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$19.95
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WE 87
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$24 list] Soft, juicy and uncomplicated, this Cab Franc immediately offers likeable cherry and sweet oak flavors. The tannins beg for steak. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "'We like to produce a 100% Cabernet Franc to give people a chance to see what Cab Franc actually tastes like,' says Winemaker Kevin Hall. It tends to have a softer tannin profile than our Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2010 has flavors of plum, black cherry, vanilla, blueberry and cassis. This is not a heavy wine, but it does have broad mouthfeel and a long, juicy finish. Alcohol 14.0%. 1,520 cases produced."
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$16.95
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WE 87
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
9
available
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List $20.00
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87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$20 list] A little brusque in texture, with some tartness, but there’s a lot of richness. Shows complex flavors of blackberries, cherries, black currants, cola, dark bitter chocolate, cedar and spices, with a pleasant minerality, and the finish is bone dry. Brisk tannins make it an ideal companion to roasted meats and hard cheeses. (12/31/10)"
Producer notes: "The 2008 shows an enticing nose of black cherry and cassis and hints of eucalpytus and cocoa. In the glass, this wine delivers much more than what one might expect for a Cab so modestly priced, revealing rich flavors of cherry, chocolate and plum enveloped by soft tannins."
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$14.95
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WA 87
United States
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Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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87 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$18 list] The 2011 Chardonnay Estate is a relatively rich, buttery wine for the year and appellation, but it nevertheless shows good balance and depth, especially within its price range. Orange blossoms, nectarines and sweet spices are some of the aromas and flavors that wrap around the juicy finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "There are aromas of apple, pear, butterscotch, toasted oak and a little minerality in the glass. This is a Chardonnay with a lush, rich, creamy mouthfeel, tropical notes and flavors of apple, pear and citrus, with just a touch of acidity on the finish. To retain the natural acidity we harvested 70% of our Chardonnay at night when the grapes are coolest, then cold ferment those lots in stainless steel, without malolactic fermentation or barrel aging to highlight the citrus and green apple flavors. To add balance to the wine, we whole cluster press 30% of the best fruit and barrel ferment that portion in French Oak barrels. The barrel fermented lots undergo malolactic fermentation and age on the lees for 8 months to develop roundness and body. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$16.95
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WS 88
WE 88
United States
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Merlot
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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88 points Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] This solid, well-focused Merlot shows good complexity, with dried cherry and herb aromas and appealing red currant and spice flavors. Drink now through 2016. (11/15/12)"
88 points Wine & Spirits: "[$20 list] A simple, juicy merlot, this wine lasts on clean strawberry flavors. Its fine tannins give it a creamy feel. For roast beef. (Dec 2011)"
Producer notes: "The 2009 has aromas of black cherry, blackberry, oak, vanilla, plum and the slight eucalyptus typical of Alexander Valley. In the glass there are flavors of plum, vanilla, more cassis and red fruit, a touch of spice and mint. Overall the 2009 is elegant with good balance and a long aftertaste. Barrel aged 18 months in French and American oak, 30% new. 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc."
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$7.95
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RR 87
CG 86
WE 86
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock,
3
available
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List $10.00
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87 points Rhone Report: "[$20/750ml list] Co-fermented with a small portion of Viognier and Grenache (85% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 2% Viognier) and aged in 25% new French oak for 17 months, the 2008 Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah is a straight forward, very enjoyable Syrah that shows loads of blackberry, floral, game, and spice aromas, a medium-bodied, fresh, and balanced palate, and solid length on the finish. This improves in the glass over the evening and will be very versatile on the dinner table. A touch of dry tannin has me pulling in the drink window, but it should nevertheless show well for 4-5 years. (Dec 2011)"
86 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "[$20/750ml list] Mildly woodsy and showing touches of wet earth and roasted meat in the nose, this full-bodied young wine follows with solid, if somewhat rustic, flavors that stay in step. It is not an especially fruity wine, yet there is a core of dark berries at its heart, and, if a bit rough for solo sipping, it will do the job in washing down hunks of beef. (Mar 2012)"
86 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$20/750ml list] Give a good shot of air in a decanter to this Syrah before you pour it. Fresh out of the bottle, it’s all candied cherry and black raspberry fruit. Oxygen will help soften it and bring out earthy, herbal complexities. Alcohol 14.0%. (May 2011)"
Producer notes: "85% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 2% Viognier. Aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and a slight floral note of violets followed by traditional flavors of blackberry jam, black cherry and hints of nutmeg, cumin and cardamom fill the glass. The 2008 is smooth and mellow now but AVV Syrah typically improves in the bottle, so lay a few down and try them in a year or two. Food Pairing: Grilled meats, slow braises, and cuisine with a Mediterranean accent are great matches. This is a versatile wine and works in all seasons. Barrel aged 17 months in French oak (25% new). Alcohol 14%."
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$16.95
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WA 88
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$20 list] The 2010 Sin Zin is about as good a bottle of California wine as readers will find for the money. Juicy, rich and varietally expressive, the 2010 impresses for its balance, especially at this price point. Juicy red cherries, tobacco, flowers and mint linger on the expressive, layered finish. This is a terrific effort for a vintage that was very, very hard for Zinfandel. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "The 2010 includes a small amount of Petite Sirah to broaden the mouthfeel on the wine and add a little more dark fruit to the palate. There are aromas of raspberry, plum, black cherry, and citrus. In the glass there are flavors of plum, cranberry, black cherry, and classic spicy black pepper. The 2010 is a restrained vintage and will reward those with the patience to cellar a few bottles. 98.5% Zinfandel, 1.5% Petite Sirah. Alcohol 14.7%."
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$39.95
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WA 88
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock,
2
available
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88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Sin Zin is about as good a bottle of California wine as readers will find for the money. Juicy, rich and varietally expressive, the 2010 impresses for its balance, especially at this price point. Juicy red cherries, tobacco, flowers and mint linger on the expressive, layered finish. This is a terrific effort for a vintage that was very, very hard for Zinfandel. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "The 2010 includes a small amount of Petite Sirah to broaden the mouthfeel on the wine and add a little more dark fruit to the palate. There are aromas of raspberry, plum, black cherry, and citrus. In the glass there are flavors of plum, cranberry, black cherry, and classic spicy black pepper. The 2010 is a restrained vintage and will reward those with the patience to cellar a few bottles. 98.5% Zinfandel, 1.5% Petite Sirah. Alcohol 14.7%."
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$13.95
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CG 87
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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List $16.00
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'Good Value' and 87 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "[$16 list] Appropriately labeled as one for everyday drinking and more concerned with accessible, lightly peppery Syrah fruit than with swagger and strength, Murray's Tous les Jours is frontal, slightly juicy, pleasantly rounded working whose mannerly tannins provide a nice bit of structural grip without mandating a lengthy stay in the cellar. (Mar 2013)"
Producer notes: "The 2011 vintage is remarkably dark and full-bodied, and yet it has such gentle tannins. It is truly a pleasure to drink, especially at the price. Lots of fruit and spices here...no need to wax poetic about this one as it tastes just plain yummy."
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$14.95
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JS 87
United States
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Pinot Noir
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California
In stock,
1
available
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87 points James Suckling: "Aromas of black currant and dark cherry. A medium-bodied Pinot with slightly rough tannins. The palate has some dark chocolate with a powdery finish. Drink now. Screw cap. (6/11/12)"
Producer notes: "This Pinot Noir has a brilliant deep, ruby red color with intense aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and cherry, highlighted by spice and toasty oak. Fresh, rich ripe flavors of black cherry, cola and plum layered with a subtle touch of vanilla oak and raspberry. Aged in French oak for 10 months."
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$19.95
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WS 88
United States
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Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Wine Spectator: "This fresh, vibrant white delivers a tangy nectarine and white peach presence, joined by a dash of chalk and mineral. Turns elegant and subtle on the finish. Drink now through 2019. (7/31/12)"
'Best Buy,' Wine & Spirits: "A warm white with scents of toast and crushed oyster shells, this wine needs a good chill and a plate of poached prawns. (Oct 2012)"
The masterful Jim Clendenen has again created a distinctive and delicious Santa Barbara Chardonnay full of spicy pear, apples and ginger. Citrus, stone fruit, smooth and integrated flavors, creamy and tense, with apricot, apple, and lemon nuances. Barrel fermented and aged in French oak. A rich, elegant wine.
Producer notes: "Burgundian in sensibility but with California style is one way of describing Jim Clendenen's Chardonnays. Structure and restraint melded with bountiful opulence is another. In the glass, buttery brioche marries with tropical fruits in an irresistible elixir that will leave the bottle drained before you know it. Try it with turbot for a match of delicacy and richness."
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$19.95
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IWC 88
United States
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Pinot Noir
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Dark red. Musky, spice-accented aromas of redcurrant and cherry, with a note of cured meat in the background. A chewy, tangy midweight that offers tangy red fruit qualities and touch of bitter chocolate. Somewhat ungiving right now, finishing with good energy and tightly wound red fruit character. Give this some air or age. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
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$16.95
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WA 89
WS 88
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Syrah Right Hand Man is yet another ridiculous value. Layers of dark fruit flow from the glass as this plump, juicy Syrah shows off its overt, flashy personality. Hints of mocha and espresso linger on the finish. This dark, inviting and totally decadent wine is impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013. (Aug 2011)"
88 points Wine Spectator: "Firm, dense and chewy, yet with lively, earthy blackberry and wild berry fruit that's intense, focused and persistent, ending with chewy tannins. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases made. (3/31/12)"
Producer notes: "Our mainstay is back; with a powerful nose of black berry and black currant fruits framed in herbal garrigue scents, with a citrus edge followed by Almond wood smoke, sweet black pepper and nori essences. On the palate, raspberry crème and black berry preserve flavors are surrounded by elements of forest floor and fresh green herbs notes that carry into the long, pure finish. Firm and developed tannins are carried with balanced acidity."
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$19.95
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W&S 87
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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87 points Wine & Spirits: "A soft, red-fruited cabernet, this is light and airy, ready to drink with a mutton stew. (Jun 2013)"
Producer notes: "Meaning 'good year,' Bon Anno, the Italian saying heralds the celebration of good times, and is a fortuitous play on Vintner Matthew Bonnano’s last name. A deep ruby red, this seductive Cab shows classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of spice and sage followed by a mix of blueberries and blackberries with fresh raspberry notes. With a nice balance of acid and well integrated tannins, this wine is smooth, supple and sleek in the mouth: it is well balanced across the palate showcasing flavors of dark fruit, currants and hints of mineral and anise. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Syrah. Alcohol 14.1%."
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$13.95
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WE 88
WS 86
United States
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Sauvignon Blanc & Aromatic Whites
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "Brander’s first Sauvignon Blanc of the cool 2011 vintage is delicious: It tastes dryish to slightly off-dry, with excellent acidity brightening the citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Alcohol 13.2%. (Sep 2012)"
86 points Wine Spectator: "This white offers intense grassy notes to compliment its flavors of lime, passion fruit and pear, coming together in a refreshing chorus. Drink now. (8/31/12)"
Producer notes: "In making this cuvée, we blended our estate fruit with the best Sauvignon Blanc grown in other vineyards in the Los Olivos area. Crisp and dry, with floral aromas and true varietal expression, this wine combines cold tank fermentation with a small portion of barrel fermentation. This 35th vintage celebrates our commitment to making the best Sauvignon Blanc in California."
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$14.89
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WA 88
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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List $19.00
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88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$19 list] True to its name, the 2011 Eruption bursts from the glass with expressive, racy fruit. This juicy, value-priced red impresses for its overall balance and sheer deliciousness. Once again, it’s hard not to like the Eruption. Readers in search of by-the-case wine should give the 2011 a good look. This is a fabulous wine for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. (Apr 2013)"
A prorietary blend of Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Brassfield Eruption is a rich and intense wine with aromas of dark berry, sandalwood and cocoa giving way to jammy, ripe and expressive flavors. Layering the palate with supple tannins, it is elegant and well balanced; a true reflection of renowned winemaker, David Ramey.
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$16.95
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CGV 88
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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88 points California Grapevine: "[$20 list] Medium to medium-dark ruby; toasty, plummy, raspberry and black cherry fruit aroma; medium-full to full body; forward, rich, textured, cedary, red berry fruit flavors with notes of vanilla and black pepper; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. 14.9% alcohol; 3,100 cases; blended with 5% Petite Sirah; released October 2012. (Feb 2013)"
Producer notes: "Aromas of a briar patch on a hot summer day carry over to the palate and are carried in a mouth-filling, flavorful, juicy package. The wine was crafted for immediate enjoyment but for those who enjoy a more complex wine displaying some bottle-aged character."
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$16.95
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CGV 89
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $21.00
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89 points California Grapevine: "[$21 list] Medium to medium-dark brickish ruby; attractive, rustic, briary, cherry and red berry fruit aroma with hints dill, cocoa, and caramel; full body; rich, fleshy, mouth-fill, ripe berry fruit flavors, tending to be a bit drying on the finish; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. 14.9% alcohol; 1,428 cases; released October 2012. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "[$21 list] Very bright pomegranate cherry fruit, brown sugary-caramel oak. Fragrant Asian spices--Chinese 5-spice in milk chocolate/cocoa; Mouthfeel is still a bit young and chewy, but quite drinkable now. Very mouthfilling! Barrel aged 24 months in American oak barrels (50% second fill; 50% older). 1,428 cases produced. Alcohol 15.3%"
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$16.95
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WE 87
JS 87
United States
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Sauvignon Blanc & Aromatic Whites
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$20 list] Hard to believe there’s no oak on this Pinot Gris. It has an elaborate layer of vanilla that must come from the grapes. However, the main flavors are tropical fruits, apricots and honeysuckle flowers. The sweetness level is between dry and off dry. 455 cases produced. Alcohol 14.0%. (Dec 2011)"
87 points James Suckling: "Pretty sliced apple and peaches on the nose and palate. Turns a little fruit cocktail like but attractive. (12/12/11)"
Producer notes: "This Pinot Gris was cold fermented in stainless steel and aged only five months. The 2010 Carr Pinot Gris has aromas of baked apples, citrus zest, ripe pears, apricots and mineral notes with a round soft mid-palate and a long finish. 455 cases produced."
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$27.95
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WS 89
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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Washington
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Cabernet from this iconic 40-year-old vineyard consistently delivers power, structure and rich concentrated black fruit. This is a dense, decadent wine with great aging potential. The 2009 vintage is 100% pure Cabernet with intense dark blackberry and plum fruit flavors and long finish. This is a true steakhouse red!"
89 points Wine Spectator: "Rich and ripe, this dense, dry red offers sweet, somewhat jammy currant and blackberry flavors, with a touch of honey. Shows breadth and length, but needs time to settle down. Drink now through 2015. (11/30/12)"
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$9.95
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TP 89
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
1
available
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List $13.00
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89 points The Tasting Panel: "Full and lush taste with velvety texture and rich plum and spice; dense, clean and nicely made; a percentage of proceeds go to heart disease research."
'Good Value,' Wine & Spirits: "[$13 list] A blend of cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, shiraz, merlot and petite sirah, this is a simple, pleasantly ripe red with soft, peppery flavors. Daryl Groom created it with his son, Colby, a volunteer for the American Heart Association, to raise money for heart research. (Jun 2011)"
Producer notes: "Colby Groom is now 13 years of age. Just prior to his 10th birthday he underwent back to back open heart surgeries. He is now a seasoned volunteer with the American Heart Association and was inspired to raise money for heart research through creating a wine with his Dad, notable winemaker Daryl Groom and Colby Red was born. Colby Red is a flavorful California cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot & Petite Sirah."
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$18.95
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CG 88
WE 88
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Conn Creek's inexpensive Cabernet-based blend is something of a revelation at the price. It is rich, well-fruited and carefully balanced with a real sense of reserve and polish typically found in far more costly wines. Its layered delivery of juicy dark fruits and sweet oak is bound to tempt early drinking, yet do not be fooled by its price tag into thinking that it is a simple gulper to be drunk down right away. It is much more than that, and it will continue to grow for a number of years. GOOD VALUE. (Aug 2011)"
88 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "Lots of pleasure in this dry, classically structured wine. It’s rich and forward in juicy blackberries and cherries, with a milk chocolaty richness but also a dried herb earthiness that grounds it. Good price for a wine of this class. (Mar 2011)"
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$16.95
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CGV 89
United States
-
Sauvignon Blanc & Aromatic Whites
In stock,
8
available
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89 points California Grapevine: "Light yellow; attractive, floral, grassy varietal aroma with hints of gooseberry, grapefruit, and bell pepper; medium body; crisp, herbal, citrussy, green apple and tropical fruit flavors; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. 13% alcohol; 0% barrel fermented; 0% malolactic fermentation; released December 2011. (Sep 2012)"
Producer notes: "This wine was fermented exclusively in stainless steel to achieve a lively expression of Sauvignon Blanc, highlighting grapefruit, kiwi, kaffir lime, lemon zest and fresh-cut grass aromas. The palate is bright and balanced, and the flavors echo the aromas, with additional notes of pineapple, gooseberry and minerals leading to a full, refreshing finish."
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$23.95
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WS 89
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Wine Spectator: "Briary, but still retains a sense of elegance, with smoky dried cherry aromas and nicely balanced, zesty raspberry, licorice and roasted herb flavors. Drink now through 2017. 1,670 cases made. (12/31/12)"
Producer notes: "Eberle 2009 Zinfandel showcases two of Paso Robles finest Zinfandel vineyards, the reputable Steinbeck Vineyard and the Wine-Bush Vineyard. When you put these two vineyards together the result is a Zinfandel that has a bounty of fruit with balanced tannins and acid. The wine has aromas of raspberry and blackberry with a hint of smoke, while the palate is coated with rich dark bramble berry flavors, cedar and spiciness. Food Pairings: Try our Zinfandel with grilled short ribs and sweet breads with a rich hickory barbecue sauce, or a pork tenderloin with an apricot chutney. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$17.95
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CG 86
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
11
available
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List $20.00
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Producer notes: "86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 5% Merlot from vineyards in Napa, Mendocino, Sonoma and Lake counties. The nose opens with sweet dark tobacco and ripe black cherries. This medium body Cabernet Sauvignon tastes of baked black cherry tart, ripe blackberries and wet stone. A long lingering nish shows well integrated round tannins. Drink now through 2017. Alcohol 13.8%."
86 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Suggestions of loamy earth, smoke and dried reeds sit lightly atop mid-density black cherry fruit in the ripe and moderately rich aromas here, yet the wine, while fruity, is a little less varietally convincing once in the mouth. It is slightly supple in feel with enough fruity mass to buffer its firm, back-palate acids, and, if never a head-turner, it is an honest Cabernet that will develop for a few years. (Dec 2012)"
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$26.95
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WA 88
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
1
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a pretty, fleshy wine graced with expressive fruit and perfumed aromatics. Dark fruit, sweet spices and herbs are layered into the finish. It is a terrific wine for the money, something that isn’t easy to say about Napa Valley Cabernets. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. (Dec 2011)"
Hourglass owners, Jeff & Carolyn Smith once again team up with their friends, Rob & Pavi Lawson to produce a delicious and affordable Napa Cabernet that is not short on flavor or finesse.
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