Wine & Spirits

Winemaker Notes: The historic Napanook Vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville, was planted in 1838. This vineyard was the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines. Estate-bottled in the spirit of the Bordeaux châteaux, Dominus Estate is dry-farmed to allow natural stress and good concentration of fruit. Grape clusters are crop-thinned to allow sun and air to pass in between, helping to achieve full maturation and soften the tannins. Only 20% to 40% new French oak barrels are used in order to limit the extraction of oak notes. To express the unique terroir, the classic Bordeaux grape varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted with different root stocks best suited for the varying soil composition of gravel, heavy clay and loam.

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The 2018 Space & Time is another magnificent wine in this range from Aaron Pott. A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from Pott's estate vineyard on Mt. Veeder, Space and Time possesses tremendous intensity from the outset. Inky, beautifully perfumed and so expressive, the 2018 is a total knock-out. Dark berry fruit, dried herbs, mocha, lavender and spice lead into the long, vibrant finish. The 2018 is arrestingly beautiful. That's pretty much all there is to it.

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Michel Rolland is a global winemaker with an impeccable resume making fantastic wines across the globe. His work at Alpha Omega is top quality and he has made his own wine here which is a beauty. Big rich beauty with a medium intense aroma but a palate which is influenced by French traditional winemaking paired with fruit intensive California reds. Dry, yet Fruity (blackberry, plum) with lots of barrel spices. Medium intense tannins is felt throughout. Long dry spicy finish.

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Robert Modavi's To Kalon vineyard Cab Sauv has great balance, and long finish. Long time ago had this and did not have to wait long..just 20min swirling in the glass it almost showed it's full potential with aromas of oaky violet vanilla and dark chocolate, also joyful on the palate with multipul layers of flavour. So savoury and elegant as well. I really loved the full course of drinking(2hrs..) One of my fave.. Notes : oak vanilla blackberry cassis plum earthy savory black raisins bing cherry smoke --Mike Lee

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DESCRIPTION Dehlinger's Altamont Pinot Noir celebrates the hilltop sections of the vineyard, where red, clay-rich soil dominates. The Altamont Pinot Noir showcases darker fruit flavors and enticing baking-spice aromas, and the inclusion of a small amount of whole clusters in the fermentation lends greater structure and enhanced aging potential in this sought-after wine.

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Winemaker Notes Layers of tropical fruits and floral aromas invite you into this intriguing and dynamic Sauvignon Blanc. Notes of fresh lime and grapefruit add tension and bring freshness on the approach, while yellow and white peach intermingle with subtle oak and a creamy meringue mid-palate. Hints of minerality and saline contribute to its long finish and complete this complex wine. Medium bodied, layered, and refreshing! Blend: 96% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Sémillon Critical Acclaim COMMENTARY: The Spottswoode Sauvignon Blancs have always found a special place on my palate. The 2021 vintage is, once again, at the top of its class. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of dried herbs, ripe melon, and lemon peel. Pair it with a bowl of steamed clams in light garlic, jalapeno, and black peppercorn broth. (Tasted: June 9, 2022, San Francisco, CA)

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From Robert Parker The Wine Advocate, “Jayson Woodbridge calls this a “21st Century Claret.” The blend is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with a good dollop of Merlot and a dash of Petite Sirah. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon The Diplomat comes skipping out with bright notes of Morello cherries, mulberries, and black raspberries, over a profound core of warm cassis, hoisin and blackberry pie, with wafts of licorice and unsmoked cigars. The generous, full-bodied palate is soft and plush, featuring a powerful black fruit core with a lively backbone and loads of layers on the earthy finish…” ROBERT PARKER 96 POINTS

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“Sourced from the original 1969 planting of the Rued clone of Chardonnay, which is known for its somewhat tropical aromatics - some even refer to it as the Muscat clone of Chardonnay. Brilliant light golden straw in color with beautiful fruit aromas reminiscent of asian pear, green apple, pineapple, and citrus zest, with complementary notes of honey and crème brulee. A touch of toasty French oak enhances the aromatics and fruit flavors across the palate. The mouthfeel, texture and flavor profile is just delicious, with nicely balanced acidity and richness. Reminiscent of a white Burgundy or Chablis with its fresh and refined style.” - Heidi Peterson Barrett

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The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso is cut from the same cloth, offering beautiful purity and richness. It’s slightly more pure and darker than the spicier 2017 and has notes of cassis, redcurrants, dark chocolate, tobacco, and violets. Full-bodied on the palate, it has silky tannins, terrific overall balance, and just loads of character and charm.

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Two hour slow ox, followed by a one hour decant. Deep, dark, plummy magenta color. Gingerbread, Korean plum, wild strawberry, dreamsicle, and subtle white pepper on the nose. Very smooth, tongue drying palate. Soft tannins on the longish finish. Palate is great, but the finish is a bit lacking.

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The 2018 vintage was a long, slightly cool season, devoid of heat spikes and late rains which offered ample hangtime through a glorious autumn for the fruit to mature without losing its underpinning structure and true character. The beauty of this ridgetop vineyard is its ability to produce wines of structure and balance. Our 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the essence of Mount Veeder, a beguiling balance of complex, sophisticated aromatics and fruit intensity wed to a core of taut yet silky tannins. Notes of cassis, lingonberry, black cherry, and crushed cocoa come to the fore with hints of violets, thyme, black tea, and kirsch all layer on a bed of velvety tannin.

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A blockbuster gem and another Andy Erickson masterpiece. Dark cherry and some leather and with a nice earthiness undertone. Well structured and good tannic structure throughout. Just a great wine showing that great fruit from a great vineyard makes a difference.  --Winston Huh

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