holiday buying guide

2014 HOLIDAY BUYING GUIDE: OUR RAREST & BEST

Thirst Wine Merchants | 405.942.9463 | www.thirstwine.com

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Gtting youHourglass

What’s Inside…

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Argot 2

Bergstrom: Top Vineyard Designates & Rare Chards! 2-3

Blackbird* 3

Brewer-Clifton High-Scoring Vineyard Designates 4

Continuum 2011: Last Call! 4

Casanova di Neri: Brunello Allocations! 5

DuMOL 5

The Eyrie Vineyards: Rare Library Wines 6-7

Failla 2012 Vineyard Designates 7-8

Favia 8-9

Gramercy Cellars 9-10

Hourglass 2012s!* 10-11

Hudson Vineyards: Rare Reds! 11-12

K Vintners: Scores for Days!!! 12-13

Lail Vineyards 14

Levy & McClellan* 14

Lewis Cellars: 2012 Reds! 15

M. Etain by Scarecrow 15

Mount Eden Vineyards 16

Maison L’Orée: Grand Crus Burgundy 17

Orin Swift Cellars 18

OVID: 2011 Red Wine & Experiments! 19

Paul Hobbs Winery 20

Thomas Rivers Brown: a trio of rare gems! 20

o Pulido~Walker 21

o Revana Family Vineyard 21

o Schrader Cellars: Oklahoma debut!* 21-22

Sea Smoke Cellars 23

Shafer: 100-Point Hillside Select * 24

Soter: ‘Soter Pop’, anyone? 25

Turley Wine Cellars: last of the 2012s 25-27

Vietti: Best Batch of Cru Barolo Yet! 28

Williams Selyem: 2012 Vineyard Designates 29

Late Additions: Kongsgaard, Araujo, etc… 30+

*Includes Rare Premiere Napa Valley Auction Wine



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All of these wines are available in Oklahoma. If you’re unable to find them, just ask your local wine retailer or favorite restaurant.

For more information on these and all Thirst

wines, please visit: www.thirstwine.com

Retail Pricing Key:

$ = $40 - $60 $$ = $60 - $80

$$$ = $80 - $100 $$$$ = $100 - $150

$$$$$ = $150 - +++++

http://www.thirstwine.com/



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ARGOT is the brainchild of Winemaker Justin Harmon. Dedicated to crafting small lots of white and red wine made at the very highest level. Justin was inspired to get into winemaking by an interview he read

some years ago with legendary winemaker Sean Thackery. We think this is one of the most exciting new wineries around—and definitely one to watch in the future!

2012 Argot Estate Grown Chardonnay, Sonoma Mountain $$ The estate Chardonnay vines are planted in, what is arguably, the most ferocious location on the vineyard site, a heart-palpitatingly steep, north-facing slope perfect for farming grapes destined to become world-class wine. With its exposition toward the Northern Sky (away from our hemisphere’s direct sunlight), the

coolness of this hillside forces its vines to struggle in ripening their clusters. This allows the grapes to develop massive amounts of flavor while retaining both freshness and acidity. First vintage. Old Wente Clone & Hyde Selection. 16 months in new French Oak. Tank finished for two months in steel before bottling. 1.5 barrels (38 cases!) produced.

2012 Argot Estate Grown Syrah, S0noma Mountain $$ Planted on the entirely south-facing hillside, our Syrah vines soak up copious amounts of sunshine while buffeting cool, maritime breezes in a foot-race to ripen their grapes before the winter rains arrive. This dynamic of sun/wind, heat/cool creates ideal conditions for growing the quality of fruit required to craft wines like

those have so fascinated us on our journey along the wine route. This Syrah is not typical of what one might expect from our state. The flavor profile has more of the peppery characteristics often associated with wines from France’s Northern Rhone Valley than is usual. As with all Syrah-based wines in the Argot portfolio, this wine was raised in barrel for over two years before being bottled. Only 30 cases produced.

2012 Argot ‘Bastard Tongue’ Pinot Noir, Sonoma County $$ Each year we taste through our barrels and select those that present the most decadent, deep and complex representation of Pinot Noir the vintage allowed. Those barrels are then buried in the coldest, darkest corner of the winery to continue marinating—concentrating, mellowing, deepening. Increasing in their

complexity of fruit, in hopes of offering a new take on what the Pinot Noir grape is capable of. The 2012 Bastard Tongue Pinot Noir is as rich and intense a Pinot Noir as we have crafted. . Indulge in the pure extravagance Pinot Noir is capable of. 100% Pinot Noir raised 20 months in all new French oak. 75 cases produced.

“Josh Bergström makes Pinot Noirs of impressive depth and elegance at his hilltop winery in the Chehalem Mountains of Oregon’s

Willamette Valley.” -Wine Spectator

2012 Bergstrom Chardonnay ‘Sigrid’, Willamette Valley $$$ There are only a few small places on earth where the noble varietal of Chardonnay truly reaches great heights, and Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley is one of those extraordinary places. A barrel selection of our finest barrels from the seven exclusive Chardonnay vineyards we farm and work with in the Willamette Valley,

our 2012 Sigrid represents our finest effort to date. Two six-packs allocated to Oklahoma.

93 Points Wine Spectator | “Crisp and lively, with vibrant, honeyed pear and spice flavors playing against racy acidity. Has generosity and impressive depth. Drink now-2018. 953 cases made.”



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2011 Bergstrom Chardonnay ‘Sigrid’, Willamette Valley $$$ 93 Points Wine Spectator | “Josh Bergström has clearly taken Burgundy to heart in his flagship chardonnay, Sigrid, a wine with Meursault-like nuttiness, leesy, savory scents and firm pear notes. The fragrance suggests the Côte de Beaune, but the flavors are all Oregon 2011, terse and lemony, rippling with energy, with a mineral tang that gives the wine staying power as it drives it toward a long finish. 490 cases made.”

2012 Bergstrom Pinot Noir, Shea Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton District $ 94 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Potent dark berry and cherry compote scents show excellent clarity, with smoky mineral, floral pastille and Asian spice notes adding lift. Delivers a superb blend of power and vivacity, with chewy tannins coming on late to add shape to the long, sweet, vanilla-tinged finish. While this substantial pinot still

has years of life ahead of it, it offers surprising up-front appeal as well.” 2012 Bergstrom Pinot Noir, Bergstrom Vineyard, Dundee Hills $$$

94 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Intensely perfumed dark berry, Indian spice and potpourri scents are lifted by a smoky mineral quality. Sweet, deeply pitched black raspberry and cherry cola flavors are given lift and cut by juicy acidity and pick up a rose pastille quality with air. At once rich and lively, finishing with superb clarity,

palate-staining length and harmonious tannins.”

“This impressive portfolio was assembled by winemaker Aaron Pott (Quintessa, Château La Tour Figeac, Château Troplong Mondot, etc.).

Blackbird’s mission statement is to make artisanal, Pomerol-inspired wines from Napa Valley, and they appear to be succeeding.”

-Robert Parker 2010 Blackbird Horizontal Pack, Napa Valley $$$$ Gorgeous wooden six-pack box with TWO bottles each of:

2010 Illustration Red Wine…91 Points Robert Parker | "The 2010 Illustration is composed of 48% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fleshy and pure as well as loaded with fruit and character…should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.”

2010 Paramour Red Wine…90+ Points Robert Parker | "The dense purple-colored 2010 Paramour (41% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon) is…displaying blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, a full-bodied, fleshy, voluptuous character, and plenty of richness…drink it over the following 10-12 years.”

2010 Contrarian Red Wine…93 Points Robert Parker | "A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, the 2010 Contrarian is a beauty of purity, symmetry, harmony and pure Napa fruit…drink over the next 10-12 years.”

2010 Blackbird Red Wine ‘PNV—Lot 59’, Napa Valley $$$$$ This 2011 vintage bottling, crafted by winemaker Aaron Pott, represents the essence of Blackbird Vineyards’ Right Bank-inspired portfolio. Our PNV wine possesses both sensuality and commanding structure. The cab Franc came from Stagecoach and Crocker Starr Vineyards, while the Merlot is sourced from

Blackbird and Hudson. This wine is an example of cool-climate and mountain viticulture at its finest. Purchased at 2012 Premiere Napa Valley Auction for $25,000. Hand-numbered & signed by Aaron. TEN six-packs produced.



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“Two brilliant young winemakers, Greg Brewer and Steve

Clifton, are symbolic of both the present and future of California

high quality wine production. Seemingly coming out of

nowhere, with their own personal visions of wine quality

formed by French and Italian experiences as well as their belief

in the cool climate sites of Santa Rita Hills, they have proven

time and time again that remarkable wines can emerge from

this relatively new viticultural region.” (Robert Parker)

2012 Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay 3-D Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills $$ Planted in the winter of 2007, the primary emphasis of the predominantly-sandy ten-acre vineyard is chardonnay, with equal amounts of five clones planted (4, 76, Hyde, Mount Eden and Sea Smoke Wente).

92 Points Stephen Tanzer | 92 Points Antonio Galloni | “Poached pear, nectarine, lemon rind, anise and honeysuckle on the complex, deeply scented nose. Dense and concentrated but also energetic, offering creamy orchard fruit flavors and notes of buttered toast and candied ginger. The only hint that this wine is carrying 15% alcohol is its heft and viscosity - I detect zero heat. As with all of this estate’s Chardonnays, it’s 100% of the variety and aged all in neutral oak.” 166 cases produced. 2012 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir, Machado Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills $$$

Looking to secure a mirror-image sister ranch to 3-D, we began working with the Machado family in the winter of 2008. The site is marked by a gorgeous rolling terrain with sandy clay loam soils. At Machado, the majority of the planting is dedicated to pinot noir with equal amounts of such selections as Pommard, Merry Edwards, Mount Eden and 459.

94 Points Robert Parker | 94 Points Wine Spectator | “The 2012 Pinot Noir Machado has sappy, grippy texture to go with notions of rose petal, earth, underbrush and both blackberry and raspberry-styled fruit. Medium to full-bodied, rich, textured and beautifully balanced, I love the overall energetic vibe here, and it should evolve nicely for upward of a decade.” 675 cases produced.

Tim Mondavi presents…

2011 CONTINUUM RED WINE, Pritchard Hill 50 ml (wood box 6-pack) | $$$$$ 375 ml (cardboard 12-pack) | $$$$$

1.5 L (wood box 3-pack)| $$$$$

98% of the 2011 Continuum was grown on Pritchard Hill on the western hills above Oakville. Our 41 acres of mature estate vineyard, with an average age of 20 years, has a variety of western and south facing aspects with plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The remainder of the 2011 blend was sourced from vineyards on Mt. Veeder and Diamond Mountain. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot. Packaged in a beautiful wooden six-pack box.

95+ Points Antonio Galloni |92 Points Wine Spectator | 92+ Points Stephen Tanzer | “The 2011 Continuum is a dark, brooding beauty. The heavy presence of Petit verdot, 11% in this vintage, is clearly felt in the wine’s somber, intense personality. The 2011 is going to require significant patience. It boasts superb density and pedigree, but it was also bottled just a few months ago, and is a bit unsettled at this stage. The 2011 was made from virtually all estate fruit, with a splash of Petit verdot from Mount Veeder.” (Antonio Galloni)



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“Giacomo Neri makes some of the most exciting modern-styled Brunellos in the zone. Neri is a fervent believer in low yields, and

while his wines boast notable concentration, they also show remarkable elegance and expressiveness.” -Robert Parker

2009 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino ‘White Label’ DOCG $

93 Points Robert Parker | “The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino is an impressive and impeccable wine that delivers a slow & sensual progression on the palate. Along the way, it leaves a steady stream of ripe fruit, spice, tobacco, licorice &

balsam herb that is both impactful & vibrant. The wine’s aromas are very well-delineated, clean & never color outside the lines. The textural fabric of the wine is velvety & rich, thanks to a long 43 months in oak. Having had the opportunity to taste many older vintages of Giacomo’s wines, I find that they possess a great capacity for cellar aging. Drink: 2016-2026."

2009 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino ‘Tenuta Nuova’ DOCG $$$ 93 Points James Suckling | 93 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Multi-dimensional nose offers captivating aromas of raspberry, sour red cherry, redcurrant, brown sugar, cinnamon & minerals, lifted by a strong note of fresh citrus fruit… shows a

rare blend of power & delicacy…truly mind-blowing purity of small red fruits & violet. Impeccable balance only adds to its star qualities. One of the best young Tenuta Nuovas I have ever tried & it's also one of the two or three best Brunellos of the vintage."

2008 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino ‘Cerratalto’ DOCG $$$$$ 94 Points Robert Parker | “The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto comes from a more challenging vintage for Casanova di Neri with a cooler growing season and more moisture. Cerretalto is so immensely soft and luscious it is

almost too much of a good thing. Rich spice, cherry, chocolate and crushed granite wrap thickly around the palate. Drink: 2017-2026." Packaged in a wooden three-pack box.

“DuMOL continues to be one of the most reliable names in winedom for

high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Moreover, consumers should not

overlook their top flight Viognier and blockbuster Syrahs.” –Robert Parker

2011 DuMOL Chardonnay, DuMOL Estate Vineyard, Russian River Valley $$

96 Points Robert Parker | “The 2011 Chardonnay DuMol Estate may be the best of all the 2011s. Made from their holdings in the cool climate Green Valley… 65% new oak is used, and the wine spends 15 months on its lees with no batonnage. A spectacular effort, it reveals notes of unbuttered popcorn,

caramelzied citrus, white peach, honeysuckle and a wet gravel-like minerality…one of the few superstars of this vintage. It should drink well for 4-5 years.” 450 cases made.

2012 DuMOL Syrah, Russian River Valley $$ 94 Points Wine Spectator | “#30: Top 100 of 2014! Pure, rich and layered, with dense, mocha-laced blackberry, black licorice, dill, anise and cedar notes. The flavors keep unraveling, ending with a long, sustained finish. Best from 2015 through 2028. 1,064 cases made.”



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“A visit to The Eyrie Vineyards where Jason Lett presides is like getting a history lesson in how wine used to be made (and some might say still should be made). From the grape growing through the elevage, this is an artisanal, non-interventionist, unique operation that continues to turn out some of the most fascinating wines on the planet. Knowing Eyrie Pinot Noir’s propensity for longevity, my drinking windows are likely to seem conservative a decade from now.” (The Wine Advocate, Oct. 2009)

These Eyrie library releases represent some of the best and most iconic wines ever made in Oregon—or in North America, for that matter. The Eyrie library wines were first offered for sale in 2009 after a landmark tasting of every vintage David Lett made before his death in 2008. 38 Eyrie vintages were poured, from Eyrie’s (and the Willamette Valley’s) first vintage in 1970, to David’s last release, the 2007 Reserve. The South Block Reserve Pinots were never offered for sale—not even when they were young—after the 1975 won the second “Judgment of Paris” in 1979. These are truly some of the rarest wines on earth. Thirst is proud to own a few bottles of the following wines. And now we offer them tom you…

“I urge anyone interested in fully mature, subtle Chardonnay to consider investing. You can buy single bottles at the prices cited below, and there is one complete vertical available (or at least there

was as of this writing) at $7,500. I wonder whether they haven’t underpriced these rarities.” - Jancis Robinson, M. W. (July 2009)

1988 Eyrie Chardonnay, Estate, Dundee Hills $$$$$ This is the only non-Reserve Chardonnay offering. On the “Reserve” vs. “Estate” distinction, Jason Lett says, “Very simply, Reserve is and always has been the best barrels from the old plantings of Chardonnay at our original vineyard. There has never been any purchased fruit blended into the Reserve. The first

year of Reserve designation was 1987.There was no Reserve declared in 1988, 2002 or 2004.”

Jancis Robinson | “Very slightly musty on the nose. A bit diffuse. Floral hint.” David Lett’s original vintage notes: “April and May had slightly higher than normal rainfall and average temperatures. June displayed favorable temperatures, but twice-normal precipitation gave terrible bloom conditions. The first part of July was cool, but it warmed up toward the end of the month, and remained fairly warm through August. Early September was quite warm, but cooled the last two weeks.” Alex Kroblin’s notes: “I drank a bottle of this ’88 in the summer of 2014 and it was a total revelation. Still so rich and with such purity of fruit. I also celebrated my 40th birthday with two bottles of 1973 Eyrie Chardonnay—and they were both delicious, breathtaking wines. I cannot recommend these library wines highly enough!” 552 cases made.

1993 Eyrie Chardonnay, Original Vines Reserve, Dundee Hills $$$$$ Jancis Robinson | “Nutty nose – real interest. Lovely subtlety. Great depth. Very complex.” David Lett’s original vintage notes: “Bloom was in late June. A cool summer led to an extended ripening period, but the fall was temperate, sunny and dry. Conditions like 1993’s illustrate exactly why spring and summer weather

is trivial in importance when compared to conditions in the fall.” 430 cases made. 1996 Eyrie Chardonnay, Original Vines Reserve, Dundee Hills $$$$$

Jancis Robinson | “Mealy, buttery nose – ‘Meursault’ style. Very flattering – I can imagine David Lett being slightly worried that it almost tastes Californian!” David Lett’s original vintage notes: “A warm August was followed by a cool September, allowing even flavor development. Cool days and cold nights began in

early October, trapping the flavors in the fruit. Yields were slightly below normal levels, but not financially threatening



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as with 1994 and 1998.” 47 cases made! 1986 Eyrie Pinot Noir, South Block Reserve, Dundee Hills $$$$$

Cole Danehower | “Rich mahogany color. Big nose of basil and blossoms, dried earth—truffle? Texture is incredibly supple. There is a sweet core of fruit that is only slightly dried in quality. Butterscotch/caramel edges. Coast the mouth.

Flavors hard to describe: like opening the door to an ancient library with a bowl of fresh strawberries on the table. Good balance: detectable soft tannins, supportive acid. Long finish.” -Essential Northwest Wines, June 2014.

1988 Eyrie Pinot Noir, South Block Reserve, Dundee Hills $$$$$ Cole Danehower | “Tan, brown color, somewhat thin. Leafy and earthy nose; slate and mushrooms. Somehow reminds me of crushed acorns from when I was a kid. Aromatically quite rich. Sumptuous texture, really elegant. Round and soft,

but still with good acids. Dark caramel-coated dried cherries. Long finish.” -Essential Northwest Wines, June 2014.

1993 Eyrie Pinot Noir, South Block Reserve, Dundee Hills $$$$$ Wine Spectator | “The 1993 has matured into a supple, rich wine, surprisingly so, as it felt quite light when it was young. Black tea, peppery spice, dark fruit and roasted meat flavors persist into the long and expressive finish.” –Harvey

Steiman, October, 2012.

1996 Eyrie Pinot Noir, South Block Reserve, Dundee Hills $$$$$ Cole Danehower | “Brighter color, still retains hints of rosy cheeks.—appealing. Floral scents, dried rose blossoms. Wonderfully fruity in the mouth; lots of red fruits with a sweet core very pretty on the tongue. Texturally light. Feels like a

fully-realized wine: some tannin, some acid, some fruit, all in balance and alive.” -Essential Northwest Wines, June 2014.

"FAILLA (FAY-la) is a top-notch source of high quality, European-inspired wines that combine flavor, intensity and elegance. He is all about natural winemaking, securing top terroirs, and putting into the bottle the essence

of what the grape and the site have produced.” -Robert Parker

2012 Failla Chardonnay, Husdon Vineyard, Carneros $

Grower Lee Hudson has reinvigorated this vineyard with new plantings. This fruit was whole-cluster pressed into a combination of mixed-age French oak and concrete eggs. 475 cases produced.

94 Points Antonio Galloni | “Lemon peel, pastry, flowers and sweet spices meld together in a textured, inviting Chardonnay built on texture. A wine of stunning balance and pure voluptuousness, the 2012 boasts fabulous balance and tons of personality. This is pure Hudson, not to mention a drop-dead gorgeous beauty.”

2012 Failla Chardonnay, Haynes Vineyard, Coombsville $ Haynes is one of the oldest continuously producing Chardonnay vineyards in

Napa, planted in 1964. This sophomore vintage introduces some influence from

concrete egg fermentation to the otherwise. 500 cases produced.

92 Points Antonio Galloni | 90 Points Stephen Tanzer | “(from dry-farmed vines): Inviting aromas of white peach, apple and brown spices. Plush, ripe and sweet, with some high-toned spice notes that called to mind both riesling and muscat. This chewy, tactile wine delivers an intriguing combination of tropical fruits and saline character. Finishes with good intensity and grip.”



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2012 Failla Chardonnay, Keefer Ranch, Green Valley $

Located in the Russian River Valley's cool climate Green Valley appellation, Keefer Ranch sits near the headwaters of Green Valley Creek and is planted on gentle well-drained slopes with Goldridge soil.

93 Points Antonio Galloni | 91 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Sexy but subdued nose offers apricot, lemon, hazelnut and spices, plus a suggestion of jasmine tea. Nicely perfumed, lightly saline chardonnay with a dusty, fine-grained finish showing good grip.” 2012 Failla Pinot Noir, Hirsch Vineyard, Sonoma Coast $$

If California’s vineyard sources were classified similar to the French AOC system, several of the blocks at the Hirsch Vineyard would be categorized as Grand Cru. Failla has been sourcing from three of those blocks since the early vintages of Hirsch. 2012 was a rare vintage of power at Hirsch, with a fine tannic structure and depth.

92 Points Antonio Galloni | 91+ Points Stephen Tanzer | “Musky, savory aromas of raspberry and peppery herbs. Supple and vinous but rather backward, with good peppery lift to the classically dry red berry flavors. Not hugely ripe but nicely fine-grained and delicate in the mid-palate. Finishes with well-integrated ripe tannins and lingering raspberry and strawberry perfume. A lovely pinot noir with aging potential.”

“TALK ABOUT AN IMPRESSIVE RESUME, Annie Favia is married to superstar winemaker Andy Erickson (Screaming Eagle, Arietta, Hartwell, Staglin, Dalla

Valle, Dancing Hares & OVID), but she easily stands on her own merits having trained under John Kongsgaard at Newton, worked in David Abreu’s

management company for eleven years, then launched her own brand of wines in 2003.” -Robert Parker

2011 Favia ‘Rompecabezas’, Shake Ridge Ranch, Amador County $$$

Our seventh vintage of Rompecabezas, Spanish for “jig-saw puzzle,” is inspired by the wines of the Southern Rhone, but of course is decidedly Californian in nature. Whole cluster, rich, muscular Grenache, with notes of bouquet garni and dried cherries, was co-fermented with fresh, vibrant Mourvedre. After a

long, controlled maceration, the wine was blended with Syrah and aged in a combination of neutral French oak and 600-liter concrete eggs for twenty months. 29% Grenache, 29% Mourvedre and 42% Syrah.

91 Points Wine Spectator | “Dense, rich and meaty, offering a muscular core of crushed rock, dried dark berry, black licorice and cigar box notes. This is drying on the finish, with tannins giving the flavors traction. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2026. 400 cases produced.” 2011 Favia ‘Quarzo’ Syrah, Shake Ridge Ranch, Amador County $$$

The seventh offering of our Syrah, Quarzo, hails from Ann Kraemer’s Shake Ridge Ranch. The intermixed quartz crystals, whittled down from large boulders throughout the vineyard, inspired the name Quarzo, Italian for “quartz.” Much has been said of the potential to produce world-class Rhône

varietals in this area, and after seven years of production, we confidently agree. The 2011 blend is composed of 98.5% Syrah and 1.5% Viognier forming a complex, balanced wine. Five different clones of Syrah each express their own strong identity and together yield a layered complete wine.



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92 Points Wine Spectator | “A rich, gutsy effort, intensely flavored, with firm tannins wrapped around a core of dense dark berry, mineral, black licorice, leather, cedar and fresh-turned earth. Drink now through 2024. 370 cases made.” 2011 Favia ‘Cerro Sur’, Napa Valley $$$$

One of our favorite areas in the Napa Valley is in the hills east of the town of Napa. The rolling hills run through Coombsville and rise up into Wooden Valley, then continue east to the Sacramento Valley. This area is unique in Napa Valley, with perfectly drained volcanic soils and mineral-rich alluvial

soils, a cooling breeze that peels off the San Francisco Bay, and an infinite array of slopes and exposures. 2011 marks our ninth vintage producing wine from a stunning two-acre block of Cabernet Franc planted nearly four decades ago at Rancho Chimiles. 71% Cab Franc, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon. 489 cases made.

91 Points Robert Parker | “The impeccable attention to detail is also found in 2011, a far more challenging vintage. Made from a similar blend, the medium-bodied 2011 Cerro Sur exhibits terrific blueberry and raspberry fruit intertwined with bouquet garni and licorice. This came from hillside vineyards above the fog line. It is a noteworthy success in 2011.” 2011 Favia ‘La Magdalena’, Napa Valley $$$$

The most recent vintage of La Magdalena is an absolute triumph. The fruit, sourced from the coveted Summit Block at Oakville Ranch, hails from one of the finest areas in the world for growing Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. A long maceration on the skins, 22 months in barrel, and bottling

without filtration means we have delivered all the goodness of this special vineyard in the bottle. 50% Cab Franc, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. 200 cases made.

95 Points Robert Parker | “The 2011 La Magdalena is very fragrant with lots of floral notes intermixed with blueberries, black currants and cedar-infused raspberries. Sweet tannin adds to the sexy nature of this fragrant, lush, opulently textured, fleshy wine. It should drink well for 10-12+ years.” 2011 Favia Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $$$$

Each year we bottle a small offering of Cabernet Sauvignon, selected from barrels produced from Oakville and Coombsville. The 2011 vintage is roughly equal parts from these two distinctly different appellations. These two elements marry into a very alluring package, aromatically complex, and

texturally complete. This extremely limited bottling will be sure to please. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the first time we have received an allocation on the Cab! 134 cases made.

90 Points Robert Parker | “Also a noteworthy success in 2011, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from the same source as the 2010, but it somewhat lighter than that vintage. Attractive and ripe with red cherries, black currants, licorice, barbecue smoke and spice, it should be drunk over the next decade.”

“Master Sommelier turned winemaker, Greg Harrington is fashioning some of the top wines in Washington from his base

in Walla Walla.” -Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘The Third Man’, Walla Walla $ 94 Points Robert Parker | “Moving to the Rhone blends the 2012 Third Man is a blend of 57% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre that will spend 18 months in 14% new French oak. Seeing 30-50% whole cluster fermentation for the



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Grenache, it offers peppery herbs, licorice, spice and assorted dark fruits to go with a medium to full-bodied, layered and rich profile on the palate. Balanced and elegant, it will have 10-12 years of longevity.” 630 cases made. FIVE cases available. 2011 Gramercy Cellars Syrah ‘Lagniappe’, Walla Walla $$

The 2011 Lagniappe is our second release with Red Willow Vineyard fruit. Each year, we have become more amazed with the fruit from this vineyard. It is simply world class. In terms of style, it’s more Hermitage, while our Walla Walla Syrah from Les Collines Vineyard is more Cornas-like. The fruit is brighter, crisper, and

more red focused. The wine needs time to resolve and integrate. This wine was fermented 50% on stems and aged in a mix of older 225L and 500L French puncheons (14% new) for 18 months. 466 cases made.

95 Points Robert Parker | “Shockingly good, the 2011 Syrah Lagniappe is gorgeous, and certainly, one of the wines of the vintage. Giving up ample smoked meats, red and black currants, spice box, hints of cedar and ground pepper this medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated effort fleshes out nicely on the palate, has ripe tannin and knockout length. Drink it anytime over the coming 10 to 12 years.”

“Winemaker Tony Biagi, who did some terrific work at the Plumpjack winery, has joined Jeff Smith at Hourglass winery

where their goal is to keep the estate wines at a high level and upgrade the BlueLine part of the portfolio that emerges from

further north in Calistoga. The BlueLine group of wines performed well, obviously with the 2011s less interesting than

the 2012s…” –Robert Parker

2012 Hourglass Merlot, Blueline Vineyard, Calistoga $$

91 Points Robert Parker | “All of the 2012 BlueLine wines appear to have outstanding potential. With more saturated, inky color, oodles of ripe fruit, and fuller, more supple and complete personalities, they will be wines to drink in their first 12-15 years of life. The 2012 Merlot is redolent of Mandarin Orange peel and

red cassis, with incredible layers and a balance of vibrancy and deep textural richness…walks a fine line between the overt and the subtle, delivering a wine of immense complexity.” 95% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot aged for 16 months in new and seasoned French oak.

2012 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon, Blueline Vineyard, Calistoga $$$$ 93 Points Robert Parker | The 2012 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon announces itself with heady aromas of lavender, ripe blackberry, cedar, and wet crushed stones - exotic layered notes that cascade from high-toned floral, through pure vibrant fruit, to earth and spice. On the palate, rich flavors evoke

blackberry pie and bittersweet dark chocolate. With its broad texture, the wine retains a sense of energetic balance derived from the unmistakable electricity of minerality in the back mid-palate. 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot aged for 21 months in new French oak.

2012 Hourglass Cabernet Franc, Blueline Vineyard, Calistoga $$$$ 93 Points Robert Parker | In 2012, our Cabernet Franc vines turned 22 years old. These older vines produce a distinct interpretation of the varietal. Modern in style yet classically structured, the wine honors the Old World with noticeable minerality, a tight linear structure (read: great aging potential) and

exotic aromas of crushed rose petals, graphite, and roasted coffee. The modern styling elicits a silky textural



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richness, wrapping the core in layers of cranberry, black cherry, and black currant fruit. 83% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot aged 16 months in French oak (40% new). 2011 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon, Hourglass Estate, St. Helena $$$$$

Despite the cooler vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon in the Hourglass Estate Vineyard achieved optimal levels of phenolic and tannin ripeness, resulting in pure fruit extraction, supple textures, and exotic aromas. The hallmark aromatics of mint, camphor and black licorice are all present, as well as those of woody elements

including cedar and sandalwood. Exhibiting the classically delineated structure of a cooler season, the wine features a tight-knit core of dark red and black fruit flavors evoking pomegranate, cassis, and a tangy acidity. The wine showcases grace and finesse, with ample richness, a compelling mouth feel and lingering finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 20 months in Bordeaux barrels (50% new).

2011 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon ‘20/20: PNV—Lot 134’, Napa Valley $$$$$

In 1992 we planted our four-acre estate vineyard, not knowing that 20 years later Hourglass would be recognized as one of Napa’s premier Cabernets. By acquiring the Blueline Estate we obtained a vineyard containing Merlot and Cab Franc

planted in 1991. Winemaker Tony Biagi was captivated by the idea of blending the three varietals from both estates’ 20-year-old vines. Hence, “20/20” was born. For PNV 2013, we crafted a wine that is 60% Hourglass Cab Sauv, 20% each Blueline Merlot and Cab Franc—a rich blend that come alive with minerality that the 20-year-old roots mine from the rocky depths of each vineyard. Its structure and purity of fruit leads one to expect this wine to age as long and gracefully as its vines. Purchased at 2013 Premiere Napa Valley Auction for $35,000. Each bottle is hand-numbered and signed by the winemaker. TEN cases produced.

Situated deep in the heart of the gently rolling hills of Napa, Carneros, Hudson Vineyards produces grapes of distinction from uniquely situated sites. The winemaking team is a collaboration between three people, Lee Hudson, owner and operator, John

Kongsgaard, consulting winemaker and Christopher Vandendriessche, winemaker. We all firmly believe that the wine is made in the vineyard, but the care and the attention to detail cannot stop there. Every effort possible is taken between the vineyard and you to make wines without compromise. 2012 Hudson Vineyards Chardonnay, Carneros $$

A brilliant effort from the acclaimed Hudson Vineyard. This site perfectly combines power without the ponderness nature of the best of the Golden State. A stony mineral profile emerges from the nose with slightly reductive notes of apple, toast, and grilled nuts. Very intense entry on the

palate with mouth-watering racy fruit. Creamy yet light. Grilled almonds, baked apples, and lemon zest are all here in spades yet framed so wonderfully with the vibrant acid. There is nothing overblown here for a wine of this richness. This is perhaps the best “Hudson” Chardonnay that I remember.

93 Points Robert Parker (’11) | “My favorite wine of this trio is the sensational 2011 Chardonnay which reveals a Batard-Montrachet-like richness and hazelnut creaminess. Made from an Old Wente clone and aged in 80% new oak (which it hides very well), this wine has good acidity and a surprising, rich, intense mouthfeel with lots of



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caramelized tropical and honeyed fruit. This full-bodied wine is fresh, which is typical of this vintage, especially for many of the white wines. It appears to have 4-5 years of drinkability.”

2012 Hudson Vineyards ‘Pick Up Sticks’ Red Wine, Carneros $ 2012 was a bountiful harvest with perfect ripening conditions, the big thick skinned berries made for bold but refreshingly nuanced flavors. Ferments lasted 12-18 days in small open top tanks. Before blending, Malolactic progressed in French oak barrels, with 20% once-used Burgundy and 80% neutral 132 gallon

puncheons. The Syrah was blended into the Grenache early after harvest to help protect the delicate aromatics of the Grenache. The fi nal blend was assembled in July of the first year and bottling was in January the following year. This smells great! Savory red fruit nose with pepper, wild herbs, and anise. A classic Grenache nose. Long on the palate with red currant, cherry, and tobacco flavors...this is quite savory for a Napa Grenache. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Viognier. 80 cases made.

2011 Hudson Vineyards ‘Old Master’ Red Wine, Carneros $$$$

“‘Old Master’ is Lee’s newest project, hot off the presses! We tasted it during Premiere Napa Valley week back in February, and knew that we had to put it in our Big Kahuna club once it was released to Lee’s mailing list. Lee usually sells this fruit to the likes of Arietta and Kongsgaard, who produce big and burly

reds. In his own wine, however, Lee’s vision was to produce something a bit lighter on its feet, an elegant wine that showcases not just the fruit, but the prized vineyards from which they came. 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc fermented and aged without pressing to 80% new French oak barrels, this right-bank-inspired blend is medium-bodied, with intense aromatics of rose petals, black plums, and gravel. Particularly in the cooler 2011 vintage, you can see how it truly was an ‘Old Master’ at work. Insider Tip: this is the same juice that used to make up Arietta’s H-Block, which we sold for $150/bottle!” –ACME Fine Wine, Napa Valley. 50 cases made.

"In the top tier of producers in Washington State, wild man Charles Smith fashions singular, exotic wines that never lack for richness or texture. While his wines can push the limits in some vintages and be slightly controversial, there’s nothing controversial or over the top with these 2010s and 2011s and they have beautiful purity of fruit,

clean, integrated acid profiles and solid underlying structure. In almost all cases, given the quality, they represent incredible values.”

-Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 2012 ‘The Boy’ Grenache, Walla Walla $

“The Boy” was the first wine Charles Smith made that was not Syrah and as a result, he put the K on the back label. This left a simple white label, reminiscent of the Beatles White Album. One thing lead to another and it all left Charles thinking of yet another musical artist, French chanteur

Serge Gainsbourg and his song “The Boy” with lyrics “I am the boy who can enjoy invisibility” - a sentiment much enjoyed by Charles. Thus “The Boy” label. 100% Grenache (66% River Rock Vineyard, 34% Northridge Vineyard.

93 Points Robert Parker (’11) | “The Grenache-dominated 2011 Grenache The Boy (which incorporates 10% Mourvedre) is seamless and elegant, with layered aromas of kirsch, dried flowers, underbrush and licorice all soaring from the glass. Aged 14 months in neutral 500 liter puncheons, enjoy this seamless, downright sexy effort over the coming 7-8 years.”



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2011 K Vintners ‘The Creator’ Cabernet/Syrah, Walla Walla $$

Native yeast, hand punched down, lengthy maceration of whole berry Cabernet and whole cluster Syrah. Co-fermented, basket pressed, native malolactic. Aged in 50% new french oak from Boutes and Sansaud, bottled at 22 months. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah. 100% Riverrock Vineyard.

93 points Robert Parker | “The 2011 The Creator is a 70/30 blend of Cabernet and Syrah that’s aged all in smaller barrel. Beautifully perfumed and aromatic…it is medium to full-bodied, layered and pure on the palate, with plenty of tannin emerging on the finish.” 2012 K Vintners Syrah ‘The Beautiful’, Walla Walla $$

Native yeast, hand punched down, lengthy maceration of whole cluster Syrah and whole cluster Viogner, Co-fermented. Basket pressed, native malolactic. Raised in 25% new french oak from Ermitage and Sirugue, bottled at 14 months to retain the floral freshness this wine exudes. 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier. 100% Riverrock Vineyard.

94-97 points Robert Parker | “Aptly named, the 2012 Syrah The Beautiful is 97% Syrah and 3% co-fermented Viognier that was fermented with 100% whole cluster and aged mostly in neutral larger barrels… gorgeous aromas and flavors of kirsch liqueur, red licorice, crushed flowers and crushed rock-like minerality to go with a full-bodied, seamless and textured profile on the palate that’s hard to resist.” 2011 K Vintners Syrah ‘The Hidden’, Wahluke Slope $$

Native yeast, hand punched down, lengthy maceration of four different clones of whole cluster Syrah. Basket pressed, native malolatitc. Aged in 40% new french oak 500L puncheons from Ermitage and Saury, bottled at 22 months. 100% Northridge Vineyard.

95 points Robert Parker | “Aged in 100% new 500 liter barrels, the 2011 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard is an incredible Syrah that gives up pure aromas and flavors of blackberry, ground pepper, minerality, and dried spices and hints of vanilla in its full-bodied, elegant and seamless profile… beautiful concentration and solid mid-palate depth, it has enough tannin and richness to evolve gracefully for over a decade as well.” 2011 K Vintners Syrah ‘The Cattle King’, Snipes Mountain $$

100% Syrah from Upland Vineyard. Located in the Snipes Mountain AVA in the heart of the Yakima Valley. With slopes facing in all four cardinal directions and an elevation that ranges from 750 to 1300 feet, Upland is some of the oldest and most diverse soils in the state - ancient, rocky soils mostly un-touched by the Missoula floods.

95 points Robert Parker | “The first vintage for the 2011 Syrah Cattle King, it’s a blend of 100% Syrah that’s all from Snipes mountain AVA and vines planted in 2001. Offering up fabulous purity, with notes of black cherry, big earth, minerality… full-bodied richness, sweet tannin and thrilling length on the finish. Drink over the coming decade or longer.” 2012 SIXTO Chardonnay ‘Uncovered’, Columbia Valley $

92-94 points Robert Parker | “This is a new project between the team at Charles Smith that’s focusing on old vine Chardonnay. All of the vineyards here were formerly part of Chateau St. Michelle’s white (and sparkling) program, but have since been given up due to too low of yields from the older vines. Without a

doubt, these are the finest Chardonnays I’ve tasted from Washington… The 2012 Chardonnay Columbia Valley



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sees no new oak and is a blend from the three vineyards. Loaded with lychee, citrus blossom, lemon and crushed rock-like minerality…this straight Columbia Valley is a no-brainer.” In 1977, Robin Lail joined Robert Mondavi for a five-year apprenticeship. She then

went on to co-found Dominus in 1982 with her sister Marcia Smith and the brilliant

winemaker Christian Moueix. In the following year, Robin co-founded Merryvale Vineyards with Bill Harlan, his partners at Pacific Union and Jon Lail. She served as President of Merryvale for 10 years.

In 1995, the Lails sold their interests in Merryvale and Dominus and established Lail Vineyards with

Philippe Melka (Hundred Acre, Vineyard 29) as winemaker.

2012 Lail ‘Georgia’ Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley $$$$

This exquisite, Graves-like Sauvignon Blanc, Georgia is fermented and aged in all new French oak for 18 months before being bottled. Georgia has been lauded by Robert Parker as "...potentially the most serious Sauvignon Blanc to ever come out of California.” 300 cases produced.

94 Points Robert Parker | “One of a handful of profound Sauvignon Blancs made in California, is the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Georgia. This is 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Totem Vineyard in Yountville…it is possibly the most singular and distinctive Sauvignon Blanc made in Northern California… This wine, which comes from pirated cuttings from a classified-growth château in Pessac-Léognan, has notes of honeysuckle, lemon oil, a hint of tangerine, brioche and a medium to full-bodied, stunningly rich, complex mouthfeel. The oak is pushed way to the background, but the wine is much richer and more penetrating than your typical Sauvignon Blanc.” 2011 Lail ‘J. Daniel Cuvée’, Napa Valley $$$$

The flagship wine of Lail Vineyards, the J. Daniel is the 21st century interpretation of the family’s highly acclaimed Cabernet blends of the past, and is beautifully integrated, elegant and subtly Bordelaise blend that is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon.

94 Points Antonio Galloni | 91 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Blackberry, cassis, leather and a hint of nutty oak on the rather reticent nose, with suggestions of superripe fruit that may come from some Calistoga fruit that was harvested on November 7. Lush and savory on the palate, with coffee, mocha, clove and herbs nicely accenting the dark berry fruit.”

Planted in 1999, Levy & McClellan is a project by Bob Levy, who has been at Harlan & Bond since the beginning, and by his wife Martha McClellan, who is winemaker for Sloan, Blankiet and Checkerboard. As humble servants of Mother

Nature and caring stewards of the land, we are inspired by a shared passion and the unique character of our distinguished hillside vineyard. We are dedicated to making wines of uncompromised quality that offer the purest expression of their origin.

2010 Levy & McClellan Red Wine PNV—Lot 101’, Napa Valley $$$$$ We offer a blend that highlights the character of the site through the amazing Caberenet Franc variety. Planted to very dense spacing, the estate vineyard in the western foothills of the Mayacama mountain range consistently provides wines of layered concentration and vibrancy. Fermentation in 60-gallon barrels allowed for

gentle extraction of tannins, flavors and aromas, as well as permitted us to separate out small, distinct sections of areas within blocks, thereby preserving remarkable characteristics of single vines. Extended barrel aging of 26



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months continues to integrate the eloquent tannins to a sumptuous richness. Purchased at 2012 Premiere Napa Valley Auction for $40,000. Each bottle is hand-numbered and signed by the winemakers. FIVE cases produced.

Lewis Cellars is a small family winery established in 1992 by Debbie and Randy Lewis, and joined by their son Dennis. Total production is approximately 9,000 cases annually of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah. We are literally hands-on in every aspect of vineyard management, winemaking, sales and distribution, and we thrive on this challenge and the relationships we cultivate in the process. It is our continuing goal to create world class wines.

These new releases from Lewis haven’t been reviewed yet, but we’re talking about a perennially high-scoring winery making consistently world class wines in one of the most

lauded vintages of the past 25 years… Our advice: don’t wait for the scores! 2013 Lewis Chardonnay, Russian River Valley $

Another golden year for this nearly 40-year old vineyard which continues to yield wines of complexity, weight and balance. Sweetly fragrant with lemon crème brulee, orange blossom, gardenia and tons of tangerine our 2013 Sonoma Chardonnay has plenty of heft and a youthful, exuberant character. Vibrant ripe

citrus fruits are threaded with toasty oak spice and native acidity that elevates the palate and drives flavors to a lengthy, mouthwatering finish. 1,600 cases produced.

2013 Lewis Chardonnay, Napa Valley $ The bountiful yields of 2013 had tons of character too, as seen in our superb Napa Valley Chardonnay. Creamy pear, lime and caramel apple fruit basks in brioche, clove and sweet mineral spices. Loads of tree-ripened fruit form a dense, silky core rooted in natural acidity that gives the wine balance and sound structure.

Flecks of whetstone add complexity to the long leesy finish. 2,200 cases produced.

2012 Lewis Alec’s Blend Red Wine, Napa Valley $$ 93 Points Wine Spectator | One of our best bottlings ever, the 2012 Alec's Blend carries the casual confidence of a 17-year old. Deliciously complex, this blend of 79% Syrah, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot is also hugely hedonistic. Layers of lifted ripe blackberry, black cherry, cola, malt

chocolate, Heath bar and bramble never quit. There's great acid and structure here too with a balanced arc of tannin and toasted cherry wood spice. 1200 cases produced.

2012 Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $$$ 94 Points Wine Spectator | The 2012 ranks among our best bottlings of Napa Cabernet. Enticing, deep-fruited aromas of black currant, berry and chocolate are stippled with cedar, clove and cinnamon oak spices. The palate centers on

opulent core fruit that swirls around a defined structure of supple tannins.

2012 M. ÉT A I N (by Scarecrow) Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford $$$$$ As winemaker Celia Welch explains, when you taste through the different lots, “sometimes there are too many sopranos, and you need to weed out a little.” The M. Étain (for “Monsieur Étain,” basically French for “Mr. Tin” or “Tin Man”) bottling represents “five great barrels you don’t want to give up.” This wine also

tends to get a little of the Petit Verdot grown on the property which has never gone into the Scarecrow. Brett



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Lopez sells off the fruit not used for his two wines to the likes of Niebaum-Coppola, Etude and Lail. This wine is already selling for $200+ on WineSearcher.com. Available in December.

“Mount Eden is one of the United States’ great heritage estates and a reference point winery. The Chardonnays and Pinots have a track record for aging spectacularly well. As outstanding as the Chardonnays and Pinots can be, I was also pretty surprised by the quality of the Cabernet

Sauvignons. Winemaker and proprietor Jeffrey Patterson, one of the pioneers of the Santa Cruz Mountains, favors indigenous fermentations for all his wines, which are also bottled with no fining or filtration. If I am looking for an aged bottle of California Chardonnay or Pinot, Mount Eden is always at or near the top of my list.” –Robert Parker 2011 Mount Eden ‘Estate’ Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mts. $$

For the Estate Bottled our focus is on long term ageability, expansiveness in the finish and terroir-driven mystery. In 2011 only 35% of our production met these rigorous standards. As is typical with our Estate Chardonnay, there are eight to twelve years of cellaring pleasure. 1692 cases made.

95 points Wine Spectator | “#11: Top100 of 2014! This stunning wine is deliciously rich and layered, with vibrant flavors of honeydew, honeysuckle, fig and mineral shaded by seductive toasty oak. The flavors build, displaying a deep measure of intensity and persistence. Drink now through 2024. 1,692 cases made. 2009 Mount Eden ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mts. $$

The difference in making the Reserve Chardonnay and the Estate Chardonnay lies solely in a curious practice sometimes used in the making of renowned white Burgundies. Chardonnay that has been aged for ten months in barrel is then put it into a stainless steel tank with all the gross lees where it remains

for an additional ten months. During that time, all of the sediments (mainly yeast lees) are magically absorbed into the wine, similar to the process of making Champagne. The Reserve Chardonnay is composed of eleven barrels of Estate Chardonnay that completes this process.

96 points Antonio Galloni | “The 2009 Chardonnay Reserve shows the Mount Eden style at its very best. A rich, seamless wine, the 2009 Reserve balances textural richness and elegance. Seemingly endless layers of fruit caress the palate in a silky, utterly polished Chardonnay that should drink well for at least 10-15 years. This is a magnificent showing from Mount Eden and proprietor Jeffrey Patterson.” 2012 Mount Eden ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mts. $$

94 points Wine & Spirits| “Between the oak (75 percent new), the stem character (about 40 percent whole cluster) and the spicy tones of the Mount Eden clone itself, this takes two days of air before the wild, brushy fragrance and rose-hip acidity fully sync with the plumpness of the fruit. This is a commanding

California Pinot Noir for the cellar, a rugged beauty with length, substance and complexity that feels deliberate and mountain grown. Cellar it for four or five years. 1,209 cases made.” 2009 Mount Eden ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mts. $$

94 points Antonio Galloni | 93 Points Stephen Tanzer | “88% cabernet sauvignon, 6% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot): Powerful, smoke-accented cherry and blackcurrant aromas are energized by zesty minerals, picking up pipe tobacco, cedar and dried rose nuances with air. Fleshy

and broad but focused too, offering intense dark berry flavors and a suggestion of bitter chocolate. A sweet vanilla quality rounds out the impressively persistent finish. 2737 cases made.”



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“Maison L’Orée, which means “home at the edge of the forest”, is an

ambitious collaborative effort by famed San Francisco sommelier and legendary Burgundy advocate Rajat Parr, and Charles Banks of

Screaming Eagle. This ‘negociant’ business provides card-carrying Burgundy fanatics as well as uninitiated newcomers the opportunity to

explore the Côte d’Or through Raj’s carefully vetted selections. Drinking Maison L’Orée wines is like having your own personal sommelier to

escort you through the bewildering intricacies of Burgundy.” – The New York Times

2010 Maison L’Orée Meursault 1er Cru ‘Genevrieres’ $$$$ This is my favorite vineyard in Meursault, it is from a larger plot on a gentle slope that is not as flat as Charmes. The wine is a perfect combination of power and finesse. Never too mineral and never too rich. Layered, nuanced and cerebral. Classic hazelnut, minerality and acid, with delicate flavors of honey

and verbena finishing with a dense palate.

2009 Maison L’Orée Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru $$$$$ Just down-slope from the famous Montrachet vineyard, this Grand Cru always demonstrates the richness and density from the heavier clay soils. Even though it is explosive now, its flavors will unfold with time, becoming more open and accessible.

2010 Maison L’Orée Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru “Aux Boudots” $$$ With its elegance and silky texture, the wines of Les Boudots show far more kinship to Vosne than to Nuits. There are red fruits, coffee and tar with silky tannins. A real stand out! This east-facing, 7.61-hectare Premier Cru climat lies in the northern part of the commune, uphill and to the north of the village,

adjacent to the exceptional Vosne-Romanée. Allen Meadows (Burghound) describes Les Boudots as "the most gifted Premier Cru in Nuits." Outstanding examples of the vineyard are produced by Domaine Meo-Camuzet ($200) and Domaine Leroy ($799). 2010 Maison L’Orée Corton Grand Cru $$$$$

Minerality personified. Loads of sour cherry and licorice. More crunchy fruit. More finesse. Corton is an ancient vineyard, and one of only a couple of red grand cru's in the Cote du Beaune. The name comes from "curtis" (the word for an estate in Gallo-Roman times) and Othon, the Emperor who owned this

vineyard. A singular vineyard, and wine.



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Orin Swift. Like a major sporting event or a kickass rock band, you just have to experience it to truly get it. If Orin Swift Cellars were a band,

they would definitely be AC/DC. Neither of them generally get a whole lot of respect from the critics or the “tastemakers” in their respective genres. But with all due respect to the critics, who gives a shit what they think? 200 million AC/DC fans can’t be wrong! If you like your music loud and raw, there’s nothing better than AC/DC to get your blood pumping. And if you like your wine big, rich and tasty, there’s definitely no winery better than Orin Swift. The people have spoken. So, for those about to drink…we salute you. Fire! 2012 Orin Swift ‘Papillon’, Napa Valley $$

For the past eight years we have been making 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. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec aged 16 months in French oak (40% new). Please inquire about availability.

2012 Orin Swift ‘Mercury Head’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $$$

It’s back! This is the first Mercury Head Cab since the 2009 vintage! Mercury Head is the slang term for the authentic Liberty Dime which serves as the wine's "front label". As a kid Dave Phinney collected these dimes. Years later, after getting one with some change, he was reminded how striking they are.

2012 Mercury Head marks the tenth vintage (with a two-year gap) of what we consider to be our best Cabernet Sauvignon lots. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 16 months in French oak (50% new).

2012 G.B. Crane ‘El Coco’ Red Wine, Saint Helena $$

It is with great pride that we introduce you to a remarkable new project – G.B. Crane, “el Coco”. Just off Highway 29, there is a heritage, head-trained, eight-acre vineyard planted by legendary Napa pioneer George Belden Crane in the 1800’s. These deeply-rooted historic vines are embedded in ground that was

formed over millennia as soil and gravel washed down from the Mayacamas Mountains via Sulphur Creek to the western flank of St. Helena. Dr. Crane, realizing the similarity of gravelly soil conditions to other great wine regions, was the first in the valley in 1861 to plant European varietals, including Zinfandel and later Petite Sirah, in his pioneering efforts to produce fine wines. A group of friends (winemaker Kevin Fox, and friends, Bryan Sandoli, Darryl Browman and Dave Phinney) teamed up with a common goal to preserve this piece of viticultural history and produce a wine that both represented and respected that history. Of the eight acres in production, approximately four acres of old vine Zinfandel are one of G.B. Crane’s original plantings. Yes, that means that this four-acre block has been continuously farmed for nearly one hundred and thirty years. The site also boasts a 1.6 acre block of Cabernet Sauvignon, a 1.4 acre block of Petite Sirah, and two rows of Merlot. The result is a wine that combines the vibrant warmth of the Zinfandel with the power and structure of Petite Sirah. And as it does so perfectly, the Merlot adds a silky, polished texture that gracefully completes the long finish. 50% Zinfandel, 40% Petite Sirah, 8% Merlot, 2% Gamay aged 100% new French oak.



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“This operation has elicited considerable acclaim… First of all is the terroir, a stunning location high on Pritchard Hill, a

neighborhood filled with Napa superstars, such as Colgin, Bryant Family, Continuum, and David Arthur. What is so

striking about these three cuvees is their opulence, silkiness, purity, and burgeoning complexity. I had heard

terrific things about Ovid, and this trio lived up to my lofty expectations.” -Robert Parker

2011 OVID. Red Wine, Pritchard Hill $$$$$

93 Points Stephen Tanzer | “(a blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 4% merlot and 2% petit verdot): Deep red-ruby. Aromas of plum, black raspberry, crushed blackberry and coffee. Bright, sharply delineated and sweet, with dark berry flavors complicated by sage, white flowers, sassafras and sexy oak tones. Finishes with noble, round, serious

tannins that reach the front teeth and perfumed cabernet franc notes of licorice and flowers. The fruit here got ripe, noted winemaker Austin Peterson, as the rain on this well-drained rocky site was less damaging. The cool year also made for very fresh fruit, he added. Still, this densely packed wine will require time in bottle to deliver the complexity promised by the nose today.” 2011 OVID Experiment NO. S3.1*, Pritchard Hill $$$$$

At Ovid, we are committed to the idea and practice of experimentation in many facets of grape growing and winemaking, in order to learn more about our land and what will make the very best wine. And we sometimes just indulge our curiosity by trying

things several ways, in order to push what we know to be possible in both the vineyard and the winery. Our Experiment wines are a product of this process. Each vintage, we will offer small amounts of different wines that are of special interest to us, allowing you to taste and experience new aspects of our vineyard and winemaking. 47.48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29.17% Syrah, 23.35% Cabernet Franc.

2011 OVID Experiment NO. G8.1*, Pritchard Hill $$$$$

The 2011 G8.1 Experiment wine contained by this novel glass stopper is a blend of eight different lots of the Bordeaux varietals we grow on the estate. Cabernet Sauvignon speaks most loudly and clearly with bright red fruits like cherry, pomegranate, plum and

pluot, and a backbone of mulberry and cassis. 2011 was a vintage that favored mountain-grown fruit like ours—this blend combines aromatic intensity, elegance and balance, and you can taste the singular place that made this wine. 81.14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.81%Cabernet Franc, 7.04% Merlot, 0.01% Petite Verdot.

We have always been intrigued by the array of alternative closures for wine. So for the 2011 G8.1 Experiment wine, we are trying out one of the most pleasing and simplest cork alternatives: the glass stopper. How will people feel about opening the bottle with less ceremony and no tools—just a firm twist of the glass stopper? How will a hermetic seal (as opposed to the very slight air exchange that occurs with cork) affect the wine’s aging profile? This is the G8.1 experiment.

OVID . N A P A V A L L E Y



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As a winemaker, Paul Hobbs is highly regarded for his ability to identify exceptional vineyards along with his pioneering, innovative work with new and historical sites and regions. His success has inspired a wealth of nicknames among the press, from quiet trendsetter to prospector to truffle-hunting dog. First hired by Robert Mondavi for his expertise in oak aging, he

then joined the Opus One team for their first six vintages before founding his own winery in 1991.

2011 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer: Las Piedras, Saint Helena $$$$$ 90 Points Robert Parker | “The single vineyard offerings include the elegant 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, an impressive wine exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, creamy richness, lots of creme de cassis, licorice and forest floor, a complete palate from the attack to the finish with no

holes, vegetal characteristics or astringency. While less powerful than this cuvee can be in a great vintage, it still delivers the goods. Drink it over the next decade.”

2011 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer: Dr. Crane, Saint Helena $$$$$ 91 Points Robert Parker | 91 Points Stephen Tanzer | “One of my personal favorites, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard possesses flinty, wet stone-like characteristics, more rugged tannins and an overall more masculine personality than the Las Piedras. Its concentration is impressive for

a 2011, the tannins are ripe, and the wine is beefy and mouthfilling. Although it may lack some of the nuances typical for this site, it is definitely a star of the vintage. It should drink well for 10-15 years.”

Thomas Rivers Brown “Thomas Brown is the nation’s hottest winemaker. In 2008, he made history as the youngest winemaker to receive a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker – and he received two of them, for the 2006 Schrader “Old Sparky” and 2006 Schrader CCS Cabernet Sauvignons. The next vintage, with the same two wines, he again received two 100-point scores from Parker, and also received two 100-point scores from the Wine Spectator’s James Laube. And it’s been more of the same ever since… He was Food & Wine’s ‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 2010, and in addition to Schrader, he’s the winemaker behind highly regarded labels like Outpost, Maybach, Revana, Pulido~Walker, and about a dozen others.” -Terroirist

“When Napa Cabernet is debated, Brown’s name is increasingly mentioned. Of all the spectacular Cabernets made in the past decade, his is one of the most inspiring collections. Since 2000, he has made a record eleven 100-point wines [from both Wine Spectator and

Wine Advocate].” –James Laube, Wine Spectator

TRB’s Wines continue om pages 21 & 22…



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Pulido~Walker is the culmination of a patient journey toward the possible. Under the watchful

eye of our winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown (Schrader, Outpost, Revana), we chose two remarkable vineyard sites where the natural alchemy of geography, soil, climate, and clone combine to yield a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon greater than the sum of its parts.

2011 Pulido~Walker Cabernet Sauvignon, Melanson Vineyard, Pritchard Hill $$$$$ Between boulders clinging stubbornly to the steep slopes of Pritchard Hill (and adjacent to Cogin Estate), the Melanson Vineyard sits east of Oakville among some of the most highly regarded and closely held vineyard properties in the Napa Valley. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Clones 7 and 337. 195 cases produced.

93 Points Robert Parker | “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard is laced throughout with expressive floral notes. I am drawn by the wine’s pure energy and focus. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. These are beautiful wines from Pulido-Walker, one of the many new properties on Pritchard Hill. The fruit is sourced from Melanson Vineyard, which was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 1990s. Thomas Rivers Brown is the winemaker.” Packaged in a collector’s wooden three-pack box.

2011 Revana Family Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena $$$$$ With luxuries such as a world class winemaker, an inspirational vineyard, and a state of the art facility, we are fortunate to have the ability to create wines of precision that rival the best the world has to offer. Marking Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown's first full vintage for Revana, the

2011 is a wonderful introduction to Thomas' characteristically restrained approach to winemaking with incredible results. Deep garnet in the glass, the 2011 Revana Cabernet has a lively, bright nose with hints of blackberry, floral cherry, and pipe tobacco. On the palate the wine has an incredible brightness, bursting forth with cherry, dried cranberries and well-integrated oak. Traces of rose petal and tea leaves compliment the velvety tannins. 100% Estate Grown. 98% Cabernet Sauvignon & 2% Petite Verdot aged for 20 months in 80% new French oak and 12 months in bottle prior to release. 1,000 cases made.

American Classics | For more than a decade Schrader Cellars has produced benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon from the most prestigious vineyards in the Napa Valley — notably the first-growth Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. With

winemaker Thomas Brown creating wines known for their vibrant flavor and opulent richness, our program focuses on highlighting the character and profile of three distinct clonal varieties with minimal intervention that allows the true nature of each to shine.

“Year-in and year-out this is one of the most interesting as well as fascinating group of wines and projects in Napa Valley. First, Schrader has two committed owners,

secondly a brilliant winemaker in Thomas Brown, and thirdly, one of the true first-growth vineyard sites in all of Napa Valley, the famed Beckstoffer-owned To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. There is also a new Beckstoffer vineyard in Oakville called Las

Piedras. In top vintages, Schrader’s Beckstoffer Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines can be as good as money can buy ... anywhere in the world.” –Robert Parker (Oct. 2013)



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2012 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Las Piedras ‘LPV’, St. Helena $$$$$ The Las Piedras Vineyard, a name that translates to “the stones” in Spanish, is an exceptional rolling estate in North East St. Helena district that carries a rich viticultural history dating back to its founding by Edward Bale in the 1840s. An exceptional terroir makes this vineyard unique, where the vines contour to the

gentle slope and live in rocky soil that creates a perfectly stressed environment ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Clones 4 & 337.

96-98 Points Robert Parker | “There are 600 cases of the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard LPV. The best example I have seen of Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard to date, it offers lots of flowery, blueberry and blackberry fruit interwoven with notions of lead pencil shavings, loamy soil, unsmoked cigar tobacco, incense and forest floor. This tremendously complex, intense, full-bodied 2012 flirts with perfection as many of Schrader’s amazing wines do. Bravo!” Please inquire about availability.

2012 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To-Kalon ‘T6’, Oakville $$$$$ Originally planted by pioneer Hamilton Crabb in 1868, To Kalon – meaning “highest beauty” in Greek – is a noble “first growth” estate in Oakville that has established itself as the preeminent source of Napa Valley’s finest grapes. The vineyard is defined by its high mineral content and exceptional drainage and

offers optimal north-south sun exposure by day with cool coastal breezes at night which we feel is the ideal environment for growing our Cabernet Sauvignon. 100% Clone 6.

95 Points Robert Parker | “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6 is not terribly different [from the other To-Kalon wines], but Clone 6 is believed to be old Bordeaux clones brought over to Napa Valley. The wine has terrific fruit intensity, blackcurrants, blackberry, licorice… Deep, full-bodied, powerful and rich, this, again, shows the vintage’s voluptuous texture, full-bodied power and richness.” Please inquire about availability.

2012 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To-Kalon ‘RBS’, Oakville $$$$$ In the words of Henry Hartman, “success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.” With more than a decade of experience in the vineyard we definitely had the preparation part down, however we were happily surprised by the unlimited opportunity given to us by Mother Nature in 2012. The

growing conditions were beyond fabulous, provding the double benefit of phenomenal quality as well as grand abundance, a winemaker’s dream. Serendipitous and trouble-free, the pristine conditions of the season delivered a harvest with both marvelous quality and ample quantity, an ideal combination. 100% Clone 337.

96-100 Points Robert Parker | “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS is one of the potential candidates for perfection. Half the crop was thinned out and the result is a wine with incredible aromas of lead pencil shavings, licorice, creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur, roasted coffee beans and vanilla. The good news is there are 625 cases of this sensational wine.” Please inquire about availability.

2011 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘TFA Cuvée’ PNV—Lot 6, Napa Valley $$$$$ For the 2013 PNV auction, Fred Schrader and winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown

are proud to present a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that offers an enticing mix of

ripe black and red fruit flavors with a lusciousness and complexity that carry

through to a sophisticated, persistent finish. This cuvée is blended from the most

significant vineyard blocks in our program, with specific barrel lots chosen for their enticing and multi-layered

aromatics. Purchased at 2013 Premiere Napa Valley Auction for $25,000. Each bottle is hand-numbered and signed

by the winemaker. FIVE cases produced.



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“From the release of the 2001 vintage, the winery's first effort, Sea Smoke was a near instant success. With the coveted site

and a talented winemaking team, Sea Smoke quickly became one of the more sought after Pinot Noirs in California. Sold

almost exclusively to mailing list customers, the wine joined the ranks of the "hard to get your hands on them" Pinots like

Marcassin, Rochioli, and Kosta Browne.” –PinotFile

2011 Sea Smoke ‘SEA SPRAY’ Blanc de Noirs, Sta. Rita Hills $$$ Hand harvested in late August of 2011, the Pinot Noir for this methode champenoise sparkling wine is the result of a careful cluster selection from Sea Smoke’s estate vineyard. The grapes were gently pressed following an evening in our cold room, then transferred to stainless

tanks to begin a long, cool fermentation, which was completed in once-used and neutral French oak barrels. Following six months of sur lie aging in barrel, the wine was bottle aged an additional 16 months en tirage prior to disgorging. The wine was finished with no dosage, to preserve its finesse. 100% Sea Smoke Estate Pinot Noir aged for six months in once-used and neutral French Oak. 2012 Sea Smoke ‘Streamside’ Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills $$

Our estate-grown Chardonnay fruit was picked and hand-sorted in the vineyard before spending the night in our cold room. Chilled grapes were softly pressed and the juice was gently pumped into a stainless steel tank and cold settled. Once the heavy solids were removed, the

juice was racked to both French oak barrels and a stainless steel fermentor, then inoculated for primary fermentation. Following primary fermentation, the wine was inoculated for malolactic fermentation and barrels were periodically stirred to enhance depth and mouthfeel. 100% Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Chardonnay aged for 16 months in French Oak (55% new). 2012 Sea Smoke ‘SOUTHING’ Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills $$

Each year, our goal for Southing is to create the ideal marriage of complexity and elegance. The ever-changing nose of the 2011 Southing exhibits red currants, persimmons, fresh flowers and river rock. The fine tannins and minerality are enhanced by our estate vineyard’s

characteristic cool climate acidity. 100% Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir aged for 16 months in French Oak (55% new). 2012 Sea Smoke ‘TEN’ Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills $$$

A brooding and intense wine. The aromas begin with notes of dried flowers and blackberries, then sandalwood, fresh plum and nutmeg. Firm, mature tannins—evidence of Ten’s ageability—are followed by a long, velvety finish. 100% Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (ten

clones) aged for 16 months in French Oak (65% new).



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“Celebrating 30+ years of consistent quality and both critical and commercial success, Shafer Vineyards, one of the most

impeccably run wineries in the world, is a wonderful family operation that deserves all the success they have earned.”

-Robert Parker

2012 Shafer Merlot, Napa Valley $

92 Points Wine Spectator | 92-95 Points Robert Parker | “Composed of 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec, the 2012 Merlot appears to be another sensational offering from Doug and John Shafer and their longtime assistant, Elias Fernandez. The sweetness of the tannins, the sucrosity of the fruit

and the wine’s richness and expansiveness suggest another great vintage in Napa Valley. This is a sensational Merlot.” 2011 Shafer ‘Relentless’, Napa Valley $$$

94 Points Wine Spectator | 92-95 Points Robert Parker | “From a more challenging vintage, the 2011 Relentless exhibits a similar opaque blue/purple color as well as remarkable concentration and balance. With stunning perfume, purity, texture and full-bodied richness, the 2011 is slightly more evolved and

softer than the 2010, but it offers much of the same character. This compelling effort is one of the superstars of the vintage in 2011.” 2010 Shafer Hillside Select, Stags Leap District $$$$$

96+ Points Stephen Tanzer | 95 Points Wine Spectator | 100 Points Robert Parker | “Turning to Shafer’s Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon is akin to entering one of the world's museums of liquid art. This is unquestionably one of California’s, and the world's, most iconic and

greatest wines. This is a first-growth wine from a magical site… In every vintage it is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged an uncommonly long time (32 months) in 100% French oak, yet you would never know that. The Shafers remain disarmingly modest about what they have achieved, but this is utterly profound, world-class wine that any wine lovers who enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon need to sample at least once in their life… The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select offers a mindblowing display of blue, red and black fruits along with licorice and floral notes. The prodigious aromatics are followed by a precise, rich, pure blast of inky black currant, blueberry and mulberry flavors. The oak is virtually undetectable, and the wine, for all its power, richness and depth, is incredibly light on its feet and ethereal. It should drink well for 3 to 4 decades.” 2010 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon, Sunspot Vineyard, PNV—Lot 137, Stags Leap District $$$$$

The inspiration for, and backbone of, the Hillside Select comes from a small vineyard block called Sunspot located right next to the winery. In 1983 Doug Shafer recognized the amazing quality of this small plot, which showed tremendous “perfumey” aromatics, extraordinary concentration and richness, yet

supple and soft fine grained tannins. He thought it was even greater than any “Reserve” bottling and Hillside Select was born! This is the “tenderloin” of one of the world’s true First Growth sites. Here it stars in a quarter-barrel lot from the 2010 vintage. Purchased at 2012 Premiere Napa Valley Auction for $40,000. Each bottle is hand-numbered and signed by Doug Shafer. FIVE cases produced.



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Soter Vineyards began in 1997 when Oregon natives Michelle and Tony Soter purchased the Beacon Hill Vineyard in the Yamhill‐Carlton District of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Today, Soter Vineyards makes its home on the Mineral Springs Ranch near Carlton, Oregon. The estate vineyard here is ideally situated on an east‐west ridge known as Savanna Ridge and planted to 30 acres of Pinot Noir. An additional 2 acres of Chardonnay are dedicated to sparkling wine production. The aim of Soter Vineyards is to produce Pinot Noir that is thrilling to the senses, complex, balanced and age‐worthy.

2011 Soter Pinot Noir, Mineral Springs Ranch, Yamhill-Carlton $$ The personality of the Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir is distinct. The wine is generous and expressive, showcasing the vintage's warmer weather, with the primary fruit spectrum suggesting black cherries and cranberries, with hallmark spice box notes, hints of exotic Asian perfumes and that elusive

forest floor/earthy set of characters that seem an "MSR" signature.

92 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of redcurrant, cherry, floral oils and minerals. At once silky and penetrating, offering vibrant red fruit and bitter blood orange flavors that gain sweetness with air. The mineral note comes back strong on the persistent finish, which is firmed by fine-grained, harmonious tannins. Shows the best traits of the vintage: elegance, precision and firm mineral bite.” 2009 Soter Brut Rosé, Mineral Springs Ranch, Yamhill-Carlton $$

100% Methode Champenoise. Hand-riddled and disgorged on-site. 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay. 3 years en tirage. Aged 5 months prior to assembly. 975 cases made.

90 Points Robert Parker | “Weighing in at 12.8% alcohol and remarkably light on its feet, the Soter 2009 Brut Rose Mineral Springs Ranch benefits as usual for this cuvee from a significant share of Chardonnay, is the first Soter sparkler to be sourced entirely from the estate. (I tasted the first, May 2013 disgorgement, and disgorgement dates are noted on a neck label.) As one would expect, this emphasizes the fruity side of Pinot, here in the form of juicy, ripe cherry and purple plum, benefiting from some offsetting nutty piquancy in a lingering, luxuriant, yet refreshing and mouthwateringly salt-tinged finish. Polished and subtly creamy in texture, it should serve well for at least the next two years.”

”Turley Wine Cellars has long been one of the more enviable wine operations in California. Larry Turley should, and does, receive enormous credit for nearly single-handedly

preserving many of the heritage old vine Zinfandel sites that exist in northern California. This estate produces nearly thirty single vineyard Zinfandels and Petite Syrahs, all from organically farmed vineyards. Natural yeast fermentations have always been the rule, and the percentage of new oak used has dropped from a high of 30% to about half that. Their Zinfandels are never shy, but tasting through the 2012s, it appears they are not as extracted as they once were, but the alcohols remain in the 15% to 16% range because Zinfandel is rarely ripe at lower sugars. Virtually every one of these 2012 Zinfandels will be drinkable upon release in 2014, and should last for 6-8 years.” (Robert Parker, December 2013)



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2013 Turley ‘White Zinfandel’, Napa Valley $ We pick a small portion of our estate Zinfandel vines early (at about 19 brix) to make this bright, dry rosé. High in acid, low in alcohol, thoroughly refreshing—though more akin to French rosés from Provence in the way it’s made, this wine is distinctly California. White Zinfandel has a good heart but a bad reputation; hopefully we can help change that. Please inquire.

2012 Turley Zinfandel ‘Old Vines’, California $

Old Vines is composed of a variety of old sites from California that are either too small to be made into a vineyard designate wine, or are “new” to the Turley family (and way of farming). While we bring them up to speed as far as our rigorous farming practices go, in the mean time they make up the Old Vines

blend. The average age of the vines in these 18 vineyards is about 80 years old, and they hail from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador, and Paso Robles.

91 Points Robert Parker | 90 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Other bits and pieces from old vine parcels are co-mingled in the 2012 Zinfandel Old Vines, a delicious, up-front, medium ruby-colored Zin made with a Pinot Noir-like sensitivity. Both of these cuvees are best drunk in their first 3-4 years of life.” Please inquire. 2012 Turley Zinfandel ‘Cedarman’, Howell Mountain $

Cedarman is a proprietary blend of fruit from both Rattlesnake Ridge and Dragon Vineyards. Though primarily Zinfandel, we use a small amount of Petite Syrah from the Rattlesnake vineyard as well. The result is a truly powerful, dense, and wild wine long on flavor.

93-95 Points Robert Parker | 91+ Points Stephen Tanzer | “Ripe, rather wild aromas of dark fruits, earth, bitter chocolate and musky coffee. Sweet, tactile and superripe; a bit lower-toned and more chocolatey in the mouth than some of the preceding zins but with no shortage of acidity. Finishes with substantial tannins and very good length. This is actually a blend from Rattlesnake Ridge and Dragon Vineyards.” Please inquire. 2012 Turley Zinfandel, Dogtown Vineyard, Lodi $

Planted in 1944, the Dogtown Vineyard is farmed by Turley Wine Cellars. This head-trained, own-rooted vineyard is technically within the Clements Hills AVA, which has more topography than the rest of Lodi. The rolling hills are composed of clay & volcanic soils, and vine yields are extremely low. The wine

is characterized by dark red fruit flavors, spice & black tea.

92+ Points Stephen Tanzer | 88-90 Points Robert Parker | “Another Lodi offering, the 2012 Zinfandel Dogtown comes from a head-trained vineyard planted on its own roots in 1944. This wine offers up aromas of pomegranate, red apple skins, cherries, wild strawberries, and dusty, loamy soil.” Please inquire. 2012 Turley Zinfandel, Pesenti Vineyard, Paso Robles $

This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are also head-trained & dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a lightness and aromas unique to the site,

with crushed-mineral and floral characteristics not normally seen in Zinfandel.

94 Points Stephen Tanzer | 91-93 Points Robert Parker | “Pungent aromas of black raspberry, pepper and herbs, lifted by a mineral note from the limestone-rich soil. Wonderfully intense and energetic, with a light touch that belies its substantial alcohol. Captivating flavors of blackberry, herbs and lavender saturate the palate. Boasts a superb balance of sugar, acidity and tannins. This is spectacularly aromatic today but should really be held for a few years.” Available in December. Please inquire.



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2012 Turley Zinfandel, Fredericks Vineyard, Sonoma Valley $ This certified organic vineyard, owned by Dick Fredericks, was planted in 1937. Though technically within the Sonoma Valley appellation, the vineyard is actually located about 900 feet up along very steep contoured terraces. We feel lucky to work with this vineyard, as it is very rare to find hillside head-trained

old vines. The wines are high in acid, bright, balanced, with well-integrated fruit & tannin.

95 Points Stephen Tanzer | 92-94 Points Robert Parker | “…the spectacular 2012 Zinfandel Fredericks Vineyard, a site that was planted in 1937 at about 900 foot elevation. This beautiful Zinfandel possesses a wonderful sucrosity, richness and intensity. I would highly recommend drinking these Zinfandels in their first 4-7 years of life.” Please inquire. 2012 Turley Zinfandel, Euberroth Vineyard, Paso Robles $

Planted in 1885, Ueberroth is the oldest of our Zinfandel vineyards. Located closer to the sea than any other site we work with, you can smell the salt air from the top of the hill. These ungrafted, head-trained vines are planted on very steep limestone slopes. The high pH of the soil makes for a very high acid

wine, elevating the ripe fruit flavors from this historic certified organic vineyard.

95 Points Stephen Tanzer | 93-95 Points Robert Parker | “Knockout aromas and flavors of black and red fruits, garrigue, minerals and high-pitched spices, along with an impression of medicinal reserve. Wonderfully layered and intense, showing outstanding cut and peppery lift to the middle palate. Offers an uncanny combination of acid lift and breadth, finishing with resounding juicy length. As in recent years, this is one of the handful of elite zinfandels of the vintage. The numbers here are shocking: 16.4% alcohol, 7.1 grams per liter of acidity and a pH of 3.40.” Please inquire. 2012 Turley Zinfandel, Hayne Vineyard, St. Helena $$$

The Hayne Vineyard is one of our most exceptional sites. Located in an idyllic warm yet breezy spot on the west side of St. Helena, we are honored to have worked with this vineyard and the Hayne family for the past twenty years. The head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines were planted in 1902 and 1903,

and they produce wines of power and elegance year in and year out.

91-93 Points Robert Parker |92 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Brooding aromas of blackberry, tart cherry stomp, black licorice, caraway seed, violet and spicecake. Silky, broad and dry, with excellent intensity to its red cherry and spice flavors. Not a monster of color or thickness--and a bit inexpressive today--but subtle and nuanced. Spreads out nicely on the back end, showing a firm tannic spine and plenty of depth and medicinal dark cherry reserve for aging.” Please inquire. 2012 Turley Petite Syrah, Hayne Vineyard, St. Helena $$$

The Hayne Vineyard is one of our most exceptional sites. Located in an idyllic warm yet breezy spot on the west side of St. Helena, we are honored to have worked with this vineyard and the Hayne family for the past twenty years. The head-trained, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines were planted in 1902 and 1903,

and they produce wines of power and elegance year in and year out.

96-100 Points Robert Parker |90 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Flirting with perfection, the 2012 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard has off-the-charts richness as well as opaque black/blue colors, enormously concentrated red, blue and black fruits intermixed with camphor and creosote notes. The wine can be drunk for its impressive scale, richness, texture and power in its youth, but it will not exhibit much secondary development for at least a decade. It will still be offering provocative and prodigious drinking 30 to 40 years from now.” Please inquire about availability.



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“Vietti’s commitment to quality across their entire range is commendable. I can’t think of too many estates that can match Vietti for the number of utterly delicious bottlings that emerge

from these cellars in Castiglione Falletto.” -Robert Parker

2010 Vietti Barolo ‘Rocche’ DOCG $$$$$

99 Points Antonio Galloni | 97 Points Robert Parker | 96+ Points Stephen Tanzer | “Previously labeled simple as “Rocche,” the 2010 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione now boasts the expanded name of its single vineyard designation. This is a tremendous wine that reaches to the highest aspirations, both in terms of

overall complexity and purity. I look forward to tasting this stunning wine after a decade or so of aging. Drink: 2018-2038.”

2010 Vietti Barolo ‘Lazzarito’ DOCG $$$$$ 96 Points Antonio Galloni |95 Points Robert Parker | 94 Points Stephen Tanzer | “With recently expanded acquisitions in this vineyard cru, the 2010 Barolo Lazzarito shows an expansive personality with pretty tones of crushed rose and red berry fruit that give the wine a delicate, feminine approach. Like

the other wines in Luca’s portfolio of new releases, this Barolo is years away from its prime drinking potential. The mouthfeel is fine and polished with a great sense of purity and balanced freshness. Drink: 2018-2035.”

2010 Vietti Barolo ‘Brunate’ DOCG $$$$$ 97 Points Antonio Galloni | 96 Points Robert Parker | 94+ Points Stephen Tanzer | “The 2010 Barolo Brunate impresses for its textural richness and aromatic generosity. The Brunate crus shows exceptionally well in 2010, offering the kind of structure that is as powerful and lasting as it is finessed and graceful.

It’s the proverbial iron fist in a silken glove. Indeed, Brunate is a vineyard cru that is particularly suited to long-living Barolo. It is a crime to drink this wine before its time. Drink: 2018-2035.”

2010 Vietti Barolo ‘Ravera’ DOCG $$$$$ 100 Points Antonio Galloni | 96 Points Robert Parker | “The 2010 Barolo Ravera is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted from Vietti. Stunning. It's as simple as that. The Ravera represents a bit of a stylistic departure for Vietti and a return to a more traditional style of winemaking. The 2010 Ravera may well

be the single greatest Barolos Luca Currado has ever made. It is also a wine that, along with the Barolos of Elvio Cogno, show just how much potential the hills of Ravera have to offer. Readers who can find the 2010 Ravera should not hesitate. It is a legendary, benchmark Barolo in the making.”

2006 Vietti Barolo ‘Villero Riserva’ DOCG $$$$$ 97 Points Robert Parker | 96 Points Wine Spectator | 96 Points Antonio Galloni | 95+ Points Stephen Tanzer | “The last wine of the flight is the outstanding 2006 Barolo Riserva Villero. It literally bursts open to full force intensity and beauty. It’s a mind-blowing interpretation of the often austere

and brooding Nebbiolo grape that shows abundant life and vigor. Dark leather, cured beef, pressed rose petal, candied fruit, prune, cola, dried herbs and crushed mineral emerge from the glass like an aromatic marching band. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035."



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“This winery receives considerable praise (justifiably so) for their stylish, immensely flavorful and complex Cotes de Beaune-styled Pinot Noirs. They are obviously aware of how fragile Pinot Noir is because Williams Selyem is one of only a handful of American wineries to capture the elusive Pinot Noir perfume without stripping the wine with multiple manipulations and clarifications… The Williams Selyem winery has long been a

reference point for complex, sumptuous Pinot Noir…there is no doubting that these are well-made wines which are, for the most part, age-worthy Pinot Noirs which, with some patience, reward cellaring.” -Robert Parker

2012 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir ‘Westside Road Neighbors’, Russian River Valley

$$$$ 94 Points Wine Enthusiast | 92 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Pungent smoke- and spice-accented aromas of raspberry, cherry-cola and zesty minerals. Offers vibrant red fruit and candied rose flavors, with a touch of bitter blood orange

adding focus and grip. Shows the urgency of a cooler vintage but with the depth of fruit one expects from wines made from this area.” 2012 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Burt Williams Morning Dew Ranch, Anderson Valley

$$$$ 94 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Aromas of fresh red berries, rose pastille, blood orange and smoky minerals, along with a hint of Asian spices. Fresh, penetrating and pure, offering gently sweet strawberry and raspberry flavors that put on

weight and become spicier with aeration. Shows very good intensity with no excess weight.”

2012 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Hirsch Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview AVA $$$$

91 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Pungent, fresh, mineral-accented red fruits and Asian spices on the nose. Lively and precise in the mouth, offering tangy cherry and raspberry flavors and a touch of orange pith. Finishes with very good clarity and

cut, with dusty tannins adding shape.”

2012 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard, Russian River Valley $$$$$

94 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Pungent aromas and flavors of black raspberry, mulberry, anise and candied rose are accented by a minerally topnote. Sweet, dense and focused, offering intense red and dark berry flavors and a hint of

smoked meat. Very complex already but history suggests that this pinot will be shutting down soon, after which it should be forgotten about for at least another six years or so.”

2012 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Williams Selyem Estate, Russian River Valley $$$$$

Bing cherry and cinnamon surge from the glass in this quintessential offering of Pinot Noir from our Estate vineyard. Blended primarily from Swan, Mt. Eden and Pommard clones, this wine offers a complex array of aromas and flavors.

With aeration, additional notes of cardamom and fennel seed emerge and juicy fine grained tannins meld into a cocoa powder-like finish on the palate. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now but will develop with another 7-10 years of aging.



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“Fifth-generation Napa natives, Maggy and I began our endeavor in the 1970s planting The Judge vineyard on the Kongsgaard family land near Napa. The inaugural Kongsgaard wines came in 1996. We now produce a handful of wines in our underground winery — a cave dug into the volcanic rock, high on the eastern rim of the Napa Valley where we have planted a spectacular mountain vineyard. We also direct the farming under long-term contracts on several perfect acres in the Napa Carneros and near the winery. These intensely farmed, shy-bearing vineyards and our traditional low-intervention winemaking produce powerful, graceful

wines — vivid expressions of vineyard and variety. Production is limited to what we, with our son Alex, can make with our own hands.” - John Kongsgaard

"John Kongsgaard is in search of the Holy Grail and these are among the most interesting, naturally made wines one will find on Planet Earth."

- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

“Kongsgaard consistently makes the best Chardonnay in California today.” - Eric Asimov, The New York Times

2012 Kongsgaard Chardonnay, Napa Valley $$$$

The 2012 Kongsgaard wines are classics - displaying the intensity and balance we seek. In 2012 we knew at harvest that we had splendor in our hands, and as the wines evolved in the barrel, the great promise blossomed. The Chardonnay Napa Valley is from our blocks of the Hudson and Hyde

vineyards, ripened perfectly to give us wine that truly belongs in our Pantheon. 1,520 cases produced.

96-98 Points Robert Parker | 93-95 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Ripe stone fruits, lemon rind and a distinctly primary leesy quality on the complex nose. Then incredibly thick and smooth in the mouth, but with a brisk candied orange peel element and vibrant acidity giving lift to the concentrated stone fruit and vanilla custard flavors. Wonderfully harmonious for a chardonnay of its impressive size. Broader and grander than the very strong 2011 version.” Please inquire about availability. 2012 Kongsgaard Syrah, Hudson Vineyard, Carneros $$$$$

The Syrah is grown on two and a half acres of south-sloping volcanic soil at the Hudson Ranch near the Bay in southern Napa Valley. The Kongsgaard Syrah is hailed by Parker as "among the very best Syrahs made in California." He describes the "spectacular 2012" as "a mind blowing, rich,

full-bodied, very complex Syrah that seems to broach both the more austere and intellectually complex world of European Syrahs and the ripe opulent, voluptuously textured New World Syrahs." Apologies for the long quote, but it is nice for us to cite a distinguished observer describing exactly what we are trying to achieve. We would add that we enjoy its savory aromas of wild game, smoked meat, and black pepper. 345 cases produced.

96-98 Points Robert Parker | 94-96 Points Stephen Tanzer | “Knockout nose combines blueberry, mocha, tropical dark chocolate and orange rind. The densely packed palate boasts outstanding sweetness allied with firm structure, showing great power and saline complexity to the flavors of dark berries, spices, brown sugar and minerals; I was reminded of a Cote-Rotie from the Cote Brune. Strong acidity gives cut to the wine's flavors and carries the finish, which features very savory tannins and great length. This is still a baby but is already projecting a forceful personality.” Please inquire about availability.



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Araujo Estate is located in the northeast Napa Valley, just east of Calistoga. The estate was established around the Eisele Vineyard, first planted over 125 years ago and principally dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon for the past 50 years. Since the inaugural release bearing the Eisele name in 1971, this unique vineyard has been widely recognized as one of the greatest terroirs in the Napa Valley. For the past 23 years, Daphne and Bart Araujo developed the property's potential, bringing it to the status of California “First Growth”.

“In 2013, this historic estate was sold by Bart & Daphne Araujo to François Pinault, the proprietor of Bordeaux’s Château Latour as well as several other French estates, most notably the tiny diamond with

its own appellation, Château Grillet near Condrieu. Pinault also owns Domaine René Engel in Burgundy. This is my first look at the wines under the new ownership. I was among the first to review

these wines when the vineyard was owned by the Eisele family, who sold grapes to Ridge in 1971 for the first single vineyard offering from this site. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Bart and Daphne Araujo, and their team headed by winemaker Nigel Kinsman and consulting winemaker Francoise

Peschon (of VHR fame).” –Robert Parker

2011 Araujo Estate Syrah, Eisele Vineyard, Calistoga $$$$$

During spring, the vineyard was nearly through flowering when late spring rains reduced fruit-set elsewhere in the region. The cool temperatures of summer kept the crew busy opening the canopy, and the resulting light penetration allowed the Syrah crop to mature evenly. Dry warmth throughout September lifted all Syrah blocks to optimal ripeness. Harvesting

spanned five days and ended September 30, well in advance of October rains. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 19 months. 2011 Eisele Vineyard Syrah shows the benefits of a colder vintage for our best Syrah parcels. With all Syrah blocks harvested before the rains, the complexity and richness are coupled perfectly with this vintage’s particularly intense varietal expression. A smoky, molten liquorice note runs through the finish rendering one of the deepest, most exciting Eisele Syrahs to-date. 97% Syrah, 3% Viognier. Please inquire about availability.

2011 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Eisele Vineyard, Calistoga $$$$$

To produce the estate's flagship wine, three quarters of the 38-acre Eisele Vineyard is dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon and its companion varieties, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The resulting wine is an intense expression of the Eisele Vineyard proprietary clone and terroir, exhibiting

characteristic flavors of cassis, blackberry, cedar and chocolate, with a lingering mineral finish. Cabernets from the Eisele Vineyard are highly regarded for their complexity, concentration, weight without heaviness, silky texture and ability to age for decades. The wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 19 months and bottled in August 2013.

98 Points James Suckling | 96+ Points Antonio Galloni | 92-95 Points Robert Parker | “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is simply beautiful. It is easily one of the most complete and compelling wines of the vintage. Rich, flashy and open, especially within the context of the vintage, the 2011 impresses for its depth and polish. Layers of blue and black fruit, savory herbs, mint and licorice come together in this complete Cabernet. A model of total class and elegance, the 2011 is simply remarkable for the year. This is one of the few wines of the vintage with real potential not just for the near-term, but also for the future. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2026.” Please inquire about availability.

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