Tasting Notes

Stunning Old Vine Zinfandel

Posted on by Frank Melis

Limerick Lane

Limerick Lane is a thirty acre estate located in the north east corner of the Russian River Appellation just south of the town of Healdsburg.  The estate was first planted to grapes in 1910 by the Del Fava family and the original homestead where Mario Del Fava was born is where the current owner lives with his wife and three children In the mid 70’s, the estate was sold to the Collins family. Brothers Mike and Tom Collins brought incredible passion and enthusiasm to the property selling the grapes as vineyard designates to several well-known local wineries.  In 2009, Mike Collins approached sold the winery to the current owners and they immediately turned it into an even better producer.  The current vintage is just an example of what we can expect from Limerick Lane in the future.

Limerick Lane 2010 ZinfandelLimerick Lane 2010 Zinfandel
Retail 32.00 – GGWC 28.99  FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use the discount code “LIMLANE10” during checkout.

This 2010 Zin is a wine that I would very much define as “rustic” in style. It is balanced, chewy, and absolutely chock full of texture…very much a complete wine as opposed to a jar of jam. Made with the intention of complimenting food, not dominating it, this Zin exhibits a spectrum of flavors including red fruits like strawberries and raspberries as well as some riper black fruit flavors such as blackberries and plums.  The fruit flavors in the wine are complemented by a good dose of chewy tannins, a hint of oak, and great acidity. This wine is comprised of 60% Limerick Lane estate grown fruit. The balance of the fruit comes from 2 vineyards: The Crossroads vineyard on West Dry Creek Rd and the 100 year old Sodini vineyard just down the street on Limerick Lane. Textured, layered, rich and complex yet appropriately balanced, this is a Zinfandel that hearkens back to the days of Italian immigrants and field blends.  It is reflective of a time when Zinfandel was known for much more than just a fruit and is very much a product of the unique growing conditions at Limerick Lane.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Cultivar 2009 Cabernet Franc, Napa – 30% OFF

Posted on by Frank Melis

Cultivar Wines

Sommelier turned winemaker Dan O’Brien and Julien Fayard (Winemaker at Azur and Atelier Philippe Melka) crafted this fun 161 case Cabernet Franc production from a stunning vineyard source in Oakville!

Cultivar 209 Cabernet FrankCultivar 2009 Cabernet Franc, Oakville Napa Valley
Retail 53.00 – GGWC SPECIAL 37.50 on six or more (FREE SHIPPING on 12)
Use discount code “CULTIVAR09CF” during checkout.

The nose shows gorgeous aromas of cranberries, mint, raspberries and a hint of fragrant spice. On the palate this well-balanced, medium to full-bodied and striking wine (aged in neutral French oak barrels) shows great body, lots of juice and bright clean flavors. Beautiful flavors of black currant, anise, a touch of leather and spice linger on into the silky finish of this little gem. The wine reminds me of a Chinon from the Loire Valley.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Zin is not a sin. This one will not break the bank!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Sandler Wines

Ed Kurtzman Ed Kurtzman’s portfolio includes Roar, Freeman, August West and Sandler.  He really put his stamp on the wine map and received great accolades with these wines (and others) over the past 20 years.  I was very excited when he offered me the 2010 Buck Hill Zinfandel. A  real crowd pleaser and money saver!

Sandler 2010 Buck Hill Zinfandel, Sonoma
Retail 31.00 – GGWC 27.99 FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use the discount code “SANDLER10Z12” during checkout.

From the start this little gem shows great quality and character.  On the nose you’ll encounter red cherries, plums, sweet spice, a touch of chocolate.  On the palate this plush wine is loaded with red plums, mocha and chocolate flavors and a touch of anise.  The wine is full in body, yet extremely elegant and finishes with a whiff of spice.  Fun wine and easy on the palate!

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Small Napa White wins in wine stampede!

Posted on by Frank Melis

I rarely, if ever conduct blind tastings of Sauvignon Blancs, but decided to give it a try when a bunch of Francophiles challenged me to go head-to-head with California.  A few of my “French” friends provided “their” wines and I sourced the local market.  As you know I don’t stock the big names, I wanted to include some in this tasting to see how they would do against the French and small, boutique producers.  Since Brian Malk is from South Africa, I decided to include a well-rated white from there as well.

  • Peter Michael Winery Sauvignon Blanc l’Apres Midi (94 Pts Parker)
  • Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre les Mont Damnes 94 Pts Parker
  • Duckhorn
  • Cakebread
  • Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre Monts Damnes (a very expensive $120.00, 95 Pts Parker)
  • Domaine Claude Riffault Sancerre les Desmalets (93 Pts Parker)
  • Peirson Meyer Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Ryan (93 Pts WS)
  • Reyneke Reserve White Stellenbosch (93 Pts WS)
  • Merry Edwards
  • Malk 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

The winner, by a long shot MALK 2011 Sauvignon Blanc!

A native of South Africa, Brian Malk continues a family tradition of grape growing started by his grandfather who owned a wine farm (vineyard) in Franschhoek, near Capetown. Brian moved to the United States in 1978 and is now residing in Napa Valley as well as San Diego. Brian and Nancy purchased the Stags Leap property for Malk Family Vineyards in 1997 and began planting in 1998.

Malk 2011 Sauvignon BlancMalk 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Retail 35.00 – GGWC 31.99 (FREE SHIPPING on 12)
Use the discount code “Malk01SB12” during checkout.

Our friends at Malk produced a stunning wine.  The Aromas of peaches and melons are gorgeous and elegant jumping right out of the glass.  On impact this well-made youngster tickles the palate with flavors of fresh apricots, honeydew, orange blossom and a touch of minerality.  Medium weight, this wine has good body with its hallmark Sauvignon Blanc crisp flavors.  The finish is silky and long lasting.  Only 278 cases produced!

Also check out the 2008 Malk Cabernet Sauvignon!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

A $100.00 Napa Valley stunner at $45.00!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Le Pich Cabernet Sauvignon

Julien Fayard the right-hand man of Phillipe Melka worked at various grand Chateaux in France such as Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite.  He also crafts his own label, Azur, and has a great philosophy of making terroir accentuated wine.  He told me one time that the wine is really made while in the vineyard. This Le Pich bottling is just an example of great terroir and amazing flavors.  Very limited!!

Le Pich 2009 Cabernet SauvignonLe Pich 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail $50.00 – GGWC 44.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX!
Use the discount code “LEPICH09CS6” during check out.

A mindboggling wine, that tastes a lot more expensive than its $45.00 price tag!  A gorgeous purple hue. An extreme, intense aroma of chocolate, hints of floral and crushed rocks.  Full and dense in body with a creaminess coating the lush black currant, black berry flavors.  Well balanced from start to finish, with great acidity and lush flavors. This is a wine that will please those who like the big and bold, but also those who like the elegant and silky wines!  This wine has an explosive finish that lasts a good 30 seconds! Only 300 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Events

Summer Tasting Nearly Sold Out

Posted on by Frank Melis

There are only 4 remaining ticket pairs for our Seventh Anniversary Tasting. We are offering these last tickets at a 25% discount, first come first serve. Call me at the store or click on this link to claim yours before they are gone! http://ggwctastingaugust11.eventbrite.com/?discount=GGWC25OFF

“We Bring Wine Country to the City!”

Celebrate our Seventh Anniversary and meet the winemakers, owners of many boutique wineries and taste their new releases. We will be pouring up to 30 new wines!

Confirmed wineries:

Milange, Coho, Redmon, Inherit The Sheep, Malk, Palazzo, Luli, Solitude, Paul Lato, Jemrose (Kosta Browne winemaker), Dragonette Cellars, B. Kosuge, Field Recordings, Grey Stack, Liquid Farm, Page, Knez, and others.

Saturday August 11 from 5 – 8 P.M.
Lakeside Cafe – 2529 Ocean Avenue
Generous hors d’oeuvres provided.
Tickets $45.00 per person or $75.00 for TWO

SORRY NO TICKETS at the door! RSVP required at 415-337-4083 or www.goldengatewinecellars.com

Spotlights, Tasting Notes

Score some 94+ Points Pott

Posted on by Frank Melis

Pott Wine

Aaron Pott has amassed a nice portfolio over the years and his own label has been on fire as of late.  This latest bottling the HMSS  or “Her Majesty’s Secret Service” comes from the famed Stagecoach Vineyard.  The legend has it that a notorious 19th century Englishman bandit robbed the daily Stagecoach here from St. Helena.  According to legend, he was excessively gallant, tipping his hat to the ladies as he calmly and elegantly extracted himself from the scene

As for the wine…The specific block M5 and M6 are rumored to be “Samsonite” clone from Chateau Latour – as in, one had visited Latour and “brought” back vine clippings from the famed estate.   A story collaborated by Jean –Louis Mandrau a former Director at Latour and mentor to Aaron Pott.  The M5 & 6 blocks are the cream of the crop of the Stagecoach vineyard (700 acres), and Jan Krupp was not willing to part quickly, but Aaron had been a great consultant to the vineyard that Krupp told him he could select any block he wanted for his HMSS project – without hesitation he picked M5 & M6.   The wine, incidentally, is named for famous gentleman spy – and some would say bandit – James Bond.  M(I)5 and M(I)6 being the secret intelligence agencies of Great Britain… thus the secretive clone ….

Pott 2009 Cabernet HMSS, Napa Valley
Retail 125.00 – GGWC 114.99 – FREE SHIPPING on 4 or more.
Use the discount code “POTT09HMMS4” during check out

This “royal” wine has an amazing purple hue and stunning aromatics and flavors that remind me of a First Growth.  This wine show cases what the hills of the Napa Valley are all about.  A lush wine with hints of anise, black currant and chocolate on both nose and palate.  Very full in body, yet extremely elegant and well-balanced.  This wine has great structure and class. Layers of fruit, a whiff of spice but an impressive body and tons of purity.  This is a wine that will age nicely.  I had a bottle open for 3 days and it got better day after day.  Very limited production.

Disclaimer: I am not suggesting that you purchase (pot), just a take on the last name (in case you did not notice)

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

The BEST VALUE Pinot Noir on the market!

Posted on by Frank Melis

The 2011 Luli Pinot Noir (made by Jeff Pisoni, yes THAT Pisoni) was sourced from various sustainably-farmed vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Sourcing from diverse locations within the appellation adds to the wine’s complexity and flavor profile.  This maritime appellation is known for its well-drained soils, morning fog,  afternoon winds and long growing season. These elements combine for a perfect place to grow Pinot Noir.

Luli 2011 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Retail $26.00 – GGWC $22.99

The deep color in the 2011 Luli Pinot Noir resulted from the low-yielding vintage and it was the cool season that developed the exuberant aromatics. The rich bouquet gives way to the depth of the wine, highlighted by notes of wild-strawberry, baking spice, and forest floor. On the palate the tannins from the 2011 vintage are very fine and velvety, while the acid is bright and gives much lift and focus to the palate.

Also check out their 2011 Chardonnay:

Luli 2011 Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
Retail $25.00 – GGWC $22.50

This fifth release of the Luli Chardonnay was sourced from vineyards next to Pisoni’s Ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The wine was fermented in 40% neutral barrels and 60% in stainless steel. By not undergoing any malolactic formation the wine showcases the vibrant and cool climate of the SLH fruit and aromas. It is medium in body, and could be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of dishes.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Other, Spotlights

Local boutique stocks hard-to-find wines

Posted on by Frank Melis

We were fortunate enough to be featured in today’s San Francisco Chronicle! Read the full article here…

Golden Gate Wine Cellars is a locally owned boutique wine store that carries hundreds of hard-to-find wines from California vineyards. The shop has close to a thousand labels in stock at any given time that are also available for shipping anywhere in the world.

“I’m of the firm belief that some of the best wine in the world comes from our backyard,” says owner Frank Melis.

“I have clientele in most of the 50 states and around the world. Where some of them live, they could buy French wine for less than California wine, but still they keep ordering from me.”

Melis believes that drinking wine should be an experience people appreciate, so he has developed extensive tasting notes on his website that accompany each type of wine available. He also hosts tasting nights every other month that typically consist of about 30 different wines for guests to try. The next event is slated for August 11. Tickets are available on the store’s website, but they frequently sell out in the first few days of a date being announced.

Melis also hosts tastings for private parties, such as birthdays or corporate events. “My next private tasting is for a couple’s anniversary. They met in the Napa Valley and fell in love over Sauvignon Blanc. So we’ll start the evening with that and move on from there.”

The variety of wines available at Golden Gate Wine Cellars ranges from $15 to $70 and on up to four figures. “I have something I call ‘Frank’s Palatable Price Point,'” Melis explains. “Ninety-five percent of my inventory is priced between $15 and $70, but of course we carry a few select high-end wines. Colgin, for example, is $500 per bottle.”

Melis carries a wine called Screaming Eagle that retails for $1,400 per bottle, but only a dozen are available each year.

Bring in this page to the store and receive a 10 percent discount on a $200.00 minimum purchase.

 

Tasting Notes

One of the best Chardonnays ever!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Owner/Winemaker, Kenneth Juhasz has worked in the industry over the last sixteen years with meticulous and unyielding standards and has become well respected in the industry. Along with AUTEUR, Kenneth is the consulting winemaker for several wineries consistently producing wines revered by critics, claiming California’s two Highest Rated Wine Spectator Pinot Noirs in 2008. Kenneth’s approach to each vintage varies with the qualities of the fruit that is captured each year and while always enjoying the praises from critics, the goal is to keep the wines in balance with power and grace.

Auteur 2010 “Durrell” Chardonnay, Carneros
Retail 48.00 – GGWC 43.99 FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
 Use the discount code “Auter106” during checkout.

The 2010 shows the rich golden straw color that we have come to expect from Durell Chardonnay. The nose is packed with intense aromas of lime, apple, lemon, honey, candlewax and flint. The palate is bright and rich, with a stunning depth of citrus and tropical fruit flavors, along with notes of apple pie, mineral, and anise. The finish resonates with spice and zingy lemon and nectarine. We expect this to open up fairly quickly after bottling, and it should show well for years to come.

Robert Parker 93 Points: “The 2010 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is a gorgeous, beautifully balanced wine layered with pineapple, mango, ripe yellow apricots, flowers and honey. It shows the weight and textural richness of these old Wente clones, but with more than enough minerality to give the wine its sense of backbone and drive. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.”

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Culler’s Casaeda Gewurztraminer adds a little spice to your life!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Karen Culler has been making wine in the Napa Valley for 20 years now and she is still going strong.  With labels like Wolf, Culler and Casaeda Karen continues to impress me.  It does not always have to cost a bundle to be very good, and this latest release will add some spice to your life while not breaking the bank!

Culler 2011 Casaeda GewurztraminerCuller 2011 “Casaeda” Gewurztraminer
Retail 18.00 – GGWC 15.99

Lots of orange, lychee, pear, lemon, mineral , all rounded out with a bone dry (no sugar here), and a refreshingly tart finish. Grown in cool Mendocino in a cool year… all the better to preserve everything that shouts Gewurztraminer. Perfect for Asian, Indian, and all American summer fare.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Heidi Barrett’s Blockbuster Chardonnay

Posted on by Frank Melis

Fantesca Wines

Heidi does not need an intro, but for those of you who do not know her – Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Amuse Bouche, La Sirena, Paradigm, Kenzo, etc.  She has been at the helm at Fantesca for some years now with great success.

Fantesca ChardonnayFantesca 2010 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Retail 80.00 – GGWC 74.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX!
Use the discount code “Fantesca106” during checkout.

Vibrant and lush aromas of green apples, citrus, tropical.  On the palate you are greeted by sweet, toasty, creamy notes with touches of minerality.  The wine is juicy, well-balanced with tropical, lychee, lemon custard and a whiff of white pepper racing across the palate.  The wine is well-crafted and will age nicely.  The transition to the finish is seamless – it is long and lingers for a good 30 seconds!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Aurielle the next Napa Collectible – 94 Points (and counting)

Posted on by Frank Melis

Chad Alexander has been named one of the rising stars of the Napa Valley. At age 14 he started honing his skills at Hess. It was here that he discovered that winemaking would be his profession.  After graduating from college he soon landed a job at St. Clement winery before moving to Robert Craig where he received many great accollades and high-scores. He has been at the helm at Aurielle for some years now, and I would not say this lightly, but this could be the next Napa collectible!

Aurielle 2008 Cabernet SauvignonAurielle 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 95.00 – GGWC 89.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX
Use the discount code “Aurielle08Cab” during checkout.

The 2008 Aurielle Cabernet Sauvignon has a vibrant color and gorgeous clarity. Black stone fruit with a hint of cinnamon greets you upon impact, with touches of flowery aromas, cherries, plums and cassis lingering on.  Well-balanced and full-bodied flavors of black cherry, plum, chocolate and coffee meet across the sides of the tongue, with a whiff of toasty vanilla in the back of the mouth. The Mouthfeel is rich and velvety with firm, fine-grained tannins that provide excellent structure. While accessible now, the wine will reward those with the patience to cellar it with increasing complexity, smoothness and character for a decade or so. 350 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Mark Herold does it again with this 2009 MUST-HAVE Cabernet

Posted on by Frank Melis

Maze Wines PeopleMaze Wines is the product of Paul McSharry & Mark Herold’s passion for creating incredible wines. Merus was a labor of love that Mark started in 1998—a Cult Cabernet Sauvignon that he made in his garage in downtown Napa. His first vintage, the 1998 Merus, received 93 points from Robert Parker. Mark started his consulting business soon after with a client list that has included Buccella, Kobalt, and The Vineyardist.

Maze 2009 Cabernet SauvignonMaze 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 66.00 – GGWC 62.00 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use the discount code “Maze09Cab” during checkout.

This stunning 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from five high-end Napa Valley sites.  The wins is rich purple in color, and offers up a nice of sexy black cherries, chocolate, espresso and a whiff of lavender. On the palate, this full-bodied youngster is rich with supple tannins that provide a nice structure to this well-crafted wine.  Flavors of boysenberries, blackberries and plums coat the rich palate of this expressive wine.  Incredible well-balanced at such a young age.  This wine should age nicely for 10-15 years to come.  Only 240 cases produced.

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Brewer-Clifton and Diatom ROCK!

Posted on by Frank Melis
Greg Brewer I enjoyed tasting with Greg Brewer the other day as we reminisced about our first tasting ever in 1996.  At that time he was the assistant winemaker at a small Santa Barbara winery and had 2 barrels of his first Brewer-Clifton wine.  A lot has happened since that day.   We have all grown up, and Brewer-Clifton and Diatom have become two amazing brands!  We tasted four wines, and all four got a solid 5 Star rating in my book!

Diatom 2011 Chardonnay Hana Shinobu
Retail 42.00 – GGWC 38.00 FREE SHIPPING on 12 (mix and match OK)
Use the discount code “BrewerDiatom12” during checkout

Hana Shinobu means to reflecton a loved one! Only 3000 bottles (267 cases) were produced.

This wine offers intense aromatics of lemongrass, papaya and white blossom followed by flavors of minerals, rain water and lychee.  White the palate impression is initially quite concise and compact, the finish yields an unexpected creaminess.

Diatom 2011 Chardonnay Hamon
Retail 48.00 – GGWC 44.00 FREE SHIPPING on 12 (mix and match OK)
Use the discount code “BrewerDiatom12” during checkout

Hamon makes reference to the ripple from dropping a pebble in standing water. It also means smoke, fog and a term to define the cloud-like pattern on samurai swords.

The wine has explosive aromatics marked by honey suckle, papaya and pineapple followed by mandarin orange (unshu mikan) and other ripe citrus flavors.  Very dense and expansive on the palate with tremendous drive and persistence on the the finish.

Brewer Clifton 10 Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills
Retail 36.00 – GGWC 32.00 FREE SHIPPING on 12 (mix & match OK)
Use the discount code “BrewerDiatom12” during checkout

This wine is a comprehensive expression of the appellation – it is a blend of five unique vineyard sites (designated vineyards). comprised of Mount Carmel, 3-D, Gnesa, Sea Smoke and Zotovich.  While each lot is handled separately and in a completely uniform fashion in the winery, each contributes vastly different expressions which ultimately harmonize in the finished wine. Rich aromas of lemon, kiwi, orange blossom and sweet basil are followed by a more precise flavor profile of jasmine, lime and ginger.  Extremely taut, focused and dry palate impression

Brewer Clifton 10 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 38.00 FREE SHIPPING on 12 (mix & match OK)
Use the discount code “BrewerDiatom12” during checkout

This bottling is a veritable symphony of diverse pinot noir vineyards from within the AVA. Mount Carmel, 3-D, Machado, Ampelos, Zotovich and Sebastiano all contribute to the wine which exhibits a drive, richness and pedigree expressive of our special growing area coupled with the purity of fruit and firm structure which have been the trademark of Brewer-Clifton. Dark plum, anise, and Pu-erh tea aromatics set the stage for the flavors of dried cherries, dried wild mushroom and baker’s cocoa flavors that follow. Tender and cohesive in the mouth with a very firm and savory palate impression and finish.

Click here or on the links above to order.

Tasting Notes

The Most Amazing White of the Summer

Posted on by Frank Melis

Grey Stack

Grey Stack Cellars is located in Bennett Valley—one of the newest, smallest appellations on the West Coast. The home ranch Dry Stack Vineyard is equal to some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux! Colder than most areas of the Russian River and Green Valley, Bennett Valley is perfectly suited to growing cool climate varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Grenache. The cool, marine-influenced climate and rich, volcanic soils produce luxurious wines with amazing depth and character.

Grey Stack 2011 Sauvignon Blanc “Rosemary’s Block”
Retail 36.00 – GGWC 33.00 FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use the discount code “GreyRosemary12” during checkout

The cool climate of Dry Stack Vineyard lets the grapes ripen slowly and the heacy soil of Rosemary’s Block tempers Sauvignon Blanc’s typical vigor. Candied lemons, guava and tropical flavors, ripe honeydew melon all burst from the glass. The big fresh and intense fruit exhibits terrific structure and depth. Crisp acidity helps keep it focused and showcases the cool growing conditions. We recommend serving the wine cold, then taking the time to taste and smell how it evolves as it warms and opens with exposure to air. Bottled unfined & unfiltered to preserve its fresh character, this wine may throw a slight haze and should be kept cool and consumed in the next 12-18 months. Only 900 Cases produced.

Also check out their amazing Pinot Noir:

Grey Stack 2009 Pinot Noir “Fisherman” Bennett Valley

The clonal selection for this single vineyard is 100% Vosne Romanee!

The bouquet is a lovely mix of wild raspberry, strawberry and plumb, mixed with toasty graham cracker.  This wine is full of big rich fruit that is both intense and polished. On the palate it reveals layers of minerality mixed with cocoa and spice. Limited, only 100 cases produced!

Click here or on the links above to order!

Tasting Notes

Redmon 2009 Estate Cabernet a MUST have!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Redmon is slowly, but surely building a reputation as one of the BEST Cabernet producers in the Napa Valley.  This 5th release might just be their best effort yet to-date.  Unfortunately, the quantities are very limited, so I suggest you jump on this one immediately.

RedmonRedmon 09 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Napa
Retail 85.00 GGWC 79.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more!
Use the discount code “RedmonECS09/6” during checkout

This is an amazing follow-up to the successful 2008 vintage. The good news — the wine is equally amazing in quality. The bad news — only 300 cases were produced, and the price went up just a little bit. That happens; Mother Nature is not always on your side in the quantity department.

The 2009 Redmon Estate Cabernet is pure elegance showcasing an amazing integration of well-balanced fruit, silky tannins, the right touch of acidity as well as a complex bouquet of anise, sweet plums, sweet kirsch, black currant and bramble berries and a whiff of licorice. This is by far the best wine to come from this little estate.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Events, Tasting Notes

Small producer amazes at NY blind tasting

Posted on by Frank Melis

Last week while in New York I conducted a blind tasting of 10 amazing California, Oregon and French (Burgundy) Pinots that scored in the 93-96 point range and cost between $50 and $200!

  • Marquis d’Angerville Volnay Clos des Ducs (95+ Parker, $200.00)
  • Comte Armand Pommard Clos des Epeneaux (94 Parker, $120.00)
  • Bergstrom “Bergstrom Vineyard” (94 Parker $75.00)
  • L’Angevin (93 Parker, $50.00)
  • Archery Summit “Summit Estate” (93 Parker $150.00)
  • Brewer Clifton “Cargasacchi” (94 Parker $ 70.00)
  • Copain “Kiser en Haut” (94 Parker $ 75.00)
  • Argyle “Spirit House” (93 Parker $75.00)
  • Robert Chevillon Nuits St. Georges “Les St. Georges” (95 Parker, $ 115.00)

The WINNER as voted by our group of 30 hailed from a small, way-less expensive winery from Carneros: B Kosuge 2009 Pinot Noir “The Shop”

B Kosuge 2009 Pinot Noir "The Shop"B Kosuge 2009 Pinot Noir The Shop
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 33.99
FREE SHIPPING on 12 – use code BKOS09PNS12 during check out

The thing about this wine is: it’s got to be yummy. I don’t want to obsess about it, I just want to enjoy it and have a good time. This vintage is probably the most aromatic and delicious Pinot Noir vintage in years, with the possible exception of 1994, which was pretty tasty too. The Shop, in particular, really blossoms in the cooler vintages. In 2009 it achieved ripeness without sacrificing cut and precision, in pretty much every vineyard that I worked with. There’s quite a bit of dark fruit in this wine but with a little air the high notes start to emerge. On the nose you’ll encounter black cherry notes.  The full bodied palate is gorgeous and generous loaded with bright, flavorful Pinot fruit.  The finish is long and extremely elegant.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

Paul Hobbs masterminds yet another gem!

Posted on by Frank Melis

Laird Family Estate

The Laird Family is the largest (vineyard) land owner in the Napa Valley with over 2500 acres, but only produce a very small amount of wine themselves under the tutelage of Paul Hobbs. The Laird grapes (various designated vineyards) are used by wineries such as Levendi, Nickel & Nickel, Tor, and Kapcsandy, to name a few.

Laird 2008 Jillian's BlendLaird 2008 Jillian’s Red Blend Napa Valley
Retail 38.00 – GGWC 33.50 – FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use the discount code “Laird08Jillian” during checkout.

This Cabernet based blend will wow you from the start. Bright purple gemstone in color. On the nose are wonderful aromatics of dark red cherry and raspberry as well as a whiff of toasty vanilla. On the palate this full-bodied red blend offers an array of rich flavors – loaded with chocolate, boysenberry and caramelized plums on the mid palate, leading into a complex silky smooth finish with just a hint of spice.

Click here or on the link above to order!

Tasting Notes

A Paul Hobbs value at $39.99

Posted on by Frank Melis

This is one of those Frank’s palatable price point wines – between 35 & 75!  A great value Napa Valley Cabernet, made by one of the region’s best winemakers – Paul Hobbs!

16 x 20  2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Retail 45.00 – GGWC 39.99 FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use the discount code “16X2012” during checkout

A smooth entry leads to flavors of sweet blackberries, raspberries, milk chocolate, espresso and fig.  Full-bodied, well balanced. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Black Cordon Vineyard at the base of Mt. Veeder. This 9-acre vineyard sits just above one of the top sources for Opus One and Harlan and below O’Shaughnessy’s Mt. Veeder property. With Paul Hobbs as your Winemaker, the wines show the pedigree, character, quality and complexity associated with all of Paul’s projects. This surely over performs for $45 on the shelf.  Only 494 cases made. There is no doubt that this wine will be long lived. I would decant in the near term but keep a few in the cellar because I believe this wine is going to be very interesting as it ages.

Click here or on the link above to order!