Tasting Notes

Helen Turley (Marcassin) Assistant Knocks One Out of the Park!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Les Grands Vins de Colette is a new Chardonnay project from Claire-Marie and Wendell Laidley, who previously co-founded Realm Cellars in Napa Valley in 2002.  This brand embodies their collective passion for Burgundian-style Chardonnay and is an opportunity for us to pay homage to Claire-Marie’s grandmother, Colette, whose life journey was made for the movies.

The winemaker is Rebecca George – she has an immense array of experiences and depth of talent for someone so young.  Her resume includes Marcassin (Helen Turley), Kelly Fleming, Williams Selyem and Domaine MeoCamuzet in Vosne-Romanee (France).

Colette 2009 “Durrell’ Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 46.99  –  FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
 Use discount shipping code COLCHD09 during check out

This is an amazing wine with lots of power from start to finish.  This is a Chardonnay that will even benefit with a few years in the bottle and will surely live a long life in the cellar!  I was stunned when I tasted the 2009 Colette.  This is truly a Premier Cru-type wine, if we’d had a designation in California.  Sourced from a unique block on the famous Durrell Estate, this wine offers tons of intensity from start to finish.  On the nose you’ll be presented with gorgeous aromas.  The palate is loaded with luscious fruit and the right balance of acid and minerality.  This might be one of the most impressive whites of the year.  Rich, yet silky smooth with the right amount of fruit and acid in sync a touch of butter scotch along the way.  The wine finishes long and elegant.  A true gem!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Winemaker of the Year’s stunning Chardonnay

Posted on by Frank Melis

Bello is the story of a young boy with a dream, he wanted to be a champion.  He became very successful with his residential construction business, but that was not enough.  In 2000 he purchased a prime property in the Rutherford Bench district of Napa and began construction of this amazing site.  He hired David Abreu as his vineyard manager – do I need to say more?  He also purchased a thoroughbred racehorse, Megahertz, and brings her to the California stable of trainer Bobby Frankel. This young filly is the beginning of yet another champion story for Bello, but we are not talking horses today.  He also hired ace-winemaker (of the year in 2012) Aaron Pott as his winemaker and the team was complete!

Bello 2011 Chardonnay, Napa
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 45.99  FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code BELLO11CHD during check out.

The 2011 vintage  required an experienced winemaker’s deft hand. Winemakers with experience outside California’s ideal vineyard climate produced wines of great complexity and elegance that will be excellent for early drinkers.  The 2011 Bello Chardonay offers up gorgeous aromas of pear, melon, peach, toasted almond and vanilla.  On the palate the wine’s richness attacks you instantly.  You’ll encounter gorgeous flavors of lychee, creme brulee, orange, toffee, with almond and melon harmonizing into a long finish. The wine was fermented on indigenous yeast in high-end French Oak Barrels. The full malolactic fermentation gives the wine great richness without being overpowering.  Small production.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Araujo winemaker produces TWO new gems

Posted on by Frank Melis

Matt (Matthew D. Taylor)  traveled the world in pursuit of soil education.  That would best describe him in one sentence. Stints at wineries like Joseph Swan, Le Montrachet, Leflaive, Jerez, he eventually became the winegrower and winemaker at esteemed Arajuo Estates in the Napa Valley (recently sold to Chateau Latour!).  It was at Araujo that various doors opened widely for this talented youngster.  The Araujos even allowed him to created his own label Matthew D. Taylor.   Matt sourced Chardonnay from one of the best vineyards, Walker Station (Paul Hobbs) and Michaud (another Paul Hobbs source).  His production levels are very low, but incredibly high in the quality department.  Matt also started working with Harry Walker (Walker Station) and developed a “Montrachet Block” from budwood procured from the Reuling Vineyard (See Mark Aubert’s iconic  95+ rated wines)

Matthew D. Taylor 2009  Pinot Noir “Michaud”
250 cases produced
Retail 48.00 – GGWC 44.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Can mix and match with the Chardonnay
Use discount shipping code MDT during check out

The 2009 is everything this vineyard has aspired to and that Matt wanted it to be… BALANCED!  Weight without heaviness, ripe without being overripe or “hot”, layered aromatics and a finish that doesn’t stop giving.  Perfect?  I really don’t know what else to say but,  Enjoy!  It is an understated wine, you are greeted by bright and intense red stone fruit that jumps out of the glass. An attractive elegance on the mid-palate.   Clean, Burgundian quality that intertwines with burst of fruit.  This is Pinot Noir at its best!

Matthew D. Taylor 2011 Chardonnay “Walker Station”
ONLY 100 cases produced!
Retail 46.00 – GGWC 42.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Can mix and match with the Pinot Noir
Use discount shipping code MDT during check out

An extravagant wine that means a lot to me. The 2011 Walker Station offers Crushed rock, white flowers, nectarines, citrus rind, dried apricot, hazelnut and brioche that  make one reminisce of Old World Chardonnays, of which this wines clonal material is founded, from the Montrachet Vineyard in Burgundy. A plush entry followed by focused acidity on the mid-palate and finish. Incredible texture! Great cellaring potential, but why wait?  100 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Chardonnay Deal of the Month!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Stuart Bewley grew up in California’s central valley, where hard work and farming were a part of life. But his name will be forever tied to the beverage that embodied The Beach.  While in their twenties, Stuart and his high school friend Michael Crete experimented with mixing wine and fruit juices. They ended up inventing the wine cooler, and the iconic California Cooler brand. Within four years they went from selling cases out of the back of a pickup truck to a multi-million dollar business.

When Stuart was in his early thirties, they sold California Cooler and he moved on to a new challenge. Going back to his farming roots, he immersed himself in the study of viticulture. His seven year search for the perfect site ended with Alder Springs ranch.

He bought Alder Springs ranch and broke ground in 1993, planting his first vineyard block. Today, Stuart meticulously thins his grapes with a “bonsai” method. While his yield-per-acre is significantly below the industry average, the resulting quality of the grapes is of the finest in California.   Alder Springs has been the source for some of the most sought after wines in the industry (Sojourn, Patz & Hall, Arnot Roberts, Pax, Behrens Hitchcock, Relic, Siduri, Copain, Kesner, etc.)

Alder Springs 2011 “Row Five” Chardonnay
Retail 35.00 – GGWC 29.99  –  FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code ROWFIVE11 during check out

Even those who normally don’t like Chardonnay may find themselves falling for this one. Meticulously crafted, the Row Five Chardonnay is the entertaining and friendly type. Alder Springs balanced this gorgeous Chardonnay in order to pair better with food. It’s a harmonious integration of fruit flavors, acidity, butter, and oak, yet not too much of any one component. Nothing is out of place. You could describe this wine as if it were a good party host: it doesn’t take over the conversation and overwhelm its dinner companions, but rather orchestrates the meal by bringing everything together. Pairs especially well with Crab, lobster, chicken, oyster, tarragon, cream, and butter

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Value Napa Cabernet under $40.00

Posted on by Frank Melis

Three friends. A missed turn. An intimate tasting with Robert Parker. Copious amounts of Champagne. A bird statue in a window.  This is the genesis of Banshee.  Since then they’ve come a long way in short time but the goal hasn’t changed: to craft distinctive wine that over-delivers in every possible way.  They want to give the world wines with real joie de vivre.  Banshee owns no vineyards of its own (yet!) but works in lock-step with high-end vineyard owners and wineries to produce wines of depth, purity and balance.  They spend ridiculous amounts of time working on finalizing each blend, and then try to convince people that “It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it.”

Banshee 2010 Cabernet Napa Valley
Retail 44.00 – GGWC 39.99  FREE SHIPPING ON SIX or MORE.
Use discount shipping code “BANSHEE” during check out.
OK to mix and match with other Banshee wines.

As in past vintages of this wine, the Banshee folks sought to create a blend of Napa Valley “mountain” fruit and “choice valley floor” parcels. Since 2010 was cooler and abundant in fine structure naturally, they used a bit more from the Oakville and Rutherford appellations and a little less from Howell Mountain. The resulting wine is 64% valley floor and 36% mountain fruit.  The “Blend” is 96 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% (combined) Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. This is the most age worthy wine Banshee has created. It’s densely packed with blackberry, currant, and plum flavors and buoyed by an intricate, yet firm structure. It is delicious now but will continue to improve over the next 10-15 years.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Best of Class Zinfandel!

Posted on by Frank Melis

 

Portalupi 2011 “Dolinsek” Russian River Valley
BEST OF CLASS, Double Gold, San Francisco International Competition!
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 46.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code PORT11DOL during check out

From 100 plus year old vines farmed by one of the most meticulous growers in America, this is truly a treasure. Raspberry Framboise Liqueur, intertwines with mineral, subtle herbs and spices accentuate this one of a kind Zinfandel with picture perfect acidity. This wine screams for fall-off-the-bone-slow-smoked baby back ribs. This is a Zinfandel that could age nicely in the cellar as well.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Screaming Eagle owner releases hot new Pinot Noir

Posted on by Frank Melis

Sandhi is a small production California winery focusing on select vineyards from the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County and was founded in 2010 by Rajat Parr, the wine director for Michael Mina Restaurants, Charles Banks, the owner of Jonata and Screaming Eagle, and esteemed winemaker, Sashi Moorman.

Sandhi 2011 Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
Retail 42.00 – GGWC 37.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code SANDHI11 during check out

This wine showcases all the exuberance of Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. It is a blend of a few vineyard holdings in the Santa Rita Hills with over half the fruit from 40 year-old vines at the Sanford & Benedict vineyard and the rest coming from Rita’s Crown and Bent Rock. It has bright, shiny, crunchy black raspberry fruit with great aromatic lift of fruit, flowers and cola spice. The wine is delicious now and will age gracefully for another 5-7 years.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

An Exceptional Mountain-Grown Cabernet Blend

Posted on by Frank Melis

Mitchell Ming and his wife Jenny discovered this gorgeous 186 acre property high above the cloud line, on a west facing ridge of Mount Veeder in 1999. Inspired by the dramatic views, they named their new family enterprise Moonridge Vineyard. After many years of planting and nurturing the land with famed viticulturist Phil Coturri (also known for farming Kamen, Herold, Bedrock, Hanzel and other great vineyards) they created Korbin Kameron (named after their twins), Cuvee Kristin is named after his other daughter.  Only 19 acres are planted to vines at an elevation of 2300 feet!

Korbin Kameron “Cuvee Kristin” Mt. Veeder
Moonridge Vineyard  (Sonoma Valley)
Retail 60.00 – GGWC 54.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
 Use discount shipping code KK08CK during check out.

The deep purple hues exhibited upon pouring this wine in the glass are very vibrant and appealing. On the nose there is wonderful intensity and complexity with plums, dark cherries, and hints of spice, toasty oak, and dark chocolate. On the palate this well balanced wine has a heavy structure and weight with a soft silky feel. The flavors mimic the aromas with added hints of spice and star anise that linger nicely leading to an enjoyable finish.

Wine Enthusiast: 93 Points “Delicious and classy, this is based on Merlot, with the other four classic Bordeaux varieties in proper proportion. It flatters immediately with its wealth of blackberries, black cherries, cola and mocha that finish so dry and spicy, yet it has that extra complexity that makes it intellectually interesting. Drink now and over the next six years. —S.H.”

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Pahlmeyer winemaker hits Home Run with his own label!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Kale Anderson has put Pahlmeyer back on a path to success, but it is his own label that caught my eye and will turn lots of heads in years to come.  Sourced from the “Premier Cru” Kick Ranch vineyard, Kale produced a mere 88 cases of this stunning “Home Run Cuvee” a blend of 60% Syrah, 37% Grenache and 3% Viognier.  The vineyard is just west of Napa’s Spring Mountain so a premier growing region and source!  This is a winery to jump on now, as I see “CULT” all over it!

Kale 2010 “Home Run Cuvee” Kick Ranch, Sonoma County
Retail 50.00 – GGWC  45.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more.
Use discount shipping code KALE10HRC during check out

The wine is dark in color with amazing brood aromas which unfold suddenly into tobacco and plum.  With time, the aromas evolve to anise, cardamom and become more savory in nature.  White pepper, blackberry compote and candied citrus peel are revealed in the mouth-watering mid-palate.  The flavors culminate in tanned leather and dark chocolate through the finish.  This is a wine that can be enjoyed for a good 15 years!  Very limited (88 cases) production!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Inaugural Release Cabernet, one for the books!

Posted on by Frank Melis

In the mid-19th century, Two brothers — Adrien Pierre and Jean V. Chaix — listened to many stories of the agricultural wonders of the Napa Valley and the unique terroir perfect for growing grapes. The two young Frenchmen left their homes in Provence and immigrated to California. They settled mid-valley, purchasing prime vineyards in Rutherford, Oakville, and on Howell Mountain. Jean V. and his business partner Adolphe Brun built and operated the 13th bonded winery in California. In 1909 their great-grandfather Adrien, known as A.P., bought an 80 acre vineyard in Rutherford on the renowned Rutherford Bench. He cultivated grapes with cuttings he brought from Medoc region in Bordeaux. Over the past 100 years, grapes from Chaix Family Vineyards have gone into making many of Napa’s most distinguished wines. This is the inagural release of their own label, backed by a very impressive legacy.

Chaix 2009 Cabernet A.P. Reserve, Napa Valley
Retail 54.00 – GGWC 49.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use Shipping code CHAIXAP2009 upon check out

Polished and structured, the A.P. Reserve opens with Bing cherry and red currant backed up by dusty, earthy aromas mingled with a touch of chocolate and mint. This full bodied 100% Cabernet Sauvignon offers smooth, sweet fruit flavors on the palate and are rounded out with a toasty, dusty coating. Bright acidity balances the rich structure which finishes with a toasty espresso note.  Silky sweet tannins can be found on this youngster that will turn heads in years to come.  Their Great-Grandfather, Adrien Pierre Chaix (A.P.) and his dog proudly grace the inaugural release of this 100% estate-grown Cabernet.  Only 298 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Events

In Store Wine Tasting!

Posted on by Frank Melis

We are bringing wine country to the city with the best selection of hard-to-find boutique wineries. Meet the winemakers and taste their latest creations.


Join us every Saturday from 1:30 – 5;30 for an in-store tasting

Complete schedule below.

Call, email, or click on the links below to RSVP!

Walk-ins welcome, space permitting.

 

Aug 3rd


Pallazo, Gamba, and Moshin!


Make sure to sign up on our FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages for updates and SPECIALS!

 

 

In-Store Tasting Schedule

 

Aug 3 Palazzo, Gamba, & Moshin
Aug 10 Hilliard Bruce – Paul Lato Winemaker
Aug 17 Coho – Gary Lipp Owner & Brooks Painter, Winemaker
Aug 27 Banshee – Steve Graff Partner/Winemaker
Tasting Notes

100 case production wins blind tasting!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Founded by an army and family of one, Patrick Krutz, Krutz Family Cellars has just recently grown into its “full” business name.  The 2003-’06 vintages were crafted entirely by Patrick.  Youngest brother Cole came on the scene in 2007 and has been assisting in the cellar ever since.  Also joining the operation (and the family) in 2008 was Rebecca Krutz.  She and Patrick met in Napa Valley in the summer of 2007 and were married the next year.  Together, they have two sons, Patrick II and Tripp Morris, along with a daughter, Ellie. When the business was founded, the word “Family” was included due to Patrick’s close family ties, but now it encompasses an even bigger and broader meaning.  After all, anyone that enjoys a bottle of Krutz Family Cellars is a part of our extended family.  I have been happily impressed by Patrick’s winemaking skills over the years, and this wine is just another accolade in my book!

In a recent blind tasting of 2011 Chardonnays I am happy to report that this 100 case production kicked some “dust” – the lineup was impressive:

  • Littorai “Thierot” (94 Parker)
  • Anderson Conn Valley (93 Parker)
  • Hartford “Four Harts” (94 Parker)
  • Keller “Oro de Plata” (92 Parker)
  • Arnot-Roberts (92 Parker)
  • Beringer Private Reserve (92 WS)
  • Aubert “Ritchie” (96 Parker)
  • Kistler “Hudson” (95 Parker)
  • Paul Hobbs “Ritchie” (94 Parker)
  • Failla “Hudson” (93 Parker)
  • Lucia (by Pisoni) Soberanos (92 WS)
  • Krutz “Martinelli Road”

The winner by a horse length – KRUTZ MARTINELLI ROAD!

Krutz 2011 Martinelli Road Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
use discount shipping code KRUTZ11CHD during check out

On the nose this 100 case production showcases exotic citrus aromas echo of pineapple, apricot, kiwi and orange peel. The wine has an amazing body. The palate shows an awesome display of complex flavors.  A touch of minerality and crisp, citrus with a touch of apricot and butterscotch.  The texture is exceptional with a whiff of vanilla framing a lingering, long finish.

Also check out KRUTZ 2009 SYRAH “STAGECOACH” NAPA VALLEY (Free Shipping on six – use code KRUTZSYR09)

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Screaming Eagle’s Winemaker

Posted on by Frank Melis
Andy Erickson has gained a wealth of respect among both consumers and his peers. Andy is not only a great winemaker, most of all he is one of the most likeable guys around.  You can talk to him any time, he’ll never turn his back on you.  That shows in his winemaking skills as well. His portfolio of high-scoring, prestigious projects is well known (Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Ovid, Favia, Arietta, Dancing Hares, etc)

Leviathan 2010 Proprietary Red
Retail 52.00 – GGWC 47.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use discount shipping code LEVIATHAN10 during check out

Leviathan is a family venture between Andy, his wife Annie Favia-Erikson, and her family. The 2010 is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc & 7% Syrah. Leviathan means “something unusually large or formidable.” I can say that this latest release is just that!

Perfumes of star anise, paprika, and thyme draw into the glass. Flavors of cherries and blackberry jam rush over the palate, with smooth tannins and intense fruit lingering on a lengthy finish. A sizable wine, the newest incarnation of Leviathan is a hedonistic delight now and should provide added excitement in years to come – but why wait?

Click here or on the links above to order!

Be sure to join us in the store on July 27 when we will host Andy and the Leviathan team for an exclusive wine tasting!

Tasting Notes

A true gem for your cellar – 94+ Points!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Patel is a very small producer, making only two wines for a total of 500 cases.  For those who purchased wines like Perry-Moore, etc. from me, they will be familiar with the great winemaking style and techniques from their winemaker Kian Tavakoli.   The current release received a 94+ Point rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate!

Patel 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 115.00 net – FREE SHIPPING on FOUR or more
OK to mix & match with Patel Red Blend
Use discount shipping code PATEL during check out

Only 192 cases of this gem were produced!  The 2009 Cabernet offers a very deep dark hue with amazing aromatics.  Aromas of ripe blackberry and black currant jump out of the glass on impact.  This is a multidimensional wine that is packed with lush flavors of black stone fruit, a touch of chocolate and well-integrated notes of toasty vanilla.  The wine is very complex and transitions gorgeously from the entry through the mid-palate into a long lingering finish thanks to the wine’s silky tannin structure.  Sourced from two amazing vineyards in Coombsville and Atlas Peak, this gem will not be around for long!

Parker Review 94+ Points: “A dark, brooding beauty, Patel’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is strikingly beautiful. Endless nuances of dark fruit, exotic spices, cinnamon, mocha and espresso take shape as the 2009 opens up in the glass. This dense, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with pure class and personality. The 2009 has developed far better than I envisioned when I first tasted it last year. This is a dazzling showing. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2029.”

Patel 2010 Proprietary Red Blend, Napa Valley
Retail 65.00 – GGWC 59.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
OK to mix & match with Patel Cabernet
Use discount shipping code PATEL during check out

The 2010 Patel Red blend is a tribute to the Right Bank (Pomerol).  In keeping with the Right Bank tradition, this wine is a blend of 70% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.   It has a deep dark red hue and intense aromatics.  The intense nose expresses a lovely combination of red and black stone fruits, with subtle, integrated toasty vanilla notes adding layers of complexity to the aromatic profile. On the palate, this will is refined, well-balanced and nicely structured.  Tons of intensity that compliments the silky tannin level and frames the long finish.  Only 300 cases produced!

Parker Review 92 Points: “The Merlot-based 2010 Red Wine Patel wraps around the palate with gorgeous textural finesse and elegance. Super ripe black currants, violets and cinnamon all come to life in this juicy, exuberant wine. The Red Wine is made in an approachable style meant to be enjoyed pretty much upon release, so there is a premium on forward fruit over the structure of the vintage. Another year or two in bottle should help the baby fat drop off. The blend is 70% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025.”

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Screaming Eagle assistant produces a real value

Posted on by Frank Melis

Farella Vineyards has been growing premium grapes in Coombsville since 1977. Tom Farella has an impressive list of long-standing clients (Realm, Far Niente, Pahlmeyer, Zeitgeist, Keenan, Relic, Lail etc. ) and has produced exceptional Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Malbec under his own label since 1985. Tom and Winemaker Massimo DiCostanzo (Assistant Winemaker at Screaming Eagle) work closely to showcase the exceptional terroir of Coombsville and do it very well.

Farella 2010 Merlot, Estate, Coombsville Napa Valley
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 34.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use discount shipping code FAR10M during check out

This is a very intense well-made gem from this small producer, nestled in hills of Coombsville.   The wine offers a deep purple color followed by intense aromas.  The nose is full of blackberries, dark chocolate and lovely floral notes.  Very well structured youngster.  This wine is smooth and rich on the palate, loaded with bright  flavors of pure and lush black fruits, with a long, smooth, spice-driven finish.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Small Vines – Greatest Wine!

Posted on by Frank Melis

The Sloan family has been farming in Sonoma for four generations now, and Paul took it one step farther, adding winemaking from their great vineyards as well.  They started this project in 1998 and the Small Vines vineyards have become an important source for many Sonoma wineries.  Selecting only their best lots from perfectly tended vines this precise cuvee marries these hand selected lots from the best vineyards together. The 2011 vintage was long and unusually cool, producing wines of great structure, depth and length. Late spring rains and winds reduced the fruit set and size of the crop. 2011 had extremely low yields-and what tiny crop remained -created intensely pure, balanced wines, with good acid and tannin structure.

Small Vines 2011 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Retail 60.00 – GGWC 55.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code SMV11PN during check out

Full bodied wine with a deep pomegranate color with an expansive dark cherry nose and a touch of Amaretto.  On the palate the wine offers a silky texture and sexy dark notes- chocolate and cherry cola. There is a mouthwatering structure and pleasing cohesion between fruit and savory- bright red fruit, cherries on one side, a hint of tea and amaretto on the other. This gorgeous wine closes with silky tannins and a seemingly limitless finish wine finishes equally lively and complex as it started.  Only 300 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Hidden Gem, a real stunner

Posted on by Frank Melis

Sanglier is French for “Wild Boar” and wild boars still roam the area of the winery!  Owner Glenn Alexander grew up in Texas, but visited California wine country often. In 2001 he and his wife Melissa purchased a vineyard and home in the Russian River Valley that set in motion the idea of the Sanglier winery.  In 2003 Glenn started Bacchus Vineyard Management and as of today still has big names clients like Paul Hobbs, Kosta Browne and Pahlmeyer. He also farms for Kick Ranch, Griffin’s Lair and other iconic vineyards in the valley.  In 2006 the Alexander family created Sanglier Cellars and since 2007 have worked closely with Dick Keenan in making fine wines from Kick Ranch and other premium Sonoma County vineyards they farm.

Sanglier 2010 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
Retail 34.00 – GGWC 31.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
OK to mix and match with Sanglier Pinot Noir
Use discount shipping code SANG10 during check out

Take a moment to relax after pouring a glass and you will be rewarded with aromas of ripe red apples, lemon meringue, citrus peel and lemon pound cake. Take a sip and notes of roasted grains, vanilla and stone-like minerality add depth and complexity. Powerful and expressive, elegant and well-defined, the palate is supple and rich with a long and clean finish.  400 cases produced.

Sanglier 2010 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 36.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
OK to mix and match with Sanglier Chardonnay
Use discount shipping code SANG10 during check out

The dark ruby core of this Pinot Noir exhibits striking clarity and vibrancy. The nose develops nice intensity in the glass with aromas of concentrated red fruits like raspberry, cherry and strawberry. The palate possesses balanced acidity, tannin and body with engaging flavor intensity and a lingering finish. The flavors echo the aromas of candied red fruits which are framed by warm spices and a touch of pipe tobacco. The acid is refreshing and zesty, the fruit, firm and juicy and the tannins, ripe and fine-grained. A supple viscosity complements the seductive fruit in this well-structured and harmonious wine. 400 cases produced.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

93 Case production wins blind tasting among Big Boys

Posted on by Frank Melis

Founded in 2004 by Peter Young, Grey Stack Cellars is hidden away in the Bennett Valley AVA in Sonoma County, one of the newest and smallest AVA’s in the United States. Vineyards and farming are truly the heart of Grey Stack Cellars and behind the traditional rock walls that surround our vineyards lies the secret to creating renegade wines: the cool marine climate and volcanic soils that can only be found in the microclimates of Bennett Valley.

In a recent Pinot line-up (blind tasting), this 93 case production blew away a pack of BIG name wineries:

  • Arnot-Roberts (94 Parker)
  • Paul Hobbs (93 Parker)
  • Radio Coteau (94 Parker)
  • Craggy Range Aroha (94 Parker)
  • Hirsch Bohan-Dilon (92 Parker)
  • Aubert “Ritchie” (95 Parker)
  • Rochioli “West Block” (93 Points)
  • Capiaux “Garys” (93 Parker)
  • Failla “Estate (94 Parker)
  • Grey Stack

THE WINNER:  GREY STACK “FOUR BROTHERS” ESTATE!

Grey Stack 2011 Pinot Noir “Four Brothers” Estate, Bennett Valley Sonoma
Retail 48.00 – GGWC 44.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more!
Use discount shipping code GS11PNFB during check out

The wine kicks off with amazing aromatics that jump out of the glass.  One is greeted by a gorgeous nose of red cherries, roses and a touch of subtle spiciness. This lush, vibrant wine tickles the full bodied palate that is laced with bold but extremely well-crafted fruit.  It finishes with a burst of red cherries into a long soft tannin laced finish.  Only 93 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Napa Cabernet Blend Stunner Under $44

Posted on by Frank Melis

Scott Peterson (S.P. – Drummer) is a seasoned winemaker with a portfolio stretching almost 30 years making wine at an array of great wineries (Cardinale, Textbook, Pey-Marin, Mt. Eden, Anderson Conn Valley and others.  Scott is a big fan of Left Bank wines, thus his blends have always been Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc based.  Scott  believes in value and quality, and this 2008 SP Drummer Prop Red is just that!

SP Drummer 2008 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Retail 50.00 – GGWC 43.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
 Use discount shipping code SPDRUM08 during check out

This 100% Napa Valley wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Cabernet Franc (45%). The intensity of aromatics push forward with exotic flowers, violets and lavender reflective of fine Cabernet Franc. Ripe black currant and plums with layered cassis aromas fill the glass and the senses. Flavors start as a layered core of ripe black stone fruits that are deep and complex, full in the mouth, and yielding muscular, yet velvety, tannins. The summation of both Cabernet varieties yields a lush and elegant wine.

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