Tasting Notes

Remarkable Inaugural 3 barrel (70 cases) Napa Red Blend

Posted on by Frank Melis

Two wine industry friends got together they decided to make some great quality wines that would not break the bank. Due to the fact that they don’t have a “middle-man” we are able to offer you their wines at a price well-below where it should be. So don’t want too long to jump on this latest little gem!

Couteau 2010 “Kitchen Block” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 37.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code KITCHEN10 upon checkout


The 2010 “Kitchen Block” is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Sirah sourced from three great vineyards in the Napa Valley (Frediani a Turley source, Hossfeld a Carter Cellar source and a small Calistoga vineyard). Right from the start you’ll be enamored by the quality of this youngster. Bright black stone fruits greet you on impact. Lush and bright black currant, plums and chocolate jump out of the glass. Full in body, yet extremely elegant and well-balanced this Napa Valley Red blend is runs pleasingly over the palate loaded with gobs of high-quality fruit flavors and dark Belgian chocolate leading into a long, complex silky tannin finish. Only 3 barrels (70 cases) produced, so hurry to jump on this one!
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.

Other

Happy 4th of July!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Golden Gate Wine Cellars

Happy Independence Day to all of you that allow me the opportunity to share my love and findings of the world’s greatest wines.

On a more important note – Thank you to everyone that has fought for the United States of America, and for those that still do so today. Having Golden Gate Wine Cellars here is a privilege that I hope is never lost.

In honor of the 4th, share a bottle of your favorite American Wine with friends. We are lucky to be able to share our favorite wines with all of you.

Happy 4th of July to you all.

Other

FREE WINE when signing up for our Wine Club

Posted on by Frank Melis

Dear Friends,

Thank You for your many years of support — it would not have been possible without you.

We have recently re-branded our wine club by creating a loyalty program where you can earn points that convert to FREE WINE (sorry, not completely free, the law makes me charge you $0.01).  If you stay a member for a least one year, you will receive bonus points that you can convert to FREE products.

Refer someone, and when they sign up for one year, you will receive EXTRA points towards FREE WINE!

We have created THREE CLUB LEVELS – APPRENTICE, EXTREME & CUTTING-EDGE.

Do you have a hard time selecting wines when walking into your local store? Or do you say to yourself, I really want to try a bottle before I buy a whole case? We have the answer for you. Our Wine Club will send you a shipment of six bottles of hand-selected wines throughout the course of the year, along with extra features such as elaborate wine and food pairing notes.

The formats of the three clubs are the same, but each club has a different price point for the wines you will receive.

APPRENTICE, our beginner package features wines at around $35 and starts at $199.99 per shipment.

EXTREME, for the advanced vinophile showcases some of the best wines in the $35-$50 range for only $249.99 per shipment.

CUTTING-EDGE, for the most discerning premium wine lover features the most exclusive boutique wines in the $45- $75 range at an unbelievable $299.99 per shipment.

Every other month we will ship you six bottles of hard-to-find wines.  All you need to do is to commit to a one year minimum membership and with each shipment you will receive CREDIT POINTS that you can use towards FREE WINE ($0.01)!

Each club shipment you will receive 2 points, once you received 10 points you’ll receive one free bottle of wine (average value of your club level).

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

A spectacular 3 Barrel (80 case) white takes us by a Storm

Posted on by Frank Melis

Storm 2012 Sauvignon Blanc – “Presqu’ile Vineyard” Santa Maria Valley
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 34.99 FREE SHIPPING on 12 or more
Use discount code STORM12SB upon checkout

The Story: It all started in South Africa where the family had been making wine for some time, but it was not until Ernst Storm decided to move to California that his idea began to take shape, and the foundation for Storm Wines was formed. Lots of trials and tribulations let to making wine in 2006 from Jim Clendenen’s Le Bon Climat Vineyard, and the rest as they say is history. He discovered the joy of the Santa Maria Valley and continued to expand his portfolio. Today he makes a mere 500 cases total (6 wines), but he is slowly but surely putting his name on the forefront.

The Wine: On the nose, this stunning youngster offers up a magnificent bouquet of yellow plums, apricots and a whiff of minerality. This great Sauvignon Blanc showcases a full body that is amazingly well-balanced and textured. The exquisite Storm “Presqu’ile” Sauvignon Blanc exhibits touches of minerality, citrus and honeyed melon flavors that are vibrant and not overbearing. The wine finishes amazingly long! Only 80 cases produced!

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

KILLER CABERNET… A Photographer’s other Passion

Posted on by Frank Melis

GKG 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon “Llewellyn Vineyard, Napa Valley
Retail 115.00 – GGWC 109.99 FREE SHIPPING on FOUR or more
Use discount code GKG12 upon checkout

The Story: Greg Gorman is known as one of “the” top celebrity photographers in the world! He demands 20K and more per shoot! A few names, Marlon Brando, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, etc. Greg Gorman has been recognized for his contribution to the world of photography with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Photographers’ of America, the Achievement in Portraiture Award from The Lucie Foundation and the Pacific Design Center Stars of Design award, etc. His passion started while getting his Master Degree in photography in Southern California when sipping on $7 bottles of Rioja. Fast forward to fame and he was asked to shoot the label for Dave Phinney’s “Papillon” label. Since Greg had been a fan of Dave’s Mercury Head Cabernet, that was a no-brainer. So over many glasses of wine and looking at various possible images for a wine label, Greg asked Dave to make a wine for him. He wanted it to be “top notch” just as his photography was. So Dave found a sweet spot on the Llewellyn vineyard, and the rest.. was history.

The Wine: As you know, 2012 was a great growing season with no frost, a mild Spring and a mellow Summer and Fall. The mild spring brought on a good fruit set. The warm summer and fall with no heat waves or excessive rains allowed the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly producing fruit that is rich and dark in color and bearing firm but sweet tannins. The aromatics offer up a combination of black currant and espresso with an underlying hint of toasted oak. Full bodied with strong flavors of black fruit, currants and cherries flood your palate on entry with further hints of espresso, dark chocolate and plums playing on your mid palate-coating the roof of your mouth with elegant integrated flavors of blackberry and cassis. Great acidity and sweet firm tannins round out a long finish and certainly make this vintage very age worthy. The wine is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot and 1% Malbec all sourced from the Llewellyn vineyard.

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.

Events

Birthday Wine Tasting!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Come help me celebrate my birthday with a special wine tasting today from 1-5 pm! 2337 Ocean Avenue in San Francisco.

Today’s lineup includes:

Gonet-Medeville Champagne, France
Malk 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
DuMol 2012 Chardonnay Russian River Valley
DuMol 2012 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Ziata 2010 Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley
Barrelhead 2010 Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley
Linked (Luc Morlet) 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley

Birthday Lineup

Tasting Notes

Gros Ventre 2012 Cerise Pinot Noir wins blind tasting

Posted on by Frank Melis

My tasting group reviewd a great selection of 2012 Pinot Noirs. The lineup included

  • Rochioli “West Block” (94 AG)
  • Pahlmeyer (94 AG)
  • AP Vin Garys (95 RP)
  • Purple Hands “Hosltein” (93 WS)
  • Crystallum “Bona Fide” (93 RP)
  • Siduri “Garys” (93 AG)
  • Ceritas (92 AG)
  • Littorai “Platt” (93 AG)
  • Comptche Ridge (94 AG)
  • Anthill “Tina Marie” (93 AG)
  • Sineann “Resonance” (93 WS)
  • Gros Ventre “Cerise”

The Winner: Gros Ventre “Cerise”

Gros Ventre 2012 Pinot Noir “Cerise” Anderson Valley
Retail 55.00 – GGWC 49.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code GV12CPN upon checkout

The Vineyard: This highly coveted vineyard sits high above the Anderson Valley floor – this rocky, wind and fog-swept source continues to impress. The warmer 2012 vintage created a more playful and approachable version than its colder 2011 counterpart (which is just now coming around). While each vintage is unique, there is a common style that is undeniably Cerise — a structured elegance that unfolds and reveals itself beautifully over time.

The Wine: The steady and bountiful 2012 growing season produced a bigger crop and larger clusters and berries. This has made for a lush moutfeel, medium to full bodied wine. This wine, while quite young, exhibits aromas of cherry, strawberry, hard candy, green tea and sage, coupled with floral notes of rose petal and sweet alyssum. The fine tannins and lifted acids provide the architecture to support the wine’s dense and intricate long finish.

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

Killer Napa Cab 25% OFF ~ Made by Aaron Pott – Vineyard Managed by Jim Barbour

Posted on by Frank Melis

Adler Deutsch 2011 Cabernet “Estate” St. Helena, Napa
Retail 92.00 – GGWC 69.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code ADV11CS upon checkout

The Story: Adler Deutsch Vineyard is located on the edge of the acclaimed West Rutherford Bench. Its soils are composed of Bale loam, rounded gravel and cobbled stones, providing good water drainage. This 2.17 acre site was planted in 2004 to Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is planted in three blocks to 5×8 spacing of low-trained vines. The vineyard is meticulously farmed by Jim Barbour and the team at Barbour Vineyards to maintain the health of the vines and preserve the integrity of the land.  Add winemaker Aaron Pott to the mix and you have a tandem winning winemaking team!

Tasting Notes: The 2011 Adler Deutsch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a classically-styled Cabernet crafted from estate-grown fruit. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2011 vintage is a dense ruby color, verging on purple. On the nose, the wine reveals fresh, ripe red and black fruits, including Bing cherry, black cassis, and blackberry along with licorice, violet and dried lavender.  These follow through on the lush and full-bodied palate to combine with chocolate, vanilla and espresso.  The mid-palate is juicy and the finish is a blend of lingering dark fruits and espresso wrapped up in supple and seductive tannins. The 2011 Adler Deutsch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon will age well for the next decade.

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

Chardonnay of the month! (6 barrels produced only 10 cases allocated)

Posted on by Frank Melis

In the early 1930’s Garret Bowlus’ grandfather William Hawley Bowlus began launching his one of a kind “Albatross” sailplanes off the ridges of Carmel Valley. Today his family carries on his avant-garde legacy farming Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on a steep Carmel Valley ridge rising over 1250 feet. The vines are rooted in a rocky diatomaceous clay loam soil overlooking Carmel Bay and the Pacific Ocean only seven miles in the distance. They handcraft the wines from soil to bottle with the utmost care and consideration to unearth the unique terroir and reveal the elegance and complexity of the distinct coastal location.

Albatross Ridge 2011 “Estate” Chardonnay, Carmel Valley
Retail 58.00 – GGWC 54.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code ALBA11CHD upon checkout

This might be one of the biggest surprises of the 2014 Spring wine tasting season! This tiny production Chardonnay offers a bright display of stone fruit and white flowers that jump out of the glass on impact. This medium to full-bodied wine offers up amazing flavors of apple, pear, and a hint of apricot that are framed by lively acidity and minerality that leads to a layered richness that lingers on the finish. Only 160 cases produced!

Pairs well with: Oysters, Foie Gras, wild King Salmon and Smoked King Salmon, Sushi and Sashimi, Steak Tartar and Roasted Chicken.

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

“The” Friday 13th Wine

Posted on by Frank Melis

Everyone panics on the Friday the 13th – I don’t! For this Friday 13th I figure that we needed to have a “different” type of wine, and the 2012 Abstract is just that. This bottling is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah sourced from some great hillside vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. This is a wine that will please many wine drinkers alike from beginner to connoisseur. And on a side-note Friday the 13th is not a bad day, as a matter a fact I was married on a Friday (April) the 13th and I am still happily married!!

“There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.” – Pablo Picasso

Abstract 2012 Proprietary Red Blend
Retail 32.00 – GGWC 28.99 FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use discount code ABS12 upon checkout

The 2012 Abstract has an amazing hue and nose. It offers up a crude oil-like complexion. Out of the glass one is bombarded with perfumed aromatics of black stone fruit, anise, kirsch and a touch of espresso and a whiff of sage spice. On the palate, this full-bodied youngster will tease you with its voluptuous texture yet remarkable freshness of lush black and mulberries, chocolate, plum and a hint of black tea at the tail end. Very well-balanced, good acidity with sweet and silky tannins rounding out this incredibly elegant wine. Long lasting finish.

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

GREAT CHAMPAGNE OFFER 15% OFF

Posted on by Frank Melis

I know the holidays are not something you are thinking of in June, but we are! Last week I met with the owner and winemaker of this great Champagne producer and am very excited to offer you a chance to offer this great bubbly on Pre-Sale at a nice discount plus FREE SHIPPING!

The Brocard Pierre Champagne vineyards are situated to the South of the Ardennes Champagne region, in the Aube at Celles-sur-Ource, a village in the Côte des Bar, where they benefit from sunshine favorable to the ripening of the grapes, which offers this smooth, harmonious and vintage rich typicity that is quite typical of the Côte des Bar The Celles-sur-Ource vineyard is located in the southernmost part of Champagne, on the hillsides of the valleys of the Ource and of the Seine.

We offer 2 bottlings, both will be in stock late September, well in time for the holiday season! The Pre-Sale ends June 15

Brocard Pierre 1er Cuvee “Blanc de Blancs” Brut
Retail 65.00 – PRE-SALE 55.00 on SIX with FEE SHIPPING
Use discount code BROCPRESALE upon checkout

The Blanc de Blancs (or white of whites) is a blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Blanc sourced from their estate vineyards in Champagne. The wine offers a light golden color with breathtaking aromas of white flowers, marzipan and stone fruits. The gorgeous mouthfeel is fresh and pure, laced with flavors of apples, lemon and meringue and a whiff of roasted almonds. This bubbly will pair well a great shellfish dish, foie gras or just for sipping on its own!

Brocard Pierre 1er Cuvee “Blanc de Noirs” Brut
Retail 65.00 – PRE-SALE 55.00 on SIX with FREE SHIPPING
Use discount code BROCPRESALE upon checkout

The Blanc de Noir (or white of reds) is a 100% Pinot Noir bottling, sourced from the estate vineyards of the Brocard Pierre family in Champagne. This wine offers up a clear, golden hue with a powerful and complex nose of lavender, toasted hazelnuts and figs. A very complex mouthfeel that is rich, crisp and clean, with well-defined flavors of red plums, red raspberries and white cherries. This is a full-bodied Champagne that is rich in the mouth, and is loaded with voluminous fruit and finishes with a long lasting crescendo of complex flavors. This is wine that will accompany many gourmet meals.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Other, Spotlights

A Visit to the Walter Hansel Bistro

Posted on by Frank Melis

A Frank Melis review:

Last week I took my wife and daughters to check out the new Walter Hansel Bistro in the beautiful Russian River Valley.   The restaurant is about 1 mile away from the Walter Hansel Winery and 1 mile from Historic Railroad Square in Santa Rosa, California.

The Bistro is a cozy, single story converted farmhouse that seats about 90 people.

We started with

A great Amuse Bouche of cauliflower and pesto “shooter” served in a tequila shot glass

We shared some appetizers

Liberty Duck Rillettes – A Confit duck leg, baguette crouton, cornichons and quince apple chutney

Lobster Bisque “en Croute”  – A Creamy lobster bisque in a puff pastry crust with a cognac topping.

Hickory Smoked Salmon Peruvian Causa  –  Whipped potato, hickory smoked salmon, quail egg, Aji amarillo cream

Mussels prepared in grandmother-like sauce served Belgian style with “skinny” fries

For entrees we ordered

Australian Rack of Lamb – Herbs Crusted, vegetables Tian, polenta, quince pear chutney

Corvina Sea Bass – Bloomsdale spinach, gratin Savoyard, micro Arugula, Beurre blanc

Day Boat Royal Sea Scallop  – Sunchoke puree, fried capers, pommes “gaufrettes,” truffle butter

We ended with

An assortment of various Sorbets and a French Press Coffee

Our family always scores from 1 to 5, and according to my girls it was a 4.5 out of 5

The ambiance was a 4.1/5,  Service was 4.8/5, Food was 4.5/5,  Menu Pricing 4.2/5.

I would recommend a visit to Walter Hansel Bistro, and when you do make sure to use my name when making a reservation.  Ask for Stephen Hansel (owner)  www.walterhanselbistro.com

3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA

Tasting Notes

Wine of the Month

Posted on by Frank Melis

Stolpman Vineyards is one of the larger vineyard holdings in Santa Barbara at 220 acres, but they sell a lot more than they make into their own wines.  That said, the Angeli bottling is the very best of the best of their estate, or the crème de la crème as the French would say.  The wine is named after the owner’s Italian family from Lucca (Tuscany).  The first couple of vintages Angeli was just the best of the vineyard, regardless of the varietal.  As of 2002 it became a 100% Syrah, the “King of Ballard Canyon”.    The wine is vinified mostly whole cluster so retain as much of the pure flavors as possible!

Stolpman 2012 “Angeli” Syrah
Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara
Retail 71.00 – GGWC 67.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code ANGELI upon checkout

The 2012 Angeli is a quintessentially beautiful Syrah. This might be on the best, if not the best Syrahs I have tasted all year! The aromatics are stunning and gorgeous – Black and Kalamata olives with hints of lush blueberries.  The body is masculine, yet very refined while retaining perfect balance and elegance.  One cannot help but to savor each sip and enjoy the meaty, juicy edge to the finish.  If you pop a bottle soon, make sure to decant it to be rewarded with wonderful complexity packed into this beautiful beast.  Very small production!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Portalupi 2012 Zinfandel Russian River Valley – ZIN OF THE YEAR!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Portalupi is a small family owned winery that was created by a husband and wife team in 2002.  Their goal was to create wines worthy of their Italian ancestry.  Having traversed the gamut of premium wineries I would say they succeeded in their quest and the results are some very high-quality wines, at an economically justified price level.

Portalupi 2012 “Old Vine” Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Retail 35.00 – GGWC 31.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more.
Use code PORT12RRVZIN upon checkout

Double Gold Medal Winner at the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Competition.   This Zinfandel comes from a vineyard located just off Laguna Road in the Russian River Valley. Owned and loved by the Marcucci Family, this vineyard began six generations ago. Phil Marcucci farms in the Italian tradition passed down through the generations. Always offering up consistent and solid fruit, the vineyard is a mainstay of the Portalupi portfolio. “Balance” is the word when describing the style of fruit grown on this historic property. Integrated moderate tannins coupled with cranberry/raspberry fruit are the hallmark of this wine’s pedigree. Spot-on, the wine begs for tomato sauce based pastas and classic American barbeque. Very limited production

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Killer Syrah wins blinds tasting

Posted on by Frank Melis

In a recent blind tasting of great Syrahs we had a real surprise jump out!  Our group of 15 lined up some great wines, including:

  • Carlisle “James Berry” (94 WA)
  • Bedrock (94 WA)
  • Chalk Hill (94 WA)
  • Two Hands “Lily’s Garden” (92 WS)
  • Piedrasassi (92 WA)
  • Lucia “Susan’s Hill (95 WA)
  • Lucia “Garys’” (94 WA)
  • Tensley “BMT” (95 WA)
  • Beckmen “No 1 Purisima (94 WA)
  • Cattleya  “Soberanos” (94 WA)
  • Herman Story “White Hawk” (94 WS)
  • Apsara “Los Madres”

Apsara garnered 7 first, 3 second & 3 third place votes – Carlisle 3 first, 4 second &  4 third, Lucia “Susan’s Hill” 3 first, 3 second  & 3 third, Lucia “Garys” 2 first, 3 second & 2 third place votes were the winners of the night, with Apsara as the # 1

The name Apsara comes from the Sanskrit word for a celestial dancer whose movements represent the key elements in our wine, balance, purity & expression.  Robin Akhurst learned from some of the best in industry – Anne Claude Leflaive at Dom. Leflaive in Burgundy, Matt Wenk at Two Hands in the Barossa Valley, Thomas Rivers Brown at Schrader & Outpost and Mike Smith at Myriad, 12C & Carter Cellars in the Napa Valley.  Working alongside these Hall of Fame winemakers he gained valuable experience to kick-start his own dream “Apsara”

Apsara 2012 Syrah “Las Madres” Carneros
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.99 – FREE SHIPPING on 12 or more
OK to mix and match with Apsara Sauvignon Blanc
Use discount shipping code “APSARA” during check out

In the glass the Apsara Las Madres Syrah shows an intense violet rim with a deep purple core.  This is a California version of a nice Cote Rotie!  The vibrant nose opens up over time to display a vanilla laced spice box with clove, anise and licorice. There are also hints of dark fruits as well as more savory notes of bacon and bitter chocolate.  I am happy to say this Syrah displays muscular savory notes of Kalamata olives, white pepper, blackberry star anise and subtle chocolate notes on the palate. Adding to the complexity there is a suggestion of smoked meats and on the finish the tannins coat the palate with a gentle hint of cocoa nibs.  Only 65 cases produced!

Also check out their amazing Sauvignon Blanc!

Apsara 2013 Sauvignon Blanc “Rivers Reach” Rutherford, Napa Valley
Retail 28.00 – GGWC 24.99 – FREE SHIPPING on 12 or more
OK to mix and match with Apsara Syrah
Use discount code “APSARA” during check out

Crystal clear with a green-straw color.  This year’s Sauvignon Blanc displays elegant aromas of lychees and passion fruit, alongside notes of pineapple, limes and a touch of green mango. Exotic fruits are complimented by a restrained mineral note that leads through to an almost creamy mid palate. The development of flavors in the mouth is carried through by a refreshing bright acidity that pairs with the phenolic component delivering crisp apple refreshment that lingers through to the finish. The 2013 is a nicely structured wine, whose complexities benefit from some air to display its full character.  Only 137 cases produced.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

100 Point winemaker’s latest release

Posted on by Frank Melis

Kapcsandy is on a roll the last couple of years, having produced three 100 point rated wines and it does not seem to stop. The winery owner’s tale starts in Hungary where he escapes a bloody revolution in 1956 and winds up on the West Coast via stops in the Bay Area and Seattle. Fast forward his successful chemical engineering career and his passion and knowledge of old world wines brings him to France in the mid 1990′s where after a visit to Leoville Las Cases he decides that owning a winery is in his blood. He purchased the “first growth” vineyard of State Lane and the rest we say is history. The Kapcsandy wines have become an icon overnight and wine lovers cannot imagine a cellar without it!  The latest release of the 2010 Endre received a not-shabby 95 Point rating.  Take advantage of the SPECIAL OFFER this offer of 15% OFF and FREE SHIPPING!

Kapcsandy 2010 “Endre” Estate Napa Valley
Retail 90.00 – GGWC 74.99 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more
Use discount code ENDRE10 upon checkout

The 2010 Endre offers up stunning aromas of black stone fruit, chocolate, coffee, and a touch of spice, all supported by vibrant yet-well-integrated silky tannins. The full-bodied blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 3% Cab Franc, 1% Petit Verdot is lush and concentrated, yet meticulously balanced to adhere to the very high standards Lou Kapcsandy put on his winemaker. This wine is more old-world in style, not the in-your face fruit bomb. The wine rolls over the palate in a smooth fashion and ends in long, flavorful finish with silky tannins.  This is a wine that will age nicely for a good 15+ year

Review Kapcsandy Endre 95 Points: “The 2010 Endre is very Bordeaux like. Notes of bouquet garni, red and black currants and loamy soil are present in this medium-bodied wine that seems to be a faster evolving effort than its siblings. With excellent texture as well as an elegant style, and I use that word in a positive sense, it should drink well for 10-15 years.” – 95 pts by Anthony Galloni

And in case you were wondering about their latest 100 point offering…

Kapcsandy 2010 Grand Vin 100 Points:  “The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin is stunning. Dark black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice, menthol, tobacco and new leather wrap around the palate as this majestic, breathtaking wine shows off its personality, class and pure pedigree. Powerful yet elegant, delicate yet intense, the 2010 is firing on all cylinders today. Layers of fruit build to a crescendo of pure pleasure. Readers lucky enough to own the 2010 will want to cellar this beauty for at last a few years. In the meantime, though, it will be pretty impossible to resist. The blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.” – 100 pts. by Antohony Galloni

Also check out this other Denis Malbec made wine:
SODARO 2010 CABERNET SAUVIGNON “FELICITY” ESTATE COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

Click here or on the links above to order!

 

Tasting Notes

A Chardonnay that Rocks

Posted on by Frank Melis

Situated in a small valley in the southern foothills of the Stag’s Leap Range, the estate began producing wine in the 1870’s. The Vandendriessche family has continued in the tradition of natural sustainable farming since 1977. Volcanic ash soils, hillside vines, cooler climate, and hand crafting on the land as well as in the caves make these wines complex and concentrated, with mineral characteristics, expressing the earth itself. The first commercial vintage was the 1986 Claret, I have been buying the wine since the 1987 vintage was released in 1990!  The first Chardonnays date back to the early 1990’s as well.  Christopher Vandendriesche is the winemaker (he also makes Hudson Chardonnay alongside John Kongsgaard!)

White Rock 2012 Chardonnay
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 33.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use discount code WHRCK12 upon checkout

This might be the best Chardonnay White Rock has ever produced.  This wine is rich, and packed with flavors. The aromas hit you immediately when opening a bottle. Ripe pear, lime and citrus blossom jump out of the glass.  This is a full-bodied wine, that is elegant, soft and round with a gorgeous palette of Meyer lemon, bight apple, a touch of vanilla and amazing purity.  Well-balanced acidity and fruit ratios from start to finish, with hints of tropical fruit, white currants develop on the palate.  The wine is lush and the acidity is bright and well-integrated, promising excellent ageabilility.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Hidden Napa Cabernet Secret ONLY 190 cases produced!

Posted on by Frank Melis

The Breckenridge vineyard (Jen Mar) was planted in 1992 by vineyard manager “extraordinaire” Jim Barbour to a well-established Napa Valley clone (Bella Oaks), add the skills of a seasoned winemaker– and the rest as they say is history!

Breckenridge 2009 Cabernet, Estate
Retail 70.00 – GGWC 64.99  –  FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code BRECK09CS upon checkout

This 190 case production will wow you from start to finish with an amazing balance and finesse.  You are greeted by aromas of blueberries, chocolate and a touch of anise.  On the full-bodied palate this wine oozes with black currant, raspberries, and vanilla, but the core is black fruit and spice. Stunning, yet elegant textured body that is rich and smooth and finishes with velvety tannins. This wine is great now, but should show well for years to come. I’d recommend to decant this wine in the morning when you brew that pot of coffee for full-enjoyment when you get home that night!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Outrageous “Unknown” White

Posted on by Frank Melis

ZEITGEIST (tsyt- gaist) is a philosophical term meaning the spirit of the times. The word was coined by the German Romanticists to describe the cultural, ethical and spiritual mood of an era.

TROUSSEAU GRIS – A native of the Jura region in France,  is a true “Grey” grape and can make either white wines or slightly hued wines.  Zeitgeist’s winemaker elected to press the grapes the moment they arrived at the winery, opting for a fresh white wine style.  Pressed very lightly to avoid any bitterness, the juice is then transferred to Stainless Steel and Neutral French Oak Barrels.  This low alcohol (13%) is the must have for Spring or Summer wine sipping on the porch to the seafood dinners!

Zeitgeist 2013 Trousseau Gris, Russian River Valley

Retail 30.00 – GGWC 25.99 – FREE SHIPPING with 12 bottles

Use discount code ZEIT13 upon checkout

The 2013 Zeitgeist Trousseau Gris, is unabashedly straightforward: fresh, vibrant crisp, and gorgeously balanced. Clean notes of white peach and lemon are grounded by mineral and a touch of anise. The wine hits your palate with energy and crispness, but gradually evolves into a more complex and round wine. The 2013 demonstrates the wonderful quality of Trousseau Gris to be both elegant and medium-bodied. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods; from the expected (seafood and veggies) to the less-than-expected (rib-eye, French fries and pork belly)! You will not be disappointed!!!

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Tasting Notes

Melka’s 95 Point Howell Mountain GEM!

Posted on by Frank Melis

In 2008 The Adams family purchased the great White Cottage Ranch on Howell Mountain and hired legendary viticulturist Michael Wolf and Winemaker-Extraordinaire Phillipe Melka to develop a new venture.  The 28 acre planted vineyards are located between 1600 and 2000 feet elevation.  The winery and vineyard almost read like a love story –  “It is a landscape of light and shadow, where mountain meadows, fir and oak forests, and lovingly tended vineyards reflect an honest rapport between man and nature. This landscape is the essence of ADAMVS, and the palette from which we craft our wines.” Winemaker Philippe Melka has reinvented the former White Cottage property on Howell Mountain into what I believe will become one of the best wines from the Napa Valley!

ADAMVS 2010 “Teres” Cabernet
Retail 110.00 – GGWC 99.99 – FREE SHIPPING on FOUR
Use discount shipping code AD10T upon checkout

This wine offers pure blackberry aromas intertwined with subtle notes of anise, dark baker’s spice and forest floor. On the palate, ripe, brambly fruits are gracefully integrated with hints of spiced plum and loganberry. Refreshing acidity and firm tannins add balance and depth, leading to an elegant, cocoa-filled finish. It starts off at a fine point and expands to fill the palate with rich, silky texture.

Click here or on the links above to order!