine. Combined with its blackberry centered nose, French oak spice, and American oak lushness, this is one steal of a Cabernet.
Beckmen 2013 Cuvee Le Bec, Santa Barbara
$ 19.99
One of our favorite $20 red wine discoveries of the year! A delicious, juicy red blend that should be your house red.
Robert Parker: "One of the finest values in the Central Coast is their Cuvee Le Bec, a blend of 44% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, and 8% Counoise, is one of the two great Cotes du Rhone look-alikes of the Central Coast. This is the type of wine that California can do so well, but rarely does. Part of the reason may be due to the difficulty of trying to convince consumers that a proprietary blend, available at a much lower price, can ultimately be better than some single varietal wines. The super Cuvee Le Bec is a sexy, delicious concoction of red and black cherries, black currants, pepper, spice box, and fruitcake. Medium to full-bodied and pure with supple tannins and a fleshy, lush personality, it will provide immense pleasure over the next 3-4 years...This winery, which has extensive holdings on one of Santa Ynez’s finest viticulture sites, Purisima Mountain, continues to build on an already impressive resume of wines. Kudos to Beckmen Vineyards for offering top-notch quality as well as plenty of enticing bargains."
Orin Swift Locations CA-4 California
$ 19.99
Introducing Orin Swift's delicious new red from California Locations "CA"!
2014 marks the fourth vintage of Orin Swift's Red made from the finest varietals and locations throughout California, called CA-4. California is a country unto itself and fittingly, an appropriate addition to the Locations family. Regions such as Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and the Sierra Foothills contributed to the wine. They come together to form yet another delicious red blend from this cult producer of The Prisoner red. A blend of Tempranillo, Barbera, Peite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. 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.
Tait 2012 "The Ball Buster" Proprietary Red, Barossa Valley
$ 19.99
New release of the Shiraz blend from Australia that's gaining a cult-like following! Get the new release before the ratings come out!
previous vintage 92 points Robert Parker: "The Ball Buster blend has been an annual Best Buy and, even at the current asking price, it is an awesome value (at least for hedonists). It is composed of 72% Shiraz, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Merlot aged for 12 months in seasoned French and American oak. Opaque purple-colored, it has a nose of cedar, leather, spice box, and blueberry that leaps from the glass. This is followed by a plush, full-bodied wine with gobs of flavor and superior length. This easy-to-understand effort defines the meaning of over-delivering and will do so for another four years."
Upside 2014 Remedy Red, Central Coast
$ 19.99
A phenomenal red blend we highly recommend. Upside is a new line of wines from A.P. Vin proprietor Andrew Vingiello. A mix of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Counoise, this should be your new "house red."
Parcel 41 2013 Merlot, Napa Valley
$ 20.00
A fantastic value in Napa Valley Merlot.
From the folks that brought you Twenty Bench Cabernet and owners of Napa Valley's Regusci Winery, the trio of Jim Gill, James Harder and Jim Regusci are proud to introduce Parcel 41 Merlot Napa Valley and they are going to change the way you think about Merlot. "Merlot is a grape that is very expressive of the terroir," says partner Jim Regusci. "It has to be planted in the right location and when it is, it can be every bit as complex and flavorful as Cabernet."
Field Recordings 2013 'Neverland' Cabernet Sauvigon, Santa Barbara
$ 22.00
Always on the lookout for great Cabernet bargains, we found a winner in this Santa Barbara gem. Highly recommended for everyday drinking.
Tasting Notes: Layered with notes of black currant, spearmint, bacon and smoked cedar planks, this wine seems to change almost by the second. It is plush, both in aromatics and in mouth-feel, with blueberry, violets, kirsch and creme de cassis joining notes of tobacco and cola. A truly Californian Claret.
About: Field Recordings is the moonlighting side project for up-and-coming young winemaker Andrew Jones, whose days are taken up with his job as a vine nursery field operative. Fortunately, his job takes Jones to vineyards all over California, where he helps growers decide the best grapes and clones to plant. Jones leverages his expertise, access and connections to buy choice fruit from treasured sites, especially in California’s Central Coast. In 2013, a perfect growing season and a little luck meant that Jones was able to pick the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot for this wine at the same time and ferment them together. Petit Verdot is a traditional blending grape in Bordeaux, where it’s used to add inky color and fragrance to wines based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s rare that it ripens at the same time as Cabernet; usually the grapes are picked and fermented separately and then blended before aging. The fruit comes from the Grassini Vineyard, located in the tiny Happy Canyon wine region. Located on the eastern edge of Santa Barbara County, Happy Canyon’s relatively warm days make it a top spot for Bordeaux grapes.
Orin Swift 2014 "Shatter" Grenache
$ 22.00
Shatter is a delicious collaboration between Dave Phinney (Orin Swift Cellars) and Joel Gott. Highly recommended.
Shatter comes from the small town of Maury in the Roussillon region of France. The hillside grenache vines were planted over 60 years ago in black schist, a slate-like, rocky soil common to the area. Though nutrient-poor, it retains heat well, allowing the slow-ripening grenache to reach full maturity through cool nights. Tough soil, strong winds and hot days push the vines and cause shatter, or coulure, in the grape clusters, naturally thinning fruit from the vines and producing more intensely concentrated flavors. After harvest, the fruit was cold-soaked for 30 days to help further concentrate the wine, then fermented and aged at Dave's winery in Maury.
previous vintage 92 Points Robert Parker: "A collaboration between Napa's Joel Gott and Dave Phinney, the semi-opaque Cotes Catalanes Grenache is a smoking blend of 100% Grenache that comes from the singular, black schist soils located around the village of Maury, in the Agly Valley in the Roussillon. Aged in French oak (a small part being new) and hitting 15.6% natural alcohol, this sexy, full-bodied, pedal-to-the-metal effort bears plenty of resemblance to the old-vine, 100% Grenache efforts coming from Chateauneuf du Pape. Kirsch liqueur, blackberry, toasted spice, garrigue and hints of vanilla bean all flow nicely to a seamless, silky, yet decadently styled red that has fine tannin, and a blockbuster, heady finish. It will certainly not appease those looking for lightweight aromas and flavors, but count me a fan. The oak is still present, so give it a year in bottle; it will drink nicely for another 5-6 years."
Five Vintners 2013 Zinfandel, California
$ 22.00
Rockpile fruit help make Five Vintners of the best new California Zinfandels available. Grab this great small-produciton Zin while it lasts - Only 940 cases produced!
Five Vintner's Krisi Raymond of Napa's Raymond Family has struck out on her own with this fantastic new lablel. This Zinfandel blends some of the best fruit from Napa Valley and Sonoma. 42% comes from the Nichelini Vineyards in the Pope-Chiles area of Napa, 30% from Mauritson Vineyards in Dry Creek and 20% from their Rockpile Vineyard. 8% of the blend is made up of Syrah from Truchard Vineyards in Carneros. One of our best under $25 Zinfandel discoveries!
Domaine La Colliere 2011 Rasteau
$ 22.99
A fantastic small-production steal from France's Rhone Valley. An 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah blend. Highly recommended while we still have it.
90 Points Wine Spectator: "Very fleshy and silky in feel, with lovely crushed plum, anise and blackberry coulis notes gliding through the apple wood-framed finish. Drink now through 2014. 280 cases imported."
...This unheralded estate is making fabulous wines from their 62 acres of vines spread throughout Rasteau and the surrounding Cotes du Rhone appellation. Proprietor Georges Perot utilizes the services of the enormously talented Philippe Cambie, and, as one might expect, these are full-flavored, wonderfully pure, complex wines that respect their appellation."
Caymus 2014 Conundrum Red Blend
$ 22.99
New Conundrum Red from the folks at Caymus now available! The 2014 is the 25th Anniversary Edition!
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.
This dark red wine 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.
Jelly Jar 2014 Old Vine Zinfandel, Lake County
$ 23.99
The Jelly Jar 2014 Old-Vine Zinfandel Lake County is a fantastic value in tasty California Zin - a new discovery for us, this small-production Zin has quickly become our favorite "house wine!"
Andy and Shannon Pestoni's wine brand, Jelly Jar, gets back to the idea that great wine wasn't always served in fancy crystal glasses (or made in posh winegrowing communities). Dry-farmed, head-trained, volcanic, single-vineyard wines from Lake County are what they're about. The Nova Vineyard Zin captures these ideals into a delicious wine with a vibrant perfume of plum, berries and mocha tones with hints of oak that explode on the palate. Flavors of blackberry jam, cinnamon and black pepper mean a wine full of character that's rich and robust with supple tannins and a long, spicy finish.
Seghesio 2015 Sonoma County Zinfandel
$ 23.99
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."
Martella 2011 Hammer Syrah, California
$ 24.00
A fantastic small-production Syrah that we highly recommend.
“Hammer” translates to “Martella” in Italian, and Martella has nailed this popular variety once again, this time using three vineyard sources in a unique blending of different terroirs. Two of the vineyards are long-time favorites of Michael, Camel Hill in the Santa Cruz Mountains for lush, rich earthy tones and Fairbairn Ranch in Mendocino County for bright red fruit character and structure. The newbie to the offering is a Carneros (Sonoma County) vineyard, adding a note of white pepper and spice to the blend. It is a big, rowdy wine with ripe fruit on the nose, and a sweet smooth richness that always seems to define Hammer Syrah.
An intoxicating bouquet of bright ripe fruit, white pepper and a slight sense of cigar box leads your nose deep into the glass for more. The wine is very balanced and sophisticated; fruit, tannins and acid are all in perfect harmony with each other making this a deliciously smooth and well-rounded wine to drink.
Girard 2014 Old Vines Zinfandel, Napa Valley
$ 24.00
A fantastic value in Old Vines Napa Valley Zin! The Girard 2014 Old Vines Zinfandel Napa Valley is a blend of 76% Zinfandel and 24% Petite Sirah. Sourcecd from mountain vineyards that provide a rich flavor extraction, fruit-forward palate and wonderful layers of complexity from multiple soil types. One of our favorite Napa Zins under $30!
90 Points Wine Spectator: "Loaded with ripe, jammy fruit, this has just enough structure to stay light-footed, with black cherry, toasty oak and spice aromas. Drink now through 2019."
Neal Family Vineyards 2011 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
$ 24.00
A delicious new Zinfandel from Neal Family Vineyards - don't miss this opportunity to try this beauty before it sells out.
Lovely aromas of berries with hints of spice, and a rich, sweet oak give this wine a complex character. A sweet berry pie fruit flavor, a touch of pepper and a mouth-coating richness make this our biggest Zinfandel to date. Vanilla and cherry cream flavors, dried fruit and chocolate covered cherry notes accompany a big, velvety tannin texture and long finish.
Sean Thackrey "Pleiades XIV" Old Vine Red Blend
$ 24.99
New release of a California classic from the iconoclastic Sean Thackrey. The Pleiades might be the only super allocated, cult California wine for under $25, and it always sells out quickly.
92 points Wine Enthusiast "Editors' Choice": "How many ways can you say delicious? It’s impossible to exaggerate how appealing this light-hearted wine is. It’s vibrant with candied raspberries, pomegranates, orange zest, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon spice flavors, yet finishes dry and clean. The blend includes Sangiovese, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre."
If you try to find the exact varietals in this always-fantastic red blend, you might find yourself gazing up at the heavens for an answer, since you won't get one from the winemaker. From "One of California's most iconic and mystical winemakers," says Robert Parker, "Sean Thackrey has logged in 20 or more vintages of consistently stunning wines that perhaps say it all with the simple quote on his label: -Sean A. Thackrey, Vintner, Bolinas, California.
Twenty Rows 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 24.99
The new Twenty Rows 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic value in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a highly recommended new release. A great discovery, this Cab has a richness and elegance that is rare to find at this price.
The secret on this one? This is a new label from Napa Valley producer Vinoce Cellars, know for their $60 Cabernets so this wine has fantastic pedigree! Sourced from Diamond Mountain and Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Chosen #1 by Food & Wine Magazine
Tasting Notes: Beautiful color with penetrating aromas that begin with a presence of black currant, graphite, hints of earth and undertones of espresso. Bright yet plush, with black cherry, blackberry, currant, licorice, chocolate and smoke flavors, all neatly layered for complexity. Firm, solid tannins provide good structure, weight and a great mid-palate grip. Long finish rounds out this wine.
Twenty Rows 2012 Merlot, Napa Valley
$ 24.99
The new Twenty Rows Merlot is a fantastic value in Napa Valley Merlot and a highly recommended new release. A great new discovery for us, this Merlot has a richness and elegance that is rare to find at this price.
The secret on this one? This is a new label from Napa Valley producer Vinoce Cellars, know for their $60 Cabernets so this wine has fantastic pedigree! Sourced from Diamond Mountain and Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Chosen #1 by Food & Wine Magazine, October 2006.
Tasting Notes: This is a is a big dense wine with layers of cherry, blackberry plum & mocha with a hint of tobacco. Well balanced with exceptional length on the finish.
95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Atrea 2013 Old Soul Red, Mendocino
$ 24.99
A fantastic new Zinfandel blend! David Ramey is consulting winemaker for this new discovery reminds us of one our most popular wines, Orin Swift's The Prisoner. A fantastic value.
The Atrea Old Soul (a blend of 59% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Syrah, 14% Syrah and 7% Malbec) is sensational. This is a bistro wine on steroids. Deep ruby/plum-colored with sweet kirsch notes intermixed with licorice, pepper, and background toast, the wine is medium to full-bodied, fleshy, and displays vibrant, juicy, even succulent fruit, a nicely layered texture, and a crisp finish with light tannins. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Attractive wines are emerging from this Mendocino County winery, where none other than David Ramey is their consulting winemaker.
Barrel 27 2012 Head Honch Syrah, Central Coast
$ 24.99
phenomenal value
A great new discovery from one of the best producers in the Central Coast. Hurry!
90 Points Robert Parker: "The Head Honcho is a blend of 100% Syrah that was aged 22 months in 40% new French oak. It’s another serious wine from McPrice that offers beautiful purity in its black raspberry, cracked pepper corns, sappy herb and charcoal styled bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, structured and with solid mid-palate depth, give this another year in the cellar and drink it through 2021...McPrice Myers continues to fashion character-filled, high-quality, yet value-priced wines under his Barrel 27 label. California needs more of these kinds of wines in the marketplace."
Chateau Puech-Haut 2011 Prestige, Coteaux de Languedoc
$ 24.99
A phenomenal value discovery from France's Languedoc region. A delicious blend of Grenache and Syrah. Hurry while our small allocation lasts.
91 Points Robert Parker: "A sensational offering from proprietor Gerard Bru, the 2011 Prestige is the estate’s least expensive wine. Readers may remember the fabulous review the 2010 Prestige received, and the 2011 is just as special. With Bru’s top Reserve wine selling for nearly $100 a bottle, the Prestige cuvee is an outstanding value. Interestingly, Bru has had three of the greatest winemaking consultants on Planet Earth working for him, first Michel Rolland, followed by Claude Gros and now Philippe Cambie. A blend of 60-75-year-old vine Grenache (55%) and 40-year old Syrah (45%), all grown on limestone soils dominated by the famous large rocks (galets roules) also found in parts of Chateauneuf du Pape. The wine is aged in concrete tanks prior to being bottled unfiltered. Some of the vineyards are farmed organically and others biodynamically. The wine exhibits a tremendous perfume of sweet raspberries, spring flowers, forest floor, truffles and lavender as well as a beautiful texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel, stunning velvety tannins and purity, and a long finish. This is the “real deal.” Drink it over the next 4-6 years."
Pecchenino 2015 Dolcetto di Dolgliani San Luigi, Italy
$ 24.99
The Pecchenino Dolcetto di Dogliani San Luigi is his flagship bottling that James Suckling calls ‘one of the best Dolcettos around.’ More structure and volume, but a sleek, slippery texture, this simply takes the genre up a couple of notches.
90 point Wine Spectator: "Black cherry, boysenberry and violet candy flavors mark this pretty, juicy red. Shows excellent purity and intensity, with the emphasis on the fruit. Drink now.."
James Suckling: "A wine with a balance of spices and dark fruits with firm yet polished tannins. Muscular but agile. One of the best Dolcettos around."
St. Cosme 2013 Cotes du Rhones "Les Deux Albion", France
$ 24.99
St Cosme is one of the Rhone Valley's hot up-and-coming producers. The Fantastic "Les Deux Albion" is basically declassified Gigondas at a fraction of the price. Dont miss.
90 points Robert Parker: "The 2013 Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albions is 50-60% Syrah and the rest Grenache and other permitted varieties. It exhibits classic Syrah character with its sweet dark fruits, pepper, wood smoke and crushed rock-like minerality. Medium to full-bodied, it bucks the vintage stereotype and has a rounded, supple texture, good concentration and plenty of length. Possibly outstanding, it should have a decade of longevity."
Bedrock 2015 Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma
$ 24.99
An amazing value
Bedrock Winery is producing some of the most exciting new releases we've tasted in California and the Bedrock 2015 Old Vines Zinfandel is a fantastic wine and unbeatable value.
93 Points Wine Spectator: "Rich and supple, this is an explosion of pure, decadent fruit. Floral huckleberry and Chinese five-spice powder aromas open to layered blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice flavors that linger. Drink now through 2026."
Robert Parker: "The Old Vines Zinfandel is an outstanding, full-throttle wine with a Mediterranean personality, with loads of Provençal herbs, briary black raspberry and black cherry fruits, dusty loaminess, a lush, full-bodied mouthfeel and dark ruby/purple-tinged color. Drink it over the next 3-4 years."
A blend of legendary Sonoma County vineyards dating back to the 1880s, Morgon-Peterson's old vines zin makes a strong case for the best overall Zinfandel available today. It delivers the exuberance we expect of this generous grape, but transcends any superficial tendencies with a layer or three of earth, tannin, baking spices, and tip-top French oak treatment. A Zin that benefits from a few years in the cellar to develop gravitas and wow factor, but truly drinks great right out of the gates. Bedrock Zinfandels are the best in the business (the single vineyard bottlings are now uber-allocated). This is your chance to drink Bedrock Zin all the time. Delicious but limited - hurry.
Beran 2012 Zinfandel, California
$ 24.99
Inaugural vintage from Joe Wagner, youngest son of Chuck Wagner, who founded Caymus Vineyards with his parents, Charlie and Lorna Wagner.
Mas Alta 2014 'Black Slate" La Vilella Alta, Priorat
$ 24.99
One of the best buys from Spain we've discovered. Limited.
previous vintage 95 points Robert Parker: "This is a joint venture between famed Rhône négociant Michel Tardieu, his oenologist Philippe Cambie and importer Eric Solomon. From the area of Priorat known as the Vilella Alta, these are high-density vineyards planted more than 1,000 feet above sea level. The vines average between 15 to 60 years old. The final blend of the Black Slate is 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all aged for one year in French oak (60% new and 40% one-year-old). The color is inky/bluish/purple. The wine offers up notes of blueberry and blackberry liqueur mixed with wet rocks, spring flowers and graphite, followed by a full-bodied, dense, multidimensional wine with fabulous intensity, loads of burgeoning complexity and a precise and lush feel to the palate. Tannins are present, but silky and well-integrated. This is a seamless, beautifully made wine that sells for a song, considering the quality and complexity it possess. Drink over the next 5-8 years."
Bodegas Mas Alta is a joint project with renowned Rhonenegociant and winemaker, Michel Tardieu, and noted Frenchenologist, Philippe Cambie. It is located in the middle of D.O.C.Priorat, based in the village of Vilella Alta. The estate vineyardsare high density plantings at approximately 1050 feet above sealevel, in front of Serra del Montsant, a mountain range thatreaches 3300 feet. Very steep and abrupt, the altitude,inclination, and slopes make a decisive influence on grape'smaturity. The vineyards of La Viella Alta are situated on steepslopes of slates alongside of what once was the river ofEscaladei. The heat of south-facing vineyards combing with thecooler north-facing parcels to create a well-balanced wine withripe fruit and softness.
Others 2014 Proprietary Red, Côtes Catalanes
$ 24.99
New release!
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
Twenty Rows 2013 'The Grappler' Zinfandel, California
$ 24.99
The new Twenty Rows 2013 The Grappler is a fantastic value in Napa Valley Zin blend and a highly recommended new release. 75% Zinfandel, 5% Syrah 5% Petit Verdot, 3 % Cabernet Franc and 2% Grenache.
The secret on this one? This is a new label from Napa Valley producer Vinoce Cellars, know for their $60 Cabernets so this wine has fantastic pedigree! Sourced from Diamond Mountain and Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Chosen #1 by Food & Wine Magazine
Tasting Notes: Beautiful color with penetrating aromas that begin with a presence of black currant, graphite, hints of earth and undertones of espresso. Bright yet plush, with black cherry, blackberry, currant, licorice, chocolate and smoke flavors, all neatly layered for complexity. Firm, solid tannins provide good structure, weight and a great mid-palate grip. Long finish rounds out this wine.
Spicerack Vineyards 2012 "Punchdown" Syrah, Sonoma Coast
$ 25.00
One of the best small-production Syrah's we've found at this price all year. Spicerack owners Jonathan and Susan Pey have crafted a real winner - deep, dark and delicious, try it while its still available.
"Exceptional. Blue and red berry fruit, elegant entry, perfectly honed tannins, and no new oak to contend with the superb cool-climate fruit. Another Pey wine of true style and potential." - Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences
"As pioneers in Marin County Riesling, Susan and Jonathan Pey thrive on the wine road less traveled. After an impressive Paso Robles Syrah last year, they turned their attention north. This new effort hails from two Sonoma Coast vineyards, including the site where David Ramey sources his Syrah. Now for the twist: The wine all went into neutral barrels, with the result a lean, focused Syrah that's hinged on savory pepper and tart berry, and no oak to speak of. At just over 13 percent alcohol, it's a rare breed for California Syrah, with bright fruit taking center stage." - San Francisco Chronicle, April 4, 2008
D-Cubed 2012 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
$ 25.00
Another beautiful Napa Zinfanel from D-Cubed Cellars. Sourced from some of Napa's best Zin vineyards including Howell Mt. and the Chiles Valley vineyard where the owner also makes Brown Estate Zinfandel.
92 points Wine & Spirits "Best Buy": "Supple and elegant in its black and red cherry flavors, this wine's tannins layer herbal and chocolate scents into the fruit. Those tannins are round but potent, with a mouthwatering mineral character that gains dimension as the wine broadens with air. This will benefit from several years in the cellar, or from long decanting before dinner with roast lamb. "
91 points Wine Spectator: "Sleek and jammy, offering bright black raspberry and smoky pepper aromas, with layered flavors of briary cherry and toasty anise. Drink now through 2016. 936 cases made. "
Tensley 2014 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
$ 25.99
A blockbuster new Syrah from Joe Tensley, one of the Santa Barbara region's leading Syrah producers. Try this gem before it's gone.
previous vintage 93 Points Robert Parker: "Starting off the 2013s and the first vintage, the 2013 Syrah Tensley Vineyard comes from the newly planted (4th leaf fruit) vineyard planted around Tensley’s house. Showing notions of smoked beef, leather and licorice to go with a core of plum and currant fruit, this full-bodied, deep and textured effort will drink nicely on release and over the following 5-7 years, possibly longer."
Martella 2012 Fiddletown Zinfandel
$ 26.00
A fantastic tiny -production Zinfandel from the famed Sierra Foothils Zin country. Michael Martella is the winemake at Thomas Fogarty winery and in his spare time hand-produces small batches of his own wines.
Big, rich and spicy, the Martella 2008 Fiddletown Zinfandel is a true Zin-lovers wine - dont miss it before it dissapears. Only 275 cases produced.
Ridge 2013 Three Valleys Zinfandel, Sonoma
$ 26.00
Another fantastic Three Valleys from Ridge and one of the best Zinfandel values anywhere!
"Three Valleys" is the proprietary name for the only Ridge wine blended from multiple vineyard sites. They select softer, more accessible lots from their single vineyards and, taking the role of winemaker literally, create a character they find most appealing. Younger vines from Lytton Estate provided most of the fruit; older vines on five small Alexander Valley vineyards and one Russian River vineyard make up the rest. This sixth vintage of Three Valleys contains the highest percentage of zinfandel to date. Sensuous structure and rich fruit give the wine immediate appeal; it will bemost enjoyable over the next five years.
91 Points Wine Enthusiast "Editor's Choice: "This bottling defines such a style. It's dry and lithe in the mouth yet gently tannic, with suggestions of berry jam, bacon, grilled mushrooms and hints of balsamic and soy sauce."
80% ZINFANDEL, 10% PETITE SIRAH, 5% CARIGNANE, 5% GRENACHE
Buehler 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 26.99
An excellent value in Napa Valley Cabernet!
Robert Parker: "One of the great values in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon year-in, year-out is Buehler Vineyards. The Cabernet Sauvignon is dense ruby/purple with loads of cassis and spice box. The wine is beautifully pure, luscious, round, juicy and sexy. Drink it over the next 5-7 years, although I suspect it will keep longer. Wines like this are few and far between -- sadly -- in Napa Valley."
Comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Beuhler Vineyards 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet is crafted from grapes grown on Buehler's estate hillside vineyards along with grapes from other mature, high-quality, low-yielding Napa Valley cabernet vineyards located on the valley floor. The resulting blend produces a wine that displays a broad spectrum of aromas, flavors, and textures that Cabernet can show in the Napa Valley.
Owen Roe 2015 Sinister Hand, Columbia Valley
$ 26.99
A delicious red blend one one of Washington State's most innovative wineries.
The primary source for this intense and lovely wine is Dr. Steve Elerding's vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, where the proximity of the Columbia River is a vital part of the success of these traditional Rhone varietals. This wine is very dark with ripe stone fruit flavors, pepper and an excellent texture. The blend is 62% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre.
Ottimino 2013 Ottimino Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
$ 26.99
One of our favorite small-production California Zins. Highly recommended.
The Ottimino 2013 Ottimino Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley has intense aromas of blueberry, orange rind, and ripe raspberry aromas are laced with hints of white pepper bolstered by well-integrated notes of French oak. The palate entry has ample fruit, with bramble and ripe raspberry at its core. Balanced tannins support a great depth and concentration of flavor, making this Zinfandel an excellent wine to pair with your favorite dishes.
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