KLWines.com | 800.247.5987 March 16, 2015

This winter we traveled to the rugged coast of Sonoma County and tasted through Premiere Napa Valley, and we loved what we found.

MARCH 16, 2015 FEATURES 2 Banshee; Bucklin 5 Napa Premiere; Lighter Side of Napa 3 Sonoma Love 6-7 New Releases 4 Unti; Bedrock 8 Alex Picks the King Cabs

Plenty to choose from in Napa and Sonoma! By Trey Beffa

Things couldn’t get much better for California’s two most famous trade barrel auction. I lead our group to visits which included tastings growing regions, the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. These at Far Niente, Peju, Chappellet, and even an appellation tasting at fancy regions account for much of California’s top , Auberge du Soleil. What these areas do have in common is a string of , and . Last month, K&L sent out two excellent with bountiful crops. The larger crop is extremely separate groups to explore each of these areas. While they are close in important, as this is what will hopefully prevent many of the proximity, the vibe of each area couldn’t be more different. from raising prices. A great plus a small crop almost always The laid-back country vibe of Sonoma County is almost calming to equals price increases. just think about. Bryan Brick led the K&L group to visits that From our trip to the Napa Valley, I really enjoyed the 2012 , which included Bedrock, Unti, Banshee and Bucklin. in general are open, fleshy and delicious. The 2013s may not be as giving On the opposite side of the spectrum, Napa proved to be as busy as right after bottling, but the quality is there. Many of them have a bit ever, with our group being up there during the Premiere Napa Valley more structure and power. This will be a vintage for the collector.

Trey’s Napa Rave Brick’s Sonoma Pick

2012 Lewis Cellars “Reserve” Napa Valley Cabernet 2013 Banshee Sonoma County Pinot Noir Sauvignon ($129.99) Nearly black in color, this ($22.99) With every new release of Banshee I concentrated Cabernet is loaded with dark black become more and more impressed with just cherry fruit, licorice, and graphite, with hints of how dedicated to quality these three young men smoke and mocha flavors that linger on the finish. are. This vintage seems to be much finer, with Despite this wine’s size and depth, it is remarkably better delineation of fruit, more pronounced round, supple and fresh. Tannins are big but ripe and acidity and a bit more structure, all while having integrated. Patience will be rewarded for those who wonderful integration. I’ve loved these wines for can put this bottle away for 5-10 years, but I doubt the value they offer our customers over the years many bottles will make it that long, as this wine and I continue to love them for not resting on shows so well even at this young age. One of the best their laurels—instead, they are constantly upping 2012 Cabernets we have had in the store so far! their game.

Key: PA Pre-arrival RP Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate WS Wine Spectator ST Steven Tanzer’s International JS James Suckling WE Wine Enthusiast W&S Wine & Spirits AG Antonio Galloni Why We’re Always Wailing About Banshee Wines By Sal Rodriguez

If you haven’t already heard of Banshee, I must ask; where have you Their lovely 2013 Banshee Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($19.99) is been? Noah, Baron, and Steve, besides just being cool everyday guys, nothing to scoff at either. Much of the fruit comes from the notable love making wine and only want to put the best wines in your hands. Heintz . Off the nose you get a hint of orange blossom as Why should they? Well, it just makes sense that if you end up with a well as hints of vanilla brought on by the new and neutral French . great bottle of wine at a fantastic price, you’re likely to ask for more. The portion of wood is such that the wood doesn’t take over the nose And that’s why we keep putting their wines in your hands. We’ve but rather enhances the aromas. Once the creamy goodness is on the tasted, vintage after vintage, and the quality is remarkable! Year after palate, lemon meringue and spice are evident. It finishes with good

NAPA AND SONOMA AND NAPA year their wines get exponentially better as they search high and low weight and minerality on the palate. If it isn’t quite the same as the 2012 for even better vineyards. We got to have dinner with Noah and Baron you remember, that would be because they’re using an all-new source recently, and they’re just as excited as we are to bring you some of their for grapes. It’s quite a noticeable step up in quality, to say the least. new releases. The2013 Banshee Sonoma County Pinot Noir ($22.99) has that The 2014 Banshee Sonoma County of Pinot Noir ($17.99) is a bright, lifted crunchy berry fruit on the nose that I desire in a pinot. meticulously well-made wine. The nose comes full of fresh fruit and On the palate is a hint of wood but the delicious red fruits, weight and crisp, lively berry aromas. It’s not too sweet and has a great lifted floral spice help bring it all together in a well-balanced way. The fine tannins character on the palate. It’s a delicious, delightful number with plenty go a long way to make this an elegant fruit and floral arrangement that of mouthwatering acidity. is lovely and rich to the finish.

societal acceptance of drinking! It is a stroke of luck these vines have come down to us.

The ranch’s fortune were at low ebb during the mid-20th century, with the vineyards sliding into desuetude, overgrown with brambles and weeds and littered with abandoned junk, until Otto and Anne Teller purchased the property in the 1980s. Consultants at the time advised ripping it out and starting over, but fortunately Otto Teller wasn’t of that mind. Turning the vineyards back to health has been an ongoing, evolutionary project, with Will Bucklin taking the reins as from Otto in the late 1990s.

While the majority of the grapes planted here are Zinfandel, the is a field blend, with 30 other interplanted varieties ranging Will Bucklin: A Man, His Barn and a Bottle of Old Hill Ranch. from obvious choices—teinturier grapes like , Grand Noir and Lenoir to boost color, for instance—to others less so: Old Hill, Old Vines at Bucklin hello, Catawba! The2012 Bucklin “Old Hill Ranch – Ancient Field Blend” Sonoma By Mahon Mcgrath Valley Zinfandel ($32.99) packs a lot of extra character into what you I used to innocently imagine that a great film would remain in might normally expect from a Zin; the additional , plus the circulation and be seen by virtue of its merits. Having attended just vine age, doubtless contributing markedly to this. Roasted herb, spice, a few festivals screening rarer works disabused me of that notion— and tea complement the fresh, juicy, medium-bodied fruit which has there were indeed wonderful, compelling films most people (myself both depth and breadth, all framed by lightly rustic tannins. Friend, I included) had never seen or heard of, begging to be rescued from wouldn’t say it if I hadn’t had evidence of it myself: this wine can age, obscurity. The history of Old Hill Ranch is a little something like that. and not just hold up, but blossom into a completely different, utterly beguiling maturity. Its origins go back to the 1850s, when William McPherson Hill, flush from real-estate speculation in San Francisco, purchased the The2012 Bucklin “Old Hill Ranch – Bambino” Sonoma Valley ranch. The majority of the vines currently growing here were planted Zinfandel ($19.99) is, as its name implies, Bucklin’s younger vine circa 1880-1900, so this vineyard is seriously “old vine” material, cuvée, an early-picked field blend based primarily on Zinfandel. dry-farmed, and organic, to boot. The period between the acclaim Neutral French oak allows the youthful vitality of the fruit to shine the initial wines made at the property received in the 1860s, and our through. While comparatively simple placed next to its old vine sibling, own day has not been one of steady primogeniture, stable fashions and the relatively dry, dusty, fruited character holds up nicely when placed tastes, staid adherence to venerable agricultural principals, or even in the context of other Zins generally, evidencing a welcome restraint.

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. This 53% of blend . This winefell off our . Pretty nuttiness and a touch evergreen of Check out more staff product reviews at KLWines.com at product staff reviews more out Check powder, driedpowder, meats and whole white peppercorns. A rich, dense entry black of cherry, hard licorice, jasmine and beef blood has this wine singing while the finish dovetails to markedshow blueberry fruit, fresh acidity and a wealth exotic of miss spice. Don’t this a fan the of if you’re Swan wines. Need a classy white any for occasion, trythe 2013 Porter Creek Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($34.99) dominate the classy nose. Linear and cutting with a delicate lime zest, almond skin and white floral notes this Chardonnay is refreshing and well integrated with a persistent intensity. I thought of fresh crab anything but from shellfish to loin pork would pair well here. alsoWe saw some great “bigger” reds this on trip, thenot least which of was the Medlock 2012 Ames “Bell Mountain Estate” Alexander Valley Red Blend ($29.99) , 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% and Cabernet 3% Franc is just a tremendous workhorse red the for price. Olive, tarragon, currant, concrete and a dusty clay note add to quite up a substantial and centered nose. With its creamy core baker’s of chocolate, plum, dried lavender and ink there is a whole to like lot here. Ending with plush tannins and a gamey finish that sees return the of the cured olive note in the nose, this is charming one wine. Also a trip what’s to Sonoma without Zinfandel? While tasted we many think great ones don’t we any are better much than the 2012 Nalle Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($37.99) radar a while, for are we but certainly happy that back on. it’s A purely “old-school” Zin with a wealth black of briary pepper, wild berry fruit and full ripe, of never but sweet, flavors, this is great Classyrightnow. is the that word kept popping in up notes my this on wine, with its alcohollow level, claret-styled more structure and finishing flavors of Kalamata olive, dried meats and leaf. bay Nalle missed hasn’t a beat! Thanks, Sonoma, for such a great trip and suchwealth a of affordable, delicious and drinkable wines! . Better. Left:Walk Through A Fort Ross Vineyard. Center: Ames Morison of Medlock Ames. Right: Twain PetersonMorgan and one of his ancient vines. . Nicely meshed and ready to drink, this wine was full of

was the first Pinotwe tastedon the trip bucoliclovely in a

2012 Hirsch2012 “San Andreas Fault”Sonoma County Pinot Noir

wet asphalt and lilac the on nose with deep tones wild of berry, scrub brush, slight oak char and fresh fennel the on palate. Forward and fruit-driven, this has a powerful finish thatleans towards the earthy/ mineral side the of spectrum. a completelyFor under-the-radar wine, I loved the Nalle 2012 “Hopkins Ranch” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($44.99) known their for Zins, that on more but this later, Pinot knocked our socks off withits electric, almost crunchy,red fruits and sassafras spice the on nose. Energetic throughout, this zipped with blood orange flesh and zinged with cranberry and cola flavors that never became heavy tiresome. or Surely a wine that is going to be great for all the seasonal spring dishes soon to be tables on everywhere. Speaking the of Russian River the Valley, 2007 Joseph Swan “Trenton Estate” Russian River Valley Syrah was ($25.99) just a knockout. Dump this in a about an hour two or before dinner and willit fill a room withheady aromasof cassis, unsweetened cocoa setting in the far Sonoma Coast, and can you easily make an argument that was it the best Pinot the of trip. With a wowing nose cranberry, of violet and spice cake, this is very open such for a young Hirsch. Earth and savory more qualities come the on palate with lots wild of mushroom and wet, foresty tones. Long, savory and powerful, this is a Pinot those for who like to lay their wines down the enjoy or more gamey side the of . Another the of top Pinots tasted, we affordable a more at but price point, was the Fort 2012 Ross “Sea Slopes” Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir ($31.99) Sonoma: SpreadingSonoma: TheLove BryanBy Brick The great thingour about recent tripto Sonoma is we hadthat nothing amazing but appointments full fantastic of wines. Seriously, when the trip was and over stuck were we in traffic heading back had we home a hard time thinking single one of bad wine had we tried the for whole trip. So, taking into consideration the lack room of here have inwe the newsletter to doa full feature each on winery, going to spreadI’m around some love to try and cover as many the of awesome wines tasted we as I can here. The ($59.99) NAPA AND SONOMA 4 By Illya Haase By Illya at to Basics Back Bedrock cellar. the in years afew reward now, it will beautifully drinking while and balanced, impeccably is Zin This finish. tannic amild and acid, great spice, of pepper atouch fruit, raspberry red bright rich, It has 5% Syrah. and for acidity, body, 7% for and color Sirah 12% in Petite 1998, planted vineyard Primitivo the off Zinfandel The process. the in form art atrue as of blending philosophy their off shows favorite, staff and customer a longtime Zinfandel, Their climate. vineyard’s their to suited best others several alongside Zinfandel and Syrah , , Mourvèdre, , Barbera, as such varietals Mediterranean to planted are vineyards Creek Dry their Therefore, environment. surrounding their to suited naturally most vineyards from come grapes best the that is belief their fanatics,” wine “obsessive as themselves 1997. in Describing winery the Unti, founded Mick with and, 1990 in vineyard the farming Unti began Linda and George operated, and owned Family at Vineyards. Unti appointment first our with 180 acomplete we made day Noir, next Pinot the and Chardonnay fine of plenty drinking Coast Sonoma the day on full a After By Jim Boyce Vineyards at Unti WarmthThe Mediterranean the of aim is to “channel the fruit of ancient vines into powerful, elegant, elegant, powerful, into vines of ancient fruit the “channel to is aim Their wines. made for wonderfully some in you are you know vines, the and land of the speak men both to listening Just team. formidable a make them two of The party. the join to Cottrell Chris friend best his brought Morgan years, six After coop. chicken aformer in Peterson Twain- by Morgan 2007 in started was Bedrock list! of top the the on are guys fruit—these the and land for the respect and passion about Company. Talk Wine at Bedrock was trip of the visit last Our land. for the had he respect the and farm, my grandfather’s and Ohio to me back takes This vineyards. of these guardians are who people the about really it was But for me, wines! for amazing in we live place special a truly What Ellen. Glen in vines oldest of the some among ended and Coast Sonoma of the hillsides rugged top of the at the started trip Our 2012 Unti Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($27.99) Zinfandel consists Valley of Creek 76%2012 Unti Dry Get completeGet tasting notes at KLWines.com The motley crew at Bedrock Vineyard. Bedrock at crew motley The Give it a couple years to really start showing off! showing start really to it acouple years Give balance. incredible and tannins firm mineral, great with savory, and is juicy palate The abound. herbs dried and licorice fruits, blackberry and pepper, raspberry ground of freshly aromatics Beautiful Syrah. 30% and Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 40% blend is the varietal, of each lots best of the Consisting 2005! since label Foudre Cuvée the under bottling first 2012 the is the and vintages Mourvèdre and Grenache ($49.99) The pastas! or big meats for begs braised wine This term. near the in it approachable making acidity, crisp and fruits by fresh balanced fully beauti is power The Montepulciano. the component from earthy an and mocha, spices, baking cherry, black brooding has wine powerful This County). Sonoma in anyone more than is planted acres 2.5 (their 24% Montepulciano with is blend The 76%Sangiovese born. was Guiseppe grandfather their where town Tuscan the to Unti’s homage The make a kick-ass Zin! Zin! akick-ass make can guys The do for you. will vines 80 year what is This of. tired grown Ihave that Zins heavy hot and the from departure agreat What end. back on the of tannins grip anice and acidity Great texture. smooth asilky, to lead that spice and fruit Beautiful no exception. is Zinfandel This up, Balance. popping word kept acertain my notes throughout ($24.99) Zinfandel California Vine” “Old 2013 Bedrock night. Tuesday pizza or that wine BBQ perfect the is This mouth. your in dance fruit black and Red spice. of pepper lots and Juicy, meaty shame. to “prisoner” acertain puts This 4% Sangiovese. and Sirah 5% Petite 5% Alicante, Grenache, 40& Zinfandel, 46% of mix us a give vines The 100-year-old disappoint. balanced be must but they true, is ($11.99) Blend Red California Cuvée” “Eighth &Hooker’s Shebang Sherman it shows! And wine.” rosé on my “I work harder said, has Morgan As hold for acouple of years. or now drink can you rosés those is one of This wines. some red in find youoften that flavors and wine of awhite afreshness but with acidity, Exceptional spice. and earth fruit, berried of red aromas outstanding with the in starts wine This rosé. Bandol great of a Think vines. Mourvèdre 120-year-old from comes This year. after year favorites, is one of my this off, First ($20.99) Rosé to Lulu” “Ode 2014 Bedrock philosophy. -driven is a This for themselves. speak land the and grapes the let to prefers Morgan remain. still era that from plantings of the some and 1888, in Hearst George of Sen. hands the Hooker. up in ItJoseph ended and T. Sherman generals—William War Civil two in by 1854 planted was vineyard This property. Ellen Glen historic the is player main The wines.” Californian distinctly and 2012 Unti “Cuvée Foudre” Dry Creek Valley Rhône Blend Blend Rhône Valley Creek Dry 2012 Foudre” Unti “Cuvée ($27.99) Blend Red Valley Creek is Dry 2012 Unti “Segromigno” stole the show for me. This wine is only made during the best best the during made is only wine show This for me. the stole As one of my coworkers said, “Illya likes fruit bombs.” This This bombs.” fruit likes “Illya one said, of my coworkers As fruit bombs! The Shebang doesn’t Shebang The bombs! fruit All All - The Lighter Side Showcasing the Napa Valley’s NAPA AND SONOMA of Napa Valley “Show-” Vintage of 2012 By Amy Monroe By Christie Brunick

While it’s true that Napa Valley I was really thrilled to attend this year’s most “Rutherford Dust” that we all know and produces some of the planet’s best Premiere Napa Valley event. If you’re love the terroir for was the 2012 Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s also home to unfamiliar with the annual event, it is “Estate” Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon many world-class whites that are not to basically a crash weekend of tasting that ($54.99). This absolutely exploded out of be missed. Although there is far less of highlights the specific appellations of Napa the glass with the rich aromas and onto it planted, Chardonnay has just as stellar Valley along with the current and upcoming my palate with its dense, firm black fruit, a reputation for quality and excellence vintage releases. If you haven’t heard, the dark cocoa nibs and a hint of tobacco and as Cabernet with those in the know. 2012 vintage in Napa Valley was terrific! I’m graphite. They add a dollop of and Need convincing? One exceptional ecstatic to reveal some exceptionally awesome to give it that dark sheen polish, example not to be missed is the 2013 Napa Cabs that will absolutely knock your and it’s superbly masculine and powerful on Lewis Cellars “Reserve” Napa Valley socks off regardless of the price! the palate with 70% new French oak tannins backing up all the structure on the finish. Chardonnay ($64.99). At only 550 cases There’s a new project coming out of Napa produced, we were lucky to get any of that specializes in crafting small lots of some Now for one of the lesser-known appellations this outstanding bottling, and it won’t of the valley’s finest parcels in order to craft of the Napa Valley, Conn Valley, located just last long. This wine brims with notes the most classic and intriguingly styled Napa south of Howell Mountain in a gorgeous of ripe pear, toast, hazelnut, and Meyer Cab you can get for an even more ridiculous little pocket that produces insane fruit. If lemon. Rich but by no means heavy, it price. These parcels including some in St. you haven’t tried the 2012 Anderson’s Conn has the elegance and poise worthy of Helena, Oak Knoll, Oakville and Napa Valley “Right Bank” Napa Valley Bordeaux even the most special of occasions. Valley make up 2012 Textbook Napa Valley Blend ($54.99) then you are missing out! Looking for something even lighter Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99). Bursting Since 1983 this family-owned estate of 40 and brighter for spring? Check out one with aromas of dark ripe fruit in the glass, acres usually blends close to equal parts of Napa’s first-rate Sauvignon Blancs. this wine is plush, full-bodied and balanced Merlot and , but with 2012 Although it accounts for merely 3% or so with acid and soft oak tannins that make giving them some extra-stellar fruit, they of all the grapes harvested in the valley, this immediately drinkable. There is a touch used 67% Cabernet Franc and 33% Merlot. it happens to be one of the parents of of Merlot in the blend to add an extra plush, This wine is just screamingly delicious! With Cabernet Sauvignon, (perhaps worth a fluffy layer, and boy, does this wine deliver. If its fragrant and perfumed bouquet, polish try to dedicated Cab drinkers for that you taste this blind, you would guess it was at and suppleness on the palate, and plush fruit fact alone?) and it also happens to be least twice the price! with quenching acidity on the finish making it oh-so food-friendly, I’m obsessed. delicious. The 2013 Cakebread Napa One of my favorite wineries in the valley Valley ($25.99), often gets overlooked by its showy-looking Now for the Grand Finale. At Premiere I with its tropical pineapple, honeydew neighbors. But don’t let this humble winery had the privilege of tasting my first 100 melon, and guava flavors is fool you, dollar for dollar it has consistently point rated wine! Parker calls the 2012 Lail particularly easy to love. been one of the finest Bordeaux blends in the Vineyards “J. Daniel Cuvée” Napa Valley The fresh and zesty fruit valley. The 2012 Flora Springs “Trilogy” Cabernet Sauvignon ($249.99) absolutely profile is nicely balanced Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend ($54.99) is perfect! While my pocketbook isn’t feeling so by silky texture on the comprised of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, flush to dive head-first into a 100 point wine palate. If you’re looking 6% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and a splash of after tax season, I will be enjoying the second for great value, try Petit Verdot. What’s even more amazing label 2012 Lail Vineyards “Blueprint” Napa the 2013 Honig Napa is that 100% of the fruit hails from their Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($64.99), which Valley Sauvignon estate vineyards in Napa Valley that they over-delivers for a fraction of the price. One Blanc ($14.99). Juicy meticulously look over. This wine is not of the greatest second labels, it is true to the citrus and mouthwa- only gorgeous, it has power and length, too. style and quality of the reserve. No frills, just tering acidity make With plenty of supple, dark fruit, integrated absolutely delectable fruit here. This wine is for a wine that is oak and juicy acid, this is drinkable now or pure show-stopper sexy! Stunningly gorgeous easy to drink with or age-worthy over the next 5-12 years. on the palate, with rich purple, blue and black without food. Sure to fruit at the core, polished aromatics of cassis When I attended the Rutherford appellation please a crowd. and violets, and soft, feminine, sweet tannins tasting, the wine that stood out as having the on the finish. Wow!

Online auctions are LIVE at KLWines.com 5 NAPA AND SONOMA 6 ($37.99) ($37.99) Ross-Seaview Fort 2010 Ross Fort years. 10 7to it now or hold for another Decant age. of coming slowly is that awine is this notes, cassis and plum into rolling and centered Hugely notes. herbal of fresh amélange and fruits and black blue sappy, mouthfilling up with backed aspects clove and strawberry of generous plenty has wine powerful this ($64.99) Noir Pinot Seaview Ross- Fort Ridge” View 2011 “Sea Flowers Flowers! from effort great Another apricot. and notes citrus tropical thyme, fruit, passion of finish acomplex to building all energy and weight between here interplay great is a There frame. on arich together swirling all chalk and peach nectarine, of mint, touches with ($39.99) Chardonnay Coast 2013 Sonoma Flowers in Stock Now Wines Sonoma lilac, oolong tea, salted plum and mulberry. mulberry. and plum salted tea, oolong lilac, so youthful, with intertwined aromas of for being expressive super was this opinion, my humble in trip, on the Pinots best the ($69.99) Noir Pinot Coast Sonoma Vineyard” “Coastlands 2012 Banshee filet. wrapped for abacon perfect be would that wine intense bold, this in finish the fill tannins pinning and Violets approach. alayered fore with the cometo flavors blood of beef atouch and sage blueberry, licorice, Sweet seen. I’ve ever best the is certainly but this States, the from coming few the try more less Pinotage, about Find all your wine accessory at needs KLWines.com This iconic wine didn’t disappoint, disappoint, didn’t wine iconic This It’s not every day that I get to write write to Iget that day It’s not every Deep and dark, dark, and Deep

One of of One many Napa Cabs at twice the price. the at twice Cabs Napa many out-performs that wine complex and a lengthy is this seed anise and boysenberry of finish ing amouthwater With bay leaf. and sandalwood like markers Cabernet of traditional full is palate caressing and plush the while nose the on wonderfully mesh sage fresh and fennel currant, red olive, Black no further. Look of Napa? outside somewhere from Cabernet ($42.99) Sauvignon Cabernet Valley Alexander Estate” Mountain “Bell Ames 2012 Medlock it’s no deal. big like acellar 10-15 in years go can wine This balance. impeccable and nature fruited exotically meaty, floral, its with ahead along life has certainly estate young this as here seen be certainly can 2012 vintage the about hype the All days. these legend of some awine become has bottling Estate the Trenton staffers, K&L the with favorite ($59.99) Noir Pinot Valley River Russian “Trenton Swan 2012 Estate” Joseph yummy. just is This cost. on its over-delivers greatly that awine to bonuses nice are acidity pleasing and structure necessary The or jam. ripeness of over- hints any without Zin as a juicy off comes this spice, briary underlying and fruits red of snappy set fun afriendly, With wine. this we tried when mind to came word that ($26.99) Zinfandel Valley Creek Dry Clarum” “Vinum 2012 Nalle collectors. for Pinot amust-try is that A wine time. same the at all and black blue green, off comes this and colors in things taste you can Sometimes aton of refinement. having also yet of pitch full of being pulls this Somehow Are you looking for a top quality for quality atop you looking Are Boisterous is the the is Boisterous Long a a Long - something for everyone. for everyone. something alittle has that Chardonnay a is this vibrant, and pulpy it is as time same at the ary confection and intense Wonderfully apricot. and pith, orange apple, green of flavors adding along it pulls as brightens wine but the nose hued richly on a combine custard egg Tanbark, butterscotch and ($32.99) Chardonnay Valley River Russian Estate” Mountain “Bell Ames 2013 Medlock along. it pull to acidity ingrained nicely with side rustic the moreto leans This here. like to plenty is there going it butgets once at first Slow unravel to stratified. of sort and dense as off come palate on the brush abit of scrub and boysenberry flowers, pepper, dried Black wine. this in follow to is that of complexity level the know you lets really sense fruit amore pure and aromas spicy, briary both with nose sulating ($31.99) Zinfandel County Sonoma Vine” “Old Creek 2012 Porter $15. under well for value tremendous this out round to finish the on nature coating rich, a with combine violet and Plum spice. pastille underlying an and energy bright apersistent with please to sure are entry on flavors berry but bone-dry, ripe, the sun-fresh, and Pulpy onset. the from wine afun this make spice aclove/nutmeg and Blend ($11.99)Blend Red Red #62” – Vine Lot “Old Marietta NV The mighty Pinzgauer at Fort Ross Vineyard. Ross at Fort Pinzgauer mighty The —Bryan Brick —Bryan Pretty graphite, briary berry berry briary graphite, Pretty - A round, encap round, A - NAPA AND SONOMA 7 - - -

—Trey Beffa —Trey 2012 Buehler2012 “Estate” Napa Valley Caber juicy, net Sauvignon RP: ($29.99) “A succulent, dark ruby/purple-colored Caber net with loads blackcurrant of and black cherry fruit offered in an uncomplicated lusciousbut format. If pleasure is the name yourof game, this wine definitely delivers. Pure, round savory, and medium to full- bodied, is it ideal drinking for the over next years.7-8 may age even It longer.” Ramey2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvi gnon 92($49.99) points the of “One AG: great values David in Napa Valley, Ramey’s Cabernet2012 Sauvignon is fabulous. The flavors are bold, intense and creamy, with silky tannins, voluptuous energy and tons pureof balance. is delicious The 2012 today, alsobut has enough depth to drink well for another points decade-plus.” 91 RP. Conn Anderson’s 2012 Valley “Estate Reserve” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.99) Points RP: “Classic 91-94 crème de cassis, graphite and spice box notes as well as terrificpurity, plenty of depth and ripeness, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. In the past, this cuvée has been highly successful as well as very ageworthy.” Araujo2012 “Altagracia” Napa Valley Shows a focusedBordeaux Blend ($129.99) core red of currant fruit intertwined with mineralsand graphite flavors. Not made with a heavy hand, this wine shows a wonderful purity fruit of and balance that lingers on through tothe finish. This classicBordeaux fromblend Araujo will improve with some extra bottle age and be delicious the over points years.next RP. 5-10 91-93 - Get complete tasting notes at KLWines.com at notes tasting Get complete - - 97 points “The Cabernet AG: 2012 A contrast in tasting styles. Left:Place settings at Flowers. Right: The picnic table at Hirsch Vineyards. gnon ($45.99) 90 points RP: “Fleshy and medium- bodied also but made in the elegant style sought this by winery, should it drink well years.” 10-15 for ite and spicy oak, which lingers in the back. rich how I love the fruit is without turning sweet. There is structure and tannin,it but is balanced, seamless and silky the on finish. Philip2012 “Estate” Togni Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon ($109.99) Sauvignon is stunningly beautiful, especially in the way brings it together intense, volup tuous fruit and structure. Racy and polished in the glass, the races 2012 across the palate with intense dark red stone fruit, spice, cedar, tobacco and floralnotes, all in an energetic, vibrant style that suggests 25-30 years aging of will be a breeze. What a gorgeous wine this is.” Philip2012 “Tanbark Hill” Togni Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon ($54.99) 92 points “Succulent AG: and expressive in theglass, the is laced 2012 with red cherry pit, plum, spice, leather and mint. pliant,The expressive finish is pure 2012.” Leap Stag’s 2012 Wine Cellars “Artemis” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvi 2012 Joseph2012 Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon This ($59.99) is made from the same vineyards as the possibly 100-point Insignia.2012 Fans California of Cabernet will this love wine. is rich, It concentrated in the mouth with blackberry fruit, graph - -

90 points RP: “The 2012 Faust Napa Valley2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($44.99) Cabernet2012 Sauvignon Faust is designed as a second wine so that only the top lots inend up the Quintessa. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple sweet crèmecolor, de cassis fruit, chocolate, licorice and underbrush characteristics in a delicious, fruit-forward, open-knit style. over it Enjoy the next decade more.” or This is a value-priced Cabernet 2012 Franciscan2012 Napa Valley Cabernet the From Sauvignon near-perfect ($19.99) vintage,2012 this is a Cabernet Sauvignon- dominated that blend also includes 9% Malbec,Merlot, 3% and 1% Petit 2% Verdot Cabernet Franc. that blends fruit from across the Napa Valley, resulting in a juicy, cherry and blackberry fruited wine with layers toasty of vanilla oak. ful Bordeaux that blend is sure to be a huge hit with the press. was It a tad closed when tastedwe last it month I would but bet this wine is already starting to blossom in the bottle. This wine has all the elementsof classic mountain Cabernet from great a vintage. 92 points RP. Napa Valley Avalon Cabernet2012 Sauvi gnon​ ($13.99) in Stock Now Stock in Robert 2012 Craig “Affinity”ValleyNapa Bordeaux Blend A dense ($49.99) and power NapaCabernet Affordable Napa Valley Excellence in Six Bottles By Alex Pross Premiere Napa Valley is a whirlwind experience. We spend 48 hours packing in as many tastings and events as possible in order to get a feel for what the coming year has to offer as far as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon goes. We taste hundreds of samples, many barrel samples but also quite a few finished products, with a large percentage costing between $100-$300. While it is fun to taste these small-production, high-priced rare offerings, the real value in attending Napa Valley Premiere is tasting the everyday wines that we will have ample supply and opportunity to sell at affordable prices. Out of the hectic 48 hours 6 wines stood out as great wines but also affordable.

A winery I always look forward to visiting is Shafer and they Three other stellar values that had out the welcome mat this year with an amazing vertical deserve mention include the 2012 of Shafer Hillside spanning numerous vintages, choosing a Ghost Block Oakville Estate favorite is akin to picking your favorite SNL comedian-it is all Cabernet Sauvignon ($54.99 PA) a matter of taste and timing. What really stood out were two a wine that completely over-deliv- of their everyday offerings, the 2012 Shafer One-Point Five ers, rich and full-bodied yet with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($84.99) is a terrific wine, a sculpted palate this wine is a loaded with dark berry fruit, striking minerality, sweet oak stunner and made in such nuances and a touch of spice this wine is the perfect Napa Cab small amounts it will sell full-bodied and loaded with fruit but retains a striking sense of out quickly. terroir. 94 points RP, 93 points AG.

Not to be outdone the 2013 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Another amazing value that should be Chardonnay ($54.99) is a wonderfully balanced wine with snatched up by the case is the 2012 Honig intense fruit flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, peach and pear Cabernet Sauvignon ($35.99) a dusty, dark as well as racy acidity and a crisp texture that helps to keep fruit, olive-scented masterpiece that screams the wine lively on the palate. This is the best Red Shoulder Rutherford terroir from sniff-to-sip. Ranch Chardonnay I can remember tasting and if I learned anything from the tasting of older wines at Shafer even their Chardonnays improve with age! 94 points RP.

Lastly, we have the 2012 Turnbull Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($44.99). The hunt for exceptional values didn’t stop at Shafer, next we went A powerhouse offering packed with dark to picturesque Chappellet winery located on Pritchard Hill the berry fruit and rich mocha and coffee site of numerous Cult Cabernet producers such as Bryant, Colgin, notes, this is a large-scale offering that Ovid and David Arthur but the 2012 Chappellet “Signature easily drinks way above its modest price. Series” Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.99) costs a fraction of it’s culty These six Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvi- neighbor’s and delivers the goods in a serious Cabernet Sauvi- gnons are guaranteed to deliver and are gnon packed with dark berry fruit, mocha notes and subtle hints of great representations of what Napa has volcanic earth and herbs. A rock star of a wine this is a perennial to offer in the outstanding 2012 vintage, favorite of mine year-in-and-year-out. 93 points AG, 91 points RP. and all for under $60 a bottle!

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