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Inventory updated: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 04:02 PM cst
New American Red Cellar
Today at Flickinger Wines we would like to showcase a recently acquired cellar of red wines from America. Do not miss out on the 2014 Kapcsandy Family Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Maybach Materium Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Occidental Occidental Station Vyd. Pinot Noir or the 2016 Sine Qua Non Subir Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah. Happy Hunting!!
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Kapcsandy Family |
2009 |
Endre State Lane Vyd. Proprietary Blend  |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (12/2012): The 2009 Endre offers up hints of sage, rosemary, wild cherries and tobacco, all supported by vibrant yet-well-integrated tannins. Deceptively medium in body, the 2009 boasts considerable structure and intensity to match its highly appealing mid-weight personality. Like many 2009s, today the Endre is a bit tight and in need of another year or so of bottle age. The blend is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Verdot.
VM 90 (5/2012): (51% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot): Good deep ruby-red. Superripe, full-blown aromas of kirsch, blackberry liqueur, dark cherry, leather and game, plus an exotic whiff of pineapple. Fat, sweet and wild, with the blackberry and leather elements following through on the palate. A very ripe, smooth wine but can't match the 2010 for energy.
WA 87 (10/2013): The 2009 Endre is more of a near-term proposition – fruity, with good structure but nowhere near the weight or intensity of the other cuvees. Anticipated maturity: now-2026. |
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|
2013 |
Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$300 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): Little can be added to the greatness of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine (600 cases) is truly stunning in its dense, crème de cassis and blackberry-scented nose with a hint of barbecue smoke and forest floor. Tasting like a ripe vintage of Château Latour from Pauillac, the wine has amazing richness and a savory, expansive mouthfeel, but tiptoes across the palate like a ballerina. A wine of magnificent richness and intensity, but vibrancy, purity and overall equilibrium, this is a staggeringly great wine and another tribute to the Kapcsándy family’s extraordinary professionalism and meticulous attention to detail in their vineyard.
JS 98 (4/2016): Incredible black currant, blueberry, stone, oyster shell and violet. Subtle and complex. Sweet tobacco. Full body, superb density and flavor. Great length and structure. A wine that is complete and complex. So much aging potential. Linear and dense. Better in 2022. |
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2013 |
Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$425 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): Little can be added to the greatness of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine (600 cases) is truly stunning in its dense, crème de cassis and blackberry-scented nose with a hint of barbecue smoke and forest floor. Tasting like a ripe vintage of Château Latour from Pauillac, the wine has amazing richness and a savory, expansive mouthfeel, but tiptoes across the palate like a ballerina. A wine of magnificent richness and intensity, but vibrancy, purity and overall equilibrium, this is a staggeringly great wine and another tribute to the Kapcsándy family’s extraordinary professionalism and meticulous attention to detail in their vineyard.
JS 98 (4/2016): Incredible black currant, blueberry, stone, oyster shell and violet. Subtle and complex. Sweet tobacco. Full body, superb density and flavor. Great length and structure. A wine that is complete and complex. So much aging potential. Linear and dense. Better in 2022. |
|
|
2014 |
Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$233 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 99 (5/2017): Extremely floral and complex on the nose with cedar, blackberries, blueberries, tobacco, stones, mushrooms... I'm simply running out of words here! Full to medium body and a tight and compact center palate. This is complete and dense. Extremely long and energetic. Drink in five years but a joy to taste. One of the best ever.
VM 98 (12/2016): A powerful, tightly-wound wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin is likely to require the better part of the next decade to come into its own. The most backward and brooding of these wines, the Grand Vin is also quite primary and closed in on itself. Still, the energy, drive and focus of the best vintages is very much in evidence. Today, the 2014 is dense, seamless and utterly impeccable, with no hard edges, beautifully integrated oak (100% new) and exceptional balance. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (10/2016): Always an exceptional cuvee, there are 900 cases of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin, which is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. In 2015 there were 700 cases. This wine is even softer than the 2015, perhaps slightly less concentrated, but still at the top of the qualitative hierarchy in Napa Valley, with its terrific purity, nose of licorice, camphor, forest floor, blackcurrant and cedar wood. It is gorgeously fruited, full-bodied, but super-well-balanced. This is a beauty that can be drunk early, or cellared for another 25-30 years. |
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|
2014 |
Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$320 |
4 |
|
| |
JS 99 (5/2017): Extremely floral and complex on the nose with cedar, blackberries, blueberries, tobacco, stones, mushrooms... I'm simply running out of words here! Full to medium body and a tight and compact center palate. This is complete and dense. Extremely long and energetic. Drink in five years but a joy to taste. One of the best ever.
VM 98 (12/2016): A powerful, tightly-wound wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin is likely to require the better part of the next decade to come into its own. The most backward and brooding of these wines, the Grand Vin is also quite primary and closed in on itself. Still, the energy, drive and focus of the best vintages is very much in evidence. Today, the 2014 is dense, seamless and utterly impeccable, with no hard edges, beautifully integrated oak (100% new) and exceptional balance. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (10/2016): Always an exceptional cuvee, there are 900 cases of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin, which is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. In 2015 there were 700 cases. This wine is even softer than the 2015, perhaps slightly less concentrated, but still at the top of the qualitative hierarchy in Napa Valley, with its terrific purity, nose of licorice, camphor, forest floor, blackcurrant and cedar wood. It is gorgeously fruited, full-bodied, but super-well-balanced. This is a beauty that can be drunk early, or cellared for another 25-30 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Rapszodia Proprietary Blend |
$250 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2016): Another Cheval Blanc-like blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot is the 2013 Rapszodia Proprietary Red, which has mind-blowing aromatics of blueberries, white flowers, raspberries and foresty notes in a fragrant, compelling scent of explosive perfume. Deep, concentrated, multidimensional, yet vibrant and super-concentrated, this is another tour de force, although only 150 cases were made of this superstar that finished at 13.8% natural alcohol. Drink it over the next 25-35 years.
JS 98 (5/2016): This is 65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot with super tension and beauty plus mineral, stone, blueberry, salt, and chalk. Full-bodied, silky and chewy, yet exciting tannins. The energy and zen to this wine are amazing. I love tasting it now but it will be superb for decades ahead. Drink or hold. |
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|
2013 |
State Lane Vyd. Roberta’s Reserve |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): At 100% Merlot, the 2013 Merlot Roberta’s Reserve is off the charts and could easily eclipse a great vintage of Petrus in a blind tasting. Fabulous notes of sweet cocoa and chocolate intermixed with black cherry and blackberry soar from the glass of this full-bodied wine that has a deep, rich, profound core of fruit and density. It is a great example of possibly the finest vintage Napa has ever produced for Bordeaux varieties. This wine has greatness all over it, with a minute-plus finish, yet is accessible enough to be drinkable now or cellared for another 30+ years.
JS 100 (9/2016): The aromas to this are mind-blowing. Pure violets, lilacs, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and flowers. Full body and superb tannin tension with polish and balance. Harmony. The layers and texture to this are phenomenal. The greatest American merlot ever made. Ranks among the best in the world. Only about 300 cases made. |
|
|
2014 |
State Lane Vyd. Roberta’s Reserve |
$199 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 98 (5/2017): Love this merlot. Violets, roses, incense, and currants come to the fore on the nose. Full body and ultra-fine tannins that are so polished and integrated they become seamless and incredibly beautiful. Long and flavorful finish. Drink or hold. Long life ahead but who can wait?
VM 96 (12/2016): The 2014 Roberta's Reserve comes across as quite soft and sensual in this vintage, with less of the drive that is such a signature of the other wines here. This is the only 2014 at Kapcsándy that has not grown meaningfully since I last tasted it. Then again, Merlot is a quirky grape, as it often goes through unpredictable periods of being closed, especially in the early going. Today, my impression is that the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring, but it has less structure than some of the surrounding vintages as well as the other 2014s. This is an especially laid back, almost translucent wine from Kapcsándy. It will be interesting to see what the future brings. A dollop (3%) of Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (10/2015): The 2014 Roberta’s Reserve State Lane Vineyard is a blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. 650 cases were produced, which is 27% of their total production. This was actually showing more fruit, density and personality than the more closed and reserved 2013. I’m not sure it has the concentration and overall upside potential of the 2013, but it’s beautifully rich, with loads of coffee bean, black chocolate, black cherry and mocha notes, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific purity and density. It should drink well for 15-20 years. |
|
|
2014 |
State Lane Vyd. Roberta’s Reserve |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 98 (5/2017): Love this merlot. Violets, roses, incense, and currants come to the fore on the nose. Full body and ultra-fine tannins that are so polished and integrated they become seamless and incredibly beautiful. Long and flavorful finish. Drink or hold. Long life ahead but who can wait?
VM 96 (12/2016): The 2014 Roberta's Reserve comes across as quite soft and sensual in this vintage, with less of the drive that is such a signature of the other wines here. This is the only 2014 at Kapcsándy that has not grown meaningfully since I last tasted it. Then again, Merlot is a quirky grape, as it often goes through unpredictable periods of being closed, especially in the early going. Today, my impression is that the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring, but it has less structure than some of the surrounding vintages as well as the other 2014s. This is an especially laid back, almost translucent wine from Kapcsándy. It will be interesting to see what the future brings. A dollop (3%) of Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (10/2015): The 2014 Roberta’s Reserve State Lane Vineyard is a blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. 650 cases were produced, which is 27% of their total production. This was actually showing more fruit, density and personality than the more closed and reserved 2013. I’m not sure it has the concentration and overall upside potential of the 2013, but it’s beautifully rich, with loads of coffee bean, black chocolate, black cherry and mocha notes, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific purity and density. It should drink well for 15-20 years. |
|
| Kinsman Eades |
2022 |
Aberro Chenin Blanc |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Aberro White Hawk Vyd. Syrah |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Maybach |
2014 |
Amoenus Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2016): The 2014 Amoenus comes from a western hillside vineyard near Calistoga that is actually cooler than the general area. This wine always exhibits plenty of crushed rock, wet gravel minerality, notes of forest floor, spring flowers and copious quantities of blackberry and crème de cassis with a hint of lead pencil shavings and pen ink. The 2014 is dense and full-bodied, but with low acidity and ripe well-integrated tannin. It is strutting its stuff, however it should be even better with 5-7 years of bottle age and last 25-30 years. They produce 330 cases of this glorious wine that tips the scales at 14.7% natural alcohol. |
|
|
2016 |
Irmgard Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2014): From the red soils near Dalla Valle in the eastern part of the Oakville Corridor, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium is a killer wine. It possesses a striking, intense, rocky minerality, an opaque purple color, and deep, beautiful aromas of camphor, spring flowers, blueberries and black raspberry fruit. There is a cool climate character (even though this is not a cool climate viticultural area) as well as superb richness, a full-bodied mouthfeel, great delineation and a mindboggling finish that lasts nearly a full minute. This outrageous Cabernet Sauvignon can be drunk now and over the next 25 years.
VM 93-95 (5/2014): Medium ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of cassis, blueberry, licorice and violet show a lightly exotic character. Silky-sweet and creamy on the palate, but with lovely harmonious acidity enlivening and framing the dark fruit flavors. Suave tannins saturate the finish on the intense, long, pliant back end. This compellingly rich cabernet will merit a rating at the top end of my projected range if it develops more complexity during its final months in barrel. This estate did not bottle any 2011s owing to a high percentage of underripe and rotten grapes, electing instead to sell off the vintage in bulk. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 95 (10/2015): A beauty, rich and pure in flavor, structured by firm tannins and acidity and showing a tight focus to the dusty, mineral-tinged dark berry, plum and currant flavors. Ends with fine-grained tannins. A good candidate for cellaring. Drink now through 2028. 595 cases made.
JS 94 (7/2015): A fruit-forward style with plum and light jam character plus hints of chocolate. Full body, round tannins and a savory finish. Delicious. Excellent intensity. Retro Napa. Drink now. |
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|
2018 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$389 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (1/2021): The 2018 Materium comes from the Weitz Vineyard in Oakville and is all Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in mostly new barrels. It's a very different wine than the Amoenus release and has more elegant, seamless aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, black raspberries, tobacco leaf, flowery incense, and sandalwood. Château Margaux-like in its elegance and complexity, this brilliant wine has loads of sweet fruit, flawless integration of its tannins and acidity, flawless balance, and just a heavenly overall profile that I wish every reader could taste. This extraordinary effort can be drunk today or cellared for 30 years or more. |
|
| Mending Wall |
2014 |
Palisades Vyd. Petite Sirah |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Myriad |
2017 |
100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
100% Whole Cluster San Giacomo Vyd. Syrah |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (8/2020): This iconic site located outside of St. Helena always produces a rich, powerful wine, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is no exception, offering loads of black and blue fruits, gravelly earth, chocolate, and Asian spice notes as well as a full-bodied, opulent, sexy profile on the palate. With a beautiful sense of freshness, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish, this gorgeous effort needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will cruise for 30 years or more. |
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2019 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Elysian Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 100 (11/2021): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) hits the ground running with the most powerful, profound nose of violets, dark chocolate, crushed rocks, Morello cherries and rose oil, over a core of crushed blackcurrants and fresh, juicy blackberries, plus wafts of plum pudding and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with tightly wound layers of black fruits and minerals, framed by exquisitely ripe tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Prepare to have your mind blown! (Drink between 2025-2050).
JD 100 (12/2021): Even better, and a perfect wine in this reviewer’s opinion, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian is a tiny cellar selection that brings even more richness and depth while not giving an inch with regard to finesse and elegance. Gorgeous ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, crushed violets, and chocolate are just some of the nuances in this puppy, and it's full-bodied, with an expansive, multi-dimensional texture, perfect tannins, and one incredible finish. It's a more textured, fleshy wine than the base Dr. Crane and already offers pleasure, yet it will undoubtedly evolve for over two decades. This is pure Napa Valley brilliance. (Drink between 2021-2042). |
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2019 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Elysian Cabernet Sauvignon |
$365 |
2 |
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| |
WA 100 (11/2021): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) hits the ground running with the most powerful, profound nose of violets, dark chocolate, crushed rocks, Morello cherries and rose oil, over a core of crushed blackcurrants and fresh, juicy blackberries, plus wafts of plum pudding and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with tightly wound layers of black fruits and minerals, framed by exquisitely ripe tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Prepare to have your mind blown! (Drink between 2025-2050).
JD 100 (12/2021): Even better, and a perfect wine in this reviewer’s opinion, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian is a tiny cellar selection that brings even more richness and depth while not giving an inch with regard to finesse and elegance. Gorgeous ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, crushed violets, and chocolate are just some of the nuances in this puppy, and it's full-bodied, with an expansive, multi-dimensional texture, perfect tannins, and one incredible finish. It's a more textured, fleshy wine than the base Dr. Crane and already offers pleasure, yet it will undoubtedly evolve for over two decades. This is pure Napa Valley brilliance. (Drink between 2021-2042). |
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2017 |
Esther Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$40 |
1 |
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| |
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2018 |
Esther Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
1 |
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| |
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2017 |
Halcon Vyd. Syrah |
$49 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2018 |
Halcon Vyd. Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2017 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
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2018 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
1 |
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2021 |
Steltzner Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
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|
| Next of Kyn |
2015 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 9 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$595 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (10/2018): A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection in another handful of years, the 2015 No 9 Cumulus Vineyard checks in as a complex blend of 45% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 16.8% Mourvèdre, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Viognier that saw 42% stems and 34 months in 40% new French oak. Sensationally perfumed, with powerful notes of blackberries, graphite, crushed rocks, black pepper, and dark chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible purity of fruit. This beauty has everything – richness, acidity, density, tannins, and length. Give it a handful of years and it will keep for 10-15 years. |
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2015 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 9 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$725 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (10/2018): A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection in another handful of years, the 2015 No 9 Cumulus Vineyard checks in as a complex blend of 45% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 16.8% Mourvèdre, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Viognier that saw 42% stems and 34 months in 40% new French oak. Sensationally perfumed, with powerful notes of blackberries, graphite, crushed rocks, black pepper, and dark chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible purity of fruit. This beauty has everything – richness, acidity, density, tannins, and length. Give it a handful of years and it will keep for 10-15 years. |
|
|
2015 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 9 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$745 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (10/2018): A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection in another handful of years, the 2015 No 9 Cumulus Vineyard checks in as a complex blend of 45% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 16.8% Mourvèdre, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Viognier that saw 42% stems and 34 months in 40% new French oak. Sensationally perfumed, with powerful notes of blackberries, graphite, crushed rocks, black pepper, and dark chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible purity of fruit. This beauty has everything – richness, acidity, density, tannins, and length. Give it a handful of years and it will keep for 10-15 years. |
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|
2015 |
Numero Um Touriga Nacional |
$270 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (10/2018): The first Touriga Nacional from California I’ve ever tasted, the 2015 Touriga Nacional comes all from the Cumulus vineyard in Oak View and is 80% Touriga Nacional, 8% Mourvèdre, 6% Syrah, and the rest Viognier that was mostly destemmed, and spent 34 months in 62% new French oak. This beauty gives up a voluptuous, sexy yet also incredibly elegant profile to go with notes of blueberries, violets, white chocolate, and cherry pie. Full-bodied, deep, and layered, it has fine tannins as well as remarkable purity and freshness. In short, it’s an incredible expression of the variety that I suspect will keep for 10-15 years. |
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2015 |
Numero Um Touriga Nacional |
$395 |
3 |
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| |
| JD 96 (10/2018): The first Touriga Nacional from California I’ve ever tasted, the 2015 Touriga Nacional comes all from the Cumulus vineyard in Oak View and is 80% Touriga Nacional, 8% Mourvèdre, 6% Syrah, and the rest Viognier that was mostly destemmed, and spent 34 months in 62% new French oak. This beauty gives up a voluptuous, sexy yet also incredibly elegant profile to go with notes of blueberries, violets, white chocolate, and cherry pie. Full-bodied, deep, and layered, it has fine tannins as well as remarkable purity and freshness. In short, it’s an incredible expression of the variety that I suspect will keep for 10-15 years. |
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| Occidental |
2018 |
Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth Pinot Noir |
$150 |
1 |
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2016 |
Occidental Station Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
9 |
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| |
| VM 94 (5/2019): The 2016 Pinot Noir Occidental Station is another stand out in this range. High-toned, aromatically expressive and silky, the 2016 is incredibly harmonious. Today, the Occidental Station is the most open-knit and sensual of the wines, which makes it easier to drink on the earlier side. Silky tannins add to the wine's considerable appeal. The inclusion of 25% whole clusters adds nuance throughout. Antonio Galloni. |
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2018 |
Occidental Station Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$159 |
1 |
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2016 |
Running Fence Vyd. Cuvee Catherine Pinot Noir |
$129 |
1 |
|
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2018 |
Running Fence Vyd. Cuvee Catherine Pinot Noir |
$239 |
1 |
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|
| Outpost |
2013 |
Howell Mountain Grenache |
$59 |
1 |
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| |
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2012 |
The Other Petite Sirah |
$85 |
2 |
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| |
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2014 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): The limited-production 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard (475 cases) is also 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 90% new French oak. This is an amazing 2014 and one of the few perfect wines that I could find while tasting at the top addresses in Northern California. Blue/purple in color, with extraordinarily intense floral notes intermixed with blueberry, blackberry, crushed charcoal and camphor, the wine hits the palate with a spectacular display of glycerin, fruit, sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and wonderful equilibrium and purity. The finish was close to a minute. This wine is irresistible, although it is certainly capable of lasting three decades or more. Kudos to the Dotzlers and Thomas Rivers Brown for this magnificent achievement!
VM 92 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is ample, rich and expressive. There is plenty of the trademark Outpost intensity, but the True offers a good bit of freshness for the year. Moreover, the True has the frame to handle the wine's exotic richness and pure power. Inky blue/purplish fruit, chocolate, torrefaction, lavender and crème de cassis are some of the aromas and flavors that flesh out over time. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ovid |
2016 |
Experiment C4.6 Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2016 |
Experiment M2.6 Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
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2009 |
Experiment P4.9 Proprietary Blend |
$175 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2015 |
Experiment P5.5 Proprietary Blend |
$155 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2012 |
Experiment V6.2 Proprietary Blend |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Pott |
2013 |
Original Gangster Grenache |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2017 |
Hulda Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2018 |
Hulda Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
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2019 |
Hulda Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2019 |
Shiverick Reserve Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (12/2021): There are 75 cases of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Las Piedras Vineyard Shiverick Reserve, which is a barrel selection from this great vineyard. More pure crème de cassis, scorched earth, crushed violets, and crushed stone as well as a wonderful floral, orange blossom character all emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a lush, more unctuous texture, sweet tannins, and one heck of a gorgeous finish. This site produced some of the top wines in the vintage, and this is an incredible Cabernet to enjoy over the coming 20-25 years or so. (Drink between 2021-2046).
WA 96+ (5/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Shiverick Reserve takes the classicism of the "regular bottling" from this vineyard and turns the intensity up a notch (yet the alcohol down at the same time). Black cherries and hints of dark chocolate mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and creamy without being overdone or heavy. This superb effort from winemaker Mike Smith retains a sense of balance and freshness, plus layers of soft, dusty tannins and awesome persistence on the finish.
VM 90 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiverick Reserve is a bit more aromatic and bright than the straight Las Piedras bottling. There is good depth to the red/purplish berry flavors. I find the vegetal aromatics awkward and not especially in character for a Cabernet that is so sumptuous in texture. (Drink between 2023-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2019 |
Shiverick Reserve Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (12/2021): There are 75 cases of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Las Piedras Vineyard Shiverick Reserve, which is a barrel selection from this great vineyard. More pure crème de cassis, scorched earth, crushed violets, and crushed stone as well as a wonderful floral, orange blossom character all emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a lush, more unctuous texture, sweet tannins, and one heck of a gorgeous finish. This site produced some of the top wines in the vintage, and this is an incredible Cabernet to enjoy over the coming 20-25 years or so. (Drink between 2021-2046).
WA 96+ (5/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Shiverick Reserve takes the classicism of the "regular bottling" from this vineyard and turns the intensity up a notch (yet the alcohol down at the same time). Black cherries and hints of dark chocolate mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and creamy without being overdone or heavy. This superb effort from winemaker Mike Smith retains a sense of balance and freshness, plus layers of soft, dusty tannins and awesome persistence on the finish.
VM 90 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiverick Reserve is a bit more aromatic and bright than the straight Las Piedras bottling. There is good depth to the red/purplish berry flavors. I find the vegetal aromatics awkward and not especially in character for a Cabernet that is so sumptuous in texture. (Drink between 2023-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Realm |
2018 |
Beckstoffer Bourn Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$239 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2021): A wine that was previous released under the Kata label, the 2018 Beckstoffer Bourn is a gorgeous 2018 that does everything right, offering a vivid purple color, incredible notes of blue fruits, cassis, violets, chocolate, and graphite, full-bodied richness, a sexy, opulent texture, and sweet tannins. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon yet with 10% Petit Verdot, it’s one of the more approachable, ready-to-go wines in the Realm lineup in 2018, yet my money is on this beauty evolving for 20 years or more. |
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|
2019 |
Hartwell XX Proprietary Blend |
$499 |
2 |
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| |
WA 99 (9/2021): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hartwell XX has an irresistibly fragrant nose, opening out to reveal notes of lilacs, Indian spices and fragrant soil over a core of blackcurrant jelly, boysenberries and licorice with a hint of beef drippings. The palate is a big, rich, full-bodied behemoth, with the most gorgeous velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and opulent.
JD 98+ (12/2021): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hartwell XX is another Stags Leap estate release coming from a slightly higher elevation block and older, heritage clones of Cabernet Sauvignon. Built for the long haul, it boasts pure blue fruits, cassis, gravelly earth, and violet nuances, and comes across as a classic Saint-Julien from a great vintage. Deep, concentrated, flawlessly balanced, and as seamless as they come, give it 3-4 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades or more.
VM 99 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hartwell XX emerges from two blocks on the original Hartwell property planted with the famous Grace clone of Cabernet Sauvignon. A dazzling wine, the XX may very well be the single most moving, expressive Cabernet I have ever tasted from Realm. In the glass, the XX is seamless, with layers of fruit that build effortlessly over time. The 2019 is not a big or opulent wine, but rather a Cabernet of total finesse. I loved it. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2021 |
Hartwell XX Proprietary Blend |
$425 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2016 |
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
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|
2022 |
B. Thieriot Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (4/2018): A hugely promising wine, the 2016 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is fabulous. Rich, powerful and explosive, with notable fruit density, the Bearwallow is compelling. Inky red and purplish berry fruit and exotic spice notes are front and center. Even with all of its exuberance, the 2016 possesses tremendous structure and depth. Readers will have to be patient, as the Bearwallow does not seem to offer the early appeal of many the other wines in this range. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2019 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
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| |
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2019 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
2 |
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| |
JD 95+ (12/2021): Coming all from the Larkmead Vineyard in the northern part of the valley, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga sports a dense purple color as well as a great nose of ripe dark fruits, chocolate, smoke, and some earthy minerality. Full-bodied, backward and structured on the palate, this is a legit, age-worthy beauty that's going to benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and keep for 15+. There are a scant 300 cases made.
VM 93 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga), from old vines at Larkmead, is a dark, potent wine. Big, muscular tannins wrap around a core of dark red/purplish fruit, game, scorched earth, tobacco and dried herbs. This potent Cabernet is pure Calistoga in its flavor profile and feel. Give it a few years to soften. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is sensational. Dark, powerful and explosive, the 2016 expresses all the best this rugged hillside site has to offer. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, smoke and dark spice explode from the glass. In most vintages, the Lore is massively tannic, but the 2016 has tremendous purity of fruit and exceptional balance. It is one of the best – maybe the best – Rivers-Marie Cabernet I have ever tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$213 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is sensational. Dark, powerful and explosive, the 2016 expresses all the best this rugged hillside site has to offer. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, smoke and dark spice explode from the glass. In most vintages, the Lore is massively tannic, but the 2016 has tremendous purity of fruit and exceptional balance. It is one of the best – maybe the best – Rivers-Marie Cabernet I have ever tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2019 |
Oakville Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (9/2022): From the vineyard formerly known as Lore, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Terraces comes from the same two-acre parcel, located on the eastern side of Oakville, in the hills just below Dalla Valle. There are 230 cases of this elixir, which may be a candidate for a perfect score down the road. For now, it shows gorgeous notes of licorice, black cherries and exotic florals on the nose and follows those up with a full-bodied palate that's concentrated and rich without ever seeming heavy or overdone, and the softly dusty finish lingers nearly forever. The combination of lovely fruit, great structure and tremendous length is close to perfect.
JD 99 (12/2021): Coming from a site at the base of Dalla Valle (which was previously known as the Lore Vineyard), the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Terraces offers a huge nose of ripe blue and black fruits as well as notes of iron, tobacco, roasted rosemary, and tapenade-like nuances. A big, lush, full-bodied effort, it has lots of tannins, a stacked mid-palate, perfect balance, and a finish that has you looking where to buy more bottles. This straight-up heavenly Cabernet will shine for 20+ years. (Drink between 2021-2042).
VM 98 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Terraces is phenomenally great. Thomas Brown and his team have succeeded in taming some of the fierce tannins that often characterize wines from this site. Deep and powerful, with stunning balance, the 2019 is simply off the charts. The flavors are rich and incisive, and yet there is plenty of freshness to keep things in check. In a word: magnificent. Readers should note Oakville Terraces was formerly known as Lore Vineyard. (Drink between 2025-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2019 |
Oakville Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon |
$235 |
2 |
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| |
WA 99 (9/2022): From the vineyard formerly known as Lore, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Terraces comes from the same two-acre parcel, located on the eastern side of Oakville, in the hills just below Dalla Valle. There are 230 cases of this elixir, which may be a candidate for a perfect score down the road. For now, it shows gorgeous notes of licorice, black cherries and exotic florals on the nose and follows those up with a full-bodied palate that's concentrated and rich without ever seeming heavy or overdone, and the softly dusty finish lingers nearly forever. The combination of lovely fruit, great structure and tremendous length is close to perfect.
JD 99 (12/2021): Coming from a site at the base of Dalla Valle (which was previously known as the Lore Vineyard), the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Terraces offers a huge nose of ripe blue and black fruits as well as notes of iron, tobacco, roasted rosemary, and tapenade-like nuances. A big, lush, full-bodied effort, it has lots of tannins, a stacked mid-palate, perfect balance, and a finish that has you looking where to buy more bottles. This straight-up heavenly Cabernet will shine for 20+ years. (Drink between 2021-2042).
VM 98 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Terraces is phenomenally great. Thomas Brown and his team have succeeded in taming some of the fierce tannins that often characterize wines from this site. Deep and powerful, with stunning balance, the 2019 is simply off the charts. The flavors are rich and incisive, and yet there is plenty of freshness to keep things in check. In a word: magnificent. Readers should note Oakville Terraces was formerly known as Lore Vineyard. (Drink between 2025-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
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2018 |
Occidental Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
2 |
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| |
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2019 |
Occidental Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
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| |
|
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2019 |
Platt Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$119 |
1 |
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| |
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2013 |
Silver Eagle Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 94 (1/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard comes across as deep, powerful and intense, with wilder, gamier notes that underpin the dark blue/purplish fruit. Smoke, licorice, violets and earthy notes add depth and gravitas to a Pinot of mysterious, seductive beauty and compelling balance. The Silver Eagle is a blend of Vosne-Romanee and Calera clones, done with 10% whole clusters and aged in 33% new French oak. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2015 |
Silver Eagle Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
2 |
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| |
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2016 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 91 (4/2018): It is probably no longer appropriate to call the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir the hidden gem in the Rivers-Marie range, as readers know just how outstanding this wine can be. The 2016 is terrific. Bright, nuanced and sculpted, the 2016 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is super-expressive, even in the early going. Sweet aromatics and vibrant, mineral-laced berry fruit give the 2016 its tense, vibrant character. All the elements are impeccably balanced in this racy yet sumptuous Pinot Noir from Rivers-Marie. Vineyard sources are Riddle, Silver Eagle and Platt. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2017 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$49 |
3 |
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| |
|
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2019 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
2 |
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| |
|
| Shafer Vineyards |
2010 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$360 |
1 |
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| |
WA 100 (12/2014): A remarkable wine, the 2010 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select has gone from strength to strength since it was in cask. It is stunningly rich, with classic, fragrant notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, graphite and spring flowers. It exhibits an opaque purple color, with a full-bodied, massive mouthfeel, but no heaviness, and again, a flawless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood. It’s classic California Cabernet, but beautifully put together, showing impeccable craftsmanship and fabulous potential. This is obviously a very young, infantile style of Cabernet that won’t hit its prime for at least another decade and last close to half a century, based on how older vintages that were less well-endowed have matured from Shafer.
VM 98+ (12/2014): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select tastes like a combination of graphite, smoke, pencil shavings, lavender and blueberry jam. But it is the wine's crystalline precision, nuance and towering structure that elevate the Hillside Select to the ranks of one of the very best wines of the year. A pure, viscerally wine, the 2010 is absolutely stunning. Over the last few months I have had the opportunity to taste and drink several bottles of the 2010 and have never been anything less than thrilled. This is a fabulous showing from Shafer.
JS 98 (6/2014): The Shafer family has made compelling reds for decades and this one is a knock-out. Fabulous character of currants, mint, spice and wet earth. Juicy and fruity, with an intense chewy finish. September 2014 release. Needs time to age. Better in 2018.
VM 96+ (5/2014): Deep, bright ruby-blue. Cassis, blackberry, blueberry, mocha and minerals on the nose, along with a mounting component of sweet oak. Sappy and silky on entry, then utterly mouthfilling without being heavy. The thick yet suave black cherry and cassis flavors boast Outstanding intensity and a surprisingly restrained sweetness, with the sexy oak perfectly integrated. Finishes with utterly seamless, noble tannins and great resounding length. A great vintage for this perennial star--and likely to evolve in bottle for at least 15 to 20 years thanks to its Outstanding density and balance.
WS 95 (10/2014): Pure, rich and intense, massive and well-built, with wall-to-wall ripe berry, currant, cedar and spice notes, framed by gutsy, chewy tannins and aided by the long, intense, layered finish. Drink now through 2027. 2,400 cases made. |
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2012 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$319 |
1 |
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WA 100 (10/2016): Shafer’s flagship wine, and one of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignons, is the Hillside Select, which comes from the rocky, volcanic soils on hillsides above the winery. Vineyard production is small, and the wine an incredible example of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in 100% new oak for 32 months and bottled unfiltered, this can generally be expected to be one of the top dozen or so Cabernet Sauvignons in virtually any vintage in Napa, and certainly possesses 25 to possibly 50 years of aging potential. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is a perfect wine. It elicits more than a few “wows” when you smell the incredible notes of charcoal, graphite and subtle toast, buttressed and dominated by blackcurrant, blackberry and blueberry fruit. The purity of these fruits, the multidimensional mouthfeel, the seamless integration of acid, alcohol, tannin and wood are all flawless. The 2012 signature adds an extravagant opulence and density that is just mind-boggling, and the wine is a total hedonistic and intellectual turn-on already, although it has 30+ years of life ahead of it.
JS 98 (1/2016): A wine with incredible finesse and elegance. Blackberry, blueberry, mineral, violet and lavender aromas. Wet earth floor and stone. Full body, very fine tannins and fabulous freshness. The length and polish is truly exceptional. The hint of austerity makes it irresistible. A joy to drink. But has a great future ahead of it.
VM 94+ (7/2016): (15.5% alcohol): Bright red-ruby. Very sexy aromas of black cherry, cassis, mocha and spices, plus a whiff of caramel. Wonderfully fleshy, inviting and sweet, boasting highly concentrated flavors of currant, licorice and narcissus. For all its early mid-palate creaminess, this is quite powerful and youthful, and yet its full, ripe tannins are perfectly supported by its intense dark fruit flavors and impression of extract. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2015 |
"E" Eleven Confessions Vyd. Grenache |
$365 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 100 (9/2019): The 2015 Grenache E, from Elaine and Manfred Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is stunningly beautiful. Remarkably light on its feet for such a sumptuous wine, the 2015 has so much to offer. Beautifully expressive aromatics make a strong opening impression. Dark red and purplish berry fruit, mint, sweet spice and licorice develop with air, but it is the wine’s overall feel that stands out most. At times, the E is quite powerful, while in other moments it is much more delicate. That contrast makes for an utterly captivating wine. Antonio Galloni.
WA 100 (6/2019): This is a single-vineyard Grenache-dominated, barrel-selection blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Elaine Krankl’s initial and a portrait Manfred made of Elaine on the label. The blend is 82% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 5% Petite Syrah and 1% Viognier, and 56% was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 28% new.
JD 98+ (10/2019): The 2015 Grenache E comes all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard and spent a whopping 38 months in 28% new French oak, with the balance in used barrels of varying sizes. An incredible effort that offers complex notes of cured meats, graphite, ground white and black pepper, flowers, and cassis, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a purity level that’s just about off the charts. Showing the concentrated, powerful, structured style of the vintage, give bottles 3-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade or more. |
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|
2015 |
"E" Eleven Confessions Vyd. Grenache |
$425 |
1 |
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| |
VM 100 (9/2019): The 2015 Grenache E, from Elaine and Manfred Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is stunningly beautiful. Remarkably light on its feet for such a sumptuous wine, the 2015 has so much to offer. Beautifully expressive aromatics make a strong opening impression. Dark red and purplish berry fruit, mint, sweet spice and licorice develop with air, but it is the wine’s overall feel that stands out most. At times, the E is quite powerful, while in other moments it is much more delicate. That contrast makes for an utterly captivating wine. Antonio Galloni.
WA 100 (6/2019): This is a single-vineyard Grenache-dominated, barrel-selection blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Elaine Krankl’s initial and a portrait Manfred made of Elaine on the label. The blend is 82% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 5% Petite Syrah and 1% Viognier, and 56% was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 28% new.
JD 98+ (10/2019): The 2015 Grenache E comes all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard and spent a whopping 38 months in 28% new French oak, with the balance in used barrels of varying sizes. An incredible effort that offers complex notes of cured meats, graphite, ground white and black pepper, flowers, and cassis, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a purity level that’s just about off the charts. Showing the concentrated, powerful, structured style of the vintage, give bottles 3-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade or more. |
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|
2015 |
"M" Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): The extended aged 2015 Syrah M is more backward and structured, with the 2015 vintage character front and center. Based on 90.6% Syrah and the rest Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Viognier, aged 38 months in 66% new oak, its deep purple color is followed by powerful notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, cedarwood, spiced meat, candle wax, and white flowers. It’s deep and full-bodied, with a huge mid-palate, building tannins, and one serious finish. This rocking beast of a Syrah stays remarkably elegant and perfectly balanced yet needs 4-5 years or more of bottle age. It’s going to evolve for two decades or more.
WA 99 (6/2019): This is a single-vineyard Syrah-dominant blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Manfred Krankl’s initial and a provocative self-portrait on the label. The blend is 90.6% Syrah, 4.4% Petite Syrah, 2.6% Grenache and 2.4% Viognier. Forty-three percent was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 66% new.
VM 99 (9/2019): The 2015 Syrah M will thrill Sine Qua Non lovers. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, with tremendous aromatic nuance from the whole clusters, the 2015 possesses mind-blowing intensity, yet also remains light on its feet. What impresses me most is how much energy and vivacity the 2015 shows given the tiny yields that year. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is yet another stunning wine from Sine Qua Non. Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
"M" Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): The extended aged 2015 Syrah M is more backward and structured, with the 2015 vintage character front and center. Based on 90.6% Syrah and the rest Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Viognier, aged 38 months in 66% new oak, its deep purple color is followed by powerful notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, cedarwood, spiced meat, candle wax, and white flowers. It’s deep and full-bodied, with a huge mid-palate, building tannins, and one serious finish. This rocking beast of a Syrah stays remarkably elegant and perfectly balanced yet needs 4-5 years or more of bottle age. It’s going to evolve for two decades or more.
WA 99 (6/2019): This is a single-vineyard Syrah-dominant blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Manfred Krankl’s initial and a provocative self-portrait on the label. The blend is 90.6% Syrah, 4.4% Petite Syrah, 2.6% Grenache and 2.4% Viognier. Forty-three percent was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 66% new.
VM 99 (9/2019): The 2015 Syrah M will thrill Sine Qua Non lovers. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, with tremendous aromatic nuance from the whole clusters, the 2015 possesses mind-blowing intensity, yet also remains light on its feet. What impresses me most is how much energy and vivacity the 2015 shows given the tiny yields that year. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is yet another stunning wine from Sine Qua Non. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Dirt Vernacular Grenache |
$260 |
1 |
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| |
JD 100 (10/2018): One of the finest Grenaches to ever pass my lips is the 2016 Grenache Dirt Vernacular and it’s 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvèdre, 7% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Petite Sirah. Reminding me of an old vine Grenache cuvee from the Maurel brothers in Châteauneuf du Pape, it boasts a huge nose of black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, graphite, ground herbs, and pepper. This is one of those wines that offers incredible intensity and depth, yet still just glides over the palate with no sense of heaviness whatsoever. Full-bodied, rich, layered, and pure, it’s a riveting example of Grenache that could come from nowhere else. Drink it any time over the coming 15+ years.
WA 96 (8/2018): The 2016 Grenache Dirt Vernacular wafts from the glass with heady aromas of kirsch, plums and Griotte cherries that mingle with nuances of sweet spice, rose petals and pepper. It saw 34% new oak (along with 53% used oak and 9% concrete), but it's hardly noticeable—much less so than in some of Sine Qua Non's debut Grenache bottlings. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich and chewy, with tangy acids despite its considerable power and ripeness, with a deep, layered mid-palate and a long, lusty finish. It's an eclectic blend of 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvèdre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 2.5% Petite Sirah that was fermented with 43% whole cluster—whole cluster being largely reserved for the Grenache component. The blend is dominated by estate fruit, but some 9% came from the Krankl's blocks at Bien Nacido Vineyard that are farmed to their specifications. 1,208 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
VM 95-98 (9/2018): The 2016 Grenache No Name Yet is fabulous. Rich and voluptuous in the glass, with immense fruit intensity, the 2016 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. The 43% whole clusters (mostly from the Grenache) are nearly buried by the vibrancy of the red and purplish berry fruit. Sweet, perfumed notes round out a super-expressive wine that hints at the superb potential of the 2016 vintage. The blend is 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvedre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 3.55 Petite Sirah. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Pajarito del Amor Eleven Confessions Vyd. Grenache |
$379 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 100 (8/2020): Coming all from the estate Eleven Confessions Vineyard and 85.4% Grenache, 7.1% Petite Sirah, 6.9% Syrah, and a splash of Viognier thrown in for good measure, the 2016 Grenache Pajarito Del Amor was brought up 38 months in 54% new French oak demi-muids and the balance in varying used barrels ranging from 2 to 6 years in age. There are just 916 cases of this magical wine, which easily ranks with the greatest Grenache-driven wines to ever come out of California. Deep purple-hued, with an incredible array of cassis, blackberries, toasted spices, caramelized meats, white pepper, and graphite, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, an expansive, layered mouthfeel, and a blockbuster finish. This is one of those wine that wows from the first sip and is flawlessly balanced, with ripe tannins, incredible purity, and a singular character. Drink this elixir any time over the coming 15-20 years.
WA 100 (8/2020): The 2016 Grenache Pajarito Del Amor is a single-vineyard wine—a barrel selection from the Eleven Confessions estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. "This vineyard is by far our coolest," Manfred said. "Sometimes we don’t harvest this vineyard until November. The wines from here have a lot of structure and presence. The soil is a heavy clay, so the wines can be pretty muscular."
VM 98 (8/2020): The darker side of Grenache comes through in the 2016 Grenache Pajarito del Amor. Inky purplish fruit, espresso, mocha and rose petal are pushed forward, but more than anything else, the 2016 stands out for its exotic, beguiling beauty. I hope to be able to taste the 2016 with bottle age, as it is a total stunner. The 2016 is marked by a high percentage of Grenache in the blend (85%) and a high percentage of whole clusters as well (56%), as most of the stem inclusion in this wine comes from the Grenache. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2011 |
Patine Grenache |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2015): Coming all from Manfred's Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and a blend of 77% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 1% Viognier (fermented with 25% whole clusters), the 2011 Grenache Patine spent a full 33 months in almost all neutral oak, with just 11% being new. It offers perfumed and spice-laced notes of white pepper, black raspberry, blackberry and ground herbs that flow to a full-bodied, elegant, nicely concentrated 2011 that has nicely integrated acidity, no hard edges and a terrific finish. It's certainly one of the fresher, more elegant Grenaches from Manfred, yet it still has rocking levels of fruit. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy bottles over the following decade.
VM 97 (8/2015): The 2011 Grenache Patine has turned out beautifully. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and leather meld together in the glass as this savory, beautifully layered wine opens up. Herb, graphite, smoke, sage and tobacco add shades of nuance in a delineated Grenache that captures the best of this cool, late-ripening year. Patine is 77% Grenache, 22% Syra and 1% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 25% whole clusters and aged for 33 months in French oak barrels, 11% new. |
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2016 |
Ratsel Syrah |
$249 |
3 |
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WA 96+ (8/2018): Produced entirely from estate fruit, the 2016 Syrah Rätsel 16 offers up a brooding bouquet of smoky blackberries, French roast, cassis liqueur and subtle grilled meat, with only hints of all the savory complexity it will show down the line. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and chewy, with a rich chassis of velvety structuring tannins, a deep, super concentrated core of fruit and a long, sapid finish. Like the Grenache Dirt Vernacular, it's quite expressive and giving in profile by comparison with the firmer, more structural 2015s from Sine Qua Non, but its more brooding profile makes me suspect it has more potential upside with some time in bottle. It's a blend of 81% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah, 2.5% Grenache and 4.5% Viognier that was fermented with 47% whole cluster. 1791 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
JD 96-99 (10/2018): A not yet bottled blend of 81% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah, and the rest Viognier and Grenache, fermented with 47% whole clusters, the 2016 Syrah Rätsel 16 is an inky colored beauty that has another level of depth and richness over the 2015. Black raspberries, cassis, white pepper, white chocolate, and hints of bacon fat give way to a full-bodied, seamless, elegant wine that has terrific freshness and purity, ultra-fine tannin, and a huge finish. Not too dissimilar from the 2014s, which have the same supple, sexy, and approachable style, it should drink reasonably well right out of the gate and cruise for 15-20 years in cool cellars.
VM 95-97 (9/2018): The 2016 Syrah No Name Yet is another wine that shows just how fabulous the 2016 vintage is. Powerful, dense and resonant, the 2016 is a wonderfully complete wine. Hints of smoke, tobacco and grilled herbs are woven throughout a core of inky dark fruit, but it is the wine's total sense of balance and harmony that I keep coming back to. The 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own, but it is a stunningly beautiful wine. Dollops of Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Viognier round out the blend. The 2016 was done with 47% whole clusters and will see about 47% new French, but none of that really matters when sitting in front of this gorgeous and moving Syrah from Elaine and Manfred Krankl. Antonio Galloni. |
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2012 |
Stein Grenache |
$248 |
1 |
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WA 97 (8/2015): Starting with the Grenache release, the 2012 Grenache Stein is a blend of 76% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 8% Mourvedre, aged in 14% new French oak (15% was in concrete), that comes mostly from the estate's Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, but also includes grapes from the Cumulus, Third Twin (Syrah) and Bien Nacido vineyards. Checking in at 15.7% alcohol, it's no lightweight, yet it has considerable elegance in its sweet blackcurrants, white pepper, licorice, baking spices and hints of violet-like aromas and flavors. Possessing the hallmark purity of the estate, it's full-bodied, concentrated, rich and textured, with sweet tannin barely noticeable on the finish. I don't think it's one of the greatest Grenaches from the estate, yet it's still an incredible effort that will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 15-20 years or more of overall longevity.
VM 95-97 (8/2015): The 2012 Grenache Stein is incredibly refined, silky and pure, with bright red and blue-hued fruits. Today, the flavors are primary, so readers will have to be patient get the full breadth of aromas, flavors and textures. The Stein is a decidedly feminine, gracious Grenache that impresses for its textural beauty and nuance. I imagine it will provide a long and broad drinking window of pure pleasure over the next 15-20 years. This is an absolutely gorgeous wine from Sine Qua Non. The final blend is 76% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre; 53% from Eleven Confessions, 29% from Cumulus, 9% The Third Twin and 9% Bien Nacido. The 2012 was done with 29% whole clusters and will spend around 22 months in French oak (14%) prior to its scheduled bottling this summer. |
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2016 |
Subir Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah |
$325 |
1 |
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JD 100 (8/2020): Meaning "Rise" in Spanish, the 2016 Syrah SUBIR is the estate release that's all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills. It's 89.7% Syrah with the rest Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Viognier that was 56% destemmed and spent a full 38 months in 82% new French oak. There are few wines that can spend close to four years in barrel and still emerge with freshness and purity, yet this estate seems to produce wines that do it with ease. Sporting a deep purple hue as well as a heavenly array of crème de cassis, white chocolate, blackberries, unsmoked tobacco, and peppery spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, incredible depth of fruit, and that rare mix of power and elegance that's that hallmark of truly great wines. This was a great vintage for the Central Coast, and this is a true gem of a wine that tops out on my scale. While it's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age, it offers incredible pleasure today as well. It will have 20+ years of longevity.
WA 99 (8/2020): The 2016 Syrah SUBIR (meaning to rise or go up) is a single-vineyard wine—a barrel selection from the Eleven Confessions estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. "This vineyard is by far our coolest," Manfred said. "Sometimes we don’t harvest this vineyard until November. The wines from here have a lot of structure and presence. The soil is a heavy clay, so the wines can be pretty muscular."
VM 98 (8/2020): The 2016 Syrah Subir, from Elaine and Manfred Krankl's Eleven Confessions ranch, is a powerhouse. It is the rare Sine Qua Non wine that demands cellaring. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of inky dark fruit. Hints of spice, lavender, mint and dried herbs emerge with coaxing, but the 2016 is in no mood to show all of its cards yet. Subir is 89.7% Syrah, 4.6% Grenache, 2.5% Petite Siraha and 3.2% Viognier, vinified with 44% whole clusters. It is projected to spend 38 months in oak, 82% new. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Subir Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah |
$365 |
2 |
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JD 100 (8/2020): Meaning "Rise" in Spanish, the 2016 Syrah SUBIR is the estate release that's all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills. It's 89.7% Syrah with the rest Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Viognier that was 56% destemmed and spent a full 38 months in 82% new French oak. There are few wines that can spend close to four years in barrel and still emerge with freshness and purity, yet this estate seems to produce wines that do it with ease. Sporting a deep purple hue as well as a heavenly array of crème de cassis, white chocolate, blackberries, unsmoked tobacco, and peppery spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, incredible depth of fruit, and that rare mix of power and elegance that's that hallmark of truly great wines. This was a great vintage for the Central Coast, and this is a true gem of a wine that tops out on my scale. While it's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age, it offers incredible pleasure today as well. It will have 20+ years of longevity.
WA 99 (8/2020): The 2016 Syrah SUBIR (meaning to rise or go up) is a single-vineyard wine—a barrel selection from the Eleven Confessions estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. "This vineyard is by far our coolest," Manfred said. "Sometimes we don’t harvest this vineyard until November. The wines from here have a lot of structure and presence. The soil is a heavy clay, so the wines can be pretty muscular."
VM 98 (8/2020): The 2016 Syrah Subir, from Elaine and Manfred Krankl's Eleven Confessions ranch, is a powerhouse. It is the rare Sine Qua Non wine that demands cellaring. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of inky dark fruit. Hints of spice, lavender, mint and dried herbs emerge with coaxing, but the 2016 is in no mood to show all of its cards yet. Subir is 89.7% Syrah, 4.6% Grenache, 2.5% Petite Siraha and 3.2% Viognier, vinified with 44% whole clusters. It is projected to spend 38 months in oak, 82% new. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Testa dei Cherubini Grenache |
$315 |
1 |
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JD 99 (10/2018): As with the extended aged Syrah release, the 2014 Grenache Testa Dei Cherubini (80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier) comes all from the estate Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and spent just under 38 months in 25% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels (varying sizes). Layers of black raspberry, cassis, white chocolate, white flowers, and Asian spices flow to a full-bodied, supple, powerful Grenache that has silky, silky tannins, a seamless texture, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s already approachable, yet in my experience, this extended elevage results in a very stable wine, and I suspect this beauty will have another two decades of longevity.
WA 98+ (8/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini saw fully 37.5 months in wood, some 25% new, but its influence is imperceptible; the wine is strikingly pure and vibrant. Krankl commented that the longer the wines spend in barrel, the more slowly they seem to evolve in bottle. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of juicy red cherries, peonies and plums, it's initially quite reserved, becoming more expressive with air. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and very concentrated, with strikingly fine-grained, revolved tannins, juicy acids and impressive length and depth. Like the 2015 Le Chemin Vers l'Heresie also reviewed in this report, it's remarkably pure and integrated and ranks as one of the finest Grenache bottlings I've tasted from Sine Qua Non. It's also one wine that will clearly benefit from bottle age, no matter how tempting it may be when it's released in November of this year. The blend includes 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and a tiny 0.5% of Viognier, and 895 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.
VM 98 (9/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini, from Sine Qua Non's Eleven Confessions vineyard, is positively explosive on the palate. Even so, the 2014 is precise and beautifully delineated, with striking nuance and terrific freshness to balance things out. The blend is 80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier that spent 38 months in 600-liter French oak barrels. Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
Trouver l’Arene Syrah |
$265 |
1 |
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JD 100 (7/2018): The otherworldly 2015 Syrah Trouver l’Arene is made from 80% Syrah, 7% each of Petite Sirah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Viognier and Grenache. As with the Grenache in 2015, it saw some whole clusters in the fermentation and spent 22 months in close to equal parts new and used French oak. Opaque purple-colored and loaded with sensational notes of smoked black fruits, peppery herbs, liquid flowers, exotic spice, and lavender, this insane beauty hits the palate with awesome density and depth, yet stays amazingly light and graceful, with no apparent weight or heaviness. It possesses sweet tannin, incredible purity of fruit, and a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. It’s an incredible effort that reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Côte Rôtie La Mouline (the 2010? It’s not too dissimilar to the 2003 early in its life) with its exotic, floral, gamey character. There have been so many monumental Syrahs from this address it’s difficult to say where this beauty will ultimately end up when it’s at maturity, but my money is on it being in the top handful of Syrahs ever made by Manfred. It’s incredible today (with a decant) but needs 3-5 years and will knock your socks off over the following two decades or more.
WA 100 (9/2017): Composed of 80.5% Syrah, 7% Petite Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache and 3.5% Viognier, all sourced from estate vineyards—37% The Third Twin, 36% Eleven Confessions and 27% Cumulus—the 2015 Syrah Trouver L’Arene was made using 34% whole cluster and has a deep purple-black color with intense cassis, black plums and black cherries scents plus hints of anise, violets, sage and tar, with wafts of savory/smoked meat suggestions. Full-bodied, this voluptuous beauty is seriously singing in the mouth, belting out vibrant red and black fruit flavor layers, all framed by very fine, rounded, ripe tannins and a wonderful freshness, finishing with persistent perfumed fruit and a spring in its step. 1,778 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
VM 94-97 (9/2017): The brilliant 2015 Syrah Trouver l'Arene is powerful and dense, but also light on its feet for such an intense wine. Inky blue/purplish fruit, wild flowers, mint, spice and lavender all flesh out in the glass, but it is the wine's textural finesse that really elevates it. Rich, opulent and super-expressive, the 2015 has all the elements to develop into a spectacular Syrah. The blend is 80.5% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Mourvèdre, 3.5% Viognier and 2% Grenache done with 34% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Stags' Leap Winery |
2019 |
Napa Valley Limited Edition Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
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| William & Mary Wine Company |
2018 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
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2018 |
Shifflett Ranch Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
2 |
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2019 |
Shifflett Ranch Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
2 |
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| Maybach |
2019 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$319 |
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| Myriad |
2019 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
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2012 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Elysian Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
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2015 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Elysian Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
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2016 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Elysian Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
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| Occidental |
2016 |
SWK Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$149 |
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| Realm |
2019 |
Moonracer Proprietary Blend |
$229 |
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2019 |
The Absurd Proprietary Blend |
$795 |
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| Rivers Marie |
2017 |
Occidental Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
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2017 |
Platt Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
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| The Mascot (Bond) |
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$144 |
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