Monthly Newsletter - Domestic Red, White, and Rosé

Exploring CA, Washington, and Oregon to Find Value and Collectible Gems... Monday Apr 23rd, 2018 [View in Browser]( [Domestic Newsletter - April 2018]( would argue that we are in the midst of one of the greatest eras in West Coast wine. We’ve experienced a string of brilliant vintages. Viticulture and winemaking have never been stronger. Our wine regions have become enological melting pots with ideas and influences coming from far and wide. And the range and depth of styles produces something to fit almost every palate. That just leaves the challenge of finding those wines, and we're here to guide you. In this month's newsletter, we look throughout California, Oregon, and Washington to highlight under-the-radar gems that we've discovered in the past few months. Starting off we look to Sonoma, Napa, and Willamette for inspiring, distinctive, restrained, terroir-driven Chards. Next up is a quick look at 2015 Cabernet from Napa, with a ringer from the Red Hills AVA. A case study of the tremendous historic vines of Birichino also inspires an old vine exploration throughout California. For those looking to find the next generation of winemakers before they hit it big, don't miss on the "Side Hustle" article for folks making groundbreaking wines under their own labels. Last but not least, we're thrilled to introduce our first 2017 Rosés, right in time for the weather to turn warm. [View our electronic newsletter!]( Check out the newsletter for our team's favorites. Other highlights this month include... Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2014 Dierberg "Dierberg Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $35) 93 Price: Hidden [View]( 2014 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 95 $39.99 [View]( 2014 K Vintners "Ovide - Jack's Vineyard" Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 95 $39.99 [View]( 2015 Roserock (Drouhin Oregon) "Zéphirine" Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 98 $49.99 [View]( 2015 The Hilt "Vanguard" Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 95 $54.95 [View]( 2015 The Hilt "Old Guard" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 96 $64.95 [View]( 2015 Dominus "Napanook" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend 93 $79.95 [View]( 2014 Keenan "Reserve" Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $100+) 95 $89.99 [View]( 2014 Anakota "Helena Dakota" Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 98 $119.00 [View]( 2014 Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 96 $139.99 [View]( 2013 Dana Estates "Onda" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 97 $199.99 [View]( 2014 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend 98 $1,269.00 [View]( [2014 Dierberg "Dierberg Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $35)]( [2014 Dierberg "Dierberg Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $35)]( Price: Hidden 93 points Vinous: "The 2014 Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard is bright, focused and nicely sculpted throughout. Lemon confit, white flowers and slate are some of the signatures that develop in the glass. This is a classic Santa Maria Chardonnay built on energy and tension. (AG)" (06/2016) 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "The aromas are restrained and mellow in this bottling from winemaker Tyler Thomas, showing mostly yellow apple and citrus peel notes. The palate is racy, high-toned and steely in structure, framed by a razor-sharp edge of zippy acidity, with only faint background notes of ripe stonefruit. (MK)" (12/2017) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2014 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($39.99) 95 points Decanter: "The estate known today as Freemark Abbey was established in 1886 by one of the first female wine-growers in Napa. Today Ted Edwards is head winemaker, working for the past three decades to develop relationships with growers, allowing exclusive sourcing rights to specific plots, which is crucial to the winerys success. This wine has been aged for 28 months in a mixture of French and American oak. Stephen Brook: Powerful blackcurrant nose, with slightly charred oak. Very rich without being jammy, it packs a punch. An assertive and very youthful style, but good acidity and tannins mean this should go the distance. Alex Hunt MW: A bit Port-like on the nose to begin with, but there is good depth and the brightness increases in the glass. The palate is succulent, appealing, and has potential to age. Very good. Stefan Neumann MS: Intense, youthful and fruit-forward nose. This is softly structured but with a good level of tannins. Violets and rose petals lead up to a lengthy finish. Great purity and clarity here." (10/2017) Haase]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 13, 2018 I seem to be reviewing my share of Cally Cabs as of late. I just really love the Napa Cabernet 2013 and 2014 vintages! The Freemark Abbey is no exception. With a deep, dark hue coating the glass, I know I am in for a treat. Nose pops with spiced plum, currants and a touch of oak. But, those black and blue fruits, I find so inviting on the palate! Dark coco, dried herbs and licorice round out the back end. Seamless tannins and acidity make for a long finish, that I just don't want it to end. Lucky we have quite a few bottles but at this price I know it won't last. Don't take my word for it. Do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle. You won't be disappointed. Keilman]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 03, 2018 I'll be the first to admit it; I really don't know as much about Freemark Abbey as I should. Being in the industry for as long as I have, driving by the property everyday as I drove to work in St Helena and enjoying their wines for more than a decade, one would assume that I would be a expert on anything and everything that is Freemark Abbey, but for so many years, this historical winery has alluded me. I won't regurgitate the monotonous legacy that seems to follow most wineries and their early beginnings, but it was a pleasant surprise to discover that Freemark Abbey (or Tychson Cellars as it was originally named) was the home to the first recorded female vintner and owner. While the winery and estate may have a historical past, the real story of this proprty is how the wine has continued on the legacy vintage after vintage. Every time I open a bottle of Freemark Abbey Cab, I know I'm getting one of the greatest values from Napa Valley. Even though the 2014 is still young, this Cab is already exhibiting an elegant yet structured palate and mouthfeel that is full of beautiful texture yet desired tannins. The palate opens up to a showy display of both black and red currants with accents of crushed violets and roses. The nail in the coffin is the long, persistent finish loaded with notes of savory herb and subtle anise that are perfectly framed with a bright and vibrant acid structure that helps elongate the quenching pleasurable juiciness of this fun yet age --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 K Vintners "Ovide - Jack's Vineyard" Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah]( [2014 K Vintners "Ovide - Jack's Vineyard" Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah]( ($39.99) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A new Walla Walla release, the 2014 Ovide Jack's Vineyard is a gorgeous black fruit, black olive, dried herbs and chocolate layered beauty that has ultra-fine tannin, a seamless profile and a great finish. It has more elegance and purity than the Roma release, and is a beauty!One of my favorite tastings during my Washington trip is with Charles Smith and his right-hand man, Brenna Leighton. They have one of the most stacked lineups out there and their 2014s and 2015s are stunning across the board. Also, dont miss the Wines of Substance reviews in this report; these are the Bordeaux blends made by this team. All of the K Vintners see little to no destemming, native fermentations and aging in French oak. As I've said in the past, these wines are the real deal! (JD)" (06/2017) 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Coming from a vineyard in the Rocks District, aromas of kirsch, black currant, tobacco, spice and mineral are followed by saturated, rich black fruit and smoked meat flavors. It packs a powerful delicious punch. (SS)" (03/2018) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Roserock (Drouhin Oregon) "Zéphirine" Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir]( [2015 Roserock (Drouhin Oregon) "Zéphirine" Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir]( ($49.99) 98 points James Suckling: "Incredible aromas of chamomile, hibiscus, fruit tea, lavender, dried strawberries, cherries, lemons and light white chocolate. Medium-bodied but with crazily formed tannins that are like velvety strings and are surrounded by vivacious acidity. A phenomenal, awe-inspiring finish. An indisputably unique wine. Drink from 2020." 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Roserock Zéphirine Pinot Noir delivers notes of warm cherries, raspberry preserves and pomegranate with hints of lavender, rosemary and fallen leaves. Light to medium-bodied with a racy line of refreshing acid lifting the red berry flavors, it has soft, silky tannins and a long fruity finish. (LPB)" (08/2017) 93 points Vinous: "Brilliant red. Vibrant, spice-accented red fruit liqueur, floral pastille and incense aromas, along with an intense mineral topnote. Stains the palate with sweet raspberry and spicecake flavors that show impressive depth as well as delicacy and nervy cut. Silky, seamless and precise, finishing with outstanding energy and velvety, slow-building tannins that harmonize smoothly with the deep fruit. (JR)" (01/2018) Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 28, 2018 A strikingly aromatic wine with exotic spices, bramble fruit, crushed raspberry, sandalwood, dried Porcini, wild thyme and freshly turned earth. On the palate the texture is luxurious and silky; it possesses considerable weight and has stunning clarity of fruit. The ultra-strict fruit selection and best that money can buy French oak has given this wine a very pure and polished expression and yet the more savory "umami" characters that make Pinot Noir so seductive linger beneath the lush, silky fruit. Accessible now with a decant but sure to go 10 years or more in the cellar if you're so inclined. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 The Hilt "Vanguard" Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay]( [2015 The Hilt "Vanguard" Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay]( ($54.95) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2015 Chardonnay Vanguard comes from slightly younger vines and sees more new oak (although it still seems mostly neutral barrels). This light to medium gold colored Chardonnay offers terrific notes of citrus, under ripe pineapple, salty minerality and white flowers. It's concentrated and textured, yet racy and vibrant, with bright acidity. It really needs 5-6 years of bottle age and is going to have two decades of longevity." 94 points Vinous: "The 2015 Chardonnay Vanguard is powerful, dense and voluptuous, with all of the raciness of the vintage on full display. Apricot, honey, chamomile, dried flowers, new oak and hint of butter add notable flavor complexity. Viscous and oily on the palate, but in the midweight style that is typical of these wines, the Vanguard is just as impressive from bottle as it was last year from barrel. Fruit sources are Sanford & Benedict, Bentrock, Solomon Hills, Bien Nacido and Radian." --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 The Hilt "Old Guard" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir]( [2015 The Hilt "Old Guard" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir]( ($64.95) 96 points Vinous: "The Hilt's 2015 Pinot Noir Old Guard is a big, powerful wine that won't be ready to drink for at least a few years. Ample and dramatic in build, the 2015 exudes richness. A host of red-toned fruit, sage, mint and rose petal notes get an extra kick of aromatic lift from the whole clusters. The 2015 finishes with great focus and intensity especially for the year. This is a remarkable wine in every way. The 2015 is mostly Sanford & Benedict, with some fruit from Radian. (AG) 96+" 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Old Guard cuvée always shows an earthier character, and the 2015 Pinot Noir Old Guard is no exception. Underbrush, herbs, forest floor and black tea notes are all supported by plenty of black cherry and currant fruit. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured, with lots of ripe tannin, it needs hidden in the back of the cellar for 7-8 years. 94+" --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Dominus "Napanook" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend]( [2015 Dominus "Napanook" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend]( ($79.95) 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Bottled in July 2017, Dominus more approachable, less tannic sister wine, Napanook, is a blend this year of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Napanook Proprietary Red Wine is redolent of crème de cassis, potpourri, plum preserves and violets with hints of dark chocolate, menthol, licorice and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is densely packed with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, supported by firm, ripe, fine-grained tannins and finishing with great length. (LPB) 93+" (10/2017) K&L Notes: From the same vineyards as the 100-point Dominus 2015, Napanook is thrilling in this vintage. Robert Parker says of the '15s from the the estate "are certainly going to be one of (Moieux's) all-time great vintages, rivaling 2013, 2012, 2007, 2002, 2001 and his earliest classics, such as 1994 and 1991." Vidales]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 05, 2018 Here is a fantastic opportunity to experience Cabernet from the same vineyard as the famous Dominus at a fraction of the cost! This year's Napanook is simply classic with violets, black cherry, cassis, mint and lovely oak integration. It's approachability gives you the opportunity to open this beauty up in a couple years and another in 10 years to see how its evolved. Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 05, 2018 I first tasted this wine at the Yountville Appellation tasting at Premiere Napa Valley and it made a lasting impression on me. In a room positively packed with super high-end Napa Cabs and poured along side of its "Big Brother" the 2015 Dominus; I was thoroughly impressed how this wine held up and even surpassed many of its much more expensive competitors. Hailing from the exact some vines that produce Dominus' "1st wine" - the pedigree is clear to see. Parcels of Napanook destined fruit are selected for their fresher, more approachable flavor profile. I love this wines very classic take on the varietal. This isn't a ripe, over the top wine by any stretch of the imagination. In fact it stood out as one of the more balanced, pure, traditional wines in the room. There is plenty of powerful black and blue fruit, plum, cassis, briary notes, loamy earth, but also freshly picked mint, dry leaves, cigar box and bay laurel. The wine is concentrated but quite linear and bright; drinking beautifully upon release but seems like a wine that will also age quite effortlessly for a decade or so. One of the last true values out there...especially in a great (but low yielding) vintage like 2015. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Keenan "Reserve" Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $100+)]( [2014 Keenan "Reserve" Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $100+)]( ($89.99) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Spring Mountain (97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, all sourced from their high-elevation vineyards on Spring Mountain) is the deepest, richest wine of the entire portfolio, with an opaque purple color and a super-pure nose of crème de cassis and blueberries. The wine is rich, full-bodied, nicely textured, and very long in the finish, with ripe tannins. It can be drunk now or cellared for another 15 or more years. (RP)" (12/2016) 93 points Vinous: "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is an impeccably balanced wine that brings together firm mountain structure with ripe, unctuous fruit. Dark cherry, plum compote, spice, licorice and menthol are some of the many notes that give the Reserve its mid-palate density and sweetness. The firm tannins need time to soften, but this is impressive juice. (AG)" (12/2016) Vidales]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 10, 2018 This is an absolutely beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon from the family owned and operated Keenan winery. This solar-powered, sustainably grown property is up in the historic Spring Mountain District where Cabernet thrives and produces concentrated berries and wines that are made to last. This reserve bottling definitely shows that. Rich, dark fruit character with dried herbs and eucalyptus and a solid tannic structure. With some time spent in the cellar, this wine will shine. Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 09, 2018 When it comes to Napa, and especially when it comes to such prestigious areas as Spring Mountain, the expectation is high. Even so, Keenan's Reserve Cabernet exceeds all expectations. This wines is powerful, layered, and complex, yes, but it also is crafted to age for the long haul. I was immediately reminded of a young Bordeaux from one of the more pricey Chateaux on the left bank. But it goes without saying that the Keenan wine packs a heartier punch than its French counterparts. I truly can't wait to see where this wine goes in 10 or 15 years. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Anakota "Helena Dakota" Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2014 Anakota "Helena Dakota" Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($119.00) 98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota displays more blackberry, blueberry and graphite, with some flowers such as violets, notes of pen ink, a full-bodied, concentrated, succulent and fleshy mouthfeel, and a long, long finish. This is another 25- to 30-year wine. (RP)" (10/2016) 92 points Vinous: "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota is a bit darker, richer and bigger than the Helena Montana, with a bit more savory character, but the two wines are not that different in this vintage. Sweeping and ample in feel, the 2014 shows the more virile side of Knights Valley. 92+ (AG)" (03/2017) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2014 Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($139.99) 96 points Decanter: "Notes of black cherry, cassis, graphite, incense, spice and rich soil preface an authoritative, intense wine with a lovely chassis of fine but firm tannins, underpinned by vibrant acidity: quintessential Dunn Howell Mountain. Under Mike Dunn's thoughtful stewardship, the family's wines have become more refined; largely thanks to more carefully chosen barrels. But while this wine may be less forbidding in its youth than the vintages of the 1990s, let it sleep for a decade to reveal its potential complexity. (05/2017)" 91-94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is still in barrel and looks to be a 25- to 35-year wine. It is much softer than one normally expects from the old classic vintages of Randy Dunn, but the son seems to be trying to build more approachability into the wines without sacrificing any of their sheer concentration and extract. Blue and black fruits, earth, truffle notes, camphor and creosote are all present in this big, juicy, succulent mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that should be approachable young, hit its peak in 10-15 years and last 25-30. (RP)" (10/2016) 93 points Vinous: "Inky blue/purplish fruit, graphite, lavender, grilled herbs and smoke run through the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain). The 2014 has all the Dunn signatures in its flavor profile, but in the mid-weight style of the year. This is an especially restrained, young wine for Dunn with far less of the tannic heft that readers familiar with these wines are likely to expect. (AG)" (03/2018) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Dana Estates "Onda" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2013 Dana Estates "Onda" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($199.99) 97 points James Suckling: "This is the best Onda ever. Subtle and perfumed aromas of blackberry, sage, and bramble berry. Plummy. Full-bodied, chewy yet velvety and polished. Layered and delicious. Pretty balance and length. Savory and salty. White pepper too. Wonderful finish. A blend of wines from all the vineyards of Dana with a majority from Crystal Spring and Hershey. So much precision here. Drink or hold." (01/2016) 93 points Vinous: "The is a delicious entry-level wine from Dana Estates. The flavors are dark, bold and incisive - very much in the style of the year - but the tannins are also quite soft within the context of the vintage. Lavender, smoke, menthol and crème de cassis are some of the signatures. Today the Onda is dark and virile in style, with all the elements in the right place. The backbone for the Onda is the estate's Crystal Springs site.Dana bottles some of their wines on the later side, so some of the 2013s were still in barrel when I stopped by in October. Chris Cooney has taken over the winemaking reins from Cameron Vawter, who is sailing around the world with his family. Philippe Melka remains the consulting winemaker. Nothing much has changed at Dana, where the Cabernets are statuesque, racy wines full of intrigue. As always, production is tiny, even by Napa Valley standards, but the level of care lavished on these vines and the wines once they are in the cellar has very few equals." --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend]( [2014 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend]( - 12 available ($1,269.00) 98 points James Suckling: "A Harlan that shows phenomenal aromas of tar, wet earth and fresh mushrooms. Turns to burnt oranges, blackcurrants and kir. Full body and ultra-fine tannins that fly through the center of the palate. Fantastic beauty and balance. Alluring is the word!" (01/2017) 98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2014 Proprietary Red Wine offers up subtle cassis, black cherries and crushed blackberries notes with tons of savory and earthy layers: forest floor, black soil, charcoal and dried herbs, plus wafts of violets and rare beef. Full-bodied and built like a brick house in the mouth, it has loads of tense, muscular fruit with many layers of earth, savory and spice nuances emerging, finishing with epic length. (LPB" (10/2017) 98 points Vinous: "A wine of restraint and sensuality, the 2014 Harlan Estate is wonderfully transparent in feel. Time in the glass brings out a compelling interplay of beautifully layered fruit and lifted aromatics. The 2014 is one of the most understated yet energetic young vintages of Harlan Estate I can remember tasting. Readers who have not tasted Harlan Estate in a few years might be taken aback by just how sophisticated and nuanced the 2014 is. This is a superb effort. (AG)" (03/2018) 97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Deeper and richer than the Maiden cuvee, the 2014 Harlan Estate offers the classic black fruits, charcoal, and minerality thats the hallmark of this iconic estate. It shows more floral notes with time in the glass, has full-bodied richness, a sexy, supple, regal personality, no hard edges, and gorgeous purity of fruit. Its certainly more approachable than the 2015, yet is still going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades." (12/2017) --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on: Check Out Our Blog: [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Shipping]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. 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