The opaque core of the 2023 Mercury Head flashes with a neon crimson rim. Mesmerizing in the glass, the wine opens with notes of blackcurrant, Amarena cherry, California chaparral and an elegant kiss of oak. The palate is effusive with hints of ripe blue fruits, blood orange, dark chocolate and rhubarb, rich and layered as the wine continues to open. Fully integrated tannins are paired with an elegant and nuanced close of blackberry preserves and licorice.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation: Napa Valley, California Alcohol: 15.5% alcohol / volume Maturation: Aged 13 months in French Oak, 52% New
WINEMAKING NOTES: An assembly of the finest Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon lots from the 2023 vintage, Mercury Head brings pure expression of the single varietal, nothing else blended in. Already proclaimed as one of the best vintages in Napa Valley history, 2023 not only produced fruit of the highest quality, but lots of it. A long, cool growing season allowed flavors to develop without any pressure to pick prematurely. Sourced from the Stagecoach, Morisoli, Indian Joe and Warnock vineyards, the 2023 Mercury Head is one to hold onto for decades.
Orin Swift Papillon 2022 Napa County Red Wine Napa Valley, California
Pouring an opaque crimson core with a brooding cardinal rim, the 2022 Papillon opens with aromatic notes of ripe cassis, blackberry, coastal chaparral, cedar box and allspice. On entry, the palate continues many of the same notes from the nose—cassis, pluot, blueberry, boysenberry, shaved fennel bulb and a touch of earth. A round, weighty mid-palate effortlessly gives way to dusty, coating tannins—a pleasing texture—and finishing hints of barbecue tri-tip, Madagascar vanilla and toffee.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot & Petit Verdot Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Analysis: 15.4% alcohol / volume Maturation: Aged 13 months in French oak, 40% New
WINEMAKING NOTES: A wine of juxtapositions, Papillon’s Napa Valley Bordeaux blend is comprised of all five varietals. French for ‘butterfly’, Papillon elicits an amalgamation of emotional responses; a delicate butterfly and the weathered hands of a farmer; a boisterous wine that also has an elegant side. Sourced from across Napa, much of the wine is made from the Stagecoach Vineyard with a small portion of fruit coming from just over the county line at the Monte Rosso Vineyard. Together, each varietal lends its own strengths and personalities to produce a blend hardly seen anymore today.
Our good friend and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman, photographed the label. – Dave Phinney
ABOUT THE WINERY: Established in 1998 by Dave Phinney, the name comes from Dave’s father’s middle name, Orin, and his mother’s maiden name, Swift. Though Dave grew up in California, it was in Italy where his obsession began. In 1995, what was originally billed as a semester studying abroad, turned into an immersion on all aspects of wine. By 1997, Dave was all in and landed his winery job at Robert Mondavi as a temporary harvest worker. He learned a lot, including that he wanted to make his own wine. The next year, with two tons of zinfandel and not much else, Orin Swift Cellars was born. Learn more here.
The 2020 vintage marks the 10th anniversary of Soul of a Lion, the true crown jewel of DAOU. It is an emblem of their quest to relentlessly produce unsurpassed Cabernet Sauvignon from the terroir of DAOU Mountain. This is the story of two sons, their beloved father, a history rooted in courage, and a wine called Soul of a Lion.
Analysis: 15.2% alcohol / volume Varietal: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot Appellation: Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California Barrel Aging: 22 months in 100% new French Oak Winemaker: Daniel Daou Accolades: • 97 pts. Wine Enthusiast • 95 pts. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate • 94-96 pts. Jeb Dunnuck
WINEMAKER’S NOTES: “The 2020 vintage presents an alluring profusion of black cherry, mulberry and Oregon blackberry aromas with notes of leather, cigar box and dark chocolate. Hints of desert sage and crème de menthe accent the rich fruit. The palate is silky and voluptuous, delivering loads of currant, cassis, black raspberry and ripe cherry. Notes of fig and baking spice are underscored by earthy tones of dates and truffle. Mature, ripe tannins yield a weighty, velvety texture integrated with a limestone minerality and subtle oak. A lengthy finish leaves lingering impressions of blackberry, plum and espresso with a touch of white pepper. A wine of immense staying power that will evolve favorably for many years to come.” – Daniel J. Daou, Co-Proprietor/Winemaker
“Soul of a Lion is named for our father Joseph, who exhibited unwavering love, passion and courage throughout our lives together. That pursuit of the extraordinary drove us to discover DAOU Mountain—and to embark on a dream decades in the making.” – Georges J. Daou, Co-Proprietor
VINTAGE NOTES: DAOU Estate wines showcase the visionary talent of Winemaker Daniel Daou and the unrivaled terroir of DAOU Mountain. These wines come from the mountain’s finest vineyard blocks and are made with the utmost passion, investment and intention. The 2020 growing season began on a dry note, followed by much-needed rains in April that replenished the soils and set the stage for healthy canopy growth. Conditions through mid-summer remained mild and steady, with the exception of a rare August thunderstorm. Subsequent heat waves and distant wildfires put DAOU Mountain to the test heading into harvest, yet despite the challenges the 2020 vintage produced some of the most complex wines yet.
ABOUT THE WINERY: Rediscovered by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in 2007, DAOU Mountain was originally celebrated decades earlier as a “jewel of ecological elements” by renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff. Their search for the perfect terroir led them to these steep slopes rising 2,200 feet above sea level, blessed with the rare calcareous clay soils found in the world’s finest wine regions. With a passion for crafting exceptional yet accessible wines, the Daou brothers transformed the Adelaida District into a global benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties. DAOU is committed to creating extraordinary wines, fostering emotional connections, and offering elevated experiences filled with life’s greatest joys. Learn more here.
The 2022 Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir pours a dark persimmon core with a lucid rose hip rim. Laden with elegant aromatics, notes of bright raspberry and bing cherry develop into darker tones of black cherry, mocha and mahogany. On the palate, the entry is scrumptiously soft with cranberry crunch, ripe strawberry, redcurrant and a touch of maritozzo. Typical of the Sta. Rita Hills, the finish is lined with minerality and some saline hints with closing touches of fennel and anise.
Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir pH: 3.76 TA: 5.55 g/L Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills, California Clonal Selection: All from “Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard” – 828, 777, Pommard 4, 667, 459, 115, Swan, Calera Élevage: Aged in French Oak for 10 months, 49% New Cooperage Selection: Alain Fouquet, Francoise Freres, Cadus, Ermitage and Damy Winemaker: Dave Phinney Accolades: • 96 pts. Decanter • 95 pts. Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast • 94 pts. Vinous – Antonio Galloni
WINEMAKER NOTES: “Every year, we learn more about the intricacies of our special vineyard in the western – end of the Sta. Rita Hills. Coming off the heels of our successful inaugural vintage, the 2022 OLG Pinot Noir is a continuation of our quest to produce a wine that captures the Our Lady of Guadalupe vineyard , the vintage and the terroir it inhabits. Sandy loam and diatomaceous earth soils and the constant barrage from coastal winds, force our vines to focus their energy on producing concentrated berries, exemplified by the low yields. In 2022, we incorporated more sections of our vineyard and two additional clones — the famous Swan and Calera clones — to achieve a higher degree of complexity in the resulting wine. And while we do 95% of our winemaking in the vineyard, we experimented in the cellar with different types of barrel toasts, forest origins and cooperages to see what pairs best with each clone, furthering our goal of complexity.” – Dave Phinney, Winemaker.
ABOUT THE WINERY: Our Lady of Guadalupe Winery, nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in California, is the realization of a dream by renowned winemaker Dave Phinney. Purchased in 2015, the vineyard underwent a meticulous transformation, restoring its soil health and planting vines by 2018. The winery focuses on producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, utilizing unique clones and sustainable practices. The vineyard’s name honors Mary, mother of Jesus, symbolizing protection and peace for the team. Phinney’s dedication to quality and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the winery, from soil management to clone selection. Each decision is made with the goal of creating exceptional wines that reflect the terroir of the land. Still family-run, the winery embodies Phinney’s passion for crafting extraordinary wines while celebrating the beauty of the Sta. Rita Hills region. Learn more here.
The classic Napa Valley varietal character is the star in this Cabernet Sauvignon, with the tannins and texture supporting the smooth fruit flavors. The wine’s balance and freshness make this a particularly food-friendly red wine.
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume Varietal: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc Clones: Cabernet Sauvignon: Clone 4 (Landon’s Favorite), Clone 7, Clone 8 | Merlot: 181 | Malbec: Clone 595 | Petit Verdot: Clone 7 Appellation: Napa Valley, California Aging: 15 months in 100% French Oak Barrel (45% new) Winemaker:Landon Donley Release Date: July 2023 Suggested Pairings: Grilled rack of lamb with fresh herbs, ribeye steak with sautéed mushrooms and braised short ribs.
VISION: Winemaker Landon Donley seeks to showcase the freshness and classic varietal character of the highest-quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. Every aspect of the winemaking process is intentionally designed to ensure the wine’s structure supports and enhances the varietal character, resulting in a wine that overdelivers on quality and shows beautiful integration upon release.
VINEYARDS: This Cabernet is structured primarily around valley floor fruit from two of their estate vineyards located in the St. Helena AVA, offering ripe fruit character, good structure and a smooth, long finish. Further complexity and elegance is added to the blend with the addition of estate mountain vineyards from AVAs including Mt. Veeder and Atlas Peak. The grapes are harvested by hand at night in small lots over the course of a few weeks, picked only when at the level that meets their style.
WINEMAKER NOTES: The cellar is set up with every step intentionally designed to emphasize natural aromatics and varietal character. The grapes are chilled to 40°F to heighten aromatics and minimize astringency, then sorted by cluster then berry by our optical sorting system before undergoing a three-to-five-day cold soak. Careful yeast selection and an even, moderate fermentation temperature is key in maintaining the wine’s sense of place. Tannin extraction is constantly analyzed so the wine can be drained off the skins at the ideal flavor, concentration, structure and color, then finish fermenting to dry. The preliminary blend is assembled once the wine completes malolactic fermentation in tank to ensure integration, and ages in a selection of custom-toasted new and used French oak barrels from select coopers.
ABOUT THE WINERY: Quattro Theory wines capture the truest expression of Napa Valley bringing together four defining elements: winemaker Landon Donley’s intentional vision, quality vineyards, precision winemaking and experience with food and friends. Seriously made to be easily enjoyed. Learn more here.
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. 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.
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.
E. Pira e Figli Barolo Via Nuova DOCG 2018 Nebbiolo Piedmont, Italy
BOLD WINE STYLE
This classic Barolo blend combines structure with elegance and complexity, emphasizing the particularities of each vineyard site. Though a bit timid when first opened, some time in the glass (or decanter) will reveal Via Nuova’s alluring ethereal floral and fruit perfumes. This wine is clear and lively garnet red in color. It is dry, savory and harmonious; soft in flavor but full with a lasting persistence due to the tannin.
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo, certified organic grapes Region: Piedmont, Italy Vineyard: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera and Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba, and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba Yield: 450 kg/ha Aging: Aging for 24 months in lightly toasted 30% new French oak barriques Average age of vines: 30 years Acidity: 6.37 g/L Production: 4,500 bottles Soil: Calcareous clay, Sant’Agata marl (sandstone) Average Altitude: 340 m (1,115 feet) above sea level Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with daily punch downs and pump-overs Harvest: Mid-October Cellar: E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo Bottling: Aged an additional 1 year in bottle Release: Spring, 3.5 years after harvest Critical Acclaim:
WINEMAKER NOTES: Via Nuova (New Road) was the name of a small vineyard on the edge of the historical center of Barolo, the name coming from its proximity to the road (new at that time) connecting Barolo to Novello. All that remains today of the road is a small walking path through the vineyards. The wine was produced as a single-vineyard Barolo for many years until, in 2010, this small Cru was incorporated into the larger Terlo subzone. And so, as a sort of homage to tradition, Barolo Via Nuova is now produced as a blend of 6 different vineyards: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera e Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba. – E. Pira e Figli
E. Pira e Figli Barolo Mosconi DOCG 2018 Nebbiolo Piedmont, Italy
BOLD WINE STYLE
Garnet red in color, this wine is complimented by open perfumes of flowers and mature fruit with some spicy notes. This is a long-lasting wine of power and concentration with firm, velvety tannins.
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo, certified organic grapes Region: Piedmont, Italy Vineyard: Mosconi (a single-vineyard property acquired in 2009) in Moforte d’Alba Yield: 450 kg/ha Aging: Aging for 24 months in lightly toasted 30% new French oak barriques Average age of vines: 30 years Acidity: 6.37 g/L Production: 4,700 bottles Soil: Calcareous clay marl soils from the tertiary period, with areas rich in calcium carbonate and iron Average Altitude: 400 m (1,312 feet) above sea level Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with daily punch downs and pump-overs Harvest: Mid-October Cellar: E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo Bottling: Aged an additional 1 year in bottle Release: Spring, 3.5 years after harvest Critical Acclaim:
WINEMAKER NOTES: The most recently acquired parcel, the famous Mosconi Cru in Monforte d’Alba was purchased in 2009. The vineyard’s particular heavy clay soil (in some areas calcium carbonate and iron give the soil a reddish-gray color) lends considerable structure to this wine, making it a Barolo ideal for aging. – E. Pira e Figli
E. Pira e Figli is a key player in the history of Barolo. The Pira family, whose members have been vignerons since the seventeenth century, started producing and bottling wines by the 19th century, and received immediate praise for their work.
In late 1980, the Pira lineage came to a tragic end with the death of the legendary, Luigi (Gigi) Pira (one of the last remaining winemakers to carry out the pressing on foot and the production without the support of any technical means). The estate was then sold to the Boschis family, who had deep family ties with the Pira family. By the end of the 1980’s, Chiara Boschis took the reins of the winery, becoming one of the first women producers in the Langhe. She quickly became a ‘Superwoman’ of the region with her daring and innovative decisions – garnering much acclaim from international publications.
Since 2010, Chiara has been joined by her brother, Giorgio, who shares her same great passion for work in the vineyard and in the cellar. Learn more about their story here.
This wine is “Brunello’s younger and smiley brother”. Obtained from the same Sangiovese grapes and the same Montalcino area, but designed to be consumed sooner. This young red wine is very intense and brilliant ruby red in color. The nose is fine, rich, and well expressed; there are notes of ripe small red berries, spices and dark flowers, such as violets. The palate is full, harmonious and pleasant. The tannins are silky and well balanced by the richness of the fruit. The persistence is pleasant and lengthy.
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume Varietal: 100% Sangiovese Serving: Serve at a temperature between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF, in a balloon shapes wine goblet. Those who wish to open and drink immediately will find it useful to use a decanter. Food Pairing: Versatile and perfect for the table. Opt for important first courses, roasts, tasty cheeses and cold cuts. This wine requires food that is intense in taste, but not too fatty or greasy. Critical Acclaim: 90-91/100 from some of the most prestigious international wine magazines
ABOUT THE VINEYARDS: The vineyards at Casato Prime Donne are cultivated following the organic regime and cover a total of 16 hectares, three of which are always designated to the production of Rosso di Montalcino. These vineyards are on the northern, and coolest, area of Montalcino, on a hill about 225 m. above sea level, where the soil is made up of clays and sea sands. Each vineyard is divided into 6 small parcels and contain about 5,000 vines per hectare. The grapes are cultivated with the spurred cordon method, and the average production is about 6 tons of grapes per hectare.
HARVEST AND VINIFICATION: The grapes are harvested by hand between September 15th and October 10th (depending on the climate of the year). The clusters are chosen right in the vineyard and then the berries are selected on an automatic sorting table where two women work. Generally the grapes for Rosso di Montalcino arrive first and then those for the Brunello. To learn more about the vinification process, click here.
AGING: After the racking/separation of the wine from the lees, the Rosso di Montalcino begins its aging in oak barrels around February. The oak barrels are chosen according to the characteristics of the vintage – from 5 to 40 hl in size – with or without toasting. Duration of barrel aging also varies according to the wine, and can go for some months. As for home aging, aim for 3-4 years, and not much more. Keep the bottles lying down in a dark and cool place to keep the Rosso di Montalcino perfectly harmonious and pleasant, rich in taste with soft tannins and great finesse.
Born in 1953 to a family of producers of Brunello di Montalcino, Donatella Cinelli Colombini founded her own estate in 1998 comprising of Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda and Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino.
Casato Prime Donne is about a 40 hectare property on the northern slope of Montalcino. This estate has belonged to the Colombini family at least since the end of the 16th century and was originally used by Donatella’s maternal forefathers for hunting and to host brides for their honeymoons.
The last three generations, the farm has been passed from mother to daughter – it belonged to grandmother Giuliana Tamanit, then mother Francesca Colombini, now Donatella Cinelli Colombini, who will give it to her daughter, Violante. Donatella has given this location a special meaning, as it is the first winery in Italy to be all female staffed, a flagship for women who work in wine. She has received countless awards and international success for her achievements within the industry. Learn more about their story here.
Orin Swift
Orin Swift
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DAOU Vineyards
“The 2020 vintage presents an alluring profusion of black cherry, mulberry and Oregon blackberry aromas with notes of leather, cigar box and dark chocolate. Hints of desert sage and crème de menthe accent the rich fruit. The palate is silky and voluptuous, delivering loads of currant, cassis, black raspberry and ripe cherry. Notes of fig and baking spice are underscored by earthy tones of dates and truffle. Mature, ripe tannins yield a weighty, velvety texture integrated with a limestone minerality and subtle oak. A lengthy finish leaves lingering impressions of blackberry, plum and espresso with a touch of white pepper. A wine of immense staying power that will evolve favorably for many years to come.” – Daniel J. Daou, Co-Proprietor/Winemaker
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Quattro Theory Wines
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