Winemaker Notes The 2023 DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon is described as powerful, complex, and layered, with a rich and weighty palate and a structured finish. It features aromas of black cherry, cassis, plum, and desert sage, with notes of cigar box, leather, and bay leaf. The palate offers flavors of black raspberry, spicy currant, and blueberry compote, with hints of Bing cherry and baking spices. The wine is well-structured with fine-grained tannins and a lingering finish of cherry, espresso, and vanilla.  About Winery In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world. Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.

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Winemaker Notes The 2020 Soul of a Lion is a blockbuster vintage that showcases how Bordeaux varieties are remarkably suited to the terroir of DAOU Mountain. This wine explodes from the glass with a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors, including blackberry, blueberry, black currant, dark cherry, sweet tobacco, and licorice. An added floral dimension imparts an integrated sense of elegance and freshness. While full-bodied with ultra-high phenolic levels, this wine maintains its evenness and poise through an extraordinarily long finish. Structured, balanced, and powerful, the 2020 Soul of a Lion will reveal its full magnitude after several years of careful cellaring. About Winery In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world. Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.

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Winemaker Notes The 2020 HdV Ygnacia Pinot Noir offers a complex aroma of French plums, black cherry, cola, menthol, and bergamot tea, intertwined with rose petal and savory spice notes like white pepper. The wine is characterized by its precision, concentration, and minerality, with smooth, fine tannins providing structure and leading to a balanced palate with flavors of red and black fruit, spice, and a refreshing acidity.  About Winery HDV Winery, or Hyde de Villaine, was founded in 2000 through a partnership between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy, brought together by the marriage of Pamela de Villaine (Larry Hyde's cousin) to Aubert de Villaine. The venture produces single-vineyard wines from the esteemed Hyde Vineyards in Napa's Carneros region, blending Old World Burgundian techniques with New World Californian fruit through a philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir. 

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Winemaker Notes The 2020 Heitz Cellar Quartz Creek Vineyard Chardonnay  having bright, vibrant, and elegant characteristics, with notes of Meyer Lemon, Hazelnut, and Calla Lily on the nose. The palate is tightly wound with impressive energy, refreshing, and pure, featuring notes of green and yellow apples, white peaches, and hints of chalk dust, acacia honey, and lightly browned toast. About Winery Heitz Cellar, founded in 1961 by Joe and Alice Heitz, is a historic Napa Valley winery known for its pioneering role in single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon production. Joe Heitz, mentored by André Tchelistcheff, helped elevate Napa's reputation and was the first to label a wine with a single vineyard name: Martha's Vineyard. In 2018, the Heitz family sold the winery to Gaylon Lawrence, marking a new chapter for the estate. 

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Winemaker Notes The 2020 J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and dark at the core. Ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant are accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from our extensive barrel aging program. Big, juicy red-fruit flavors infuse the palate while softly textured tannins lead to a long, gratifying finish. THE J LOHR STORY Fifty years ago, Jerry Lohr embarked on a career change. What followed would reshape the landscape of the California wine industry and create one of the country’s most popular wine brands. In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for winegrowing. Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry Lohr was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high quality grapes and superb wines. PIONEERING MONTEREY AND PASO ROBLES -JERRY LOHR LEGACY-It’s no coincidence that the Central Coast’s emergence as a world class winegrowing region runs parallel with the establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery. Founder Jerry Lohr is one of the region’s pioneers and has played a larger-than-life role in bringing the area to prominence. Jerry’s instincts led him to two regions located about 75 miles apart. In the early 1970s, he chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils as ideal for Chardonnay. In the 1980s, he recognized the potential of Paso Robles for growing Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon – given the area’s rich soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings between warm days and cool nights. After Jerry Lohr’s nearly decade-long search for the right place to plant his first vineyard, he chose a site in Monterey County that was to become the heart of the Arroyo Seco appellation. Jerry originally planted 280 acres in 1972 and 1973 near Greenfield. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity. In 1974, Jerry unveiled the first J. Lohr winery in San Jose. In the early 1980s, Jerry Lohr saw the potential for great Cabernet Sauvignon further south. Borrowing a lesson from the French—that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon excel in very different growing conditions—Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s little-known Paso Robles region in 1986. With the hands-on devotion of an artisan farmer, Jerry tended to the vines while diligently working toward the creation and development of an adjacent winery and barreling cellars; J. Lohr’s Paso Robles production facility was opened in 1988.

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Winemaker Notes The 2020 Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc is pale yellow in color and displays aromas of honeysuckle, sweet herbs, lime, and fig. These aromas are complemented on the palate by the bright flavors of grapefruit, kiwi, passionfruit, and lemongrass, with the rich texture and long finish provided by the acacia barrel. Serve as an aperitif with goat cheese, oysters, or sardines, or enjoy as an entrée with sushi, sashimi, or baked tilapia with Thai basil. THE J LOHR STORY Fifty years ago, Jerry Lohr embarked on a career change. What followed would reshape the landscape of the California wine industry and create one of the country’s most popular wine brands. In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for winegrowing. Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry Lohr was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high quality grapes and superb wines. PIONEERING MONTEREY AND PASO ROBLES -JERRY LOHR LEGACY-It’s no coincidence that the Central Coast’s emergence as a world class winegrowing region runs parallel with the establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery. Founder Jerry Lohr is one of the region’s pioneers and has played a larger-than-life role in bringing the area to prominence. Jerry’s instincts led him to two regions located about 75 miles apart. In the early 1970s, he chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils as ideal for Chardonnay. In the 1980s, he recognized the potential of Paso Robles for growing Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon – given the area’s rich soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings between warm days and cool nights. After Jerry Lohr’s nearly decade-long search for the right place to plant his first vineyard, he chose a site in Monterey County that was to become the heart of the Arroyo Seco appellation. Jerry originally planted 280 acres in 1972 and 1973 near Greenfield. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity. In 1974, Jerry unveiled the first J. Lohr winery in San Jose. In the early 1980s, Jerry Lohr saw the potential for great Cabernet Sauvignon further south. Borrowing a lesson from the French—that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon excel in very different growing conditions—Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s little-known Paso Robles region in 1986. With the hands-on devotion of an artisan farmer, Jerry tended to the vines while diligently working toward the creation and development of an adjacent winery and barreling cellars; J. Lohr’s Paso Robles production facility was opened in 1988.

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Winemaker Notes It comes from a cooler Russian River site and offers a complex bouquet of red currants, smoked earth, ground pepper, and exotic floral and rosehip notes. Rich, medium-bodied, and seamless on the palate, it's incredibly classy as well as perfectly balanced. About Winery Kistler Vineyards is a small winery in the Russian River Valley specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Founded in 1978 on the notion that compelling wines of site can and should be made in California. Kistler has been working with their own heritage selection of Chardonnay since the mid-1980s and is known the world over as a single clone Chardonnay house. They plant one heritage selection of Chardonnay across fifteen vineyards, giving rise to eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays. Similarly, Kistler produces four Pinot Noirs; each of these wines is crafted from the two small-clustered, low-yielding clones that were imported from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy, which they began propagating over 20 years ago. Geoff Labitzke, MW, is the National Director of Sales for Kistler Vineyards and will be our guide as we explore five distinct bottlings of Kistler’s highly sought-after wines.

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Winemaker Notes Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Proprietary Red Wine is a little closed, slowly unfurling to reveal black cherries, crème de cassis and plum pudding with nuances of potpourri, baking spices and tilled soil plus wafts of garrigue and wild sage. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic poise and depth with a long, decadently fruited finish. About Winery For over two decades, Harlan Estate has been committed to creating a California "first growth" wine estate. Founded in 1984, Harlan Estate is set in the western hills of Oakville, rising above the fabled Napa Valley benchlands. Carved from the raw land and built for generations, the estate is over 240 acres of natural spendor, 15% of which are under vine, planted to the classic varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

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Winemaker Notes This wine opens with a big, aromatic burst of sweet sassafras, baking spice, blackberries and stone fruits. In the mouth, it is full and robust with ripe fruit and round tannins. As the wine continues to open, it shows a true purity of fruit and becomes silkier on the palate. Juicy, sweet notes of black cherries, violets and sweet vanilla oak carry though in a long, pleasing finish. Lamb is a classic protein to pair with their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, and these herb-filled, juicy Mediterranean-Style Lamb Burgers are no exception. What sets this recipe apart are the topping suggestions: spiced yogurt, olive tapenade, feta cheese, tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, sautéed onions, mushrooms. You can do one, some or all of the toppings, the more the messier. About Winery Merry Edwards Winery was founded in 1997 and produces terroir-driven, single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, including the winery flagship Meredith Estate, from 80 acres of estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Over two decades, as Merry assembled this stellar collection of vineyards, she employed meticulous attention to detail to become known for crafting Pinot Noirs of immense depth, elegant structure and exceptional longevity. The winery also makes three appellation wines. The Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs showcase the art of blending. These core wines highlight the best qualities of each AVA and are made to be approachable from release. The winery’s fragrant, barrel-aged Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc is among the most sought after made in California. A single-vineyard Chardonnay from the venerable Olivet Lane Vineyard and Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc round out the portfolio. Now a Certified California Sustainable Winery, the brand entered a new chapter after Merry’s retirement in 2020. Merry’s handpicked successor, Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden, and Winery President Nicole Carter have taken up exactly where Merry left off and will continue to make wines treasured by legions of Merry Edwards’ fans well into the futur

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Wine Enthusiast, 91 Pts Winemaker Notes This rich, burly Zin is off the charts in concentration and intensity! Opening with black cherry, dark chocolate and tobacco on the nose, this full-bodied Zinfandel exudes flavors of red berry, plum, cacao and cola leading to a spice laced finish that lingers until the next quake. About Winery “Michael” and “David” are Michael and David Phillips, brothers whose family has farmed fruits and vegetables in the Lodi region since the 1850s and cultivated wine grapes for nearly a century. Michael and David constitute the 5th generation of grape growers in the Phillips family, with the 6th generation now joining the family business. The Phillips family likes to emphasize the importance of quality wines with unique and fun labels. Wine makers Adam Mettler, Derek DeVries and Jeff Farthing specialize in producing Lodi’s famous Old Vine Zinfandels, as well as Rhone varietals such as Ancient Vine Cinsault and Syrah for Michael David Winery.  Farming with future generations in mind, the Phillips have adopted some of the most progressive sustainable farming practices in the state. All 800 acres of the family’s vineyards are third party certified, and the state’s first per ton bonus was issued for contracted growers to follow in the family’s footsteps. 

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Winemaker Notes Dark ruby color with aromas of red plum, black currants, cedar, fig and sweet toasted oak. Medium bodied with focused and integrated tannins. Fresh natural acidity leads to a long and age-worthy finish. About Winery Ridge Vineyards has roots in 1885 when Dr. Osea Perrone established the Monte Bello Winery on Monte Bello Ridge, producing its first wine in 1892. The modern Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 by Stanford scientists who purchased the property, with winemaker Paul Draper joining soon after to pioneer single-vineyard winemaking. Ridge became an icon for its focus on terroir-driven, high-quality, and authentic wines from exceptional vineyards. 

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Winemaker Notes Winemaker Dan Tudor begins by using only grapes from the finest sites. Perfect balance of tannins, flavor, alcohol, acid and fruit is the goal. Only the finest three year dried French oak barrels are used to complement the wines without over-powering the elegance and finesse. Wines are de-stemmed, cold-soaked, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Single vineyard wines are selected by individual barrels, and are free-run juice. Larry Brooks was original consulting winemaker. Winery located in Paso Robles. Welcome First cousins, Christian Tudor and Dan Tudor started Tudor Wines in 2000, from an ancestry including generations of wine grape-growers on the island of Hvar off Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The family began growing grapes in California early in the 1900′s and continues to farm premium table grapes in Delano to this day. Fruit is from family owned vineyards and transformed into wine using traditional techniques, including small fermentations mixed by hand and aged in French barrels. 4,000 case annual production.

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Winemaker Notes The 2021 Alpha Omega Chardonnay is straw yellow with hints of gold. Youthful aromas of golden delicious apple and stone fruit, accent notes of white flower, toasted cereal grains, French toast, honey and phyllo dough. An exciting core of melon, kumquat and lemon custard fruit mix with hints of hazelnut, nutmeg, maple candy and stony minerality. After whole cluster pressing, the Chardonnay Napa Valley 2021was barrel fermented in 100% French oak, 33% new barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation provides a richer and fuller aspect to the wine that was then aged in the same barrel composition for 19 months with periodic stirring of the lees. To soften the impact of oak and preserve freshness, the winemakers selected larger puncheons for 30% of the barrels. About Winery Established in 2006, Alpha Omega’s mission is to create artisanal wines drawing on Old World vineyard handcrafted practices and emphasis on unique terroir driven characteristics that reveal a sense of place combined with New World technology and science. The winery, located on the Rutherford Bench in the heart of Napa Valley, exudes the utmost experience of hospitality in an authentic place reflective of the Napa Valley farming community. Presenting world-class wines in a convivial setting remains just as paramount to vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett today as when they opened the winery’s doors on July 1, 2006. Alpha Omega boasts a picturesque setting, highlighted by views of its landmark water fountains and reflecting pond, stunning vineyards and the statuesque Mayacamas Mountains. The breathtaking scenery makes for the perfect backdrop to enjoy the handcrafted wines made with grapes from prized, historic vineyards by Alpha Omega’s talented winemaking team. A warm staff of well-trained wine educators, the postcard-worthy setting and the modern farm-style architecture of the winery on Napa Valley’s famous Highway 29, paired with beautiful wines was the intentional vision the Baggetts conceived when they toured the valley in 2005 searching for a property to purchase to open their first winery together. To create an estate comparable to the finest in the valley, the Baggetts took on the project in the same fashion that helped them achieve success in other fields — Robin as an attorney, grape grower and vintner in San Luis Obispo and Michelle as an international hotel interior designer later becoming a hospitality marketing and communication professional and branding whiz. Creating the brand name Alpha Omega in 2005 predestined their ambition to craft the ultimate winery experience from beginning to end. Today, Alpha Omega is honored that its estate is considered one of the top wineries in the region. When it came to building its brand, Alpha Omega spared no expense. There were no limits for the starry-eyed vintners who aimed to bring their vision to fruition. Several months into negotiations for the property, Sir Peter Newton of Newton Vineyards suggested to the Baggetts that they talk to his winemaker and assistant winemaker about joining their new winery project. This team together had excelled at making award-winning wines for Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley and left to do the same for Alpha Omega. The Baggetts’ relationships in the valley afforded them the opportunity to procure the best grapes from prized vineyards throughout the top AVAs of Napa Valley — most notably Thomas Vineyard in Rutherford, Beckstoffer To Kalon in Oakville, Beckstoffer Georges III in Rutherford, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane and Beckstoffer Las Piedras in St. Helena, Stagecoach in Atlas Peak, Drew Vineyard in Mount Veeder and Sunshine Valley in the Oak Knoll District.

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Winemaker Notes The 2021 harvest was excellent, but our overall production was down 35% (smaller berries but loaded with flavor) due to the persistent drought conditions of this growing season. Amuse Bouche 2021, crafted in the Pomerol-style, is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc from our vineyards in the east Rutherford Hills of Napa Valley. About Winery Heidi Barrett grew up in the Napa Valley in a winemaking family and was destined to become one of California's leading winemakers. It is said that winemaking is a combination of science and art. With a scientist-winemaker father and an artist mother it is no big surprise that Heidi was drawn to the wine industry. With great enthusiasm, a love for what she does, and an incredible wealth of experience, Heidi blends the art and science of winemaking like few can. In 2002, Heidi partnered with longtime friend John Schwartz to create Amuse Bouche, a Pomerol-inspired Merlot from Napa Valley. Recognizing that the cult wine phenomenon has created an almost aspirational class structure among collectors, the partners decided to make this limited edition wine available to a much broader consumer base. Winemaker Heidi Barrett explains, "We have created Amuse Bouche, a limited edition, superb Pomerol style wine with the added value of limited edition art that is available to consumers through a variety of channels."

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Winemaker Notes Heidi's Vin Perdu 2021 blend consists of 42.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33.1% Petit Verdot, 16.9% Merlot, 6.2% Malbec, and 1.5% Petite Sira from our select eastern-facing Napa Valley vineyards. This vintage yielded close to 700 cases. "The 2021 Vin Perdu is another terrific wine from Amuse Bouche. About Winery Heidi Barrett grew up in the Napa Valley in a winemaking family and was destined to become one of California's leading winemakers. It is said that winemaking is a combination of science and art. With a scientist-winemaker father and an artist mother it is no big surprise that Heidi was drawn to the wine industry. With great enthusiasm, a love for what she does, and an incredible wealth of experience, Heidi blends the art and science of winemaking like few can. In 2002, Heidi partnered with longtime friend John Schwartz to create Amuse Bouche, a Pomerol-inspired Merlot from Napa Valley. Recognizing that the cult wine phenomenon has created an almost aspirational class structure among collectors, the partners decided to make this limited edition wine available to a much broader consumer base. Winemaker Heidi Barrett explains, "We have created Amuse Bouche, a limited edition, superb Pomerol style wine with the added value of limited edition art that is available to consumers through a variety of channels."

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Winemaker Notes The 2021 Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, California, USA) opens with expressive aromas of ripe boysenberry, dark cherry, and cassis, accented by sweet oak and herbal spice. On the palate, it delivers plush, concentrated black fruit flavors supported by bright acidity and firm, well-structured tannins. The wine finishes long and elegant, with lingering notes of savory fruit, spice, and mineral tones. This classic Napa Valley Cabernet shows both richness and balance, making it a versatile pairing for beef, pork, or game dishes. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

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Winemaker Notes The 2021 Cakebread Reserve Chardonnay (Carneros, California, USA) shows a bright golden hue and opens with aromas of ripe golden apple, peach, and baking spice. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, featuring orchard fruits, melon, pear, and a creamy texture that harmonizes beautifully with subtle notes of toasted oak. Balanced and fresh, it finishes long and elegant, with lingering hints of apple and spice. This Reserve bottling highlights both richness and finesse, making it a standout expression of Carneros Chardonnay. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

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Winemaker Notes The 2021 Cakebread Merlot (Napa Valley, California, USA) presents deep aromas of blackberry and black cherry, lifted by violet and subtle crushed stone minerality. On the palate, concentrated flavors of fresh blackberry and black plum unfold with silky texture, balanced by bright acidity and fine tannins. Notes of mocha, toast, and oak add complexity, leading to a lingering finish of rich black cherry and mineral tones. Elegant yet structured, this Merlot reflects the diversity of Cakebread’s estate vineyards, combining freshness, depth, and refined balance. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

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Winemaker Notes The 2020 Heitz Cellar Quartz Creek Vineyard Chardonnay  having bright, vibrant, and elegant characteristics, with notes of Meyer Lemon, Hazelnut, and Calla Lily on the nose. The palate is tightly wound with impressive energy, refreshing, and pure, featuring notes of green and yellow apples, white peaches, and hints of chalk dust, acacia honey, and lightly browned toast. About Winery Heitz Cellar, founded in 1961 by Joe and Alice Heitz, is a historic Napa Valley winery known for its pioneering role in single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon production. Joe Heitz, mentored by André Tchelistcheff, helped elevate Napa's reputation and was the first to label a wine with a single vineyard name: Martha's Vineyard. In 2018, the Heitz family sold the winery to Gaylon Lawrence, marking a new chapter for the estate. 

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Winemaker Notes Exotic aromas of honeysuckle, ripe pear, Meyer lemon, and lychee. Flavors of ripe apple and pear, with just a touch of residual sweetness, classic minerality, and a light, refreshing spritz of natural carbonation on the finish. Fresh, cool, crisp and easy drinking Riesling that begs for another glass. A perfect sipper by itself but its lower alcohol and bright acidity also make it a no-rules, incredibly food-friendly wine. Pair it with Asian-Fusion cuisine or anything with a lick of spicy heat.  THE J LOHR STORY Fifty years ago, Jerry Lohr embarked on a career change. What followed would reshape the landscape of the California wine industry and create one of the country’s most popular wine brands. In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for winegrowing. Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry Lohr was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high quality grapes and superb wines. PIONEERING MONTEREY AND PASO ROBLES -JERRY LOHR LEGACY-It’s no coincidence that the Central Coast’s emergence as a world class winegrowing region runs parallel with the establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery. Founder Jerry Lohr is one of the region’s pioneers and has played a larger-than-life role in bringing the area to prominence. Jerry’s instincts led him to two regions located about 75 miles apart. In the early 1970s, he chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils as ideal for Chardonnay. In the 1980s, he recognized the potential of Paso Robles for growing Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon – given the area’s rich soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings between warm days and cool nights. After Jerry Lohr’s nearly decade-long search for the right place to plant his first vineyard, he chose a site in Monterey County that was to become the heart of the Arroyo Seco appellation. Jerry originally planted 280 acres in 1972 and 1973 near Greenfield. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity. In 1974, Jerry unveiled the first J. Lohr winery in San Jose. In the early 1980s, Jerry Lohr saw the potential for great Cabernet Sauvignon further south. Borrowing a lesson from the French—that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon excel in very different growing conditions—Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s little-known Paso Robles region in 1986. With the hands-on devotion of an artisan farmer, Jerry tended to the vines while diligently working toward the creation and development of an adjacent winery and barreling cellars; J. Lohr’s Paso Robles production facility was opened in 1988.

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