Tasting Notes

96 Point Herman Story Stunner!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Herman Story is the “story” of tall tales, Wrangler Jeans, and bold wines crafted by Russell P. From. This winery has become a real head-turner since it was created just a decade ago. Russell is a real “Rhone Ranger” and that has not escaped the notice of numerous publications garnering many 94-96 point ratings and creating a real “cult-like” folowoing.

Herman Story 2013 Syrah “Sebastiano” Santa Rita Hills
Retail 53.00 – GGWC 49.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code HERMAN upon check out
(OK to mix & match with other Herman Story wines

Typical Russell From style wine! This wine offers up an inky purple color. On the nose you’ll encounter  ripe, densely packed blackstone fruit aromas, with a touch of pepperiness. On the lush palate this wine will coat your palate with complex, vibrant black currant, chocolate, spice and cherry-cola flavors with a touch of zingy acidity.  The wine goes on for a long time and finishes big and bold with surprisingly silky tannins!  VERY LIMITED PRODUCTION!

Winemaker Notes: “All the illicit pleasure of slipping under the ropes and finding yourself at a star studded gala and charming the pants off everyone by telling off color jokes: in-n-out double doubles, ancient oregano, perfect pastis, chocolate smoke, cherry coke residue, fresh bay laurel, milk duds and bacon black pepper icecream.  Truly a night to remember!

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Stunning 95 Point Rated Syrah

Posted on by Frank Melis
The winery is a partnership between Marty Tautcher an executive at Microsoft and Chris Peterson (winemaker), who honed his skills at DeLille Cellars and several wineries in France and Italy.  When their paths crossed at DeLille, an immediate bond was created and the idea for Avennia was born.

“Avennia is inspired by the Roman name for the city of Avignon, and signifies the heart of Old World winemaking. The Avennia wines are designed to tease rather than flaunt; pique interest, not beg for attention. They stand for elegance, delicacy, purity. Our wines are made to enhance conversation, not dominate it, and will be a welcome guest at the table.”

Avennia 2013 “Arnaut” Syrah
Retail 60.00 – GGWC  55.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
use code AVENNIA upon chekcout 

The nose of this compelling wine leads with black cherry, black raspberry, smoked meats, bacon fat, and notes of violets and crushed rock. The palate is full bodied but taut and focused, a rich panoply of mixed black fruits, savory meat flavors, thyme, lavender, and a taut, minerally finish with ample structure for the future. This wine that will be enjoyable young,but also age 8-12 years.

Robert Parker 95 Points: “The 2013 Syrah Boushey Vineyard Arnaut is a rock star. Offering sensational purity in its meaty, dark fruits, olive brine, beef blood, currants and hints of violets, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, impressive concentration and a great finish, where it shows additional minerality. Coming from the two oldest blocks at Boushey Vineyard, this is a serious, age-worthy Syrah that I suspect will have a Northern Rhone-like evolution. Give it 2-3 years once released and drink it over the following decade or more.”

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Epic 2 Barrel GEM!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Campesino reads like a love story.  A young girl Griselda Ceja (from the infamous Ceja winery) spent her childhood days on this property, she falls in love with a local winemaker and they got married on the vineyard site in 2007.  This five acre vineyard is one of the most ideal vineyard sites in the Valley, getting much needed temperate weather necessary for this varietal.
The Vineyard:  The “Steel Plow” vineyard is located at the base of Adbe Canyon in Sonoma Valley.  It is farmed by “Famed” vineyard specialist Phil Coturri of Kamen, Vineyardist, etc fame.  The soils are rocky in areas and contain eroded sediment from the Mayacamas Mountains. Three different types of gravely loam soils make up the vineyard which was replanted in the early 2000s using Budwood from the prominent Chateau Beaucastel in theRhone Valley.

Campesino 2013 Grenache “Steel Plow” Sonoma
42.00 – GGWC 39.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use code CAMP13 upon checkout

This might be one of the BEST Grenaches I have tasted.  So I highly recommend jumping on this 65 case release! The wine offers up gorgeous aromatics of black raspberries, anise and kirsch aromas and a whiff of wild flowers.  This full-bodied youngster is extremely well-balanced with pure concentrated  black and red fruit and a touch of chocolate offering the right touch of acidity and an amazingly long and complex finish.  This is a real WOW!

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

The Best under the Radar Cab in Napa!

Posted on by Frank Melis
The inaugural release was the 2007 vintage and as of today this winery still floats under the radar, which is great for you and me!  Only 2 barrels (50 cases) of this amazing gem are produced.  This is exactly why I wake up early every day to find gems like this.  You will not be disappointed.  I put this wine in the range of the big names at a fraction the price! This is the fourth vintage, and it already created a following among my clients and you will not find it in the big box and discount stores!

Mapson 2012 “Left Lane” Cabernet , Napa Valley
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 75.00
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use discount shipping code MAP12LL upon checkout

The 2012 Mapson Left Lane is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance  Merlot and Petit Verdot, so very left-bankish!  This wine is amazingly lush and rich in style, yet very composed and well-balanced.   This youngster offers up a gorgeous bouquet of black stone fruit, chocolate, licorice, jammy fruit with subtly hints of plums, a whiff of underbrush.  This full-bodied and luscious wine is one of the best wines of the year.  Loaded from start to finish with stunning fruit that leads into an equally amazingly long finish.

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Mercury Head & Papillon Cabernet JUST ARRIVED

Posted on by Frank Melis
The history of Orin Swift dates back to 1995 when on a lark, David Swift Phinney took a friend up on an offer and went to Florence, Italy to spend a semester “studying”. During that time, he was introduced to wine, how it was made, and got hooked. A few more years of university led to graduation and eventually a job at Robert Mondavi Winery in 1997 as a temporary harvest worker. Deciding that if he was going to work this hard, it would eventually have to be for himself, so in 1998 he founded Orin Swift Cellars; Orin is his father’s middle name and Swift is his mother’s maiden name. With two tons of Zinfandel and not much else, he spent the next decade making wine for others as well as himself and grew the company into a multinational brand that now includes 300 acres of vineyards in the Southwest of France. This international ambition has led to projects in Spain, Italy, Corsica, Argentina and other locations around the globe. PAPILLON & MERCURY HEAD are still VERY LIMITED produced wines from top notch Single Vineyards in the Napa Valley.PAPILLON 2013 PROPRIETARY RED, NAPA VALLEY
Retail $70.00 – $66.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use code PHINNEY upon check out
Can mix & match with Mercury Head

A dense shade of crimson red coats the sides of the glass. Subtle aromas of cedar wood and rose petals mingle with hints of well-seasoned oak. The entry of the wine is seamless and prepares the taster for a broad mid palate saturated with ripe cherry and dark chocolate. The wine finishes with broad and rich tannins that linger on for nearly a minute.

Wineamaker notes: “Composed of all five Bordeaux varieties, Papillon is our Cabernet based red wine. The goal was to make a stand-alone wine that incorporates all the majesty of Cabernet Sauvignon with the subtleties of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and the power of Petit Verdot and Malbec. The label is a photograph taken by our good friend and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman.”

MERCURY HEAD 2013 CABERNET, NAPA VALLEY
Retail $125.00 – GGWC $119.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use code PHINNEY upon check out
Can mix & match with Mercury Head

A deep hue of dark garnet is almost opaque. The weight of the wine is evidenced in the long and rich legs that coat the sides of the glass. Aromatics of ripe cherry and gooseberry mingle with the scent of newly toasted oak and freshly baked croissants. The entry of the wine is both soft and massive all at once. It coats the mouth and leads into a mid palate laced with fine layers of deeply ripe stone fruits. The wine finishes with long chains of subtle tannins and sophisticated structure.

Wine Maker Notes: At the end of the day, all winemakers are only as good as the vineyards they source from and the vintage in which the wine is made. Fortunately, the 2013 vintage was stunning. Coming on the heels of the spectac ular 2012, the weatherwas near perfect and the resulting wines show a complexity and structure that defines a classic. As in past vintages, the grapes used for the 2013 Mercury Headcome from various blocks within the Taplin and Morisoli vineyards as well select hillside vineyards in the Atlas Peak appellation. The wines are vinified separately, and then aged for 18 months in new and once used French oak barrels. The final blend is made up of a selection of the best of these barrels, which is bottled and aged for another six months. The dimes are all authentic Liberty, or “Mercury Heads,” and are hand applied to the bottle using food grade silicon.

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

2 Barrel Knockout Cab Franc (only six cases allocated)

Posted on by Frank Melis
After 20 years working for the family brand, Karen Cakebread launched her own label Ziata in 2008. She had two goals: create beautifully structured wines that reflect the vineyards and its terroir; and to be involved in every aspect of making great wine! She named the winery in honor of mother Mary and hired longtime assistant and Heidi Barrett protégée Anne Vawter as her winemaker. Three wines are produced under the Ziata label, with a total production of 500!

Ziata 2012 Cabernet Franc, Oakville Napa Valley
Retail 72.00 – GGWC 66.99
FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use code ZIATA12CF upon checkout

This might be well one of the best Cab Francs produced this year! This wine has the most amazing deep color of any Cab Franc I laid my eyes (and palate) on in years. The wine opens up beautifully in the glass and expresses its gorgeous aromas of blue stone fruit, violet candies, chocolate, anise and cinnamon. On the palate, this full-bodied youngster offers up rich flavors for blue and red fruit, and voluminous and velvety tannins that fill out the mid palate. This well-crafted, amazingly balanced wine then moves seamlessly into a long and enticing finish, thanks to the wine’s fresh acidity. A MUST HAVE!

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

5 Barrel 96 Point Rated Pinot

Posted on by Frank Melis
Justin Wilett started out as an assistant winemaker and worked his way up owning his own label, which he created in 2005 producing 190 cases.  His meticulous attention to detail has elevated him to “Must Have” status among many Chardonnay and Pinot Noir lovers.  Working with some of the best vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Barbara county, Justin has wowed many (including me) with his great craft.   His latest releases all garnered big press (95 and 96 point ratings) and I’d say they could have been 96 and 97s but who am I to say.

Tyler 2013 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Santa Barbara
Retail 75.00- GGWC 71.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use discount code TYLER13 at checkout
Mix & Match OK with other Tyler wines

Galloni 96 Points 2013 Tyler La Rinconada: “A sensational wine by any measure, the 2013 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard is simply stunning. Explosive and structured, the 2013 takes hold of all the senses with waves of dark red and bluish fruit, lavender, cloves and violets that seem to never stop. Justin Willett hit it out of the park in his first vintage from La Rinconada. The 2013 is a real knock-out, and I don’t say that lightly.”

Tyler 2013 Pinot Noir N BLOCK Santa Barbara
Retail 80.00- GGWC 76.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use discount code TYLER13 at checkout
Mix & Match OK with other Tyler wines

Galloni 95 Points Tyler Bien Nacido N BLOCK: “The 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard – N Block is another wine full of nuance. Here, too, there is plenty of exoticism and nuance, especially in the aromatics. Scents of dried flowers, sage and rosemary meld into a deep, powerful core of fruit. The N Block has everything going on. Explosive, energetic and beautifully perfumed, the 2013 will provide thrilling drinking for those lucky enough to find it. Unfortunately there are just three barrels of this magical Pinot from Tyler.”

Parker 95 Tyler Bien Nacido N BLOCK: “Coming from winemaker Justin Willett’s favorite block in the Bien Nacido vineyard, the 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido N Blockhas more mid-palate depth and fruit than the old vines release and exhibits killer notes of rose petals, violets, subtle oak and sweet raspberry and black raspberry fruit. Beautifully rounded and textured on the palate, yet still in the house style, give this medium-bodied, focused and nicely structured Pinot 2-3 years and enjoy bottles through 2025.

Also check out these other well-regarded Tyler wines:
TYLER 2012 CHARDONNAY “BIEN NACIDO” SANTA BARBARA 95 PT PARKER
TYLER 2012 PINOT NOIR “DIERBERG BLOCK FIVE” 92 PT PARKER
TYLER 2013 PINOT NOIR “LA ENCANTADA” SANTA BARBARA – 94 PT PARKER

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

96 Point Pinot Noir Vineyard

Posted on by Frank Melis
Senses is the dream of three childhood friends – Chris Strieter, Max Thieriot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs –  who reunited after various journeys with the vision to produce world-class Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from renowned vineyards. Senses’ estate vineyards are located in the West Sonoma Coast region of northern California, specifically in the small town of Occidental and on properties the three founders grew up on. The West, or ‘True’ Sonoma Coast, is known for delicate, nuanced wines that exhibit depth and balance on the palate. Thieriot is “the” source for Littorai’s successes and many 96 point ratings!Senses 2013 Pinot Noir “Hillcrest” Estate, Sonoma Coast
Retail 60.00 – GGWC 55.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code SENSES13PN upon checkout

Deep, rich elements of cherry and strawberry mingle with dried rose petals and wet earth on the nose. Savory red fruit jumps out on the palate followed by cranberry and orange zest undertones. Vanilla hints, redwood spice and a velvety mouthfeel round out this wine. Bright acid and depth make this one one of Senses’ most exciting wines to date.

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

95 Point Rated Napa Cabernet

Posted on by Frank Melis
Frank Altamura’s lifelong pursuit as a winemaker is fueled by his passion for viticulture. Born and raised in Napa Valley, Frank began working with his cousin, a vineyard manager, right out of  high school and knew that this would be his life’s calling.  Formal viticultural training began at Sterling Vineyards in 1976 where he began to explore what winemakers were looking for from the vineyard.  This concept was further developed from the winemaker’s perspective at Caymus with mentor Charlie Wagner.

Altamura 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Retail 95.00 – GGWC 89.99
FREE SHIPPING on 4 or more bottles
Use code ALTA12 upon checkout

Wine Spectator 95 Points: “Amazingly pure, rich and complex, with tiers of dark berry, blackberry, wild berry, blueberry and boysenberry layered on top of black licorice and dusty, gravelly earth details, all well-centered. The finish sails on, with a mocha brownie aftertaste. Drink now through 2028.”

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Scarecrow Winemaker’s MUST HAVE 2012 CABERNET

Posted on by Frank Melis

What do you call it when a Hollywood actor/director wants to make wine? Hollywood & Vine!  That is the story of Doug Barr, who starred in series like Designing Women, The Fall Guy, Two on the Town, etc.  He also produced The Wizard, The Hit, Fathom, Temptation, Perfect Cover and many other well received scripts.  The multi-talented Barr’s directorial debut (his original screenplay) was Dead Badge with Olympia Dukakis!  He purchased a home at “2480…Street in Napa, once the home of Maynard Amerine, one of the “creators” of Napa Valley Wines.  As the story goes, Doug found a book Maynard published in the home and before long he wanted to get involved in wine – the rest “Hollywood & Vine 2480” is history.

Winemaker “extaordinaire” Celia Welch (Scarecrow, Corra, Barbour, Keever, Kelly Fleming, Lindstrom, etc.) does not need an intro – she is just as much a star and deserves one too (in the Wine Hall of Fame).

Hollywood & Vine
2012 “2480” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 95.00- GGWC 89.99
FREE SHIPPING SIX or more
Use discount shipping code 2480CS upon check out

This 100% Cabernet combines fruit from top-notch vineyards located in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Spring Mountain & Mt. Veeder.  The result is an exceedingly complex wine which shows the best attributes of benchland as well as hillsides vineyards. The aromas on this fully ripe Cabernet display chocoalte, black cherry, cola, anise, dusty plums, dried figs and a hint of toasty pecans. Intensely aromatic, the wine displays very ripe, luscious aromas. At entry, the flavor profile echoes the aromas, with ripe fruit and a hint of earth. The texture is full, dense, concentrated and structural, with sweet, juicy fruit notes throughout. The lingering finish tastes of ripe black berries, with deeper notes of caramel and a whiff of vanilla.

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!

Tasting Notes

95 Point Must Have Pinot Gem

Posted on by Frank Melis
Life has come full circle for Dick Doré. Born and raised on the family-owned Rancho Tinaquaic, this sixth generation Santa Barbara resident returned to his roots in 1985 by establishing Foxen with long-time friend, Bill Wathen. After working as a banker in the 60 & 70’s he gave up his nine-to-five job and moved his young family to Europe. Over the two years, Dick traveled the back roads where he developed a love of wine.  He returned to Rancho Tinaquaic, which was purchased by his great-great grandfather and Santa Barbara County pioneer Benjamin Foxen in 1837 in the late seventies. At that time Santa Barbara County wine industry was just emerging. With his passion for great wines firmly established, he initially worked to support his family, which included working for the Tepusquet Mesa Vineyard.

Foxen 2013 “Block 8” Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Santa Barbara
Retail $70.00 – GGWC 64.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code BLOCK8 upon checkout

Robert Parker 95 Points: “An incredible, profound Pinot Noir, Foxen’s 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 was completely destemmed and aged 17 months in 50% new French oak. Its deep ruby color is followed by sensational notes of sweet cherries, black raspberries, crushed flowers and a touch of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional, with seamless texture, this is California Pinot Noir at its finest. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years.”

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Lewis Winemaker’s hot new Napa Cabernet

Posted on by Frank Melis

Mark Grassi grew up in Northern California in Walnut Creek. Fond of wilder places, he moved to Napa Valley in 1980. He was torn between working in the wine industry and in construction, and first chose the latter. All the while, Mark kept taking viticulture and enology classes at Napa Valley College and refining his palate. In 1989, Mark launched Grassi & Associates, builders of custom homes, wineries and estates in Napa and Sonoma Valley. In 1999, he acquired 14 fertile acres in one of Napa’s finest winegrowing areas. That vision became reality with Grassi Wine Company, founded in 2001. Winemaker is ace Robbie Meyer (Peter Michael, Lewis, Jericho Canyon, etc.)

Grassi 2012 Cabernet “Estate” Napa Valley
Retail 78.00 – GGWC 69.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code GRASSI12 upon checkout

This youngster offers up gobs of licorice, blueberry and blackberries on the nose.  The wine is well-balanced and not overly concentrated. Very elegant with a medium to full  palate laced with gorgeous red and black fruit intertwined with spring flowers, licorice and a whiff of spice.  The wine finishes long with silky grainy tannins. I’d decant for a good hour.  Enjoyment for 10 years!

Robert Parker 93 Points: “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes from a vineyard on Soda Canyon Road. Made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon blended with tiny percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the wine exhibits an opaque purple color, sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, underbrush, loamy soil, licorice, tobacco leaf and spice box notes, and a complex, dense, medium to full-bodied personality. Consume it over the next 12-15 years.”

Anthony Galloni 93 Points: “Dark blue and purplish fruit, spices, cloves, menthol and cedar are some of the many notes that flesh out as Grassi’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignonshows off its open, engaging personality. This is a gorgeous, supple 2012 built on fruit, texture and exuberance, all of which make it an excellence choice for drinking over the next decade or so. Best of all, Grassi’s 2012 is a terrific value in artisan, hand-made Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.”

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Remarkable Chardonnay by 100 Point Winemaker

Posted on by Frank Melis
Henry Pellet was one of the “engineers” of the Napa Valley. Planting one of the first vineyards in the 1850’s  He was hired in 1959 to make wine from his grapes by John Patchett, one year after Charles Krug started, becoming the second commercial winemaker in Napa!  The vineyard is situated next to the famous Dr. Crane and To-Kalon.  The label depicts the dawn of the age of electrification, the era when pioneer winemaker Henry Alphonse Pellet illuminated the path towards modern winemaking methodology and with it, high quality and age-worthy wines. This vineyard site has been producing grapes for over 150 years, essentially since the beginning of winemaking in Napa Valley.
Pellet 2013 Chardonnay “Sun Chase” Sonoma Coast 
Retail 72.00 – GGWC 67.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code PEL13CHD upon checkout

Grown at an elelevation of 900-1400 feet, so well above the fog line, this wine is crystal clear with lemon yellow hues. Expressive aromas overflow the glass with pears, pineapple and apple blossom. On the palate this wine displays a silky texture that glides across the mouth seamlessly intertwining flavors of pineapple, honeydew melon and early season nectarines with more savory notes of Gravenstein apples and cut hay. There is a creamy almost almond like note underlying the high fruit flavors, providing depth and complexity on the finish. Only 185 cases produced.

Make sure to check out their equally stunning Pellet 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena Napa Valley

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

4 Barrel Napa Cab Gem

Posted on by Frank Melis

Milange is my own label, so I am of course very partial to the wine.  Milange is named after my two daughters, MIL(ayna) and ANGE(lina).  Our award winning winemaker sourced fruit from two of Napa Valley’s most famous contiguous vineyard sites and the resulting wine is flat out amazing. We introduced the 2013 Milange Cabernet at our 10th Anniversary Tasting in New York, and it was a big hit! We sold almost ½ of our inventory in one evening!

Milange 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 85.00 – GGWC 79.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more bottles
Use code MILANGE upon checkout

The 2013 Milange Cabernet was aged for 18 months in high quality French Oak barrels.  Offering striking aromas of black stone fruit, plums and espresso beans jump out of the glass. The wine is full in body, yet very elegant from start to finish. The 2013 Milange Cabernet offers up gobs of black currant, crème de cassis, chocolate and espresso bean flavors leading into a long complex but silky tannin finish. I suggest decanting this youngster  2 hours prior to imbibing.  I am very positive this wine will cellar nicely for a good 7-9 years. Only 100 cases produced, so hurry, as this will move very fast!

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

97 case Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Sensation!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Only 97 cases (4 barrels) of this “Original Chardonnay” were produced by ace winemaker Paul Hobbs.  This old Wente Clone, grown in Goldridge clay-sandy soil yields only a few tons per acre, but the fruit is remiscent of a Grand-Cru White Burgundy.  Harry Walker planted his first grapes on this estate in 1968 and named itWalker Station after a little town in Kentucky where he grew up.

Walker Station 2013 Chardonnay “Original” Sonoma Coast 
Retail 75.00 – GGWC 69.99
FREE SHIPPING ON 6+, Use code WALKER upon check out
OK to mix and match with other Walker Station wines

Sourced from Harry Walker’s “Walker Station” estate this wine offers up amazing aromatics and flavors.  Lively aromas of lemon custard, quince, citrus blossom and peaches jump out of the glass.  The wine is very complex, yet extremely elegant.  Full in body with subtle richness and the right touch of acidity. The wine finishes long with a slight nuttiness.  I’d say enjoy this youngster between 2015-2022.

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

4 Barrel, Blind Tasting Winner

Posted on by Frank Melis
Our tasting group rarely tackles Cabernet Franc, so I was very excited to review one of my favorite varietals.  Our panel selected some amazing wines:
  • Ramey (94 Galloni)
  • Hudson (93+ Galloni)
  • Kamen (93 Galloni)
  • Crocker Starr (92 Galloni)
  • Hourglass (94 Galloni)
  • Lang & Reed
  • Reverie
  • Robert Keenan (93 Points)
  • Oakville Ranch “Roberts’ (93+ Galloni)
  • Constant (93 Galloni)
  • Del Dotto
  • Walla Walla Vintners (92 Parker )
  • Pride Mountain
  • Chappellet (92 Galloni)
  • Wolf Family
The WINNER = WOLF 2012 CABERNET FRANC!
Since 1997, Jane and Doug Wolf have been stewards of the historic Inglewood Estate which is located at the base of the Mayacamas Range in the St. Helena appellation. The 30 acre property hosts just 6.75 acres planted to meticulously tended vines nurtured into wine of uncompromising quality. Karen Culler, winemaker, has led the wine program on the estate since the first vintage in 1997.

Wolf 2012 “Estate” Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley 
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 74.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6, use code WOLF upon checkout
Can mix & match with other Wolf wines

The 2012 vintage was textbook Napa Valley and counts itself along with the stellar vintages of the 2009 and 2010 wines. The 2012 Cabernet Franc has a rich texture and mid palate because of the fully mature and meaty tannins. The aromas are anise, blueberry, vanilla, and tobacco. The palate has the distinct oily mid texture characteristic of great Cab Franc. This wine exudes softness on the mid palate and extracted tannins on the finish, which is a luxury only found in Cabernet Franc. 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 101 cases produced.

Also check out the WOLF 2012 PHAEDRUS CABERNET SAUVINGON, NAPA VALLEY

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Sensational “Inaugural” (Screaming Eagle) Pinot Noir, 270 cases produced!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Domaine de la Côte is a collection of 6 vineyards planted over 40 acres on a 25 million year old siliceous (silex) seabed at the furthest western side of the Santa Rita Hills appellation. The vineyards, with vine densities between 4,000 – 7,000 vines/acre, are entirely organically farmed. Originally part of the Evening Land program, the vineyards were purchased by Raj Parr and Sashi Moorman, along with their financial partners (Screaming Eagle owner).Domaine de la Cote 2013 Memorious, Estate 
Retail 60.00 – GGWC 56.99
FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use code MEMO13 upon checkout

This very intense Memorious Pinot Noir is a single parcel at the Domaine de la Cote estate.  The wine  gushes out amazing amounts of concentrated fruit from the get go! Gobs of black stone fruit, anise, sweet spices, minerals and flowers jumps out of the glass.  The flavors mirror the aromas with a touch of crushed berries and wild herbs coating the silky palate.  This great wine is full in body, yet extremely balanced, rich, clean and concentrated without being overpowering. This is a wine with a future.  Young and intense, and it will age gracefully. My taste test showed that after 24 hours it had not lost any of its luster and was still kicking strong! Only 270 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

6 Barrel, Under $30 Cab Franc Stunner

Posted on by Frank Melis
This is only the second vintage from the legendary Pickberry Vineyard in Sonoma Valley that Zepaltas produced. This vineyard was put on the map by Joel Peterson of Ravenwood Winery and his sturdy, Bordeaux blends from the site. They have proven to be wines that stand the test of time, and we aim to follow suit with our Cab Franc. The vineyard was planted in the mid-1980’s on the western slopes of Sonoma Mountain about the town of Glen Ellen. The soils are rocky, red volcanic soil and our block of Cabernet Franc is situated on a beautiful knoll over looking the Sonoma Valley below.

Zepaltas 2013 Cabernet Franc “Pickberry” Sonoma Valley
Retail 33.00 – GGWC 29.99
FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use code ZEP13CF upon checkout

This wine offers up amazing aromas and flavors from start to finish.  On the nose you’ll encounter lavender, strawberry, anise and black pepper. On the lush, silky palate you are greeted by flavors of blueberry, raspberry and of course the hallmark of Cabernet Franc falvors, a touch of spice. The 2013 Pickberry is slightly more fruit driven than the 2012. It is bright and plush up front and finishes with silky tannins. This wine will need a year of cellaring to get to its sweet spot, so decanting will be necessary for early drinking. Only 145 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Under $50 Rock Star Napa Cabernet Blend

Posted on by Frank Melis
Scott Peterson (S.P. – Drummer) is a seasoned winemaker with a portfolio stretching almost 30 years making wine at an array of great wineries like Cardinale, Textbook, Pey-Marin, Mt. Eden, Anderson Conn Valley and others.  Scott is a big fan of Bordeaux-style blended wines, thus his blends have always been Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Merlot based.  Scott  believes in value and quality, and this 2012 SP Drummer Proprietary Red is just that!

SP Drummer 2012 Red Blend, Rutherford, Napa Valley
Retail 54.00 – GGWC 49.99 ~ FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code SPD12RED upon checkout

Swirling up and out of your glass is an intensity of classic California, ripe black stone-fruit aromatics, specifically plums. Texturally on the palate, this Rutherford wine is all-consuming first with rich fruit. Incredible toast that soon blankets the palate comes from our use of multi-forested French Oak. A trophy wine, to stand alone; our Marilyn Merlot of bottles, full of soft tannins, but voluptuous. With tremendous flavor and velvet from nose to palate, she lingers beyond your senses control. The blend of ripe grape-tannins and Oak tannins are seamless, and the marriage is forever smooth until your sadly tipping the bottle for the very last drop. Only 280 cases produced.

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!
Tasting Notes

Surprise 95 Point Napa

Posted on by Frank Melis
A native of South Africa, Brian Malk continues a family tradition of grape growing started by his grandfather who owned a wine farm in Franschhoek, near Capetown.  Brian moved to the United States in 1978 and is resides in Napa Valley as well as San Diego. Brian and Nancy purchased the Stags Leap property for Malk Family Vineyardsin 1997. The inspiration behind the Malk Family Vineyards logo was their beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Griffin, who recently passed away at the age of 15 1/2.  They even named the vineyard after their dog!  The complex layers of his personality displayed a bold yet colorful character, which exemplify the attributes of the wine his portrait graces.

Malk 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate” Griffin Vineyard
Stag’s Leap Napa Valley
Retail 90.00 – GGWC 79.99 ~ FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code MALK upon checkout

The 2012 Malk Family Vineyards Stag’s Leap Cabernet is a perfect example of what the appellation has to offer. The dark, yet vibrant color of the wine gives the first glimpse of its depth and elegance. The nose offers classic ripe black currant aromas, but is highlighted with beautiful floral qualities, light clove and spice, and notes of chocolate and vanilla. The full-bodied 2012 reveals interesting mineral notes of crushed gravel, black stone fruit, a whiff of dark choclate and a hint of soil in which the grapes are grown. While the weighty palate is incredibly supple, there is plenty of concentration in this wine to carry it for many years of enjoyment.

Click here or on the links above or call 415-337-4083 to order!