Tasting Notes

2012 Barrel “Head Turner”

Posted on by Frank Melis

Chris and Julianna (Jules) grew up in winemaking families in the Napa Valley. Chris made wine with his family for 24 years and decided that it was time to go out in the world and be his own boss. Jules started out at Mondavi and Opus One and moved on to William Selyem and Hourglass as well as managing some of the most prestigious vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. The Barrelhead label represents single varietal and single vineyards blocks that Chris and Jules thought would best represent their view of the valley and the expression of the terroir. The lots are very small and usually out in a few days.

Barrelhead 2012 Cabernet Franc, “Knollwood Vineyard” Napa Valley
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 45.99
FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use code BARREL12CF upon checkout

This 4 barrel production (96 cases) is a stunner right out of the starting blocks. The 2012 Barrelhead Cab Franc is laced with sweet spiciness, fresh flowers and jammy red stone fruit. This is an amazingly vibrant young wine that will please many palates alike. Multi-layered wine that expresses its through Cab Franc character and the fact that it benefited from a long growing season does not show any of the green flavors that sometimes accompany this varietal. The wine is full in body will layer upon layer of meticulously crafted fruit that is not overbearing and in-sync with well-integrated silky tannins. This is a wine that would surprise even our French counterparts! Hurry as there is a not a lot to go around!

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

California producer (97 Points) beats 49 out of 50 Top Malbecs

Posted on by Frank Melis

In a blind tasting of Malbecs from Argentina, Chile, France and California, our localSaracina winery came in second in a pack of 50! Not bad for our small producer!  Saracina is made by consulting winemaker David Ramey from single vineyards on their Mendocino Estate.

These wines received FIVE STARS from the panel

(98) Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve Malbec 2008 (Argentina $52)
(97) Saracina Malbec 2011  (California $29.99)
(96) Susana Balbo Malbec 2012 (Argentina $37)
(95) Lionel Osmin Cahors 2011. ($25)
(95) Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Cahors 2010 (France $25)
(95) Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard-Agrelo 2011 (Argentina $23)
(94) Achavel Ferrer Finca Bella Vista 2010 (Argentina $100)
(93) Altamira de los Andes, Reserve Malbec 2009 (Argentina $45)
(92) Salentein Numina 2012 (Argentina $43)

Saracina 2011 Malbec “Skid Row” Estate Mendocino
Retail 32.00 – GGWC 29.99 FREE SHIPPING on 12+
use code SARMAL upon checkout

Black garnet colored, the nose on this wine reveals notes of blueberry, plum, tobacco and tamari. The palate is layered and sappy, with moderate, supple tannins. The wine finishes elegantly, a deep, well balanced Malbec crafted for immediate enjoyment but structured enough to ensure mid-term ageability. Some call Malbec the “new Merlot,” and the elegant and soft, sunny California-style Skid Row Malbec fits the bill.

Also check out these other great wines from Saracina winery:

SARACINA 2012 ZINFANDEL PICK & SHOVEL ESTATE, MENDOCINO
ATREA 2012 “OLD SOUL RED” MENDOCINO
SARACINA 2013 SAUVIGNON BLANC ESTATE MENDOCINO
ATREA 2012 THE CHOIR WHITE BLEND

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

Cabernet of the Month

Posted on by Frank Melis

Louis XIV, The Sun King, appointed D’Artagnan, our Gascon home boy, as the Captain of the Musketeers. The Sun King was known for his flamboyant style and exquisite taste. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines for are sustainably farmed and are located in the highly acclaimed Mount Veeder appellation at 2,000 feet elevation.

Rousseau 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Le Roi Soleil. Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
Retail 85.00 – GGWC 79.99  FREE SHIPPING on 6+
Use code ROUS upon check out
Can mix & match with Rousseau 2012 Chardonnay Milady

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Roi Soleil is a classic and distinctive representation of Mountain grown Napa Valley Cabernet and of the excellent 2012 vintage. It shows a lush mouthfeel with bold tannic structure and a great balance between richness and age ability characters. High mountain fruit brings deep and dense black fruit and foresty notes. The sweet, refined roasted French oak adds layers and complexity to the mouth feel. Very long finish and great aging potential. Drink now (decant 1-2 hours) through 2030. Production: 224 cases

What makes Mount Veeder such as special place to make distinctive wines? Called “the smallest and most unique appellation in the Napa Valley” by the Wine Spectator Magazine, Mount Veeder features some of the steepest and most remote vineyards in all of California. The appellation volcanic soils and 1500 feet plus elevation mountain climate create the perfect conditions with longer sun exposure (but lower temperatures than the Valley floor), later ripening grapes that are deeply and intensely flavored.

Also check out their stellar ROUSSEAU 2012 CHARDONAY “MILADY” MOUNT VEEDER, NAPA VALLEY

Rousseau 2012 Chardonay “Milady” Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 41.99  FREE SHIPPING on 6+
Use code ROUS upon check out
Can mix & match with Cabernet Sauvignon, Le Roi Soleil

In Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Three Musketeers, D’Artagnan fell for the beautiful and mysterious Milady. This French style inspired Chardonnay is Yannick Rousseau’s Lady – “Milady” – Susanna’s favorite aphrodisiac! It comes from the highly acclaimed, 1800 foot elevation Godspeed Vineyards.

The Milady 2012 is a beautiful and hedonistic expression of Mount Veeder Chardonnay. It reveals a charming, and complex nose with subtle aromas of honey suckle, quince jam, hazelnut, lychee and crème brûlée. On the palate, it offers finesse and balanced acidity. The wine is textured and creamy from its aging on lees. Milady 2012 is a harmonious beauty that represents the quintessence of Mount Veeder fruit combined with Yannick’s Burgundian approach to Chardonnay winemaking.

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

2012 Napa Cab Franc 30% OFF!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Founder and managing partner, Jody Harris started this career in commercial contracting, but his first love was wine – which he developed growing up and visiting his grandparents’ weekend retreat in the Napa Valley.  He eventually planted 10 acres of vines and after meeting Julien Fayard (Winemaker at Azur and Atelier Philippe Melka) they decided to craft some great wines together.  

Cultivar 2012 Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley Retail $50.00 – $29.99  FREE SHIPPING on 12 or more Use code CULT12CF upon checkout

The Cabernet Franc comes from a small parcel in the Oak Knoll appellation in southern Napa, having characteristics typical of wines from The Loire Valley and Bordeaux, France. The 2012 vintage is deep red in color with brightness on the palate. The nose is full of black cherry fruit, violets and roses, with hints of tobacco and pepper. Sweet black cherry fruit flavors are complemented by notes of plum and blueberries, followed by hints of vanilla and Asian spices. This medium-bodied wine is rich yet well-balanced, with a long finish that will keep you coming back for more! It’s the perfect accompaniment for roasted game or rich, Asian-inspired dishes. Drink now through the next 5 years. 182 cases produced.2012 Napa Cab Franc 30% OFF

Tasting Notes

Zin-Tastic 2012 Release

Posted on by Frank Melis

Vince grew up in an Italian family – LOTS of food and WINE!  His grandfather introduced him at a very young age to wine (he would pour a little vino in his water), and that led to an early introduction, and later education as winemaker crafting great wines and tending to this amazing vineyard.  The historical vineyard stands as one of the last examples of pre-World War II grape growing. The methods Vince still uses were once prevalent throughout the valley; no irrigation (not even a drip line to be seen, with an organic philosophy – he never jumped on the ‘bandwagon’ of post-war pesticides).

Tofanelli 2012 “Estate” Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Retail 42.00 – GGWC 39.99  FREE SHIPPING on 6+
Use code TOF12ZIN upon checkout
OK to mix and match with 2012 Grenache

The 85 year old vines (planted 1929) are still producing amazing fruit and Vince knows best!  The 2012 vintage is a big, bold dense Zinfandel that is oozing with lush black currant, black berry, anise and a hint of toasty vanilla. The Tofanelli 2012 Zin offers  intense, opulent black stone fruit and licorice aromatics that jump out of the glass and lead into a full body flavor pool of black currants, berries and subtle black pepper spice.  Well-rounded and amazingly crafted.

Also check out the amazing TOFANELLI 2012 GRENACHE “ESTATE” NAPA VALLEY

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

Blind Tasting Pinot Winner!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Our first blind tasting of the year had to start on a mellow note, so we decided on Pinot Noir.  We lined up some great wines and the result was interesting

The line-up included:

  • Etude
  • AP Vin (Rosella)
  • The Hilt
  • Siduri (Sebastiano)
  • Pisoni
  • Kosta Browne (Gap’s Crown)
  • Kanzler
  • Talley Rosemary
  • Patz & Hall (Gap’s Crown)
  • Paul Lato (Pisoni)
  • Ancillary

Ancillary received 5 first, 3 second and 2 third place votes, Paul Lato (Pisoni) 3 first, 3 second and 2 third place votes, Pisoni (Estate) 2 first, 4 second and 2 third place votes.

Ancillary 2013 Pinot Noir
Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Retail 55.00 – GGWC 49.99, FREE SHIPPING on 6+
Use code ANCIL13PN upon check out

The famed Sangiacomo Robert’s Road vineyard is located on the Sonoma valley floor directly below Gap’s Crown and Sun Chase vineyards.  This special terroir bridges the gap between uplifted riverbed vineyards to the east and more coastal vineyard sites to the west. Two clones comprise this wine, ¾ Dijon 115 and ¼ classic French Pommard which comingle to create a wine of great complexity and grace. Ripe strawberry notes combine with a sappy dark fruit profile & a nicely integrated acidity reflect the perfect balance of this pinot noir. You will love this wine for its supple, silky & refined mid palate which leads into a powerful and lingering finish. Drink this wine early to enjoy its youthful appeal or cellar it 3-4 years to bring out its inner regal core.

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

Classic 2012 “96 Point Rated” Napa Cabernet

Posted on by Frank Melis

Luc Morlet has been on a roll as of late, and this latest venture “Cabaud” is just one of the many accolades this great winemaker can add to his portfolio.  Luc who was born in France, but is best known for his success at Peter Michael Newton, Staglin, Carte Blanche, Linked, his own Morlet label and of course the Cabaud Wines.

Passionate for both the expression of the various California terroirs, as well as the continuous pursuit of the ultimate quality, Luc calls his winemaking philosophy “neo-classical laissez-faire without compromise.” His is a non-interventionist winemaking style driven by an ongoing search for quality improvement. With over two decades of vintages under his belt (he worked 9 years in France, before coming to California), and with his own zest for innovation, Luc uses century old principles and classic Burgundy and Bordeaux methods, while adapting to California’s natural conditions

Cabaud 2012 “Benedictions” Cabernet Sauvignon
Retail 155.00 – GGWC 149.99 FREE SHIPPING on 4 or more.
Use code CAB12BEN upon checkout.

Sourced from Beckstoffer’s Missouri Hopper, Morlet selected a few special rows of this 100% Cabernet to craft this 96 Point rated wine. Intense and talkative with a classic bouquet of crème de cassis, cedarwood, spring flowers and a hint of white chocolate on the nose. On the palate this wine is rich and full bodied with perfectly balanced, soft tannins. Red, blue and black fruit flavors along with cassis, Quesch plum, and cedar linger long into the finish.

Robert Parker 96 Points: “Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from clone 4 on rootstock 3309, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Benedictions tastes like a young Pontet Canet. Its dense purple color is followed by a classic bouquet of crème de cassis, cedarwood, spring flowers and a hint of white chocolate. Full-bodied with stunning fruit intensity and purity as well as a long finish, this was all accessed from the Missouri Hopper vineyard owned by the Beckstoffer Family. Like most 2012s, this wine will be drinkable young, but it has the depth and balance to age for 20 years.”

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

4 Barrel Gem

Posted on by Frank Melis

The Hendry family has been farming the same vineyard in Napa since 1939. The lessons learned in more than 70 harvests provide them with a level of knowledge and a connection to the land that is rare in Napa. The Hendry Ranch is composed of 114 acres of vineyard situated in the hills north west of Napa. This latitude in the valley experiences substantial marine influence, and allows them to grow 10 different varietals, each carefully distributed among our 47 vineyard blocks. All Hendry wines are made from estate grown grapes. The 2011 vintage was the 20th vintage of the Hendry label.  The Hendry’s sell 90% of their grapes to other wineries and make small batch wines themselves.

Hendry 2012 Estate Merlot, Napa Valley
Retail 41.00 – GGWC 38.99  FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use code HEN12M upon checkout

Block 13 was replanted in the early 90’s to a high-end Merlot clone.  The wine offers an  inky, dense, black cherry color.  It explodes out of the glass with chocolate, cocoa, spice and black cherry aromas.  The palate is “Cabernet full” with deep, broad black berry fruit with accents of cocoa, and a dark chocolate “edge”.  Plenty of structure for a Merlot which is very well-balanced and full in body with a long, complex finish.  Only 99 cases produced!

Can mix & match with Hendry Zin and Cabernet for FREE SHIPPING*

HENDRY 2011 NAPA VALLEY BLOCKS 7 & 22 ZINFANDEL – 96 POINTS
HENDRY 2009 “ESTATE” CABERNET, NAPA VALLEY – 92 PT PARKER

Tasting Notes

Sin-Qua-Non at a discount

Posted on by Frank Melis

Sanguis winery is not a knock-off or copycat of Sine-Qua-Non, but I would say that their quality and zest are in the same realm.  One more positive note, these wines are less expensive and I can offer you some quantity!  Mattias has been crafting his wines for years in a similar fashion and has created a real following among the wine aficionados! This is his third Loner release and I am very excited about both his new wines, the Loner 2012 Chardonnay (3 barrels or 75 cases) and 2012 Pinot Noir r12b (5 barrels or 120 cases produced). Only 3 cases each were allocated to me!

Loner  by Sanguis 2012 Pinot Noir r12b
Retail 78.00 – GGWC 74.99 (MAX 6 per person)
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more, use code LONER12 upon check out
(can mix and match with Loner Chardonnay)

Crafted from the great John Sebastiano vineyard (Paul Lato, etc.) The wine is equal parts animal and purity of fruit, there is a nervy quality to this one and the freshness of a crisp ocean breeze.  In coming years, more elegance will take the place of current spry youthfulness (read: give it some time, I love it now but will love it more later).  Vibrant red currant and dark blueberry aromas and flavors are joined with a touch a real Burgundian (Pommard) like flavors and qualities.  The wine is full, yet extremely well-balanced with the right amounts of fruit and acid intertwined.   This is a Pinot that screams for food – Lamb, beef, hearty stew.  Only 5 barrels produced! 

Loner by Sanguis 2012 Chardonnay W12b
Retail 63.00 – GGWC 59.99 (MAX 6 per person)
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more, use code LONER12 upon check out
(can mix and match with Loner Cabernet)

Sourced from an amazing block on the Bien Nacido ranch, this is a wine that will rival the best from California and Burgundy!  Amazing aromatics jump out of the glass on impact – aromas of “secret-recipe-apricot-glaze” that Parisian pastry shops put on delicious butter pastries are complicated by grapefruit zest, smoky black and Oolong tea steeped at the right temperature, and bright white stone fruit.  The wine is full and lush, yet extremely elegant on the mid-palate with the right touch of acid kissing the amazing fruit.  This is a very intense and complex wine, that could use a good 60 minute breathing time and yes, even decanting would not hurt this puppy. Only 3 barrels produced!!

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

Schrader Winemaker’ exquisite 2012 Cabernet

Posted on by Frank Melis
Thomas Rivers Brown does not need an intro – He is Mr. 100 Point Cabernet!  Stone the Crows is an Australian expression of incredulity or surprise, having very little to do with crows themselves.  While there are certainly an abundance of crows in the vineyard, they spend most of their day perched on the fence posts or soaring lazily overhead on the breezes off the lake. They do little harm to the fruit, and live without fear of stoning.

Stone the Crows 2012 Cabernet
Retail 100.00 – GGWC 94.99
FREE SHIPPING on 4 or more. Use code STONE12 upon check out

The 2012 Stone The Crows Cabernet is sourced from their great “Estate” the Three Twins vineyard, located in the hills above St. Helena at 600 feet on the northern slopes of Lake Hennessey.  The wine has a very intense dark purple hue and an copious aromas of black currants and black berries with a whiff of savory notes.  On the palate this dense, yet extremely elegant, full–bodied wine is loaded with more black stone fruit, a touch of cocoa powder, a hint of toasty vanilla and is very well-balanced in the acid/fruit department.  This bold wine finishes long with gorgeous tannins.  I suggest decanting about 1 to 2 hours before consuming.

Thomas Rivers Brown tasting notes: “2012 was one of the vintages we always hope for, but rarely get.  A great start with no frost and a healthy fruit set led to a warm but never hot summer that let the vineyard slowly ripen and fully express its individuality.  When I think of the Three Twins Vineyard, aromatics and texture are two of the first things that come to mind.  The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon has both of these hallmark characteristics in a combination that allows me to say without reservation that this is the best vintage for Stone the Crows to date.  Aromatically, the lift and bouquet remind me very favorably of the 2011, while the silky texture and fine tannin of the mid-palate take that next step that I always knew this site was capable of.  A wine of balance and understated power, I would age this wine for 18-24 months before enjoying over the following 15+ years.”

Click here or on the links above to order!

*Free shipping applied to qualifying orders to the continental US. Alaska and Hawaii residents will receive discounted air freight.

Tasting Notes

A $42 Red that Rocks!

Posted on by Frank Melis
In 1960 Henri Vandendriessche came to America from France to study economics at UC Berkeley. He and Claire met in 1967 and fell in love with Napa, as well as with each other. In 1977 they purchased the 64-acre estate just north of Napa with two goals in mind: reviving an 1870’s winery estate to its ancient glory and raising their family on an estate that would reflect and encompass their values. They moved their young family into the converted old winery and made the farm their home. They replanted as much original vineyard as they could, and dug a cave system where they would make and cellar the wine. Always a family business, Henri oversaw all aspects of the enterprise, including the vineyard management, while Claire marketed and sold the wines. Their three children lived along with the seasons, helping and participating at each stage when time permitted.  Today, the children run the winery.  Christopher makes the wines (he also makes Hudson alongside John Kongsgaard) and Michael manages the vineyards.  The sister Anne Marie is an accomplished cheese-maker for a local artisan creamery.

White Rock 2010 “Estate” Claret, Napa Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 41.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6+, use code WHRCK upon check out
(can mix and match with 2012 White Rock Chardonnay)

The Claret is styled after great Bordeaux Cab blends (all Estate grown – 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot). The vineyard gives this wine a distinctive licorice, plum, blackberry flavor profile. On the palate you’ll find a complex wine with bright black stone fruit flavors with a hint of chocolate, nicely balanced with the right amounts of acid, fruit, spice, and a little touch of toasty vanilla and minerality. The finish is typically refreshingly dry with fine-grained silky tannins and nice acidity. The 2010 Claret is bolder than usual seen at White Rock. Small yields led to very concentrated fruit and delicious plump flavors.  Only 500 cases produced!  The wine is aged for 2 years in barrel and 2 years in bottle prior to release.

Also check out the exquisite White Rock 2012 “Estate” Chardonnay – Retail 37.00 – GGWC 33.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6+, use code WHRCK upon checkout
(can mix and match with White Rock 2010 Claret)

2012 was an ideal growing year at White Rock, and the 2012 Chardonnay is full, rich, and packed with flavor. The nose opens with ripe pear, lime, and citrus blossom. The mouth is soft and round, with a palate of lemon, bright apple, subtle oak, and vanilla. The Chardonnay develops its lush mouth feel from 11 months of sur-lies aging in French oak barrels. The acid is bright and well integrated, promising excellent age-ability.

Click here or on the links above to order!

*Free shipping applied to qualifying orders to the continental US. Alaska and Hawaii residents will receive discounted air freight.
Tasting Notes

An Under $40 Gem!

Posted on by Frank Melis

This small winery in the Santa Rita Hills is the brain child of Jeff and Nikki Nelson.  Their wine maker is Brandon Sparks-Gillis (the “man” behind the Dragonette success).  Their wine-style is based and named in honor of the chalky white hills of Chablis and diatomaceous earth of the Sannta Rita Hills.

Liquid Farm 2013 “White Hills” Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
Retail 44.00 – GGWC 39.99
FREE SHIPPING on six or more
Use discount shipping code LIQ13WH during checkout

This Chablis style Chardonnay highlights the unique salinity that comes from the ancient soils of the Santa Rita Hills.  Sourced from the great Zotovich (Brewer-Clifton, Diatom, Paul Lato), Kessler-Haak & Rita’s Crown vineyards this wine (named in honor of the chalky white hills of Chablis and diatomaceous earth of Sta. Rita Hills) offers a gorgeous nose of perfumed peaches and nectarines.  Medium to full in body, this wine is crisp in texture and depth, with very expressive aromas and flavors on both nose and palate.  Hints of lemon curd, pear, fresh citrus and a touch of tamarind.  The minerality is not overpowering, but clean and seductive!  You think expensive French, but get a well-priced Californian instead!  This 300 case production is of incredible value and will sell out quick!

Click here or on the links above to order!

*Free shipping applied to qualifying orders to the continental US. Alaska and Hawaii residents will receive discounted air freight.
Tasting Notes

Pinot of the Year!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Ken Wright grew up in Bourbon country (Kentucky). While waiting tables to put himself through school, Ken was exposed to fine wines from regions around the world. The passion became avocation when Ken left the Bluegrass State to attend enology and viticulture classes at UC-Davis. Eight years were spent winemaking Talbott Vineyards in CA. Friends from the Willamette Valley piqued Ken’s interest in the region when they would visit, and a trip to the Dundee Hills in 1982 convinced him that this was where the finest Pinot Noir in North America was being grown – 30 years later Ken Wright is a “name” among Pinotphiles.

Ken Wright 2013 “Savoya” Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton (OR)
Retail $60.00 – GGWC 54.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6+ bottles. Use code KW13SAV upon checkout.

Only 700 case of this magically crafted Pinot Noir were produced.  The wine’s perfumed aromas jump out of the glass on impact.  The wine is silky yet full in body, elegant yet not light – just the opposite, a real powerhouse.  On the palate you are greeted by bold black and red stone fruit, anise and a touch of elegant earthy spiciness.  The wine’s fruit/acid ratio is well-synced. The finish is long, intense and lasts a good 30 seconds!

Click here or on the links above to order!

*Free shipping applied to qualifying orders to the continental US. Alaska and Hawaii residents will receive discounted air freight.

Tasting Notes

100 Case Blind Tasting Winner!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Grenache is not in everyone’s wine vocabulary and it still confuses many Cabernet and Pinot drinkers.  It is not as bold, bacon-fatty spicy as Syrah, yet it is more elegant and complex.  Last week was one of our last tasting meetings of the year and we decided on Grenache.  We lined up some great wines with an amazing outcome

  • Booker “Ripper” (96 WA)
  • Ojai (94 AG)
  • Beckman “Pursima” (93 WA)
  • Two Hands (93 WS)
  • Tablas Creek (94 AG)
  • Pax (93 AG)
  • Denner (93+ WA)
  • Paul Lato (94 RP)
  • Herman Story (94 AG)
  • Tofanelli

The surprise winner – TOFANELLI!
 


Vince Tofanelli the man behind many great Zinfandels (his own label, Turley, Neyers etc.) produced 100 cases of an amazing Grenache.  This is only the second vintage, so you might be confused – not Zin, not Petite Sirah!

Tofanelli 2012 Grenache “Estate” Napa Valley
Retail 42.00 – GGWC 39.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6+ Bottles, use code TOF12GREN upon checkout
(can mix & match with Tofanelli Zinfandel)

On the nose you are greeted by bright aromatics of black raspberry, a touch of jasmine and orange blossom notes.  The wine is typical Tofanelli intense, with layered black and red stone fruit, cassis,  a touch of pepper spice and rose petals. Seamless wine that is extremely elegant and complex. An ideal Thanksgiving and Holiday wine – splash decant, but you can lay this wine down for some years to come as well.  Only 4 barrels produced.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Down Under stunner 20% OFF

Posted on by Frank Melis

Last week I enjoyed an afternoon visiting with Donal O’Dwyer who flew all the way from Australia with a few sample bottles of wine!  I tasted his new 2009 Cabernet (400 cases produced), which will be in stock shortly, as well as a latest venture, his 2010 Shiraz (only 100 cases produced) – we are taking orders NOW!

The 2009 Cabernet all estate is by far THE BEST wine he has ever produced, it will put his 2006 vintage to shame!  The Shiraz (sourced from his neighbor’s vineyard) is finger licking good!  Eventually Donal will produce his own “Estate” Shiraz as the vines are still a little young so he is selling that fruit and making trial batches as references for future releases.

O’Dwyer 2009 “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley
Retail $75.00 – Retail 65.00
PRE-ORDER BEFORE NOVEMBER 30, for an A TOTAL OF 20% OFF
ONLY $59.99 per bottle with FREE SHIPPING on 12!!!!
FREE SHIPPING on 12 or more, use code ODW upon checkout (can mix and match with his Shiraz)

The Cabernet, which I am sipping while writing this note will elevate you to other galaxies.  The nose is gorgeous, amazing black stone fruit jumps out of the glass.  The palate is mouth coating and teeth staining black stone fruit that is very well-balanced and extremely complex.   One would think Napa and Bordeaux visited the Clare Valley!

Lush black currant, with a hint of chocolate and mocha notes lead into a 45 second long crescendo.  The tannins are there, and I suggest decanting this wine an hour or two before consuming.  The 2009 O’Dwyer Cabernet is drinking well now, but can benefit from a year or two in the cellar and will age gracefully for a good 10-12 years.  400 cases were produced and ONLY 50 are coming to the US.  Because of the big following, I anticipate this wine to be sold out before it arrives here!

We are commencing the PRE-SALE offer today.   The wine is NOT YET in stock and is scheduled to arrive late January 2015. Well worth waiting for, really!!

O’Dwyer 2010 Shiraz, Clare Valley
Retail 70.00 – GGWC 65.00, PRE SALE 59.99
FREE SHIPPING on 12 or more – use code ODW upon checkout
(can mix and match with O’Dwyer Cabernet)

The 2010 O’Dwyer Shiraz offers a deep dark purple hue and intense aromatics of black berries and violets with a touch of pepper, tea and bacon fat character.  The wine oozes on the palate, full in body with rich and seductive flavors of black berries, chocolate, creme de cassis, and a whiff of smokiness that lingers on the back palate.  The wine is lush, yet very elegant and intense with silky tannins on the long lasting finish.   Only 100 cases produced, and only 5 are coming to the US!!

All orders received after November 30 will receive a pre-sale price of $65.00 with FREE SHIPPING on 12 bottles. Pre-Sale ends December 12, 2014.

Click here or on the links above to order!

*Free shipping on qualifying orders to a single address within the continental United States. Alaska and Hawaii orders will receive discounted air freight.

Tasting Notes

Bargain Napa Blend of the week

Posted on by Frank Melis

Chris Corley is a Monticello descendant and of course he was set out to make wine.  He did not always agree with the family practice and decided with the help of his wife “Jules” to create the Jules and Barrelhead winery. The Jules wines are well-made Napa Valley blends under $30.00!  This small production of 48% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot, 8% Syrah was sourced from two great vineyards the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley. The wine is built on the framework of a bold Cabernet Franc, which provides the structure and depth that is essential in crafting wines that are intended for moderate to long term aging. The secondary layer on this framework is Merlot, which softens some of the edges without compromising the structure. Merlot also contributes a slightly brighter fruit component to both the nose and the palate which nicely balances the darker tones from the other varietals. The tertiary layer is Syrah, which melts over the first two wines, filling in the gaps, deepening the core texture and rounding out the long finish.

Jules 2012 Vin Rouge (Red Blend), Napa Valley
Retail 33.00 – GGWC 29.99
FREE SHIPPING on a FULL case – use code JULES12 upon checkout

On the nose, you’ll find deep black and purple berry aromas, mocha and coffee. There is a subtle beam of lavender and vanilla which gives way to a light toastiness.  On the palate, you encounter a dark rich wine, especially after it is decanted for an hour or so, allowing the tannins to melt a bit. The attack maintains a brightness and vigor, which quickly subsides and softens into a deeply textured rich core. The finish is long with a slight grip of chewy tannin framing a long rich fall off the back of the palate.

Click here or on the links above to order!

*Free shipping on qualifying orders to a single address within the continental United States. Alaska and Hawaii orders will receive discounted air freight.

Tasting Notes

“The” Pinot of the year – 225 cases produced/ 6 cases allocated

Posted on by Frank Melis

Despite only being six miles from the Pacific, Rice-Spivak is still the most inland of the vineyards Cobb works with. Even so, it’s a very cool site. The 2012 growing season has yielded the finest vintage of Rice-Spivak Vineyard Pinot Noir ever made. While Rice-Spivak’s Dijon and Swan Pinot Noir plantings, northern exposure, and unique volcanic ash-laden soils always produce a complex, aromatic wine with excellent acidity and earthiness, the 2012 has a level of depth and concentration that is remarkable. It also possesses more black fruit and spice layers than we traditionally see from this vineyard, all at a low alcohol level.

Cobb 2012 Pinot Noir “Rice-Spivak” Sonoma Coast
Retail 75.00 – GGWC 69.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6+, use code COBB12RS upon checkout

On impact this wine will surprise you as dark aromas of layered cherries jump out of the glass. The wine is full in body, yet extremely elegant (not delicate). About 1/3 of the wine is whole cluster press and it shows in the flavors on the mid-palate. Gorgeous color and flavors from start to finish. This wine offers stunning black cherry and plum flavors with some savory spiciness on the palate. The tannins are there but not aggressive at all finishing with a silky, strawberry tartness that is very pleasant and appealing. Only 225 cases were produced and I was allocated a mere 6 of them, so HURRY!

Tasting Notes

Epic Two Barrel Syrah – 6 cases allocated

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 (for Pinot) in the Valley, getting much needed temperate weather necessary for this varietal.   Located in the Carneros Region of the Napa Valley, the “Papi y Chula” vineyard is the source of this little gem.

Campesino 2012 Syrah Sangiacomo “Old Lakeville Vineyard” Sonoma Coast
Retail $39.99 – GGWC $37.99
FREE SHIPPING on SIX+ bottles, use code CAMP12SYR upon checkout

Dark purple color and profound aromas of bright blueberry fruit, cassis, chocolate and a touch of spice jump out of the glass.  The 2012 Campesino Syrah is a very intense, full-bodied, lush wine that is loaded with powerful, yet very elegantly crafted black and blue stone fruit, a touch of roasted herbs and a whiff of smoke.  As intense the wine is on the mid-palate, this wine offers an amazingly long, sensational finish with silky tannins. 

Click here or on the links above to order!

*Free ground shipping on qualifying orders to a single address within the continental US. Orders to HI & AK will receive reduced air freight shipping.
Tasting Notes

Winemaker of Year’s hottest new wine (includes $0 Shipping)

Posted on by Frank Melis

Steve Matthiasson is one of the most sought after vineyard managers and winemakers in the Napa Valley. His current clients include Araujo Estate, Spottswoode, Chappellet, Hall, David Arthur, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and many others. 

Steve Matthiasson was named “Winemaker of the Year” in 2014, and that is an honor not given to everyone!  Steve meticulously farms his own vineyard at night and even on Sundays!  One of the nicest guys in the Valley, a quiet “rock star” of sort.  He is not noticed, but the wineries noticed him!

Matthiasson 2012 White Blend, Napa Valley
Retail 42.00 – GGWC 39.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6+, use code MATT12W upon checkout

This most amazing 2012 White Wine will amaze everyone.  I would say this might be the best choice for Thanksgiving!  The 2012 (dry) White is a blend consisting of mostly Sauvignon Blanc with smaller amounts of Ribolla Gialla, Semillon, and Tocai Fruilano as in previous years, but is more ripe and exuberant than past vintages, reflecting the warm growing season. You’ll find fresh cream on the nose accompanied by key lime pie and flavors of passion fruit, lychee, and lemon curd. There’s a long stony/saline finish from the Ribolla, bright flavors from the Sauvignon Blanc, and the Semillon balances the wine with a beeswax character that adds gravity and weight.  

Click here or on the links above to order!

*Free ground shipping on qualifying orders to a single address within the continental US. Orders to HI & AK will receive reduced air freight shipping.