271 products
Textbook Red Blend Page Turner 2022 750ml
Warehouse stored item - please allow two to three business days to fulfill.
This is a blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged almost two years in French oak. The melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, with a backdrop of silky tannins, are the protagonists in this palatable page turner. White peppered plum and ripe, dark cherry unite in a thrilling romp with grilled meats and lavender. Spoiler alert: we’ll give the ending away: earthy tones emerge with minerality while Italian herbs dust the tongue.
Tortoise Creek Pinot Noir 2022 750ml
Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.
Organically farmed pinot noir grapes from our home ranch, Redwood Valley Vineyards, were hand-harvested in mid September. The bunches were carefully destemmed into a stainless steel tank for fermentation. The mixture of skins, seed , and juice were cold soaked for 24-48 hours to begin flavor extraction. After a CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) approved yeast was added, the must was mixed two times per day to continue extracting color and tannin.
These pump-overs are critical to enhancing the aroma and flavor from the pinot noir grape. Once fermentation is complete, the must was delicately pressed and aged on French oak for 8 months.
This medium garnet-colored wine presents enticing aromas of dried cranberry, sweet rhubarb, and subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, flavors of delicate caramel, bright red cherries, and a touch of licorice meld seamlessly with soft tannins and a smooth texture, achieving a harmonious balance of fruit and oak.
Tortoise Creek Zinfandel 2022 750ml
Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.
Our Zinfandel has a deep color and rich, spicy aromas of wild dark berries and plums, It is round, rich and bursting with flavor. The Petit Syrah and Tannat grapes add a delightful complexity to the final blend.
Grayson Pinot Noir 2023
Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.
The 2023 Grayson Pinot Noir exhibits a rich color. The aromas are exotic in raspberry and plum with a mix of cherry, violets, and a hint of sandalwood. Flavorful and silky in the mouth with good body, this wine has good texture and a lingering finish with a hint of toasted
Gravelly Ford Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 750ml
Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.
Light to moderate tannins. Light-bodied, dry, black currant, black cherry, plum, and cassis with good mouthfeel fades with dry, dark fruit and finishes with dry, mild tannin. The fruit fades quickly and the body and tannin much slower.
Pebble Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml
Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.
Aromas of blueberries and blackberries and highlights of mocha and smoky oak mingle with rich flavors of plum and cassis touched with a hint of savory herbs.
Approachable tannins and a round, full body give this wine a well-structured and lingering finish.
No Curfew by Amici Red Blend 2021 750ml
Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.
James Suckling 91 Points | Zinfandel, petite sirah, syrah and other grapes deliver real flavors here. Medium body, nice core of fruit, lightly chewy tannins and a bark and wet earth undertone. Satisfying.
Bezel Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo Coast 2024 750ml
Winemaker Description
The 2024 growing season for the San Luis Obispo Coast was marked by higher-than-average rainfall and a notably cooler spring. The wet winter and early spring precipitation replenished water reserves, providing a strong foundation for vine growth. The cooler temperatures in spring delayed bud break, pushing the season back slightly compared to typical years. As temperatures gradually warmed in late spring and early summer, the vines caught up, and overall growth was robust, however the cool spring inhibited the vines production and yields were slightly lower than average. The summer months experienced moderate heat, which helped in developing the grapes’ flavors while maintaining good acidity.
Flavors of vibrant raspberry and the subtle herbaceousness of dried oregano with delicate notes of oak that give a hint of toasted marshmallow.
Drawing on our 50+ years of experience at Cakebread Cellars, we craft Central Coast wines as complex and charismatic as the people who share them. Who says your everyday glass can’t be extraordinary, too?
In jewelry making, a bezel is the grooved setting that secures a gem or watchface in place. The name speaks to the craftsmanship behind every bottle of Bezel wine – the skill, precision and experience we’ve honed through 50 years of winemaking at Cakebread, and brought to the Central Coast.
Our winemaking mission is simple, though the resulting wines complex: Seek the best grapes from the West Coast’s finest vineyards and let that region’s personality shine through in each wine. Winemaker Jane Dunkley chased her passion for world-class winemaking all the way from her native Australia to Portugal, Italy and finally, the Central Coast of California.
Today she lives, works and breathes in the same spectacular spots as the grapes she crushes for Bezel. Jane’s on-the-ground knowledge of Paso Robles and the SLO Coast builds on the Cakebread team’s deep expertise to make Bezel wines the dynamic, distinctive individuals they are.
Our Pinot Noir from California’s San Luis Obispo Coast is deep and thoughtful, with layers that are well worth getting to know. Ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry reach out first, with a whisper of cedar and a wink of baking spice. This California Pinot pairs well with others – especially the ones you love.
Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Barbara County Happy Canyon 2014 750ml
Winemaker's Notes
Dry Creek Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel Sustainable 2021 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021
James Suckling 93 Points | Brooding aromas of plums, raspberry coulis, spices and dark chocolate. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and balanced acidity, giving notes of licorice, blackberries, boysenberries and tobacco leaves. Bold yet polished and pure.
Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Fresh berry-fruit flavors, a good structure of moderate tannins and a velvety texture make this wine a winner. A full body supports blackberry and raspberry notes for a delicious, appetizing expression. Incorporating 20% Petite Sirah and 3% Alicante Bouschet grapes, the wine is ready to drink any time.
Winemaker Description
First coined by Dry Creek Vineyard in 1987, the term “Old Vine” has special meaning to our family winery. Its vineyards remain the most prized and historic of all plantings in the Dry Creek Valley. Although there is no legal definition, we define an old vine vineyard as having vines that average more than 50 years in age. For this bottling of our Old Vine Zinfandel, the vines average more than 100 years in age! This vintage presents alluring aromatics of boysenberry, blueberry and blackberry with notes of white pepper, cardamom, toffee and marzipan. On the palate, layers of black cherry and plum come forward with nuances of coriander, mocha, allspice and violet. The wine is complex, with vibrancy and impeccable balance. The tannins are fine, lending to an elegant texture and mouthfeel.
Marietta Angeli Alexander Valley Estate Grown Zinfandel 2021 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021
The Wine Advocate 96 Points | Grapes for the 2021 Angeli Zinfandel are picked in three passes. Proprietor Scot Bilbro notes that Zinfandel's naturally varying levels of ripeness can lead to raisiny flavors if all the grapes are picked at a higher brix. "If you bring Zinfandel in over 25 brix, that means the juice inside is at 25, but the skins have a lot more sugar, and the level will go up to 28 or more," he explains. "So, we pick at 23, 24 and just shy of 25. You can enable the wine to show off layers with those different picks." This strategy led to a gorgeous Angeli in 2021 that is incredibly expressive and perfumed. Blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry give way to wafts of graphite, gobs of violet and even touches of tangerine. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated fruit and expansive layers of floral perfume and spice. It has a powdery frame, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, nuanced finish.
Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The dark purple 2021 Zinfandel Angeli is from the Angeli estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley and was raised for 15 months in neutral barrels. Concentrated and full-bodied, it reveals layered notes of dried apricot, espresso, blackberry compote, and licorice. The palate is brooding and savory, with a fleshy texture, an earthier profile, and notes of dark chocolate through the finish. A more potent and powerful style.
Winemaker Description
Showing bright and clear scarlet while poured, the wine in the glass becomes edged with a deeper hue reminiscent of plum skin. With swirling layers of ripe cherry, blood peach, and marzipan this pure Zinfandel is immediately bright, inviting, and nuanced on the nose. Hints of violet, black tea, and spice ground the wine with a dark intensity. Velvety across the palate this exuberant wine finishes dry with a textured foremouth focus and a core of acidity cutting a cleansing path through the richness. This Zinfandel is a seductive, stately celebration of the Angeli vineyard which surrounds the winery.
Matchbook The Arsonist 2021 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2021
The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This wine is concentrated, with aromas of blueberry, olallieberry, clove, violet and notes of dried vanilla bean on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, black currant confiture, paprika and orange cream, with dry, grippy tannins to finish.
Memo Summary Notes
Matchbook "The Arsonist" 2021 is a high-intensity, "left of center" series from the Giguiere family in the Dunnigan Hills of Yolo County, California. While the series includes a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Red Blend is the most widely acclaimed release this year, having earned high marks for its bold, concentrated style.
52% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec.
Once & Future Green & Red Vineyard Zinfandel 2022 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2022
Ken's Wine Guide | This slightly cloudy midnight purple colored Zinfandel from Once and Future opens with a blackberry and red licorice bouquet with hints of red plum, black cherry, dried sage, and violets. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and smooth. The flavor profile is blackberry, stone dust, and cinnamon blend with notes of boysenberry, black plum and nutmeg. We also detected hints of black tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins are very nicely sustained. The Tasting Panel would then pair this Zin with a nice New York strip steak along with a dark chocolate mousse. Enjoy –
Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is another wine in this range that is pretty closed today. It has plenty of energy, but the mid-palate is not quite as developed as it is in most vintages. Bottled on the early side, this feels a bit like it’s not fully developed.
Colgin IX Estate Red 2021 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021
The Wine Advocate 99 Points | Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team.
James Suckling 99 Points | Red currant, lead pencil and terra cotta aromas with some bay leaf and sage. Full-bodied with tight, firm tannins that are polished and very fine. Turns to graphite. Extremely long, refined, polished and exquisite. Best after 2028.
98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decade.
98 Points Vinous | The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish.
Winemaker Description
One of the "cult" producers to crop up in the early 1990s, Colgin Cellars' first vintage was in 1992, with fruit purchased from the Herb Lamb Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain, just low enough not to be part of the Howell Mountain AVA. Colgin would later go on to buy land and develop vineyards at Tychson Hill (westside Saint Helena, purchased 1996) and IX Estate (Pritchard Hill, purchased in 1998). In 2017, Ann Colgin and her husband, Joe Wender, sold a controlling interest in Colgin Cellars to LVMH but remain active in the business.
Today, Colgin owns six acres of vines at Tychson Hill and 20 acres of vines at IX Estate, with 11 more acres there currently being developed. Cariad comes primarily from the Abreu-farmed Madrona Ranch, on the western side of Saint Helena. Director of Winemaking Allison Tauziet has been with Colgin since 2005, when she joined as assistant winemaker, so she is nearing 20 years of experience with these wines.
To put the new-release 2021s in perspective, Colgin, Wender and Tauziet presented three vintages each of the four wines reviewed this issue—2016, 2018 and 2021. I guess it will surprise no one that these are all gorgeous wines, given the positive press and numerous accolades bestowed on previous vintages, but it is encouraging to see that success and age hasn't slowed down the Colgin team's pursuit of excellence. I've included my ratings and reviews of the older vintages so readers can compare my impressions to those of my predecessor. Like many other producers, Colgin bottled no wines in 2020.
Corbett Canyon Merlot BOX wine 3.0 Liter
Producer Description
Our Merlot is medium-bodied with deep blackberry aromas and a soft, satisfying finish. Enjoy its smooth flavors with Grilled Pork Chops with Apples or Rosemary-Braised Lamb Shanks.
Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2021 750ml
Winemaker Description
While the 2021 vintage is defined by concentration and fine tannins often found in warm, dry vintages, it is nuanced by the freshness and liveliness typical of this cool growing region. The balance of elegant, forward profiles from the Bearman Bend Vineyard with the structured, spice-driven qualities from Monument Tree Vineyard come together to create a compelling snapshot of the Anderson Valley. Aromas of ripe wild strawberry rose and cedar on the nose are complemented by supple tannins and a long, lifted finish.
Expert Reviews
James Suckling 93 Points | Nicely deep in black fruit and savory flavors, this well-balanced wine offers excellent focus, depth and length. It’s medium- to full-bodied, moderately tannic and delicious. Stays fresh with good acidity from the first sip to the lingering finish.
Decanter 92 Points | A Pinot Noir blend of grapes from Bearman Bend, the Twomey estate in Anderson Valley, along with Ferrington Vineyard and Monument Tree Vineyard fruit. Lovely, bright, crunchy red fruit, rich cedar spices, dried floral notes, and dusty minerals. Satiny fruit races across the palate, along with plump tannins, electrified by terrific acidity. The fruit concentration is penetrating but never overpowering and is framed by a clove powder and cedarwood dusting on the long finish. Director of Winemaking Justin Hirigoyen has moved the program further away from whole cluster fermentations to avoid too much vintage variation, and readers should expect a consistent fruit-forward, structured style in Twomey's Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.
Yesod Edcora Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Kosher 2021 750ml
Winemaker Description
Exclusively crafted under the meticulous care of the Herzog family and Herzog Wine Cellars’ head winemaker, David Galzignato, the Yesod wine series features three ultra-premium single-vineyard wines. Each wine is sourced from some of the most acclaimed vineyards in Napa Valley, California, and are a testament to the family’s rich history and the ambitious vision for Herzog Wine Cellars.
Expert Reviews
Robert Parker 95 Points | Brilliant aromas of black cherries and cassis jump from the glass, as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Peak Edcora Vineyard bursts with fruit. All Cabernet Sauvignon, from a site that neighbors Stagecoach Vineyard, this is a medium to full-bodied, densely concentrated example of mountain fruit, yet it's one that is not harsh or tough, with well-ripened tannins and a plush, lingering finish. Bravo.
Jeb Dunnuck 94+ Points | All varietal, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Peak Edcora Vineyard is another deep purple-hued wine in the lineup with tons to love. Pure cassis, graphite, leafy herbs, and damp earth-like nuances all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with beautiful mid-palate depth, ripe, integrated, yet ample tannins, and a great finish. It offers pleasure today, yet I see no reason this shouldn't evolve for 15+ years if well stored. It's another gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon in the vintage.
The Wine Independent 97+ Points | Deep garnet-purple in color, the single-varietal 2021 Peak Edcora Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon charges out of the gate with bold notions of creme de cassis, blackberry pie, and boysenberry preserves followed by nuances of dark chocolate, camphor, and black olives. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit and savory layers, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering minty note.
Green & Red Vineyards Chiles Mill Estate Zinfandel 2023 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2017
93 Points Wine Spectator | A wine that suggests a sense of place, this is refined and just a hint rustic, which adds to the authenticity. Notes of cherry and pomegranate are laced with hints of white pepper and bay leaf. Drink now.
Winemaker Description
Located at 1000 to 1200 ft., the vineyard overlooks upper Chiles Canyon and remnant walls of the grist wills built by pioneer J.B. Chiles. Brooding dark purple plum raspberry flavors dotted with sage and black peppercorns.
Grgich Hills Merlot Napa Valley Estate Grown 2021 750ml
Winemaker Description
This delicious, versatile wine begins with aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices.
On the palate, the wine begins with a soft, dense, lush, tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, subtle acidity and a long flavorful, vanilla finish.
Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 MAGNUM 1.5 Liter
Winemaker Description
The nose is highly perfumed, showing aromas of black cherry, cassis, plum, desert sage, sandalwood and dusty minerality. Secondary aromas reveal notes of cigar box, leather, bay leaf and black olive.
The palate is rich and weighty, offering generous flavors of black raspberry, spicy currant and blueberry compote with impressions of Bing cherry, boysenberry, fig and baking spices. Ripe, fine-grained tannins carry into a structured finish with lingering accents of cherry, espresso and vanilla.
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 1.5 Liter Box Wine
Winemaker Description
Box Wine. This barrel aging, along with the red grapes' slow ripening process, imparts a pleasing complexity and depth of flavor to this Central Coast wine. With luscious flavors of ripe Bing cherries and blueberry, which are accented by toasty oak and hints of coffee and vanilla flavors, this delicious red wine pairs well with grilled lamb and steak, hearty pasta, strong cheeses, and a variety of other dishes.
Feature this California red wine at a wine and cheese party, or enjoy a glass of wine on its own. This premium boxed wine features a convenient pour spout and includes directions on the outer package for opening the wine box and pouring a glass of wine. For optimal taste, store this 1.5 liter wine box at room temperature, but chill it for 30 to 60 minutes and serve cool at approximately 60 degrees. Robert Mondavi Private Selection: Here's to What's Next. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2021 Robert Mondavi, Acampo, CA
Freemark Abbey Merlot Napa 2021 750ml
Winemaker Description
This Napa Valley Merlot is sourced from a combination of high elevation mountain sites as well as wonderful benchland vineyards around the valley. Freemark Abbey blends in a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and balance. The wine opens with aromas of ripe plum, blueberry, milk chocolate and cedar. The palate is met with flavors of wild raspberry, bramble fruits, allspice, cinnamon, dry herbs, and oak spice.
The textures are supple yet vibrant with well-integrated tannins that drink beautifully now on its own or paired with a wide range of dishes.
Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Organic Biodynamic 2020 750ml
Points James Suckling | So much blackberry and lead-pencil shavings. Hints of tar, too. Full-to medium-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that run the length of the wine. Hints of oak at the end, but this will come together nicely with bottle age. Slightly chewy now. Some salted caramel. (2020).
Points Robert Parker | Black cherries, dark loam and cassis appear on the nose of Dalla Valle's 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, joined by hints of cedar and vanilla. It's medium to full-bodied, firm, tannic and sturdy but essentially ripe, with a softness to its structure that suggests early accessibility. The long, mocha-tinged finish lingers elegantly, a delicious capstone to a super wine.
Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid step up, boasting a deep purple color as well as a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and nicely integrated background oak. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, it hits the palate with medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's up with the top wines I've tasted in the vintage.
Points Wine Spectator | This has showy violet, boysenberry and sweet bay leaf notes that leap to the fore, with good juicy energy tucked inside the core. Offers nice flow on the finish, which picks up a loamy accent while the fruit keeps the upper hand. Drink now through 2035. (2020).
El Pino Club HIGH HAVEN Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2021 750ml
Points Wine Enthusiast |Find bright aromas and flavors of cranberry, raspberry and strawberry along with earthy notes of river-rock minerality, roses, violets, hints of fennel and tarragon and just a touch of wood. Elevated fruit concentration yields pleasantly plush tannic texture along with an energetic acidity that points to a long, lingering finish.
Points Wine & Spirits | Clean, fresh, bright and tangy, this pinot is touched by notes of orange and vanilla, lasting on a cherry-leaf scent. It’s fruit-forward with tannins that melt into the background, leaving the cool feel of Anderson Valley pinot.
Wine Spectator | Alluring, with a nice swath of mulled raspberry and blood orange inlaid with pine forest and savory hints. Caressing finish.
Grace Family Reliquus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 750ml
Winemaker Description
The 2018 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon exudes gorgeous dark red fruit, black cherry, black currant, accented by notes of bittersweet cocoa, black licorice, cigar box, resin, pink peppercorn, rose, and a hint of mint which offers freshness and lift.
The palate is broad and plush with layers of vibrant dark red fruit and spice seamlessly underpinned by soft, fine tannins and an extremely long palate. Drinking beautifully now, this wine will age at a glacial pace for years to come.
Martinelli LOLITA RANCH Syrah 2012 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2012
International Wine Cellar 92 Points | Bright red. Intense red fruit and blood orange scents are underscored by dusty mineral and spice notes. On the palate, taut redcurrant, strawberry and raspberry favors gain sweetness and flesh with aeration. Sexy oak spices build on the finish, which features silky tannins and an echo of fresh red berries. There's 70% new oak here and it expresses itself by spiciness, not vanilla or mocha.
Trefethen Merlot Napa Valley 2020 750ml
Winemaker Description
Aromas of plum, raspberry and cherry are layered with earthy tones of mushroom, sage and pine. Soft on the palate, flavors of black cherry and red plum with notes of dark chocolate lead to a bright finish.
Try this wine with fatty dishes. Red meats and flavor-forward ingredients like cooked tomatoes will deliciously complement this wine’s brightness and fine-grained tannins. Winemaker Description.
Ridge Vineyards Pagani Ranch Zinfandel Blend 2021 750ml
Winemaker Description
Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel offers rich plum and pipe tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with boysenberry, ripe black cherry, and pepper. Well-balanced with lively acidity and a long, layered finish.
Expert Ratings - Vintage 2021
Jeb Dunnuck | A blend of 90% Zinfandel and 5% each of Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet, the 2021 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch has textbook Zinfandel sweet red and black plum, sandalwood, cigar, candied orange-driven aromatics as well as a beautifully layered, textured style on the palate. I love its overall balance, it has ripe, polished tannins, and a just a pure, layered, complex style with so much to love. (2021).
Points Wine Spectator | Potent at the core, yet retains a sense of refinement, with multilayered flavors of black cherry, fruitcake spices and licorice that build richness and structure toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. 7,300 cases made. (2021).
Nalle Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2020 750ml
Winemaker Description
The 2020 Nalle Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is bright and fruit forward in style, but with Dry Creek’s classic zin-berry aromatics of cherry and strawberry. Smooth tannins and good midpalate weight, are a result of fresh berries and not raisins.
Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 750ml
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another magical vintage for this cuvée. All Cabernet Sauvignon from hillside vineyards on the eastern side of Stags Leap, it offers a vivid purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, camphor, and spring flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Full-bodied but not massive, it’s flawlessly balanced on the palate and has ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. It’s another 30- to 40-year wine from this incredible team that readers will absolutely love. (2019).
Robert Parker | Sourced from specific blocks of estate-grown fruit, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another highly successful vintage. All Cabernet Sauvignon aged 32 months in 100% new French oak, it boasts intense aromas of pencil shavings, dark loam, cassis and plum on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, super-ripe, rich, dense and concentrated—a truly impressive California vin de garde. Tannic but ripe, it finishes long and firm on the finish, adding a hint of mocha. To be released in September 2023, it's a strong showing and hopefully an indication that quality will remain high under the new ownership. (2019).
James Suckling | A beautiful nose of pitted cherries, redcurrants, fresh herbs and violets. Full-bodied with fine, structured tannins. More gravelly, mineral and dark than the nose lets on. Savory almost. Terrific depth and concentration that keeps the palate flavorful through the generous finish. Chocolate, sage, rosemary, bark and moss. Layered. Superb wine. Needs time to come together. Best after 2024 and onward. (2019).
Vinous | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted at Shafer. Effusive aromatics and silky tannins are immediately captivating. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, spice, lavender and licorice are all finely knit. We will see, but the 2019 may very well represent a new direction for Hillside Select, one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernets. (2019).
Wine Enthusiast | This broad, rich and mouthfilling wine is Shafer’s most elite and collectible. Aged for 32 months in all-new French oak barrels, it boasts extra-ripe blackberries and blueberries, accents of mint, cedar and graphite, and a big structure of polished tannins. (2019).
Wine Spectator| A ripe, exuberant style, with generous plum cake, blackberry compote and açaí berry notes mixed with melted black licorice and a nicely polished, singed mesquite–accented finish. Hard to resist now (if you like the power style), but also has the energy to take some cellaring. (2019).
Kanzler Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2020 750ml
Winemaker Description
The blend is dominated by the Estate Vineyard, yet the significant percentage of Walker—Kanzler's Green Valley vineyard—bends the wine in an exciting red-note direction: hibiscus, rhubarb and red licorice. The aromatics deliver fresh berries, cola, white pepper and pine sap. Fig notes emerge on the palate with a spicy, black tea finish. Modest whole cluster and slightly more new oak make the wine soft and approachable, while bright acid keeps it fresh, juicy, and well-knit.
Benziger Family Winery Monterey County Pinot Noir 2018 750ml
Winemaker Description
In the glass, bright strawberry and cranberry mix with hints of plum and citrus. Fresh fruit flavors are inviting and complex with a touch of spice and earthy notes on the finish. Silky tannins and balanced acids combine seamlessly to produce a luxurious mouthfeel. Aged on French Oak.
Enjoy with dishes such as grilled salmon or roasted pork loin.
Miner Family Pinot Noir Gary's Vineyard 2016 750ml
Winemaker Description
With plenty of lovely, rich tannins, this Pinot offers up flavors of dark red fruit, subtle oak and nutmeg-clove spice.
Orin Swift Machete 2022 750ML
Orin Swift · Machete · California Red Blend · 2022
Machete is Orin Swift’s Petite Sirah-driven California red — a wine that wears its power unapologetically. Named for the blade, it is built for those who want something bold, brooding, and uncompromising: inky, chewy, and loaded with dark fruit. The 2022 blends Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Grenache, aged 12 months in French oak (36% new), and earned 91 points from Wine Advocate for its combination of ripe, full-bodied intensity and surprising brightness on the finish.
The 2022 Machete pours an opaque, inky garnet with a neon violet rim — be careful, it stains. The nose opens with powerful notes of bright black plum, slate, cacao, wild sage, and crushed gravel. On the palate, brooding blackberry pie and ripe blue fruits are tempered with hints of orange peel and Amarena cherry. Chewy tannins, classic Petite Sirah, soften over time and culminate in a lengthy finish with a note of sweet oak. Full-bodied, mouthwatering, and built to impress.
“A blend based on Petite Sirah, the 2022 Machete features classic Petite Sirah aromas of black cherries, blueberries and licorice. Full-bodied and big-boned, this is very ripe, yet it’s surprisingly tart, mouthwatering and bright on the finish, framed by ripe, softly dusty tannins.”
— Wine Advocate · 91 Points (Vintage 2022).
- Producer: Orin Swift Cellars, Napa Valley, California
- Vintage: 2022
- Appellation: California
- Blend: Petite Sirah, Syrah & Grenache
- Aging: 12 months in French oak, 36% new
- Style: Dry red — full-bodied, inky, brooding
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Black plum, blackberry pie, blueberry, cacao, slate, wild sage, orange peel, Amarena cherry, sweet oak finish
- Pairings: Dry-aged ribeye, braised short rib, lamb chops, smoked brisket, aged cheddar
WA:91 · California — Petite Sirah-driven, inky and brooding. Orin Swift at its most uncompromising.
Halleck Pinot Noir The Farm Vineyard 2010 750ml
Winemaker Description
Leads with deep red cherry, mid-palate of bright red fruit, balanced acidity, earth tones and minerality, complemented by earthy spices of clove and black pepper notes. Long finish of pepper with rich mouth feel. Gorgeous wine with long life ahead!
