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!

Tasting Notes

Chardonnay of Month! FREE SHIPPING

Posted on by Frank Melis

The history of Scribe starts in 1858, just ten years after California joined the Union, when Emil Dressel, son of a famous Champagne producer came to California in search of his fortune.  Fast forward through phyloxera, WW I & II, the150 year old property was in disrepair.  The “Scribe” folks are returning it to a thriving ecosystem.  The 100+ year old Mission Hacienda, once home to the Dressels, is being restored as a tasting room and event center.  The Mariani brothers have access to some of the most amazing fruit sources as well, and are crafting first rates wines from their various vineyards.

Scribe 2012 Chardonnay “Estate” Sonoma
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more!
Use shipping code SCRIBECHD12 upon checkout

Scribe Chardonnay has a light gold-colored hue.  This Estate-grown and produced  Chardonnay displays a gorgeous nose of fresh cut flowers, quince, honeysuckle and a whiff of minerality. This youngster has an amazing body and set of legs.  Full, with well-balanced fruit to acid ratio.  A touch of citrus and modest butter with amazing purity and liveliness.  This wine has a loooooooong finish!

Also check out SCRIBE 2010 CABERNET (MAGNUM) NAPA – (Signed)

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

The Queen of Pinot reigns

Posted on by Frank Melis

Winemaker Shane Finley has honed his skills around the globe in Burgundy, Australia and was for a long time the assistant winemaker at Kosta Browne.  Since 2012 he has been the winemaker at Lynmar.  Shane has a knack of finding the “sweet spots” in the vineyards and the 2012 La Reine (the Queen, a.k.a. his wife) is just another example of his craftsmanship!

Shane La Reine 2012 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 42.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use code SHN12PN upon checkout

Sourced from two Petaluma Gap vineyards on the Eastern Sonoma Coast, this wine will rock your world!  Intense aromatics jump out of the glass of this bold Pinot Noir.  Amazing nose of black cherries, pomegranate, and a whiff of earth.  This is a well-crafted wine with tons of sex-appeal.   On the mid-palate, this full-bodied youngster struts a hint of appealing sweetness courtesy of the dark plum, dark cherry flavors, a touch of sage and black intertwined with well-balanced acidity, very classic Pinot Noir.  It rolls over the palate without any hesitation and finishes with a soft, silky mouthfeel.

Also check out Shane Camp 4 Grenache Blanc Santa Ynez

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Pfendler Chardonnay blind tasting winner of the month.

Posted on by Frank Melis

The late Peter Pfendler planted his first vineyard on their 300 acre Sonoma Mountain ranch in 1992.  Peter passed away in 2007 and since then 2 more vineyards have been planted.  Greg Bjornstad (formerly with Flowers) is the hands-on winemaker.  Very small production from this estate (600 cases total), so not something that you’ll find in the big box or corner store.

My weekly group never pulls out a lot of Chardonnays, but we decided it was time!  We tasted the following:

The winner – 2012 Pfendler

Pfendler 2012 Chardonnay “Estate” Sonoma Coast
Retail 42.00 – GGWC 39.99
FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code PFEND upon checkout

A beautiful golden straw color with gorgeous aromas of honeysuckle, Asian pear, honeycomb and sweet apples.  Full in body, this wine offers a honeyed mid-palate showing crisp lemon tart, crème brûlée, toasted spices and a scintillating acidity that keeps this sultry wine in impeccable balance.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Killer 2 barrel Pinot Noir production

Posted on by Frank Melis

A small winery but an amazing wine!  The name is a combination of the vineyard owners (a.k.a mom and dad) Nancy KIVELson and Tom AngSTADT.  An all estate property producing some great (mostly) Rhone wines and a small amount of Estate grown Pinot Noir.  Too bad the production of the Pinot Noir is still very limited, but it is well worth jumping on now.  The production will gradually grow to a whopping 100 cases!

Kivelstadt 2012 Pinot Noir “Sibling Rivalry” Estate Sonoma
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 45.00 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use code KIVELPN upon checkout
OK to mix and match with Kivelstadt Syrah

Only 42 cases were produced of this amazingly well-crafted Estate grown Pinot Noir.  Organically grown 100% Pommard Clone, for those who are fans of Red Burgundies.  The aromas of fresh cut flower, black raspberries and Bing Cherries jump out of the glass.  This well-crafted Estate-grown youngster is rich and full in body but amazingly structured. Finesse and elegance roll over the palate into a long flavorful finish.  Too bad the production is so small, and I have only 5 cases allocated to me.

ALSO CHECK OUT THE : KIVELSTADT 2009 “INHERITANCE” SYRAH (ESTATE) SONOMA VALLEY

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Small Pinot Real Head Turner

Posted on by Frank Melis

What happens when a med student changes her mind…. she becomes a winemaker.  That is truly what happened!  Kerith and Brian had just graduated from Cornell when they decided to take a trip to Napa.  They picked up some bottles of wine and food and set out for a picnic.   Somehow the picnic became nap time and … right then it happened – a guy in a bathrobe and slippers sauntered by.  They tried to ignore him as best as possible, but pretty soon similarly clad gentlemen were cruising by and around them, like they were living a scene out of The Twilight Zone.  They quickly packed up their picnic and climbed back in the car.  As they drove away, they noticed the sign that they had missed on our way in: Napa State Hospital – Department of Mental Health –  TRUE STORY. But it is here that their affair of the vine began in earnest.

Bruliam 2012 Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir
Retail 60.00 – GGWC 55.00 with FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use shipping code BRU12GC upon checkout

As you know the 2012 will go down in history as the “perfect growing season.  The wine is deep ruby in the glass, and features black cherry and raspberry aromas that are overlaid with nutmeg and spice and subtle hints of cedar and sweet tobacco round out the seductive aromatics.  On the palate this gorgeous Pinot Noir offers flavors of cherry pie with lively acidity bursting in your mouth and through the long finish. The 2012 has more grip and texture than 2011, with enough tannin and vibrant acidity to weather cellar age.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Napa’s Most Amazing White of the year! A White for Cabernet lovers – FREE SHIPPING

Posted on by Frank Melis

It started a little over decade ago when Thomas Keller (owner/chef) of the famed French Laundry in Napa asked Scott Palazzo to craft a wine exclusively for his restaurant.  Since then, Palazzo has turned out some amazing wines.  This latest Cuvee Blanc, sourced from OLD Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc vines might be his “Piece de Resistance”

Palazzo 2012 Cuvee Blanc, Napa Valley
Retail 58.00 – GGWC 54.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code PALCUV12 at checkout

On the nose this youngster offers up a floral and seductive aromas of tropical fruit (guava, passion fruit, hints of pear Anjou, pink grapefruit and orange blossoms).  On the palate, this wine is round and silky with a very opulent and broad oil texture and weight.  Amazingly balanced with the right touch of zesty acidity and a touch of mineralitly rarely seen in domestic whites.  The delicious passion fruit with whiffs of nectarine and Meyer lemon tease the palate.  This is an amazingly complex and well-crafted wine with a stunning mouthfeel.  It finishes with excellent richness and weight and complex notes of slate.

I’d call this a White Wine for Cabernet lovers!

Pair this wine with oysters & shrimp salads . Halibut, salmon & chicken dishes to roast pork & suckling pig! A Very versatile Food Wine!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Sexy Napa Red low 30’s

Posted on by Frank Melis

Pazzo (which means “crazy” in Italian) is a wine crafted by ace winemaker Kirk Venge.  It is an unpretentious blend of Cabernet, Sangiovese, Syrah and Petite Sirah.   It is a wine that Parker called “Sexy, seductive, provocative” and “The best value Bistro wine from Napa” as well as “Gorgeously hedonistic, flavorful”.  In other words, a wine you should jump on now.

Pazzo 2012 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
GGWC 33.49 with FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use code PAZZO12 upon checkout

This “crazy” wine is a real crowd pleaser that was crafted was star winemaker Kirk Venge.  The 2012 vintage, as you know is a knock-out year, is a stunning blend of some of Claus’ best barrels of Cab, Sangio, Syrah and Petite Sirah.  An ingratiating wine that is wonderful to drink in its youth. In addition to its good looks, it displays a nose of red berry aromas and follows through with spirited, sweet, lingering, fruit flavors.  The Cabernet gives it structure, density and black fruit flavors. The Sangiovese offers a “wow” factor of acidity, cherry-berry goodness, and an amazingly fragrant nose that has you craving another glass.  Syrah and Petite Sirah add a bolder richer component and also helps give Pazzo its deep color.  The balance of fruit, oak and tannin is perfect for drinking now.  I’d call this wine delicious!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Screaming Eagle owned Pinot Noir stunner – FREE SHIPPING!

Posted on by Frank Melis

The 2012 Amrita Pinot Noir is the second vintage of Amrita from the organic Wenzlau Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, which is adjacent to the great vineyards of Sea Smoke and Mount Carmel.  The venture is a partnership between Charles Bank (Screaming Eagle/Jonata, etc) and Raj Parr (Sommelier of the Michael Mina Group). Their winemaker is Sashi Moorman.  Sandhi, is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “alliance” and was chosen to reflect the partnership at the winery.  Charles, Raj and Sashi’s have one common goal – make amazing wine that is not overripe, does not have high alcohol but accentuate subtlety, minerality, structure and balance.

Sandhi 2012 “Amrita” Wenzlau Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 46.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use code SAND12PNW upon checkout

The 2012 Sandhi “Amrita”, meaning the “nectar of immortality” in Sanskrit is aromatic with layers of crushed cherries and licorice.  This knockout wine is huge, yet extremely well-tailored and elegant.  Remarkable texture, gorgeous from start to finish.  Sweet cherries and licorice jump out of the glass on impact.  This medium to full-bodied wine is elegant and lush with layers of well-balanced fruit and acid ratios.  Gobs of red and black cherries, flowers, a touch of spice and subtle acidity dance across the palate.  A real complex beauty and will turn many heads.  The finish is long and delicate.  Only 125 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Under $40.00 Chardonnay 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).

Liquid Farm 2012 “White Hill” Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
Retail 44.00 – GGWC 39.99 – FREE SHIPPING on six or more
Use discount shipping code LIQ12WH 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!

Tasting Notes

“The” Wine for a First Date

Posted on by Frank Melis

Jeff Cohn (JC Cellars) has been at it for 20+ years since he started his career at Ridge and Rosenblum.  His own label has been on fire as of late.  To lead up into the summer I wanted to introduce a fun wine – The First Date, a Roussanne and Marsanne (White Rhone varietals) blend.

JC Cellars 2011 “First Date” White Rhone Blend (Roussanne & Marsanne)
Retail 32.00 – GGWC 29.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount code FIRSTDATE upon checkout!

Aromatically this wine is unlike any First Date Jeff has ever made, in the sense that it is not focused on bringing the aromatics of peach, apricots and orange blossom of Roussanne, but to intermingle with the more conservative and much deeper aromatics of the Marsanne in this wine.

This wine is a perfect combination for all types of fowl, both wild or farm raised.  Goes well with fish, shell fish or rich meats such as veal or pork.  Also enjoy this with young or slightly aged goat cheese.

Jeff Cohn says: “Seduction is the first thing I think of when I taste this wine. This is a wine that has gone through many experimental changes over the years. Always Roussanne and Marsanne. These are two of my favorite white wines. I also love Viognier and have always felt that a touch of this grape could take this wine to even a more hedonistic level. The 2011 is without a doubt the year that made me want to go to the next level. Yes the Roussanne is still fermented and aged in the Cement egg and yes we are still 30% new French oak, but this year instead of 75% Roussanne and 25% Marsanne, we brought up the Marsanne % up to 40%. I felt the seduction of the Stage Coach Marsanne was so amazing and it balanced so well with the Roussanne , I just could not resist.”

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

The next Kosta Browne Pinot is here!

Posted on by Frank Melis

The journey that is Soliste, reflects the passion and commitment born of old world beliefs and traditions joined in a way that transcends individual ideas. The Soliste owners were inspired by winemakers who have challenged the status quo to elevate their region or cépage to grand cru level. Central to their philosophy is to be bold, experimental, and take risks; not arbitrarily, but with intent, diligence, and a long term vision. The rebellious voice of the Master of St Andelain, the self-taught iconoclast Didier Dagueneau, echoes in the Soliste winery, “If you want to be the best, you need the methods and techniques to get you there: Your vines must bear the best grapes; your vilification must be the most rigorous. There are no recipes. It’s all in the details of viticulture and all the details of winemaking, the assemblage of little things, 100 details and commitments which makes for the minute differences between a good wine and a great one.”

Soliste 2012 Narcisse Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Retail 44.00 – GGWC 39.99  FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more!
Use shipping code SOLNAR12 upon checkout

Intensely pure aromatics of griottes (wild cherries) and boysenberries interlaced with earthy tones. As the wine evolves in the glass, it carries elegant burst of dried fruits, exotic spices, vanilla, and black tea aromatics complemented by bright acidity of red fruit on the finish. The velvety tannins are extremely refined creating a Pinot Noir of great finesse, complexity and elegance. Narcisse 2012 is a mysterious wine that keeps evolving into profound sophistication.

Also check out the SOLISTE 2012 LUNE ET SOLEIL SAUVIGNON BLANC

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Rock Star Cabernet – FREE SHIPPING

Posted on by Frank Melis

Mark Herold has been around the block a few times and he does not need much more intro.  Star winemaker at Kobalt (95 Pts), Kamen (94 Pts), Merus (96 Pts, he created the label but sold it after a bitter divorce), Vineyardist (95 Pts) so it is no surprise that I am a big fan of his bold winemaking style.  As always his productions are very limited!

MARK HEROLD 2011 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY
Retail 100.00 – GGWC 94.99 – FREE SHIPPING on FOUR or more
Use shipping code HEROLD11CS upon check out

Dramatic, dark and penetrating immediately describe this wine. The color is a deeply saturated blue/black hue. Brooding from the glass is a landscape of layered scents: huge aromas of blackberries, black cherries, currants intermixed with espresso, crème de cassis, wet brick with nuances of dried flowers, black olives, and sage brush. A powerful mouth presence reveals extracted flavors of roasted black fruits showcased within a supple tannin framework is evidence of this wines fine sense of balance. Concentration, resolved fine-toothed tannins, and lingering rich flavors are hallmarks of this wine. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy the 2011 Herold Cabernet over the next 15 to 20 years.

Also check out the following Herold wines:  Kamen CS & SB,  Acha Red, Flux Grenache, Vineyardist SB  & Maze Cabernet.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Roar Winemaker’s latest Jewel – FREE SHIPPING

Posted on by Frank Melis

Ed Kurtzman does not need much intro, winemaker extraordinaire for Roar, Freeman, August West, Sandler, etc.  He has amassed decades worth of experience at wineries such as Bernardus, Graff, Chalone, Fort Ross, Testarossa and Michaud.  The Sandler label is Ed’s own label ( FYI, Sandler is his middle name) which he created in 2003 with a mere 2 barrels of wine!  Over the year the label has grown and focusses on various great designated vineyards throughout the state!

Sandler 2012 “Keefer Vineyard” Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Retail 42.00 – GGWC 39.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use discount shipping code SAND12KF upon checkout

The 2012 Sandler Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir is comprised entirely of the Swiss clone 23, also known as Mariafeld.  A very generous aroma of gorgeous rose petals and ripe berry aromas jump out of the glass.  An lively wine from start to finish.  Very lush palate that is filled with stunning red stone fruit and bright acidity that are in-sync with the flavors that you experience from start to finish. This is a wine that is pleasurable right away, but also one that will age for years to come.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Killer Cab by the “King of Cab” 25% OFF plus FREE SHIPPING – TODAY ONLY!

Posted on by Frank Melis

The “Dos Lagos” Vineyards (Two Lakes) are nestled in the hills of the Atlas Peak AVA in Napa.  A 22 acre property, with only 5 of the acres planted to premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The altitude is approximately 1,650 feet. A rocky terroir, the volcanic rock is called “tuff.” The vines are planted partially on the hillsides, sloping down to the two lakes.  Add Ace Winemaker Robert Foley and you have the ingredients for a great bottle of wine!

Dos Lagos 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate” Napa Valley
Retail 130.00 – GGWC 124.99 – BUY TODAY ONLY 99.99
FREE SHIPPING on FOUR – Use code DOSLAGOS upon checkout!

This 100% Estate Cabernet sourced from the Dos Lagos vineyard in amazingly intense and exotic.   The aromas of chocolate, spice, graphite and black fruit jump out of the glass on impact.  Very full in body, dark purple in color this wine is elegant but intense and offers up an array of crème de cassis, anise, a touch of spice and lots of dark fruit flavors from start to finish.  Long lasting finish that seems to go on for a good 30 seconds.  Only a 250 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Great Quality & Great Value Chardonnay plus FREE SHIPPING!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Almost 50 years ago, Lupe Maldonado moved to California from Atacheo, a small farming community in Michoacan, Mexico. In 1971 Lupe was working for Sterling Vineyards when Peter Newton offered Lupe the opportunity to join him in the creation of a new winery in the Spring Mountain District of St. Helena. Lupe’s dedication and hard work were beginning to pay off; he was named vineyard manager for Newton Vineyard. With Newton, Lupe found a home where he proudly dedicated all his energy for over thirty years. His son Hugo succeeded him in 1999.  Lupe began devoting his three decades of viticulture wisdom to his own grapes. He bought a 10-acre piece of land in the Napa Valley.  Today Lupe lives in the midst of the vines that he planted and tends to.  Lupe and his son Hugo, a graduate in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California in Davis, and their families are partners in the project.

Maldonado 2011 Chardonnay “Parr” Sonoma Coast
Retail 36.00 – GGWC 33.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use discount shipping code MALD11PARR upon checkout

A youthful, fun, vibrant wine from the get go!  The wine is medium to full in body, lush with a nice balance from start to finish laced with gorgeous pear, citrus and peach flavors and sublet mineral notes on the finish.  The wine finishes long and elegant, a real crowd-pleaser!  The wines are crafted by Alpha Omega winemaker Jean Hoefliger, whose relationship with the Maldonado goes back to 2001 while working at Newton Vineyards (under John Kongsgaard).

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

This French Laundry Cab is one for the ages and under $64

Posted on by Frank Melis

Ten years ago Scott Palazzo was asked by Thomas Keller, “Chef Extraordinaire” and owner of French Laundry and Per Se restaurants to craft a wine exclusively for him!  That resulted in amazing exposure for this small winery and the rest-as-they-say-is-history.

This 2009 release might be the best wine ever produced by Scott Palazzo! This Right-bank oriented blend which is a favorite of many top wine lists around the country like French Laundry, Per Se, Gary Danko, Delmonico, Del Frisco, Daniel and many others. I have been a fan from day one, and this 2009  elease showcases what I have preached for years – a wine in “Frank’s palatable price range” of  $35.00 – $75.00!

Palazzo 2009 Proprietary Red, Napa
Retail 70.00 – GGWC 63.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more!
Use shipping code PALRED upon checkout

On the palate this well-proportioned 2009 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot offers up a dense, yet extremely elegant and balanced profile. Merlot gives the wine sheer power and strength, silky texture and layers of dark cherry and blackberry fruit. The Cabernet Franc adds brightness, acidity and floral overtones to the wine … with the Cabernet Sauvignon adding structure and character to the wine … with hints of smoke, cocoa and espresso bean to the finish. This wine is big in body, yet silky smooth on impact with layers and layers of gorgeous fruit. The long, silky finish lasts a good 45 seconds.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Sexy Chardonnay in the low 30’s ($ not F)

Posted on by Frank Melis

This expressive wine perfectly personifies the classic style of chardonnay that the cool-climate Russian River Valley is known for. Fruit from several of Ten Acre’s single vineyard sources was combined to create this well balanced take on the classic Burgundian varietal. The Russian River Valley is famous for the coastal morning fog that slowly burns off throughout the day, lengthening the hang time of chardonnay fruit during the ripening season.

Ten Acre 2012 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Retail 35.00 – GGWC 32.99  –  FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code 10A12RRVCH upon checkout

The 2012 Russian River Chardonnay entices with a bouquet of bright tropical notes and vanilla bean. On the palate, lush texture is balanced by crisp acidity. Eleven months in French oak barrels, combined with full malolactic fermentation gives this versatile chardonnay a rich, memorable mouthfeel and finish. Only 200 cases produced!

Also check out these other wines from our friends:

Ten Acre Pinot Noir & Bella 2011 Lily Hill Zinfandel

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Scarecrow Winemaker’s latest concoction stuns!

Posted on by Frank Melis

The Kelly Fleming Estate is located next door to Napa collectible Araujo on Pickett Road in Calistoga. The estate might be 300 acres, but only 12 acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, while the other 288 acres are its own natural wildlife preserve.  Planted in 2002, this winery is slowly but surely turning into a “who is who” in Napa.  Add “star” winemaker Celia Welch, and the key to success is there!  Only a few hundred cases each of Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc are produced each year, so my advice – jump on it now!  Kelly is married to famed restaurateur Paul Fleming, creator of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse restaurants.

Kelly Fleming 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate” Napa Valley
Retail 115.00 – GGWC 109.99  –  FREE SHIPPING on FOUR or more
Use discount shipping code KELFLEM upon checkout
Can be combined with Sauvignon Blanc

Gorgeous color and vibrant aromas jump out the glass.  You are greeted by Bing cherries, black berries, sweet mint and black licorice that intertwine seamlessly with aromas of toasted nuts and cinnamon spice. The full-bodied palate of this 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon shows a juicy core of black and red stone fruit perfumed by the distinct savory terroir and floral notes that characterize the Kelly Fleming Estate.  The bright, juicy nature of this wine is balanced by soft, velvety tannins that both coat the palate and support the minerally, refined finish.

Kelly Fleming 2012 Sauvingon Blanc Napa Valley
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 35.99
FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code KELFLEM upon checkout
Can be combined with Cabernet Sauvignon

Lovely bright pineapple, gentle fresh Asian pears, and a hint of white peach, along with touches of jasmine, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaf all demonstrate the integration between fruit and floral notes. On the palate, the bright, juicy pineapple and floral notes are presented in a crisp flavor profile. Vibrant, fresh and lively flavors linger through the soft, dry finish.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

TWO barrel only Mark Herold stunner

Posted on by Frank Melis

Mark Herold has been on fire as of late.  Great reviews on Kobalt, Kamen and his own Mark Herold labels.  It does not matter what Mark touches, it turns into a must-have-wine.  The same for this 50 case Grenache production!

Mark Herold 2011 FLUX Grenache
Retail 33.00 – GGWC 29.99  –  FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use discount shipping code FLUX11GREN upon checkout

This is a very well-structured wine!  Full in body, masculine and powerful yet elegant!  Mark Herold is not missing a beat these days and this 2011 (100%) Grenache is a real crowd pleaser.  On the nose black and red raspberries, pepper and a touch of underbrush and spice.  Medium to full in body this lush wine is gorgeously textured and has an amazing mouthfeel with layers of bright fruit, hint of cassis and white pepper.  The wine is elegant with a long, pleasant finish.  With only 50 cases produced, this will be gone in no time!

Click here or on the links above to order!