New & Noteworthy

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Merlot V19 750ML

91

pts

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Merlot V19 750ML

The Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Dry Creek Valley Merlot offers a rich, approachable style with ripe fruit notes and full-bodied structure. Layers of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and plum are accented by hints of cedar, clove and black pepper on the balanced palate. Barrel aging imparts notes of toasted vanilla and mocha on the supple finish. THE HEART OF SONOMA

90

pts

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon V20 750ML

Layers of blackberries, deep plum and blueberries meld together for a rich, saturated flavor in our 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon. Subtle hints of vanilla, clove and cracked peppercorn from oak aging and firm tannins add complexity. Our deep 2020 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon offers a classic expression of the Argentinian influence on the variety.

94

pts

Germain Robin XO Brandy 750ML

Germain-Robin XO is an icon of California brandy. Distilled exclusively in Pruhlo Charentais pot stills and aged in French Limousin oak barrels, XO highlights the unique flavors and characteristics of California-grown grapes. The signature grape, Pinot Noir, provides a dark cherry character and a rich silky mouthfeel. Colombard distillate adds a fresh apple character while Sémillon provides richness with peach and apricot notes. The balance of both fruit and oak flavors is unique to Germain-Robin XO. The vanilla and toast character from oak aging complement the fruit creating layers of complexity that only can be found from sourcing great fruit. Texturally, the brandy is extremely smooth and has an incredibly long finish.

90

pts

Barefoot Cellars Merlot 750ML

Barefoot Cellars Merlot is a luscious wine with alluring flavors of boysenberry and split cherries followed by hints of silky chocolate for a decadent finish.

90

pts

Dark Horse Pinot Grigio V21 750ML

The 2021 Dark Horse Pinot Grigio is a dry, crisp white wine from sunny California. Aromas of Meyer lemon, honeycomb and white blossom brighten the glass. A juicy palate follows with notes of Meyer lemon, green apple and pear that pulls through to a delicious finish. Viticulture Notes: Grapes for our Pinot Grigio are sourced from select vineyards throughout California. The 2021 vintage experienced ongoing dry conditions in the state. A mild summer increased hangtime, which allowed the grapes to develop more flavor concentration. Harvest 2021 produced slightly lower yields of excellent quality fruit. Winemaking Notes: The grapes for our 2021 Pinot Grigio were harvested at peak ripeness, then fermented at low to moderate temperatures between 55⁰-62⁰ F. Our winemaker carefully selected aromatic yeast to enhance aromas and create an expressive mouthfeel. After fermentation, all lots were aged in stainless steel tanks until bottling to preserve brightness and balance.

Whitehaven Windward Sauvignon Blanc V22 750ML

Our top expression of Sauvignon Blanc, Windward delivers wonderful aromatic intensity, a generous, layered taste profile and classic Marlborough style. Aromas of white peach, kiwi and lemongrass carry through to the silky palate, blending seamlessly with hints of passion fruit, citrus and crushed fresh green herbs. An attractive mineral backbone and suggestions of sea spray add appealing texture, finishing long and bright. This memorable, food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc can be paired with creamy cheeses, green salads, fresh seafood or grilled chicken. VITICULTURE NOTES Grown in four exclusive vineyard sites across Marlborough, 55% from three sub-regions within the Wairau Valley (22% Renwick, 22% Spring Creek, 11% Lower Wairau) and 45% from two separate blocks of a single vineyard in Awatere Valley. The 2022 growing season was cool and long, offering optimal conditions for ripening while preserving excellent acidity. A wet winter gave soils ample water resources for the season ahead. Spring arrived with ideal conditions, giving us wonderful fruit set and healthy yields. Summer was dry and lengthy, allowing fruit to hang on the vines while ripening slowly. Grapes were harvested later than usual, delivering fruit with flavor maturity and concentration while retaining pure fruit expression. WINEMAKING NOTES Windward Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of our five best lots of Sauvignon Blanc from the 2022 vintage. Both in the vineyards and in our cellar, these standout blocks stood out above the rest for their aromatic intensity, layered flavor development and incredible structure. Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested in cool conditions, then pressed immediately with minimal skin contact. After cold settling, the clear juice was fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks at very low temperatures with selected yeast strains to preserve inherent varietal characteristics and classic Marlborough flavors. These lots sat on light yeast lees in tank for up to six weeks prior to blending.

Lolli Sweet Spiked 750ML

Fruity. Loud. Juicy like Saturday night. Lolli Sweet Spiked is a pop of flavor for moments that call for something bolder. A spiked rich red blend with hints of caramelized orange. Best served chilled, over ice with a side of fruit.

91

pts

Barefoot Cellars Pinot Grigio 750ML

A light-bodied classic with a crisp, bright finish, Barefoot Pinot Grigio offers all the flavors of tart green apples with fresh, white peaches. Accented with floral blossoms and citrus aromas, our Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with traditional favorites like poultry, pasta, and pizza.

94

pts

J Vineyards Brut Rosé NV 750ML

Our J Brut Rosé sparkles with a vibrant, pink salmon hue and inviting aromas of jasmine blossom, Kaffir lime leaf, tangerine and raspberry. The mouthfeel is creamy and delicate, with a fine, energetic mousse that tickles the tongue. The deeply nuanced palate features notes of ripe strawberry, Bing cherry, blood orange and lemon meringue, with hints of slivered almond and watermelon juice.

Mount Peak Winery Rattlesnake Zinfandel V19 750ML

95

pts

Mount Peak Winery Rattlesnake Zinfandel V19 750ML

Rattlesnake Zinfandel is a tribute to the crest called Rattlesnake Hill, the highest point of the Monte Rosso Vineyard. It’s famous for the rattlesnakes living among the vines, seeking sunshine by day and coiling around the vines at night. Our deep, complex 2019 vintage opens with ripe notes of wild blackberry, black cherry, dark plum and crushed raspberry, layered with hints of baked fig, cinnamon toast, vanilla and dark chocolate spice cake. This full-bodied Zinfandel offers incredible depth, texture and structure, lifting the fruit notes through to the long, lingering finish. VITICULTURE NOTES This wine is crafted entirely from the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard, offering exceptional fruit with incredible concentration. The 2019 growing season was warm and evenly paced, offering ideal growing conditions. Winter rain led to a cool spring, which delayed budbreak. Late May delivered more rain but by June, warm, steady temperatures delivered consistent warmth that encouraged canopy growth and allowed the fruit to ripen gradually. Harvest 2019 produced low yields of small berries packed with rich, complex flavor characteristics. WINEMAKING NOTES We gave the grapes a two- to three-day cold soak to extract the desired foundation for color, flavor and structure. Fermentation took place in open-top tanks with up to 14 days of maceration time. All lots were aged separately until the blend was assembled and returned to barrel for flavors to integrate. Total barrel aging was 16 months in 100% French (30% new) oak, with the balance aging in neutral barrels.

Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon V18 750ML

93

pts

Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon V18 750ML

The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of of black cherry, blackberry and plum are complemented by hits of toasted oak, dried currant and baking spice. Fine-grained tannins and ample brightness on the palate give way to a polished mouthfeel and exceptionally long finish.

Lolli Sweet Twist 750ML

Rebelliously sweet. Fruity Notes. Lolli Sweet Twist is a proper red wine made for those with a sassy side. Share chilled, over ice, or however you like to sip the sweet side of sophistication.

90

pts

Brancaia TRE Red Blend V20 750ML

TRE stands for its three grape varieties Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as for its three Tuscan vineyards (Maremma, Castellina and Radda in Chianti). The assemblage is dominated by Sangiovese with 70 percent, but Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon also bring their charm with 15% each. This well-structured, medium-bodied wine is aged for twelve months before it is bottled. Two thirds of the expansion takes place in French tonneaux and one in cement. This elegant, well-structured cuvée offers plenty of drinking pleasure now or later and goes well with every kitchen. “There is no better entry-level wine than this,” says Monica Larner (for Robert Parker) with reference to the TRE 2014. And James Suckling states: “Really delicious, really juicy, with wonderful aromas of red fruits.” Ideal with: pasta and rice dishes, light roasted or sautéed meat, poultry, fried or grilled fish. Our favorite: with Vitello Tonnato with fresh capers.

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT V18 750ML

93

pts

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT V18 750ML

It bears the name of the vineyard surrounding Villa Della Torre. It was the precursor of the double fermentation method: Franco Allegrini’s courageous winemaking intuitions have given rise to an extremely versatile wine with a strong personality. Acclaimed by the world’s most important wine magazines, Palazzo della Torre is one of the wines that has made Allegrini famous internationally. An elegant, harmonious wine with considerable structure and aromaticity. Ruby red in colour with purplish hues, it initially reveals sophisticated notes of vanilla, black pepper and cloves, echoed by gentle nuances of raisined grapes. On the palate it is velvety, with soft tannins and a long and persistent finish. The wine is produced via the technique of double fermentation: most of the grapes are vinified at harvest, while the remaining part is left to partially dry (appassimento). In January the wine produced, blended with the crushed grapes, begins a second fermentation. It then ages in second use French oak barriques for 15 months, in large barrels for 2 months and is fine-tuned for 7 months in the bottle

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir V20 750ML

94

pts

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir V20 750ML

Our 2020 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir opens with vibrant notes of red summer fruits and a captivating perfume of rose petal and violet. The intricate palate displays a beautiful purity of fruit—macerated raspberry, wild blackberry, and ripe plum—framed by silky tannins and finishing long with lifted notes of sweet oak and spice. VINTAGE NOTES The season began with a mild, arid winter and early bud break. A cool spring slowed vine development and the long season eased into a steady, temperate summer. Cool mornings and warm, sunny days allowed the fruit to mature gradually and steadily, achieving great complexity, focus, and structure. Dry conditions led to lower yields and small, concentrated berries. WINEMAKING NOTES We hand-harvested our Sonoma Coast blocks at optimal ripeness, identifying two standout lots, a blend of 60% Calera and 40% Swan clones, to create this expressive wine. We fermented in small open-top tanks, a portion of the fruit kept as whole clusters to impart additional depth and structure. After a five-day cold soak, the tanks returned to ambient temperature, coaxing spontaneous native yeast fermentation. Gentle pressing preserved nuanced aromatics and retained supple tannins. The free-run was transferred to 60% new French Oak aged nine months before racking for bottling.

Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon V20 750ML

About the Wine The 2020 Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon is a decadently smooth, full-bodied wine. Deep purple shows in the glass with aromas of black cherry and a subtle touch of vanilla from the oak. The palate presents layers of plum, blackberry, mocha and toasted oak. This wine carries the rich berry notes through the finish. Viticulture Notes The fruit for this alluring Cabernet Sauvignon came from select vineyards from some of California’s most renowned growing regions. California’s 2020 vintage experienced a cool, mild growing season with an accelerated heat spell in August, resulting in early ripening. Vintage 2020 in California shows vibrant acidity and concentrated flavor.  Winemaking Notes Grapes were mostly whole cluster to stainless steel fermenters where the grapes were carefully extracted to allow for a softer more approachable mouthfeel and capture the unique fruit characteristics of cabernet sauvignon. At the end of the fermentation, selected lots were racked onto oak and aged for 4-5 months to allow for a perfect balance of fruit and oak.

Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon V21 750ML

The 2021 Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon has dark cherry aromas with hints of vanilla bean, coconut and warm spices. Full bodied wine with sweet black fruit flavors, tea leaves and toasted oak. It has fine tannins and a pleasant astringency. The finish is long and smooth. VITICULTURAL NOTES We chose the El Pomar and San Miguel Districts as the source for our Cabernet Sauvignon, as they are the best sub-AVAs Paso Robles offers for this variety. Sunnybrook Vineyard’s predominantly Arbuckle Complex soils are composed of well-drained clay and are ideal for Cabernet. A former cattle ranch situated on rolling, golden hills among ancient oak trees, Sunnybrook is planted to various clones and rootstocks and possesses a unique blend of terroir within the ranch itself. The balance of fruit was sourced from our smaller San Miguel Vineyard, situated near the Salinas River. Wide-open and flat, San Miguel provided an excellent juxtaposition to Sunnybrook, with loamy, sandy soils from the Hanford and Greenfield series. WINEMAKING NOTES Tried to let the fruit hand as long as needed to achieve the optimal flavors. The grapes were harvested in early morning, at the coolest time of the day. Then they were destemmed and crushed to tank were they fermented on skins until the optimal amount of tannin and flavor had been extracted. The wine was then pressed off of skins and aged in oak until the optimal flavors had been extracted before proceeding to being blended.

Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon V20 750ML

90

pts

Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon V20 750ML

Our 2020 Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with a smooth mouthfeel and rounded tannic structure from California. A deep garnet color shows in the glass, as aromas of blackberry, black plum, cola and caramel greet the nose. Polished layers of blackberry, black plum, toasted oak, cocoa and hints of black tea leaves lead to a lovely medium-long finish.

William Hill California Chardonnay V21 750ML

90

pts

William Hill California Chardonnay V21 750ML

The 2021 William Hill California Chardonnay is a decadent wine with aromas of a freshly baked apple crisp. Notes of warm apple, toasted caramel and just a tap of spice. Layers of green apple and lemon brighten the palate. The supple mouthfeel supports the midpalate, and the wine finishes with notes of brioche and toasted caramel.

Lolli Sweet Red Blend 750ML

It's the perfect clash and complement of old and new to make something fresh. Sweet at the core with a rebellious streak. Lolli Sweet Red Blend is elegant, sweet and juicy with ripe blackberry and blueberry with a smooth and fruity finish.

Frei Brothers Russian River Valley Chardonnay V21 750ML

91

pts

Frei Brothers Russian River Valley Chardonnay V21 750ML

Our focused Chardonnay features classic flavors from the cool, fog-cloaked vineyards of the Russian River Valley. Notes of ripe green apple, citrus and pear on the rich, round palate blend seamlessly with hints of tropical fruit, cream and vanilla on the lingering finish.

90

pts

La Marca Prosecco Rosé V21 750ML

Our bright and inviting 2021 La Marca Prosecco Rosé blends our classic Prosecco with refined, flavorful Pinot Noir. Delicate aromas of wild strawberry, fresh-picked citrus and honeysuckle rise from the glass, as the palate bubbles with notes of white peach, ripe raspberry and juicy pear. Crisp and refreshing with a flourish of ripe red cherry on the memorable finish. Our La Marca Prosecco Rosé is an ideal choice to add pop of bubbly to picnic brunch, raise an elegant toast or add a splash of sparkling color to soirées big and small. Serve chilled. Viticulture Notes Delicate and aromatic, La Marca Prosecco Rosé D.O.C. is made from some of the highest-quality Glera and Pinot Noir grapes grown by the cooperative. With vineyards throughout Treviso’s coveted hillside vineyards along the Piave River, the region’s moderate climate and well-drained clay and chalk soils yield exceptional grapes. This unique climate produces fresh, vibrant yields that offer high acidity and elegant fruit flavors. Winemaking Notes La Marca Prosecco Rosé is created using the traditional grape used in Prosecco, Glera, blended with just the right amount of Pinot Noir. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, they undergo strict, time-honored winemaking practices. After the Glera was harvested, the grapes were crushed and then immediately pressed in gentle membrane presses. The juice was allowed to cold settle before initial fermentation in upright stainless-steel tanks. The Pinot Noir is fermented on skins, then gently pressed. At the end of their individual fermentations, the Glera and Pinot Noir assemblage is crafted for our La Marca Prosecco Rosé base. An extended secondary fermentation of at least 60 days adds structure and complexity to the blend.

90

pts

Clos du Bois Pinot Grigio V21 750ML

Our 2021 Pinot Grigio is a bright white wine with a refreshing mouthfeel. Silvery straw in color, this wine opens with aromas of Meyer lemon, ripe pear and honey. The palate features pear, honeydew melon and white peaches and notes of citrus zest. The finish is clean with accents of stone fruit. Fruit for our delicious Pinot Grigio is sourced from select vineyards throughout California. The 2021 vintage experienced ongoing dry conditions in the state. A mild summer helped increase hangtime, resulting in optimal ripening and an excellent vintage overall. The wine was fermented exclusively in temperature-controlled stainless steel fermenters at 55°F with no lees contact. The lower temperature helped slow the rate of fermentation, encouraging the wine to retain its bright acidity and fully develop its aromatics. Specialty yeast strains noted for their aroma-enhancing qualities were also employed during fermentation.

Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon V21 750ML

Estancia 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautifully balanced red wine from the coastal influenced vineyards of California. Aromas of dark cherry, plum and vanilla lift from the glass, revealing a sense of berry compote. Layers of dark berries create a velvety mouthfeel, underscored by threads of lightly toasted oak, caramel and a drop of raspberry on the finish. Winemaking Notes: The grapes for our Cabernet Sauvignon enjoy longer time on the vine to develop complex flavor characteristics and ripe tannins. We harvested the grapes early in the morning, then destemmed and crushed them to tank where they were fermented on the skins. We then pressed the wine off of skins before aging on oak.