Contact A Wine Expert: info@brix26.com | 866.427.4926
brix26
Best Boutique California Syrahs Mixed Case
$ 439.00
We're huge fans of California Syrah. We tasted through dozens of small-producers and hand-selected our favorites for this mixed case. A must for any Syrah lover. 10% case discount already built into price.
Each 12-pack includes 2 bottles each of the following wines:
- Melville 2015 Estate Syrah Sta Rita Hills ($34.99) Fantastic - 93 points.
- Ojai 2016 Roll Ranch Syrah ($46) 95 pts - one of our favorite every year
- Kale 2014 Kick Ranch 'Home Run Cuvee' Sonoma ($48.99) Pahlmeyer winemaker
- Herman Story 2016 Nuts & Bolts Syrah Central Coast ($46.99) 94 pts
- Jaffurs 2016 Syrah Santa Barbara County ($29) Fantastic buy
- Four Cairn 2015 Syrah, Napa Valley ($39.99) Great boutique producer
Best Boutique California Zinfandels Mixed Case
$ 439.99
Zinfandel is California's unique varietal and its a great time to be a Zin lover. We tasted through dozens of small-producers and hand-selected our favorites for this mixed case. A must for any Zin-fantatic! 10% case discount already built into price.
Each 12-pack includes 2 bottles each of the following wines:
- Old Ghost 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel, Napa Valley ($39) A scary delicious zin with a rabid cult following.
- Gamba 2019 Old Vines Zinfandel, Russian River Valley ($45) One of California's best undiscovered Zin producers
- Macauley 2018 Old Vines Zinfandel Napa Valley ($53) One of our favorite small Zin producers in California
- Frank Family 2018 Zinfandel, Napa Valley ($36) One of our favorite new producers and a best buy.
- Hendry 2017 Block 7 & 22 Zinfandel, Napa Valley ($35) 96 points
- Bedrock 2020 Evanghelho Vineyard Zinfandel, Contra Costa ($36) Another stunning Zinfandel from Bedrock and California's heirloom vineyards.
Best Boutique European Reds - 12-Pack
$ 359.99
We've scoured the European continent in the search of great buys, tasting through dozens of small-producers and hand-selected our favorites for this mixed case. A great way to try our current red discioveries from France, Italy, Spain and Portugal! 10% discount already built into price.
Each 12-pack includes 2 bottles each of the following wines:
- Domaine Jerome Gradassi 2018 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France ($49.99) An exclusive
- Descendientes de J. Palacios 2019 'Petalos' de Bierzo, Spain ($19.99) A beautiful red from Spain
- St Cosme 2018 Cotes du Rhone "Les Deux Albions" France ($24.99) 92 Parker - from one of the Rhone's finest producers
- Quinta do Crasto 2016 Riserva Old Vines Red, Duoro (Portugal) ($41.99) 93 Points - From one of Portugal's top wineries
- Arbalest 2016 Red Bordeaux, France - ($19.99) - a smoking buy
- Black Slate 2018 La Conreria D'Scala Dei Escaladei, Spain - ($23) - 93 point Spanish Best Buy
Best Boutique Napa Cabernets - 12-Pack
$ 499.00
The last few vintages have been phenomenal for Napa Cabernets. We tasted through dozens of small-producers and hand-selected our favorites for this mixed case. A must for any Cabernet-lover! 10% discount already built into price.
Each 12-pack includes 2 bottles each of the following wines:
- White Rock 2018 Claret, Napa Valley ($55) Our favorite small-production Cabernet producer in the Stags Leap District.
- Stephanie 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($49.99) 96 Points Wine Enthusiast - a great small discovery!
- Turnbull 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($50) 93 pts
- Terra Valentine 2015 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($39.99) Great new discovery from Spring Mountain
- Round Pond 2019 "Kith & Kin" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($39.95) Fantastic new Cabernet
- Frank Family 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($49.99) Famous for their Chardonnay, their new Cabernet one of the sleepers of the vintage.
Binigrau 2015 Obac Vi de la Tierra Red Mallorca, Spain
$ 32.99
On a recent trip to the island of Mallorca in Spain, we discovered this great regal red blend and are excited to bring it to the US - California Cabernet fans will love it.
An elegant, dark-ruby colored wine with a subtle shade of garnet. Aromas of spice, nuts, fennel and licorice, combined with a well-integrated underlying taste of mature fruit and wood. 65% Manto Negro, 15% Callet, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 5% Merlot
Hurry - we are one of the few US retailers to have this gem for our US customers.
Black Slate 2018 La Conreria d'Scala Dei Escaladei
$ 21.99
90 points - best buy
One of the best buys from Spain we've discovered. Limited.
Black Slate Escaladei, a blend of Garnatxa, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carinyena sourced from the foothills of the Montsant mountains. It stands out among its Black Slate siblings as the most elegant of the lineup being inclined more towards red fruit than black, with a high-toned minerality and spiciness. It is selected from fruit aged in foudre and French oak demi-muids.
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.
Blackbird Vineyards 2018 "Arise" Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
$ 47.00
Blackbird Vineyards is one of Napa's hottest boutique producers. The "Arise" Proprietary Red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, fashioned after the famous Pomerol wines of Bordeaux. Get it while its still available!
92 Points Robert Parker: "Composed of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 6% Syrah and 4% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Arise Proprietary Red strides boldly out of the glass with notes of ripe blackberries, Morello cherries and redcurrant jelly with hints of pencil shavings and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely tension and lots of crunchy black and red berry layers, framed by grainy tannins, finishing with an invigorating lift."
94 Points "Editors' Choice" Wine Enthusiast: "A glorious wine. Based on Merlot, with nearly equal parts of the two Cabernets, it's softly smooth and delicious right now. Totally bone dry, yet rich and sweet in cherries, berries, chocolate and cedar, it satisfies on every level..." - Best of Year Buying Guide
The Blackbird Arise welcomes you with complex aromatics of cherry, plum, bacon, tobacco, and subtle mint. Aged in French Oak barrels for 19 months, the well-integrated palate presents enticing flavors of cedar, earth, and toffee within multiple layers of rich, black fruits. Elegantly balanced with supple tannins, the mouthfeel is velvety and leads to a fine cocoa finish. Drinking well upon release, Arise will age beautifully with time in the cellar. Winemaker Sarah Gott fashions this delicious red from Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District. Dark ruby red in color, this blend of predominately Merlot offers aromas of ripe plum, mocha, and violets that carry over beautifully onto the palate. Concentrated black fruit flavors give way to dense, yet integrated tannins. The wine's finish reveals a noticeable acidity and depth to allow for longevity.
Blankiet 2017 Paradise Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 239.99
97+ Points
Exclusive new release from cult cab producer Blankiet. Limited
97+ Points Robert Parker: "Coming all from Yountville and 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2017 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard ranks with the top wines of the vintage and offers extraordinary notes of crème de cassis, crushed violets, tobacco leaf, damp earth, and lead pencil shavings. These all carry to an elegant, seamless yet full-bodied and powerful red that has seamless tannins, flawless balance, good acidity, and a big finish. This is about as good as 2017 gets. It’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25+ years. As always, these releases from Blankiet rely on elegance and finesse just as much as overt power and richness.
Blankiet 2017 Prince Of Hearts Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
$ 84.99
The much anticipated release of Blankiet Estate Prince of Hearts is here, and oh boy was it worth the wait. This wine is stunningly fine and elegant. Incredibly prefumed with red fruit, violet, cedar box and spices. Limited.
previous vintage 96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Prince of Hearts Red is based on 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, all aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. It’s another seamless, elegant wine from the estate that has remarkable complexity in its sandalwood, spice box, chocolate, and cassis and blueberry-like fruits. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and ultra-fine tannins, it can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years. It’s another beautiful wine from this team that has both power and finesse."
91 Points Antonio Galloni: "Blankiet's entry-level Prince of Hearts is gorgeous in 2017. Silky, perfumed and light on its feet, Prince of Hearts is a wine of understatement and nuance more than anything else. Sweet floral and spice notes add brightness and lift to a core of sweet red berry fruit. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so."
BloodRoot 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 29.99
A fantastic Cabernet discovery from BloodRoot. Highly recommended.
This 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet comes from the Northern section of the valley between St. Helena and Calistoga. It is sourced from both foothills of the Mayacamas mountains and the valley floor itself. Stylistically it comes from a lineage of classic California Cabernets of the 1970s and 80s that show off the sleek beauty that Cabernet can have.
BloodRoot is a collaboration between esteemed winemakers with great vineyard sourcing who have come together to make masterful, value-minded wines. The wines, sourced from multiple benchmark vineyards throughout California’s most respected wine growing regions, reflect the soul of each place, creating wines that are timeless expressions of California’s dynamic terroir.
Bonaccorsi 2017 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
$ 44.99
Brand new release from one of Santa Barbara's finest small producers Bonaccorsi - highly recommended but limited.
From our original vineyard sites. Dark matte ruby color, with a flash of brick at the rim. Clear and medium bright. Very fragrant and exotically spiced; full of freshly crushed, deep and dusky red plum, strawberry and raspberry, dried flowers, black tea, cracked black pepper, and savory cured meat.
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "From a vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and all destemmed and aged two years in 25% new French oak, the Bonaccorsi 2017 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard reveals a medium ruby color as well as beautiful notes of mulberries, cherries, spring flowers, forest floor, and California bay leaf. Seamless, medium-bodied, and elegant on the palate, it's a beautiful wine from this estate to enjoy over the coming decade."
The Bonaccorsi Wine Company began in 1999, when Master Sommelier, Michael Bonaccorsi, set out to produce high quality Burgundian and Rhone styled wines in California’s Central Coast. Mike was a visionary, perfectionist, and a collaborative member of the Central Coast winemaking community and was recognized as one of the top Master Sommeliers in the world. Mike’s first vintages were some of the highest rated Pinot Noir and Syrah wines. His wines have been served at the White House and some of the finest restaurants in the United States.
Booker 2017 "Oublie" Red, Paso Robles
$ 79.99
96 pts - rare release
New release from Paso cult producer Booker Vineyards. As always, limited.
96 Points Jed Dunnuck: "Starting with the Booker Oublie cuvée, this is the GSM blend from the estate that’s more Grenache-dominated. The 2018 Oublie checks in as 40% Grenache and 30% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up in a mix of new and used French oak. Its vivid purple hue is followed by a gorgeous perfume of sweet black raspberries, white flowers, candied orange, and violets. This beauty is rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, yet has incredible purity of fruit, silky tannins, and an incredible sense of freshness. It makes you salivate on the finish and is already impossible to resist."
previous vintage 95 Points Wine Spectator: "Expressive and impressively structured, with savory blackberry aromas and accents of rosemary, thyme and crushed stone, opening to complex, densely layered flavors of currant, pepper and espresso. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Best from 2018 through 2028...54% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre, 17% Counoise. Arguably the biggest and most concentrated Oublie ever, this wine reminds me one a Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes from Marcoux or Janasse. Lots of ripe red fruit characteristics but a gorgeously proportioned mid-palate that you don't usually get from Grenache and Mourvèdre. Feel free to crack this wine anytime."
Booker 2019 My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
$ 59.99
97 pts - rare
New release from Paso cult producer Booker Vineyards. As always, limited.
96+ Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon is similarly deep purple/ruby-hued and has slightly more red fruits with lots of black raspberry, cassis, toasted spice, unsmoked tobacco, and incense aromas and flavors. It almost has a Margaux-like perfume and is medium to full-bodied, seamless, and wonderfully balanced on the palate. Some chalky minerality comes through with time in the glass, and it has plenty of tannins and a great finish. It’s not an over-the-top blockbuster and impresses just as much for its elegance as its richness"
96 points Robert Parker: "Blended with a bit of Syrah and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby-purple color and an alluring fragrance of cassis, violet, aniseed, bitter chocolate and coffee beans. It's notable this vintage for Goldilocks ripeness and seamless lift, offering a chocolate-like texture and very long finish...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."
The 2019 My Favorite Neighbor features a complex nose of red cherry, current and raspberry along with wild herbs, violets, and just a hint of toasted marshmallow. On the palate, generous flavors of black cherry, ripe plum, and fig compote is joined by notes of medium roast coffee and creme brulee. The extremely long and mineral finish is characterized by a hefty structure and luxurious, silky tannins.
An homage to Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery became an obsession. Sourced from exceptional vineyard sites around Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and south to Edna Valley, this wine is cultivated meticulously by the farmers who have become My Favorite Neighbors. With their dedication to the land, we are able to craft a world class wine without any shortcuts or compromises. Welcome to our Neighborhood. 2019’s abundant winter rain and a long, moderate growing season allowed for extended hang times and exceptional fruit quality.
Booker 2020 My Favorite Neighbor MFN Blanc, Paso Robles
$ 59.99
95 pts
New white release from Paso cult producer Booker Vineyards.
Estate Notes: A deep and rich hue of golden straw gives the first clue that this is a serious Chardonnay. Aromas of pear, green apple, and lime peel jump out of the glass followed by more nuanced fragrances of orange blossom, ginger root, and brioche. The sensation on the palate casually demonstrates both broad depth and laser like focus. An assertive core of acid and saline minerality rests completely ensconced in rich flavors of pie crust, clotted cream, and burnt caramel. Drink now for fresh vibrance, or in ten years for wild complexity.
An homage to Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery became an obsession. Sourced from exceptional vineyard sites around Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and south to Edna Valley, this wine is cultivated meticulously by the farmers who have become My Favorite Neighbors. With their dedication to the land, we are able to craft a world class wine without any shortcuts or compromises. Welcome to our Neighborhood. 2019’s abundant winter rain and a long, moderate growing season allowed for extended hang times and exceptional fruit quality.
Booker Vineyard 2017 Fracture, Paso Robles
$ 99.99
98 pts - rare
New release from Paso cult producer Booker Vineyards. As always, limited.
Fracture is one of the world’s great Syrahs, averaging 98-100 points annually with Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck. Only the softest barrels of Syrah make the cut for this dense and powerful wine. In 2013 this wine was ranked #68 on Wine Spectator’s top 100 with a score of 100 points; in 2010 this wine was ranked #19 on Wine Spectator’s top 100; the last ten Robert Parker scores for this wine average 98 points, and Jeb Dunnuck scores for this wine average 98 points.
98 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Notes of crème de cassis, ground pepper, and crushed flowers emerge from the 2017 Fracture, which, as always, is all Syrah and was brought up in 65% new French oak barrels. Full-bodied, beautifully layered and textured, it has classic Booker power and richness yet shows the pretty, elegant style of the vintage as well.
96 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Shimmering purple. Mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry, boysenberry and candied violet on the highly perfumed nose. Shows superb depth as well as energy to the alluringly sweet red and blue fruit preserve, vanilla, fruitcake and candied violet flavors, which are complemented by smoky bacon and cracked pepper flourishes. Finishes smoky, broad and extremely long, displaying repeating florality and youthful tannic grip. Two-thirds new French oak."
Robert Parker: "...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. While 2013 -2015 are all great vintages at this estate, the 2014s have more noticeable tannic grip and really deserve 2-3 years or more of cellaring."
Boutique Napa Cabernet Mixed 6-Pack
$ 289.00
We've done the picking for you! Each Cabernet Sampler contains one bottle of 6 of our favorite small-production Napa Cabernets so you can't go wrong. We've already built a 10% discount into the final price. Each 6-pack contains one bottle each of:
1) Hall 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - $52 - 95 Points Wine Spectator
2) Stephanie 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - $49.99 - new vintage of a favorite
3) Stuhlmuller 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley - $45
4) Blackbird 2018 "Arise" Cabernet, Napa Valley -$49.99 - great new release
5) Grassi 201 Cabernet Sauvigon, Napa Valley - $65 - 95
6) Hollis 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - $39.99 - our best find under $40
*gift card available at checkout
Brix26 E-Giftcard
$ 50.00
Brix26 Gift cards make outstanding gifts for friends, family or loved ones and can be redeemed for any product on our website. After purchase, your gift card will be directly emailed to you. It's instant gift-ification.
For larger denominations, please contact our customer service department directly at 1-866-427-4926 or email us at info@brix26.com.
Buccella 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley MAGNUM (1.5L)
$ 469.95
*this is a rare MAGNUM (1.5L) bottle*
A fantastic small-production Cab from Scarecrow winemaker Celia Welch - try it while this gem is still available!
94 Points James Suckling: "Lots of blackberry, blackcurrant and raspberry character with walnut, hazelnut and hints of stones. It's full-bodied with a pretty tannin structure and a chewy finish. Pleasant austerity. Try after 2023."
The Buccella 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from small vineyards located mainly in the mid to southern parts (cooler regions) of Napa Valley, which only adds multiple layers and nuances that showcase the diversity of what Napa Valley has to offer. An enticing nose of luxurious red fruit, plum and raspberry leaps from the glass. Complemented by darker notes of coco powder, blueberry and creamy vanilla makes this a multifaceted wine. The signature crimson dark red color makes this a visually stunning wine. Silky smooth tannins enhance the wine's vibrancy and energy allowing immediate pleasure upon release but assure the potential for the development of aged complexity for the next 20+ years. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot
Buccella 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
$ 229.95
A fantastic small-production Cab from Scarecrow winemaker Celia Welch - try it while this gem is still available!
94 Points James Suckling: "Lots of blackberry, blackcurrant and raspberry character with walnut, hazelnut and hints of stones. It's full-bodied with a pretty tannin structure and a chewy finish. Pleasant austerity. Try after 2023."
The Buccella 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from small vineyards located mainly in the mid to southern parts (cooler regions) of Napa Valley, which only adds multiple layers and nuances that showcase the diversity of what Napa Valley has to offer. An enticing nose of luxurious red fruit, plum and raspberry leaps from the glass. Complemented by darker notes of coco powder, blueberry and creamy vanilla makes this a multifaceted wine. The signature crimson dark red color makes this a visually stunning wine. Silky smooth tannins enhance the wine's vibrancy and energy allowing immediate pleasure upon release but assure the potential for the development of aged complexity for the next 20+ years. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot
Buehler 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 44.99
An excellent value in Napa Valley Cabernet from Buehler!
94 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Buehler 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is ample, bold and creamy. Graphite, dried herbs, lavender, blackberry and mocha infuse the 2018 with striking layers of nuance. Medium in body yet full of flavor, the 2018 hits all the right notes...Buehler is another estate in Napa Valley that doesn't anywhere near the recognition it deserves. The striking property is perchexd atop Conn Valley in one of the most idyllic spots in all of Napa. There are three cabernets, all of them notable."
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 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.
Buoncristiani 2010 Artistico Syrah, Napa Valley
$ 59.00
Buoncristiani is one of our favorite small family-owned wineries and their Syrah is off-the-charts delicious.
The Buoncristiani 2010 Syrah blend was handcrafted from small lots harvested exclusively from the Caldwell, Stagecoach and Hyde Vineyards. The Buoncristiani brothers created the series “Artistico” to fuse winemaking passion with other forms of art expression. The label features original artwork to complement the blend for each vintage. Easily one of our favorite California Syrahs.
Cain Cuvee NV17 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
$ 36.00
Cain Cuvee NV17 is an outstanding Cabernet blend of different vintages from Napa' Spring Mountain producer Cain. Limited!
People ask, why blend vintages? We ask, why not? The benefits of blending vintages can work similarly to blending varieties. A wine with layers of complexity, wrapped around a balanced and flowing core is our quest. We also want a wine with individuality, a specific personality, so we have found that working with just two vintages is best.
Today, with the exception of Champagne, the blending of vintages has been nearly forgotten and lost, except with Cain Cuvée. Though the vineyards are the same, no two vintages are ever identical. Certainly a thoughtful blend of two vintages will always be more balanced, more complex, and more interesting than either could be by itself.
The whole principle of the Cain Cuvée project is to deliver wines that you can take seriously, and also that you can enjoy with or without a special occasion. Even so, if you have a bottle or two left, the NV17 will easily run for another decade.
Cain Five 2016 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
$ 124.99
The legendary Cain Five is one of the flagship wines from Napa' Spring Mountain District. Limited!
95 Points James Suckling: "A juicy yet subtle red with spices, walnuts, chocolate and hints of currants. Complex. Medium to full body. Creamy and polished tannins span out on the palate. Flavorful and beautiful finish."
If the Cain Five is utterly unique, distinctive in both aroma and taste, this can only reflect the Cain Vineyard, which gives birth to this wine and is both spectacular and idiosyncratic. Composed of the five classic varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot—Cain Five epitomizes the benefits of blending to achieve a complex wine. It is supple and rich of texture, combining a full, firm structure with a long and subtle finish.
From the winery: Some three decades ago, in 1989, we offered to the world the first vintage of Cain Five—the 1985. Now, thirty years later, we’re thrilled to release the 2016 Cain Five. Coming off the last of a series of drought years, 2015 gave us the lowest yield since 1990—yields of less than one ton per acre—almost unheard-of throughout the world of wine. A low yield is traditionally associated with high quality. This case is no exception.
In 2015 the result is a generous, dense, focused wine, with the sun-drenched herbal and savory notes of our wild mountain Cain Vineyard, and satisfying and mouth-filling on the palate. The 2016 Cain Five drinks beautifully today, and will continue to do so for twenty years.
Calafia 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 74.99
One of the best small Cabs we've found!
One of the best "under the radar" Napa Cabernets we've discovered!
Randle Johnson has been working in Napa Valley for 35 years, and is currently a winemaker at Hess Collection. Calafia Cellars is the personal brand of Randle and his wife MaryLee. Made from their own estate grapes blended with small quantities of grapes from other vineyards, Randle uses his extensive experience and knowledge to create a fine example of what Napa Valley, and St. Helena in particular, have to offer. A tiny 125 cases were produced.
The Calafia Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley shows deep and concentrated aromas of blackberry, licorice and cassis, with a second layer of pepper, clove, and allspice. Flavors follow through with dark chocolate, and spice with slight nuances of oak. This wine exhibits depth, concentration, fine grain tannins and is seamless, from flavors through the long rich finish. Very elegant for current drinking, it will also age gracefully. Enjoy!
California Insider Wine Gift Sets
$ 50.00
California Wine Gifts, our finest hand-selected, small-production wines from California's best small "insider" wineries.
Our wine selections come from small-production wineries that believe in quality first. We taste through dozens of wines every month to personally select the wines for our gifts, so you can be sure you are sending something truly unique, distinguished and delicious. Many of the wines are only available through winery mailing lists and not found in many retail shops.
All wines are delivered tastefully wrapped and accompanied by a complete Winery Profile with history, tasting notes and food pairing suggestions making it an exceptional and educational experience for the recipient.
(gift cards also available)
Cardinale 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 325.00
99 Points - rare
Rare release of one of Napa's most sought-after collector Cabs. Limited.
99 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Just about as close to perfection as a wine can get, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Chris Carpenter comes mostly from mountain vineyards and is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. This full-bodied, rounded, thrillingly textured beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, barbecue smoke, and scorched earth. It has perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and oak, carries remarkable power and intensity, yet still glides over the palate with no heaviness or sensation of weight. It’s going to be a legendary Napa Valley Cabernet and will have 3 decades or more of longevity."
97 Point Robert Parker: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. It opens with compelling chocolate box and licorice scents over a core of black and red currants, warm plums and baking spices with hints of cedar chest and pencil lead. The palate is full-bodied with layers of cassis and kirsch flavors framed by firm, grainy tannins and fabulous freshness, finishing long and spicy."
The Cardinale Estate is situated on its own knoll in the heart of Napa Valley's renowned Oakville District. It consists of a striking stone winery, which features a spacious tasting room with expansive views overlooking the valley. Cardinale creates a single wine from each vintage. The wine is a limited production Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend made from distinct and diverse mountain vineyards situated in the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges surrounding the Napa Valley.
Cardinale 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 325.00
99 Points - rare
Rare release of one of Napa's most sought-after collector Cabs. Limited.
97 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "A resounding success for the year, the 2017 Cardinale is truly impressive. It is also one of the most refined young wines I have tasted here. In most vintages, Cardinale is predominantly made from mountain sites, but the 2017 is roughly equal parts mountain and valley floor fruit. Inky blue/purplish fruit, white flowers, lavender and mint all build in the glass. Lifted and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 is exceptionally polished."
96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from throughout the valley that was brought up in 80% new French oak, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by its Stags Leap fruit (which is 30% of the blend) and has the classic elegance and spicy character of that district as well as great red and blue fruits, a seamless, building mid-palate, ripe yet present tannins, and ample tobacco, earth, and spice aromas and flavors. It's plush and textured on the palate yet has the structure to evolve for two decades."
96 Point Robert Parker: "There was no Wallis vineyard fruit used this vintage. Very deep purple-black colored, the 2017 Cardinale charges out of the glass with notes of fresh blackcurrants, blackberries and Black Forest cake plus hints of menthol, cardamom, baking spices and lilacs plus a waft of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, grainy, ripe tannins and fantastic freshness supporting the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral laced."
The Cardinale Estate is situated on its own knoll in the heart of Napa Valley's renowned Oakville District. It consists of a striking stone winery, which features a spacious tasting room with expansive views overlooking the valley. Cardinale creates a single wine from each vintage. The wine is a limited production Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend made from distinct and diverse mountain vineyards situated in the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges surrounding the Napa Valley.
Carver Sutro 2012 'Palisades Vineyard' Petite Sirah, Napa Valley
$ 55.00
95+ points
A fantastic tiny-production Petite Sirah from Carver Sutro. Limited.
95+ Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2012 Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Silky, polished and utterly impeccable, the 2012 will redefine what Petite Syrah is and can be in Napa Valley. Layers of blue and black fruit, ink, white flowers, cloves and sweet spices all flow across the palate with superb grace and complexity. The 2012 is so delicious, it could actually be enjoyed today, but it won't be bottled until August 2014. This is a striking wine from Carver-Sutro."
94 Points Robert Parker: "The 2012 Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard, which is still in barrel, reveals peppery, meaty, blackberry and blueberry fruit notes intermixed with a hint of barbecue smoke. The relatively civilized tannins are no doubt attributable to this vintage that has produced such sweet, velvety, fruit-forward wines. Nevertheless, this full-bodied, polished 2012 Petite Sirah is capable of lasting 20 years after its release later this year."
Cavus 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 114.99
Small-production Dave Phinney cab!
Winemaker Dave Phinney, well known for crafting The Prisoner and Mercury Head Cabernet, has done it again with a small-production Napa Cabernet for Cavus, a family run vineyard nestled in the hillside of the Stag’s Leap appellation.
Cavus is a family run vineyard nestled in the hillside of the Stag’s Leap appellation in Napa Valley, neighboring the famed Shafer Hillside vineyard. Owner Darryl Browman named the winery for the snow “cave” he and a few friends built to survive the night when trapped on a mountain in Argentina.
He has certainly gone all out with Cavus, hiring winemaker extraordinaire Dave Phinney, and vineyard manager Jim Barbour. Jim is one of the best viticulturists there is having previously worked with Hundred Acre, Grace Family, Checkerboard, Gandona Estate, Pride, Celia Welch, Philippe Melka, Thomas Brown, Heidi Barrett, Andy Erickson, and many more.
This is the type of wine you would expect from this All-Star team: Rich, concentrated, powerful, and balanced. This wine squares you up with juicy cassis and blackberry then finishes with soft supple and ever so delicious tannins. This wine is rarely found outside the winery, lucky for you we are on the inside.
Caymus 2019 Conundrum Red Blend
$ 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 2019 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.
Chalk Hill 2017 Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma
$ 38.99
California Chardonnay lovers rejoice! Chalk Hill's new release has it all.
91 Points Robert Parker: "The 2017 Chardonnay Estate opens with notes of toast, cream, lemon pith and hay over a core of Red Delicious apple and banana chips. The medium-bodied palate is rounded and creamy with toasty spice and honey notions, finishing long and lifted with juicy acidity."
92 Points Wine Spectator: "Strikes a balance between rich, spicy oak and an intense core of fruit, echoing pear, apple and melon flavors. Maintains equilibrium, ending with creamy, vanilla-scented oak notes. Drink now. "
Chalk Hill's potential for great Chardonnay was discovered early and it became one of the initial plantings. The oldest, Founder's Block dates back to the establishment of the winery, in 1972, and remains a keystone in the estate's Chardonnay program. the Estate Bottled Chardonnay is assembled from vineyard blocks that each provides an individual lot of finished wine— 100% Chardonnay, but from a variety of clonal selections— and from a variety of sites on the estate. Get the new release before the ratings come out!
Robert Parker: "This estate is now owned by William Foley, who purchased it from the Firth family that founded the vineyard. Chalk Hill is one of Northern California's older AVAs, established in 1985."
Chateau Cos D'Estournel 2018 St. Estephe (Bordeaux), France
$ 319.00
100 Points - top Bordeaux
A rare 100 Point Bordeaux from the heralded 2016 vintage. Extremely limited.
99 Points James Suckling: "The richness and beauty of this wine is impressive with blackcurrant, cherry, berry and fresh cloves. The fruit is so pure here. Full-bodied with tannins that are so integrated and refined that you don’t feel them, yet they are there! Very creamy and layered with great length and beauty. It turns to tar and licorice at the finish. Tight now, but the texture is special. Try after 2027."
98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck: "An incredible wine from this estate that's as good as anything in the vintage, the 2018 Château Cos D'Estournel checks in as 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 50% new French oak. While some 2018s are going to offer pleasure right out of the gate, this isn't one of them, but rather it's a backward, tannic powerhouse of a wine that has flawless balance as well as a level of purity that's off the charts. Thrilling crème de cassis fruit, notes of lead pencil, damp earth, cedarwood, violets, and acacia flowers, full-bodied richness, masses of ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish all make for a legendary Saint-Estèphe that will need a good decade of bottle age yet evolve for 50 years or more. If you are tempted to try a bottle in its youth, it needs lots of air."
98 Points Robert Parker: "The 2018 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% new oak barriques. The alcohol weighs in at just over 14.5%. Sporting a deep purple-black color, it needs a lot of swirling to begin to unlock a powerful nose of crème de cassis, stewed plums, wild blueberries and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by nuances of Sichuan pepper, star anise, tree and clove oil, plus a waft of charcoal. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with taut, muscular black fruits and earthy layers, framed by super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and wonderfully earthy. A very impressive behemoth, this is going to need a good seven to 10 years to truly show its stuff and should drink for a good 40 years and beyond."
Chateau d'Yquem 2017 Sauternes (375ml bottle)
$ 289.99
99 points
Chateau D'Yquem is perhaps the world's most sough-after wine. Each vintage is near perfection. This is a 375ml bottle.
99 Points James Suckling: "This is a great Yquem, delivering thrilling purity and intensity. The nose offers intense aromas of fresh and dried apricot and peach pastry, as well as freshly baked creme brulee, candied and fresh orange and kumquat. Some marmalade, too. Smooth, glossy texture with flavors of grilled orange, dried apricot and an exceptionally long finish with a powerful, driving push to the end. A flicker of toasty-oak influence arrives late, but this wine has completely consumed the oak. The 2017 Yquem is a very powerful wine from a very rich and exceptional vintage. The acidity has a big hand in balancing the richness. Pithy finish. The phenolics deliver some great depth. Rain at the beginning of September prompted an extensive infection of noble rot. The harvest lasted from September 26 to October 13. Great quality and one of the best since the legendary 2001. Drink or hold."
99 Points Robert Parker: "There was no frost at d’Yquem in 2017, and botrytis was very regular and even this vintage. The nose opens with very pure notes of freshly sliced oranges, yuzu and lemon barley water with hints of white pepper, fresh ginger and lime cordial. The incredibly rich, unctuous sweetness (148 grams per liter of residual sugar) is beautifully marbled with bright, vivacious citrus fruit and spice flavors, while lifted by well-knit freshness, and it finishes with epic length and great depth."
Chateau de Beaucastel 2018 'Hommage a Jacques Perrin' Chateauneuf-du-Pape
$ 489.00
99 Points
One of the top-rated Chateauneufs from the vintage - limited. *Pre-order now for delivery in November*
99 Points Robert Parker: "Red-fruited and garrigue-laden, the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin is glorious, showing remarkable complexity in its notes of cherries, raspberries and strawberries, all accented by hints of bay leaf, lavender and thyme, plus deeper bass notes of black olives, roasted meat, espresso, star anise and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and intense, it seems to have added structure since last year, with a firm matrix of tannins holding it all together and lingering on the lengthy finish. Put this Mourvèdre-based blend (approximately 60%) away for five or more years; it should drink well for a couple of decades beyond that."
98 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): " Opaque ruby. Powerful dark berry, cherry cola, incense, potpourri, musky earth and spicecake aromas show outstanding clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with aeration. Sweet and seamless in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated but energetic black raspberry, cherry preserve, five-spice powder and lavender pastille flavors given lift and spine by a core of juicy acidity. Blends richness and finesse with a deft hand and finishes incredibly long and precise, with youthfully firm tannins adding shape and final grip."
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Lastly, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin showed beautifully, and while it doesn’t hit the heights of the 2001, 2007, 2010, 2016, or 2017, it’s a beautiful expression of this cuvée that deserves a place in the cellar. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as a kaleidoscope-like array of blueberries, charred meat, graphite, ground pepper, violets, and garrigue, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, building tannins, and a magical finish. It doesn’t have the sheer wealth of material found in truly great vintages and stays compact and focused on the palate, but it has beautiful depth of fruit and intensity as well as a seamlessness to its tannins. I suspect it will be relatively approachable by this cuvee’s standards, yet it still has enough structure and tannins to warrant a solid 7-8 years of bottle age. Given its balance, freshness, and purity, it’s going to age beautifully.
Chateau de Pez 2018 St. Estephe, Bordeaux
$ 55.95
One of the best buys in 2018 Bordeaux we've found. Limited.
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "From the team of Nicolas Glumineau at Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, the 2018 Château De Pez is a gorgeous 2018 that should be on every Bordeaux lover's radar (and should be a great value as well). Notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, candied violets, and graphite define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, rockingly polished tannins, terrific purity, and a great finish. It's terrific and is going to have 15-20 years or more of longevity. The blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc."
92 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 de Pez is even more impressive from bottle than it was from barrel. Time has given the Pez gorgeous finesse, softening the contours, to match the natural radiance of the year. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky red/purplish fruit, pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, spice and leather. The en primeur sample was decidedly flashier, but, then again, that wine was presented in 100% new oak. The finished wine, with one-third each new, one year-old and two year-old barrels, is wonderfully refined and poised. "
Founded in the 15th century, Pez is the oldest domaine in Saint-Estèphe. The Pontac family, then-owners of Château Haut-Brion, gave Pez its vineyards. The property remained in the hands of descendants until the French Revolution. Sold as a property of the state, the domaine belonged to a succession of families until 1995, when it was purchased by Champagne Louis Roedererer. Château de Pez is one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux’s Left Bank and consists of 118 continuous acres with 103 acres planted to prime grape varieties, mainly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks to the quality of its production, Château de Pez is counted among the most highly reputed crus of the Médoc and was reclassified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in 2003.
Chateau La Graviere Tirecul 2003 "Madame" Montbazillac
$ 49.99
99 points
A fantastic dessert wine from France. Montbazillac is known as a 'stunt double' for the much more expensive Sauternes. The rare "Madame" is only made in the finest of vintages and a tiny amount is produced - only 50 cases imported to the US. This a 500ml bottle.
99 Points Robert Parker: "The Cuvee Madame may be one of the two or three greatest sweet wines I have ever tasted. Only 20 cases of this wine, harvested grape by grape from five to six passes in the vineyard per day, were made from yields of 5 hectoliters per hectare (approximately one-fifth ton of fruit per acre). It tastes like the essence of orange marmalade infused with honey, and some flowery, fruit cocktail concoction. The wine boasts extraordinary purity, and exceptional sweetness, all buttressed by refreshing acidity. Aged in 100% new oak, the wine reveals no evidence of wood, no doubt because of its phenomenal extract. These wines will be nearly impossible to find, but I hope those few lucky enough to latch onto a few 500 ml bottles will lay some away and taste them against the greatest vintages of Chateau d'Yquem or Climens. An astonishing discovery!"
Brix26 Inside Scoop: Sauternes lies to the south of Bordeaux, while Montbazillac lies just East of this famous winegrowing center. While Sauternes is widely know as producing some of the world's finest and most expensive sweet white wines, Montbazillac produces wines that offer an almost identical taste and flavor experience but at a fraction of the price. The Chateau Tirecul La Graviere "Madame" 2003 is one of the highest-scoring wines to come out of the region at an unreal price. Not much gets imported to the US market however.
Chateau La Graviere Tirecul 2012 Cuvee Chateau Montbazillac
$ 29.99
rare
A fantastic dessert wine from France. Montbazillac is known as a 'stunt double' for the much more expensive Sauternes. The rare "Madame" is only made in the finest of vintages and a tiny amount is produced - only 50 cases imported to the US. This a 500ml bottle.
Robert Parker: "... These wines will be nearly impossible to find, but I hope those few lucky enough to latch onto a few 500 ml bottles will lay some away and taste them against the greatest vintages of Chateau d'Yquem or Climens. An astonishing discovery!"
Brix26 Inside Scoop: Sauternes lies to the south of Bordeaux, while Montbazillac lies just East of this famous winegrowing center. While Sauternes is widely know as producing some of the world's finest and most expensive sweet white wines, Montbazillac produces wines that offer an almost identical taste and flavor experience but at a fraction of the price. The Chateau Tirecul La Graviere "Madame" 2003 is one of the highest-scoring wines to come out of the region at an unreal price. Not much gets imported to the US market however.
Chateau Montrose 2018 St. Estephe, Bordeaux
$ 299.99
One of the top-scoring Bordeaux of the vintage. Limited.
100 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "A full-bodied powerhouse as well as a perfect wine, the 2018 Château Montrose is a final blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 60% new French oak. Boasting a deep purple hue as well as awesome levels of crème de cassis and smoky blackberry fruits and notes of tobacco, lead pencil, scorched earth, and chocolate, it's deep, opulent, and incredibly concentrated on the palate, with no shortage of mid-palate depth, tannins, or length. It reminds me a little of a fresher version of the 2003, although there's more Cabernet Sauvignon in 2018 as well as less Merlot. It has that classic Montrose minerality and backward, mineral-laced style, yet I suspect this will be drinkable in just 5-6 years and should evolve into a modern-day legend from this terroir."
98 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Purity and beauty on the nose with blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, crushed-stone and violet character. A full-bodied red with masses of polished tannins and intense flavors of currants and blackberries. Juicy finish. Super depth to this. Goes on for minutes. Try after 2027."
Château Montrose is one of the leading wine properties of St.Estéphe, and produces some of the longest-lived wines in the Médoc. Montrose had been owned by Jean-Louis Charmolue from 1962 until 2006, when it was sold to Martin and Olivier Bouygues, owner of the eponymously named construction firm Bouygues, is located in the east of the appellation, just north of the hamlet of Marbuzet, on a gravel knoll only 800 metres from the Gironde estuary. The proximity of the estuary ensures a microclimate that protects against frost, and the vines, which lie on deep clay-gravel soils, benefit from a south-easterly aspect.
Chateau Peby Faugeres 2010 St. Emilion, Bordeaux
$ 199.99
97 Points Parker
One of the top-rated 2010 Bordeaux - limited.
97 points Robert Parker: "A very limited production cuvee, the 2010 Peby Faugeres is sold in a specially designed bottle from Silvio Denz, who also owns Lalique Crystal. It comes from the oldest portion of the Faugeres vineyard, which is actually more of a completely separate entity under Denz than it was under the previous owners. The 2010 is 100% Merlot and again 15% natural alcohol. The vines were cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, but harvested about a week before the harvest finished for the main Faugeres vineyard. Most observers would tend to look at this wine as a modern-style, massive, intense St.-Emilion, with an opaque purple color, a floral nose shaded by notes of blueberry liqueur intermixed with black raspberries, vanillin, subtle smoke and barrique smells. It is full-bodied and built for two decades of longevity, but should be reasonably drinkable in 5-6 years because of the 100% Merlot content. This is a thrilling wine, as it has been in nearly every vintage where it has been produced...
...Acquired by Swiss native Silvio Denz a number of years ago, this property continues to overachieve in virtually every vintage. Behind the scenes, Stephan von Neipperg, the proprietor of La Mondotte, Clos de l’Oratoire, and a number of other properties, consults on viticultural matters, while harvesting, winemaking and elevage are guided by Michel Rolland." ."
Chateau Peby Faugeres 2015 St. Emilion, Bordeaux
$ 184.99
99 Points
One of the top-rated 2015 Bordeaux - limited.
99 points James Suckling: "A very intense yet playfully ripe and balanced expression of dark plums, dark stones and blackberries. Then wait for the dark, leafy notes of dark tea and charcoal as well as deeply integrated wood aromas of violets and cloves. The palate moves on a very energized and fluid bed of tannin that builds very smoothly into an ascending finish. Plush, impressive and very composed. Super long and focused finish. Try from 2022."
...Acquired by Swiss native Silvio Denz a number of years ago, this property continues to overachieve in virtually every vintage. Behind the scenes, Stephan von Neipperg, the proprietor of La Mondotte, Clos de l’Oratoire, and a number of other properties, consults on viticultural matters, while harvesting, winemaking and elevage are guided by Michel Rolland." ."
Checkerboard 2018 'Aurora' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 325.00
The Checkerboard label has, in just one year, become one of the more sought-after wines for collectors and consumers! The property is located on Diamond Mountain, in the western hills of the Napa Valley, and the wines are made by the exceptionally talented Martha McClellan (also of Sloan and Levy & McClellan). What makes the Checkerboard wines rise above others at this price point is the shear intensity, harmony, balance, and individuality, along with that je ne sais quoi. We feel this wine is of the same quality as other superstars like Caymus Special Selection, Continuum, Dalla Valle, Lewis, or even Peter Michael.
Aurora Vineyard is nestled in a small valley midway up Diamond Mountain on a large knoll located at an elevation of 1,200 feet. The knoll projects off the mountainside, giving the vineyard full Southern exposure and open light from the East and West and protection from Napa Valley's summer fog. Six acres of the vineyard are planted in the knoll's rich, volcanic soils that are riddled with basalt cobble in a loamy red clay. The remaining six acres are planted in a deep gravely mix of white volcanic ash and chips of decomposed Rhyolite that were washed down from the steep, rocky crags of Diamond Mountain above.
Chimney Rock 2018 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 99.99
A classic Stags Leap District Cabernet!
Chimney Rock's 134-acre estate lies in the heart of the Stags Leap District, the first viticultural area in the United States to be approved based on the distinctiveness of its soils. With 28 distinctive vineyard blocks showing an array of different aspects, soil types, clones and rootstocks, the vineyard provides a diversity of flavors that are artfully blended to capture the holistic representation of the estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
91 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): “The Chimney Rock 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Floral, spice and savory notes add brightness to a core of succulent dark cherry and plum fruit. Fresh and inviting with mid-weight structure, the 2018 has a lot to offer in an easygoing style that will require minimal cellaring."
Cobb 2016 Monticue Vineyard Pinot Noir,Sonoma Coast
$ 74.99
96 Points - limited
New release from Cobb, one of California's most sough-after new Pinot producers. Only 150 cases made.
A new wine in this range, the 2016 Monticue Vineyard shows more of a red-toned profile and more overt ripeness than most of the other wines in the range. Bright red cherry fruit, blood orange, hard candy, mint and high-toned aromatics from the 50% whole clusters are some of the signatures. Best of all, the 2016 should drink well with minimal cellaring.
Just three miles from Bodega Bay, at an elevation of 1,200 feet, Coastlands hangs high above the Pacific. It’s a challenging site, with tiny yields year after year, but it has also emerged as a benchmark for what can be achieved with Pinot Noir on the far coast. The 2012 Coastlands Vineyard Pinot was honored as “Top 100 Wines” by Jon Bonné and the San Francisco Chronicle, while the 2007 vintage named one of the “Top 10 Sonoma Coast Pinots” by Forbes.
Cobb 2017 Emmaline Ann Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
$ 74.99
96 Points - limited
New release from Cobb, one of California's most sough-after new Pinot producers. Only 150 cases made.
96 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Pinot Noir Emmaline-Ann Vineyard is another stellar wine in this range. Bold, rich and explosive, the 2017 possesses tremendous depth and nuance. Black cherry, plum, menthol, licorice and sage infuse the 2017 with tons of character. The 2017 is marked by a real sense of vertical energy and statuesque beauty. The 50% whole clusters are not especially evident. What a wine!"
Planted by David Cobb in 1989, the Emmaline Ann Vineyard was one of the first vineyards on the far Sonoma Coast. Just three miles from Bodega Bay, at an elevation of 1,200 feet, Coastlands hangs high above the Pacific. It’s a challenging site, with tiny yields year after year, but it has also emerged as a benchmark for what can be achieved with Pinot Noir on the far coast. The 2012 Coastlands Vineyard Pinot was honored as “Top 100 Wines” by Jon Bonné and the San Francisco Chronicle, while the 2007 vintage named one of the “Top 10 Sonoma Coast Pinots” by Forbes.
Cockburn's 2016 Vintage Port
$ 89.99
97 Points - limited
The 2016 vintage was phenomenal for the Port houses of Portugal and the Cockburn's is one of the highest-rated of the vintage. Limited.
96 Points Wine Spectator: “This is quite primal, with lush waves of plum, blackberry and açai berry reduction rolling through, pushed by warm licorice and Black Forest cake notes. A substantial bass line thumps on the finish, showing plenty of sparkly spice and incense details hitting the top range. Best from 2030 through 2050."
Colgin 2018 'Cariad' Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
$ 899.00
Limited Colgin Cabernet available.
98+ points Robert Parker: "Blended of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine has a deep purple-black color and slips out of the glass with the most seductive black fruit preserves notions of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and baked plums plus hints of Indian spices, lavender, mocha and licorice with a waft of cardamom. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and spicy, it delivers a wonderfully powerful expression of this vintage with firm yet plush tannins, finishing very long and hedonic...Colgin knocks it out of the park again in 2018. The wines beautifully represent the vineyards and the vintage. Tychson Hill, in particular, blew my mind. With the main 2.5-acre part of the vineyard, planted in 1997, now in full swing, some of the newer 2014 plantings on the next-door slope have started to come on board, and the effect is WOW. The new section is also a tiny plot of 2.5 acres, but this more sloped block has a northern aspect and a gravelly loam profile. The combination makes for a truly magic, ethereal, wonderfully fragrant style."
98 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Cariad isn’t far off and has a wealth of blue fruits, musky earth, spice, and floral notes as well as a deep, rich, layered style on the palate. As with all the 2018s here, the tannin quality is incredible, and it has a plush, sexy, already complex style that’s hard to resist. It’s going to evolve for 25+ years. The blend is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot....
There are a lot of magnificent estates with Shangri-La-like beauty spread throughout California, and the Colgin property is in the top ten list for spectacular views as well as top quality. Sitting atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views of Lake Hennessey and the surrounding mountains, their IX Estate Vineyard is on a steep, intimidating hillside. It is one of the must-see attractions in Northern California, if not the entire state. The longstanding winemaking team of Ann Colgin, Allison Tauziet and Bordeaux consultant Dr. Alain Raynaud has produced some magnificent wines over the years (the 2001s, 2002s, 2005s, 2007s and 2008s) as well as amazing efforts in 2009, 2010 and 2012. There are three Bordeaux blend offerings, one from their Tychson Hill estate vineyard off Highway 29, north of St. Helena, and the second, the IX Estate blend. The Cariad is fashioned from a blend of grapes purchased from a number of David Abreu-s well-known and highly respected vineyards. There is also a fourth wine, the IX Estate Syrah, which is often a dead-ringer for a great Northern Rhone.
Colgin 2018 Tychson Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$ 899.00
100 points
Limited Colgin Cabernet available.
100 points, Robert Parker: "Opaque purple-black in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard jumps from the glass with bold, gregarious scents of blueberry compote, black cherry preserves and warm cassis plus nuances of roses, star anise and candied violets with gentle wafts of dark chocolate and cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is super intense with a whole fireworks display of floral sparks going off among the red and black fruits, framed by exquisitely ripe, finely pixilated tannins, finishing long and mineral laced. This edifying beauty takes Napa Valley elegance and grace to a whole new level....Colgin knocks it out of the park again in 2018. The wines beautifully represent the vineyards and the vintage. Tychson Hill, in particular, blew my mind. With the main 2.5-acre part of the vineyard, planted in 1997, now in full swing, some of the newer 2014 plantings on the next-door slope have started to come on board, and the effect is WOW. The new section is also a tiny plot of 2.5 acres, but this more sloped block has a northern aspect and a gravelly loam profile. The combination makes for a truly magic, ethereal, wonderfully fragrant style."
100 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill is straight-up off-the-charts and one of the true gems in the vintage. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of crème de cassis, white flowers, spice, tobacco, and classy oak, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and just perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, and acidity. I’d happily enjoy a bottle today, but smart money would give these a solid 4-5 years in the cellar and it should keep for 30-40 years.
There are a lot of magnificent estates with Shangri-La-like beauty spread throughout California, and the Colgin property is in the top ten list for spectacular views as well as top quality. Sitting atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views of Lake Hennessey and the surrounding mountains, their IX Estate Vineyard is on a steep, intimidating hillside. It is one of the must-see attractions in Northern California, if not the entire state. The longstanding winemaking team of Ann Colgin, Allison Tauziet and Bordeaux consultant Dr. Alain Raynaud has produced some magnificent wines over the years (the 2001s, 2002s, 2005s, 2007s and 2008s) as well as amazing efforts in 2009, 2010 and 2012. There are three Bordeaux blend offerings, one from their Tychson Hill estate vineyard off Highway 29, north of St. Helena, and the second, the IX Estate blend. The Cariad is fashioned from a blend of grapes purchased from a number of David Abreu-s well-known and highly respected vineyards. There is also a fourth wine, the IX Estate Syrah, which is often a dead-ringer for a great Northern Rhone. In 2010, March and early April were very cold, but normal conditions persisted over the summer with no heat spikes, and September and October were ideally warm. The results include some spectacular wines that are among the finest I have ever tasted from Colgin.
Collector California Wine Gift Sets
$ 150.00
Collector wine gift sets from our finest hand-selected, small-production Collector-level wines ($75-$90/bottle) from California's best "insider" wineries.
Our wine selections come from small-production wineries that believe in quality first. We taste through dozens of wines every month to personally select the wines for our gifts, so you can be sure you are sending something truly unique, distinguished and delicious. Many of the wines are only available through winery mailing lists and not found in many retail shops.
All wines are delivered tastefully wrapped and accompanied by a complete Winery Profile with history, tasting notes and food pairing suggestions making it an exceptional and educational experience for the recipient.
*photo is a representation only - wine selections are made depending on latest inventory and subject to change
© 2022 Brix26 Wines | San Francisco, CA 94103 | (415) 409-4295 | info@brix26.com
Legal Disclaimer
Title to, and ownership of, all wine passes from seller to buyer in the State of California, and buyer takes all responsibility for shipping the wine from California to his or her home state. By placing an order, buyer authorizes seller to act on buyer’s behalf in arranging for transportation of the wine at buyer’s direction. Alternatively, buyer may choose to pick up the wine at seller’s location, or make independent shipping arrangements. For all wine sales, sales tax will be applied based on the selling retailer’s location. Seller makes no representation as to the legal rights of anyone to ship or import any wines, alcoholic beverages or other goods into any state. The buyer is solely responsible for the shipment of wine and other goods purchased and for determining the legality and the tax/duty consequences of having the wine and other goods shipped to the applicable destination.
