July 24th 2020 Newsletter
Wine Spectator 94
GHOST BLOCK Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2017
Features some frank, nearly heady ripeness, with steeped plum, açaí berry and blackberry compote flavors bursting forth, followed quickly by bramble and licorice snap notes. The finish delivers a late kick of fruit and pulls in a mouthwatering apple wood accent. For fans of the big, bold style. Best from 2021 through 2034. —J.M. $75 Internet Price $64.99
James Suckling 98 Points
2016 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon
The intensity of fruit in the nose is so impressive with blackberries, blackcurrants and lavender. Extremely aromatic. Full-bodied, tight and focused with polished and chewy tannins. Blackberries, currants, walnuts and hazelnuts on the palate. Solid core of fruit and ripe tannins. Classically structured. 97% cabernet sauvignon with petit verdot. Don’t try this until 2022 and onwards. $150 Internet Price $119.99
Wine Spectator 93
ORIN SWIFT Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Mercury Head 2017
Alluring, featuring blackberry, blueberry and açaí berry aromas and flavors, laced with graphite and violet notes and backed by a hint of lavender. Very expressive, showing lovely range, as well as the stuffing and structure to cellar. Approachable, but a little time is warranted. Best from 2021 through 2030. —J.M. $140 Our Price $119.99 Limited
Wine Enthusiast 95 Points
2016 Yao Ming Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a brawny, generous and powerful wine that holds its full-bodied concentration in check, showing a balanced approach to oak and tannin. Black cherry, currant and cocoa powder are accented by toasted oak and lingering black pepper, nutmeg and cedar on the finish. $95 Internet Price $65.99 (Back in stock)
Wine Spectator 90-93
2016 Clos des Lunes, Lune Blanche Bordeaux
This has a good juicy edge, with a mix of pear, green almond and lime flavors, lined with a verbena note. A flash of quinine through the finish gives this some cut. $25 Our Price $20.99
2019 Groth Napa Sauvignon Blanc
Winemaker Notes: Groth Sauvignon Blanc is produced from grapes grown in various microclimates of the Napa Valley. The warmer areas give grapes with melon and citrus characteristics in both aroma and flavor. The cooler areas of Napa Valley provide fruit with a solid, crisp backbone that gives the wine an exciting liveliness and balances the rich creaminess from "sur lie" aging. The Semillon is grown on the Groth Oakville Estate vineyard and is harvested with the Estate Sauvignon Blanc, contributing roundness and weight to the mouthfeel. $23 Our Price $18.25
Wine Spectator 96
HALL Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Kathryn Hall 2016
A beauty, with creamed plum, braised fig and melted black licorice notes that are long and deep, gliding through effortlessly and ending with a swath of espresso, loam and smoldering tobacco details. Hard to resist now, but will cruise in the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2035. 6,600 cases made. — JM $185 Our Price $159.99
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 (Back in stock this afternoon)
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 Points
2018 Roar Sierra Mar Pinot Noir
The 2018 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar Vineyard was all destemmed and will spend 11 months in French oak. It offers a beautiful, exotic bouquet of blueberries, wild strawberries, forest floor, mint, and violets. This gives way to a rich, textured, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir that has a wonderful floral character, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. $58
James Suckling 90 Points
2018 Groth Napa Chardonnay
Attractive fresh pears and apples follow to a fresh palate with bright, pear-pastry and lemon flavors on offer. Drink now. $32 Our Price $26.95
Wine Spectator 93
GOLDSCHMIDT Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek 2016
Tasting Note: A bright and juicy version, with anise and sassafras notes amid a core of lightly mulled currant, blackberry and raspberry fruit. The finish features red and black licorice details and a hint of roasted apple wood. Best from 2021 through 2033. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. —J.M. $50 Our Price $42.99
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