retail cost: $51 +

The Weekender Experience Meritage 2011

95
The Weekender Experience
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $59.99

Tasting Notes: There are lovely floral and ripe black fruit nuances in the bouquet, followed by subtle earth tones. The palate exudes flavors of plum, blueberry and toasty oak, with a slight licorice spice note on the end. The terroir shows beautifully on the finish with supple tannins balancing the wine perfectly. Gorgeous now, this wine can be cellared for several years.
The Weekender Experience Meritage 2011

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Shypoke Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

96
Shypoke
Fanciful Name: Calistoga
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Calistoga
Retail Price: $55

Tasting Notes: An aromatic, powerful, yet elegant cabernet aged in French oak. You’ll swoon over the ménage of blackberries and cassis. This impeccable cab is simply delicious and worth every penny.
Shypoke Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Saint Helena Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

95
Saint Helena Winery
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $75

Tasting Notes: Blend of 98% cabernet sauvignon, 2% petit verdot, estate grown. Native yeast fermentation and 22 months in three types of French oak, 70% new, add to the complexities of this fabulous wine. The bouquet is lush with hints of lilac, blueberry and black cherry. The mouthfeel is rich with ripe, black fruit flavors mingling with nuances of mocha, coffee and sweet spices and a hint of “cigar box” on the end. Tannins are firm, in balance, and assure several years of development.
Saint Helena Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

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Rocca Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

95
Rocca Family Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Collinetta Vineyard
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $95

Tasting Notes: From a vineyard located in the Coombsville AVA, just east of the city of Napa, this lovely example of a Napa Valley cabernet is sure to please the most discerning of palates. Intensely dark in the glass, the nose is filled with black fruit, and hints of toast. Exceptionally well balanced, with a long finish.
Rocca Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

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Robert Craig Zinfandel 2012

94
Robert Craig
Fanciful Name: Howell Mountain
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $75

Tasting Notes: 100% mountain fruit and an absolutely unbelievable Zinfandel. Fleshy ripe black and blue fruits, silky layered impressive texture and, finally, nuances of eucalyptus and herbs on the long finish. This wine is about finesse and structure and delivers an incredible mouthful of California Howell Mountain Zinfandel with each sip. Just treat yourself; you won’t regret it!
Robert Craig Zinfandel 2012

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Miner Family Winery Red 2010

95
Miner Family Winery
Fanciful Name: The Oracle
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $100

Tasting Notes: While the cuvee’ is reminiscent of a superb Left Bank Bordeaux, The Oracle is all Napa Valley. Lush aromas and flavors of lilac, violet, blackberry and cassis abound with nuances of charred oak and allspice. The mouthfeel is rich. The finish is long with a hint of terroir and a perfect balance of tannin and sweet/tart acidity. This fabulous wine calls for a medium rare Filet Mignon. The 2010 is surprisingly approachable, but we suggest cellaring a bottle or two for 3-5 years.
Miner Family Winery Red 2010

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Miner Family Winery Chardonnay 2011

93
Miner Family Winery
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $54.99

Tasting Notes: From their Chardonnay series, this is the “wild yeast offering.” The Miner family sources from three of the top Napa sites, and then utilizes native yeasts. For the fermentation process, 16 months in oak with 100% malolactic and barrel fermentation yield a rich, opulent wine, ripe with tropical fruit notes. This one can only improve with light cellaring, if you’re patient enough.
Miner Family Winery Chardonnay 2011

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Champagne Henriot Brut Rosé

97
Champagne Henriot
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Champagne Rose
Retail Price: $70

Tasting Notes: A stunning example of a world class rosé Champagne. From the brilliant salmon pink color, to the fine and delicate mousse, you can see its pedigree. Delicate strawberry and cherry on the nose are followed by a palate of complexity and elegance. A long, balanced finish confirms the wine’s pedigree and class. Outstanding.
Champagne Henriot Brut Rosé

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Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir 2014

94
Ken Wright Cellars
Fanciful Name: Shea Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Oregon
Appellation: Yamhill Carlton District
Retail Price: $64.99

Tasting Notes: Top-shelf, elegant Pinot Noir, medium-bodied with complex berry and spice notes, followed by a long, lush finish.
Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir 2014

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Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

98
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard
Fanciful Name: Summum
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Oregon
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $89.99

Tasting Notes: As far as I am concerned, this is the best white wine made in America. Their efforts to create a Grand Cru the likes of white Burgundy have been realized. The most precise American Chardonnay I have ever tasted, this wine dances on the palate on the way to a long, satisfying finish. The epitome of balance and elegance, no Chardonnay you try will be able to match.
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

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Bouchard Père & Fils Red 2011

96
Bouchard Père & Fils
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Beaune Clos de la Mousse
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: From a top Burgundy house, this exceptional, high-quality wine exhibits finesse, and breeding. Delicious now, it could certainly improve with a little more bottle time, to bring out more of its elegant characteristics. One of those “don’t-pass-this-up” type of wines.
Bouchard Père & Fils Red 2011

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Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

96
Gallo Estate
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Northern Sonoma
Retail Price: $95

Tasting Notes: A dense ruby purple, the nose is dominated by lovely black berry and plum fruit, with just a hint of toasted oak. Solid on the palate, balanced by its acidity. A brilliant example of restraint and power in the bottle. Wonderful now, but capable of aging.
Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

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