|
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
Return To Archives Page
Wine Tasting - December 26 ~ 29, 2018
2016 Chateau Auguste Bordeaux Rose
Winery Notes:
Very pale and vivid pink. Vibrant, mineral-accented strawberry and red currant and tangerine scents carry a suave oral overtone. Racy, precise, and light on its feet, with tangy red berry flavors and a bracingly beautiful minerality.
Lithe and pure with no excess weight but plenty of depth, Auguste has a stony and fresh finish that displays excellent clarity and persistence.
2016 Garzon Tannat Reserve Uruguay
92 points, James Suckling:
Iodine, ink, tar, crushed stones and dark plum essence. This has all the hallmarks of a fruity tannat, but it's in no way too much. It combines a lovely firm tannin backbone with tangy acidity, which carries all the way to
the savory finish. Drink now.
2014 Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
92 points, Wine Advocate:
92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley opens with spicy cassis and blueberry tart notions plus
underlying bay leaves, cedar, pencil lead and smoked meat notes. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and packed with black
berry and spice box flavor layers, it has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and instills plenty of freshness on the finish.
2012 Radici MastrobardinoTaurasi Aliagnico (Italy)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast:
Underbrush, red fruit, dark spice and a whiff of menthol are some of the aromas that come together on this. The firmly structured elegant palate offers ripe plum, red cherry, licorice and tobacco framed in youthfully
austere fine grained tannins that need time to unwind.
2013 Caparzo Brunello (Italy)
95 points, Wine Spectator:
This cuts more of a broad swath than its peers, yet remains graceful, evoking strawberry, cherry, tobacco and stony mineral flavors. Long and dense in structure, with a tobacco- and underbrush-tinged finish. Best from
2021 through 2033.
Wine Tasting - December 19 ~ 22, 2018
Champagne Fest & Old World Wines
2012 Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru Champagne
Made by a cooperative sharing a winery among 200 members with vineyards in the famous appellation of Mesnil.The members are chiefly small producers who cannot afford to have a separate winery. A selection blending the best wines in the
2012 vintage.
NV Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne
91 points, Vinous: Light, bright gold. Sexy aromas of ripe citrus and orchard fruits, plus a floral overtone and late vanilla hint.
Sappy and seamless on the palate, offering pliant orange and yellow apple flavors and a bracing jolt of chalky minerals. Closes with repeating smokiness, strong thrust, and subtle honey note.
NV Drappier Blanc de Blanc Brut Signature Champagne
91 points, Vinous:
Pale gold. Candied lemon, lime pith and white flowers on a fragrant nose, with deeper orange and buttered
toast emerging with air. Juicy flavors of pear and Meyer lemon show impressive depth and cut, with a gingery nuance adding energy.
2015 Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
From old vine. Sports an inky color as well as a smoking bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries,
pepper, and dried flowers. It's broad, expansive, and sweetly fruited, with a great mid-palate and sweet tannin. A sexy fruit bomb done with class!
2015 La Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva (Italy)
94 points, Wine Spectator: Smells like a little Cabernet Sauvignon enhancing the Sangiovese in this black currant– and
cherry-flavored red. Cedar, thyme, iron and sanguine notes round out the palate as this cruises to a lingering aftertaste. Excellent structure and balance.
2014 Paolo Scavino Barolo (Piedmonte, Italy)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Aromas of dark-skinned berry, French oak and a balsamic note emerge from the glass. The dense
palate offers vanilla, roasted coffee bean, dried black cherry and oak-driven spice alongside assertive, rather astringent tannins. Drink after 2022.
2014 Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Rhone, France)
92 points, Wine Spectator:
Deep ruby red. The nose reveals a subtle blend of raspberry and cocoa bean, followed by notes of smoke. In the mouth, the attack is fresh.
Wine Tasting - December 12 ~ 15, 2018
2014 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay (Napa, CA)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast:
With a slight nose of noble reduction, this seductive wine offers a wealth of balanced flavor and body, shining in tones of nuts, fennel, vanilla and mango. The oak is measured and supportive, never getting in the way,
allowing the acidity to pierce through the fruit.
2016 Cottanera Barbazzole Etna Rosso (Sicily, Italy)
93 points, James Suckling: 80%Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nnerello Cappuccio.:Rich, dense and layered with dark berries,
bark and hints of black tea. Full-bodied, round and velvety. Lively acid backbone. All here. Drink now.
2013 Vina Izadi Reserva (Rioja, Spain)
93 points, James Suckling:
Quite fragrant black fruit aromas with concentrated dry tannins to balance them. Plenty of life, too. Better from 2018.
2016 Vina Cobos Cocodrilo Corte (Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points, James Suckling:
A beautiful wine with fine tannins, currant, blackberry and hazelnut character. Medium-full body, tight and silky tannins and a flavorful finish.75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 9% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2%
Cabernet Franc.
2013 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)
95 points, Wine Spectator:
The stunning bouquet of ripe black cherry, black currant, leather and woodsy spice notes is enticing, while the sweet fruit is a match for the dense structure. The lengthy finish lingers, with tobacco, eucalyptus and
iron accents. Drink now through 2030.
2016 Meeker FroZin (Sonoma County, CA)
Winery Notes:
Made from 100% early harvested Zinfandel grapes, with the same sugar level and high acidity as table grapes. Then the grapes are frozen, which removes water and concentrates the sugar by 60% to 70%, which is then fermented. The
2016 has 11% alcohol and 16.8% residual sugar, delightfully balanced in a bright clean finish by fresh berry flavors and vivid acidity.
Wine Tasting - December 5 ~ 8, 2018
CABFEST
(Sauvignon & Franc)
2013 Vinum Cellars The Scrapper Cabernet Franc (El Dorado County, Sierra Foothills, CA)
92 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast:
Rich, ripe, well built, full-bodied, with all for balance: robust, dry fruit flavors, good acidity, firm but not harsh tannins and appropriately strong alcohol. Great to drink now but best after 2020.
2015 Felluga Ruiz Superiore Cab Franc (Collio, Italy)
91 points, Wine Spectator:
Aromatic herb and spice notes. Harmonious, medium-bodied red, with black currant, dried fig, smoky mineral and fine-grained tannin. All Cab Franc.
2014 Arrowood Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (CA)
92 points, Wine Advocate:
Deep garnet purple. 80% Cab Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 4% Malbec. Scents of red currants, blackberries and wild blueberries with touches of olives and underbrush. Medium-bodied, tightly wound, packed with red
and black fruits. Fine-grained and savory.
2015 Raats Family Cabernet Franc (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast
: 100% Cab Franc.Plush and attractive. Aromas of green peppercorn, tobacco leaf, and bark weave thru blackberry, cherry and currant fruit. Medium-plus weight, velvet textured, slightly creamy, framed by tannin and
acidity. Hard to resist but good thru 2028.
2012 Segla Margaux (Bordeaux, France)
94 points, Wine Advocate:
2nd wine of Chateau Rauzan-Segla. Impressive for 2012. 54.5% Cab, 44% Merlot, 1.5% Petit
Verdot. Still backward and tannic, but concentrated and promising. Blueberry, blackberry and cassis plus licorice, vanilla, forest notes and spice. Structured and beefy.
2013 Freemark Abbey Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
93 points, 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. A solidly made wine. 78.8% Cab Sauvignon, 9.7% Petit Verdot,
rest Merlot and Cab Franc.
2016 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
96 points, Wine Advocate:
Deep garnet-purple with cassis, baked plums, black raspberries, kirsch, and hints of underbrush, lilacs and chocolate box. Medium full-bodied, layers of red and black berries finishing long and earthy. 79% Cab Sauvignon,
14% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 3% Malbec.
Wine Tasting - November 28 ~ December 1, 2018
2016 Peju Province Sauvignon Blanc (Napa, CA)
Winery Notes:
The perfect balance of robust tropical fruit and fresh green florals. Light with refreshing acidity, the initial sip
offers juicy flavors of orange blossom, passion fruit and papaya moving into flavors of vibrant melon and hints of grapefruit. With a fresh, clean finish, this wine is the perfect pairing for salads, seafood, and hot sunny days.
2016 Vina Cobos Cocodrilo Corte (Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points, James Suckling:
A beautiful wine with fine tannins, currants, blackberry and hazelnut. Medium full body, tight and silky tannins, and a flavorful finish. Blends 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 9% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2%
Cabernet Franc.
2013 Vinum Cellars The Scrapper Cabernet Franc (El Dorado County, Sierra Foothills, CA)
92 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast:
Very rich and ripe, but also very firm and well built, this full-bodied wine has all the elements for great balance: robust and dry fruit flavors, good acidity, firm but not harsh tannins and appropriately
strong alcohol. Great to drink now with something rich and fatty, but best after 2020.
2014 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc Two-Fourteen (North Coast, Napa, CA)
93 points, Wine Spectator:
Combines power with finesse, giving Cabernet Franc a measure of torque and character rarely achieved in California, offering tiers of savory herb, dark berry, dusty loamy earth and sensual oak, taking a little edge off the
chewy tannins. Best aerate unless cellaring. Best from 2020 through 2030.
2013 Andrew Will Ciel Du Cheval (Red Mountain, WA)
94 points, Wine & Spirits:
This Ciel du Cheval bottling is 56% Merlot and 44% Cabernet Franc, and the Merlot often dominates the taste. It also is his richest wine as well, and the 2013 doesn't disappoint, with scents of cedar, red plum and
plum skin. The flavors are unabashedly intense in a Red Mountain mode, the radiant heat of the place lending uncharacteristic power to a Merlot-based red, with the tannins needed with strong foods such as beef tenderloin.
Wine Tasting - November 21, 23 & 24, 2018
2016 Catena Cabernet Franc San Carlos (Mendoza, Argentina)
92 points, Wine Advocate: The Appellation range of Catena keeps adding wines, and the newest is the San Carlos Cabernet
Franc, produced from 20-year-old vines in El Cepillo, one of the cooler places of San Carlos in Valle de Uco. Also 2016 was a
particularly cool year, so the wine is really a "cool climate" example. Aged for one year in French oak before bottling. Has tons of black pepper and balsamic, with perfect ripeness.
2014 Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua, Chile)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast: This lusty wine is earthy, jammy and warm on the nose. In the mouth, broad and massive, with
an undercurrent of firm tannins that provide structure. Deep dark flavors of blackberry, plum and fig finish with strength on a fruit-packed finish.
2014 Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy)
91 points, Wine Spectator: Aromatic herb and spice notes lace this harmonious, medium-bodied red, which shows flavors of
black currant, dried fig and smoky mineral set against fine-grained tannins.
2013 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (Dry Creek, Sonoma, CA)
95 points, Vinous: Powerful and explosive in the glass, with tons of inky blue/purplish fruit, mocha, spices, new leather,
lavender and licorice. Give the Lytton Springs at least a few years to shed some baby fat, but it is nearly impossible to resist,
even at this early stage. Once again, the team at Ridge has produced an absolutely compelling Lytton Springs. The 16%
Petite Sirah in the blend adds an unmistakable gravitas. Ridge remains one of the finest operations I visit anywhere in the world. The total commitment to quality, value and customer service simply has no equal in this country.
2014 Lions de Batailley (Pauillac, Bordeaux, France)
90 points, James Suckling: Very perfumed and beautiful with orange blossom and currants. Medium body, fine tannins and
a stone and nut aftertaste. Tangy acidity. First year that the second wine was made. Drink now or hold.
Wine Tasting - November 14 ~ 17, 2018
2017 Bodegas VolverTarima Mediterraneo Blanco (Alicante, Spain)
A blend of Merseguery and Alexandrian Muscat. The Merseguery has a light structure, low acidity and elegant notes
reminiscent of grapefruit, chamomile and almond flavors. The Muscat adds rounding to the structure. The vineyard have lime-chalk soil. Grapes are handpicked and use only local yeasts for fermentation.
2016 Niner Wine Estates Pinot Noir (Edna Valley, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Roasted red-cherry and wet gravel aromas show on the nose of this bottling from the Jespersen
Ranch. The palate is soft and mellow, framed by strong acidity and displaying tightly woven tones of red fruits and chaparral spice. It's mouthwatering into the finish.
2016 Garzon Tannat Reserve (Uruguay)
93 points, James Suckling: This dark-colored Tannat is intense and iron-fisted, with aromas of coconut and spicy black fruit.
Blackberry, cassis, toast and peppercorn flavors run long on the palate, carrying to the generous finish. Drink through 2021.
2015 Bodega Benegas Malbec Estate (Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points, Suckling:
Aromas of chocolate, walnuts, spices and berries follow through to a full body, chewy tannins and a savory finish. The hints of tobacco and tea are really interesting here. Drink now. 100% Malbec.
2016 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley, CA)
96 points, Wine Advocate: Has a very deep garnet-purple color and wonderfully expressive notes of warm cassis, baked
plums, black raspberries and kirsch with suggestions of underbrush, lilacs and chocolate box. Medium full-bodied, the palate
reveals layers of red and black berries with stunning freshness and an approachable, grainy texture, finishing long and earthy. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 3% Malbec.
Wine Tasting - November 7 ~ 10, 2018
ZinFest
2016 Seghesio Zin (Sonoma County, CA)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Plump, loaded with rich jammy fruit, and a pleasure to drink. Bold accents of wild berry, spicy cinnamon and licorice glide toward plush tannins.
83% Zin, 12% Petite Sirah, 1% Syrah, 1% Carignane, 1% Barbera, 2% Mixed Red.
2016 Cline Live Oak Vineyard Zin (Contra Costa, CA)
90 points, The International Wine Review: The Live Oak Zin is known for its ripeness and individuality. A classic example of
the big Zins, for which Cline Cellars has become known. Notes of sweet berries, spice, and black currants, a firm, balanced structure of acid and fine-grained tannins.
2014 Amapola Creek Zin Monte Rosso (Sonoma Valley, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Dense opaque purple, with a big, sweet blackberry and cassis nose of camphor, roasted meats
and hints Provençal herbs and pepper, this rich, full-bodied, inky Zinshould drink nicely for at least a decade.
2015 Hartford Old Vine Zin (Russian River, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: A 5 vineyard blend with vines over 100 years. Medium deep garnet in color, redolent baked
blackberry, mulberry, and blueberry preserves with hints of leather and spice. Full-bodied with berry preserves, Indian spice, chewy tannin.
2015 Seghesio Cortina Dry Creek Zin (Sonoma, CA)
94 points, Wine Spectator: Epitomizes Dry Creek Zin, with expressive and briary raspberry, mineral and white pepper flavors
that open to elegantly complex cherry, sweet anise and dusty sage notes that persist toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2026.
2016 Venge Scouts Honor Proprietary Red (Napa, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Blends70% Zin, 14% Charbono, 9% Petite Sirah and 7% Syrah to great effect, offering a jammy
expression of blackberry, brown sugar and vanilla. Soft integrated oak supports the rounded rich fruit in an impressive framework of structure and likability.
2015 Saint Francis Reserve Zin (Dry Creek, CA)
95 points, Jeb Dunnuck: A beautiful Zin that does everything right. Plum sauce, cedar, spice, and dried orange peel aromas,
medium full body, silky tannin, and an incredible elegance. Hard to resist today, but will cruise for at least a decade given its balance and harmony. 90% Zin, 10% Petite Sirah.
Wine Tasting - October 31 ~ November 3, 2018
2015 Robert Denogent Pouilly Fuisse les Reisses Vieilles Vignes (Maconnais, France)
91-93 points, Wine Advocate: Comes from a half hectare of vines 60 years old, on deep clay soil. Clean and precise, slightly
floral bouquet with subtle scents of white flower permeating the citrus fruit. I love the delineation here. The palate is very
well balanced with crisp acidity, superb tension and brightness that drives this along from start to its precise finish ending with a touch of walnut. Superb.
2015 Norton Privada Red (Lujon de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina)
95 points, James Suckling: A very intense nose of blackberries, mulberries, violet extract, charcuterie, Indian spices and
really flamboyant licorice. Full body, lots of juicy, grainy tannins, tangy acidity, tons of dark plum fruit and a long, chewy finish. 40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot.
2015 Chateau Saint Roche Kerbuccio (Maury, France)
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck: Fabulous as well as a smoking value. Deep inky color with blackberry jam, roasted herbs, black
licorice, tapenade and saddle leather. Rich, concentrated, and seamless, with moderate acidity, sweet tannin and a great
finish. 80% Grenache and 20% Carignan, aged in 50% new demi-muids. Heavenly juice that tastes like it cost three times its price.
2013 Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy)
95 points, Wine Spectator: This cuts more of a broad swath than its peers, yet remains graceful, evoking strawberry, cherry,
tobacco and stony mineral flavors. Long and dense in structure, with a tobacco- and underbrush-tinged finish. Best from 2021 through 2033.
2011 Basconcillos Vina Magna Reserva (Ribero del Duero, Spain)
95 points, Wine Spectator: This powerful red delivers cassis, blackberry and garrigue flavors, framed by espresso, tar and
mineral notes, well-integrated and supported by muscular tannins and balsamic acidity. Dense but lively, with floral and mineral accents on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2031.
Wine Tasting - October 24 ~ 27, 2018
2012 Von Schleinitz Weissenberg Riesling Kabinet (Mittel Mosel, Germany)
91 points, Ken Goosens: Faint yellow with a green tinge. Delicious with a long and juicy finish. Finely balanced sweetness
and citrus acidity. Good pop and pour but still gets better textured after being opened.
2015 Chateau Magnol (Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, France)
95 points, Extraordinary, 2018 Ultimate Wine Challenge (team tasted by 16 professional judges): Dark berries, iron, and
meat effuse from the glass and the wine here outshines its catch-all appellation. A Bordeaux that shines in the moment, this could cellar for another ten years and would be a great accompaniment to red meat dishes.
2015 Secret Indulgence Chronology (California)
91+ points, Wine Advocate: A multi-appellation blend of 28% Petite Sirah, 24% Grenache, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9%
Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Angelica, 3% Syrah, 2% Mourvedre. Medium deep garnet-purple color with a
nose of blackberry pie, blueberry preserves and mincemeat pie, along with hints of chocolate, baking spices, dried
mulberries, incense, and a waft of dusty earth. Medium full-bodied, it packs in plushly textured, rich, spicy black fruits, finishing with great length.
2013 Rustenberg John X Merriman (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
93 points, Tim Atkin, South Africa 2016 Special Report: Often more complex and complete than the more expensive Peter
Barlow, this cuvée (with 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) is attractive, subtly oaked and very fine, showing less tannin than the 2012 did at this stage. Drink: 2016-24.
2013 Andrew Will Two Blondes Red (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. 44% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc
Wine Tasting - October 17 ~ 20, 2018
Cabernets vs Merlots Fest
2014 Marietta Cellars Arme Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
92 points, Vinous: A bold, pungent wine offering dark stone fruit, black olive, herb, tobacco and licorice. A cool, savory, knock out with depth. A value-priced California Cabernet that is a very serious wine for the money. 86% Cabernet, 7%
Malbec, 5% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.
2014 Jackson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
90 points, Wine Enthusiast:
98% Cab Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot. Made from a collection of vineyards dotted along mostly Mayacamas mountains ridge lines and benchlands. Captures a classic dried sage, cedar and pencil shavings here,
supported by strong acidity and tannin.
2014 Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
92 points, Wine Advocate: 92% Cab Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple
colored. Opens with spicy cassis and blueberry tart notions plus underlying bay leaves, cedar, pencil lead and smoked meat notes. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and blackberry packed.
2014 Chateau Rauzan-Segla (Margaux, Bordeaux, France)
95 points, Suckling: Fantastic aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants and strawberries follow through to a full body,
super-integrated tannins and an extremely long finish. 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.
*******************************************************************
2015 Clos Rene (Pomerol, Bordeaux, France)
91-93 points, Wine Advocate: 70% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc, and 10% Malbec, with a perfumed raspberry preserve and
crushed strawberry-scented bouquet. Medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, a mixture of red and black fruit with a very refined finish. Enjoy over the next 10-15 years.
2012 L'Ecole #41 Estate Merlot(Walla Walla, Washington)
93 pts, Stephen Tanzer: Good medium bright red. Lovely floral/mineral lift to black fruit and bitter chocolate aromas.
Fine-grained, showing excellent ripeness and intensity to dark berry. Savory minerality carries the fruit thru a dry, long finish. 80% Merlot, 10% Cab Sauvignon, 10% Cab Franc.
2014 Chappellet Merlot (Pritchard Hill, Napa, CA)
Winery Notes: 82% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec. Supple tannins, silky
mouthfeel, concentrated fruit, beautiful Merlot.
2013 Poliziano Cortona In Violas Merlot
92 points, Wine Spectator: Focused aromas and flavors of black currant, cedar, toast and herbs mark this vibrant, elegant
red. Shows power, as the tannins gather steam on the lingering finish. Needs time. Best from 2019 through 2028. 100% Merlot.
Wine Tasting - October 10 ~ 13, 2018
2015 Descombe Bourgogne Chardonnay (Burgundy, France)
Winery Notes: Pale yellow, shining with hints of white gold. Fresh and young, with white flowers flavors in the foreground,
backed by ripe fruits notes. Straightforward attack, rounded with notes of ripe fruits of peach, apricot, pear, and apple. Long and expressive in the mouth.
2010 Biggio Hamina Pinot Noir Deux Vert (Yamhill Carlton. Willamette Valley, Oregon)
91points, Tanzer: 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 Niner Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
91 points, Josh Reynolds, Vinous: Opaque ruby. Ripe, oak-accented dark berries, cherry and a hint of pipe tobacco on the
deeply perfumed nose. Plush and round on entry, then more taut in the midpalate, offering energetic bitter cherry and black
currant flavors and building smokiness. Shows good clarity and punch on the gently tannic finish, which leaves notes of cherry pit and sexy vanillin oak behind. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 2% Carmenere.
2012 Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Aglianico (Campania, Italy)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast:Underbrush, red fruit, dark spice and a whiff of menthol are some of the aromas that come
together on this. The firmly structured elegant palate offers ripe plum, red cherry, licorice and tobacco framed in youthfully austere fine-grained tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2020–2028.
2014 Cenyth Red Blend (Sonoma County, CA)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A beauty, with plenty of finesse, forest floor, floral blueberry notes, silky tannins, medium to full
body, high energy, a vibrant mouthfeel, and a long crisp finish with loads of blue and black fruits. It should drink nicely for 15 or more years. 60% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Malbec.
Wine Tasting - October 3 ~ 6, 2018
2016 Cottanera Barbazzale Etna Rosso (Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy)
93 points, Suckling:Rich, dense and layered with dark berries, bark and hints of black tea. Full-bodied, round and velvety.
Lively acid backbone. All here. Drink now.
2016 Yangarra PF Shiraz (Mclaren Vale, Australia)
94 points, James Suckling: Lifted nose of ripe fruit, flower, fresh leather and tar follow through a tight and concentrated
palate of dark fruits and ultra-fine tannin. Linear and fine grained. Impressive. Better in 2020.
2015 Bila Haut Occultum-Lapidem (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)
94 points, Wine Advocate: One of the more polished, sexy examples of this cuvee. A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 5%
Carignan, and 5%Mourvèdre, all aged in concrete tanks. Boasts killer notes of black raspberries, cassis, pepper and licorice,
with just a hint of chocolate appearing with time in the glass. Medium full-bodied, layered and beautifully textured. An incredible value impossible to resist over the coming 4-5 years, but will keep even longer.
2013 WillaKenzie Pierre Leon Pinot Noir (Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Production is way up on this cuvée, while quality remains consistent. A sassy mix of tart, juicy
cranberry and raspberry fruit, which punches down through the palate into a lingering finish. Light notes of fresh tobacco and baker's chocolate add further interest.
2010 Viberti Barolo San Pietro Riserva (Barolo, Piedmont, Italy)
92 points, Suckling: A linear and focused red with berry and plum character. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish.
So pretty. Al-Goe Wines, store in Netherlands:A beautiful palette of balsamic aromas with menthol and eucalyptus, mixed
with leather, licorice and red berries. An intense taste with hints of leather, licorice, spices, dark fruit, soft tannin, and a long aftertaste.
Wine Tasting - September 26 ~ 29, 2018
2017 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris (Pflaz, Germany)
Winery Notes:In the Pfalz region, Pinot Gris was first identified as an individual variety and vinified separately only back in
the 19th century, The modern-day Villa Wolf Pinot Gris is made in a full-bodied, dry style with fresh, unoaked fruit and a
crisp texture. An excellent partner for salmon, chicken or pork. {The previous vintages of 2016 and 2015 got 90 points in the Wine Enthusiast.}
2014 La Playa Axel Primero Red Blend (Colchagua, Chile)
93 points, www.tastings.com: Violet color. Aromas and flavors of clay, pickled citrus peels, herbed berries, and butter
roasted nuts with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, delightful, medium-long blueberry pie a la mode,
eucalyptus honey, and spiced nuts finish with fine, silky tannins and moderate oak. An impressive, spicy red blend with a stately, poised style. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot. 500 6-packs made.
2014 La Spinetta Ca di Pian Barbera d'Asti (Piedmont, Italy)
91 points, James Suckling: A rich and fruity wine with oyster shell and dark berry character. Some wet earth. Medium full
body. Flavorful finish. Serious.
2014 Catena Zapata Cabernet Franc San Carlos (Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina)
91 points, Stephen Tanzer, Vinous: Enticing aromatic lift to the aromas of purple fruits, violet and brown spices. Suaver than
the Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, offering exhilarating cut and penetration and an ideal balance between sweetness and
suppleness of fruit and acidity. Savory, plush and ripe for all its energy. Finishes with big but thoroughly ripe, dusty tannins and excellent breadth and length. Terrific berry intensity.
2015 Saint Francis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, CA)
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck: Deep ruby/purple color with classic notes of crème de cassis, black raspberries, graphite, and lead
pencil shavings. Beautifully concentrated, classic Cabernet character, ripe tannin, and plenty of length. A terrific 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that can be enjoyed today or cellared for 10-15 years.
Wine Tasting - September 19 ~ 22, 2018
Italian Fest
2015 Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva
94 points, James Suckling: Shows beautiful depth of fruit with cherries, fresh earth and hints of coffee. Full-bodied, layered
and very rich. Impressive depth and intensity. Enjoyable to drink now, but has a long life ahead.
2014 La Giaretta Amarone Classico (Veneto)
Winery Notes: Two years of ageing 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 well-balanced flavor. Vivid, savory and delicious without being heavy, sweet, or pruny.
2015 Aia Vecchia Sor Ugo (Bolgheri)
Winery Notes: 50% Cab Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Aged in all new French oak 18 months and
12 months in bottle. Red garnet with a bouquet of cherries, menthol and rosemary. Round and rich palette. Mid-palate spicy and back end lively black currant, licorice and coffee.
2013 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany)
95 points, Wine Spectator: An intense perfume of juniper, bay laurel, sage, rose and berries marks this silky red. The
structure is there, yet superb balance and refined tannins help this retain elegance through the long finish. Almost ethereal in its presence.
2010 Arcanum Valadorna (IGT Tuscany)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Settling into its stride now, with tannin and acidity integrating with the supple texture, setting the
stage for bright cherry, raspberry, sage and tar flavors. Compact finish, with a lingering savory aftertaste. 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.
2009 Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Riserva (Campania)
95 points, Wine Advocate: A remarkable wine thatreveals dark fiber and concentration interwoven with aromas of toasted
nut, spice and hearty dark fruit. Aromas of cherry, plum and black currant. Plush and soft mouthfeel styled to flaunt ripe fruit with oak and spice. Spot-on integration.
2013 Luigi Baudana Barolo (Piedmont)
94 points, Vinous: Opens with striking, beguiling aromatics. Deep, pliant and sensual on the palate, exudes fruit intensity
nearly burying the tannins. Intense savory and mineral notes provide an underpinning that builds into the super-expressive finish. A bit creamier and deeper texture.
Wine Tasting - September 12 ~ 15, 2018
2016 Domaine Castel des Maures Cuvee Jeanne Rose (Cotes de Provence, France)
An immediately attractive, fruity wine. Crisp acidity cuts through the red currant and berry fruits to give a light and refreshing wine that has a tight, mineral aftertaste.
2013 Verruzzo di Monteverro (Tuscany, Italy)
92 points, Sommelier Notes: I have a special connection to Italian wines that drink well and are priced with value. The
Verruzzo di Monteverro is a prime example of the quality and style that I actively seek. Lush berry aromas with a hint of
leather are indicators of the Sangiovese. On the palate, a full body shows cassis, black cherry and bramblebush,
complemented by well-structured tannins and a medium finish. This can be drunk now or can even lay down 1-2 years. 40% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Sangiovese. Grapes come from Maremma in Tuscany.
2016 Newton Vineyard Skyside Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County, CA)
90 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com: Made for today, and perfect for casual entertaining. This wine is balanced and ready
for action. Pair its lovely boysenberry aromas and flavors with grilled hamburgers accented with mild peppers.
2016 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
92-94 points, Wine Advocate: A barrel tasting reveals notes of cassis, blackberries, licorice and pencil shavings. On the
palate, it's full-bodied, ample and powerful, amply endowed with fine structuring tannins and concluding with a long, dry finish. An authoritative Cabernet Sauvignon.
2015 Alto Moncayo Veraton Garnacha (Campo de Borja, Spain)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Round and juicy, this lively red shows ripe flavors of kirsch and mulled plum, with chocolate and
licorice accents. Heady but not heavy, with bright acidity and spicy and floral notes on the finish. Drink now through 2022.
Wine Tasting - September 5 ~ 8, 2018
2005 Bodegas Muriel Rioja Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain
93 points, James Suckling: A very attractive, quite traditional-styled wine which still has fine fruit in spite of more than a
decade of age.
2015 Garzon Cabernet Franc Reserva, Uruguay
A dark, saturated color and stout aromas of herbal tomato, basil and oregano give this Cabernet Franc a saucy outlook. Savory pepper and black-fruit flavors share the stage with oak tones, while the finish shows plenty of grip.
2014 Arcanum Il Fauno di Arcanum, Tuscany, Italy
A blend of 72% Merlot, 20% CF, 4% CS, 4% PV. The nose explodes with bright raspberries and wild berries and some floral
tones of lavender. The slightly higher than usual acids firmly frame a potpourri of blueberry and sour cherry. The fruit slowly
subsides giving way to exotic spice, reminiscent of cardamom and finishing with sweet black licorice.
2015 Peirano Estate Vineyards Petite Sirah, The Heritage Collection, Lodi, California
Winemaker's Notes: The intense inky black color of this wine exhibits a rich deep hue. The senses are tempted by an array of
wild blueberries, plums and fresh baked boysenberry pie. The palate is mysterious and seductively filled with bright
blueberries, boysenberries, and black pepper, with chewy moderate tannins. The finish is soft and mysterious with a hint of cocoa.
2009 Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Aglianico Reserva, Campania, Italy
95 pts, Wine Advocate:
The wine reveals dark fiber and concentration with interwoven aromas of toasted nut, spice and hearty dark fruit. Pressed cherry, plum and black currant define the fruity element of the bouquet. The mouthfeel is plush and
soft with a contemporary style that flaunts ripe fruit extraction with warming oak and spice.
95 pts, Wine Spectator: An impressive red, seamless yet substantial in structure, loaded with notes of black currant and
blackberry preserves, mineral, smoke and earth. Fragrant anise, tobacco and graphite accents glide on the long, lasting finish. Drink now through 2034. 1,160 cases made.
Wine Tasting - August 29 ~ 31, 2018
2016 Masseria Li Veli Verdeca, Puglia, Italy
This blend of Verdeca and Fiano is bright yellow color with green shades. Intense fruit on the nose, with scent of tropical
fruit, citrus, pear and fresh spices. On the palate it is full, well balanced with a good acidity. Fruity, mineral and mildly spicy aftertaste.
2014 Cass Estate GSM, Paso Robles, California
Only 20 barrels of this ripe, juicy and approachable blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah were produced. The wine
offers dried red cherry, boysenberry and rose petals on the inviting nose. The Grenache is a powerful player, contributing a rosewater touch to the palate, alongside cranberry, caramel and a touch of cola.
2014 Chateau de La Dauphine, Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
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.
90 points, highly recommended, Decanter: Exuberant cassis aroma. Ripe attack with the cassis still evident - it plays on the
fruit. Tannins really fine and supple. Lovely length on the finish. Delicious.
2016 Bodega Garczon Tannat Reserve, Uruguay
92 points, J. Suckling: Iodine, ink, tar, crushed stones and dark plum essence. This has all the hallmarks of a fruity tannat,
but it's in no way too much. It combines a lovely firm tannin backbone with tangy acidity, which carries all the way to the savory finish. Drink now.
2013 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
95 points, Wine Spectator: An intense perfume of juniper, bay laurel, sage, rose and berries marks this silky red. The
structure is there, yet superb balance and refined tannins help this retain elegance through the long finish. Almost ethereal in its presence.
Wine Tasting - August 22 ~ 25, 2018
2014 Grich Hills Estate Fume Blanc (Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine & Spirits: Made from estate vineyards in American Canyon and Carneros, where most of the Sauvignon
Black vines are the musqué clone. Fermented in foudres, with a small portion in older French oak barrels. That oak is evident
in a vanillin scent when the wine is first poured, but the fruit has retained its brightness and clarity, so the oak aging adds
depth and plushness while the wine feels tight and concentrated, focused on passion fruit and juicy orange notes.
2013 Querciabella Mongrana Maremma (Tuscany, Italy)
90 points, Wine Spectator: The harmony and texture of this red sets the pace for cherry, strawberry, anise and spice flavors.
Gains purity in the glass, offering a refined structure and lingering aftertaste. 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. Drink now through 2018.
2012 Grgich Hills Estate Merlot (Napa, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Brawny and concentrated in black fruit, this wine includes 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and is
touted as a Cab-lover's Merlot by the winery. It indeed is, with its juicy blackberry, cherry, espresso and clove notes, while remaining varietally correct in terms of its mellowed tannins.
2015 Alpha Omega II Proprietary Red (Napa, CA)
Winery Notes: The culmination of the two worlds, the Alpha and the Omega, here the Old World and the New World. Jean
Hoefliger and Michel Rolland worked to create a wine that is not only opulent, fruit forward and generous, but also has the
backbone of European acidity and elegance. A reflection of both worlds., II is a wine that is built to be approachable, both in
taste and price, and consumed early. Majority Cabernet Savignon, significant Merlot, smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot.
2015 Tolosa Winery 1772 Pinot Noir (Edna Valley, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Quite dark in the glass, this bottling offers black plum skin, clay, gravel and berry pie aromas.
The mouthfeel is full of polished tannins and edged with sharp acidity. Dark fruit and wet earth flavors dominate.
Wine Tasting - August 15 ~ 18, 2018
ZinFest
2015 Tikves Bela Voda (Macedonia)
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck: Saturated purple colored, aged in 75% new French oak. Loads of blueberries and jammy blackberry fruits as well as notes of crushed rocks and spring flowers, full-bodied richness, polished tannin, and a great finish. While
big and rich, also has remarkable purity of fruit and impeccable balance. A terrific bargain. (Made from 50% Plavec and 50% Vranec, one a descendent and the other a parent of Zin.)
2016 Seghesio Zin (Sonoma, CA)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Loaded with rich, jammy fruit, a plump pleasure to drink, with bold accents of wild berry,
cinnamon and licorice that glide toward plush tannins.
2014 Hendry Block 24 Primitivo (Napa, CA)
90 points, Wine Advocate: One-third new oak with 15 months of aging. A strong Zin with loads of black cherry and
strawberry fruit, spice, bramble bush notes, earth, and a medium to full body. Will drink well for 5-6 years.
2016 Prisoner Wine Company Saldo Zin (Dry Creek/Lodi/Amador, CA)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Gorgeous jammy fruit flavors dominate this full-bodied, smooth-textured wine. Aromas of
blackberry and black cherry. So rich it's almost sweet. Fills the mouth with chocolate-cherry that lingers on the finish. 85% Zin, 15% Petite Sirah and Syrah.
2014 Limerick Lane Zin (Russian River, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Primarily Zin, along with a mixed field blend of Peloursin, Négrette, Syrah, Petite Sirah and
Carignan. Sensation, with an explosive nose of pepper, raw meat, blackberry, black raspberry and cherry. Deep, chewy and dense, with 14% alcohol. Lusty, exuberant, and irresistible.
2015 Hartford Old Vine Zin (Russian River, CA)
94 points, Wine Advocate: Blends 5 old-vine, dry-farmed and low-yielding vineyards averaging over 100 years old. Aged in
French oak, 42% new, for 16 months. Deep garnet and redolent of baked blackberries, mulberries, and blueberry preserves
with hints of leather and spice box. The palate is full-bodied with loads of berry preserves and Indian spice layers supported by chewy tannins and lovely freshness. All Zin.
2015 Venge Vineyards Scout's Honor Red (Napa, CA)
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck: A kitchen sink blend of 70% Zin, 14% Charbono, 9% Petite Sirah, and 7% Syrah. A huge fruit bomb
loaded with tobacco leaf, plums, Asian spice, and violets. Fleshy, fat, opulent, and deliciously full-bodied. Remarkable purity, no hard edges, impossible to resist.
Wine Tasting - August 8 ~ 11, 2018
2015 Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley, CA)
Winery Notes: Ripe pineapple and citrus aromas dominate the nose of this wine, with pineapple, yellow peach, tangerine,
orange blossom and creamsicle flavors. Bright acidity is balanced by texture in the mid palate, carrying through the long finish.
2016 Cepa 21 Hito (Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain)
91 points, Wine Spectator: A silkiness masks depth and density in this polished red. Cherry and berry flavors are ripe and
juicy, backed by vanilla, spice and floral notes. Well-integrated tannins keep this focused through the toasty finish. Drink now through 2026. (Hito is made with grapes from the youngest vines.)
2008 Dehesa La Granja (Ribera del Duero, Spain)
91 points, Josh Reynolds, 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 Harmony Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Numerous lively aromas kick off this bottling, from black currant and purple flower to savory
smoke and black peppercorn. The palate is framed by buoyant acidity and chalky tannins, which hold up rich black cherry, clove, licorice and mocha flavors.
2015 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
97 points, Wine Enthusiast:
Vintner Austin Hope, whose family is intertwined in the rise of Paso Robles, spent years working to release a wine of this caliber. Dark and thick in the glass, aromas of black currant and blueberry meet with roasted
coffee, chocolate syrup and baked plum on the wondrous nose. The palate is soft and extremely expressive, with blueberry, black pepper, firm midpalate tannins and a finish that's redolent of cappuccino candies.
Wine Tasting - August 1 ~ 4, 2018
2012 Fabre-Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec (Vistalba, Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points, James Suckling: Lots of dark berry, bitter chocolate, mineral and almost slate character on the nose. It's
full-bodied yet extremely refined with silky tannins and a polished texture. Lots of walnut character too. Drink or hold.
2015 Emilio Moro Tempranillo Ribera del Duero (Spain)
90 points, Wine Spectator, #59 Top 100: Black cherry, red plum and currant flavors are fresh and lively in this firm red,
backed by dark chocolate, licorice and toasty notes. Light, firm tannins and citrusy acidity keep this focused. Drink now through 2023.
2013 G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe (Piedmont, Italy)
93 points,Wine Spectator: Aromas of fresh-cut hay and grass shade the flavors of cherry, black currant, violet and tobacco
in this elegant, taut red. A little compact now on the finish, yet should stretch out with some age. Best from 2021 through 2032.
2014 Bodegas Ordonez Vatan (Toro, Spain)
93 points,Wine Spectator: Big, ripe and expressive, this modern-style red Tempranillo delivers bold cassis and cranberry
flavors, with dark chocolate, sanguine and cinnamon accents. The firm tannins and orange peel acidity are a bit angular now, but should resolve in time. Best from 2018 through 2028. 500 cases made.
2016 Mollydooker Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon (South Australia)
93 points,Wine Spectator: Opulent, with rich dark chocolate notes dripping over ripe plum, black cherry and raspberry
flavors. Supple and creamy at the core, featuring plenty of details of vanilla bean, cinnamon and chai tea that create a powerful wave of flavor that lingers on the long, toasty and spicy finish. Drink now through 2028.
Wine Tasting - July 25 ~ 28, 2018
2015 La Folette Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast, CA)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast: This appellation wine exudes beauty and grace, offering strongly etched characteristics of
bacon meat, black cherry, blueberry and spicy cardamom. Succulent and silky, it has a thickness on entry that settles to reveal bright, integrated acidity.
2015 Bodegas Castanio Solanera Viñas Viejas (Yecla, Spain)
92 points, Wine Advocate: Good balance and integrated oak. The nose is quite captivating, especially after some time in the
glass, when it shows floral aromas. Perfect ripeness, no alcoholic heat, a powerful palate with concentration, elegance, fine-grained tannins, and clean, focused flavors. My favorite Solanera to date.
2016 G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo (Piedmont, Italy)
92 points, Wine Advocate: Another terrific interpretation of Nebbiolo from a vintage that promises fantastic results with this
finicky grape. Bright floral and fruity intensity with dried violets, cassis, blueberry and forest floor. Fine and elegant, finishing with smooth silkiness, distinctive crispness, and freshness.
2005 Muriel Rioja Gran Reserva (Rioja, Spain)
93 points, James Suckling: A very attractive, quite traditional-styled wine which still has fine fruit in spite of being more
than a decade old.
2016 Venge Vineyards Silencieux Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, CA)
No review for 2016 of this wine, but the 2012 and 2013 each got 95 points from the Wine Advocate. Winery Notes: Fresh
roasted coffee, sweet cassis and aromatic blue fruits lead the way to full bodied deliciousness. Dense and compact, with firm
tannins that fully support the cascade of mouth coating flavors. The finish is remarkably lengthy and complex. This wine is approachable upon release and cellar worthy in proper aging conditions. Best now through 2028.
Wine Tasting - July 18 ~ 21, 2018
2014 Grgich Hills 40th Anniversary Chardonnay (Napa Valley, CA)
92 points, Wine & Spirits: This wine celebrates the 40th Chardonnay harvest since Mike Grgich made the Chateau
Montelena that won the Judgment of Paris tasting. He later founded Grgich Hills, and now works with his nephew Ivo
Jeramaz, who farms the winery's estate vineyard in Carneros organically, and barrel ferments using only native yeasts. Very
exotic, with scents of Asian pear, orange oil and cherimoya accented by honeyed spice. Feels cool and spicy, with oak underlined structure and dynamic fruit persisting thru a tangy finish.
2012 Tomaiolo Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)
92 points, Dick Scheer, Village Corner: Sweeter, darker, and more flow than the 2011. Classic Sangiovese dried cherry and
orange peel. Juicy, with both dried and fresh fruit. Balanced, harmonious, but best of all, delicious.
2015 Chateau Puech-Haut Prestige Rouge (Saint-Drezery, Languedoc, France)
93 points, Wine Advocate: A ripe, sexy beauty with full-bodied notes of black cherries, melted licorice and roasted herbs.
Lots of richness and texture, yet stays balanced, lively and pure. A year in and year out value that's a no-brainer purchase. Will drink beautifully over the coming 4-5 years and possibly longer.
2012 L'Ecole #41 Estate Merlot (Walla Walla, Washington)
93 pts, Stephen Tanzer: 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. with fine-grained, palate-coating tannins, This Merlot ages very well.
2016 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee (Napa Valley, CA)
92 points, Wilfred Wong (staff reviewer for Wine.com): Since the early 1970s, Chappellet Vineyard has been a champion of
Bordeaux styled red wines. The 2016 Chappellet Mountain Cuvée—a thoughtful blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24%
Merlot, 13% Malbec, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc —is a fine example of this genre. Focused aromas and flavors of black fruits, graphite, and chalk. Pairs well with a marbled ribeye.
Wine Tasting - July 11 ~ 14, 2018
2014 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay (Napa Valley, CA)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast: A wealth of balanced flavor and body, shining in tones of nuts, fennel, vanilla and mango. The
oak is measured and supportive, never getting in the way, letting the acidity pierce through the fruit.
2014 Bodegas Borsao Berola (Campo de Borja, Spain)
90 points, Wine Advocate:A blend of 80% Garnacha and 20% Syrah aged in French and American oak barrels for 14 months.
The nose combines smoky, spicy and creamy notes with aromas of ripe berries and a touch of earth. It's a matter of individual
preference, but I like it less when the oak is more obvious, even if the wider audience might prefer it. However, this should work very well with food and better integrate the oak with a little more time in bottle.
2015 Chateau Saint-Roch Kerbuccio (Maury Sec, France)
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck: Sports a deep, inky color. Fabulous stuff, as well as a smoking value. Blackberry jam, roasted herbs,
black licorice, tapenade and saddle leather give way to a rich, concentrated, seamless red that has moderate acidity, sweet
tannin and a great finish. The blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Carignan, aged in 50% new demi-muids, and as I said when I tasted it from barrel, it's heavenly juice that tastes like it should cost three times its price.
2014 Rocca di Montemassi Maremma (Tuscany, Italy)
91 points, James Suckling: A young 2014 that is better than the general vintage with blueberry, blackberry and fresh herb
character. Medium full body, light tannins and a bright finish. Better in 2019. (Top wine of Tenuta Rocca di Montemassi. 35% Syrah, 35% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.)
2014 Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc (Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points, James Suckling: A red wine with blackberry and blueberry character and hints of fresh herbs. New wood is
coming out a bit now. Full body, tight and focused with fine tannins and a juicy and delicious finish. Needs two or three years to come together.
Wine Tasting - July 5 ~ 7, 2018
2016 Stewart Slingshot Sauvignon Blanc (Napa, California)
Winemaker Notes: Refreshing and crisp, Slingshot Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of pineapple, mango, and white peach. With
balanced acidity and a textured pallet, this wine features flavors of lemon zest, lime, and honey suckle. This balanced and elegant Sauvignon Blanc begs to be drunk straight away. Enjoy!
2014 Sansonia Evaluna Garda (Italy)
Winemaker Notes: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc, grown on well suited silty/morainic soils with the
presence of clay. Sandy soil elevates aromatics and creates softer wines, showing less tannin. The clay soil gives the wine
higher extract and color. Vinifying in stainless allows for the fresh red fruits to emerge together with peppery characteristics.
2014 Torre Zambra Colle Maggio (Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Italy)
Winemaker Notes: Deep black color, with ruby glints. The nose is intense, with wild berries aromas and notes of tobacco,
coffee and cocoa powder in the finale. In the mouth the wine is complex, supple and round. Aftertastes of chocolate can be perceived in the close, with hints of bitter almonds, purely typical of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
2013 Seven Hills Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain, Washington)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection: Brooding aromas of spice, mineral, green herb, cedar, cherry and a minty top
note lead to sweet yet elegant black fruit flavors and firm, burly tannins that need time to stretch their legs. Best after 2020.
2013 Andrew Will Sorella Champoux Vineyard (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
95 points, Wine & Spirits: Inky and dark when first poured, Chris Camarda's top selection in 2013 feels massive at first pass;
it's mostly Cabernet drawn from the old-vine blocks at Champoux. With air its flavors turn a corner, as much savory as
dark-fruited, leaning toward crushed pink peppercorn and ground sumac, with textures that seem to reflect that vine age in
the finesse of their suave tannins. Those tannins carry a dusty minerality that is saturating but not heavy at all. Cellar, then
serve with beef tenderloin. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot/Malbec.
Wine Tasting - June 27 ~ 30, 2018
2015 Robert Denogent Pouilly-Fuissé Les Reisses (Burgundy, France)
91-93 points, Wine Advocate: Biodynamically grown grapes of vines up to 60 years old yield a clean and precise bouquet. A
well balanced palate with crisp acidity, very good salinity, real tension with a precise finish.
2014 Mauritson Dry Creek Zinfandel (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.
2014 Niner Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
91 points, Jay Reynolds, Vinous: Opaque ruby. Ripe, oak-accented dark berries, cherry and a hint of pipe tobacco on the
deeply perfumed nose. Plush and round on entry, then more taut in the midpalate, offering energetic bitter cherry and black
currant flavors and building smokiness. Shows good clarity and punch on the gently tannic finish, which leaves notes of cherry pit and sexy vanillin oak behind. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 2% Carmenere.
2010 Biggio Hamina Deux Vert Pinot Noir (Yamhill Carlton. Willamette Valley, Oregon)
91 points, International Wine Cellar: 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 Stewart Cellars Tartan Red (Napa Valley, CA)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast, Editor's Choice: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot's, The grapes come from three different
vineyard sites, including Brokenrock. A sanguine thread of cranberry and red currant gives the firm structure life and
vibrancy, as dusty leather, fig and cocoa powder provide restrained richness. A tremendous value for the high quality.
Wine Tasting - June 20 ~ 23, 2018
Pinot Noir Fest
2016 Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir (Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina)
95 points, James Suckling: A fantastic Barda with dried strawberries, orange peel and tangerines. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. 60% fermented and aged in cement tanks. Tight and beautiful.
2015 B Vintners Pinot Noir Black Bream (Walker Bay, South Africa)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Gorgeous, with light cinnamon, black tea and powdered star anise notes inlaid into a silky core of
crushed cherry and raspberry fruit. The long, perfumy finish weaves like incense smoke in the air as a subtle minerality plays out. Drink now through 2021.
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.
2016 Resonance Pinot Noir (Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon)
93 points, Wine Spectator: Supple and elegantly structured, with expressive raspberry and orange zest aromas and polished
flavors that pick up depth and momentum toward a spicy finish.
2012 Francis Tannahill Hermit Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Lithe, refreshing and focused on pure currant and plum fruit at the core, with glints of clove and
floral notes adding to the expressiveness. The finish plays against well-modulated tannins, persisting impressively. Drink now through 2022.
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.
2014 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
94 points, Editors Choice, Wine Enthusiast: A darker fruit spectrum, with notes of coffee, smoke, black fruits, a touch of
charred wood all worked through without damping the core fruit flavors. Bright flavors of raspberry, plum and black cherry,
with a light cola, smooth tannins and proportionate acids. The barrel treatment is beautifully applied, adding sweet spice to the finish.
Wine Tasting - June 13 ~ 16, 2018
2015 Coeur de Rose Prestige (Cotes de Provence, France)
Winemaker Notes: Made from Cinsault and Grenache grapes in the Saint Topaz peninsula that has the highest number of
hours of sunshine in France. Pale pink in color and highly aromatic with notes of lychees and citrus. Rich and fresh with an elegant and balanced palate.
2013 Izadi Reserva (Rioja, Spain)
93 points, James Suckling: Very fragrant black fruit aromas followed by concentrated dry tannins. Very lively, and will get
even better starting in 2018.
2015 Tikves Belovoda Vineyards Red (Macedonia)
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck: Saturated purple. made from 50% Plavec and 50% Vranec, aged in 75% new French oak. Loads of
blueberries and jammy blackberry fruits with spring flowers. Full-bodied richness, polished tannin, great purity of fruit, impeccable balance, and a great finish. A smoking value.
2014 Novy Family Syrah 2014 (Santa Lucia Highlands, California)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast: This multi-vineyard blend is as good as the single-vineyard wines from the same vintner. Fresh
blackberry, violet, lilac, lavender, charcoal, beef and white pepper on the nose. The palate is full of peppery, boysenberry-juice flavors, wrapped in an engaging texture.
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 - June 6 ~ 9, 2018
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.
2014 Harmony Cellars Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Numerous lively aromas kick off this bottling, from black currant and purple flower to savory
smoke and black peppercorn. The palate is framed by buoyant acidity and chalky tannins, which hold up rich black cherry, clove, licorice and mocha flavors.
2015 Raats Family Cabernet Franc (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast: Plush and attractive, yet well defined, it opens with herbal aromas of green peppercorn, tobacco
leaf, bark and a touch of pressed iris that weave throughout the ripe blackberry, cherry and currant fruit. Medium-plus in
weight, a crushed-velvet texture and slightly creamy impression, framed by structured tannins and superb acidity to balance.
The long finish offers an exercise of evolution, from ripe fruit to fresh earthy tones and finally dried ash and spice. Hard to resist now in all its complex layered glory, but will mature well through 2028.
2015 Kanonkop Estate Reserve Pinotage (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
94 points, Wine Advocate: The 2015 Black Label Pinotage is the current release, from the oldest vines around 65 years in age.
Matured entirely in new French oak for 18 months. A ripe and more opulent bouquet compared to the more modest 2014, but
both share a fine delineation and purity, aromas of black cherry, camphor, blueberry and cassis. The palate is medium-bodied
with succulent ripe tannin, layers of black fruit intermingling with dried herbs, sage, rosemary and white pepper, fanning out
beautifully on the finish. Will benefit from 4-5 years in bottle as usual, but it is an immensely impressive head-turner Pinotage.
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. 44% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc.
Wine Tasting - May 30 ~ June 2, 2018
2015 Robert Denogent "La Croix" Pouilly Fuissé, Burgundy, France
91-93 pts, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The wine shows a very pure and well-defined bouquet with fresh lemon and lime,
a touch of yellow flower emerging with time, dandelion, even a hint of burdock. The palate is very well balanced with crisp
acidity, good weight in the mouth with a hint of hazelnut and just the amount of bitterness on the finish to keep you coming back for more.
2014 Ravenswood Teldeschi Zinfandel Dry Creek, California
95 pts,The Tasting Panel: Wild berry, coffee and earth define the perfume arising from this single vineyard Zinfandel (19%
Petite Sirah and 5% Carignane). Aged for 19 months in French oak this inky black wine is a zinphony of taste and texture.
Creamy blackberry and anise adds weight and coats the tongue, while dark chocolate melts on a black pepper path.
2015 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
93 pts, Wine Spectator: A rich, yet silky and suave, style, with raspberry pâte de fruit and mulled red currant flavors infused
heavily with incense, dried anise and black tea notes. The long finish shows a sandalwood echo and a well-buried mineral hint. 1,950 cases made.
2015 Vasse Felix Cabernet, Margaret River, Australia
94 pts, Decanter: Consistently one of region's best value reds, this is soft and fleshy, with mulberry and bramble aromatics
and a plush, velvety texture. It has the structure to age, yet is well integrated and opulent, finishing with fine, ripe tannins. Drinking Window 2023 – 2042.
2012 L'Ecole #41 Estate Merlot Walla Walla, Washington
93 pts, Stephen Tanzer : 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 features fine-grained, palate-coating tannins. Tis Merlot should age very well.
Wine Tasting - May 23 ~ 26, 2018
2014 Grgich Hills Fume Blanc, Napa Valley, California
91 pts, Wine Enthusiast:
Dark golden-hay in color, this white was fermented in 900-gallon French oak foudres, with the remainder fermented in smaller French oak barrels. Nutty lime and gooseberry provide intrigue and saltiness against bright
acidity, making for a complex and compelling impression on the palate.
2014 Stewart Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
90-92 pts, Wine Advocate:
This knockout winner is a cuvée of two different clones. It exhibits some smoky barbecue notes, baking spice, loads of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, medium to full body, and plenty of spice, but the purity of fruit and
lusciousness are head-turners, especially at this price point.
2015 Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone, France
91 points, Wine Spectator ~ #43 Wine Spectator Top 100 - 2016: Ripe, with vivid blueberry and boysenberry fruit,
harnessed on the back end by a bold graphite edge. Anise and violet notes add range.
2014 Jackson Estate Cabernet Alexander Valley, California
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: Showcasing several vineyards within the appellation, including Alden and Hawkeye, this is a rounded, approachable wine with quiet red and black fruit and leather notes. Balanced acidity gives the full-bodied, ripe fruit
a lift. (98% Cabernet Sauvignon 2% Petit Verdot)
2013 Freemark Abbey 2013 Rutherford Napa Cabernet, California
92+ pts, Wine Advocate:
This great value blends 75 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 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.
Wine Tasting - May 16 ~ 19, 2018
ZinFest
2015 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zin (Dry Creek, CA)
93 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast: 12% Petite Sirah. A
ged in American oak. Concentrated blackberry fruit rides a foundation of soft, silky and well integrated succulence, with touches of saddle leather , black pepper, smoke and brick. Full
bodied, but light on its feet.
2015 Peachy Canyon Zin Westside Road (Paso Robles, CA)
92 points, Vinous: Glass-staining ruby. Pungent cherry, dark berries, smoky minerals, and white pepper. Juicy,
well-delineated, supple blue fruit, floral pastille and peppery spice flavors that deepen with air. Finishes smooth and broad, featuring repeating spiciness and silky tannins.
2015 Bear Flag Zin (Sonoma County, CA)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Plump and piquant, with expressive blackberry and orange zest aromas and lots of personality,
accenting smoky cracked pepper and black olive flavors that build toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2022
2015 Ridge Ponzo Vineyard Zin (Russian River, CA)
92 points Wine Spectator: Sleek and focused, with floral cherry, dill, and layered black raspberry, pepper and anise. Finishes
with polished tannins. Drink now thru 2023.
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, ageworthy.
2014 Hartford Court Old Vine Zin (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.
2012 Linne Calodo Outsider (Paso Robles, CA)
93 points, Wine Advocate: An elegant and graceful effort that has baking spices, cherry pie and licorice. Full-bodied, forward
and approachable. 72% Zin, 22% Syrah, 6% Mourvedre. Nicely balanced, silky and lightly textured.
Wine Tasting - May 9 ~ 12, 2018
2015 D'Arenberg Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne (Australia)
Winemaker Notes: Wonderfully aromatic and covers a broad spectrum of characters from white stone fruits and citrus
through to ginger, spice and raw nuts. The palate is equally as giving with good fruit generosity, well etched, crisp acidity,
and a super fine grapefruit pith like phenolic tail. The overall combination of these features deliver a fruit driven wine that tails off to a long, savory and mouth-watering finish.
2015 Domaine Lafage Bastide Miraflors Vieilles Vignes (Cotes Catalanes, France)
94 points, Wine Advocate: This wine is almost too good to be true. A blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache that was
brought up in concrete tanks (Grenache) and demi-muids (Syrah), the 2015 Bastide Miraflors Vieilles Vignes reminded me of a
mini Syrah from California's Manfred Krankl (yes I just compared a $14 Syrah to Sine Qua Non). It's a ripe, sexy, heady
beauty that exhibits a deep, purple color as well as killer notes of smoked meats, chocolate, blackberry and black
raspberries. Deep, unctuous, open knit and layered, it continues to change in the glass, has a seamless and silky profile, and
not a hard edge to be found. It's a sensational value that needs to be tasted to be believed. Drink it anytime over the coming 2-4 years.
2011 Glenelly Estate Reserve (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: Deep, bright, medium ruby. Musky aromas of pepper, herbs, tobacco leaf and game
convey a distinctly Old World lift, along with a positive rusticity. Dense, plush and deep but firm too, with concentrated
redcurrant, plum and blackberry fruit flavors leavened by green herb nuances. This superb wine spreads out horizontally on the back end, which is very long but a tad warm today.
2016 Chappellet Mountain Cuvée Proprietor's Blend (Napa Valley, CA)
Winemaker Notes: Lush, layered and complex, this Bordeaux blend begins with concentrated aromas of black cherry,
boysenberry, and dark chocolate. As the wine evolves in the glass, notes of anise, clove and bay leaf emerge, creating an
inviting combination of fruit and spice. On the palate, a creamy texture underscores the wine's richness, while accentuating
flavors of ripe plum, vanilla, and roasted coffee that glide to a long, lingering finish. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc.
2013 G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe (Piedmont, Italy)
92 points, Vinous Media: Beautifully perfumed, sensual and expressive in this vintage, with a bit less overt fruit and more
aromatic/structural intensity than is often the case. The style of the Albe has always favored a more succulent expression of
Nebbiolo that is quite different from the single-vineyard wines, but the 2013 suggests Vajra may be moving the Albe closer in
line stylistically to their other Barolos. An element of restraint is hugely appealing. Blends fruit from Fossati, Coste di
Vergne, and La Volta aged in 75 hectoliter casks. May be the single best value in Barolo today. Don't miss this especially good 2013.
Wine Tasting - May 2 ~ 5, 2018
2016 Limerick Lane Syrah Rose (Green Valley, Russian River)
92 points,Wine Enthusiast: A perennial knockout, this wine continues to impress. The estate-grown grapes are picked
specifically to make a bone-dry refreshing palate pleaser that's pretty in pink and orange tones. Tart, crisp, broadly appealing, an effortless experience dripping in grapefruit and blood orange.
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. A masterful blending of grapes from Calistoga to Atlas Peak and multiple appellations in between. One of
the greatest Zinfandel values in recent memory. 94% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah, 2 % Carignan, 1% Grenache.
2012 Bodega Aleanna Enemigo Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
93 points,Wine Enthusiast: Worth jumping on if you like full-bodied, robust Argentina reds. Smoky and dark up front, with
molasses, marzipan and blackberry aromas. The palate clamps down with tannic grip, while flavors of oak, blackberry, tobacco, vanilla and spices end briary and with subtlety, which is what makes this powerful wine so good.
2013 Galerie Latro Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley. CA)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Select: Mortar and a taste of black-olive tapenade ride softly layered waves of leathery
tannin and peppery clove in this richly balanced wine that features tension between notes of cedar and cured meat. Focused and full bodied, it'll do well in the cellar; drink now through 2023.
2013 Innovant Capture Red (Alexander Valley, CA)
Winemaker Notes: A Bordeaux-style blend, elegant and distinctive. Carefully selected lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and
Merlot from our Alexander Valley vineyards offer aromas of bright red fruits and spice. Flavors of blueberry and peppercorn combine with silky, elegant tannins to give this wine a structured, long finish.
Wine Tasting - April 25 ~ 28, 2018
2014 Loimer Langenlois Kamptal Gruner Veltliner (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.
2016 Bodegas Volver Tarima Monastrell (Jumilla, Spain)
92 points, James Suckling: Great black fruit that is fully ripe without a hint of overripeness. This is a big, rich wine. Rather
fine and generous tannin helps carry the higher alcohol. The long finish is almost silky.
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.
2013 Bodega Teso la Monja Victorino (Toro)
94 points, Wine Advocate: One of the freshest wines from the collection I tasted, a Tempranillo cuvée with less oak and great
freshness. A very good and cold vintage in Toro, which resulted in wines that took some time to integrate tannins and
acidity, but have less alcohol and very good balance. The tannins are a fine-grained and elegant Toro within the natural
power of the appellation. The absence of rain in October helps achieve consistency across vintages there. The more approachable and drinkable wine tasted from Bodega Teso from the 2013 vintage.
2014 Long Shadows Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla, Washington)
94 points, International Wine Report: A profound wine made by esteemed Napa Valley winemaker Randy Dunn, who has
only this outside project in wine other than his Dunn Vineyards wines. Fhis Cabernet uses the same oak treatment as his
Dunn wines, utilizing Vicard oak barrels where it spent 22 months prior to bottling. The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from
The Benches Vineyard, Dionysus Vineyard (72 Block) and Pepper Bridge Vineyard. As it begins to unwind the aromatics of
red bell pepper, anise, crème de cassis, violets, black cherries and blackberry preserves all begin to come together. On the
palate flavors of black cherry reduction, black olive, mocha and sandalwood all continue to weave their way through the
wine. An exceedingly long finish with moderate tannins. Dense and polished, with wonderful poise and minerality.
Wine Tasting - April 18 ~ 21, 2018
Richard's Best Cellar 20th Anniversary Celebration
Cabernet Fest
2015 Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River, Australia)
91 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion: Brightly colored; tips the scales of medium-bodied, deliberately light and fresh in the mouth, both bouquet and palate draped over a scaffold of superfine tannins providing a long finish and
aftertaste.
2013 Jackson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, CA)
91-94 points, Wine Advocate: An impressive and small cuvee of 7,000 cases. 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.
2014 Vinum Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, CA)
90 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com: Shows the look, taste, and feel of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Napa Valley, offering
bright and attractive black fruit and savory oak in its aromas and flavors. A firm and succulent palate pairs it nicely with both lighter and heavier meat dishes.
2012 Segla (Margaux, Bordeaux, France)
Second wine of Château Rauzan Ségla, whose first wine earned 94 as one of the best from 2012. 47% Cab, 47% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Aged in French oak, 20% new.
2015 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
97 points, Wine Enthusiast: Dark and thick in the glass, aromas of black currant and blueberry meet with roasted coffee,
chocolate syrup and baked plum on a wondrous nose. Soft and expressive, with blueberry, black pepper, firm tannins and a finish redolent of cappuccino candies.
2013 Freemark Abbey Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, CA)
90+ points, Wine Advocate: 78.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Aged in
28% new French oak, Relatively tannic, backward, and starting to close down. Built to age, with loads of cassis and black cherry Big, chewy, and dense.
1997 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford, CA)
The best grapes from Sycamore Vineyard go into this single vineyard reserve level. Gets all high scores from people in Cellar
Tracker who have drunk it over the last 15 years, finding it to be ageworthy, rich, concentrated, flavorful, well structured, and delicious.
Wine Tasting - April 11 ~ 14, 2018
2015 Sonoma Loeb Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River, CA)
93 points, Wine Spectator: A broad-shouldered youngster, ripe and loaded with zesty raspberry, blackberry, spice, floral
and light oak flavors. Impressive focus, weight, persistence and size, showing room to age and gain. Ends with snappy acidity and ripe tannins.
2013 Angela Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
92 points, Wine Enthusiast, Editor's Choice: The label does not bear the name Angela Vineyard, but the fruit is estate
grown. A tight, focused, young red wine, with tangy raspberry fruit that touches on black cherry. Vivid and penetrating, it
needs plenty of time to breathe, and as it does it reveals subtle layers of mocha and caramel. Has the bones to age.
2014 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir (WillametteValley, Oregon)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast, Editor's Choice: A darker fruit spectrum, with notes of coffee, smoke, black fruits, a touch of
charred wood all worked through, and without damping the core fruit flavors. Those bright flavors spotlight raspberry, plum
and black cherry. A light cola flavor pokes through, with ripe tannins and proportionate acids. The barrel treatment is beautifully applied, adding sweet spice to the finish.
2013 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. Has a 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 fruitâ€"the wine just amazing. Very drinkable young but capable of holding longer.
2014 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Paso Robles, CA)
94 points, Wine Enthusiast: Mocha cream, pencil shaving and dried herb aromas against a backdrop of black currant fruit in
this big but balanced bottling from the Daou brothers. Soft on the palate, where the texture commands as much attention as
the flavors, in a matrix of mouth-coating tannins that frame its cola, cocoa, black plum and cherry notes.
Wine Tasting - April 4 ~ 7, 2018
2016 Ferraton Pere et Fils Cotes de Rhone Samorens Blanc (France)
90 points, Jeb Dunnuck: A terrific white from a region that's producing more and more high-quality whites. 60% Grenache
Blanc and 40% Clairette. Clean and crisp, with citrus blossom, brioche, and a touch of white grapefruit fruit. Will age nicely for at least 3-4 years.
2014 Cantina del Nebbiolo Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy)
90 points, Wine Enthusiast: New leather, red cherry and fresh herb aromas follow through to the firmly structured palate,
along with cinnamon and white pepper notes. A young and racy wine, it already shows finesse thanks to taut, refined tannins.
2013 Powers Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)
Winemaker Notes: Diverse layered aromatics of dark cherry, blackberries, and crème brule that leads into a touch of cedar,
sweet cigar, and earthiness on the nose. With dense flavors of black cherry, black currant, and cocoa that linger on the
complex palate, this wine has lush dusty tannins that are balanced by a nice touch of oak and spice on the finish. This is a
very opulent and layered Cabernet Sauvignon that you would expect from this world-class vineyard site. 100% Cabernet, aged for 30 months in French oak barrels, 65% new French.
2015 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, CA)
97 points, Wine Enthusiast: Vintner Austin Hope, whose family is intertwined in the rise of Paso Robles, spent years
working to release a wine of this caliber. Dark and thick in the glass, aromas of black currant and blueberry meet with roasted
coffee, chocolate syrup and baked plum on the wondrous nose. The palate is soft and extremely expressive, with blueberry, black pepper, firm midpalate tannins and a finish that's redolent of cappuccino candies.
2014 Mount Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Sentinel (Sonoma, CA)
92 points, Wine Advocate: 83% from the Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma and the rest from other Sonoma sources. Blends
97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petite Sirah, aged in 53% new French oak. 15.7% alcohol, but without a bit of heat to the
wine's overall character. Considerable stature, gravitas, intensity and full-bodied power. Muscular, backward and somewhat primordial, that needs a good 1-2 more years bottle age and should last for 25-30 years.
Wine Tasting - March 28 ~ 31, 2018
2014 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay (Napa Valley, CA)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast: A wealth of balanced flavor and body, shining in tones of nuts, fennel, vanilla and mango. The
oak is measured and supportive, never getting in the way, letting the acidity pierce through the fruit.
2015 Tenshen Red Blend (Santa Barbara County, CA)
92 points, Editors Choice, Wine Enthusiast: A joint project of Joey Tensley and Alex Guarachi, that is a whopper of a wine
for the price tag. Aromas of black cherry, oregano, eucalyptus and dried sage. 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 Grgich Hills Merlot Estate (Napa Valley, CA)
93 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com: An aristocratic effort, stylish and beautifully-built, that sings on the palate. The wine's
delightful combination of ripe cassis and savory spice flavors make it a superb partner with a seared ribeye. 79% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc.
2016 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley, CA)
Pinot Noir as a hugely rich Big Red wine. 92 points, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com: A complete, complex, and stylish wine,
showing exceedingly fine aromas and flavors, including red berries, boysenberries, and bramble fruit. New oak brings all of its elements together in a nice package. Pairs well with a savory, spiced leg of lamb.
2014 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve (Napa, CA)
95 points, Wine Advocate: The flagship wine of this estate and a beautiful example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Dense
purple with a gorgeous, young, but promising nose of blackberry, cassis, licorice, forest floor and earth. Hits the palate with
a supple, ripe integrated tannic framework, intense black fruits, full body and a long finish. A stunner and another great
vintage from Anderson's, first made in 1987. The track record of Anderson Conn Valley wines is to age for a good 25-30 years, while being approachable on release. 97% Cab, 3% Petit Verdot.
Wine Tasting - March 21 ~ 24, 2018
Italian Fest
2014 Tenuta di Arceno Il Fauno (Tuscany)
Not yet rated but consistently gets 92 to 94 points. A more voluptuous and lush wine with aromas of raspberry, wild berries,
and lavender. Good acidity frames blueberry, sour cherry, cardamom, and black licorice. 72% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot.
2014 Castello di Neive Barbaresco (Piedmont)
Opens with aromas of toast, oak, menthol, resin, coffee bean and medicine. The aromas carry over to the firm palate, along with thyme, clove, licorice and bracing tannins.
2009 Valle Reale San Calisto Montepulciano D'Abruzzo
Winemaker Notes: Deep, ruby-red with layered aromas of ripe blackberries and crushed black cherries, followed by spicy
notes of cassis, leather, and Mediterranean wildflowers. On the palate, its firm structure is elegantly softened by its silky, rich mouthfeel.
2013 La Giaretta Amarone Valpolicella Classico
Westgate Wines (Store Review): This cooler low yield vintage may have produced the most vivid, savory and delicious
Amarone Classico yet. Perfect as a table wine, but not a heavy, sweet, and pruney Amarone. But if you prefer the style of Mazzi and La Giaretta, you will love this one.
2014 AiA Vecchia Sor Ugo (Bolgheri)
Red garnet with aromas of cherry, menthol and a hint of rosemary. The palette is round and rich without being overpowering.
Spicy on the mid-palate and lively on the back-end, with black currant, licorice and coffee, followed by a long-lasting finish that is juicy mouth-watering and slightly minty.
2013 Isole e Olena Estate Cepparello (Tuscany)
97 points, Wine Advocate: Hands down beautiful, stunningly elegant, and balanced. Exceptionally soft and mellow bouquet
with slightly sweet ripe cherry and fragrant blue flower. Soft tones of spice and cinnamon bring up the rear. Medium full bodied. One of my favorites from 2012.
2012 Casanova Di Neri Nuova Brunello (Montalcino)
96 points, Wine Advocate: A beautiful wine that recalls its 100 point 2010 predecessor. The quality of fruit is profound and
intense. The bouquet offers black cherry, spice, leather, cola and licorice. Impressive complexity.
Wine Tasting - March 14 ~ 17, 2018
2015 Stonestreet "Estate" Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Alexander Valley
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Stonestreet consistently delivers complex, refreshing renditions of Sauvignon Blanc. Grassy on
the nose, with an exotic tease of pea shoot, it seemingly vibrates on the palate with lemon, grapefruit and apricot flavors.
2013 Luigi Bosca Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
91 points, Wine Spectator (#81, Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2015): Decadently spiced, with intese dark chocolate and
roasted plum flavors that feature notes of paprika. Black pepper accents show on the lush, mineral-filled finish.
2013 Andrew Will Two Blondes Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington
94 points, International Wine Report: This compelling blend of 44% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc
opens with an inviting bouquet of crème de cassis, anise, coffee grounds and red bell pepper. Beautifully textured, this
beauty coats the mid-palate, delivering deep dark fruit flavors that connect with herbal edges and coffee grounds before ending in a long finish.
2009 M. Chapoutier Domaine Tournon Shiraz Lady's Lane, Heathcote, Australia
95 points, Wine Spectator: Focused, bright and chewy, with a lifted mouthful of blueberry, currant, wet rock and white
pepper flavors that keep roiling through a long and expressive finish. Brims with flavor, but evolves into a lovely transparency on the finish. 440 cases made.
2011 Penfolds RWT Shiraz, Barossa, Australia
94 points, James Suckling: All French oak (51% new) and plenty of perfume on offer here, raspberry, blackberry and red
plum, really fragrant fruit that is accented by additional oak fragrance. The palate has tangy cut, slightly jumpy, quite taut -
the vintage has this captive for now. Time will see it unwind and there's a bright wine that has plenty of Barossa power built in - give this time.
Wine Tasting - March 7 ~ 10, 2018
2015 Robert Denogent Pouilly-Fuissé Les Reisses, Burgundy, France
91-93 points, Wine Advocate: Biodynamically grown grapes of vines up to 60 years old yield a clean and precise bouquet. A well balanced palate with crisp acidity, very good salinity, real tension with a precise finish.
2012 Rex Hill Frances Tannahill Hermit Pinot Noir, Dundee, Oregon
92 points, Wine Advocate: Crafted entirely from the certified biodynamic Pearl vineyard, the wine is deep and rich in color,
and exhibits notes of cherries and berries. A ripe tannin structure and beautiful acidity to give shape to the concentration of ripe fruit.
2015 Hartford Old Vine Zinfandel, Russian River, California
93 points, Wine Spectator: This is what Russian River Zinfandel is all about. Rich, dynamic and layered, with complex fruit,
offering notes of jammy black raspberry, stony mineral, herbes de Provence and licorice. The finish unfurls at length. Drink now through 2026.
2015 Domaine Lafage "Bastide Miraflors", Côtes du Roussillon, France
94 points, Wine Advocate: This wine is almost too good to be true! A blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache it is a ripe,
sexy, heady beauty that exhibits a deep, purple color as well as killer notes of smoked meats, chocolate, blackberry and black
raspberries. Deep, unctuous, open knit and layered, it continues to change in the glass, has a seamless and silky profile, and not a hard edge to be found. It's a sensational value that needs to be tasted to be believed.
2012 Seven Hills "Seven Hills" Cabernet Walla Walla, Washington
91 points, Wine Enthusiast:
This is all Cabernet coming from one of the state's top vineyards. The aromas offer notes of fresh tobacco, red fruit, dried herbs and an assortment of barrel spices. It's packed with plentiful dark cherry and cranberry
flavors that show intensity, finesse and impressive length.
Wine Tasting - February 28 ~ March 3, 2018
2014 Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Freestone (Sonoma Coast, CA)
92 points Wine & Spirits: The Phelps family was one of the first to bring pinot noir to the cool hills around Freestone, when
they planted on the site of an old dairy farm in 1999. Smells delicious, like bay leaves and crushed wild blackberries. The fruit
has a spicy verve that holds out against the constricting grip of the oak—it's a powerful coastal Pinot Noir to age for five years or more.
2015 Bodegas Avancia Cuvee de O Mencia (Valdeorras, Galicia, 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.
2013 Jackson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley (Sonoma, CA)
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. Ready to
bottle right after I tasted it.94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 1.7% Cabernet Franc, 0.3% Merlot.
2014 Saint Francis Cabernet Reserve (Sonoma, CA)
93 points, Wine Enthusiast: Black in color, this heavy concentrated wine is thick in black pepper and clove, with underlying
streaks of cedar. Well structured, it unfurls depths of black cherry, currant and vanilla as it develops in the glass, finishing as full bodied as it started.
2012 Milbrandt Sentinel Northridge Vineyard (Waluke Slope, Washington)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: A rich entry that builds with a dense chewy yet seamless mid-palate. Pronounced black fruit and
minerality with a long luxurious finish. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot.
Wine Tasting - February 21 ~ 24, 2018
Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Winemaker Notes: Much loved for its freshness, mouthwatering acidity and upfront fruit. Rustenberg makes a slightly fuller,
richer style of Sauvignon Blanc without relying on the influence of oak. The intrinsic Sauvignon Blanc characteristics of
green pepper, asparagus and gooseberry are to be found in this wine, with underlying tones of pineapple and passion fruit, sustained on a fresh, crispy and well-balanced palate with prodigious length.
2016 Belle Gloss Las Alturas Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands, CA)
Winemaker Notes: Deep ruby red in color with intriguing aromas of sun-warmed blackberries, ripe plums, and black licorice.
Complex dark berry fruits unfold on a palate of blackberries and bing cherries along with dark chocolate flavors. Vanilla and
cedar oak undertones on the mid-palate further enhance the wine. The overall impression is rich with refined tannins, firm acidity and explosive layers of ripe fruit.
2015 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 variety unmistakable and the balance is spot on.
2012 Chateau Barde-Haut (Saint Emilion, Bordeaux)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Offers lovely purity and mouthfeel, with notes of velvety plum, boysenberry and cherry
preserves gliding easily. Features anise and ganache hints, with light charcoal and tobacco details on the finish. Shows well-integrated grip, and should cellar well. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
2013 Vinum Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, CA)
92 points, Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast: Impressive at any price, but an especially good buy at the list price of $42.
This 100% varietal red is a testament to the power and concentration of the vintage, integrated with a push of tannin on the
back of the tongue. Spicy clove and pepper ride a wave of cassis, dark cherry and chocolate, needing time to unwind in the glass. Will cellar well through 2028.
Wine Tasting - February 14 ~ 17, 2018
2016 Masseria Li Veli Askos Verdeca Valle d'Itria IGT (Puglia, Italy)
This estate demonstrates how good a wine can be made from the Verdeca grape. Unusually rich, mouth coating, textured, complex, and concentrated. Very refreshing acidity with tasty citrus fruits, pear, and flowers.
2015 Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill Old Vines (Alicante, Spain)
92 points, #17 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017: Shows grace and depth. Black cherry, plum, mineral and smoke flavors
mingle harmoniously over well-integrated tannins, while lively acidity keeps this focused. Not showy, but all the pieces fit together. Balanced, in the modern style. Drink now through 2025.
2013 Couroulu Vacqueyras (Rhone Valley, France)
93 points, Dick Scheer, Village Corner: 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. Wonderfully silky finesse. Deep
blackberr fruit. Well textured. Like the 2012, a great and singular Vacqueyras.
2014 Hook & Ladder Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, CA)
93 points, Editors Choice, Wine Enthusiast: A big but balanced expression of Cabernet that is ready to drink now. Layers of
black cherry, caramel, vanilla, smoke and crushed black rocks show on the lavish nose. The palate's chalky texture is
immediately apparent, with vibrant acidity that carries forth a rich crème de cassis flavor and finishes on roasted coffee and milk chocolate.
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. Nearly 26 months in oak. Opaque purple in color with beautiful blackberry and blackcurrant fruit
and hints of white chocolate, allspice and tobacco leaf. Rich, full-bodied, seriously concentrated, and relatively serious structure and tannic clout. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30 years.
Wine Tasting - February 7 ~ 10, 2018
ZinFest
2014 Frank Family Zin (Napa Valley, CA)
91 points, Connoisseurs Guide: Ripe, rich, and decently polished. Concentrated blackberry scents with hints of blueberries
and toasty, slightly vanilla oak. Full and supple. Late-arriving tannins dry it out a bit, but this wine will reward bottle age, or be enjoyable now if you like some textural grip.
2014 Hendry Estate Block 7 & 22 Zin (Napa, CA)
92 points, Wine & Spirits: From a vineyard west of the city of Napa, one block planted in 1975, the other 1995. Aged in
French oak one-third new. Rich, finely integrated, dark-fruited, savory mineral notes and a warm spice finish.
2014 Mauritson Rockpile Ridge Vineyard Zin (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 Ravenswood Zin Teldeschi (Sonoma, CA)
95 points, Tasting Panel Magazine: Perfumed wild berry, coffee and earth. Blends in 19% Petite Sirah and 5% Carignane.
Aged for 19 months in French oak, this inky black wine is a zinphony of taste and texture. Creamy blackberry, anise, dark chocolate, and black pepper coat the tongue.
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.
2012 Rosenblum Maggie's Zin Reserve (Sonoma Valley, CA)
Winemaker Notes: Amazing balance, concentrated fruit, vibrant acids and complex structure. Opens with seductive aromas
of molasses, roasted plum and chocolate-covered cherries. Broad and generous, the wine holds its focus, joined by well-integrated tannins that cradle the brown sugar and mocha finish.
Wine Tasting - January 31, February 1 & 3, 2018
2014 Chateau Beauregard Pouilly Fuisse (Burgundy, France)
92 points, Wine Spectator:
A sleek wine that begins with a whiff of oyster shell and then gathers flavors of lemon, melon and mineral across the palate. The finish is invigorating, strong, and pleasant.
2014 Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Winemaker Notes: A charming Cabernet that delivers a classic Bordeaux profile, with excellent structure, perfect balance and
length. Complex flavors of black currant, cherry, and dark chocolate, along with undertones of herbs and spice.
2013 Monte Degli Angeli Barolo (Piedmont, Italy)
A delicious, yet traditional style Barolo. Good quality at an unusually low price. Inviting aromas of spice box, red fruits,
cherry licorice, plums and dark cherries. Good concentration and grip, yet refined tannins. Rich and balanced without being heavy.
2009 Valle Reale San Calisto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (Italy)
91 points, Wine Advocate: The cask-aged 2009 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo San Calisto is the biggest and most structured of these wines. Earthiness, scorched earth, tobacco and red cherries fill out the wine's big, broad-shouldered frame nicely. The
San Calisto comes across as intense after the Vigneto di Popoli, but it makes up for that with its considerable complexity. Hints of tobacco, scorched earth and licorice linger on the dark, brooding finish.
Winemaker Notes: Valle Reale's flagship wine. Muscular yet refined, made from 100% Montepulciano from San Calisto
vineyard, the oldest plot in this estate, located in one of Italy's most beautiful national parks. Here, the vines benefit from the high elevation, wide diurnal temperatures, cool breezes, and limestone-rich soils.
2014 Revolver Forsaken Petit Verdot (Napa Valley, CA)
Winemaker 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 - January 24, 26 & 27, 2018
2014 Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill (Spain)
92 points, Wine Advocate: 100% Mourvèdre aged 20 months in French oak and from the oldest vines of the estate, planted
1935-1975. They are also relatively high elevation, at 2,000 to 2,400 feet above sea level. Shows wonderful, pure aromatics of
blueberry, black raspberries, chalk and spring flowers. Beautiful, full-bodied texture, impressive ripeness and purity and length. A heck of a value.
2010 Valle Reale Popoli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo (Italy)
Winemaker's Notes: Introduces the wine lover to a new breed of Montepulciano. Surprisingly concentrated, with silky
tannins and layers of dark berry fruit and spices, this is a rich and aromatic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Full bodied and firm, yet supple, it is ready to be enjoyed with hearty pasta dishes and roasted poultry, lamb, and ribs.
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.
2013 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval (Red Mountain, Washington)
94 points, Wine & Spirits: Chris Camarda's Ciel du Cheval bottling is often dominated by Merlot (56 percent in 2013, the
balance Cabernet Franc). It is often his richest as well, and this wine doesn't disappoint, with scents of cedar, red plum and
plum skin. The flavors are unabashedly intense in a Red Mountain mode, the radiant heat of the place lending uncharacteristic power to a Merlot-based red, with the lasting tannins for beef tenderloin.
2012 Argyle Spirithouse Pinot Noir (Dundee, Willamette Valley, Oregon)
92 points, Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast: Warm cherry fruit enfolds the palate, with supporting lemony acids. This
subtle, graceful wine both intrigues and invites, still promising a bit more than it delivers, but holding the potential for future greatness. Cellar it and try again 2018–2025.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rose & White Wine Tasting
Thursday - January 25
2016 Leone de Castris Salento Five Roses Rose (Italy)
90 pointsVinous: Bright pink but much lighter in color than previous vintages. Cedar, graphite, and fresh apple on the nose,
then more complex on the palate with additional pear and blood orange. Very fresh and long on the finish.
2016 Dancing Mermaids Rose (Bordeaux, France)
A distinct dry rosé from Bordeaux. Very pale pink. Vibrant, mineral-accented strawberry, red currant and tangerine scents Stony and fresh finish with excellent clarity and persistence.
2011 Graham Beck Brut Rose (Robertson, South Africa)
90 points, Wine Advocate: A delicious sparkling rosé that is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, with slightly less residual
sugar than the current non-vintage Rosé. Appealing orange blossom and rose petal scents that gain momentum in the glass.
The palate opens softly with fine tension, lovely notes of white peach, orange zest and apricot, and finishes elegantly.
2016 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny (Loire Valley, France)
90 points,Wine Spectator: A good chiseled feel, with chive and flint notes leading the way, backed by a long zip of acidity
through the bracing finish. 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay.
2014 Chateau de Beauregard-Burrier Pouilly Fuisse (Burgundy, France)
92 points, Wine Spectator: A sleek white that begins with a whiff of oyster shell, then gathers flavors of lemon, melon and
mineral, and finishes strong and savory.
2014 Yalumba Botrytis Viognier (Wrattonbully, South Australia)
Botrytis is a beneficial mold on grape skins that shrivels the grape and concentrates the flavors by removing water. The
Viognier grape is the signature white variety of Yalumba. Rich and smooth with flavors of apricot, marmalade, preserved peaches, and beeswax.
Wine Tasting - January 17 - 20, 2018
Merlot Fest
Old World & New World Merlots
2013 Cortona Poliziano In Violas Merlot (Bolgheri, Italy)
92 points, Wine Spectator: Focused aromas and flavors of black currant, cedar, toast and herbs mark this vibrant, elegant
red. Shows power, as the tannins gather steam on the lingering finish. Needs time. Best from 2019 through 2028. Usually 100% Merlot.
2015 Pessac-Leognan du Chateau Haut-Bailly Bordeaux
Staff review, K&L Wine Merchants: Haut Bailly's third label from the vintage is one of the best deals in the store right now!
Wonderful ripeness with rich red fruit like black cherries, ripe strawberries and cranberries, with nuanced flavors of violets,
aged leather and licorice as well. Great tannins for structure and the perfect level of acidity to contrast the fruit. Our best red wine around $20.
2012 Chateau Clos Rene (Pomerol, Bordeaux)
89-91 points, Wine Enthusiast: At 29 acres, this is a large vineyard for Pomerol. The 2012 is a ripe, open wine with spice,
sweet tannins and a soft, full character. Ripe and spicy on the finish. 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec.
2013 De Toren Z (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: Smoky, earthy notes of licorice root, chicory, pepper and leather spice up the black plum, berry
and cherry fruit in this blend of 42% Merlot, 21% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit
Verdot. The mouthfeel is plush and filling, with generous yet structured tannins and ample acidity that frame the rich dark fruits. Flavors of cassis and char linger long on the finish.
2013 Peju Merlot (Napa, California)
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. Shows varietal character, with an additional
1% Malbec.
2012 Seven Hills Merlot (Walla Walla, Washington)
91 points, Wine Enthusiast: 100% Merlot with appealing aromas of coffee, toasty barrel spices, berry and red fruit. Good
richness and depth, offering plenty of pleasure now and later.
2014 Keenan Merlot Reserve, Mailbox Vineyard (Spring Mountain, Napa, CA)
93 points Wine Advocate: The 2014 Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard has traditionally been one of the top Merlots made in
Northern California. Beautiful deep black cherry and blackcurrant fruit with some spice box and earth jump from the glass of
this dense ruby/plum colored wine. It is rich, medium to full-bodied, pure, textured and serious. This is a beauty to drink over the next 12-15 years. (also 94 points Wine & Spirits & 94 points Vinous). 450 cases produced.
Wine Tasting - January 10 - 13, 2018
2015 Forge Riesling Classique, Finger Lakes, New York
92 points, Wine Spectator {#31 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017 }: Weighty for a Riesling, with a rounded feel and layers of
creamed yellow apple, white peach and persimmon flavors. Delivers energy and cut throughout, with lemon pith, citrus oil and chamomile accents filling in. Shows length and range through the finish.
2013 Wilson Estate Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, California
High-toned acidity complements the generous, brambly black fruit and brown sugar notes in this wine, its savory undertone recalling leather and coffee.
2013 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc, North Coast, California
89 points, Wine Enthusiast: This winery has specialized in Cabernet Franc for 20 years, and seems to have kicked up the
concentration in recent vintages. This potent wine was tight and tannic when first opened, but developed nicely over 24
hours. It has a smoky, peppery element in the aroma that segues to dark berry flavors. It will improve through at least 2019.
2015 Pessac-Léognan de Château Haut-Bailly, Bordeaux, France
The third wine of the prestigious château bears the name and style of its prestigious appellation, known for deep, dark,
fruit-driven wines. The grapes originate from the estate's youngest vines, which contain low levels of tannin. A brief stint of
barrel ageing provides a little more structure and softness, while retaining a wine that is enjoyable after a couple of years in bottle. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc.
2012 Ségla, Margaux, Bordeaux, France
Ségla is the second wine of Château Rauzan-Ségla. More accessible than the first wine, it does not receive as much new oak,
so tannins are riper and smoother making the Ségla ripe and ready for drinking. Deep ruby in apperance, Segla delivers
aromas of blueberry and vanilla on the nose. On the palate it is medium bodied with silky tannins. 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon & 6% Cabernet Franc.
Wine Tasting - January 3 - 6, 2018
2015 Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grown at some of the highest altitudes in the Stellenbosch region comes this full flavored wine with characteristics of
tropical fruits, melon and gooseberry, with underlying tones of pineapple and passion fruit sustained on a fresh, crisp and well-balanced palate with prodigious length.
2014 Mauritson Rockpile Ridge Zinfandel, California
94 points, Wine Advocate: The wine has an opaque ruby/purple color, a sensational, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, great fruit
purity, and a deep, mineral-laced, peppery finish. Alcohol again is just under 15%, but it carries it beautifully with no heat whatsoever. This full-throttle, rich Zinfandel should age nicely for 10 years.
2013 Arcanum Il Fauno, Tuscany, Italy
94 points, Wine Advocate: This blend of 55% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot is
rich and lasting with ample power and concentration. There are points of greenness here with crushed peppercorn and wild
sage, backed by dark fruit aromas of plum and blackberry. Yet the Merlot component does much to smooth out and enrich the mouthfeel.
2014 Turnbull Cabernet, Napa Valley, California
94 points, Wine Enthusiast (Cellar Selection): Sizable oak presents itself in this wine, before more delicate nuances of
cedar, pencil shavings and firm, integrated tannin make themselves known. Full bodied and robustly built, this wine also has balance, offering a cooler climate sensibility to the fruit and savory touches. Enjoy best 2024-2030.
2014 La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet, California
95 points, Wine Advocate: A blend of 75.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and
Malbec, aged in 89% new French oak. The wine displays the great fruit that is possible from these two sites owned by the
Jacksons. It has an opaque purple color, a big, sweet kiss of crème de cassis and blackberry with a touch of lead pencil
shavings, vanilla and incense. It is full-bodied and dense, with moderately high tannins but beautiful sweetness and fruit. Drink it over the next 25-30 years.
|
|
