Winemaker Notes (JS | 94) Harvested from over 30 years old vines, this wine fully expresses the fruit's liveliness. Fresh and fruity on the nose with aromas of cherries in alcohol, fresh figs, raspberries, and plums. These perfectly integrate with hints of aromatics such as thyme and eucalyptus in addition to subtle notes of hazelnuts, tobacco, and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is fresh and balanced, with a predominance of fruit flavors. About Winery Numanthia is located in the Toro region of Spain. Its four vineyards are located along the south bank of the Duero River. The wine is named after a legendary Spanish city that was destroyed (after 20 yrs of resistance) by Roman legions. It is to Spain what the hilltop village of Masada is to Israel: a monument of history. Its 40 hectares of land are covered with an abundance of elements derived from the disintegration of Pliocene grit, clay and limestone. Numanthia's first vintage was produced in 1998 and received a 95-point rating from Robert Parker. Since then, the Toro region has been producing wines that have begun to rival those of Spain's richest wine-producing regions of Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Priorat.  

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Winemaker Notes The robe of Sir Winston Churchill's 21st vintage features a beautiful shiny gold and a bead of very fine bubbles, both characteristic of the long aging lavished on this cuvée. The nose is of a beautiful expression and opens immediately on notes of spices and pepper accompanied by menthol nuances. The complexity is obvious: aromas of candied fruit and dried fruit complemented by hazelnut are mixed with notes of exotic fruits such as papaya or mango. The nose is particularly open and generous. The palate is also very generous, where the aromas of candied fruit are supported by notes of pastries, brioche and cocoa. It presents a beautiful structure and the large proportion of Pinot Noir gives it the roundness and the shoulders that one expects from the cuvée. The mouth is also marked by a very good length which makes you want to associate it with moments of great gastronomy. About Winery Champagne Pol Roger was founded in 1849 in Épernay, France, by a 17-year-old Pol Roger, who began by selling wine and soon focused on producing drier, brut styles favored in Britain. The independent, family-run house survived major historical crises and became famously known as the favorite champagne of Winston Churchill.

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Winemaker Notes The 2015 Résonance Vineyard Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA is a deeply expressive wine that reflects both the site’s old ungrafted vines (planted in 1981) and Burgundian winemaking finesse. It shows a deep garnet color with an elegant nose of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, and delicate spice, accented by a touch of fine oak. On the palate, it is supple, full-bodied, and well-balanced, with polished tannins and a signature minerality from the vineyard’s marine sedimentary soils. The finish is long, harmonious, and fresh, highlighting both concentration and finesse. Critics consistently rated it highly (92–94 points), praising its aromatic intensity and refined structure, making it a standout Pinot Noir with excellent aging potential. About Winery  Résonance Winery was founded in 2013 when Maison Louis Jadot, the historic Burgundy producer, made its first venture outside of France. The project began when Jacques Lardière, Jadot’s legendary winemaker for 42 years, and Thibault Gagey, son of Jadot’s president Pierre-Henry Gagey, discovered the Résonance Vineyard in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA. They were immediately struck by the site’s potential, with its marine sedimentary soils and cool-climate conditions ideal for Pinot Noir. Deciding to keep the vineyard’s original name, they established Résonance as Jadot’s Oregon estate, blending Burgundian tradition with Oregon terroir. Today, Résonance produces acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafted with minimal intervention to highlight purity, elegance, and a sense of place, while symbolizing the “resonance” between Burgundy and Oregon.

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Winemaker Notes Intense, concentrated and deep ruby-colored, this wine offers elegant, complex aromas of red fruit. In the mouth it is rich and dense, yet harmonious, with sweet, balanced tannins. The wine has a long finish with a depth and structure that ensure its extraordinary longevity. About Winery The Tenuta San Guido is a 7,500-acre estate located in the province of Livorno on the western coastal outskirts of Tuscany near the village of Bolgheri. Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta acquired it through his marriage to Clarice della Gherardesca in 1940. The legacy of Sassicaia began in 1944, when Mario Incisa acquired a number of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc vine cuttings and planted them on a sloping hillside of the San Guido estate, called Castiglioncello after the 11th-century castle at the vineyard's upper edge. This tiny, 3.75-acre vineyard stood alone until 1965, when a second Cabernet vineyard was planted with cuttings from the Castiglioncello parcel; the gravelly, 30-acre plot would give the wine its name: Sassicaia, "the place of many stones". With the radical changes in the D.O.C. system of regulations as of the 1994 vintage, Sassicaia's extraordinary reputation was acknowledged through the Italian government's granting the wine its own appellation. Sassicaia is today considered to be the new plus ultra of Italy's great red wines for its consistent excellence and its intuitive spirit. Acclaimed by the wine world's most respected voices, Sassicaia remains the legacy of its creator, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, and his son, Marchese Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta.  

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Winemaker Notes Since the inaugural Skipstone vintage of 2005, our annual approach with Oliver’s Blend is to create a blend of Cabernet Sauvignons from up to 20 individual small lots. Each lot has a unique profile (based on soil type, exposure and clonal selection) and blended they create a foundation. This Cabernet Sauvignon is then embellished with small amounts of our other blending varietals to best showcase the vintage. With so many pockets of soil differentiation and exposures, Oliver’s Blend is a symphonic compilation of aroma and flavor. This, coupled with clonal diversity of multiple Cabernet clones throughout our hillside plantings, creates an exceptionally complex wine. Year after year, this is a wine of profound power and elegance. Oliver’s Blend is aged for two years in barrel and another year in bottle prior to our release. This highly-structured Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent candidate for further cellaring, with potential to age for decades. About Winery Skipstone is tucked between two stunning hillsides in the mountains above Alexander Valley. We aspire to perfection in every aspect of our wine growing and estate farming, drawing inspiration from the unparalleled potential and promise of the earth. Uncompromising in our standards of sustainability and treatment of the land, we are committed to nurturing the precious resource that is our 200 acre estate. Blessed by nature, we listen intently to the terroir of our vineyards, and in turn, our wines speak eloquently of their origin.

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Winemaker Notes (WE | 95) Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosé flows with a vibrant, deep pink hue and a lively, playful effervescence. The nose is incredibly expressive and fruit-forward, bursting with intense aromas of ripe red berries, including wild strawberries, redcurrants, and cherries, accented by exotic undertones of pomegranate and a touch of warm spice. Crafted with a high dosage explicitly to be served over ice, the palate is luscious, sweet, and remarkably full-bodied, yielding rich flavors of jammy dark fruits and sweet red plums. The high proportion of Pinot Noir provides a solid backbone, ensuring that the heavy sweetness is uplifted by a crisp, cleansing acidity that culminates in a smooth, intensely fruity finish—making it the perfect canvas for creative mixology garnishes like ginger, pineapple, or lime. About Winery Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’

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Winemaker Notes (WE | 95) Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosé flows with a vibrant, deep pink hue and a lively, playful effervescence. The nose is incredibly expressive and fruit-forward, bursting with intense aromas of ripe red berries, including wild strawberries, redcurrants, and cherries, accented by exotic undertones of pomegranate and a touch of warm spice. Crafted with a high dosage explicitly to be served over ice, the palate is luscious, sweet, and remarkably full-bodied, yielding rich flavors of jammy dark fruits and sweet red plums. The high proportion of Pinot Noir provides a solid backbone, ensuring that the heavy sweetness is uplifted by a crisp, cleansing acidity that culminates in a smooth, intensely fruity finish—making it the perfect canvas for creative mixology garnishes like ginger, pineapple, or lime. About Winery Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’

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Winemaker Notes (Vivino | 4.3) Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé pours with a luminous, coppery-orange hue and delicate, persistent bubbles. On the nose, it is immediately expressive, offering a generous bouquet dominated by fresh red fruits like wild strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, which beautifully evolve into warm, yeasty notes of toasted brioche, almonds, and dried fruits. The palate is robust, structured, and delightfully vinous thanks to the heavy Pinot Noir influence, balancing a fresh, vibrant acidity with a creamy, velvety mousse. It finishes beautifully with a harmonious, long-lasting impression of redcurrants, citrus peel, and a lingering, chalky refinement. About Winery Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’

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Winemaker Notes (Vivino | 4.3) Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé pours with a luminous, coppery-orange hue and delicate, persistent bubbles. On the nose, it is immediately expressive, offering a generous bouquet dominated by fresh red fruits like wild strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, which beautifully evolve into warm, yeasty notes of toasted brioche, almonds, and dried fruits. The palate is robust, structured, and delightfully vinous thanks to the heavy Pinot Noir influence, balancing a fresh, vibrant acidity with a creamy, velvety mousse. It finishes beautifully with a harmonious, long-lasting impression of redcurrants, citrus peel, and a lingering, chalky refinement. About Winery Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’

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Winemaker Notes (JD | 95) Since 2008, Veuve Clicquot has increased the Pinot Noir in this blend to 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The 2015 Champagne La Grande Dame is a bright silver/yellow hue and is fresh and ripe on the nose, with lovely purity. Medium to full-bodied, it has a refined and rounded mousse, wonderful length, and purity with a lot of freshness. Don’t sleep on these wines. Drink over the next 15-20 years. 6 grams per liter dosage. (AF)   About Winery Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’

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Winemaker Notes (JD | 95) Since 2008, Veuve Clicquot has increased the Pinot Noir in this blend to 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The 2015 Champagne La Grande Dame is a bright silver/yellow hue and is fresh and ripe on the nose, with lovely purity. Medium to full-bodied, it has a refined and rounded mousse, wonderful length, and purity with a lot of freshness. Don’t sleep on these wines. Drink over the next 15-20 years. 6 grams per liter dosage. (AF)   About Winery Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’

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Winemaker Notes (TP | 97) Veuve Clicquot's latest cuvée harmoniously blends the sun-filled 2015 vintage with the precision, depth, and character of Pinot Noir red wine. Spice notes, such as pepper, nutmeg, and clove, intertwine with the delicate aromas of red fruit, as well as floral hints of rose and violet. Pinot Noir's unique, precise quality stands as the backbone of Veuve Clicquot champagnes. The versatility and freshness of Pinot Noir capture the essence of the Champagne region's unique terroir.   About Winery Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’

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Winemaker Notes (TP | 97) Veuve Clicquot's latest cuvée harmoniously blends the sun-filled 2015 vintage with the precision, depth, and character of Pinot Noir red wine. Spice notes, such as pepper, nutmeg, and clove, intertwine with the delicate aromas of red fruit, as well as floral hints of rose and violet. Pinot Noir's unique, precise quality stands as the backbone of Veuve Clicquot champagnes. The versatility and freshness of Pinot Noir capture the essence of the Champagne region's unique terroir.   About Winery Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, following his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at just 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Founded in 1942 by Joseph Arlaud and Renée Amiot, Domaine Arlaud in Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, is a 15-hectare family estate known for organic/biodynamic, low-intervention Pinot Noir. The Domaine, now led by Cyprien Arlaud (since 2013), produces esteemed Grand Crus, including Charmes-Chambertin, often characterized by silky tannins and elegant red fruit. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, originally founded in the 19th century as Domaine Robert Arnoux, is a prestigious family-run estate in Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy, that has built its reputation on producing refined Pinot Noir wines from top Côte de Nuits appellations like Chambolle-Musigny. In 2008, the domaine was renamed Arnoux-Lachaux when Pascal Lachaux, Robert Arnoux’s son-in-law, took over management, later joined by his son Charles Lachaux, who has gained acclaim for innovative viticulture and a focus on purity and terroir expression. Today, the estate is recognized as one of Burgundy’s rising stars, with its Chambolle-Musigny wines celebrated for elegance, aromatic finesse, and longevity.

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Aurélien Verdet is a third-generation Burgundy estate in Arcenant, Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, founded on a pioneering commitment to organic viticulture begun by Aurélien’s father, Alain, in the 1970s. Alain Verdet was one of the first in Burgundy to farm organically, planting vineyards in 1971 and setting a precedent that his son has carried forward. Aurélien established his own domaine in the early 2000s, combining estate-grown fruit with grapes sourced from trusted growers across prestigious Côte de Nuits appellations such as Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Today, he cultivates about 4.5 hectares in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits and produces Pinot Noir wines using minimal intervention techniques—manual harvesting, indigenous yeast fermentation, and careful barrel aging—to highlight terroir expression. His wines are praised for purity, personality, and balance, offering approachable value at the village level and serious structure in premier crus, positioning Aurélien Verdet as one of Burgundy’s most promising next-generation winemakers.

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Winemaker Notes Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 The Matriarch rocks up with forthright notions of crushed blackcurrants, black cherries and mulberries plus hints of crushed rocks, dried herbs, iron ore and black soil plus a touch of Ceylon tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals impressive intensity with a firm texture of grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. About Winery Sourced from select hillside estates, the Cabernet Sauvignon wines of BOND vividly demonstrate the range of Napa Valley's finest terroirs. From the more than eighty vineyards we have worked with over the past quarter century, we have slowly and vigilantly selected five sites. BOND became our covenant and shared commitment to produce only the best expression of the land. By way of this valuable experience, we had the opportunity to identify select properties that we felt had the potential to define the ‘Grand Crus’ of Napa Valley. These small hillside Cabernet vineyards, ranging in size from 7 to 11 acres, became the basis for the wines of BOND.

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Based on the winemaker notes and critical reviews from 2016, the Bouchard Père & Fils Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Les Cailles" is a red Burgundy wine that exemplifies elegance within the robust Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation. The 2016 vintage, specifically, is noted for its refined, complex, and "textbook" portrayal of this premier cru site.  About Winery Founded in 1731 in Beaune by Michel Bouchard, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy's oldest and largest estates, holding 130 hectares of vines across the Côte d'Or, including prestigious Grand and Premier Cru plots. Renowned for historical parcels like the monopoly Beaune Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus, the estate blends traditional, multi-generational expertise with modern, gravity-fed winemaking techniques. 

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2018 Maison Camille Giroud Chambertin Grand Cru is defined by its brooding intensity, rippling power, and refined sensuality. Winemaker Carel Voorhuis notes that while the 2018 vintage provided healthy fruit, careful management was required to maintain freshness in the reds during the warm conditions.  About Winery Founded in 1865 in Beaune, Maison Camille Giroud is a historic Burgundian négociant known for traditional, long-aging wines (vins de garde). Following a 2002 takeover by investors including Ann Colgin, the house adopted a modern, terroir-driven approach, utilizing organic grapes and minimal intervention to produce acclaimed, elegant wines, including renowned Chambertin Grand Cru. 

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Complex and generous, Chassagne-Montrachet 2016 has a clear lemon color. The nose and palate present with intense aromas and flavors of acacia, yellow peaches and ripe pineapple, lined with notes of vanilla, almonds and hazelnuts. The finish is long and leaves a sense of generosity. About Winery In 2014, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Michael Baum and his family (Famille Carabello-Baum) purchased the historic Château de Pommard in Burgundy, France, becoming the first Americans to own a winery in the region. They became the fifth family in 300 years to steward the estate, focusing on converting the 20-hectare Clos Marey-Monge vineyard to biodynamic farming and elevating their wines. 

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PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2016 Carabello-Baum Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (produced by Château de Pommard) is a white Burgundy Chardonnay from a challenging vintage, offering a pale yellow color with gold highlights. It features a complex bouquet of citrus, white flowers, acacia, and hazelnut with a fresh, generous palate and long,, slightly saline finish, often aged in oak.  About Winery In 2014, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Michael Baum and his family (Famille Carabello-Baum) purchased the historic Château de Pommard in Burgundy, France, becoming the first Americans to own a winery in the region. They became the fifth family in 300 years to steward the estate, focusing on converting the 20-hectare Clos Marey-Monge vineyard to biodynamic farming and elevating their wines. 

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Winemaker Notes From the very front of the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, this block produced exceptional wines in 2016 due to exceptional farming, perfectly balanced cropping and significant hang time. Year after year, these older clone 4 vines offer our most upfront, instantly appealing and massive wine from this vineyard. Blackberry fruits, licorice, and mocha mingle to create a lavish multi-layered wine, offering an enormous mid-palate buttressed perfectly by the wine's natural acidity and gripping tannins. Offering a unique amount of ripeness and texture, this is an elegant wine wrapped up in a cloak of raw but refined power. While drinking great now, allow this wine to age and watch it reach its full potential. About Winery The origins of Carter Cellars began in the mid 1980's when the historic Carter House Victorian was built. When this small bed and breakfast became too popular for the crowd from the cities up and down the west coast the Hotel Carter was added and a restaurant (the highly regarded Restaurant 301) was needed for the guests. For the guests at the restaurant Mark Carter began compiling what has become (since 1998) a Wine Spectator Grand Award winning wine list. He began sourcing the best wines the world had to offer from first growth Bordeaux to the top Napa Cabernet and even the high quality, little-known gems that helped the wine list stand out. Because of the great recognition of the restaurant and its wine list Mark was able to host winemaker dinners with the likes of Dan Duckhorn and Nils Venge. Mark and Nils became fast friends at these dinners while sharing their all encompassing passion for great wines. Mark wanted to expand his love of wines and start a new age wine label devoid of a brick and mortar facility but sourcing only the best fruit from the most renowned vineyard in Napa. His goal was to create the best Napa Cabernet that could be made. Nils Venge, the superstar winemaker responsible for receiving the first "perfect score" on a domestic wine from Robert M. Parker Jr. while at Groth in 1985, seemed like the perfect match on this quest for perfection. Carter Cellars first vintage was in 1998 sourcing grapes from the steeply terraced Coliseum Block of the Hossfeld Vineyard. In continuing to source wine from top Napa vineyards Mark and Nils made a svelte Fortuna Block Cabernet from the ancient red volcanic soils of the Fortuna Vineyard in 1999. In 2000 Carter Cellars began a long and deeply rewarding relationship with the most iconic vineyard in the western hemisphere: the Beckstoffer portion of the original To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. Thus began the rise of the famed and highly rated Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet, a wine that to this day continues to receive top scores from critics worldwide. In 2001 Carter Cellars deviated from solely making large and powerful Cabernet when they acquired Merlot fruit from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros. This vineyard has varied soils and a marine-influenced climate which makes the ripe and rounded fruit which goes into our lush and ultra-premium Merlot. In 2004 Carter Cellars expanded again when they began sourcing Cabernet fruit from the Revilo Vineyard in St Helena right next door to some of the highest rated Napa Cabernet and farmed by Reg Oliver of El Molino. The Revilo Vineyard fruit makes for large and austere Cabernet with incredibly smooth tannins which benefit from some bottle age and will greatly reward those with the patience for fine wines. Mark and Nils began looking for a permanent home for Carter Cellars and for a small Napa Winery at which they could produce wines from estate grown fruit. In 2006 they founded Envy Winery on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga. This 17 acre property would specialize in Estate grown Merlot, Cabernet and Petite Sirah and would become the new home of Carter Cellars.

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Winemaker Notes It offers compelling aromas of black cherries, warm black berries, and crème de cassis, with hints of plum pudding, mincemeat pie, and exotic spices. The wine is full-bodied, rich, and opulent, with a long, spicy finish. Some critics have noted it's a layered and nuanced wine, with a sexy texture, and power from the To Kalon Vineyard. It is considered a fabulous wine and the finest vintage of this release to date. One reviewer noted the wine has a sweet nose of sugar plum and powdered sugar, and suggests a two-hour decant before serving.  About Winery The origins of Carter Cellars began in the mid 1980's when the historic Carter House Victorian was built. When this small bed and breakfast became too popular for the crowd from the cities up and down the west coast the Hotel Carter was added and a restaurant (the highly regarded Restaurant 301) was needed for the guests. For the guests at the restaurant Mark Carter began compiling what has become (since 1998) a Wine Spectator Grand Award winning wine list. He began sourcing the best wines the world had to offer from first growth Bordeaux to the top Napa Cabernet and even the high quality, little-known gems that helped the wine list stand out. Because of the great recognition of the restaurant and its wine list Mark was able to host winemaker dinners with the likes of Dan Duckhorn and Nils Venge. Mark and Nils became fast friends at these dinners while sharing their all encompassing passion for great wines. Mark wanted to expand his love of wines and start a new age wine label devoid of a brick and mortar facility but sourcing only the best fruit from the most renowned vineyard in Napa. His goal was to create the best Napa Cabernet that could be made. Nils Venge, the superstar winemaker responsible for receiving the first "perfect score" on a domestic wine from Robert M. Parker Jr. while at Groth in 1985, seemed like the perfect match on this quest for perfection. Carter Cellars first vintage was in 1998 sourcing grapes from the steeply terraced Coliseum Block of the Hossfeld Vineyard. In continuing to source wine from top Napa vineyards Mark and Nils made a svelte Fortuna Block Cabernet from the ancient red volcanic soils of the Fortuna Vineyard in 1999. In 2000 Carter Cellars began a long and deeply rewarding relationship with the most iconic vineyard in the western hemisphere: the Beckstoffer portion of the original To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. Thus began the rise of the famed and highly rated Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet, a wine that to this day continues to receive top scores from critics worldwide. In 2001 Carter Cellars deviated from solely making large and powerful Cabernet when they acquired Merlot fruit from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros. This vineyard has varied soils and a marine-influenced climate which makes the ripe and rounded fruit which goes into our lush and ultra-premium Merlot. In 2004 Carter Cellars expanded again when they began sourcing Cabernet fruit from the Revilo Vineyard in St Helena right next door to some of the highest rated Napa Cabernet and farmed by Reg Oliver of El Molino. The Revilo Vineyard fruit makes for large and austere Cabernet with incredibly smooth tannins which benefit from some bottle age and will greatly reward those with the patience for fine wines. Mark and Nils began looking for a permanent home for Carter Cellars and for a small Napa Winery at which they could produce wines from estate grown fruit. In 2006 they founded Envy Winery on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga. This 17 acre property would specialize in Estate grown Merlot, Cabernet and Petite Sirah and would become the new home of Carter Cellars. In 2006 Carter Cellars expanded again. Still with an extremely small case production they made the Hossfeld Red Blend also from the Hossfeld Vineyard in Soda Canyon. This Predominately Merlot blend contains Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot and is modeled on one of Mark's Favorites: Chateau Petrus with a uniquely Californian side. In 2012 Carter Cellars added two additional exciting Cabernets vineyards to the portofilo: the Weitz Vineyard and Beckstofffer Las Piedras Vineyard. Long considered one of the gems of Turnbull Wine Cellars vineyard holdings, the Weitz Vineyard, also known as the Leopoldina Vineyard, sits on 62 glorious acres high on the Oakville Bench. The fruit from the vineyard is renowned for its profound structure, elegant rich texture and lingering acidity and minerality. The Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is a historic vineyard in the St. Helena AVA. Roughly translated to the stones or little pebbles, the vineyard sits at the base of Sulfur Creek on the southwest outskirts of St. Helena. Riddled with rocks, the soil is porous and provides ideal support for the vines and when matched with excellent farming techniques, the result is remarkable dense and concentrated fruit.

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Winemaker Notes This low production 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from hand selected fruit out of our best vineyards. This is a powerfully concentrated Napa Cabernet, that can be consumed immediately or can be cellared to reveal hidden nuances. This wine has as it all - a deep black purple color and virtually everything you would want in a great Cabernet Sauvignon, including dense flavors of blackberries, graphite and mocha all dressed in well-integrated oak profile. Immediately there is a blast of fresh lively fruit that dances with minerality and spices, matched with a rich sumptuous finish - in other words, Carter Cellar's signature profile, a wine that has showcases both finesse and verve. About Winery The origins of Carter Cellars began in the mid 1980's when the historic Carter House Victorian was built. When this small bed and breakfast became too popular for the crowd from the cities up and down the west coast the Hotel Carter was added and a restaurant (the highly regarded Restaurant 301) was needed for the guests. For the guests at the restaurant Mark Carter began compiling what has become (since 1998) a Wine Spectator Grand Award winning wine list. He began sourcing the best wines the world had to offer from first growth Bordeaux to the top Napa Cabernet and even the high quality, little-known gems that helped the wine list stand out. Because of the great recognition of the restaurant and its wine list Mark was able to host winemaker dinners with the likes of Dan Duckhorn and Nils Venge. Mark and Nils became fast friends at these dinners while sharing their all encompassing passion for great wines. Mark wanted to expand his love of wines and start a new age wine label devoid of a brick and mortar facility but sourcing only the best fruit from the most renowned vineyard in Napa. His goal was to create the best Napa Cabernet that could be made. Nils Venge, the superstar winemaker responsible for receiving the first "perfect score" on a domestic wine from Robert M. Parker Jr. while at Groth in 1985, seemed like the perfect match on this quest for perfection. Carter Cellars first vintage was in 1998 sourcing grapes from the steeply terraced Coliseum Block of the Hossfeld Vineyard. In continuing to source wine from top Napa vineyards Mark and Nils made a svelte Fortuna Block Cabernet from the ancient red volcanic soils of the Fortuna Vineyard in 1999. In 2000 Carter Cellars began a long and deeply rewarding relationship with the most iconic vineyard in the western hemisphere: the Beckstoffer portion of the original To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. Thus began the rise of the famed and highly rated Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet, a wine that to this day continues to receive top scores from critics worldwide. In 2001 Carter Cellars deviated from solely making large and powerful Cabernet when they acquired Merlot fruit from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros. This vineyard has varied soils and a marine-influenced climate which makes the ripe and rounded fruit which goes into our lush and ultra-premium Merlot. In 2004 Carter Cellars expanded again when they began sourcing Cabernet fruit from the Revilo Vineyard in St Helena right next door to some of the highest rated Napa Cabernet and farmed by Reg Oliver of El Molino. The Revilo Vineyard fruit makes for large and austere Cabernet with incredibly smooth tannins which benefit from some bottle age and will greatly reward those with the patience for fine wines. Mark and Nils began looking for a permanent home for Carter Cellars and for a small Napa Winery at which they could produce wines from estate grown fruit. In 2006 they founded Envy Winery on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga. This 17 acre property would specialize in Estate grown Merlot, Cabernet and Petite Sirah and would become the new home of Carter Cellars.  

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