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During the early- to mid-1990s, there were a select few Cabernet producers out of Napa Valley whose wines were in such high demand that they were dubbed “cult wines”. These wineries included Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Abreu…and Dalla Valle.

Located in the eastern hillsides of Napa Valley’s Oakville District, Dalla Valle’s vineyards are planted on a red, volcanic, southwestern facing, rocky slope. This gives the vines excellent drainage, and being on the hill, the vines receive an extra hour of sunlight compared to the valley floor. At the winemaking helm is Andy Erickson; his talented and meticulous hands also craft the wines at Dancing Hares, Ovid, and Arietta. These Dalla Valle wines are still exceptionally hard to find, and we just received a very small allocation from the winery. So if you want these hard to get gems, then you’d better act fast!!!

ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE 96 POINTS! - "Dalla Valle’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with the most exquisite bouquet imaginable. A picture perfect example of the vintage, the Cabernet Sauvignon is endowed with expressive, silky fruit and fabulous overall balance. Bright red berries, savory herbs, espresso, cedar, mint and sweet spices all flow through to the finish. I very much like the tension and energy in the glass. Next to the 2010, the 2009 is more floral and red-toned, but those attributes might change as the wine develops in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029."

ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE 97 POINTS! - "An exotic melange of black cherries, plums, mocha, espresso and cloves takes shape in the 2009 Maya. A huge, introspective wine, the 2009 Maya will require years in bottle before the fruit begins to emerge, but is singular and promising to the core. Even with all of its pure depth, there is plenty of underlying tannin and sheer structure lurking beneath. Hints of graphite and crushed rocks emerge on the finish, but today the Maya is tightly wound and implosive. The pure energy of the finish is beguiling. The 2009 is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034."

We are huge fans of New Zealand wines so it's natural that we would follow Kevin Judd and what he's doing...Kevin's career is intrinsically linked with the global path of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. He was born in England, grew up in Australia and moved to New Zealand in 1983; soon after he became the founding winemaker at Cloudy Bay and remained there for their first 25 vintages. In 2009, Kevin unveiled his personal venture, Greywacke (pronounced "grey-wacky"), named after New Zealand's prolific bedrock, and fulfilling a long-held dream of his and his wife Kimberley. Once we tasted his wines we were instantly smitten-- these are wines of character, showcasing the terroir they come from, the high quality of New Zealand grapes and the knowledge and talent of the winemaker behind it all. And the critics agree:

"Some of New Zealand's most exciting emerging stars include Greywacke... Kevin Judd takes Marlborough Sauvignon to new heights." - Lisa Perotti-Brown, eRobert Parker.com

Luckily our supplier found another stash on this fantastic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Supplies are very limited so don't hesitate to order. First come, first served.

WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "This intriguing white delivers a complex aromatic note that includes whiffs of petrol, oolong tea, mineral and lanolin, giving way to an equally complex flavor profile. Crunchy green apple, Meyer lemon and melon flavors are refreshing, balanced, and persistent on the finish. Drink now."

Valdicava is among the elite producers of Brunello di Montalcino. With just 10 hectares in the coldest part of the Brunello zone, Vincenzo Abbruzzese is probably the most exacting grower in the area. His Brunello and Brunello Riserva are truly outstanding, while his Rosso di Montalcino is one of the best available.

The 2011 Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino is a rare treat. Most people are excited to get his Rosso's on a normal occasion, but this year is different. Due to the heat, he cut back production about 60%. Producing about 1 1/2 tons per hectare. A fraction of the legal limit in Montalcino. In addition he did not make any brunello. That means all that brunello fruit went into the rosso. He did not stop there. He also took his famed Madonna vineyard, and put all that fruit into the rosso as well. That's right. This means your going to be getting the only rosso that I would compare to most brunello's, but also getting a baby Madonna for the price of a rosso. How can you not resist on buying as much as possible and drink it every day.

The 2008 vintage has shown to be a vintage with some extreme opposites, and only a few that are in between. You run the gamut of high acid and little fruit, to the bigger fruit blunted by unbalanced high alcohol. The high acid is due to the cool vintage, where the higher alcohol came from producers trying to beat the system by leaving the grapes on the vine through mid October.

JAMES SUCKLING 94 POINTS - "Dark chocolate with plums and hints of mahogany on the nose. Full body, with soft tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Refined and delicious. Structured for the vintage. Drink or hold."

Now most everyone know's that the 2007 vintage is among one of the greatest. The 2007 vintage offers a similar backbone of structure like the 2006 vintage, but with a lot more flash and fruit upon release. What does that mean for all of you who buy them? This means that the 2007 riservas can be enjoyed now and still offer so much is glass. Of course you can let it sit in glass/decanter for hours and slowly watch it develop its many layers. That would be something I highly recommend. I know to many, this is considered horrible to even think of, but the 2007's are amazing now and will be for at least a decade and a half.

WINE ADVOCATE 95 POINTS - "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano looks to be a modern-day version of the 1990. Layers of seamless fruit grace the palate in this large-scaled, dramatic Brunello. The 2007 boasts remarkable intensity to match its undeniably sexy personality. Although the 2007 will require at least several years in bottle to blossom, the relatively soft tannins will make it more pleasurable than the 2006 at the outset. Both vintages will be fascinating to follow over the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027."

Colle Stefano has been our absolute favorite Verdicchio from many years so its great to see the new vintage receiving such a high score. The little town of Matelica is in the Marche region, just east of Umbria. Winemaker Fabio Marchionni took over the family vineyards from his father a few years ago, having just graduated from the new enology school in Ancona and done his apprenticeship in Germany. He keeps yields extremely low, less than forty hectoliters per hectare, and makes wine with painstaking care. You could eat off the floor of the winery (and hygiene is very important when making this kind of white wine).

Fabio makes less than four thousand cases of Verdicchio, which he used to bottle, cork and label by hand in his tiny cantina (now he's sprung for a bottling machine). This wine is racy, vivid, and excellent with all kinds of seafood dishes. It is fermented and matured entirely in stainless steel (no oak) and does not undergo malolactic fermentation.

COLLE STEFANO 2012 VERDICCHIO DI MATELICA

STEPHEN TANZAR INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR 94 POINTS - "Pale straw-green. Knockout aromas of quince, pear, white peach and white flowers are complicated by lemony minerality on the vibrant, captivating nose. Rich and broad on entry, then explosive in the middle palate, saturating the mouth with bright, lively floral and fresh citrus flavors that are intensified by penetrating acidity. Finishes extremely long and creamy-rich, expanding to coat the palate and teeth with lingering white peach and floral flavors. The bright acidity conveys an almost weightless mouthfeel to this seamless, rich, extremely concentrated wine. You can tell that owner Fabio Marchionni studied white wine in Germany. This is but one of many outstanding vintages for this wine. Let me be clear: I think it is probably Italy's single greatest white wine buy."

Riesling wines can age quite well. With the right levels of sugar and acidity, Rieslings can age for much longer than most would think (wines of up to 100 years of age, good wines mind you, are not uncommon; the townhall of Bremen, Germany stores wines, including Riesling-based wines, that date back to 1653!).

This Riesling is at a great point in its lifespan right now and should be optimum over the next 8-18 months. Trockenbeeren-Auslese (TBA) wines have the highest level of sugar in the Prädikatswein system utilized in German and Austrian wine classifications. This means that the grapes have been individually picked and are shrivelled with noble rot, often to the point of appearing like a raisin. This translates to a wine that's rich and full of flavor and depth.

The first thing that struck us is the color of this TBA. So dark! Dark caramel, medium-strength ice tea, medium-grade maple syrup in color, the nose alone is worth the price of admission on this bottling: aged honey comb, marzipan, vintage rum, a hint of diesel, plantain, ripe tropical fruits, spun sugar. The palate continues the show: viscous and rich, tastes of maderia, banana, stewed tree fruits, aged peach syrup, ripe apricot, kerosene and rhum agricole are awash in decent acidity, keeping everything uplifted uplifted and delicious, fresh and vigourous. This is a great opportunity to taste a quality aged Riesling at a fantastic price.

Priest Ranch wines represent the diversity and richness of the Somerston vineyard property. Made from selected vineyard blocks from the estate, this wine expresses integrated and intensely rich yet approachable qualities. Somerston Vineyard has over 200 acres planted on elevations of 850 to 2400 feet above sea level. Its cool nights, low morning temperatures, late morning fog and warm afternoon temperatures give the vineyards a slow and even ripening. The vineyard is divided into 87 individual blocks that represent the various soils (alluvial fans, silty clay and fractured shale, and Akin).

For years, the fruit from Somerston has been purchased by some of Napa Valleys most renowned winemakers including David Ramey, Heidi Barrett, and David Phinny, plus a handful of well-respected wineries Balcom Family Cellars, Biale, Caymus, Duckhorn, Orin Swift, Pahlmeyer, and Viader.

PRIEST RANCH 2010 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY

WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Priest Ranch is a dark, brooding beauty. Black currants, cassis, melted road tar and mocha all flesh out in this gorgeous, brooding wine. There is plenty of vintage 2010 structure in the glass, yet at the same time the sheer intensity of the fruit makes the wine surprisingly accessible at this stage. Violets and sweet spices add lift on the polished finish. There is a pretty good chance the 2010 will put on weight in the bottle. If that happens, this note will look conservative. The 2010 is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot."

This limited edition release honors Mr. Jack’s opening of the White Rabbit Saloon formerly located in Lynchburg’s town square 120 years ago. This bottle will only be available in Tennessee while supplies last, and in select international markets beginning in fall, 2012.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label was blended to celebrate the first 100 years of the House of Walker in 1920. A well-kept secret, it's only been available outside the company since the 1990s. It has a distinctly smooth, sweet and luxurious character, with a stylish elegance and refined quality. Gold Label is crafted using whiskies such as Clynelis for a honeyed flavor and creamy texture yet still retaining the signature Johnnie Walker smokiness. With its rich gold color and old-gold glints, it reveals a full, round, deep nose. There are notes of soft raisins and toffee, fresh malt and light cream – Gold Label is as enticing as it is sensuous. Its palate is rich and broad with full malt flavors and honeyed spices with almonds and marzipan, which leads to a distinctive creaminess. Cardhu provides strong yet smooth malt and oak flavors. Extra-mature grain whiskies deliver some of the lingering sweetness, while Clynelis from the northern Highlands is responsible for the unusual aromatic creaminess. The finish is multidimensional and satisfyingly long.

Made from 100% Blue Agave, double distilled for incredible smoothness, the Silver Tequila represents a modern blend of artistry and quality. To celebrate this, we are identifying Essential 1800 artists from around the world, and commission their artwork to decorate our bottles.

A Fantastic High Scoring Spanish Red!

This is one of those wines that most people, upon tasting, would overshoot the price point by quite a bit. It's really fantastic. 100% Grenache from 100-year-old vines, the complexity and quality of this wine go way above and beyond the entry fee. The nose is a gorgeous melding of earth, minerality, root beer and sassafras notes, red plum and sweet cherry fruit and a good measure of smoky charcuterie. The lush, viscous palate is balanced by appropriate tannins. The fruit is forward and ripe as black cherries and ripe plum take the spotlight with a supporting cast of light spice and minerality lending their voices to the chorus.

COTO DE HAYAS 2011 CENTENARIA

WINE SPECTATOR 91 POINTS - "This fleshy red delivers a rich core of blackberry and blueberry compote, accented by toasty vanilla, sweet licorice and cinnamon spice. Well-integrated tannins give this backbone. A bold, modern style. Drink now through 2017."

The 2012 Petit Chablis from Patrick Piuze is finally here! If you don’t know who he is, it is time you took notice. He has been written up in Men’s Journal, the 2011 Petit Chablis was an L.A. Times wine of the week and he has been compared to such greats as Raveneau and Dauvissat. With his rising world wide popularity his wines are becoming harder and harder to obtain. Patrick makes a few entry level cuvee’s along with an entire selection of Premiere Cru and Grand Crus from Chablis. This is the first of his 2012 to hit California and it will be gone very quick! So there is no time to hesitate!

100% Chardonnay from 30 year old vines.

The fruit is sourced from two “lieux dits” within the original historic Petit Chablis AOC: - “Sur les Clos” on the plateau right above the Grand Cru vineyard “Les Clos” - “La Petite Preuse” below the Grand Cru vineyard “Les Preuses.” Here the soil is composed of 100% Portlandian limestone, its formation dates back to the Jurassic period (145 Million years old). The vineyards are Double Guyot pruned with no herbicide or fertilizer used. The weeds are controlled by plowing and the vineyards are sustainable farming.

Tasting Notes - "Pale gold color with light green hues. Aromatic, bright and fresh nose of lemon, pink grapefruit and white flower. Fresh and soft on the palate with stone fruit and floral notes. Bright refreshing lemony acidity. Mild sea shell minerality on the finish. A high quality Petit Chablis!"

The Seghesio’s Did It Again! Wine Spectator 94 Points!

Each year the Seghesio Family garners praise among critics for one or even a few of their offerings. In fact, just last month we were able to offer the Sonoma Coast designate at an awesome price. It’s no surprise to us at Hi-Time Wine Cellars that the Seghesio Winery “nails it” each year. Here you have a family owned and operated winery with well over 100 years of experience in the industry.

The Seghesios purchased the Cortina Vineyard the same year Hi-Time Wine Cellars broke ground, 1957. The family had purchased fruit from growers in this valley since the early 1900s and realized its great potential. Here, late afternoon coastal cooling follows long hours of sunshine, allowing the fruit to mature slowly during the summer months. Due to the prevailing afternoon breezes in Dry Creek Valley, the flavor profile tends toward red fruit. Its red raspberry, boysenberry, briary/brambly and spicy white pepper qualities are enhanced with higher acidity due to the cooler growing area.

SEGHESIO 2010 ZINFANDEL DRY CREEK VALLEY "CORTINA"

WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - “Dark and intense, yet well-polished, with floral blackberry and pepper aromas and concentrated black cherry, bitter chocolate and black olive flavors that finish with muscular but ripe tannins."

The Coquille d’Oc is a colorful new range of wines produced at Sainte Rose, located near Servian in the Languedoc region of Southern France. With their striking labels, easy drinking style and affordable price point these wines are guaranteed to create an impression--and this red wine certainly did so with our staff!

The scallop shell (coquille is French for “shell”) on the label is a very appropriate image to use for wine from Sainte Rose for two historical reasons. Firstly this shell was a waymarker for Medieval travelers on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Secondly, they have found actual scallop shells in one of the vineyards that date back to Roman times as there was a Roman settlement on the outskirts of what is now their local village. Le Coquille D’Oc is comprised of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre.

COQILLE D'OC 2010 ROUGE VDP

Ahh--the southern French wine nose never ceases to fascinate (usually in a Pavlovian way) and amaze us. La Coquille blends notes of spice, black tea, leather, meat, cherry vanilla fruit and sea salt. The palate is equally tempting, with oodles of sweet, forward fruit that is balanced by good amounts of tannin and grip. Notes of both red and black plum, blackberry fruit, black pepper and mixed spices envelop the palate while the rounded tannins counterpoint nicely. The finish is lengthy and gorgeous. So much for so little!

Limited Spirits!!!

The overall combination of effects in Ardbog truly conjures up the impression of ancient, primeval, salty peat bogs, but reassuringly this is combined with some classic, intense Ardbeg notes of leather, toffee and smoke. The Manzanilla maturation weaves salty flavors through the whisky which is then balanced with the maple syrup creaminess of the first fill ex-bourbon casks. As with all Ardbeg it is about getting the balance of many flavors right so others such as mocha coffee, cloves and even anchovies play their part.

$99.99 750ml [103048] 1 Bottle Limit

JEFFERSON'S 21 YEAR PRESIDENTIAL SELECT
BATCH 1

Jefferson's Presidential Select is a limited edition, twenty one year old bourbon. A robust nose of vanilla, apple and caramel leads to a full, balanced palate with notes of toffee, cinnamon and leather. A touch of polished oak appears on the long, rounded finish.

$139.99 750ml [103195]

TRES SIETE WYLAND SHARK EDITION

State of-the-art Purity: Tres Sietes Silver. The Tequila: This state-of-the-art distillery nestled near Lake Chapala includes a diffuser, a health-conscious technology imported from Spain that extracts the agave in its initial stage without harmful by-products from the traditional burning of wood. The super pure tasting Silver is a grand testimony to this technology. On the nose, sweet brown sugar and mouth-watering agave tones combine with peaches and cherry notes. The palate is clean, with hints of tobacco, bread dough and peppered peaches. An adrenaline inducing spirit forward presentation with an unmistakable paradox: A delicate balance allows for the retention of layered flavors and notes that sing within the body, a very rare accomplishment for this Silver as the classic distillation process of Silvers doesn't end with secondary opportunities to balance flavors created by aging. 92 points Tasting Panel Magazine, tasting notes by Publisher, Meridith May.

$89.99 750ml [103155]

The Best of Spanish Grenache, Surprising Prices!

These two wines are some of the most dramatic and flashy from the “new school” of Spanish winemaking. We’re used to paying quite a bit more for “Veraton” and Alto Moncayo—about 25% more—and they sell well every year, some years with cultish enthusiasm. 2010 is a fantastic vintage across Spain and the Alto Moncayo wines delivered flawlessly. Why the sudden discount from the wholesaler? Hard to say, but the deal is already over for us. We loaded up, but when our current stock is gone, so is the deal.

The 2010 Moncayo have not been reviewed yet, but we’ve tasted them and we know they will score big. We’ve found the Borsao “Tres Picos” bottling to be a good early indicator of the quality of Alto Moncayo wines. “Tres Picos” is released 6-9 months prior to the Alto Moncayo wines and the Alto Moncayo wines are sourced from the best vineyards from Borsao’s holdings (just the top 0.5% makes the cut). With a 92 point Wine Advocate score for the 2010 “Tres Picos,” we’re definitely looking another great year for Alto Moncayo.

ALTO MONCAYO 2010 VERATON

Look for the wild cherry and black raspberry liqueur fruit that is at the core of all three of these wines. The Veraton maybe the most exotic in terms of spicy incense aromas—very heady and intense with sandalwood, cardamom, and cinnamon qualities. You can taste the altitude here in the underlying freshness—it’s rare for a wine this ripe and concentrated to have such inner brightness.

Sale $19.99 Normally $25.99 750ml [378524] 3 or more $17.99

ALTO MONCAYO 2010 MONCAYO

Wine Advocate notes in past vintages say a lot for the style: 2004, “Spectacular,” “riveting intensity and palate staining extract;” 2005, “richer, more layered, and intense;” 2006 “a sexy concoction of toasty new oak, lavender, spice box, cassis, and black raspberry,” “voluptuous;” 2007, This opulent effort is all about pleasure.” We found the 2010 Alto Moncayo to show a bit more minerality and structure—not surprising when you see a photo of the vineyards with all those stones.

Sale $29.99 Normally $39.99 750ml [377592] 3 or more $27.99

Not only is summer the best time to buy Ski and Boarding great, it also is the time of year that we see great Port purchasing opportunities. That said this Martinez Late Bottled Vintage Port deal is simply off the hook. 2003 was a powerful, top-flight vintage in the Douro Valley and this Martinez has evolved into one of the best LBVs on the market and is a savvy buy at its normal twenty-dollar price point. Now thanks to a distributor liquidation (to make room for the firm’s lighter bodied 2005’s), what was simply a smart buy has turned into a crazy, smoking deal. This Martinez impresses with its youthful dark ruby color while the nose abounds with fresh red and black berry aromas that are accented with hints of mint and cedar. On the palate this 2003 has all the bright fruit, stuffing, and intensity that Port lovers crave while managing to retain an overall sense of polish and balance. It’s great with chocolate-based desserts, blue cheeses as well as stronger Portuguese cheeses.

LBV Ports are wines from a single vintage that have most of the heft and intensity of traditional Vintage Port. However, instead of aging for just two years in cask like Vintage Ports, LBVs are stored up to six years in wood prior to bottling, a factor which greatly accelerates their drinkability. The Late Bottled Vintage Port category really gained traction after the Second World War as producers sought accommodate the exigencies of the fast-paced modern world. After all, there just aren’t many folks today that have the time or inclination to lay down a stash of Vintage Port for their offspring to enjoy. Another big plus is price; LBVs generally sell for twenty to twenty-five dollars, which, of course, is a small fraction of the cost of a properly aged Vintage Port. Though founded back in 1790 by Spaniard Gonzales Martinez, Martinez is not well known in the United States. Because of this boutique producer’s “under the radar” status the firm’s LBVs, which often rival the best, sell for a bit less but never, until now, for the paltry sum of ten dollars.

Earlier this month we emailed out the Montalbera's flagship wine Ruche "Laccento" which sold out in a couple hours. Today we are offering two more under-the-radar gems from Montalbera. Both of these exciting New Discoveries received high scores from the famed Italian critic and author Luca Maroni.

Grignolino is a varietal indigenous to the Piemonte region of Italy. Often served slightly chilled and prized for its light color and perfect texture, it is the perfect summer wine. This Grignolino from Montalbera is one of the best examples we have ever tasted of this unique and exciting varietal.

The nose is filled with watermelon and fresh cherries along with a hint of spice. Vinous and fresh on the palate this wine sings with an amazing core of fresh strawberry, melon, and wild berry fruits. The perfectly supple acidity and healthy ripe tannin reveal the incredible balance of this wine that carries through the long silky finish.

The Montalbera estate is home to some of the most prized vineyard land in the Asti area of Piemonte.

The estates Barbera d’Asti is one of the most captivating wines of this varietal we have ever tasted, in fact the first word that comes to mind when this wine hits your palate is simply “DELICIOUS!”

Pomegranate and raspberry notes fill the nose with a good helping of ripe plums and vanilla bean. The palate is richly textured with more plum, blueberry, and blackberry. The mouth feel is pure velvety lushness. An incredibly multilayered Barbera with texture and flavor balanced perfectly throughout.

For the past six years Dave Phinney from Orin Swift has been producing a Cabernet Sauvignon blend called Papillon. The fruit originates from some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated appellations including Howell Mountain, Saint Helena, Rutherford, and Oakville. Choice vineyards such as Taplin and Morisoli were once again chosen because of their unique fingerprints. Marked with intensity and grip, the aim is to showcase a wine that is as fitting as the label which is photographed by the renowned Greg Gorman, and hand model Vince Tofanelli a 3rd generation grape grower and friend. Papillon takes flight upon release with aging potential up to 8 years.

ORIN SWIFT 2010 PROPRIETARY RED "PAPILLON"
NAPA VALLEY

A staff favorite each release, Papillon always seems to have that wow factor between the aromatics that pop from the glass to the flavors that dance on the palate. Nice texture, depth & complexity...this wine has it all! The 2010 has a very dense garnet hue with a slight stain of cardinal on the rim. Aromas of plum and cassis are built around soft French oak and cedar box nuances. The entry is intense, yet elegant with loads of boysenberry and dark fruit flavors. Well integrated tannin chains provide for a long, soft finish.

The Palamà family vineyard was founded by Arcangelo Palamà in 1936. A family of Greek origins, they settled in Italia about two thousand years ago, and have been making wine ever since. The Palamàs are also beloved and accomplished restaurateurs, icons in their hometown, and for 70 years had only sold their wine in their restaurant–until importer Small Vineyards came knocking on their door.

The winemaker now is Ninì Palamà, son of Arcangelo, and a gregarious, larger-than-life character who sings spontaneously (and without warning!), and is known to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Those fruits, we might add, are really terrific. His wines are full-bodied, intense and unctuous, but with admirable restrained alcohol and tannins. In many ways, his wines capture the power of the South of Italia, and the elegance of the North.

This is the cutting edge of Puglia winemaking. In fact, for us, there are few, if any, winemakers in Puglia making better wine. This wine pairs nicely with hearty meats and will make a great barbeque wine for your upcoming holiday weekend.

This 80/20 blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera easily won us over. The nose is attractive and bright with notes of fresh pepper, mixed purple fruits and graphite. The palate continued where the nose started; beautiful ripe fruits (purple/black: berries, cherries, plums) and earthy spice lead to sea salt and kriek lambic, all enwrapped with a viscous mouthfeel that starts light but ends with good grip and fine tannins.

Downes Family Vineyards is situated in the Elgin Valley within the Kogelberg Biosphere with mountains on their western boundary and the Palmiet River forming the eastern boundary. The Elgin Valley which has long been regarded as the apple and pear center of South Africa, now has some of the country's most highly regarded winemakers establishing vineyards in the area, testament to its obvious winemaking potential.

They focus on viticulture principles in order to reflect their commitment to winemaking as an expression of terroir. Technological surveys ensured that the correct grape variety, clone and rootstock combination was planted in the diverse ancient soil types. The vineyards benefit from the high altitude cool temperatures, as well as an abundant rainfall throughout the year and the prevailing cold summer wind, known as the "Black South-Easter" blowing in from the ocean 12 kilometers away. Viticulture practices and canopy management, which enhance longer ripening periods, capture in the wines the broad spectrum of flavors created in the cool climate of this unique terroir!

The focus of this wine is based on a vineyard component arising from low yielding Table Mountain Sandstone soils. Using neutral yeasts, Downes Family Sauvignon Blanc expresses very distinctive and concentrated primary fruit aromas of asparagus, citrus, and some capsicum in a minerally and flinty style. The clay/shale soils however, provide the Sauvignon with flavors on the riper side of the fruit spectrum and with more structure for a broader palate. The blending in of naturally fermented Semillon, matured on the lees, provides a fuller mouth feel and adds to the complexity of the wine. This wine was vinified in a style that enhances the aging potential of Sauvignon Blanc.

STEPHEN TANZER'S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR 92 POINTS - "(blended with 11% barrel-fermented semillon): Bright pale yellow. Aromas of gooseberry, lime leaf and citrus peel are almost New Zealand-like in their penetrating pungency. Then juicy, spicy and very dry but with excellent texture and intensity to the uncompromising flavors of citrus peel, white pepper and flinty minerals. Excellent sauvignon blanc with real depth and spicy length, and a dusty peppery quality that leaves the mouth refreshed. A lot of sauvignon blanc for the price--and one to seek out."

Larkmead is not only one of the most historic vineyards in the Napa Valley, but the property is a reference point for high-quality, age worthy wines! Established in the late 1800s by the Solari family, the Larkmead estate has been the source for some of the greatest wine to come out of the Napa Valley, and their current list of clients includes Orin Swift, Cakebread, Duckhorn, and Ramey among others! Winemaker Andy Smith (who also makes the fantastic DuMol Wines), blended in small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot from the estate to increase aromatics and texture...and this is one of the best Larkmead Cabernets we’ve had in a while!

ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 95+ POINTS! - "I was completely blown away by Larkmead this year. The 2010s are simply phenomenal across the board. This is also a vintage in which the different terroirs Larkmead works with are vividly marked. While many wineries are aggressively pushing the boundaries of pricing, Larkmead takes the opposite approach. The fashionable cult-loving crowd might look past these offerings, but savvy readers will recognize that Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignons in particular are some of the very best wines being made in Napa Valley today. If forced to choose one top-flight Napa Valley producer that remains under the radar, Larkmead would get my vote. These are spectacular wines that deserve a much broader audience. I can’t say enough good things about what proprietor Cam Baker, winemaker Andy Smith and the entire team at Larkmead are doing at this historic property.

Larkmead’s entry-level 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate captivates all of the senses from the very first taste. A huge, opulent yet structured Cabernet, the 2010 shows off tons of richness, power and structure, all while maintaining considerable detail and nuance. Black currants, melted road tar and asphalt blast thorough to the intense, palate-staining finish. I can’t imagine this being ready to drink before its 10th birthday. The 2010 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. This is a great 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030."

Vizcarra Roble is an estate-bottled wine made by Bodegas Vizcarra. The most inexpensive wine made by this first-class bodega in the Ribera del Duero DO, Vizcarra Roble is a great value. With black fruit, mineral and violet characters, it shows solid and consistent quality every year. Vizcarra Roble has the complexity of a serious wine for a very reasonable price. In great vintages, this wine over-delivers due to the high quality of the fruit while in difficult years, a portion of Vizcarra's top wines Celia ($145/bottle) or Ines ($155) is put into the blend for Vizcarra Roble to ensure the wine maintains quality. Very little oak is used and all transfers of must or wine are by gravity. This cuvée showcases the youthful elegance of Ribera del Duero in a distinctive manner. Founded in 1991 by Juan Carlos Vizcarra, Bodegas Vizcarra has 26 hectares (64 acres) of vineyards in the towns of Mambrilla and Roa, in the northern central area of Ribera del Duero within Burgos province.

ROBERT PARKER 93 POINTS - "The 2011 Vizcarra Roble, 100% Tempranillo from organic vineyards, was aged seven months in both French and American oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sumptuous nose of blackberries, new saddle leather, licorice, camphor and crushed rocks. With a superb texture and full-bodied mouthfeel, and built like a skyscraper, this multidimensional Ribera del Duero is already drinking fabulously well. It should continue to do so for up to a decade."

Domaines Des Baumard has been in the Baumard family since 1634, but it was reconstituted and improved by Jean Baumard in the mid-1950s. Since 1992 the estate has been run with meticulous care by Jean’s son, Florent, and the Domaine is now regarded as one of the greatest producers in the Loire Valley and one of the greatest producers of white wine in the world.

“If there ever was God in a glass, this is it.” Matt Kramer Wine Spectator

We only have 24 bottles of each wine so don't hesitate to order. First come, first served.

WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Plump, ripe and full, featuring a slightly exotic edge to the guava, mango and creamed peach flavors, before a racier side of green plum, honeysuckle and plantain moves in behind. Still youthfully raw, with the fruit bouncing rather than gliding for now. The finish is long, revealing an echo of green almond that bodes well for cellaring. Best from 2015 through 2026. 100 cases imported."

WINE SPECTATOR 96 POINTS - "Bold, lush and tropical in feel, with creamed papaya and mango notes seamlessly gliding together, while coconut, green plum, ginger, quince and white peach flavors fill in the background. Offers a succulent finish, but stays pure and steady thanks to perfectly embedded acidity. Best from 2015 through 2030. 250 cases imported."

$38.99 375ml [333850]

Bottled by Jolie-Pitt & Perrin
Miraval Cote du Provence Rose

There are many reasons why this wine is as popular as it is. Some tracks from Pink Floyd's "The Wall" album were laid down at the Château, in a studio built by the well-known jazz pianist and composer Jacques Loussier in 1970 when we took ownership of the property. When contemplating seminal albums in the rock pantheon of the ages, this is generally one of a handful near the summit. Other musicians over the years have also used the Château's facilities to record in: Sting, Sade, The Cranberries, The Gipsy Kings.

For a more recent popular reference, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have taken up residence and have given impetus to the heart of the estate as a place dedicated to the arts-- music, cinema, theatre, local food and fine wine. Kudos to them for not over-aggrandizing their presence; the elegant design and packaging of the bottle has a simple message on the back: "Mis en bouteille par Jolie-Pitt & Perrin." The main reason this wine is popular is simple: it's a fantastic Côtes de Provence Rosé. Compared to some of the rosés we've seen and tasted priced in the mid-$30s, this is quite a bargain as well as being lush and delicious.

Since 2012, the owners of Château Miraval have partnered with Famille Perrin (Château Beaucastel) to help with the viticulture, winemaking and wine distribution. As one of the leading French wine producing families, Famille Perrin is experienced in producing high caliber wines. With investments in the latest winemaking technology and a passion for excellence at every stage of production, Château Miraval is dedicated to delivering top quality wines to international acclaim. The estate is cultivated 100% organically and the wine is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle.

We will be pouring this wine with many others at our "Dry, French Rosé" tasting this Saturday, May 18th, at our wine bar. Hours are 2-8:30PM, cost is $20.

WINE SPECTATOR 90 POINTS - "Refined and elegant, offering pure and concentrated flavors of dried red berry, tangerine and melon. The focused finish features flint and spice notes, with a hint of cream. Drink now. 15,000 cases imported."

While the Cabernet Sauvignon-based “Insignia” blend by Joseph Phelps has always garnered much of the limelight (and for good reason), Joe Phelps has had a life-long love affair with the wines of Burgundy and a desire to craft wines in that style. Delicious Chardonnay was made using fruit from Napa Valley, but Joe continued to search for the ideal spot to grow Chardonnay as well as Pinot Noir; like in Burgundy. His search ended when the perfect combination of climate, soil and location was found in Freestone, located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, a mere six miles from the Pacific Ocean. In 1999, Phelps began developing 100 acres of vineyards just outside of Freestone, and today, 80 acres of Pinot Noir and 20 acres of Chardonnay produce remarkable estate-grown wines bearing the Joseph Phelps name!

These are wines of beauty, and truly are fashioned in the Burgundian style. The scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate have just landed, and we suggest scoring these wines while you have the chance!

JOSEPH PHELPS 2010 “FREESTONE” CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST

ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS! - "...the 2010 Chardonnay Estate Freestone Vineyard caresses the palate from beginning to end. Lemon, pastry, white flowers, crushed rocks and a whisper of French oak all emerge from the glass in the seamless, totally polished Chardonnay. The aromas and flavors remain bright, focused and beautifully articulated from start to finish. This is another fabulous wine from Joseph Phelps. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018."

JOSEPH PHELPS 2010 “FREESTONE” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS! - "The 2010 Pinot Noir Estate Freestone Vineyard is more fruit-driven than the Pastorale. Immediate and juicy, the 2010 jumps from the glass with layers of radiant red fruit. I would prefer to drink the 2010 while the fruit remains front and center. This supple, resonant Pinot is another gorgeous wine from Phelps. The 2010 is a blend of roughly equal parts Pastorale and Quarter Moon Vineyards. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020."

Ornellaia’s philosophy considers the birth of the wines to be the truest expression of their terroir. The grapes for Ornellaia are selected by hand, and picked in the estate’s vineyards in Bolgheri, on the Tuscan coast. The varying natures of the estate’s terroirs, marine, alluvial and volcanic, are ideal for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc ad Petit Verdot. The Estate extends over 97 hectares along the Tuscan coast, just a short distance from the medieval hamlet of Bolgheri and the famed cypress-lined avenue ‘Viale dei Cipressi’. The constant work of the team and the ideal microclimatic and geological characteristics have led the wines, in just twenty years. — 1985 was the first vintage of Ornellaia — to enjoy great international success. In 2001 the 1998 Ornellaia was declared Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator.

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary, each and every bottle of Ornellaia 2010 is decorated with a special logo, silk-screened in gold and ivory.

This wine has not yet been rated but the last 2 vintages received 97 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. We had the opportunity to taste this wine in April and it was FANTASTIC!

WINEMAKER NOTES - "The 2010 vintage was among the coolest and latest-ripening in recent years and yielded one of the most elegant expressions of Ornellaia. A deep ruby hue announces remarkable complexity on the nose, releasing heady fragrances of dark wild berry, pungent spice, and smooth pipe tobacco. The palate is finesse par excellence, with silky tannins and bright, clean-edged fruit, crowned with a finish boasting impressively racy tannins."

A Classy 93 Point Cabernet Sauvignon!!!

Zolo is produced at one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. They select grapes from estate vineyards throughout different key regions of Mendoza. Located at various altitudes, each of these terroirs provides a different expression of fruit and varietal concentration. The winemakers are Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude Berrouet (former Petrus winemaker). The purpose of the winery's Zolo classic line is to create a family of fruit-forward, great value wines, which can be enjoyed with a wide range of food or by themselves. The Zolo Reserves, with their ultra-high concentration, long ageing in new French oak, and aromatic complexity are made for those special occasions when one needs a wine to "blow your hat off."

ZOLO 2010 RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The 2010 Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy follow-up to the 2009. It has a sedate, well-defined bouquet of kirsch, cranberry, raspberry and that gravel note. The palate is full-bodied and well-balanced with earthy ripe black fruit. It is a little broody, but draws you in, and the finish is powerful but wonderfully focused. This is a classy Cabernet. Drink 2013-2020+"

Wine Spectator 92 Point Wine Just Under $20!!!

Each release we are graced with multiple offerings from the Seghesio Winery. While each bottling is delicious in its own right, it is always the Sonoma County designate that grabs the attention of our staff with consistent quality year to year and low price point. In a world of “jammy” Zinfandels, Seghesio produces food friendly Zins nuanced with pepper and spice along with tannins and acidity that tames and balances the juicy characteristics associated with this varietal. This wine has enough depth to please the connoisseur while still maintaining an approachable feel for the novice making it an ideal selection for dinner parties and BBQ’s. If you don’t believe us on how great this is, how about the critics? This Sonoma County bottle has made Wine Spectator’s top 100 list multiple times and somehow almost always gets scored at least 90 points.

SEGHESIO 2011 ZINFANDEL SONOMA COUNTY

WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "An excellent wine from a challenging vintage, with aromas of black cherry and spice opening to rich wild berry, mineral and toasty sage flavors that wrap around a concentrated core of acidity and tannins."