retail cost: $51 +

Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

94
Emblem
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $60

Tasting Notes: From the Michael Mondavi family, this Napa Valley cabernet has it all going on. Dark in the glass, with an outstanding nose, with lots of black fruit, spice and toast. Lots of weight on the palate; the long finish maintains its balance throughout.
Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Chimney Rock Red 2012

95
Chimney Rock
Fanciful Name: Elevage
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $100

Tasting Notes: There are aromas of raspberry, cherry and rosé petal up front, followed by hints of the gravelly soils of the AVA. The rich sweet/tart berry flavors of the Merlot coat the palate, followed by the “la garrigue” of the Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds nuances of blackberry and spice with firm tannins on the finish. The unique terroir of Stag’s Leap lingers over all, giving the wine depth and complexity. While approachable now, this wine will reward you if cellared for 3-5 more years.
Chimney Rock Red 2012

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Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

95
Brandlin
Fanciful Name: Mount Veeder
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: A blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc, aged 22 months in French barriques, 50% new. A wine of amazing depth. Aromas of currant, plum and blackberry mingle with floral nuances and a subtle earthiness. Rich, round black fruit flavors coat the palate with lovely sweet/tart acidity. Hints of smoke, spice and terroir follow. Tannins are supple and in perfect balance, with all components on the lengthy finish.
Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2010

94
Achaval Ferrer
Fanciful Name: Finca Bella Vista
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Perdriel
Retail Price: $100

Tasting Notes: Move over Bordeaux: This is a keeper! Brooding, dark and powerful, with ripe tannins, elegant minerality and dark chocolate. A fine example of a collectible cellar wine.
Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2010

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Gottardi Blauburgunder 2012

94
Gottardi
Fanciful Name: Blauburgunder
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Alto Adige - Suditrol
Retail Price: $62

Tasting Notes: A lovely pinot noir from a region known for its cool climate. Supple, with good acid and tannins, the wine showcases the variety, while demonstrating what northern Italy can bring to the pinot noir table.
Gottardi Blauburgunder 2012

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Wren Hop Vineyards Pinot Noir Mortal Coil 2012

95
Wren Hop Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Mortal Coil
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $72

Tasting Notes: Complex black and red fruit aromas jump out of the glass. Medium-bodied with beautifully balanced fruit and acidity. Great varietal character and a long rich finish.
Wren Hop Vineyards Pinot Noir Mortal Coil 2012

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Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

96
Stewart Cellars
Varietal: Cabernet
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: Enjoy the work of Paul Hobbs at less money. Cellar-worthy choice. Rich and plush with even tannins. Deep, dark and brooding with a long finish.
Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

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Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2008

99
Dolce Late Harvest
Fanciful Name: Late Harvest
Varietal: Dessert
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $54.99

Tasting Notes: When people in Napa Valley put their minds to something, they normally make it world class. This is no different. A Sauternes-style dessert wine made in Napa Valley, Dolce is considered to be one of the best dessert wines in the world and the 2008 is no different. Silky smooth, with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine is one of the best wine experiences you will ever have.
Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2008

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Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve Malbec 2008

98
Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Retail Price: $52

Tasting Notes: This is one serious malbec. High-altitude fruit from the Uco valley. Old-vine designation utilizing plantings from 1947. An exotic blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc aged 24 months in French oak. Intense purple color, soft aromas of apricot, plum, and bright cherries. Elegant, supple mouthfeel, and a long, smooth finish.
Altamira Navigato Grand Reserve Malbec 2008

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Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Goldert Grand Cru Muscat 2013

95
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
Varietal: Moscato
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Alsace
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: Muscat elegance at its finest. A real keeper. Delicate and floral, with a touch of minerality. Long, lingering finish. A pleasure to sip and savor.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Goldert Grand Cru Muscat 2013

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