Tag Archives: napa valley

April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubPine-Ridge-Stags-Leap-District-bottlePine Ridge Vineyards
Stags Leap District
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine is a pure and exquisite expression of the world-famous Stags Leap District AVA. On first inspection, delightful notes of blonde roast coffee and cracked black pepper blend harmoniously with cherry cola and spiced blueberry jam. The wine’s texture is round, with classic Stags Leap District tannins surrounded by mouth-filling pomegranate juice and raspberry mocha flavors. These savory and sweet notes complement a generous serving of Gorgonzola Dolce on a crusty Pain au Levain boule. The wine’s fine grain tannins, balanced by refreshing acidity, create a lush and velvety back palate that brings forth black raspberry and toasted oak hints before gently fading away on the long finish.

Analysis: 15.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Sirah, 2% Petit Verdot & 1% Malbec
pH: 3.77
TA: 5.7 g/L
Region: Stags Leap District
Pairing: Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

VINTAGE NOTES:
The 2021 growing season was a prime example of why Napa Valley is such a great place to grow grapes. The winter heading into the 2021 growing season was colder than average with a drier than average spring. There were four total heat events over the growing season with the May and September heat events being outside the typical range for that time of year. The rainfall for the year was below average for the fourth straight year, presenting a challenge for the grower due to irrigation ponds and wells being at levels that have not been seen since 2017. The summer growing conditions were exceptionally good, making for ideal berry development. Both bloom and veraison, which typically last two to three weeks each, were each over in about a week! The start of harvest was early due to September being very warm. This was good, because in October California experienced a series of atmospheric rivers that dumped 9.5” of rain that month. The yields for the year were below average, but from a quality standpoint, it was a vintage year!

VINEYARD:
Their steep, densely planted Stags Leap District Estate has been the heart of the winery since Pine Ridge Vineyards was founded in the farmhouse in 1978.

VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING:
The 2021 vintage was harvested from September 15th to October 19th. The grapes were hand-harvested at night when temperatures often dip to 50°F to capture vibrant acidity and fruit expression in the wine.

First, the must (crushed grapes) was cold-soaked for gentle extraction and then fermented in stainless steel, concrete and oak barrel fermenters at 88°F. Rigorous pump-overs, increasing during the peak of the fermentation, developed deep color, rich varietal character, and fine tannins in the wine. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak barrels to meld the bright fruit expression with oak spice nuances. After three months of aging, we blended the vineyard components allowing them to marry for a total of 20 months of barrel élevage. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered to present the attributes of the vineyard in the purest form possible, from the dirt to the glass.

ABOUT PINE RIDGE VINEYARDS:
Pine Ridge Vineyards, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, embodies a legacy of excellence in winemaking since its establishment in 1978. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Pine Ridge crafts wines that reflect the unique terroir of their estate vineyards. From the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon to the elegant Chardonnay and beyond, each bottle showcases the artistry and dedication of their skilled winemaking team. With a blend of tradition and contemporary techniques, Pine Ridge Vineyards continues to produce wines of exceptional quality that captivate wine enthusiasts around the world. Learn more about their story and team here.

Photos and information © Pine Ridge Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoBelle-Glos-taylor-laneBelle Glos
Taylor Lane
2014 Pinot Noir 1.5L
West Sonoma Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Once on the palate, the acidity sparks a fire of smoked caramel and cinnamon spiked cranberry sauce. The silky-smooth texture gives way to a long and balanced finish that leaves your senses wanting more.

“Oak spice aromas, powerful black-fruit flavors and a firm structure of acid and moderate tannins give this wine a nice heft to help it pair with rich foods. Having aged extra long at the winery, it still should develop more complexity starting from 2025” – 93 pts. Wine Enthusiast

Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Bottle size:  1.5 L
Region: West Sonoma Coast AVA, California
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. Wine Enthusiast
Pair: Pairs well with duck, goose and game birds

VINEYARD DESCRIPTION:
The Taylor Lane Vineyard is located on the furthest western ridge of the coastal range, sitting just over the Pacific, looking out over the Faralon Islands. However beautiful as Taylor Lane may be, it was unlike any vineyard site the Belle Glos team had ever farmed along the California coast. The ruthless and challenging Pacific weather required years of farming innovation to get it right. The key was the similarity to Burgundy in the heat accumulation patterns. They consulted with a Burgundian winemaker to apply some of their traditional, old world techniques to make Taylor Lane a traditionally steeped, yet California Coastal Pinot Noir coming out of the true Sonoma Coast.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Belle Glos’ first wine under the newly minted West Sonoma Coast AVA and a cellared release, this majestic vineyard brings plum with a slight burnt edge in the glass and boasts aromas of freshly tilled land, a rich oak forest in Autumn, and Crème de Cassis.  “At age 15, Taylor Lane was my first vineyard project. I invite you to celebrate with our Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir. A wine that’s close to the coast, my family, and my heart.” – Joseph Wagner, Owner & Winemaker

ABOUT BELLE GLOS:
Belle Glos showcases award winning Pinot Noirs from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions, produced by fifth-generation winemaker Joseph Wagner. Joseph chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. Although each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant for each. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Belle Glos – All Rights Reserved.

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March Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logobg_pn_eulenloch_2019-1661470498969Belle Glos
2021 Eulenloch
Pinot Noir
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Dark ruby red, with aromas of dried cherry, raspberry, blueberry and cedar. A rich opulent wine, offering flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, cocoa, black licorice and dried herbs. This wine is bold and well-balanced with lively acidity and refined tannins.

VINEYARD NOTES:
The Eulenloch Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley and its predominantly comprised of clay soils which retain water but are remarkably shallow. When combined with the cool coastal breeze, these characteristics provide ripe fruit that is complex and nuanced. Eulenloch Pinot Noir offers structure, suppleness, length, and depth.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Owner/winemaker, Joseph Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noirs produced from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions. Although each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant for each. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Belle Glos – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoBeaulieu-Vineyard-Tapestry-NV-Red_750_bBeaulieu Vineyard
2019 Tapestry Reserve
Red Blend
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Blending five Bordeaux-heritage grape varieties grown within the Napa Valley, this blend came together seamlessly, offering nuance, complexity and balance. The Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits a bounty of dark bramble berry fruits, with notes of blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry cobbler, wild black cherry and red currant, alongside notes of root spice, ginger, and musky perfume. The Merlot adds vibrancy and riper notes of black raspberry and dark plum, while also softening the tannins, contributing to a velvety-rich, supple mouthfeel. Malbec adds fresh raspberry notes, while the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blend with darker berry fruits and savory spices, alongside delicate floral and woodsy nuances of black pepper, cedar, forest floor and wild sage. Well integrated notes of mocha and caramel, having been aged in new French oak barrels, heighten the overall aromatic expression, and lengthen the spiced multi-layered finish. The firm, grippy tannins lead to a sense of depth, and will ensure the wine’s ability to age for many years to come. A classic example uniting old world techniques with new world winemaking, all while showcasing the true elegance, generosity and allure of Napa Valley.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
  • Appellation: Napa Valley, California
  • pH: 3.72
  • Oak Treatment: 19 months of agin in French Oak (60% new barrels)
  • Critical Acclaim:
    • 93 Pointes – JamesSuckling.com
    • 92 Points – Wine Spectator

WINEMAKING:
The team at Beaulieu Vineyard tailored the winemaking for each varietal to best capture the personality of both the vintage and specific vineyard blocks. Optical sorting, cold soaking and gentle pumpovers along with in-barrel malolactic fermentation all contributed to this wine’s richly textured and complex flavors. Aging in roughly 60% new French oak barrels for 19 months complimented the wine’s impressive depth and freshness. Beaulieu Vineyard’s Winemaker, Trevor Durling, presides as only the fifth winemaker in the winery’s 119-year history. A native Californian, Trevor was raised in Sonoma County, the heart of Northern California’s wine country. With a love of agriculture, science and cuisine, Trevor pursued his studies at the University of California Davis in the Viticulture and Enology program. As winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard, Trevor incorporates his passion for creating fine wines, while preserving the heritage and legacy of Beaulieu Vineyard.

VINEYARD:
Since its inception in 1990, their Tapestry Reserve has always been a tribute to their French heritage and a nod to the classic Bordeaux blends and Clarets that are world-renowned.  Varietals are always sourced from a selection of specific vineyard blocks of top-quality grapes that give Tapestry the combined attributes of terroir expression and a round, approachable tannin structure. Roughly half of the Cabernet Sauvignon was grown on the famous western benchland of the Rutherford American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the balance from the Calistoga, Oakville, and St Helena AVAs. The Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec are sourced exclusively from their estate vineyards in Rutherford. Two styles of Cabernet Franc lend complexity and intrigue: one from cooler Sonoma Valley providing fresh acidity and a slight herbal character; the other from warmer Calistoga adding ripe and expressive red fruit notes.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
One of the longest continually operating wineries in Napa Valley, Beaulieu Vineyard came to be in 1900, when Georges de Latour’s wife, Fernande, first laid eyes on that land that would later become the Rutherford vineyard. She said, “Quelle beau lieu!”, or “What a beautiful place!” Shortly thereafter, de Latour sold his thriving cream of tartar business, bought the four-acre ranch, and founded Beaulieu Vineyard with the vision of making Napa Valley wines that would rival those of his native France. Learn more here.

Information and Photos © Beaulieu Vineyard – All Rights Reserved.

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October Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubSeanMinor-InvitedSeries-PinotNoir-Bottle-ImageSean Minor Wines
2021 Sangiacomo
Roberts Road Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Deep ruby garnet hue with aromas of fresh blueberries, cranberry, dark cherry, violet and forest floor. On entry, the dark fruit characteristics provide a perfectly balanced mouth feel that carries through the mid-palate, creating a rich and lingering finish with delicate spice and hints of vanilla nuances.Sean-Minor-Wine-Tasting-Profile
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Closure: Cork
Always Invited: Pizza Night, Dinner Parties & Beach Bonfires
Accolades:  90 Pts. Wine & Spirits Year’s Best US Pinot Noir; 93 Pts. Wine Enthusiast

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“Located at the base of Sonoma Mountain at the far northern edge of the Petaluma Gap, the vineyard stays in the fog until mid-day. This provides an excellent opportunity for a long growing season which allows the grapes to mature slowly and evenly, resulting in extraordinary balance. Single vineyard blend of Dijon 777 and Pommard clones from carefully selected blocks within the vineyard. All grapes are hand-picked at night and early mornings to keep the fruit at optimal temperatures. The fruit is cold-soaked and left to naturally ferment. Once the wine is fermented dry it is racked to barrels for completion of malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged 10 months in 100% French medium toast oak barrels of which 50% are new.” – Sean Minor Wines

ABOUT SEAN MINOR WINES:
Sean Minor Wines was founded in 2005 by Sean and Nicole Minor, husband and wife team, and is still family-owned and operated to this day. Originally named Four Bears Winery, after their four children. Just as children grow, so did we, but their commitment to crafting delicious, affordable wines remains as strong as ever. Learn more about their story here.

Photos and information © Sean Minor Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoPremiere Napa Valley GhostblockPremiere Napa Valley
Ghost Block & Markham Vineyards
Auction 21, Lot. No. 2
2015 Red Blend
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This sustainably produced wine is a masterpiece by Andrew Hoxsey and Bryan Del Bondio. These good friends are sharing what is now their 9th Premier Napa Valley collaboration from Ghost Block Estate and Markham’s Yountville Estate – situated across from each other on the southern end of the Rutherford bench. Their winemaking teams work their magic with each of the five Bordeaux varieties to highlight the beauty of the 2015 vintage.

Varietal: Noble Red Blend – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec
Grapes: 100% sourced from Napa Green Certified Land or California Certified Organic Farms
Region: Napa Valley
Cases Produced: 20

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Premiere Napa Valley wines tell the stories of the soils, microclimates and remarkable personalities which make up the mosaic of Napa Valley. They represent the quality and innovation for which America’s leading wine region has become known and are among the world’s rarest wines. Learn more here.

Photos, video and information © Premiere Napa Valley – All Rights Reserved.

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April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubAudere wine bottleHertelendy Vineyards
Audēre Red Blend 2018
(glow-in-the-dark label)
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

In Latin, Audēre means to dare or to risk. This unique Bordeaux blend is a risk-taker as it defies conventional winemaking methods and boldly stands out. This blend hails from ultra premium, volcanic Napa areas, such as Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak and Hertelendy’s very own Rockwell Ridge estate vineyard (planted in 1993 at 1365 feet, 35 feet below the Howell Mountain AVA). Enjoy a burst of flavor, serious tannins, and a full-bodied mouth feel… plus, the label glows in the dark! 

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 39% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Dates: September 26, 2018 – October 30, 2018
Release Date: October 10, 2022
Cooperage: 23 months in 90% French & Hungarian Oak
Growing Season: 2018 was an extraordinary year with the most predictable weather conditions and no heat spikes, which resulted in the longest hang-time on the vines. Vintner, Ralph Hertelendy believes it was the best vintage of the decade.
Cases Produced: 329
Winemakers: Ralph Hertelendy & Phillip Corallo-Titus

CRITIC’S REVIEWS:
“The 2018 ‘Audere’ is another fantastic wine from Hertelendy in this vintage and similar to last years release, this is the most accessible wine from this outstanding lineup. It begins with seductive aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries currants which are joined by exotic spices, violets, wet gravel, tobacco and hints of earthy nuances all developing in the glass. On the palate this is full-bodied and well-structured with beautifully polished tannins. It displays outstanding concentration and overall balance with a long seamless finish leaving behind flavors of black fruits, tobacco, violets and spices all leave a lasting impression. This is already fantastic, however it also has the structure to take on additional bottle age and evolve gracefully for years to come.” — 95 Points, International Wine Report

2017_SMB_Bottle ImageHertelendy Vineyards
Signature Mountain Blend 2017
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Composed of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, this limited case production (6 barrels) is the closest wine in Hertelendy Vineyard’s program that could be called an “Estate Wine”, as most of the blend comes from their very own Rockwell Ridge Estate Vineyard (located 35 feet below the Howell Mountain AVA). It is a delectable representation of what their Estate Rockwell Ridge Vineyard (blended with Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill & Atlas Peak fruit (can produce). 

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 49% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 1% Petite Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Dates: September 7, 2017 – October 7, 2017
Release Date: February 22, 2021
Cooperage: 23 months in 90% new French & Hungarian Oak
Growing Season: 2017 was a great vintage overall where record-setting winter rains ended their five year drought. A lengthy, moderately warm summer created idyllic conditions for density, ripeness, and concentration. However, the winery lost 50% of their total yield to the fires.
Cases Produced: 150 (6 barrels)
Winemakers: Ralph Hertelendy & Phillip Corallo-Titus

CRITIC’S REVIEWS:

  • 96 Points & Double Gold Medal in the Sunset International Wine Competition
  • “The 2017 Signature Mountain Blend is another stellar wine from Hertelendy in this vintage. This instantly begins to impress as it displays wonderful purity and freshness, releasing gorgeous nuances of ripe cassis, dark cherries and blueberries, which are followed by exotic spices, dark florals, licorice, fresh sage and underlying hints of espresso all taking shape. On the palate this is full-bodied and impeccably balanced, with outstanding concentration and a layered mouthfeel that continues seamlessly through the finish. This is a simply sensational wine that is drinking incredibly well now, but should also hold up beautifully for decades and become even more compelling over time. “— 95 Points, International Wine Report
  • “Coming from the estate property on Howell Mountain, the Bordeaux blend 2017 Signature Mountain Blend has a perfumed, floral, incense, vanilla, and violets tinged bouquet that’s supported by plenty of blue fruits. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has good acidity, a firm, tight, compact feel on the palate, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.” — 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Hertelendy Vineyards is a luxurious, boutique winery that specializes in producing Bordeaux blends from the most ultra premium terroirs that Napa Valley has to offer. Their ancestors have been making wines in Hungary since the 1700’s, and mountainous, volcanic terroir has always been a Hertelendy winemaking tradition. In 2013, Hertelendy Vineyards was founded by Ralph Hertelendy, who acquired this 4 acre vineyard on the slopes of Howell Mountain. Today, Ralph, and Winemaking Consultant, Phillip Corallo-Titus continuously work together to create wines that meet in the middle of their styles – creating beautiful, compromising expressions that otherwise wouldn’t have been made. Learn more about their story here.

Photos, video and information © Hertelendy– All Rights Reserved.

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January Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubMica_Cabernet_Bottle_ImageBuccella
Mica
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Made from the same vineyards as their flagship winery, Buccella, the Mica grapes are made to express more fruit forward wines that are fresh with plush tannins. This generous Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black cherry, and cassis with hints of dark chocolate and caramel. The palate is fresh, lively and bright with luscious and smooth tannins and flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco and boysenberries.

Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa, California

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 2002 by Bill Deem and his wife, Alicia; the couple discovered their mutual love for the wine industry over a bottle of 1990 Gaja, shared on their very first date. They chose the name “Buccella,” meaning “mouthful” in Latin, to highlight the big, bold, concentrated flavors that make their wines so luxurious. Their goal is to create wines that bring people together, initiate new relationships and celebrate life’s most monumental moments. Learn more about their story here.

Photos and Information © Buccella– All Rights Reserved.

Page Turner_TextbookTEXTBOOK
2014 “Page-Turner”
Oakville, Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This juicy, well-integrated red blend is deep ruby-purple in color with aromas of blackcurrant, sweet cherry, licorice, clove and plum. The palate has spicy and floral notes of red and blackcurrants with hints of white chocolate. It’s a concentrated, yet medium-bodied wine with sweet tannins and a round mouthfeel.

Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
Region: Oakville AVA, Napa Valley, California

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“Our ‘Page-Turner’ release reflects our commitment to careful blending of classic “Right Bank” varieties grown in Oakville. Vintage 2014 gave us six barrels (about 150 cases). Hand-pruned, hand-picked and hand-sorted, with twenty-two months maturation in small French oak barrels, it displays the textbook qualities of Oakville’s finest red wines.”

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Jonathan Pey and his wife, Susan, set out to find wines that married the refinement of their favorite French and Italian wines with the rich, powerhouse wines they often found in Napa Valley.  Through their connections, Susan and Jonathan were able to create their first vintage of Oakville Cabernet and claimed it was a “textbook Oakville Cab”; thus the birth of TEXTBOOK wines. Today, the couple continues to work closely with other partners and winemakers across Napa Valley to create superior and consistently high quality wines. Learn more about their story here.

Photos and Information © Textbook Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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Winery Spotlight Series: November 9, 2022

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Goosecross logo

Goosecross Cellars
with Guest Speaker, Christi Coors Ficeli
Yountville, Napa Valley, California

Wednesday, November 9, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Goosecross Cellars wines and guest speaker Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner of Goosecross Cellars. She will be joining us LIVE on the big screen sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Goosecross Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Goosecross Chardonnay
  3. Goosecross Merlot
  4. Goosecross Proprietary Red Blend
  5. Goosecross Zinfandel
  6. Goosecross Cabernet

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

Nov-9_Goosecross_bottles_Facebook

About Goosecross Cellars:

Located in Yountville, California, Goosecross Cellars sits in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery dates back four decades and is now owned by Christi and Dave Ficeli – husband and wife duo who always wanted to have a small family winery that they could pass down from one generation to the next. Christi and Dave’s love for wine is reflected in the grapes they grow and the wines they make; with the guiding vision and experience of their winemaker, Bill Nancarrow, they are able to create distinct, vineyard-driven wines that respect the roots and history of the Napa Valley soil. Learn more about the winery’s history and philosophy here.

© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars

About Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner:

The great, great granddaughter of beverage industry pioneer, Adolph Coors, Christi Coors Ficeli was raised in an entrepreneurial family that always put an emphasis on achieving your dreams through vision, dedication and collaboration. Christi got her first taste for the wine business in 1998, when she joined the team at Gallo Winery (where she also met her now husband, wine industry executive, David Ficeli). After leaving Gallo, Christi went on to receive her MBA from the University of Denver before joining the Coors family business. She held many positions at Coors Brewing that brought her and Dave to Napa, Denver and eventually Chicago (although nothing felt quite like home in the way Napa did). Finally, in 2012 Christi, with the help of family funding, developed a business plan and set out to find a Napa Valley Winery – which eventually led her to Goosecross in the spring of 2013. Christi and Dave have since purchased the Goosecross Winery from the Coors Family and their dream lives on to create something special for themselves, their kids, and all those that visit the winery.  Learn more about Christi and the Goosecross Team here.

Christi © Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
Christi and Dave © Photo by Goosecross Cellars

Photos and information © Goosecross Cellars – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Christi Coors Ficeli
Goosecross Cellars
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

VirtualTaste-9627

© Photo by Goosecross Cellars

Winery Spotlight Series: October 12, 2022

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Robert_Craig_logo

Robert Craig Winery Spotlight
with Guest Speaker, Elton Slone
Napa, California

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Robert Craig wines and guest speaker Elton Slone, President and CEO of Robert Craig Winery. He will be joining us live on the big screen sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Robert Craig Chardonnay, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California
  2. Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
  3. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cuvée, California
  4. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Merlot, Napa Valley, California
  5. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, California
  6. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Zinfandel, Black Sears, Napa Valley, California

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

Oct-12_Robert-Craig_bottles

About Robert Craig Winery:

Founder Robert (Bob) Craig began his long and storied career at The Hess Collection in the 1980s. In 1990, Bob Craig founded his eponymous winery on Howell Mountain with three friends from business school. In 2004, CEO Elton Slone joined the winery and became a full partner in 2007. Following Bob’s retirement in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards, Robert Craig Winery consistently garners high scores and positive accolades from the wine press. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery

About Elton Slone – CEO and President:

Since his arrival at Robert Craig Winery in early 2004, Elton Slone has continued the Craig’s commitment to producing properly expressive cabernet sauvignons from mountain vineyards in the Napa Valley. His career spanning nearly three decades in the luxury wine industry have made Elton a fan of single vineyard, cellar worthy wines that display balance, nuance and complexity. Today, he spends much of his time traveling around the country to share the Craig word and wines with other wine enthusiasts. He brings his passion for old world wines to the new world of Craig with a production philosophy based on site expression. Learn more about Elton and the rest of the Robert Craig team here.

© Elton Slone – President and CEO of Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery

Photos and information © Robert Craig Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Elton Slone
Robert Craig Winery
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

October Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubRobert-Mondavi-Private-Selection-Naturally-Sweet-Pinot-NoirRobert Mondavi Private Selection
Naturally Sweet Pinot Noir
California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Naturally Sweet Pinot Noir is made sweet naturally by pausing fermentation early in the winemaking process, so 100% of the sweetness comes from the grapes’ naturally occurring sugar. This means the wine is made with no added sugar, and it is also lower in alcohol to offer a more thoughtful indulgence.

The wine shows off rich color, fruit-forward aromatics, and exceptionally soft tannins. There are notes of black cherry, plum, and raspberry, followed by notes of vanilla and spice due to the judicious oak aging.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Analysis: 9% alcohol / volume
Food Pairing: Grilled steak, barbecue brisket sandwiches, or spicy Thai dishes.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with a sharp cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY:
Robert Mondavi built his winery in Northern California in 1966, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and other key grape varieties to create some of the world’s finest wine. Today, Robert Mondavi Winery produces critically acclaimed, top-rated, world-class wines adored by industry experts, master sommeliers and consumers alike. Robert Mondavi Private Selection captures Roberts 26 years of legendary winemaking expertise in a different way to seek depth and substance. By balancing longstanding traditions with a forward-looking approach, the winery is able to explore what wine can be, not just what it “ought” to be to offer the most flavorful of wine experience. Learn more here.

Information © Robert Mondavi – All Rights Reserved.

Sugar-Sweet-Wine-Wine-Bottle-ImageJaM Cellars
Sugar Sweet White
California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This soft, sweet, delicious Californian Moscato has just the right kiss of sweetness. It is super fruity and refreshing with a lower alcohol content. There are notes of honeyed citrus blossom, lush peach and sweet Meyer lemonade with a bright and refreshing finish.

Varietal: 100% Muscat
Analysis: 8.5% alcohol / volume
Serving: Chilled straight from the fridge, or kept cool in an ice bucket
Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with a variety of flavors:

  • Have a little salty-sweet moment with your favorite bag of potato chips (nothing fancy).
  • Look for something spicy such as a Spicy Pad Thai, or Kung Pow Chicken.
  • Take a bite of bitter with pickle, or a batch of Parmesan Crusted Brussel Sprouts
  • Double down on dessert and pair with your favorite sweet treat.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal or spicy cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT JaM CELLARS:
Second-generation Napa Valley vintners, John and Michele (the “J’ and “M” in JaM) are the master-minds behind JaM Cellars. After a decade of crafting ultra-premium wines in the Napa Valley, the husband & wife team decided to launch a line of super-approachable wines that could be enjoyed anytime. Learn more about their story here.

Information © JaM Cellars – All Rights Reserved.

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July Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubRobert-Craig_Stick_Blend_2017_bottle_imageRobert Craig Winery
2017 “The Stick” Red Blend
Candlestick Ridge Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Sauvignon blend is dense, powerful and beautifully concentrated. The nose is perfumed with luxurious  aromas of black currant, boysenberry, cedar box and Herbes de Provence. The intensely layered palate excites with cassis, plum, and graphite. It is rich and seductive with a velvety texture that finishes long and perfumed.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.77
Maturation: 18 months in 70% new French oak
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Jason Price
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. JamesSuckling.com

VINTAGE:
The 2017 harvest was the first in the area following a 5 year drought. The soils and water table had been replenished and the vines took off early in the season and weather patterns were about normal until late August. In early September, heat spikes hit the valley and set record or near record temperatures. With plenty of water available most vineyards were heavily irrigated and the temperatures cooled in mid-September to more normal levels. The quantity of grapes was quite low, but quality looked to be excellent. A huge wildfire at the end of harvest threatened vines that still had fruit, but luckily the vast majority of grapes were already safely in the winery for the year.

TERROIR:
Just down the road from the estate, Candlestick Ridge is the northernmost vineyard in the Howell Mountain AVA and is slightly warmer than the summit ridge where the Winery Estate vineyard lies. Candlestick is influenced by warm air from Pope Valley to the east and is protected from the constant wind that hits the ridge line. The big subsurface boulders were removed during the replanting, leaving thin tufa soil on top of a rocky volcanic bedrock.

Collectors Wine ClubRobert_Craig_Winery_Howell_Zinfandel_2018_bottle_imageRobert Craig Winery
2018 Howell Mountain Zinfandel
Black Sears Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

True to the Howell Mountain, the 2018 vintage is beautifully clean and focused with boysenberry and bramble berry wrapped in a subtle pepper spice on the nose and palate. This Zinfandel is balanced and elegantly structured through the finish.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Zinfandel
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.57
Maturation: 18 months in 60% new French oak
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Jason Price

VINTAGE:
February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in the spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.

TERROIR:
Black Sears has “King of the Mountain” bragging rights on Howell Mountain – topping out at 2,400 feet, making it officially the highest vineyard on the mountain. The vineyard is located just past the gate of the Howell Mountain estate, and now the winery surrounds it – literally – having purchased the vineyard just on the other side of it as well. For 25 years, winemakers have clamored for the Zinfandel grown here: both biodynamic and organic, the site is dry farmed and the vines are pruned in the old world style with no trellising. Zinfandel thrives in the mountain’s well-drained, rocky, volcanic soils and moderate climate.

ROBERT CRAIG WINERY:
Bob Craig always had a passion for Napa Valley Mountain Cabernets, so naturally, he founded his eponymous winery on Howell Mountain with three of his friends from business school. In 2004, the team was joined by CEO Elton Slone, who later became a full partner in 2007.  After Bob’s retirement and departure from the wine business in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Today, the winery is still known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards. Robert Craig Winery consistently receives high scores and positive accolades from the wine press. Learn more about the winery here.


Hess Collection Allomi Cabernet SauvignonThe Hess Collection
2018 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon
Allomi Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
375 ml (half bottle)

BOLD WINE STYLE

“The combination of steady heat and well-drained clay loam soils in our Allomi Vineyard allows fruit to ripen evenly, gaining welcomed complexity and layers of flavor. We consistently see beautiful yields from the Allomi Vineyard, and this vintage was no different. On the nose, this wine delivers delicious aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and elegant expressions of lavender alongside a touch of vanilla. Allomi Cabernet is concentrated upon entry with dense, but well-integrated tannins that provide a round, plush mouthfeel. Layers of juicy black fruit, notably black cherry and black plum, lead to elements of espresso supported by a subtle oak spice that adds to the personality of the wine and reminds us why this is one of our most popular Napa offerings.” – Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 5% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
TA: 0.58 gms/100ml
pH: 3.76
Harvested: October 8 – November 2, 2018
Maturation: 18 months in 27% new American oak
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Dave Guffy
Food Pairing: Chocolate Lave Cookie Recipe >

 

VINTAGE:
Budbreak began on schedule at the end of February, and Spring brought moderate temperatures that progressed into a warm Summer without any disruptive heat spikes. Steady, consistent growing conditions provided the perfect environment for the fruit to mature and develop. As the moderate, even temperatures continued into the Fall, harvest started slightly later than normal, and in some areas, extended long into the first week of November. With such lengthy hang time, the fruit matured consistently and was picked when it was at its peak, promising exceptional flavor in bottle.

VINEYARD:
A pioneer by nature, Donald Hess was determined to defy convention and pursue winemaking in the far reaches of the Napa Valley. In 1995, he sought out the Allomi Vineyard with a vision to uncover its potential. Once a dormant beauty, the Allomi Vineyard now gives life to luxury Napa Valley wines. The estate vineyard is located in the gently rolling hills of northeastern Napa Valley. The 210-acre vineyard is focused into 35 unique growing blocks with six different Cabernet clones that add diversity of flavors and complexity to this wine.

THE HESS COLLECTION WINES:
Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is home to diverse micro-climates and soils uniquely suited to wine grape growing. It is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world. The Hess Collection wines are family owned, sustainably farmed and dedicated to reflecting a true sense of place. There wines are recognizable for their elegant, rich and complex flavors and a tradition of excellence. Learn more about the Hess story here >

Chocolate Lava Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cookie Recipe – pairs with Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon

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April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubMerryvale_Cabernet Sauvignon_Bottle ImageMerryvale Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Merryvale Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and dark with aromas of black fruit, coffee and toast. On the palate, it highlights flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry with toast, coffee, and spice; with a long velvety finish.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Certifications: Sustainable Practices, Certified Sustainable, Napa Green, Vegan, and Non-GMO
Food Pairing: Enjoy with a classic sirloin, beef short rib or other braised dishes such as grilled lamb, or portobello mushrooms.
Critical Acclaim:

  • 92 points, CS WE
  • 91 points, JS (2017)
  • 91 points, EC WE
  • 91 points, WS
  • 92 points, W&S (2016)
  • 92 points, WS
  • 92 points, WE (2015)

Collectors Wine ClubMerryvale_Profile_Bottle ImageMerryvale Vineyards
Profile
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Merryvale Vineyards Profile wine has aromas of savory herbs, dark chocolate, roasted notes, black and red fruits. On the palate, there are complex fruit and herb flavors, with velvet texture, fine grained tannins, and a long savory finish.

This iconic proprietary red represents the pinnacle of Merryvale vineyards and winemaking. Intensity, refinement, and balance define this Cabernet Sauvignon dominant red blend. Sourced exclusively from the steep slopes of the Profile Estate Vineyard at the eastern edge of the St. Helena AVA. Exceptional terroir, vine-by-vine viticultural practices and small lot artisanal winemaking. Consistently awarded and highly-scored by critics.

“A terroir selection, the flagship 2017 Profile offers a classic nose of ripe blackcurrants, scorched earth, tobacco, cedar, and dried spices. This carries to an elegant, beautifully balanced 2017 with plenty of mid-palate depth, building yet polished tannins, and a great finish.  It’s a classic, more savory, nuanced 2017 that will evolve for two decades.” – 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, January 2021

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
TA: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.87
Certifications: Napa Green, Sustainable
Vineyard: Profile Estate Vineyard
Cooperage: 80% new from the center of France
Élevage: 23 months
Harvest Dates: September 11th through 18th
Food Pairing: Beef, lamb, duck as well as rich, savory pasta dishes with portobello or shiitake mushrooms and roasted shallots.
Critical Acclaim:

  • 93 points JS
  • 92 points WE (2017)
  • 95 points WA
  • 94 points JS
  • 92 points W&S
  • 91 points WS
  • 91 points WE (2016)
  • 93 points WA
  • 93 points JS
  • 92 points WE
  • 90 points WS (2015)

ABOUT THE REGION:
Napa Valley is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world and America’s most celebrated region. Defined by the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges and influenced by its proximity to San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Napa Valley enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate, long dry summers and cool evenings, perfectly suited to the growing of fine wine grapes. The resulting wines are richly flavored with vibrant fruit flavors and texture.

Andrew-Wright-Winemaker

© Merryvale Vineyards, Winemaker – Andrew Wright

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Winemaker, Andrew Wright, grew up in the Sonoran Desert, knowing very little about wine and the winemaking industry throughout his early life. It wasn’t until a random trip to the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York that Andrew uncovered a passion for the winemaking industry. He consumed volumes of wine literature (and of course, the wines they described), expanding his palate and shaping his philosophies today. Andrew began his winemaking career at Callaghan Vineyards, planting vines in the high desert outside of Sonoita, Arizona – he worked several growing seasons here before entering the cellar of Arizona Stronghold.  Andrew is thankful for these early experiences in the frontier, as they forged a deep appreciation for his hard work, experimentation and winemaking with intention.

In 2012, Andrew moved to Napa Valley and worked in the vineyards and cellars of Harlan and BOND Estates, Promontory, The Napa Valley Reserve, Fruition Sciences, and their clients (which included Merryvale at the time). Today, as the Winemaker at Merryvale Vineyards, Andrew is in charge of the production at the St. Helena winery. He oversees all of the winemaking operations for Merryvale wines and deeply believes that winemaking is the synthesis of philosophy, agriculture, science and art. Learn more here.

ABOUT MERRYVALE VINEYARDS:
Home to the first winery built following the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Merryvale Vineyards was part of the early fabric of the Napa Valley Wine Industry. Their collection of hand-crafted wines elegantly express the heritage, terroir, vineyards and subregions of Napa Valley. Learn more about the winery here.

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