INSIDER PICKS
We feature hundreds of wines in this issue, so what should you try first?
2015 J. Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
A luxurious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Malbec from Beck Vineyard in Paso Robles, this wine reveals flavors of black currant, leafy herbs, tobacco, and graphite with remarkable purity of fruit, nice structure, and fine tannins $100
2013 Mumm Napa DVX Rosé
This sparkling wine opens with notes of strawberries, cherries, orange marmalade, toasted bread, and vanilla. It has a delicate mousse and elegant structure. Its creamy mid-palate shows subtle oak spice. The rich finish offers notes of strawberry shortcake. $80
2017 Calcareous Vineyard Trés Violet
This Rhône-style blend offers a bouquet of fig, cola, and mocha. Mourvedre and Grenache lead on the palate with bright raspberry, plum, and gamey leather nuances. Syrah contributes earthy tannins and blackberry fruit. $56
2015 Ledson Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, and rich chocolate lead on the palate of this stunning Napa Valley Cabernet. It is intense, with opulent swirls of flavor, framed by tannins and intriguing black olive notes at the finish. $150
2016 Moshin Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosalina Vineyard
This elegant Russian River Valley Pinot Noir opens with spicy aromas and evolves into a myriad of ripe cherry, iron-laced earth, and black tea nuances. It offers beautifully layered flavors, a refined texture, and well-defined structure. $58
2016 Materra After Midnight
Aromas of currants, espresso, and jasmine lead on this luscious Malbec-based red blend. Complex flavors of ripe plum and apricot, complemented by savory nuances and integrated tannins, lead into a smooth and lingering finish. $48
2016 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Reserve
Fragrant notes of black currants, wilted roses, and dried herbs lead on this opulent wine from the esteemed To Kalon Vineyard. It fills the palate with juicy black fruit, balanced by firm tannins, and ends with a long, earthy finish. $300
2014 Castello di Amorosa Il Barone
A blend of the Castello’s top Cabernet Sauvignon, Il Barone is an ultra-elegant, well-structured wine. Its textural nuances and flavor profile make it an ideal pairing with grilled red meats, wild game, and flavorful cheeses. $125
ICAN Rosé NV
Fruit for this lively rosé was sourced from Mercer Family Vineyards. Flavors of pomegranate and cranberry are complemented by nuances of white tea and pink lemonade. Crisp, bright acidity balances this vibrant rosé. $75/case
2015 St Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon Dollarhide Vineyard
The wine opens with rich aromas of ripe black plum, currant, black-berry, anise, and espresso. A sumptuous profile follows with flavors of cassis and plum, ripe black fruits, espresso, mocha, and molasses. This is a deep, structured wine with fine-grained tannins. $100
2016 Ancient Peaks Oyster Ridge
A bouquet of blackberry and crème de cassis, cedar, and graphite leads on this blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, and Malbec. The wine is dense on the palate with layers of black fruit, fine-grained tannins, and sleek acidity. $60
2015 Bennett Lane Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This lush Napa Valley Cabernet opens with aromas of fig, vanilla, and baking spices. On the palate it offers flavors of bright Bing cherry and plum that lead to a dense and layered finish. $65
2008 Gloria Ferrer Carneros Cuvée
This blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is fresh, rich, and complex, with flavors of Asian pear and baked apple that lead into a creamy mouthfeel and a clean finish. It demonstrates superb structure, elegance, and finesse. $80