March 23rd 2021 Newsletter
Discounted 60 %!
90 points Editor’s Choice Wine Enthusiast
2019 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape
Bleue Rose, Mediterranee
Whiffs of cherry blossom and watermelon introduce this dusty-pink blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvèdre. Invigorating and nimble, it offers flavors of sour cherry, raspberry and blood orange accented by a fresh, mineral finish. $15 Our Price $5.95 (Arrives GT this afternoon)
2019 Roar Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot
Winemaker Notes: Fruit-driven and wrapped in leather and sagebrush, this blend melds elements from all of our vineyards. This approachable Pinot integrates the best of north and south within the Santa Lucia Highlands. $45 (Available GT and VRW 3/24/21)
2019 Roar Sierra Mar Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes: Dark mountain berries and spice dominate this Pinot, with a stream of fine minerality snaking through. Wild, savory elements interplay with plump fruit flavors. A delicate, yet mysterious red that plays well with many cuisines. $60 (Available GT and VRW 3/24/21)
2019 Kosta Browne
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes: On the nose, expressive red apple, raspberry, and pomegranate aromas burst from the glass alongside soft notes of sage and spice. This medium-bodied, pristine Pinot Noir has a lovely texture and a refined finish. $105 (Arrives GT 3/26/21)
Wine Spectator 92 Points
LEMELSON Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Thea's Selection 2017
Dynamic and well-knit, with vibrant black raspberry, spiced tea and violet accents that gather richness toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2027. 8,572 cases made. — TF $34 Our Price $24.99 (Arrives GT 3/25/21)
Back in stock!
Wine Spectator 93 Points
ROCCA DI FRASSINELLO Maremma Toscana Le Sughere di Frassinello 2016
Wild rosemary, thyme and camphor aromas lead off, with concentrated flavors of blackberry and black currant. An iron edge sinks in as this unfolds to the long, staining finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2020 through 2032. 11,000 cases made, 5,500 cases imported. — BS $22 Our Price $17.99 (Available GT and VRW)
WOW-Discounted 57%!
2017 Miner Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Winemaker Notes: This crisp Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel. With aromas of stone fruit and freshly cut herbs followed by grapefruit-melon flavors on the palate, this wine is best enjoyed in its youth. $23 Our Price $9.95 (Back in stock GT and VRW on 3/25/21)
2017 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes: Capturing the rustic elegance of the Anderson Valley, this wine begins with lively aromas of fresh-picked wild strawberry, dusty earth and sweet tobacco leaf. The dynamic strawberry aromas are echoed on the palate, where they are supported by supple tannins and a bright underlying acidity that adds energy and zest to a long, nuanced finish. $50 Our Price $42.99. Half Bottles $21.99
Wine Spectator 90
SILENUS Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Tyros 2017
Quite bold and ripe, this teeters a bit, with a prune note amid the cherry, raspberry and plum confiture flavors. Features pretty spice accents, a relatively silky feel and a lingering mesquite element for added range. For fans of the style. Drink now through 2028. 5,000 cases made. — JM $35 Internet Price $24.99 Grape Tray email subscriber price $18.95 (Back in stock GT 3/25/21)
Friday Wine Tasting at VRW $10 per person
Friday’s Tasting, 3/26/21 (3:00 PM-5:30 PM): 2018 Kongsgaard Napa Chardonnay, 2017 Ilaria Napa Cabernet and 2016 Anthem LPV Cabernet
Wine Advocate 93-95 Points
2018 Kongsgaard Napa Chardonnay
A barrel sample, the 2018 Chardonnay bursts from the glass with bold notes of warm peaches, spiced pears and applesauce with hints of candied ginger, honeycomb and lime cordial. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has electric intensity, with a refreshing line of racy acid cutting through the tightly wound stone fruit and spicy layers, finishing long and honey laced. $115
Wine Advocate 94+
2017 Ilaria Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot aged 22 months in 75% new French oak. Deep purple-black in color, it gives up expressive notes of baked blackcurrants, blackberry pie and spice cake with hints of licorice, tobacco and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, rich and spicy in the mouth, it has a solid backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling black tea note. 560 cases made. $50
Wine Advocate 94
2016 Anthem Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard
Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color and reveals expressive black cherries, blackberries and warm blackcurrants with hints of violets, black olives, Indian spices and cigar box. Full-bodied, rich and powerful, the palate is filled with well-poised black fruit layers and firm, grainy tannins, matched by bold freshness and finishing long. $125
Saturday Wine Tasting at VRW $10 per person
Saturday Tasting, 3/27/21 (1:00 PM-3:30 PM): 2018 Paul Hobbs Ross Station Chardonnay, 2018 Capiaux Garys’ Pinot and 2017 Kosta Browne SRH Pinot
Wine Advocate 95 Points
2018 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Ross Station Estate
The 2018 Chardonnay Ross Station Estate opens with toast and flint, segueing to golden apple, white flowers and salted almonds. The medium-bodied, satiny palate is singing, bursting with juicy, savory flavors and finishing very long. 317 cases produced. $85
Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points
2018 Capiaux Garys’ Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
The 2018 Pinot Noir Garys' is bright and focused, with terrific energy driving the sweet red berry and floral notes. White pepper, mint, blood orange and a kiss of new French oak (40%) add layers of nuance and dimension. The 2018 finishes with a real sense of saline-infused briskness that is hugely appealing. This is another stellar wine in Sean Capiaux's range. Drinking window: 2022 – 2033. $45
Wine Advocate 95 Points
2017 Kosta Browne Santa Rita Hills Pinot
Aged 15 months in 42% new French oak, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has a medium ruby-purple color and gives up cinnamon toast, raspberry coulis, macerated strawberries and rosewater perfume with accents of musk, lilac, blood orange and scorched earth—what a gorgeous perfume! Medium-bodied, it slowly builds in amplitude in the mouth, releasing gobs of perfumed red berry fruits. It has a sturdy but finely grained frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long, layered and fantastically perfumed. Wow! $100
Wine Advocate 95 Points
2007 Chateau Montelena Estate
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep garnet colored, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate displays a very slowly evolving nose of crème de cassis, chocolate-covered cherries, vanilla pod and smoked meats with touches of dried Provence herbs, cedar chest and cloves. Medium-bodied, plush, rich and generously fruited in the mouth, it has a wonderfully spicy character and long baking spice and black fruit-laced finish. Market Price $115-$211. (6 bottles available at $150/bottle)
Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points
2016 Hundred Acre Wraith
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Even better, and a perfect wine from my viewpoint, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith is a blend of estate vineyards and spends 40 months in new French oak. As with all of Woodbridge’s wines, it has an incredible sense of elegance and finesse paired with beautiful richness and depth. Deep ruby/purple, with cassis and kirsch fruits as well as stunning notes of tobacco, toast, and gravelly minerality, this is Cabernet Sauvignon at its most complex, seamless, and elegant. The tannin quality is off the charts, and this magical, full-bodied, multi-dimensional effort can be enjoyed any time over the coming 30+ years or more. $675 Our Price $599.99 (Arrives GT 4/1/21) Limited
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