Scott Peterson (S.P. – Drummer) is a seasoned winemaker with a portfolio stretching almost 30 years making wine at an array of great wineries (Cardinale, Textbook, Pey-Marin, Mt. Eden, Anderson Conn Valley and others. Scott is a big fan of Left Bank wines, thus his blends have always been Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc based. Scott believes in value and quality, and this 2008 SP Drummer Prop Red is just that!
SP Drummer 2008 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 43.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code SPDRUM08 during check out
This 100% Napa Valley wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Cabernet Franc (45%). The intensity of aromatics push forward with exotic flowers, violets and lavender reflective of fine Cabernet Franc. Ripe black currant and plums with layered cassis aromas fill the glass and the senses. Flavors start as a layered core of ripe black stone fruits that are deep and complex, full in the mouth, and yielding muscular, yet velvety, tannins. The summation of both Cabernet varieties yields a lush and elegant wine.
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With summer in full swing, I am excited to offer this well-made Sauvignon Blanc from Overland. The NAME and THE STORY start in 1854, when a pioneer family walked “overland” for almost 2000 miles across plains, mountains and deserts. They started in Council Bluffs Iowa and ended up in what is now known as Sonoma. They followed the Gold Rush “Argonauts” to start a new life in California and settled on the land where KICK RANCH grapes are grown today! Their journey took 4 months and started a new life. By 1875 they had a farm and vineyards planted which over time (prohibition) became a cattle ranch and where Kick Ranch planted its first grapes in 2000.
Overland 2012 Sauvignon Blanc “Kick Ranch” Sonoma
Retail 30.00 – GGWC 27.49 – Free shipping on 12 or more
Use discount shipping code OVER12SB during check out
The wine shows medium intensity with bright clarity and lemon-green core color. The developing nose shows medium to medium plus intensity with aromas of pineapple, grapefruit, hay and honey. Secondary notes of candied lemon rind, lemon verbena and a gravel-like minerality complement the fruit. The palate shows medium plus intensity, body, acidity and length with flavors of candied lemon, lemon poundcake, baked apple and mild notes of honey. The gravel-like minerality returns in the lingering finish. Only 230 cases produced.
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Field Recordings is winemaker Andrew Jones’ personal catalog of the people and places he values most. Having stood in just about every vineyard on the Central Coast, he has a keen eye for diamonds in the rough: sites that are unknown or under-appreciated but hold enormous untapped potential. As friendships are made and opportunities are embraced, Andrew produces small quantities of soulful wine from these unusual, quiet vineyards.
Field Recordings 2011 “Neverland” Proprietary Red, Santa Barbara
Retail 33.00 – GGWC 29.99 – FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use the discount code Neverland12 during checkout.
The 2011 Neverland is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot and 10% Malbec sourced from the Grassini vineyard in Happy Canyon (Santa Barbara) – A “happy” surprise, especially in the pocket book! The wine’s aroma is layered with notes of black currant, a touch of chocolate, vanilla and violets, this wine seems to change almost by the second. It is plush, both in aromatics and has a gorgeous mouthfeel of black cherries, violets, kirsch and crème de cassis. This is truly a California Bordeaux-style blend. Only 315 cases of this gem were produced.
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A Sonoma Valley native, Mike Henghold (Owner) was introduced to grape growing at an early age by his father Jim, who established a 10-acre vineyard in the hills west of Sonoma. Mike parlayed that upbringing into a career in wine sales and distribution, fostering an ever-evolving appreciation for the unique terroirs of the world. That appreciation ultimately manifested itself in Pinot Noir, perhaps the most challenging, elusive, and yet ultimately complex of varietals. It was during an eight year tenure managing a larger winery that Mike carved out the opportunity to create his dream brand in Chronicle.
Chronicle 2010 Cerise Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 59.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or MORE
Use discount shipping code CHRON10 during check out
Those who bought the previous Chronicle Cerise releases will not need an intro – this baby rocks! It is a sexy wine. The wine’s aromas jump out of the glass, the body is stunning, the legs are long – you see where I am going… no I am not. Stay focused, the wine is gorgeous, well-crafted, a real winner! The nose offers hints of dark cherries and plum. On the palate this wine offers seductive (here we go again) flavors of black cherries and strawberries that are intertwined with a touch of minerality. This youngster is elegant and intense without being overbearing. The finish is long , complex and equally stunning as the rest of its package. Only 150 cases produced!
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Happy Father’s Day!
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Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there!
Filled with exhilarating joy and crushing heartache, sleepless nights and unforgettable days. It is one of the toughest and most important jobs in the world. A job with the greatest rewards and the highest costs.
Here’s raising a glass to the men who shaped our lives in more ways than we can possibly imagine!
Sommelier turned winemaker Dan O’Brien and Julien Fayard (Winemaker at Le Pich, Azur, Purlieu & Atelier Philippe Melka) crafted this fun 161 case Cabernet Franc production from a stunning vineyard source in Oakville!
Cultivar 2011 Cabernet Franc, Oak Knoll, Napa Valley
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 34.99 on six with FREE SHIPPING!
Use discount shipping code CULT11CF during check out
The 2011 Cultivar was sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll appellation displaying the classic Cabernet Franc characters. The nose shows attractive aromas of raspberries, black cherries and a touch of spicy vanilla. This medium bodied wine shows gobs of lush fruit on the mid-palate and some depth and length, courtesy of some Cabernet Sauvignon that was added. This is Cab Franc for lovers of Loire-style wines similar to Chinon.
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Richard Berridge earned a Harvard degree as a Master Landscape Architect, he is a master of his craft. Richard began his wine career in the Napa Valley as one of the original founders of Duckhorn winery (Napa Valley 1976). From here he has expanded his reach and also has a winery in New Zealand. His California label focusses on single vineyard Pinot Noir gems like Gap’s Crown, Vanderkamp, Sangiacomo, etc. He has first pick in some of the sweet spots of these estates. In the mid-spring he releases his appellation wines which are a combination of the various vineyards.
Richard Berridge 2009 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Retail 48.00 – GGWC 44.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use the discount shipping code RB09PNSC during check out
This wine was sourced from the Ivywood (35%), DuNah (28%), Gap’s Crown (22% ) and Londer(15%) vineyards. Dark purple and crimson in color, that offers expansive aromas of black cherries, strawberries, maple syrup and exotic spices. A true Burgandian style Pinot Noir, crisp red fruit with some mushroom and earthiness with balanced acidity and smooth juicy finish.
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What started years ago in a cluttered garage in San Francisco has ended up somewhere else entirely… The winery was born from an obsessive curiosity about what makes great wines great and a pathological need to know and do. It began with little more than the hubris to believe in their ability to make exceptional wine and now routinely find themselves hand-sorting some of the world’s most carefully-cultivated grapes on the floor of a 40,000-square-foot former aircraft hangar. |
Joseph Gary 2009 Tempranillo “Krupp Vineyard” Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
Retail 36.99 – GGWC 33.99 with FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “JGC09TEMP” during check out
Sourced from one of the most sought after vineyards in the Napa Valley (Krupp). Dark and ruby-red in the glass, the 2009 Tempranillo is a young monster. It smells of dark cherry, violets, cedar, fresh mint and tobacco leaves and gains sweetness and ripeness with aeration. On the palate you’ll encounter flavors of ripe red cherry, a whiff of toasty vanilla and a touch of leather and minearlity . The wine is rich and full with firm but fine-grained tannins that carry through to the long licorice-infused finish. It delights you with its elegance, depth, and balance. While it can be enjoyed in the near-term with decanting, it’s suited for the cellar and will continue to improve for 5-10+ years. This inaugural release screams for a well-marbled cut of beef. Only 150 cases produced.
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The Laird family is the largest grower in the Napa Valley, but only produces a small amount of wine each year. Paul Hobbs has been the master-of-the-house for years and Laird wines thrive under his tutelage. The 2009 vintage is a blend of all estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), Merlot (20%) and Syrah 12%). I don’t quote publications often, but I think that the 93 from Wine Spectator is too low!
Laird 2009 Jillian’s Red Blend, Napa Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99 FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use the discount shipping code “JILLIAN09” during checkout.
Named after Ken Laird’s granddaughter, this 2009 dark red-violet wine is just as complex & fun as little Jillian herself. The pronounced aromatic nose, reminiscent of black cherry, candied plum, and vanilla, is rounded off with a potpourri of blackberry, licorice, chocolate & spice on the palate, while soft tannins compliment the long finish. The palate is full and lush with an array of rich flavors. The wine is complex, yet balanced with gorgeous fruit to acid ratio. The finish is silky smooth and long.
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Tasting Notes | Frank Melis June 28, 2013 | 
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