2019 Castello Monaci Piluna Primitivo

Winemaker Notes: Broad, ripe black fruit and spice aromas, with notes of pepper, toasty vanilla and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the wine has a robust, concentrated character, a firm structure, and small black fruit and licorice notes on the aftertaste. $19 Our Price $10.99

Wine Advocate 93 Points
2016 Galerie Latro Knights Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon

One-hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Latro Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon gives up notions of crushed red and black currants, warm plums and baked cherries with touches of garrigue, dusty soil and bay leaves. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with lovely freshness and great intensity in the mouth, leading to a long, purely fruited finish. 1,317 cases produced. $65 Internet Price $49.99. Email subscriber price $32 (Available GT and VRW)

Friday Wine Tasting at VRW $10 per person

Friday’s Tasting, 4/2/21 (3:00 PM-5:30 PM): Twomey Cellars by Silver Oak Winery. 2019 Napa Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 Russian River Pinot Noir and 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2019 Twomey Napa Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: The appearance of pale lemon color; aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, orange blossom; the palate is driven by citrus, electric and lively acidity; the finish of flavors of pineapple and cream coat the palate. $25

2018 Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: A concentrated tapestry of flavors, our 2018 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir has a complex yet delicate nose of black cherry, sage, red rose and tobacco. On the palate, refreshing acidity balances opulent berry notes. Voluptuous and polished tannins yield to a finish of cacao nibs and dark lingering fruit. $50

2018 Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: With its dark ruby color, our 2018 Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir has aromas of kirsch, black raspberry, and rich black truffle. A light entry yields to a focused and complex palate with layered tannins to provide structure. Flavors of orange peel and dark spice culminate in a broad finish. $50

Saturday Wine Tasting at VRW $10 per person

Saturday Tasting, 4/3/21 (1:00 PM-3:30 PM): 2017 Larry Hyde Estate Chardonnay, 2017 Peter Franus Mt. Veeder Brandlin Cabernet and 2017 Barnett Spring Mt. Rattlesnake Cabernet

Wine Advocate 95+
2017 Hyde Estate Chardonnay Larry Hyde

The 2017 Chardonnay Larry Hyde opens slowly, offering subtle glimpses of lime peel, fresh grapefruit and white peaches to begin before giving way to a compelling core of Bosc pears, fennel seed, marzipan and shaved ginger. Medium-bodied with tons of elegance and latent energy, the palate delivers tightly wound layers of citrus and stone fruit plus loads of mineral accents and a racy line of freshness, finishing long and zesty. I'd give this another year or two in bottle and drink it over the following 7-8 years. $60

Wine Spectator 94 Points
PETER FRANUS Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Brandlin Vineyard 2017

Very solidly built, with a frame of warm earth and singed juniper around a core of steeped plum, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors. Lots of sassafras and sweet bay leaf notes gild the finish, leaving a mouthwatering echo. Drink now through 2032. —J.M. 184 cases made. Internet Price $75

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
2017 Barnett Rattlesnake Cabernet Sauvignon

Easily the standout in the lineup, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake is all Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate on Spring Mountain. It has a wonderful bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, lead pencil, and damp earth. This gives way to a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that has a terrific sense of purity, nicely integrated acidity, fine tannins, and beautiful balance. It will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age (it's far from unapproachable today) and keep for 15-20 years $200.

2016 Paraiso Monterey Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Aromas of peach, lemon-lime and green apple with flavors of toasted nuts, nectarine and apple. A rich mouth feel with a long full flavored finish. $19 Our Price $4.95 (Back in stock GT and VRW 3/31/21)

2018 BonAnno Napa Cabernet

Winemaker Notes: A deep ruby red, this wine shows classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of cedar, tobacco, and cocoa followed by a mix of currant, vanilla and fresh blackberry notes. The texture is smooth, supple and sleek in the mouth with firm tannins and fresh acidity. The palate is loaded with fresh dark fruits, plum, currants and hints of cinnamon and vanilla. $27 Our Price $20.99 (Arrives GT 4/1/21)

2019 Cade Napa Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: The 2019 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of orange blossom, pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, lime, yellow apple, and stone fruits. On the palate are notes of tangerine, white peach, lychee, citrus, banana, lemon zest, and grapefruit. The wine has a vibrant acidity, minerality, and a touch of creaminess on the finish. By fermenting the wine in stainless steel, French oak, and concrete, we are building layers of complexity in the wine. The barrel fermentations add texture, density, and viscosity to the midpalate of the wine. The concrete adds a touch of flint and minerality to the finish as well as adding some mid-palate richness. The stainless steel fermentations preserve the natural Sauvignon Blanc aromatics and the vibrant acidity and crispness. $35 Our Price $29.99 (Arrives GT 4/1/21)

Lamberti Prosecco Extra Dry, 187ml

Winemaker Notes: Floral aromas with peach and tropical fruit notes mark this delicious Prosecco. Lively and effervescent, the palate is clean and crisp with balanced acidity and a lingering finish. $5/187ml. Our Price $3.65/187ml

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 93 Points
2017 Keenan Winery Cabernet Franc
Upper Bowl Spring Mountain

The 2017 Cabernet Franc Upper Bowl Vineyard is a gorgeous wine that brings together all the best of the Keenan house style. Deep and fleshy in the glass, with lovely aromatic top notes, the 2017 is wonderfully deep and expressive, always in the mid-weight style that is such a house signature. 2020 - 2032 $72 Our Price $62.99

Wine Advocate 97-99 Points
2018 Pontet-Canet Pauillac

Very deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Pontet-Canet rocks up with fantastically expressive plum preserves, baked blueberries and crème de cassis notes with touches of Chinese five spice, potpourri, licorice and chocolate mint plus a hint of smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, super-concentrated and decadent, it has a firm frame of wonderfully velvety tannins with bold freshness to back up the fruit, finishing very long and very spicy. $145 (6 bottles in stock GT)

Wine Spectator 98 Points
LE CHIUSE Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Pretty strawberry, currant and cherry flavors take center stage in this taut and linear red, flanked by floral, mineral and tobacco notes, with fine balance and intensity on a slim frame. This is ample, yet the refined tannins provide structure. Best from 2024 through 2048. 15,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. — BS $80 Market Price $95-$178. (6 bottles available GT for $145/bottle)