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EACH WEEK WE TASTE 7 - 9 DIFFERENT WINES + BONUS WINES
LISTED BELOW IS JUST A SAMPLING OF THE WINES WE HAVE TASTED IN THE PREVIOUS WEEKS
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Wine Tasting - December 27 ~ 30, 2017
2016 Domaine Gerard Millet Sancerre (Loire Valley, France)
Winemaker Notes: All Sauvignon Blanc, with wonderful scents of oranges and hints of green tobacco, almonds and mint. Lively, fruity, and harmonious, with body and texture.
2015 La Posta Paulucci Vineyard Malbec (Ugarteche, Mendoza, Argentina)
90 points, James Suckling:
A fresh and fruity Malbec with dried fruit and spices. Medium to light body, fine tannins and a delicate finish. A drink-me, harmonious, and fresh style.
2015 Tenshen Red Blend (Santa Barbara, CA)
92 points, Editors Choice, Wine Enthusiast: A project by Joey Tensley and Alex Guarachi, this is a whopper of a wine for
the price tag. Black cherry, oregano, eucalyptus and dried sage show on the nose. The palate packs a mix of herbal
seasonings, including anise and spearmint, alongside black cherry and baked blueberry fruit. Blends Syrah, Grenache, Mourvédre, Petite Sirah, and Merlot.
2014 Limerick Lane Zinfandel (Russian River, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Primarily Zin, but other grapes in this mixed field blend include Peloursin, Négrette, Syrah,
Petite Sirah and Carignan. A sensational Zin, with an explosive nose of pepper, raw meat, blackberry, black raspberry and cherry. Deep, chewy and dense. Lusty, irresistible, and ageworthy.
2014 L'Ecole #41 Ferguson Vineyard Red (Walla Walla, Washington)
95 points, Wine Advocate: My favorite of the three special cuvees, the 2014 Ferguson blends 56% Cabernet Sauvignon,
32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec. Knocks it out of the park with its dark, savory, mineral-laced fruit and is
full-bodied, deep, rich and concentrated on the palate. This beautiful wine has building structure and ripe tannin, and will have two decades or more of longevity.
Wine Tasting - December 20 ~ 23, 2017
2014 Chateau Brisson (Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon, France)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Solid, with a core of steeped currant and blackberry fruit that runs along with light dried anise
and singed apple wood notes. Shows good brambly grip through the finish. Best from 2018 through 2024.
2014 Tarapaca Gran Reserva Carmenere (Maipo Valley, Chile)
92 points, James Suckling: A fascinating 100% Carmenere with stone and sand aromas and flavors as well a rich and
juicy fruit. Light plum and berry. Medium to full body. Beautiful tannins. Drink now or hold.
2014 Finca Decero Owl & the Dust Devil (Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, Wine & Spirits: Decero bases all its wines on fruit from Remolinos, a vineyard in the highest part of Agrelo.
43% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petite Verdot, 8% Tanat. Lovely layer of violet-scented cherry fruit, with firmness and flavor detail. A complex wine, excellent with rosemary-braised lamb.
2013 Bodega Teso La Monja Victorino (Toro, Spain)
94 points, Wine Advocate:
2013 was a cooler and rainier vintage, but the sandy and gravelly soil drained well and the harvest in October had no rain. Made from ungrafted old vines 70 to 100 years old. Aged 20 months in new French oak
barriques. Of all the wines made by this estate, this was the most fresh, elegant, approachable, balanced, and drinkable, with fine grained tannin.
2013 Freemark Abbey Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
93 points, James Suckling: Aromas of blackberries, wet earth and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, a dense
palate with chewy yet polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Hints of tree bark. A solidly made wine.
Wine Tasting - December 13 ~ 16, 2017
Graham Beck Brut Rose (Robertson, South Africa)
90 points, Decanter: This méthode cap classique (South African fizz made in the same way as Champagne) from South
Africa's stalwart Graham Beck has a lovely creamy red fruit and apple character, with a rich mousse and brioche pastry finish. Vibrant raspberry acidity, a long finish, and great value.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve Champagne
92 points, James Suckling: Impressive ripe stone fruits on the nose with peaches, mangoes, melon and cherries. Really
upbeat and attractive purity. The palate follows the same thread of fruit characters with a clever balance of flesh and crunch, a bright finish and good balance. Drinkable now.
Gosset Excellence Champagne Brut
93 points, Ken Goosens: My hero among under $40 Champagnes, for remaining enjoyable even when tasted right after
Champagnes over $100 a bottle. While not as good as the expensive ones, delivers much of what makes them better, from being fermented in small wood barrels and blocking malolactic fermentation.
92 points,Wine Spectator: Refined and creamy, with delicate acidity that finds fine balance with the layers of poached
apple and pear, lemon cake, ground ginger, smoke and almond cream flavors. Very elegant.
2005 Le Mesnil Grand Cru Prestige Millésime
94 points, Ken Goosens: "Le Mesnil" is a cooperative providing a shared winery for members, who have harvests too
small to justify the expense of a separate facility, but which the co-op blends into marketable quantities at the lowest cost
for wines from Mesnil. The Prestige tier is their flagship, primarily selected from vineyards facing south that average 38
years old. This top cuvee is made with no malolactic fermentation to retain the grape character and age magnificently
well. The most famous vintage Mesnil is made by Krug, released only for the best vintages, averaging $1,100 and the highest price of $2,000 for old ones from the 1980s.
2015 Garzon Tannat Reserve (Uruguay)
90 points, Wine Spectator {#41 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017 }: Well-sculpted, with dense, rich flavors of dark plum,
dried blackberry and dark currant that are supported by firm tannins. Christmas pudding and rich savory notes show on the finish. Drink now through 2022.
2014 Peju Merlot Napa, Rutherford, CA)
91 points Wine Enthusiast: A sizable percentage of Merlot with smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Zinfandel and Malbec.
Together, they work, offering a lushness of blackberry jam and chocolate in a medium-bodied package that's smooth, with just the slightest tension of tannin and tobacco.
2015 Anacia Cuvée de O Mencía (Valdeorras, Spain)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Espresso, sanguine and gamy flavors give this firm red a savory character, but there's a core
of plum and currant fruit. Offers a good balance of firm tannins, balsamic acidity and dense texture.
2014 Chateau de La Dauphine Fronsac Bordeaux
92 points, Wine Advocate: Offers attractive blackberry, wild strawberry, dried apricot and crushed violets scents on the
nose that seem to build in intensity but wisely never go over the top. Medium-bodied palette with crisp tannin, plenty of
red cherry and crushed strawberry; lovely balance with a supple and detailed finish that has superb mineralité. Check out this great little gem.
Wine Tasting - December 6 ~ 9, 2017
2016 Aziende Valle Friulano (Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy)
One of the best tasting white wines at the Opici Trade Show. A straw yellow color. Alluring aromas of wildflowers and ripe fruit. Harmonious and well structured. Long aftertaste of almonds and tropical fruit.
2012 Quinta de Chocapalha Tinto (Estremadura, Portugal)
90 points, Wine Spectator: Intense red berry and crushed red plum flavors are supported by fresh acidity and firm
tannins. Shows good grip midpalate, featuring a finish loaded with slate, graphite and pepper accents. 45% Tinta Roriz, 27%, Touriga Nacional, 15% Castelao, 13% Syrah.
2008 Bodegas y Vinedos Fernandez Rivera Dehesa la Granja (Ribera del Duero, Spain)
91 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: Deep ruby. A complex, perfumed bouquet evokes dark berries, cola, smoked meat and
mint. Supple and expansive on the palate, offering gently sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors that are firmed and
lifted by juicy acidity. The smoky note repeats on the finish, which hangs on with very good tenacity and a whisper of fine-grained tannins. A fine effort for the vintage and delicious right now.
2014 Tait Ballbuster Shiraz (Barossa, Australia)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Bold, with dense notes of dark chocolate covered coffee bean, plum paste, wild blackberry,
cigar box and date bread. Expressive and generous. The velvety tannins linger. 78% Shiraz, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot. Drink now through 2027.
2013 Robert Foley Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
98 points, Wine Advocate: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak and Calistoga. Opaque purple to the rim, with
beautiful notes of charcoal embers, melted road tar, truffle, blackberry and cassis, this big, unctuously textured,
full-bodied wine has incredible density and richness, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a phenomenal finish. Young, but undeniably impressive. Give it another 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades-plus.
Wine Tasting - November 29 ~ December 2, 2017
CABFEST
2014 Marietta Cellars Estate Arme Cabernet (California)
92 points, Vinous: A bold, pungent wine with a decidedly old school profile of dark stone fruit, black olive, herb, tobacco
and licorice. Cool, savory, and deep. A superb value-priced California Cab that is very serious for the money. 86% Cab, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot.
2013 Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
92 points, James Suckling: So much blueberry and blackberry aromas with hints of lilacs and lavender. Full body, firm
and silky tannin, a long and beautiful finish. Well balanced and fine. Drink or hold. (Owned by Trinchero. All Cab, blends estate and purchased grapes.)
2013 Jackson Estate Alexander Valley Caberne
91-94 points, Wine Advocate: A small cuvee of 7,000 cases and really impressive. The mountain vineyards seem to
dominate the wine, with moderately high tannin, briary blackberry and cassis fruit, and a crushed rock minerality. 94% Cab, rest other Bordeaux varietals. Ready to bottle right after I tasted it.
2014 Vina Cobos Cocodrilo Corte (Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, James Suckling: A red with chocolate, berry and spice aromas and flavors. Full body, firm tannins. Polished
and delicious. Made from Cabernet from Luján de Cuyo and from Valle de Uco. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 9% Malbec.
2014 Textbook Cabernet (Napa Valley, CA)
92 points, James Suckling: Interesting combination of ripe fruit and grilled meat follow through to a medium full body,
soft tannins and fruity finish. 88% Cab, 12% Merlot.
2013 Bartinney Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
92 points, Wine Spectator: A fresh and racy style, with bright red currant and damson plum fruit flavors bouncing along,
accented by savory, fresh tobacco leaf and mineral notes. Everything pulls together nicely through the energetic finish. Drink now through 2021. All Cab.
2014 Saint Francis Cabernet Reserve (Sonoma, CA)
93 points,Wine Enthusiast: Black, heavily concentrated, thick in black pepper and clove, with streaks of cedar. Well
structured, with depths of black cherry, currant and vanilla as it develops in the glass, finishing as full bodied as it started. 100% Cab.
2013 Daou Cabernet Reserve (Paso Robles, CA)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast: An elegant weave in the aromas, with soy, dried dill, peppercorns, crushed gravel, and a
touch of cedar laced throughout the black fruit. Perfectly rounded black currant, black cassis and black cherry fruits show in the sip, leveled by violets and pencil shavings. 100% Cab.
2012 Segla Margaux (Bordeaux, France)
94 points, Wine Advocate: 2nd wine of Chateau Rauzan-Segla. Impressive success for 2012. 54.5% Cab, 44% Merlot, 1.5%
Petit Verdot. Still backward and tannic, but concentrated and promising. Dense blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit along with licorice, vanilla, forest notes and spice. Structured and beefy.
2013 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval (Red Mountain, Washington)
94 points,Wine & Spirits: 56% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Franc. Often their richest wine. Scents of cedar, red plum and plum
skin. The flavors are unabashedly intense, partly from the radiant heat of Red Mountain, with lasting tannins superb with food, such as beef tenderloin.
Wine Tasting - November 22 ~ 25, 2017
2016 Adegas Valtea Albariño (Rias Baixas, Spain)
Winemaker's Notes: Our third vintage of this shows everything we like in the grape. Hints of lemon grass, lively stone
fruit and a brisk, saline tinged palate. Located in the sub-zone of Condado do Tea, where the days are a bit warmer and
evenings are slightly cooler. Features a wonderful mid-palate presence to complement the typically lean and mineral qualities of Albariño. A classic with any shellfish, especially Dungeness crab.
2013 Fattoria di Magliano Heba (Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany, Italy)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Vibrant and delicious, with aromas of violet, red berry and a whiff of peppercorn. The sleek,
savory palate doles out crunchy wild cherry, crushed raspberry and spicy herb alongside silky, supple tannins and bright acidity. This is all about sheer drinking pleasure over the next few years.
2014 Bodegas Mas Alta Black Slate La Vilella Alta (Priorat, Spain)
90 points, Wine Advocate: Shows quite oaky and creamy, with a peachy note over a core of ripe red and black berry fruit.
Blends 65% Garnacha, 25% Cariñena and 5% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged for 14 months in French oak. The
commercial profile will make it accessible to a wide audience, but somehow makes the voice of the place lower than that of
the process, and makes it feel more mainstream. I like it, but with mixed feelings. Give it some more time in bottle. 34,946 bottles produced.
2013 Bartinney Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
92 points, Wine Spectator: A fresh and racy style, with bright red currant and damson plum fruit flavors bouncing along,
accented by savory, fresh tobacco leaf and mineral notes. Everything pulls together nicely through the energetic finish. Drink now through 2021. 250 cases imported.
2012 Lacoste-Borie Pauillac (Bordeaux, France)
88-90 points, Wine Advocate: Tasted twice with consistent notes. Blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 8%
Cabernet Franc. Has a lifted, seaweed scented bouquet with fine definition, although it is not complex. The palate is
nicely balanced with fine, grainy tannins. An understated Pauillac that is finely tuned with an appealing, silky finish that lingers long in the mouth. The second wine of Grand Cru Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste.
Wine Tasting - November 15 ~ 18, 2017
2016 Feudo Disisa (Sicily, Italy)
90 points, Best Value, Wine To Buy:
With a light lemon, yellow color this 50/50 blend of Catarratto & Insolia is extremely fresh and delicious. Its lively nose is clean, fresh and full of apple, pear and floral notes. Finishes crisp and dry.
2013 Verruzzo di Monteverro (Tuscany, Italy)
40% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Sangiovese. Grapes come from Maremma. A robust wine
with many complex layers, hints at dark-fruit notes on the nose, and contains strong tannins and such flavors as currants
and tomato stems on the palate. The wine pairs especially well with full-bodied, flavorful meals, such as a rich pasta dish and braised beef or veal.
2011 Glenelly Estate Reserve (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Features alluring fresh espresso and smoldering juniper notes out front, followed by a rich,
polished core of cassis and blackberry fruit, with a serious spine of licorice root and a long tarry edge to the finish. This
still has ample grip, but there's enough development here to begin drinking now. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
2011 Mosquita Muerta Blend de Tintas (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, Wine Advocate. Fermentation in new French oak, concrete, and Bordeaux eggs. The grapes ferment for 35 days
at low temperatures and with yeasts from the vineyards, to obtain a greater fruity, floral expression and aromatic
complexity. This blend of reds has great aromatic complexity, structure and sucrosity in the mouth. 60% of the wine is aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels. 70% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot,
5% Cabernet Franc.
2014 Somerston Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
91 points, Wine Advocate: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot. Generous flavors of
blackcurrants, plum, Asian spice, licorice and earth jump from the glass as well as the flavors of this full-bodied,
supple-textured, low-acid and fleshy wine. It is delicious now and should continue to be so for 15 or more years.
Wine Tasting - November 8 ~ 11, 2017
ZinFest
2015 Marietta Estate Roman Zin
90 points, Wine Advocate: Blends 84% Zin, 11% Petite Sirah and 5% Barbera, aged for 12 months in neutral barrels. A
deep purple color and nose of black plums, blackberries and licorice with touches of tar, charcoal, salami and Indian spices. Full-bodied with firm, slightly rustic tannins, great fruit expression and purity.
2012 Valley of the Moon Zin (Sonoma, CA)
91 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com: An excellent 2012 that does not hold back. Explodes on the palate with superb
richness, persistence, and concentrated black fruit.
2013 Amapola Creek Monte Rosso Zin
95 points, Wine Advocate: From the famous Monte Rosso red soil vineyard, with 16% alcohol and 100% Zin. At $45.00, a
great buy! From 123-year-old head-pruned vines, a dense purple, kiss of black cherry and blackcurrant, dusty loam undertones, and peppery spice. Full-bodied, lavishly rich, pure, and savory.
2014 Mauritson Rockpile Ridge Vineyard (Rockpile, Sonoma, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: An opaque purple color with a sensational, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, great fruit purity, and a
deep, mineral laced, peppery finish. Alcohol is just under 15%, but it carries it with no heat. This full throttle, rich Zin will age nicely for 10 years.
2014 Limerick Lane Zin (Russian River, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Primarily Zin, but other grapes in this mixed field blend include Peloursin, Négrette, Syrah,
Petite Sirah and Carignan. A sensational Zin, with an explosive nose of pepper, raw meat, blackberry, black raspberry and cherry. Deep, chewy and dense. Lusty, irresistible, and ageworthy.
2014 Saint Francis Zin Reserve (Dry Creek, CA)
92 points, Wine Advocate: Has a medium garnet color and fragrant prunes, dried mulberries and raspberry jam notes with
touches of cumin, fenugreek, star anise and black pepper, plus a dusty earth. Full-bodied, rich and plush. Opulent black fruit preserves are well-framed by velvety tannins and freshness.
Wine Tasting - November 1 ~ 4, 2017
2014 Barboursville Viognier Reserve (Virginia, U.S.)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Dry, unoaked and comes in at 13% alcohol. This is the current release, and what a beauty.
Gentle, absolutely perfect in aromatics, elegance and flavor, this has everything you might want in a perfectly balanced
Viognier. Tasty and always lifted, it is delicious in its subtle fashion. As I've said before, Barboursville has certainly
proven to me that these can age. But I'm not sure why I want to. They don't gain much by aging and this is just perfect now. It would easily be my pick of Barboursville's whites and a nice bargain, too.
2011 Dievole La Vendemmia Chianti Classico, (Tuscany, Italy)
Deliciously intense and garnet red in the glass. Smells like blackberries and black cherries. Spicy notes of juniper berries,
black tea, white pepper and fine oak. The palate shows a lot of substance and a refreshing fruit acid. Finishes with finely structured tannins and dark fruit.
2013 Maculan Cabernet Sauvignon (Breganze, Veneto, Italy)
89 points, Wine Spectator: Balanced, medium-bodied, and bright, with chewy tannins and a pleasing mix of ripe red
currant, bay leaf, ground white pepper and orange zest.
2013 Castello di Neive Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy)
Opens with aromas of toast, oak, menthol, resin, coffee bean and medicinal notes. The aromas carry over to the firm palate, along with thyme, clove, licorice and bracing tannins.
2007 Vina Alicia Nebbiolo (Mendoza , Argentina)
89 points Wine Enthusiast (Release Price $65): Argentine Nebbiolo is a rarity, and for one to be this good is a blessing.
Leather, dark berry, earth and citrus aromas are mellow and subdued, but the palate is full and forward, with baked berry, molasses and espresso flavors. This is tannic and chocolaty on the finish, with lasting sweetness.
90 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: Bright, saturated ruby-red. Slightly reduced aromas of black
cherry and menthol. Lively and densely packed, with a youthfully clenched quality to the flavors of blackberry, black
cherry, licorice and menthol. Finishes with distinctly spicy tannins and a medicinal reserve. This bottling hasn't screamed
nebbiolo to me since the first vintage I tried several years ago but is still one of the very few intriguing versions of this variety made outside northwest Italy.
Wine Tasting - October 25 ~ 28, 2017
2012 Campuget Viognier, Rhône Valley, France
Nose of peach, apricot, lemon curd and white flowers, hint of sage and anise. Weighty, structured palate with bitter fruits and fresh minerals.
2013 Oakville Estate Winery Napa Cabernet, Napa, California
92 pts, Wine Enthusiast: This lovely wine from the producer's Pelissa Vineyard is perfumed in roses, while offering a soft,
velvety texture that's restrained in terms of tannin and oak. Clove, graphite and white pepper develop in the glass, adding to the wine's classical nature. (also 92 pts, Wine Spectator)
2014 Robert Biale "Black Chicken" Zinfandel, Napa, California
94 pts, Robert Parker: The 2014 Zinfandel Black Chicken (its name coming from the code name used when ordering a jug
of Zinfandel during the Prohibition era) is another relatively big-boned Zinfandel at 15.3% alcohol. Gorgeously
proportioned, textured and almost chewy, this stunningly hedonistic and fleshy, flamboyant Zinfandel delivers abundant glycerin, fruit, quality and personality. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.
2013 Jackson Estate Cabernet, Alexander Valley, California
91-94 pts, Robert Parker: The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Jackson Estate Series is a small cuvvee of 7,000 cases and a
really impressive wine. The mountain vineyards seem to dominate the wine's character, with moderately high but sweet
tannin, briary blackberry and cassis fruit, and a crushed rock minerality present. The final blend was 94% Cabernet
Sauvignon and the rest the other Bordeaux varietals. This wine was about ready to go into the bottle right after I tasted it.
2014 L'Ecole #41 Ferguson Estate, Walla Walla, Washington
95 pts, Robert Parker: My favorite of the three special cuvees, the 2014 Ferguson checks in as a blend of 56% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec. It knocks it out of the park with its dark, savory,
mineral-laced fruit and is full-bodied, deep, rich and concentrated on the palate. This beautiful wine has building structure and ripe tannin, and it's going to have two decades or more of longevity.
Wine Tasting - October 18 ~ 21, 2017
2016 Copain Tous Ensemble Rose (Anderson Valley, CA)
91 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com: Bright and pretty, with beautiful ripe red fruits in aromas and flavors. A crisp finish
pairs well with sautéed clams in a light ginger and onion sauce. 88% Pinot Noir, 12% Syrah.
2013 Ruca Malen Petit Verdot Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Dry spicy aromas accent woodsy berry scents. A tight focused palate jabs with acidity and
poking tannins, along with lightly herbal cherry and berry fruit. Spicy flavors on a fine finish.
2014 Marietta Cellars Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Arme (California)
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: A bold, pungent wine, that offers a decidedly old school-influenced profile of dark
stone fruit, black olive, herb, tobacco and licorice. Cool and savory, but with considerable depth, the 2014 Arme is another
knock-out wine from Scot Bilbro. Readers looking for a value-priced California Cabernet will flip out over this wine. A very
serious wine for the money. Drinking window: 2018 - 2029. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot.
2014 Chateau La Vieille Cure (Fronsac, Bordeaux, France)
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: Soft, supple and radiant throughout. Succulent red cherry, sweet tobacco, raspberry
and flowers all flesh out in a deep, expressive Fronsac with real class. Bright fruit and lively acids give the 2014 its distinctive personality. The interplay of succulent fruit and lifted aromatics is compelling.
2014 Revolver Wine Company Petit Verdot Forsaken (Napa, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: 138 cases made. Normally sold only to wine club subscribers. "We - not a consulting wine maker -
produce our wines in our warehouse, concentrating on the wine and not the surroundings. For our wines this means an elegant mouth feel with edgy flavor profiles."
Wine Tasting - October 11 ~ 14, 2017
2008 Bodegas y Vinedos Fernandez Rivera Dehesa la Granja, (Ribera del Duero, Spain)
91 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: Deep ruby. A complex, perfumed bouquet evokes dark berries, cola, smoked meat and
mint. Supple and expansive on the palate, offering gently sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors that are firmed and
lifted by juicy acidity. The smoky note repeats on the finish, which hangs on with very good tenacity and a whisper of fine-grained tannins. A fine effort for the vintage and delicious right now.
2014 Chapoutier Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem (Languedoc Roussillon, France)
92 points, Wine Advocate: Another terrific vintage for this cuvee. Syrah and Grenache dominated, completely destemmed
and aged only in concrete tanks. Opaque ruby color followed by notes of garrigue, leather, plums and violets. Medium
full-bodied, elegant and layered, with a great texture. Fruit-forward, balanced, and hard to resist, but will continue drinking nicely for 6-7 years.
2011 JC Cellars Zinfandel Isabel Dusi Estate (Paso Robles, CA)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A classic Zinfandel that's loaded with spice box, cigar box, sweet cherries, crushed flowers
and black currants. Fabulous complexity in its evolved, sexy and full-bodied personality. It has a touch of savory tannin
on the finish, but they're covered by sweet, unctuous fruit. A rock solid effort impeccably balanced and nicely focused on the palate. Drink now or let it evolve beautifully for 7-8 years.
2013 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series (Columbia Valley, Washington)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Straight up terrific, with tons of black currants, plums and spice to go with background smoked
herbs and toasted bread nuances. Includes 11% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged 20 months in 50% new French
oak. A full-bodied, rich, layered beauty with a great mid-palate, a silky texture and ripe tannin, all suggesting it will have a graceful evolution.
2008 Campo Eliseo (Toro, Spain)
94 points, Wine Spectator: Rich yet balanced Tempranillo, offering plum, blackberry, coffee, mineral and spicy flavors
supported by firm, well-integrated tannins. A smooth yet powerful wine that blooms on the finish.
Wine Tasting - October 4 ~ 7, 2017
2014 Aziende Valle Friulano (Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy)
One of the best tasting white wines at the recent Opici Trade Show. A straw yellow color. Alluring aromas of wildflowers and ripe fruit. Harmonious and well structured. Long aftertaste of almonds and tropical fruit.
2013 Seven Hills Malbec McClellan Estate Vineyard (Walla Walla, Washington)
Outstanding, Great Northwest Wine: Made from 5 year old vines, with their barrel regime of 16 months in Hungarian oak.
Core aromas of blueberry cobbler and plum are surrounded by violet, duck fat, five-spice powder and a turn of a pepper
mill. The silky and juicy entry exudes flavors of Marionberry, fig and more blueberry. There's a richness and earthiness to the midpalate, which leads to an expressive finish of pomegranate juice and pinch of rosemary.
2014 Finca Decero Owl & the Dust Devil (Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, Wine & Spirits: Decero bases all its wines on fruit from Remolinos, a vineyard in the highest part of Agrelo.
This bottling is based on 43% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petite Verdot, and 8% Tannat. A lovely layer of
violet-scented cherry fruit with firmness and flavor detail. A complex wine, especially good with rosemary-braised lamb.
2014 Podere Monastero Campanario (Tuscany, Italy)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Gorgeous aromas of pure black currant and black cherry introduce this smooth, classy red.
Vibrant acidity and refined tannins, accented by rosemary, cedar, tobacco and iron details. Fine balance overall and a lingering aftertaste. 50-50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
2011 Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
91 points, Wine Advocate:
From the highest and coolest part of Stellenbosch. Blends 15% Petit Verdot. Features a fresh, slightly minty blackberry and red plum-scented bouquet with a touch of cedar and tobacco coming through. The palate is
medium-bodied and tinged. Refreshingly acidic, quite linear in the mouth with a welcome graphite tinged on the finish that has moderate length. Enjoy this over the next 5-7 years.
Wine Tasting - September 28 ~ 30, 2017
2015 Andrew Will Cellars Cabernet Franc (Columbia Valley, Washington)
Winemaker Notes: This medium body wine reveals herbal notes of Italian seasonings, cherry, crushed leaf and red plum
on the nose with dark chocolate, cherry, raspberries on the palate. This wine is fresh and youthful and ready to drink.
2013 Andrew Will Cellars Two Blondes (Yakima Valley, Washington)
93 points, Wine Advocate: Slightly darker in color than the 2012, the 2013 Two Blondes Vineyard has terrific Cabernet
notes of black currants, black cherries, coffee bean, tobacco leaf and spring flowers. Rich, medium to full-bodied,
beautifully concentrated and structured, with building, fine tannin on the finish, this beauty is approachable today, but will cruise in the cellar for 15+ years.
2013 Andrew Will Cellars Ciel du Cheval Vineyard (Red Mountain, Washington)
92+ points, Wine Advocate: Showing classic Red Mountain characteristics of dusty earth, graphite, savory fruits and
dried violets, the 800-case 2013 Ciel du Cheval is full-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant and layered on the palate, with
present, savory tannin. More closed, reticent and restrained aromatically, this beauty needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep through 2033. Made from 56% Merlot and 44% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in 35% new oak.
2013 Andrew Will Cellars Champoux Vineyard (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
93 points, Wind Advocate: Medium to full-bodied, juicy, lively and polished, with an already approachable, endearing
personality. Nevertheless, it has building mid-palate depth, lively acidity and enough ripe tannin to keep it drinking nicely for another 15 years. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.
2013 Andrew Will Cellars Sorella (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Made from a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
and Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in barrel 35% new, the fabulously concentrated, rich Sorella has the deepest color
of the lineup, ample black and blue fruits, graphite, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. Possesses bright acidity,
full-bodied richness, solid mid-palate concentration, ripe tannin, the balance and purity to offer pleasure today, but be at its best from 2020-2033.
Wine Tasting - September 20 ~ 23, 2017
2014 Paul Cluver Chardonnay (Elgin, South Africa)
93 points, Wine Advocate: An attractive nose of dried honey, dried mango and a touch of walnut that is very well defined.
The palate is fresh and crisp with harmonious almond and hazelnut notes infusing the tropical tones on the long and tender finish. One drop will never be enough! Another great Chardonnay from Andries Burger.
2015 Bodegas Volver Tarima (Jumilla, Spain)
91 points, Wine Advocate: A terrific value 100% Mourvèdre cuvée, aged six months in French oak. Excellent aromatics,
broad and expansive flavors, about 15% natural alcohol, and an expansive, heady mouthfeel. Rich, dense and Provençal in
its flavor components. Aged in used oak and stainless steel. A real sleeper and big-time winner in the values sweepstakes. Drink over the next several years.
2013 Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina)
91 points Wine Spectator, #53 Top 100: A refined and savory red, featuring notes of white pepper to the cherry and
crushed red plum flavors. Lengthens out on the palate, with medium-grained tannins. Silky finish. Drink now through 2020.
2013 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc Two-Fourteen (North Coast, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Named for a Loire Valley clone, this New World wine aspires to an Old World sensibility and
achieves it in its floral invitation and bright, peppery overtones. Coiled within its thickness of tannin and dense cherry are ethereal, earthy whispers of intrigue and acidity. This is a lively, lovely wine.
2013 TeHo Zaha Malbec (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina)
94 points, Wine Advocate:
Co-fermented with a little Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all of them from an Altamira vineyard called Toko, which in Huarpe means stone. Notes of blackberries, violets, damsons, scorched earth and some
licorice. Powerful and fleshy, with very fine tannins, great balance and freshness. A structured and layered Malbec that will develop more complexity with time in bottle.
Wine Tasting - September 6 ~ 9, 2017
2015 Leone de Castris Villa Santera Primitivo Rosato (Salento IGT, Puglia, Italy)
Winemaker's Notes: Harvested earlier before the grapes raisin, in order to get the fresh-squeezed juice of Primitivo,
without any oak taste. A light pink and shiny color with aromas of red berries. Elegant, very fresh, and smooth.
2014 Siduri Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir (California)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Deftly balanced, rich and focused, with zesty wild berry and blueberry flavors, accented by
shades of cedary oak, licorice and mocha. Ends with a lingering finish that echoes the core elements. Drink now. 2,745 cases made.
2013 Trim Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Winemaker's Notes: Sourced from outstanding vineyards located throughout California. Our winemaking team produces a
lush, well balanced, and fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon, meant to be the best valued wine on the market.
2013 Jackson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley (California)
91-94 points, Wine Advocate: This Cabernet shows mountain intensity in its blackberry, black currant and cassis flavors.
It's bone dry, with thick but refined tannins, and brightened by a fine burst of acidity. 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc.
2010 Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna di Arcanum (Tuscany, Italy)
93 points, Wine Spectator:Settling into its stride now, with the tannins and acidity integrating with the supple texture,
setting the stage for bright cherry, raspberry, sage and tar flavors. Still compact on the finish, with a lingering savory
aftertaste. Drink now through 2023. 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
Wine Tasting - August 30 ~ September 2, 2017
2016 Marquis de Goulaine Sancerre Les Lorys (Loire Valley, France)
Winemaker's Notes: Light straw color and intense gooseberry, flint and lemon aromas with cut grass and floral notes.
Fresh and vibrant on the palate with leafy, herbaceous notes to the fore and a background of nectarine and tangy lemon. Finishes long and refreshing with a good aromatic kick.
2011 Tomaiolo Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)
93+ points, Village Corner (wine shop in Michigan): A well crafted riserva with a soft and open bouquet. Super dried
cherry and anise with a sweet fruit core, caramel oak, and satisfying body. Nicely structured by acidity and light tannin.
2014 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla, Washington)
Winemaker Notes: Aromas of raspberry, black cherry, baking spices, and vanilla bean. Flavors of blackberry compote and
toasted hazlenuts. Rich mid-palate with velvety tannin structure. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec.
2013 Silver Trident Winery Playing with Fire (Napa, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: 38% Malbec, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot. Deep garnet red in color.
Seductive aromas of ripe black cherry, plum and baking spice stream out of the glass and evolve with nuances of mocha,
black tea and fresh floral bloom. Bold, black fruit on entry softens into supple, yet complex layers of boysenberry, chipotle
spice and a touch of mineral earthiness. Full bodied, lush and satisfying, with plenty of ripe summer fruit flavors.
2013 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Paso Robles, CA)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast: There's an elegant weave to the aromas of this bottling, with soy, dried dill, peppercorns, and
a touch of cedar laced throughout the black fruit on the nose. Perfectly rounded black currant, black cassis and black cherry fruits show on the sip, along with violets and pencil shavings.
Wine Tasting - August 23 ~ 26, 2017
2011 Denogent Pouilly Fuisse Les Reisses (Burgundy, France)
One of the best white Burgundies from the 2011 vintage. Aromatic, floral, lightly buttery, refreshing acidity, vivid lemon flavors.
2012 Altos de Luzon Jumilla Mourvedre Tempranillo (Spain)
91 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: Bright violet. Deep, expansive dark berry, cherry compote and woodsmoke scents are
complemented by peppery spice and vanilla qualities. Juicy acidity lifts and brightens concentrated cassis and bitter
cherry flavors that are sweetened by a late suggestion of mocha. Shows good depth as well as energy, finishing smoky and quite long, with supple tannins and lingering dark berry character.
2012 Mas Doix Solanques (Priorat, Spain)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Fresh and focused, this firm red delivers bright cherry and wild berry fruit, with floral, citrus
and mineral notes. Harmonious to the point of seeming simple, but the elegance masks impressive depth and intensity. Exhibits power with grace. 65% Grenache, 25% Carignane, 10 % Syrah.
2013 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville, Napa, CA)
95 points, Wine Advocate: T
he most forward and precocious of the Turnbull cuvées, that shows what great winemaking and vineyard sources the Turnbulls have The color is opaque purple, the wine shows slightly less tannins than its
counterparts, with gorgeously intense blueberry and blackberry fruit, cedar wood, forest floor and spice box. Full-bodied,
opulent, rich and, while still young with a good 10 years of upside, this wine will still be drinking great 20 years from now.
2009 Arcanum Tuscana (Italy)
94 points, Wine Spectator: Dense and powerful, this red layers ripe black currant, cherry, chocolate, prune and spice
flavors over firm, assertive tannins. This is starting to hit its stride, but needs food to match the tannins. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2018. 1,733 cases made.
Wine Tasting - August 16 ~ 19, 2017
ZinFest
2015 Marietta Cellars Zinfandel Angeli Cuvee (Alexander Valley, CA)
92 points, Vinous:
Earthy undertones give the wine a distinct, savory expression of Zin, with plenty of cedar, tobacco, licorice and herb nuances. Medium body, restrained for Zin, and hits all the right notes. Plenty of depth and ample freshness.
2014 Terraces Zin (Napa, CA)
90 points, Wine Advocate: Includes 10% Petite Sirah. Comes from a steep, terraced vineyard planted in 1981 in volcanic
soils. Pepper, lavender, roast meat, strawberry and black cherry notes jump from the glass of this full-bodied, ripe, delicious Zin. Drinkable young, but one of the few Zins that stores well for 15 years.
2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Sodini Vineyard (Russian River, CA)
92 points, Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: Includes 5% mixed varietals besides Zin. Inky ruby. Potent cherry and
blackcurrant on the nose and palate, with smoke and peppery spice nuances adding complexity. Fleshy but lively too,
with firm mineral spine contributing definition and lift. Finishes on a bitter cherry, with excellent clarity and grippy tannins. 15.2% alcohol, carried gracefully.
2014 Limerick Lane Russian River Zin (CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate:
Primarily Zinfandel, but includes Peloursin, Négrette, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Carignan. A sensational nose of pepper, raw meat, blackberry, black raspberry and cherry. Deep, chewy and dense, finishing at 14.8%
natural alcohol. Irresistible lusty and exuberant style.
2014 Mauritson Rockpile Ridge Vineyard Zin (Rockpile, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: An opaque ruby/purple color, a sensational, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, great fruit purity, and
a deep, mineral-laced, peppery finish. Alcohol just under 15%, but carries beautifully with no heat. Full-throttle, rich,and will age nicely for 10 years.
2012 Linne Calodo Outsider
93 points, Wine Advocate: An elegant and graceful effort that has lots of baking spices, cherry pie and licorice in its
full-bodied, forward and approachable feel. 72% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah and 6% Mourvedre. Nicely balanced, silky and lightly textured. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years.
Wine Tasting - August 9 ~ 12, 2017
2013 Bacchant Wines Luli Sauvignon Blanc (Central Coast, California)
Winemaker's Notes: Purchased grapes from a single vineyard in Monterey County. An exuberant mix of gooseberry, lime
zest, pineapple, and light grassy notes. The palette is equally vibrant and has a crisp acidity and a surprisingly voluminous mouthfeel.
2009 O. Fournier Centauri Red (Maule Valley, Chile)
91 points, Wine Advocate: 45% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carignan. Aged for 12
months in French oak. Full-bodied, dense, layered, and long. Relatively forward, it can be approached now but will drink well for a decade. An outstanding value.
2012 Krutz Family Cellars Magnolia Series Zinfandel (Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast, Editors' Choice: This terrific Zin brings classic varietal character to the table, with a full
body, robust alcohol, dryness and intensely concentrated flavors of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate, Chinese
plum sauce and black pepper. Blends grapes come from north to south in the valley, Calistoga to Atlas Peak and multiple appellations in between. One of the greatest Zin values.
2011 Bianchi Petite Sirah Signature Selection (Paso Robles, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: After extended years in barrels, we blended up an exquisite Petite of dark plum and brick hues with
flavors of floral plum, vanilla, and earth tones. Very dark color with beaucoup tannin that is well resolved from barrel aging. No estate grapes in the 2011 vintage.
2014 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
94+ points, Wine Advocate: A classic example of Pritchard Hill, Chappellet, and Napa Valley. Brilliant purity, a dense
purple color, superb blackberry and floral-infused blueberry fruit and cassis, a full-bodied mouthfeel, moderate but sweet
tannin and a long, layered, texture and finish make for a profound Cabernet Sauvignon that actually sells at a bargain price
for what is in the bottle. Will evolve graciously for another 20+ years. 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot.
Wine Tasting - August 2 ~ 5, 2017
Pinot Noir Fest
2014 Spy Valley Pinot Noir (Marlborough, New Zealand)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Polished and juicy, with red licorice and bright raspberry flavors up front. Hints of pepper and white truffle add an aromatic punch. Vibrant fruit notes on the finish. Drink now through 2028.
2014 Copain Estate Les Voisins Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley, CA)
91 points, Vinous: The 2014 Pinot Noir Les Voisins is quite a bit more delicate and floral than the 2013 tasted alongside it.
The flavors lean towards the redder end of the spectrum in this gracious, Pinot Noir from Copain. There is good depth in the glass, but the 2014 is a wine built on understatement. Even so, the 2014 is very pretty.
2014 Sonoma-Loeb Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Grown in Green Valley, this medium-bodied wine offers heady Asian spices seasoned over
tart, tangy orange and cherry. Pretty aromatics ride shotgun over a depth of earth and soft tannin and smoky oak, the wine ultimately plush and lush.
2010 Biggio Hamina Deux Vert Pinot Noir (Yamhill Carlton. Willamette Valley, Oregon)
91points, IWC:
Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of candied red fruits, Asian spices, lavender
and vanilla bean. Sweet, penetrating and smoky on the palate, offering vibrant red fruit and floral pastille flavors and a
strong kick of peppery spices. Silky and sweet on a subtly tannic finish that forcefully echoes the floral and spice notes.
2014 Joseph Phelps Freestone Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, CA)
94 points, James Suckling: A layered and fruity red with strawberry and lemon rind character. Full bodied, fresh and
fruity finish. Very exciting.
2015 Belle Glos Los Alturas Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Dark-hued, rich and spicy, with an enticing core of mocha-laced blackberry, cherry, spice and
floral scents. Ends as it begins, bold and rich. Drink now through 2026.
Wine Tasting - July 26, 28 & 29, 2017
2014 Barboursville Vineyards Viognier Reserve (Virginia)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Dry and unoaked, with13% alcohol. This is the current release. What a beauty. Gentle,
absolutely perfect in aromatics, elegance and flavor, this has everything you might want in a perfectly balanced Viognier.
Tasty and always lifted, it is delicious in its subtle fashion. As I've said before, Barboursville has certainly proven to me
that these can age. But this is just perfect now. My pick of Barboursville's whites and a very nice bargain, too.
2011 Bodega Renacer Enamore (Mendoza, Argentina)
A joint venture of Renacer with the Italian Allegrini winery, using the same air drying techniques that make Amarone,
applied to totally different grapes grown in Mendoza. 45% Malbec, 40% Cab-Sauvignon, 10% Bonarda and 5% Cabernet
Franc. Full bodied and jammy blackberry, blueberry and black cherry. Ends with a round finish of spicy licorice, mocha, and cocoa. Drinkable young but even better with age. 640 cases made.
2014 Rocca di Montemassi Maremma (Tuscany, Italy)
Winemaker's Notes: 45% Petit Verdot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, and 15% Merlot.
Intense, ruby red with vivid garnet reflections. The nose is complex and reveals cherry, plum, and currant with notes of violet, eucalyptus, vanilla, and
sweet tobacco. The palate has a rich presence of elegant, fresh fruit with full and plush tannins, leading to a long and mineral-rich finish, showing spicy, toasted notes.
2014 Marietta Cellars Game Trail Cabernet Sauvignon (Yorkville Highlands, CA)
93 points,Antonio Galloni, Vinous:
100% Cabernet from the Bilbro family's ranch in the Yorkville Highlands. Dark red stone fruit, rose petal, mint, floral notes and spice are beautifully delineated. Intensely aromatic and pungent, but with no
green edges. Offers tons of personality and character. Beams of mountain tannin add energy throughout. Give the 2014 at least a year or two in bottle, as the tannins are imposing at this stage.
2009 Casa Silva Microterroir Carmenere (Colchagua, Chile)
92 points, Vinous: Ruby-red. Aromas of dried cherry, blueberry, incense and candied violet take on a suave vanilla
nuance with air. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering juicy black and blue fruit flavors that pick up a spicy nuance
on the back half. Smoothly plays richness off energy, closing with impressive vivacity and gentle tannins that fold quickly into the sappy fruit.
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SPECIAL WHITE WINE & ROSE TASTING
THURSDAY ~ JULY 27, 2017
2015 Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay (Cotes Catalanes, France)
90 points, Wine Advocate: A custom cuvee created by importer Eric Solomon, A smoking value that's made from 100%
Chardonnay that spent three months in tank (on Viognier lees) followed by three months in barrel. Tastes like it cost three
times the price. Offers lots of orchard fruits, white peach, honeysuckle and a hint of vanilla to go with a medium to full-bodied, crisp, yet still textured and mouth-filling style on the palate.
2014 Chateau de Beauregard Pouilly-Fuisse (Burgundy, France)
90 points, Vinous, Steve Tanzer: A retaste of the 2014 revealed a distinctly more lemony wine with expressive flinty
minerality, strong acidity and superb clarity and length.
2014 Neyers Chardonnay (Carneros, Sonoma, California)
92 points,Wine Enthusiast: This is a luxuriously layered and complex white. It's an expertly rendered combination of ripe,
rich fruitâ"most notably spicy apple and pearâ"that's completely uplifted by bright acidity and a refreshing mouthfeel. Still youthful, it's both vibrant and nuanced.
2016 Miraflors Lafage Rose (Cotes du Roussillon, France)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Light in color, yet not in flavor. 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 10% Carignan. Terrific
notes of white cherries, strawberries and rose petals in a medium-bodied, layered, impeccably balanced style that's just hard to resist.
2016 Le Fleur Rose (Cotes de Provence, France)
Winemaker's Notes: Made from the oldest vines, averaging 50 years old. 35% Syrah, 35% Cinsault, 30% Mourvèdre. A
beautiful shining pink color. The nose has a splendid bouquet of intense red fruits. On the palate, aromas of tangerine,
strawberry and white peach are energized by a hint of white pepper. Clean and racy, Fleur offers fresh red berry and pit
fruit flavors and a subtle hint of succulent herbs. The finish is fresh with red currant and clementine zest flavors.
2015 Chateau Puech-Haut Tete de Belier Rose (Saint-Drezery, Languedoc, France)
91-93 points, Wine Advocate:
My favorite of the rosés is this 100% Mourvèdre. It's vibrant pink/orange color is followed by fabulous notes of raspberries, peach pit and citrus that are carried by vibrant acidity, plenty of texture and a
clean, refreshing style that doesn't skimp on texture. It's designed for food and is terrific.
Wine Tasting - July 19 ~ 22, 2017
2014 Chateau de Beauregard Pouilly-Fuisse (Burgundy, France)
90 points, Vinous, Steve Tanzer: A retaste of the 2014 revealed a distinctly more lemony wine with expressive flinty
minerality, strong acidity and superb clarity and length.
2013 Vina Alicia Malbec Paso de Piedra (Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina)
90 points, Vinous, Antonio Galloni: Bright medium red. Cassis, licorice and menthol on the very ripe nose, with a slightly
liqueur-like aspect and sexy coconutty French oak giving it a high-toned quality. At once creamy-sweet and vinous in the
mouth, showing a medicinal menthol element but also a fine-grained texture and sexy French oak tones. Finishes with a
suave, broad dusting of tannins, lovely vinosity and excellent length. This bottling has often been overripe in past years but not in the cool 2013 vintage. Needs time to blossom in the bottle.
2014 Vina Cobos Cocodrilo Corte Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, James Suckling: Chocolate, berry and spice aromas and flavors. Full body, firm tannins. Polished and
delicious. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 9% Malbec.
2014 Martin Ray Cabernet Reserve (Napa, CA)
92 points, Wilfred Wong, reviewer for Wine.com: Stout, firm, and well-built. Exhibits a tremendous rush of black fruit
flavors, a smidgeon of oak, and an excellent dryness in the finish.
2014 De Toren Fusion V (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
91 points, Vinous, Antonio Galloni: Bright medium ruby. Crushed blueberry and blackberry aromas show an element of
rocky minerality. Densely packed, tight and brooding; more savory than sweet, with strong licorice and spicy oak notes
apparent in the early going. A very powerful, firmly tannic Left Bank style with the structure for extended aging. The long
finish features spicy high tones. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot.
Wine Tasting - July 12 ~ 15, 2017
2012 Castello di Ama Al Poggio Toscana Bianco (Tuscany, Italy)
90 points, Wine Advocate:
A pure expression of Chardonnay that opens to beautiful mineral notes that are drying, etched and utterly elegant. There are touches of underbrush and wild sage, but the wine presents a solid core of yellow fruit and
peach at its center. Give it a few minutes in the glass and the wine evolves and opens in a slow and steady fashion. Drink 2015-2019.
2013 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Has a small amount of Syrah and is aged in new French, as well as Hungarian and American
oak, much of it in older barrels. Opening like a perfumed rose garden, it offers a juicy core of cassis around integrated tannin and oak, with finishing touches of cedar, licorice and mocha.
2011 JC Cellars Isabel Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard (Paso Robles, CA)
93 points, Wine & Spirits Magazine: I love the mix of old vine bramble, with blackberry and strawberry notes and hints
of white pepper and black pepper that winds its way through the aromatics and palate. Intriguing how it can be so intense
and show ripeness of the fruit, but always stay balanced and never over the top. This is most represented on the palate
where the upfront fruit is so expressive, then a new wave of fruit, spice that touch of pepper emerge, leading to a finish that seems to last forever.
2013 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
92+ points, Wine Advocate: Freemark Abbey's generic bottling from Napa is a brilliant example, and at $50, a heck of a
value. One of their larger cuvées at 24,332 cases. Blends 75.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.9% Merlot and the rest Petit
Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aged nearly 26 months in oak. Opaque purple in color, beautiful blackberry and
blackcurrant fruit with hints of white chocolate, allspice and tobacco leaf. Rich, full-bodied, seriously concentrated, and
has 2013's relatively serious structure and tannic clout. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30 years.
2013 Galerie Pleinair Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast:A reduction of tar and meaty leather at first overrides elusive fruit in this 100% varietal wine.
It's alluring nonetheless, for its soft tannins and toasted hits of oak. Currant, clove and tobacco give a savory, compelling and complex edge to the full-bodied frame.
Wine Tasting - July 5 & 7, 2017
2014 Neyers Chardonnay Carneros (Sonoma, California)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: A luxuriously layered and complex white. An expertly rendered combination of ripe, rich
fruit—most notably spicy apple and pear—that's completely uplifted by bright acidity and a refreshing mouthfeel. Still youthful, both vibrant and nuanced.
2014 Mauritson Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Sleek, focused and complex, this has floral raspberry and toasty spice aromas and layered
flavors of black cherry, smoky sage and licorice that linger against lively tannins. Drink now through 2026.
2010 Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz (Clare Valley, Australia)
95 points, Huon Hooke (Australian wine critic): Mitchell wines have always been well priced, and they're bargains in
good years like 2010. Deep red-purple; the bouquet bright and fresh, with floral and star-anise notes, the latter typical of
the '10 vintage from the Barossa up to Clare. Full-bodied, smooth, and rich with spot-on ripeness and excellent balance. Enjoy any time in the next 25 years.
2013 Seven Hills Merlot Columbia Valley (Washington)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Supple, expressive and full-bodied, playing rich cherry and tobacco flavors against sage and
chocolate notes that wrap around a very long, expressive finish.
2010 Tenuta Di Arceno Valadorna Toscana (Tuscany, Italy)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Settling into its stride now, with the tannins and acidity integrating with the supple texture,
setting the stage for bright cherry, raspberry, sage and tar flavors. Still compact on the finish, with a lingering savory aftertaste. 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
Wine Tasting - June 28 ~ July 1, 2017
2015 Zonin Feudo Principi di Butera Insolia (Sicily, Italy)
Unusually mellow and textured. 89+ points, Wine Advocate: Very nice jump in quality. This entry-level value wine is
bright and luminous and teaming with energy. Impressive purity of aromas with citrus, lime, garden herb and green apple. Delivers depth and balance that goes beyond the standard crispness or acidity.
2013 Zonin Castello Di Albola Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)
90 points, James Sucking: A fresh and refined Chianti Classico with dried cherries, lemon rind and other citrus fruit.
Medium body, clean fruit and a bright finish.
2014 Tessellae Carignan Vielles Vignes Cotes de Catalanes
92 points, Wine Advocate: A crazy value and one of the best examples of this variety from the Roussillon. The fact that it
sells for a song is just icing on the cake. Coming all from schist soils and 70-year-old vines, raised 12 months in a mix of
concrete tanks and demi-muids, it offers tons of black raspberry and black cherry fruit, licorice and dried spices to go with a super sexy, heady, seamless style on the palate that keeps you coming back to the glass.
2015 Day Zinfandel (Sonoma, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Bold and rich, with a lively, structured core, plus black raspberry and pepper aromas, and ripe,
zesty black cherry and sweet black licorice flavors. Drink now through 2026.
2012 Glaetzer Amon Ra Shiraz (Barossa, Australia)
97 points, Wine Advocate: Very deep purple-black color, intense blackcurrant cordial, blackberry compote and licorice
with nuances of cloves, allspice, chocolate box and salami as well as a whiff of espresso. A beast of a wine that is densely
packed with black fruit and baking spice flavors and supported by firm, grainy tannins, crisp acidity, and a finish with excellent persistence. 97+ points.
Wine Tasting - June 21 ~ 24, 2017
2008 Vina Cobos Felino Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina)
Lively, full-bodied chardonnay with enticing aromas of white peach, golden delicious apple and guava that carry through
as generous flavors on a satiny, mouth-filling palate. Citrus and mineral notes create a refreshing finish. Alcohol 14.8%.
2013 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley (Sonoma, CA)
91 points, Vinous: Superb, with all Knights Valley grapes. Signature tastes of raspberry jam, spice, scorched earth, rose
petal, cloves and new leather. Knights Valley is often noted for Graves-like sense of gravel-infused minerality, naturally allied to a California expression of fruit, which is exactly what the 2013 features.
2012 L'Ecole Merlot (Walla Walla, Washington)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Plump, ripe, rounded and beautifully textured , with textbook black cherry, plum, tobacco leaf
and herbs. Incorporating 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it comes mostly from the Seven Hills Vineyard and spent 18 months in 40% new French oak. Well worth checking out.
2014 Limerick Lane Russian River Zinfandel (Russian River, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Primarily Zinfandel, but other grapes in this mixed field blend include Peloursin, Négrette,
Syrah, Petite Sirah and Carignan. A sensational Zinfandel, with an explosive nose of pepper, raw meat, blackberry, black
raspberry and cherry. Deep, chewy and dense, with 14.8% natural alcohol. The lusty, exuberant style of this wine makes it irresistible already, and will continue to drink well for another 5-8 years.
2013 Nozzole Il Pareto Cabernet Sauvignon (Tuscany, Italy)
Rich, with black currant and black cherry fruit, and also tar and briar accents. Firm yet refined in style, with a solid, cedary finish. Drink now through 2020. 500 cases made.
Wine Tasting - June 14 ~ 17, 2017
2016 Fleur de Rose, Côtes de Provence, France
Dark salmon pink color. Aromas and flavors of peach tart and orange gelato with a silky, bright, dryish light-to-medium
body and a graceful, interesting, medium-long strawberry, citrus, and minerals finish. A bright, vibrant rose pleaser.
2011 Aveleda Follies Tourriga Nacional, Bairrada, Portugal
92 pts, Wine Enthusiast: Big tannins and a dry core dominate this solid, dense wine. To balance the structure, the wine
also has concentrated aromatic dark plum and berry fruits that are ripe and sustained by intense acidity.
2013 Tapiz Cabernet Mendoza, Argentina
95 pts, James Suckling: A soft and silky red with violet, berry and dark fruits on the nose and palate. Full body, fine
tannins and a flavorful finish. Extremely well craft with elegance and style. Made from high vineyards in Uco Valley with consulting enologist from Bordeaux Jean-Claude Berrouet. Drink or hold.
2015 Daou Cabernet, Paso Robles, California
93 pts, Wine Enthusiast - Editors' Choice: Plump blueberry and soft, cedar-like spice scents show on the nose, while the
palate bursts with black cherry, dark chocolate and caramel flavors, powered by ample acidity. It will age gracefully, but is already delicious.
2014 Ch. Saint Cosme Gigondas "Hominis Frides", Rhone, France
92-94 pts, The Wine Advocate: From a single vineyard, fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged all in Burgundy
barrels, the wine offers sensational notes of crushed rock, graphite, dried rose petals and licorice in a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless style that hides considerable tannic grip.
Wine Tasting - June 7 ~ 10, 2017
2015 Botani Dry Moscatel Old Vines
91 points, Wine Advocate:
A dry wine made from vines planted on the steep slate and quartz hillsides of Malaga. A medium-bodied, super-fragrant and seductive, crisp, elegant wine. The old vines, the beautiful floral notes and stunning,
delicate tropical fruits that the Muscat of Alexandria varietal (the oldest clone in the Muscat family) produces, are just something to behold.
2011 Thelema Cabernet, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker's Notes: Thelema is a family owned wine estate at a high altitude with deep red soil. 100% Cabernet
Sauvignon, the wine is complex and stylish, with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, dark chocolate and pencil shavings. This wine is bone dry, yet exhibits a lovely sweet fruit character on the palate, with a lovely long finish.
2013 Thelema "The Mint" Cabernet, Stellenbosch, South Africa
91 points, Wine Spectator: Entirely made of Cabernet Sauvignon the wine boasts intense plum, cassis and dark chocolate
flavors, with hints of the characteristic minty showing. Fine tannins with a long, mocha finish. Will reward cellaring.
2011 Renacer Punto Final Gran Cabernet Franc, Mendoza, Argentina
93 points, Wine Enthusiast:
100% Cabernet Franc, 2,000 bottles produced. Light herb notes, fine wood and deep black-fruit aromas make for a superb entry. The palate is loaded with power, but a touch of bold tartaric acidity does stick
out. Black cherry, kirsch, mocha and chocolate flavors finish amid a lush mix of chocolaty oak, related spices and deliciousness.
2013 Slow Down Wines"Love Hammer" Cabernet, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker's Notes: Dark and inky with intense aromatics of dark cherry, dark chocolate, mocha, baking spices and clove,
this wine delights the palate with an array of black and red cherry, cranberry, leather and rum raisin, all wrapped up with lush, plush tannins and a finish that just won't quit… 300 cases produced.
Wine Tasting - May 31 ~ June 3, 2017
2016 Chapoutier Tournan Mathilda Grenache Rose (Victoria, Australia)
Winemaker's Notes: Aromas of bright red fruits, predominantly strawberry and raspberry along with grenadine and
delicate peach notes. Refreshing acidity, light and crisp, subtle minerality, and a cleansing finish.
2014 Joseph Phelps Freestone Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, CA)
90 - 92 points, Wine Advocate: More raspberries, floral notes, herbs and underbrush appear in the more complex, still not
bottled 2014 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyard. This is a delicious wine, where some whole clusters were used, giving the
wine an earthy underbrush note, but the raspberry fruit is obvious and jumps from the glass. This should drink nicely in its first 5-7 years.
2013 Peju Merlot (Napa Valley, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: A generously full-bodied wine, explosive in dark, brooding black fruit, coffee and bittersweet
chocolate with firm, integrated tannin and lively acidity in equal measure. Shows varietal character, with an additional 1% Malbec.
2013 Powers Kiona Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Red Mountain, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes:
Dense and complex aromatics of black currant, blackberry, and fennel root along with a nice touch of
spice and earthiness. The mouth flavors feature dark dense layers of blackberry, black currants, tobacco leaf alongside a
touch of smoky molasses and oak that is balanced with elegant acidity. The dark fruits carry the structure along with a lingering dusty texture the includes firm but refined tannin. Aged 31 months in French oak, 63% new.
2013 Mount Eden Vineyards Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mtns, CA)
98 points, Decanter:
Generous cedar, smoke and black fruit aromas. Effortlessly transitions into the palate with lots of youthful fruit, a wonderful air of elegance, and an impeccably long finish.
Wine Tasting - May 24 ~ 27, 2017
2014 Three Sticks Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, CA)
95 points, Wine Enthusiast: Site speaks loudly in this beautifully made wine that is allowed to show its naturally inclined
power within a constraint of cool-climate terroir. Juicy and explosive on the palate in cherry, raspberry, forest floor and
jolts of cardamom, it's both lush and toasty, with a firmness to the tannin structure that suggests plenty of aging potential. It should get pretty interesting between 2024 and 2034, if one can possibly wait.
2013 Ring-Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River, Australia)
92 points, Wine Spectator:
Robust and concentrated, with vanilla and sarsaparilla accents to the blackberry and cherry flavors. Dried herb notes linger on the velvety finish.
2013 Tikal Natural Malbec/Syrah (Mendoza, Argentina)
94 points, James Suckling: Very intense with sea salt, blackberry and dried meat aromas and flavors. Full body, chewy
and polished tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Stylish intense wine. 60% Malbec and 40% Syrah. Made from biodynamic grapes. Drink or hold.
2013 Jackson Estate Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
91-94 points, Wine Advocate: A small cuvée of 7,000 cases and really impressive. The mountain vineyards seem to
dominate the wine's character, with moderately high but round tannin, briary blackberry and cassis fruit, and plus a minerality. 94% Cabernet Sauvignon 2% Malbec 2% Petit Verdot 1.7% Cabernet Franc, 0.3% Merlot.
2012 Andrew Will Champoux Red (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
94 points Wine Advocate: One of the more backwards, structured efforts, that blends 64% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot
and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon , aged in 35% new French oak. Full-bodied, serious and loaded with tannin, it offers
impressive currant and darker fruits, tobacco leaf and crushed rock like aromas and flavors that continue to gain depth
and richness with time in the glass. Will reach full maturity at around age 10, and nicely keep for a decade or more after
that. The latest 2012s from Chris Camarda are easily some of the best wines I've tasted from him and they have
everything: texture, richness, balance and structure. Chris thinks 2007 is his best vintage to date, and he describes 2012 as a "bigger 2008." Nevertheless, I predict these 2012s will rival the 2007s in another 4-5 years.
Wine Tasting - May 17 ~ 20, 2017
ZinFest
2013 Rodney Strong Vineyards Knotty Vines Zinfandel (Northern Sonoma, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Solidly built and zesty, with notes of dried cherry, licorice and smoky cracked pepper. Drink
now through 2022.
2015 Day Zinfandel (Sonoma County, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator:
Bold and rich, with a lively, structured core, plus black raspberry and pepper aromas, and ripe, zesty black cherry and sweet black licorice flavors.
2014 Marietta Cellars Zinfandel Angeli Cuvee (Alexander Valley, CA)
90 points, Wine Advocate: One of Marietta's most serious wines, a majority Zin blend with Petite Sirah and Carignan.
Delicious, fruit-forward, raspberry, black cherry, and roasted herbs. 15.3% alcohol with no trace of heat. Fruit-driven, spicy, earthy and hedonistic.
2013 Klinker Brick Old Ghost Zinfandel (Lodi, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: Old Ghost is the best Zinfandel Klinker Brick produces. Brambleberry fruit aromas intermingle with
anise, clove and exotic spice. Very smooth yet firmly tannic and structured. Pair with your porterhouse or grilled lamb.
2014 Hartford Court Old Vine Zinfandel (Russian River Valley, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Full-bodied, with black raspberry, black cherry, pepper, earth, and meat. Very lush, with
well-integrated wood, alcohol and acidity, plus sensational texture and length.
2014 Mauritson Rockpile Winery Rockpile Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel (Rockpile, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Opaque ruby/purple color, rich, full-bodied, great fruit purity, and a deep, mineral-laced,
peppery finish. No alcoholic heat whatsoever. Full-throttle, rich Zinfandel that ages nicely for 10 years.
2015 The Prisoner Wine Company Prisoner (Napa, CA)
Blends Zin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono from 12 Napa vineyards. Jen Beloz makes the wine. Wine Country Connection: Glass-staining dark purple, with nose filling aromas. Beautiful ripe cherries, wild berries,
chocolate, and crushed violets. Otherworldly rich, round tannins, and elaborate flavors. One of the best vintages of the Prisoner.
Wine Tasting - May 10 ~ 13, 2017
2008 Domaine Vincent Careme Le Clos (Touraine,Vouvray, Loire, France)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast Cellar Section: A wonderfully perfumed, oak-aged wine from old vines. Almond and ethereal
juicy acidity complement its richness and fine ripeness, with an intense acidity on the finish. Delicious now, but can age for another 6–8 years.
2013 Murrieta's Well The Spur (Livermore Valley, CA)
91 points, Wine Spectator: The licorice-scented blackberry and plum flavors have dense but refined tannins, with chai
tea, black walnut and espresso notes on the expressive finish. 40% Petite Sirah, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec.
2013 Tikves Bela Voda (Macedonian Republic)
89-91 points, Wine Advocate: Tastes like a southern Rhone with its spicy, licorice and black raspberry/cassis-dominated
bouquet, the inky-colored wine is full-bodied, supple and sexy, with good acidity and a great finish. Made from equal parts Plavec and Vranec that was aged in 75% new barrels. Will drink nicely through 2020.
2013 Titus Merlot (Napa, CA)
76% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A well-balanced Merlot that has nice red and light-black fruit, along with a dusty finish.
2011 Janasse Cote du Rhone Village Garriques (Rhone Valley, France)
92 points, International Wine Cellar: Another killer wine, although only 250 cases made because of some problems with
the Grenache crop. In many vintages, this is one of France's finest Cotes du Rhones. The 2011 exhibits terrific fruit as well as classic notes of loamy, sandy soil, balsam wood, kirsch, lavender and roasted Provencal herbs.
Wine Tasting - May 3 ~ 6, 2017
2014 Loimer Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal, Austria)
92 points Wine Spectator: Rich and minerally, with an intense purity to the gooseberry, white plum and raspberry flavors.
Snappy acidity and plenty of savory notes flood the finish.
2014 Charles Joguet Chinon Cuvee Terroir (Loire Valley, France)
The introductory Cabernet Franc from this estate. Medium ruby with purple hues and a hint of garnet on the rim. The
nose is clean, and aromatic, with purple flowers, bell pepper, blue fruit, red cherries and some earth. The palate is dry, with
medium acidity, tannins and alcohol. Well balanced and food-friendly. Drinks well young but can be enjoyed aged for more years.
2014 Chateau Brisson (Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux)
90-91+ points, Gerstl (translated from German): Intense, black berry fruit, fine clarity, good depth. A mouth full of wine,
I am always amazed at the quality made by this estate. What a wonderful fruit bundle, combining the freshness of the vintage with refined extract. Charming, even exciting, and an incredible bargain.
2013 Rodney Strong Estate Knotty Vines Zinfandel (Northern Sonoma, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: There's a lot to admire in this robust wine, from its soft, muddled layers of spicy cinnamon to
its well-hewn bursts of black licorice and blackberry. While full-bodied and brooding, it drinks with elegance and a brightness of red fruit on the finish.
2012 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy)
96 points Wine Spectator: Cherry, leather and iron notes mark this suave, elegant red. A bit reticent now, but the fruit is
fresh and long on the finish. The dense tannins leave a mouth coating impression, but this opens up beautifully over a few hours.
Wine Tasting - April 26 ~ 29, 2017
2014 Tres Picos Grenache (Campo de Borja, Spain)
Vinous 92 Points: Bright violet color. Heady, exotically perfumed bouquet of ripe red and dark berries, incense and
candied flowers, with a smoky mineral overtone and a hint of Asian spices. Intense, deeply pitched raspberry liqueur and
cherry-cola flavors stain the palate while displaying a distinctly vibrant quality. Blends power, depth and finesse in a way
uncommon at anywhere near this price point. Closes sweet, supple and very long, with velvety tannins coming in late to add shape and gentle grip. {Wine Spectator #39 Top 100 2016 91 points}
2014 La Posta Pizzella Family Vineyard Malbec (Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina)
90 points, Wine Advocate: The most harmonious, elegant, deeper, and at the same time backward, of the three
single-vineyard Malbecs. Not as showy as the others in the palate as the tannins are austere and the chalky minerality sticks to your teeth. Readily available, as some 180,000 bottles were produced in 2014. Superb value!
2013 Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon (Valle De Uco, Mendoza, Argentina)
91 points, Wine Spectator: A refined and savory red, featuring notes of white pepper to the cherry and crushed red plum
flavors. Lengthens out on the palate, with medium-grained tannins. Silky finish. Drink now through 2020.
2014 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec. Aromas of raspberry, black
cherry, baking spices, vanilla bean. In the mouth, blackberry compote, toasted hazlenuts, wet stones. Rich mid-palate, velvety tannin structure.
2013 Marqués de Griñón Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Dominio de Valdepusa, Spain)
Importer's Notes: Deep purple, this Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with aromas of black cherries, wild berry
fruits and sweet spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate and tobacco. It is expansive on the palate: full-bodied, well-structured with fine, integrated tannins, and outstanding depth.
Wine Tasting - April 19 ~ 22, 2017
19th Anniversary Party
CabFest
Blind Tasting 7 Flights of Cabernets
******* Flight 1 *******
2014 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon (Robertson, South Africa)
Winemaker's Notes: A delicious crowd pleasing Cab consistently a Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy" - delivers serious bang
for the buck. Ripe blackcurrant and dried herb characters on the nose, backed up with spicy oak notes. The palate is smooth and soft, with ripe tannins and a long finish.
2014 Lodi Estate Cabernet (Lodi, California)
Winemaker's Notes: A robust, age-worthy Cab with strong aromas of cocoa, cedar and limestone. Followed by lush,
elegant flavors of blueberry, raspberry, milk chocolate, mocha, vanilla and black pepper. A silky smooth mouth-feel followed by fine tannins, a full, round texture, and a long finish.
******* Flight 2 *******
2014 Ancient Peaks Cabernet (Paso Robles. CA) An excellent value that has classic Cab notes of black currants, plums,
graphite and some herbal aromas and flavors. Blended with 16% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Zinfandel, and aged 16 months in French and American oak, drink this medium-bodied, nicely balanced wine over the coming 4-5 years.
MV Marietta Cellars Arme Lot 3 (North Coast, California)
90 points, Wine Advocate: 76% Cab, 11% Merlot and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot. A big wine aged up to 3 years in
neutral oak. Includes 2011-2013 vintages and estate with purchased fruit. Black cherry, blackcurrant, tobacco, cedar, licorice and earth. Full-bodied, lush and succulent.
******* Flight 3 *******
2012 Powers Champoux Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: Rich layeres of wild blackberries and black currant with a touch of fennel and cedar. Complex black
cherry, blackberries, and vanilla crème brulee finish with lingering plum. Lush dusty tannins balance oak and sage. Powerful yet elegant.
2014 Textbook Cabernet (Napa Valley, CA)
An attractive, mid-weight wine. Best drink it over the next few years, while the red stone fruit and floral notes retain their freshness. This gracious open-knit Cab is absolutely delicious.
******* Flight 4 *******
2009 Château Beau-Site (St.-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France)
Located on a high Medoc point, with an impressive river view. Inviting nose of cassis, plum, and spicy oak. Abundant
flavors of cassis, blueberry, plum, oak, cedar, and earthy tannins. Very tasty, well-balanced, and long. 60% Cab, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
2014 Aia Vecchia Sor Ugo (Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy)
Cab, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot, aged for 18 months in new French barrique. A very ripe and seductive
vintage with lots of dark cherry and cassis like fruit, dark earth, mocha, graphite and licorice. Very rich with ripe berry fruit, firm tannins and nice earth and spice. Big but in proportion.
******* Flight 5 *******
2013 Textbook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Mise en Place (Oakville, CA)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Shows loads of licorice, Christmas fruitcake, sweet black fruits and a touch of oak in a
full-bodied, pure, concentrated style that is in keeping with the epic style of this vintage. Includes 8% Merlot.
2014 Vina Cobos Cocodrilla Corte (Mendoza, Argentina)
91 points, James Suckling: An aromatic young red with blackberry, black olives, and flowers. Full body, fine tannins and
a pretty finish. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Drink now.
******* Flight 6 *******
2012Marqués de Griñón Cabernet Reserve (Spain)
Importer's Notes: Deep purple, this Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with aromas of black cherries, wild berry
fruits and sweet spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate and tobacco. It is expansive on the palate: full-bodied, well-structured with fine, integrated tannins, and outstanding depth.
2013 Crossbarn Cabernet (Napa, CA)
93 points, James Suckling: A fantastic example of the super 2013 vintage in Napa. Full body, currants, graphite, spice,
and light chocolate. The length and balance to this is superb. Don't miss it.
******* Flight 7 *******
2013 Daou Cabernet Reserve (Paso Robles, CA)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast: An elegant weave to the aromas of this bottling, with soy, dried dill, peppercorns, crushed
gravel and a touch of cedar laced throughout the black fruit on the nose. Perfectly rounded black currant, black cassis and black cherry show on the sip, with violets and pencil shavings.
2014 De Toren Fusion V (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
91 points, WineMag (New Zealand): A five-way blend dominated by Cab at 53%. An attractive nose of red and black
fruit, attractive vanilla and oak spice but also violets and a little leafy lift. Super-intense yet not short of freshness, with
ultra-fine tannin. Cannot accuse De Toren of picking too early but this wine still has life while the finish manages to be gently savory. Immensely well crafted.
Wine Tasting - April 12 ~ 15, 2017
2010 Hendry Estate Albarino (Napa, CA)
Floral, herbal and peachy aromas. On the palate, tangy citrus, nectarine and passion fruit flavors reflect the bright acidity. A pretty, refreshing white, great as a first-course wine, and a lovely counterpoint to sea food.
2012 L'Ecole 41 Merlot (Walla Walla, Washington)
92 points, Tanzer, Vinous: 76% from oldest vines in Seven Hills Vineyards and 24% from Ferguson Vineyard. Good
medium bright red. Lovely floral/mineral lift to the black fruit and bitter chocolate aromas. Sweet and fine-grained, showing
excellent ripeness and intensity to its dark berry flavors. Savory minerality carries the fruit through a dry, long finish featuring fine-grained, palate-coating tannins. Should age very well.
2012 Linne Calodo Outsider (Paso Robles, CA)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A more elegant and graceful effort that has lots of baking spices, cherry pie and licorice in its
full-bodied, forward and approachable feel. 72% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah and 6% Mourvedre. Nicely balanced and silky.
2013 Textbook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Mise en Place (Oakville, CA)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Shows loads of licorice, Christmas fruitcake, sweet black fruits and a touch of oak in a
full-bodied, pure, concentrated style that is in keeping with the epic style of this vintage. Includes 8% Merlot.
2011 Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana (Piedmont, Italy)
94 points, Wine Spectator: A vibrant, cherry and floral scented red, with shadings of tar, leather and spice. Well
structured and harmonious, ending with a lingering savory aftertaste. Stays elegant and firm from start to finish.
Wine Tasting - April 5 ~ 8, 2017
Loimer Brut Sparkling Rose (Kamptal, Austria)
91 points, Wine Advocate: A pale salmon-colored sparkling wine from different vineyard sites in Kamptal and
Thermenregion. Based on Zweigelt (64%) and Pinot Noir (36%) from the 2013 harvest, bottled in July 2014 and disgorged
in October 2015 with five grams of residual sugar. Delicate cherry and red berry flavors on the fresh and floral-scented
nose, with its fine brioche flavors. Medium-bodied, fresh and dry, a lovely purity and great finesse, that finishes with grip and fine tannins.
2011 Yalumba Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon Le Cigar (Coonawarra, Australia)
94 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion: Bright, clear crimson-purple; the cool vintage in Coonawarra
invested much of the region's Cabernet with lively, fresh red fruit aromas and flavors; here those characters are picked up
and lengthened by some briar and black olive nuances that add interest and length to a meritorious Cabernet.
2015 Daou Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
92 points, Wine Advocate: The straight 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is another outstanding vintage of this cuvee that has
full-bodied richness, beautiful concentration and lots of dark chocolate, plum and smoked herb aromas and flavors. Has more obvious structure than the 2014 did at this stage as well.
2015 Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner (California)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Packed with fruit character, this deep, ripe version offers plenty of new oak, revealing a rich
texture and zesty flavors of smoky licorice, blackberry cobbler and cracked pepper. 51% Zinfandel, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, 15% Syrah 2% Charbono, 1% Grenache.
2011 Puro Uno Mega Malbec (Lujan De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina)
Single vineyard, century old vines, aged 30 months in 100% new oak, 70% French and 30% American. 93 points, James Suckling.
Wine Tasting - March 29 ~ April 1, 2017
2015 Weingut Frey Pinot Gris Spätlese Trocken, Rheinhessen, Germany
Made from a single vineyard and matured in oak barrels. The wine offers plush notes of citrus, pear and toasted almonds, supple texture and a long finish. 400 cases produced.
2013 Seven Hills Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington
Wine Spectator 92 points: Supple, expressive and full-bodied, playing rich cherry and tobacco flavors against sage and
chocolate notes that wrap around a very long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2023.
2012 Hendry Estate Primativo, Napa Valley, California
Wine Enthusiast 91 points: The producer does nice things with this 100% Primitivo, coaxing attractive, chewy,
liqueur-like fruit from the grapes before aging them in French oak, just a third of the barrels new. The woody tones are well integrated, and the wine boasts a smooth texture and subtle power.
2015 Andrew Will Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, Washington
Made of 100% Cabernet Franc this medium body wine reveals herbal notes of Italian seasonings, cherry, crushed leaf and
red plum on the nose with dark chocolate, cherry, raspberries on the palate. This wine is fresh and youthful and ready to drink.
2012 Casanova De Neri Brunello di Montacino, Tuscany, Italy
Wine Spectator 95 points: Effusive aromas and flavors of raspberry, cherry, floral, mineral and tobacco are at the center of
this linear, vibrant red. Well-structured, this offers terrific length on the sinewy finish. Best from 2020 through 2035.
Wine Tasting - March 22 ~ 25, 2017
2015 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris "Unoaked", Pfalz, Germany
From the Pfalz region in Germany, directly north of France's Alsace region, comes a full-bodied wine with fresh, unoaked fruit and a crisp texture.
2013 Castello Di Neive Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
The grapes for this wine (100% Nebbiolo ) come from some of the most-respected vineyards in the Barbaresco DOCG;
Gallina, Messoirano, Valtorta, and a part of Santo Stefano. It is medium garnet in color, offers vibrant aromas of red fruits
and cassis that are complemented by delicate hints of licorice, smoke, and caramel. The tannins in this wine are central to the mouth feel, but neither astringent nor too tight.
2014 Trentadue "La Storia" Petite Sirah, Alexander Valley, California
A blend of 79% Petite Sirah, 9% Syrah, 9% Carignane, and 3% Zinfandel from the wineries best blocks. The wine is dark
and opaque and features a nose of concentrated blueberries and blackberries that leads to a full body mouth feel with
engagingly soft tannins. After short aeration, the nose opens up with the addition of cocoa and slight earthiness, followed by brown sugar and a touch of vanilla.
2012 Milbrandt "Sentinel" Meritage, Wahluke Slope, Washington
Wine Enthusiast -91 points:
It's aromatically brooding, with notes of black fruit, toffee, moist soil and a floral top note. The palate pulls few punches with its rich, high-octane flavors and firm tannins but manages to keep it all in balance.
Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) makes up the majority of this wine along with Merlot (23%), Malbec (5%) and Petit Verdot.
2014 Paul Hobbs "Crossbarn" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
The wine is plump, juicy and forward, all qualities that make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few
years. Inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, chocolate, menthol and spices are all pushed forward. Drink this succulent, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon over the next few years. Vinous 12/2016
Wine Tasting - March 15 ~ 18, 2017
French & Italian WineFest
*** Flight 1 ***
2014 Saint Hilaire Brut (Blanquette de Limoux, Languedoc-Roussillon)
Winemaker's Notes: Aromatic flavors of peach, pear and green apple skins with a wonderful, full, creamy mouthfeel. Think
non vintage Champagne for a fraction of the cost.
2015 Montelliana Prosecco Extra Dry (Veneto, IT)
An affordable and enjoyable Prosecco with a cream and citrus texture, good mouthfeel, and palate cleansing finish.
*** Flight 2 ***
2015 Marco Fellugo Pinot Grigio (Collio Goriziano, IT)
Winemaker's Notes: Golden yellow in color, often with copper tones. An intense and immediate bouquet with pronounced
hints of acacia flowers, broom and apple. The mouth is elegantly fruity and becomes full bodied, well-structured, and a remarkably long finish.
2015 Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay (Vin de France)
90 points, Wine Advocate: A smoking value from 100% Chardonnay that spent three months in tank on Viognier lees
followed by three months in barrel. Lots of orchard fruits, white peach, honeysuckle and a hint of vanilla to go with a fuller bodied, crisp, textured and mouth-filling style.
*** Flight 3 ***
2014 Aia Vechia Lagone (Tuscany, IT)
60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. An opulent and fruit-forward red wine with dark currant
and ripe cherry, followed generously by spice, leather and chocolate. It offers simple appeal, but its bouquet is well put together. Medium-bodied intensity with a moderate finish.
2014 Moulin D'Issan (Bordeaux Superieur, FR)
From the vineyards on clay across the road from the Margaux appellation. 90% Merlot, 10% Cab with a beautiful bouquet
of fresh earth, cigar box spice, red currant and plum. A very fresh and balanced style with notes of fresh earth, plum and a touch of tobacco on the finish. Aged in 25% new oak.
*** Flight 4 ***
2012 Bisceglia Gudarra (Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture, IT)
92 points, Wine Advocate: A gorgeous starter for those not familiar with the great wines of Basilicata. Very distinctive
bouquet with deep layers of road pavement, asphalt, old spice and tobacco that make fascinating contours to black fruit and plum. Gudarra is dark, brooding and powerful.
2012 Crocus L'Atelier (Cahors, FR)
Black violet with amethyst glimmers on the edge. Bright and floral nose, with rose petals, huckleberry pie, black plum skin
and a hint of fresh cracked pepper. Expansive, juicy palate with huckleberry, raspberry and black cherry, finishing with a slate-like minerality. Weighty and well-structured, with chewy tannins.
*** Flight 5 ***
2012 Monte Degli Angeli Barolo (Piedmont, IT)
A delicious, yet traditional style Barolo. Amazing quality at an unusually low price. Fantastic aromas of spice box, red
fruits, cherry licorice, plums and dark cherries. Excellent concentration and grip, yet refined tannins, especially after being opened. Rich and balanced without being heavy.
2012 Autard Chateauneuf Du Pape (Rhone, FR)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A brilliant effort, with sweet, chocolatey nuances and loads of cassis, black raspberry, tobacco
leaf and wild herb-like aromas and flavors. Big, full-bodied profile on the palate, with a terrific, broad, expansive texture.
*** Flight 6 ***
2004 Chateau Barde-Haut (St- Emilion, Bordeaux, FR)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Gorgeous nose of ripe raspberry, with hints of vanilla and blackberry. Intense yet subtle.
Full-bodied, with lots of fruit, yet refined, layered silky tannins, long and caressing. Aging well. Better than the 2003 or 2000. Best after 2012. 90% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc, 100% new oak.
2013 Maculan Palazzotto Cabernet Sauvignon (Breganze, Venato, IT)
Winemaker's Notes: All Cabernet Sauvignon from the best hillside sites, aged for a year in French barriques, half new, half
second year. Intense, dry, full bodied, fine grained tannin, well integrated.
*** Flight 7 ***
2013 La Giaretta Amarone Classico (IT)
Winemaker's Notes: At least two years of aging and subsequent refinement in bottle result in a ruby red wine with an
intense bouquet of cherries and preserved morello cherries in alcohol, with a robust body and a particularly well-balanced flavor. Not the sweet and pruney style.
2014Chateau Puech-HautPic Saint Loup La Closerie Du Pic (FR)
91-94 Points, Wine Advocate: Beautiful purity and suppleness in its black raspberry and chocolate-laced aromas and
flavors. Full-bodied, rounded and textured, with soft tannin and a voluptuous, fruit forward style, that should drink nicely on release.
Wine Tasting - March 8 ~ 11, 2017
2014 Domaine Lafage Tessellae Carignan Old Vines (Cotes de Catalanes, Vin de France)
92 points, Wine Advocate: One of the best Carignans from the Roussillon yet sells for a song. Comes from schist soils
and 70-year-old vines, raised 12 months in a mix of concrete tanks and large oak barrels. Features tons of black raspberry
and black cherry fruit, licorice and dried spices to go with a super sexy, heady, seamless style on the palate that keeps
you coming back to the glass for more. Incredible quality and value from Lafage, which is a large estate that sources
grapes from vines in the Agly Valley and the Aspres region, as well as vineyards it owns, mostly close to the Mediterranean Sea, and has just completed a new, state of the art winery and cellar.
2012 Paul Bertrand Crocus Latelier Malbec (Cahors, France)
Black violet with amethyst glimmers on the edge. Bright and floral nose, with rose petals, huckleberry pie, black plum skin
and a hint of fresh cracked pepper. Expansive, juicy palate with huckleberry, raspberry and black cherry, finishing with a slate-like minerality. Weighty and well-structured, with chewy tannins.
2012 Powers Champoux Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
Winemaker's Notes: Rich layered aromatics of wild blackberries and black currant that lead into a touch of fennel and
cedar on the nose. Diverse and complex flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and vanilla creme brulee finishing with ripe
plum that lingers on the palate. Lush dusty tannins that are balanced with a nice touch of oak and sage on the finish. A
very powerful, yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that you would expect from this world class vineyard site. Powers is the low cost provider of wines from many of the greatest vineyards in Washington.
2012 Domaine du Gros Noir (Bandol, Provence, France)
93 points, Wine Spectator: A dark leathery frame but still sleek and pure overall, with a dense core of currant preserves,
steeped plum and lightly mulled blackberry fruit, studded with dried anise and singed juniper notes. A bolt of iron is
buried deeply on the finish. 80% Mourvdre, 15% Grenache, 5% Cinsault; 18 months in large oak barrels. Some grapes are fermented with stems.
2007 Vina Alicia Cuarzo Petite Verdot (Lunluta, Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A blend of 95% Petit Verdot with the balance equal parts Grenache Noir and Carignan, aged 16
months in a mix of new and used French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, with brooding bouquet of pencil lead,
espresso, mineral, earth notes, underbrush, and blackberry. Dense but still manages to be relatively light on its feet.
Highly structured under the layers of fruit, that will get better with additional aging in bottle.
Wine Tasting - March 1 ~ 4, 2017
2015 Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay (Vin de France)
90 points, Wine Advocate: A smoking value that's made from 100% Chardonnay that spent three months in tank on
Viognier lees followed by three months in barrel. Tasting like it cost three times the price, it offers lots of orchard fruits,
white peach, honeysuckle and a hint of vanilla to go with a fuller bodied, crisp, yet still textured and mouth-filling style on the palate. You can't go wrong at the price for a terrifically enjoyable wine.
2014 Vinum Petite Sirah (Clarksburg, Central Valley, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: The color of this beast of a Petite Sirah is inky purple. The wine is uber concentrated and ripe with
blueberry and boysenberry fruit which are elegantly wrapped in a silky vanilla. The entry of this dense Petite is both
tannic and bold while maintaining a juicy, overripe profile displaying ample acidity to balance the tannins and fruit
concentration making it multidimensional and food friendly. The finish is so supple and smooth that you will want more.
2011 Buehler Vineyards Zinfandel (Napa, California)
Winemaker's Notes: Aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, 20% new. At this level of oaking, the
up-front endearing quality of Zinfandel asserts itself. Aromas of a briar patch on a hot summer day carry over to the palate
in a mouth-filling, flavorful, juicy package. Crafted for immediate enjoyment and to benefit from more complexity with additional aging.
2012 Hendry Red (Napa, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Nearly equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend also features good handfuls
of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that offer soft, velvety flavors of blackberry and blueberry. Lightly oaked, the
tannins are grippy while the wine generates an herbal undertone on the nose. Single vineyard on a gravelly washout from the mountains. Aged for 18 months in 70% new French oak barrels.
2013 Revolver Wine Company Petit Verdot Dust to Dust (Rutherford, CA)
95 cases made, sold out at the winery. Cleverly named for the dustiness of the tannin of the Rutherford red wines. Owners
Brian Page and his brother Chris first produced wines in 1997 with 36 cases made, and since have become hard to get cult wines.
Wine Tasting - February 22 ~ 25, 2017
2015 Hahn Pinot Gris (Monterey, CA)
Apple blossoms and lemon-lime sorbet aromas. In the mouth, lime pith and crisp apple-juice flavors. Finishes long, zesty, and juicy.
2013 Smith & Hook Proprietary Red (Central Coast, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: A blend of Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Opulent aromas of black currant,
plums and blueberry pie greet the nose, accompanied by hints of tobacco and leather. The refined yet robust palate is
multi-dimensional, showcasing flavors of dark berries and vanilla complemented by velveteen but grippy tannins, a savory, richly dense mouthfeel and lingering finish.
2013 Tasca d'Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Lamuri Nero d'Avola (Sicily, Italy)
92 points, Wine Advocate: An impressive achievement. Grapes are sourced from vineyards between 450 and 750 meters
above sea level and the wine is oak aged for a year, 20% new. The high altitude vineyards have shaped the focused and
linear aromas of wild berry and dried cherry. The wood regime has added delicate layers of carob seed and powdered chocolate. A very exciting vintage of Lamùri, thanks to its overall balance and intensity.
2013 Peju Merlot (Napa Valley, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: A generously full-bodied wine, explosive in dark, brooding black fruit, coffee and bittersweet
chocolate that offers firm, integrated tannin and lively acidity in equal measure. It shows varietal character, with an additional 1% Malbec.
2013 Domaine Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains, CA)
92 points,Vinous / Antonio Galloni: A huge and gorgeous overachiever in its price range. Inky dark red and blue-fleshed
fruit, smoke, spices and licorice hit the palate as this exuberant, radiant Cabernet shows off its racy personality. There is
more than enough plumpness to make the 2013 approachable young, but also enough density to drink well for years. Graphite, smoke, licorice and black cherry jam infuse the super-expressive finish.
Wine Tasting - February 15 ~ 18, 2017
2016 Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc (Durbanville, South Africa)
Lush and vibrant with aromas of guava, citrus and green apple. A lively palate full of tropical fruit and citrus flavors. Superb with appetizers, pasta, and seafood dishes.
2013 Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas (Yecla, Spain)
92 points, Wine Advocate: 70% Monastrell, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15 % Grenache, aged 10 months in French and
American oak. Comes from relatively high-altitude limestone soils at 900 meters. Dense purple color, a big sweet kiss of
blueberry and blackberry fruit mixed with crushed chalk, a full-bodied mouthfeel, beautiful purity, density and richness.
The oak is well concealed by the lavish fruit. The wine just amazing. Drink over the next 2-3 years, as these powerhouses are best consumed in their exuberant and extroverted youth.
2012 Izadi Rioja Reserva (Spain)
90 points, Best Value, Wine to Buy (Sarasota, FL): Shiny ruby color. Rich aromatic intensity with a nice balance of red
fruit, liquorice and spices and smoked hints in the background. Elegant and round in the palate with a long after taste that brings back floral and fruity memories.
2014 Double Canyon Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)
91 points Wine Enthusiast: Wood spice, herb, tangerine peel and blue- and black-fruit aromas are followed by a fresh,
flavorful palate. The grip of the tannins makes the varietal unmistakable and the balance is spot on. 78% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec. The vast majority comes from the estate owned Double Canyon Vineyard.
2013 Burgess Cellars Estate Triere Vineyard Merlot (Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, CA)
Tasty black cherry fruit well structured by acid and tannin. Winemaker's Notes: Dark, ruby red in color with gorgeous
aroma of cherry, lavender, rose, blackberry, plum, and sasparilla. The generous flavors are juicy, dense, and persistent with a core of cherry, plum, chocolate-covered strawberry, and notes of baking spices.
Wine Tasting - February 8 ~ 11, 2017
ZinFest
2012 Hendry Block 28 Zinfandel (Napa Valley, CA)
94 points, Wine & Spirits: From a vineyard with cooling morning fog and offshore breezes in the afternoon. Parallels the hearty depths of an old-vine Zin, the ripe sour-cherry flavors driven by alcohol but not heated by it, and the tannins
buzzing with energy. Brisk, bright, complex, and joyous.
2014 Rockpile Winery Zinfandel Cemetery Vineyard Sonoma
92 points, Wine Advocate: A beauty - saturated, dense ruby purple to the rim with oodles of blackberry and peppery
black cherry fruit, full body, and long in the finish. The vineyard is named after natural rock formations that look like tombstones.
2014 Rockpile Winery Zinfandel Rockpile Vineyard (Rockpile, Sonoma, CA)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Stylish yet complex, with raspberry, loamy mineral and orange blossom aromas and powerful,
plush flavors of berry cobbler, licorice and cracked pepper.
2014 Robert Biale Black Chicken (Napa Valley, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: A big boned 15.3% wine. Gorgeously proportioned, textured, chewy, stunningly hedonistic,
fleshy, and flamboyant, with ample glycerin and fruit.
2012 Chateau Potelle VGS Zinfandel (Mount Veeder, CA)
Big cinnamon sweet spice with very bright acidity. Rich, dense, and intense, yet balanced and complex. Raspberry,
blackberry, and vanilla. Alcohol usually over 16%. Only 600 cases made. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels. From high altitude vineyards.
2011 Linne Calodo Zinfandel The Outsider (Paso Robles, CA)
95 points, Wine Advocate. My favorite of the Zin dominated blends, with 78% Zin, 18% Syrah and 4% Mourvedre. Deep,
rich and layered, with black berry fruit, spice box, underbrush, licorice, white pepper and meat. Complex, rich, brilliantly textured, and hard to resist.
Wine Tasting - February 1 ~ 4, 2017
2013 Clos du Val Chardonnay (Carneros, California)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Licorice and fennel aromas. Medium in build and classically elegant. Crisp apple and
pineapple, with traces of vanilla and toasty oak.
2012 Fleur de Pedesclaux (Pauillac, Bordeaux, France)
The second wine made by Chateau Pedesclaux from the grapes left after the best grapes are used to make their best wine.
The vineyards of this estate include some adjacent to the famous and very expensive Mouton Rothschild and Chateau
Lafite. Made to be more fruity, less tannic, and ready to drink sooner. One of the few all Merlots in the 2012 vintage.
2013 Felluga Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc (Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy)
Made from a hilltop vineyard. Captures Cabernet Franc's signature leafy, tobacco-edged red currant, licorice and leather
notes on a medium bodied palate. What sets the wine apart is the suave polish to its tannins and the purity, definition and lift to its harmonious mix of flavors.
2013 Bacio Divino Cellars Pazzo (Napa, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Named for the expression "Call me Crazy", this wine contains an unusual 58% Sangiovese
along with 22% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Crazy or not, it works, providing a thicket of black and blue berry, smoky cinnamon and a juicy, medium build, meant to please rather than be pondered.
2013 Oakville Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville, Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Charming, offering an elegant array of supple-textured licorice, sage and dusty red and dark
berry notes. Most impressive on the long, tapered finish, which lets the flavors glide through the aftertaste. Drinkable now.
Wine Tasting - January 25 ~ 28, 2017
"Cabernet vs. Merlot Fest # 2"
****Flight 1****
2013 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon (Brede River Valley, South Africa)
Winemaker's Notes: This appealing, crowd pleasing Cabernet – consistently a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy – delivers
serious bang for the buck. Packed with juicy flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum, with subtle hints of dark chocolate and spice.
2014 Peirano Estate Merlot Six-Clones (Lodi, CA)
Aromas of black cherries, red raspberries, strawberry and white pepper join together in a single sensation of olfactory
bliss. The mouth is filled with black cherry, strawberry and raspberry with lingering hints of cocoa and toasted oak. Moderate tannins, good acidity, and a long finish.
****Flight 2****
2012 Chateau Moulin D'Issan (Bordeaux Superieur, France)
From the vines closest to the Gironde Estuary, with clay and limestone soil particularly suited to Merlot, generally, 90% of the blend, Rich, supple, and fruity.
2013 Ancient Peaks Cabernet (Paso Robles, CA)
94% Cab, 5% Merlot 1% Cabernet Franc. From two blocks in one of the coolest vineyards in Paso Robles. Plum, raspberry,
tobacco and toasted oak. Rounded black cherry and black currant are interwoven with earthier hints of olive, mint, black tea and spice. Chewy tannins and a full, rich finish.
****Flight 3****
2013 Zuccardi Q Cabernet (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina). 91 points, Wine Spectator:A refined and savory red,
featuring notes of white pepper to the cherry and crushed red plum flavors. Lengthens out on the palate, with medium-grained tannins. Silky finish.
2013 L'Ecole 41 Columbia Merlot (Washington). 91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Blends a variety of top sites, including
Seven Hills, Bacchus, Dionysus, Klipsun and Pepper Bridge. Bright aromas of raspberries and chocolate, with herb and floral accents. The palate is flavorful and full, delivering a lot of enjoyment, with tannins adding some heft.
****Flight 4****
2013 Edge Cabernet (Napa, CA)
89 points, Wine Advocate: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot. A major value that shows terrific
cassis fruit, a deep ruby/purple color, supple, velvety tannins and a lush, in-your-face extroverted style. Perfect immediate gratification, but will drink well for another 5-7 years.
2012 Peju Province Estate Merlot (Napa, CA)
Rich and round softness. Tannic structure stills holds on though. Blackberry, plum, subtle oak and a little bit of vanilla
with a spicy herbaciouness. This wine has a great mouth feel that is balanced and juicy! A lingering taste that goes on and on.
****Flight 5****
2015 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
90-92 points, Wine Advocate: This non-reserve Cab should be another outstanding vintage of this cuvee, with
full-bodied richness, beautiful concentration and lots of dark chocolate, plum and smoked herb aromas and flavors. Has more obvious structure than the 2014 did at this stage as well.
2012 Seven Hills Walla Walla Merlot (Washington) 91 points, Vinous: Bright ruby-red. Serious, deep aromas of cassis,
licorice, tar and red rose. Densely packed, chewy and sweet, with captivating mineral and floral elements adding definition
and lift to the wine's plush texture. Has the balance and flavor i to give early pleasure and the stuffing to age.
****Flight 6****
2013 Castello di Bossi Girolamo (Tuscany, Italy)
Named for the oldest vineyard of Merlot, planted in Bossi 42 years ago, the muscular Girolamo is made entirely from
Merlot grapes. The grapes are crushed and fermented in stainless steel, then aged in Allier barriques for about two years, to achieve a combination of fruit, softened tannins, and body.
2011 Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch S. Africa)
Consistently scores 90-92 points. The grapes come from one of the highest and coolest parts of the Stellenbosch, that
makes wines not only fruity and rich but with greater acidity, tannins, and elegance. 100% Cabernet, with classic flavors of black currant, blackberry, cedar, and tobacco.
****Flight 7****
2013 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Paso Robles, CA)
91 points, Wine Advocate: Fine layer of fruit and texture. Black raspberry, new leather, espresso and licorice. Full-bodied,
concentrated, intense and rounded.
2013 Podere Monastero Campanaio (Tuscany, Italy)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast: A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Supple, and vibrant, with sensations of
blue flowers, black currants, black cherries, savory white pepper and licorice. Polished tannins carry the savory flavors followed by a tobacco note that closes the finish.
Wine Tasting - January 18 ~ 21, 2017
2015 Barboursville Cellars Viognier Reserve (Virginia)
An unusually bright and fruity Viognier, with a vivid citrus and peach, partly from having no malolactic fermentation and no oak aging.
2013 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz (Clare Valley, Australia)
93 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion: Full crimson-purple; the back label proclaims that the Lodge Hill
Vineyard is the highest in the Clare Valley at 440m, and the wine has cool-grown nuances in its bloodstream; jet black fruits have rivulets of licorice, pepper and spice with banks of fine, savory tannins.
2012 Oliverhill Winery Jimmy's Section Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia)
93 points, Wine Advocate:
Deep purple-black in color and intensely scented of blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums and dried mulberries with touches of cedar, sandalwood, spice cake and licorice. Full bodied and voluptuous in the mouth with
the richness of preserved black fruit and anise flavors nicely offset by firm chewy tannins and balanced acid. Long great finish. Drink now to 2022+.
2013 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Paso Robles, CA)
92 points, Wine Advocate: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep, nicely concentrated and full-bodied, with beautiful freshness
and focus in its cassis, black currants, damp earth and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's currently more tight and reserved than the straight Cabernet release and will be better in another year or two.
2015 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
90-92 points, Wine Advocate: The non-reserve Cabernet Sauvignon should be another outstanding vintage of this cuvee
and it has full-bodied richness, beautiful concentration and lots of dark chocolate, plum and smoked herb aromas and flavors. It has more obvious structure than the 2014 did at this stage as well.
Wine Tasting - January 11 ~ 14, 2017
2015 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris (Pfalz, Germany)
Winemaker's Notes: Made in a full-bodied, dry style with fresh, unoaked fruit and a crisp texture. Half of each vintage is
made in large, neutral oak casks for depth and complexity. The other half is done in stainless steel to preserve freshness and enhance the vibrant fruit. An excellent partner for salmon, chicken, and pork.
2012 Bodegas Bengava Brezo Mencia (Bierzo, Spain)
Gregory Perez, a Bordeaux native, came to Bierzo and quite honestly fell in love. He is crafting wines of superior freshness
from 30-60 year old vines of Mencia. And this is a stunningly delicious wine filled with black cherry, compote, minerals and light spices. With good cut and great presence, perfect for grilled meats, poultry, and duck.
2014 Casas del Bosque Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva (Maipo Valley, Chile)
Far better on the second day than the first day opened. Opaque with an inch pour, with a black plum aroma, and a smooth
mouth entry. The sip has an excellent balance of tannin, acid, and fruit, and adds blackberry, black cherry, and cedar. The
finish is smooth, long, and dry at the end. Avoids the chief flaw of thinness that bedevils wines from Chile and Argentina
in the $15 range, and other flaws, including a candy sweetness, rustic tannin, or vegetable taste. Overall, a delicious wine with good concentration. James Suckling scored this 94 points.
2010 Montalvo Wilmont Cabernet de Familia (Castilla, Spain)
Both big and elegant. Got even better the next day after being opened. A good value for a Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker's Notes: 100% Cabernet. Intense and stable color, powerful tannins and lively acidity, combined with a stay of
two years in French oak barrels, resulting in a complex wine, fine and elegant aroma, with toasted toffee notes of and
mature skins, over a very spicy background. A structured and fleshy wine with rich and creamy nuances of aging linked to a fair acidity.
2014 Neyers Left Bank Red (Napa, CA )
92 points, Wine Spectator: Puts zesty raspberry and wild berry at the forefront for immediate appeal and then keeps the
foot on the pedal, with flavors gaining velocity and picking up tannic muscle. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2028.
Wine Tasting - January 4 ~ 7, 2017
2013 Revolver Wine Company Mortal and Devine Chenin Blanc (Clarksburg, Napa, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: Honeysuckle, violets, orange peel, Kaffir lime leaf, lemon curd, lychee. Fantastic acidity with a hint of
sweetness. No malo-lactic allowed.
2013 Ancients Peaks Zinfandel Margarita Ranch Vineyard (Paso Robles, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Smoked meats, concentrated blackberrry and blueberry and a heavily peppered spice
character shows on the nose of this bottling, with some dark chocolate for good measure. The tasty smoke invades the
palate too, but there's also gingerbread cake, baked black plum, cocoa and baking spices. It has solid acidity and decent structure too.
2013 Vina Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, James Suckling: Extremely dark fruit on the nose with blackberries and wet earth. Full body, with a solid core of
fruit and a mineral, blue slate and blueberry aftertaste. Black pepper and spice finish. Wonderful wine for the money.
2013 Ferraton Père & Fils Crozes-Hermitage La Matinière (Rhone, France)
91 points, Vinous, Josh Raynolds: Opaque ruby. A complex, smoke and spice tinged bouquet evokes fresh black and blue
fruits, along with notes of mocha and olive paste. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering bitter cherry and dark
berry flavors supported by juicy acidity and sharpened by a peppery nuance. Quintessential Syrah, displaying very good
depth of flavor and no excess fat. Finishes with building sweetness, gentle tannins and very good persistence, leaving behind a note of cracked pepper.
2010 Hendry Blocks 26 & 9D Cabernet Franc (Napa, CA)
Winemaker's Notes: A serious wine, with smoky, dark aromas of blackcurrant, cacao and pepper. Herbal, tea and
eucalyptus aromas follow with air, smoke and spice revealing moderate oak. Velvety entry gives way to more bittersweet
chocolate and a blackcurrant tang. The initially pronounced tannins need time and air to soften, but the wine continues to evolve in the glass, yielding herbal, spice and fruit aromas.
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