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91

pts

Vivid red ruby in the glass, this wine opens with aromas of red fruit, cherry, blackberry and hints of earthiness, delicate toast and vanilla spice. The palate is rich, with refined silky tannins, medium acidity and flavors of cherry, red plums, raspberry and subtle notes of allspice on a long elegant finish. The winter rainfall was slightly below average, but we were able to compensate with early spring irrigation to fill soil profiles before budbreak. Warm spring temperatures aided vine growth and they were able to reach max canopy height. Summer temperatures heated up and slowed down vine growth as vines transitioned into fruit development. Weather leading into harvest was relatively cool and uneventful, which allowed for gradual ripening of the fruit. It was another remarkable growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands, resulting in wines with beautiful color, concentrated flavors, great structure and naturally balanced acidity. The 2021 vintage was crafted using small-lot winemaking techniques to capture a true expression of each vineyard block. Only estate vineyard lots with consistent superior characteristics were selected to ensure exceptional quality of this blend. The grapes were harvested during cool mornings, brought to the winery, destemmed into open-top stainless-steel tanks, cold-soaked and fermented on the skins for 10 days. The wine was then pressed off, settled and racked into a selection of small 60-gallon French oak barrels where it was aged for 14 months. When the wine was ready to be blended, our winemaker selected only the finest barrels that exemplify the aromas and flavors of the Santa Lucia Highlands.

91

pts

Orin Swift Papillon 750ML 2021

It's rare to find a wine from the Napa Valley composed of all five Bordeaux-style varietals, but for many years, that has been Papillon's focus. The raw strength and prestige of Cabernet Sauvignon buttressed by the opulence of Merlot, the spiciness of Cabernet Franc, the depth of Malbec and the sheer unctuousness of Petit Verdot come together seamlessly. The 2021 Papillon is sourced from Napa Valley growers we've worked with for decades-Stagecoach Vineyard, Indian Joe, Morisoli Vineyard and even a touch from the Monte Rosso Vineyard over on Moon Mountain, just to name a few. Our good friend and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman, photographed the label. The 2021 Papillon fills the glass with an unmistakable dark crimson, a flash of neon purple and a ruby rim. Tears move glacially and the wine opens with aromatics of boysenberry jam, violets, chocolate covered blueberry and hints of Cara Cara rind, graphite and brioche. The entry and mid-palate are bright throughout with considerable weight-tones of cassis, blackberry and baking spices flourish. Enveloping texture, chalky, drying tannins and an enduring finish bows out the wine.

Mount Peak Winery Sentinel Cabernet Sauvignon V20 750ML

92

pts

Mount Peak Winery Sentinel Cabernet Sauvignon V20 750ML

Our Sentinel Cabernet Sauvignon is named for the shield-shaped block that casts a watchful eye over the entrance to Monte Rosso Vineyard. Sentinel opens with aromas of dense, dark fruit, Crème de cassis and bay laurel, Sentinel is rich and full-bodied, offering hints of blackcurrant, blueberry, and black cherry with layers of soft leather and wood smoke. The wine's acidity and tannins are in perfect balance adding texture and depth on the smooth, layered palate, finishing with suggestions of ripe wild blackberry.

90

pts

Hahn SLH Chardonnay V21 750ML

Lively aromas of lemon citrus, pineapple and orange blossom with hints of tropical fruit, caramelized honey and toasty vanilla. On the palate, this wine has an refined texture with a silky, smooth mouthfeel and medium acidity. Notes of Meyer lemon, golden apple and fresh cut pear, combined with delicate notes of toasty oak and creamy minerality, lead to an elegant long finish. The winter rainfall was slightly below average, but we were able to compensate with early spring irrigation to fill soil profiles before budbreak. Warm spring temperatures aided vine growth and they were able to reach max canopy height. Summer temperatures heated up and slowed down vine growth as vines transitioned into fruit development. Weather leading into harvest was relatively cool and uneventful, which allowed for gradual ripening of the fruit. It was another remarkable growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands, resulting in wines with beautiful color, concentrated flavors, great structure and naturally balanced acidity. After being carefully picked and precisely sorted for quality, the fruit was destemmed, sent direct to press and fermented entirely in small French oak barrels. The wine was hand-stirred on its lees every three weeks for the 10 months it aged in barrel. When the wine was ready to be blended, our winemaker selected only the finest barrels that best express the aromas and flavors of the Santa Lucia Highlands

90

pts

Orin Swift Palermo 750ML 2021

Poured as a dark garnet, the wine opens with primary aromas of ripe cassis and blackberry. Supporting hints of dark chocolate, toasted oak and cedar support the typical Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon nose. The entry is flooding with notes of dark fruits and a mid-palate bolstered with redcurrant, bay leaf and a reemergence of cassis. The wine closes with well-developed tannins and a striking minerality despite the supple and soft finish.

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay V21 750ML

93

pts

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay V21 750ML

Our 2021 Jayson Chardonnay offers a captivating interplay of richness and finesse, with a soulful complexity revealing itself with each sip. The nose is greeted with aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle, lemon oil, and crushed Marcona almond. Notes of preserved Meyer lemon introduce the bright, finely detailed palate, the integrated oak profile lending a complementing mid-palate richness. Interwoven notes of butterscotch, marzipan, and grilled pineapple slowly emerge and sustain through a long, layered finish.

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Red V21 750ML

94

pts

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Red V21 750ML

The 2021 Jayson Red Wine is rich and fleshy, with our mountain-grown Merlot at its core. Expressive aromas of crushed black cherry, mushroom, and leather lead to a ripe, focused palate of black cherry and black currant laced with mocha and toasty spice. The mid-palate is mouth-filling and plush with caressing polished tannins that guide the interlaid flavors long through a pure, persistent finish. – Katie Vogt

94

pts

J Brut Rosé 750ML

J Brut Rosé opens with layered characteristics of ripe raspberries, rose petals and a savory note of slivered almonds. The palate is elegant and flavorful, with notes of fresh mandarin orange, roasted strawberries and crème fraîche. Lively acidity and steely minerality frame a crisp, lingering finish. Pair this elegant sparkling rosé with traditional Spanish seafood paella, salmon tartare or camembert with candied kumquats and lavender almonds.

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay V22 750ML

To craft our Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay, we looked to the premiere, cool climate vineyards of the Russian River Valley, known for elegant Chardonnay of exceptional character. This wine is bright and juicy with refreshing notes of ripe pear and citrus, leading to a luscious and creamy finish with hints of oak and spice.

92

pts

Fleur de Mer Rosé V22 750ML

Invitingly flavorful and refreshingly crisp, 2022 Fleur de Mer Rosé captures the serene artistry of Provence’s idyllic, sun-washed coastal shores and fragrant, floral hillsides. This versatile, food-friendly Rosé opens with generously aromatic notes of white peach, strawberry and melon. In classic Provençal style, notes of raspberry, cherry and apple layer on the bright palate with nectarine, citrus and a subtle touch of honeysuckle. Hints of sea spray and minerality add balance and attractive texture before a delightfully crisp finish. Enjoy Fleur de Mer on its own or alongside creamy goat cheeses, green salads, sushi or fresh seafood dishes, citrus or herb-roasted chicken or a charcuterie board. Viticulture Notes The world’s best-known region for Rosé, AOP Côtes de Provence enjoys a refreshing Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool, brisk nights. Here, vine roots plunge deep below the dry clay soils and limestone gravel, called gravoches, to reach water. Vintage 2022 was outstanding, delivering concentrated, high-quality fruit. An ideal dry spring resulted in a wonderful fruit set, followed by a warm, dry growing season. Careful canopy management allowed clusters to develop bright, expressive flavors, intense aromatics and the crisp structure of Provençal Rosé. Winemaking Notes The grapes selected for our 2022 Fleur de Mer Rosé were harvested at ideal maturity, ensuring layered flavors and delicate structure. Grapes were picked in the cool early morning hours to preserve aromas and acidity, then crushed, immediately pressed and cold settled to maintain the bright, concentrated fruit characteristics and attractive pale-coral hue. Lots were fermented in cool, temperature-controlled tanks. Winemaker Florian Lacroux selected Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan to form the core of the blend, supported by other extraordinary Provençal grapes in a beautifully harmonious, layered Rosé wine.

William Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon V19 750ML

91

pts

William Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon V19 750ML

Our rich, full bodied 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a savory and darkly fruited expression of our William Hill Estate vineyard. The wine opens with bold notes of wild blackberry bush, plum, mission fig and black cherry reduction, mingling with earthy hints of leather, aniseed, cracked pepper, cinnamon, and clove. The texture of the wine is supported by fine tannins and balanced acidity that help frame the dense, velvety-smooth finish. Enjoy this wine in its youth after an hour of decanting or save in your cellar to age beautifully for 8-10 years.

Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir V23 750ML

The 2022 Kali Hart Pinot Noir is a most fruit-forward expression of California's Central Coast. Notes of crushed blackberry and cherry meld with warm notes of caramelized vanilla and clove. The mouthfeel is silky with hints of wild strawberry and a touch of dried lavender. This wine finishes smooth with a touch of minerality.

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Critically Acclaimed