{"title":"April 30: Top Wines of Napa Valley \u0026 Sonoma","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"senses-bodega-thieriot-pinot-noir-sonoma-california-2021","title":"Senses, Bodega Thieriot Pinot Noir, Sonoma, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSenses Wines is the dream of three childhood friends. Christopher Strieter, Max Thieriot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs partnered with critically acclaimed winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, to produce world-class wines from renowned vineyards planted by their families. Since founding in 2011, Senses’ production has grown to include many coveted vineyard sites throughout northern California.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Senses estate vineyards are located in the West Sonoma Coast region of Sonoma County, specifically in the small town of Occidental where the three founders grew up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur wines embody the natural and distinct characteristics of the vineyards from where the grapes are grown. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur team believes the vineyards are Senses’ greatest assets, and we meticulously farm each vine so the winemaking process can be as hands-off as possible. This approach ensures the complexity and finesse we expect for each wine, vintage after vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrapes are hand sampled and harvested at ideal ripeness, cold-soaked for a few days, fermented with yeasts indigenous to the vineyard, and ultimately pressed and barreled into a selection of our favorite French cooperages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChristopher Strieter, Max Thieriot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePinot Noir \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRussian River Valley, Sonoma, California \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Tasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMax and Lexi Thieriot searched all across Sonoma County for their ideal “forever property”. Fate would bring them back to west county and only minutes from where Max grew up, when this ranch came on the market. Purchasing the property in 2013, from a family who had owned it for over 100 years, they had found their perfect home. The ranch features ninety acres of rolling hills, ocean views, oaks and redwoods, and an ideal coastal vineyard site sharing a fence line with Steve Kistler’s Occidental Winery. In 2016, Max and Lexi, with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown began planting their home ranch and the second generation of Thieriot Vineyards was officially born: Bodega Thieriot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"reviewsContainer viewMoreModule\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"viewMoreModule_text viewMoreModule-reviews\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\"\u003e98 Points - \u003c\/span\u003eJeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003ePouring a nearly opaque purple\/ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Bodega Thieriot takes on more depth and warming spices, with aromas of crushed pine needles, brambly blackberry, and lavender oil. Beautifully balanced and harmonious, this full-bodied red is weightless in feel and texture, with ripe tannins and seamless acidity throughout. Long on the palate, with notes of black raspberry, turned soil, and smoked tea leaf, it has a generous and open nature now but will certainly improve with a couple more years in bottle. Drink 2025-2040\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49555850789169,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Senses_BodegaThieriotPinotNoir_Sonoma_California_2021.jpg?v=1719361128"},{"product_id":"kerr-reserve-red-napa-valley-california-2017","title":"Kerr, Reserve Red, Napa Valley, California, 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKerr Cellars is a boutique winery based around a small, passionate team of award-winning wine professionals. Our Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines are made in classic styles inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy, yet they are definitely Californian in their balance of finesse and opulence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe source our grapes from the finest vineyards throughout the valleys and obsess over every detail from the health of the vineyard soils to the grain structure of our oak barrels. We do this because it is our passion to craft extraordinary, terroir-focused wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKerr Cellars was founded in 2013 by Sommelier and professional golf star, Cristie Kerr. Her dream was to make uncompromising world-class wines from impeccable vineyards. She took the wine world by storm with the creation of Kerr Cellars which was named as a ‘winery to watch’ by Wine Spectator in the first three years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCristie first fell in love with wine on a visit to Napa Valley in 2000. She was seduced by the tranquil hills, rustic old-world charm, and extraordinary ‘Old World’ wines. Seven years later, Cristie joined forces with Suzanne Pride Bryan of Pride Mountain Vineyards to create \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kerrcellars.wpengine.com\/about-us\/philanthropy\/curvature-wines\/\"\u003eCurvature Wines.\u003c\/a\u003e Curvature is a range of boutique wines whose profits support breast cancer research. Showered with praise upon release, Curvature Wines found immediate industry acclaim. The wines were featured on the lists at distinguished restaurants, clubs, cellars, and even served at the White House.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBuilding on Curvature’s success, Cristie launched Kerr Cellars in 2013 with partner Erik Stevens and highly acclaimed winemaker Helen Keplinger. With such expertise around her, Cristie began creating uncompromising Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines that are true to their place, vintage, and the people who make them. Aiming for perfection in every bottle, Kerr Cellars wines were born of rigorous vineyard selection, intuitive winemaking, and meticulous attention to detail. Made in strictly limited quantities, our wines are all about capturing the very best of our region and bringing you a true taste of our little corner of Northern California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHelen Keplinger\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e68.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, Blend of Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III and Red Hen Vineyard; 30% Merlot, Nine Suns\/Houyi Vineyard; 1.3% Petit Verdot, Sage Ridge Canyon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wine shines in the glass with a garnet red hue. An immediate ascent of violet, musk, and tomato leaf laced with star anise, cinnamon, and orange zest on the nose. Followed by the classic sweet plum and mulberry notes of the mountain-based Napa merlot. The palate is polished and highly stylized. It is succulent, yet still linear with darker fruits, iodine, and pencil shavings. The mid-palate is taught, enigmatic, and loaded with exquisite Napa Valley black, red and dark fruits. Finishes hedonistic, engaging, and assertive. The ideal temperature for serving is 67°F, don’t hesitate to decant for more immediate desire. Serve in a generous fine cut red Bordeaux glass!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIron, herbs, dried meat and blackberries on the nose, together with tapenade and oyster shell. Rich and deep on the palate, with vivid dried herbs that linger through the finish. Chalky tannins here, almost dusty, with pumice and roasted herbs that add a fine touch of bitterness at the end. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kerr","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50225685954865,"sku":null,"price":169.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Kerr_ReserveRed_NapaValley_California_2017.jpg?v=1730481492"},{"product_id":"mauritson-zinfandel-dry-creek-valley-sonoma-county-california-2021","title":"Mauritson, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/span\u003e                                                                     \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince 1868, the Mauritson family has been growing grapes in the Dry Creek Valley. Our great-great-great grandfather S.P. Hallengren, a grape growing pioneer in the Rockpile region, first planted vines in 1884, shipping every ounce of his wine back to Sweden. Our family's Rockpile homestead and ranch grew to 4,000 acres by the early 1960s when all but 700 ridgetop acres was acquired by the Army Corps of Engineers in order to develop Lake Sonoma. The vineyards shown in many of our historical family photos are now under water! For the next 30 years, the Rockpile property would serve mostly for sheep grazing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix generations and more than 150 years later, we're earning a reputation for outstanding winemaking along with our sought-after harvests. Opened in April 2004, our winemaking facility and tasting room is located at 2859 Dry Creek Road, on the corner of Dry Creek and Lytton Springs roads in Healdsburg. We can't wait to welcome you and share our wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNamed after one of the area’s earliest settlers, the Jack’s Cabin site has quite a colorful history. Though Jack Ireland’s primary occupation was clearing land for sheep and cattle grazing, he was most known for his moonshine and disregard for the law. Apparently, he spent many a night in the county jail. When my father, and grandfather before him, were growing up on the property, only the tattered remnants of Jack’s house remained. The old decrepit structure only strengthened the notion that the “cabin” was haunted, and thus was born the legend of Jack’s Cabin!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanted at nearly 950 feet in elevation and roughly 15 degrees slope, the Jack’s Cabin Vineyard is one of Rockpile’s premier sites. It has a southern sun exposure and is planted with the meandering natural slope of the bench. Relatively hidden from the coastal breezes that howl through Rockpile, this vineyard is the least stressed of all the blocks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eClay Mauritson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e91% Zinfandel 9% Petite Sirah\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSonoma County, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerfumed ripe summer blackberry, pomegranate seed, sweet spice, and crushed violet candy mingle beautifully with sweet pie crust, almond paste, and vanilla pod aromas. On the palate this Zinfandel is energetic and multi-faceted. Details of fresh dark fruits and toasted coffee bean give way to a core of inviting plush tannins and a long fresh finish. 91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis handsome and refined Zin retains a lively sense of briar patch, plus vibrant cherry, raspberry and spice flavors that zip along the sleek finish. Drink now through 2033.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn opaque red, the 2021 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley is layered with spice as well as graphite, pepper, black cherry, and leather. Full-bodied and compactly structured, with good concentration and notes of ripe blackberry, fresh soil, and lavender perfume on the finish, this is a ripe and fleshy wine to drink 2025-2035.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBig, opulent aromas of dried cherry, black plum and licorice jump from the glass. The palate is charged with intense raspberry and chocolate flavors. The finish is rich and weighty, owing to 9% Petite Sirah in the mix, demanding either a few years in the cellar or a smoked brisket. The choice is yours.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chambers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50312464269617,"sku":null,"price":36.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Mauritson_Zinfandel_DryCreekValley_SonomaCounty_California_2021.jpg?v=1731883293"},{"product_id":"shibumi-knoll-chardonnay-buena-tierra-vineyard-russian-river-valley-california-2021","title":"Shibumi Knoll, Chardonnay, Buena Tierra Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003ePicture this fairytale setting: a country cottage on top of a gentle grassy knoll which opens up to a vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon and sweeping views of both the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This is Shibumi Knoll. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Don and Joann Ross moved to the Napa Valley in 2003, their plan was to simplify. They wanted a home and a life that slowed down the moments and enriched the things they cared about most - their relationships with their family, friends, and the land. This idyllic setting was exactly what they were looking for, and the .75-acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines that came with the 3-acre property was an enticing new project for the couple. Come to find out that not only was the vineyard planted on the distinct rocky soils of Mill Creek's alluvial fan, but that with their purchase they also inherited David Abreu's world-class vineyard management team. This was a special piece of land. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it came time to name their family label, Don and Joann quickly arrived at the name 'Shibumi Knoll'. Shibumi, is a Japanese word describing a physical and emotional state which most nearly translates to \"the pursuit of perfection though simplicity\" or \"Effortless Perfection\". This spoke to both the way they sought to live life as well as the way they hoped to make wine - a perfect fit. All of the pieces finally fell into place when Don and Joann were able to bring Thomas Rivers Brown on board as their winemaker. Truly one of the greatest winemakers in the Napa Valley and beyond (Pulido-Walker, Riverain, Swagger, I could go on...), Shibumi Knoll was set for success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRussian River Valley, Napa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChardonnay will leave you loving each sip. Its diverse structure of beautiful balance can be paired with many dishes as well as a stand-alone delight. Shibumi has always been a drinkable wine that you don’t want to put down, this is no exception and will prove to be one of my favorites and I hope yours too. The nose is like breathing in sweet apples with a hint of pineapple and apricots. The color is bright and fresh. The taste is crisp and refreshing with hints of tangerine and stone fruit. This vintage is delicate with a sophistication and elegance that creates pure delight as on a blue sky, soft breeze summer's day. \u003cspan\u003eChardonnay has a basket of bright aromas of apricot and peach. The palate opens with a rich acidity that melts away and gives into a creamy finish - like lemon meringue for the holidays!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStone fruits, buttered citrus, white flowers, and a subtle hint of green almonds all emerge from the 2021 Chardonnay Buena Tierra Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, yet elegant Chardonnay. I love its overall balance, and it brings an impressive mix of richness and elegance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Wine Brokers","offers":[{"title":"2021","offer_id":52107668521265,"sku":null,"price":99.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2022","offer_id":52107668554033,"sku":null,"price":99.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/ShibumiKnoll_Chardonnay_BuenaTierraVineyard_RussianRiverValley_California_2021.jpg?v=1733346042"},{"product_id":"the-mascot-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2020","title":"The Mascot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e “From the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough I grew up running around the winery, hand-turning de-stemmers, and eating grapes off the vines in our backyard, I never thought I’d discover my own passion in making wine. My family has been in the business longer than I’ve been around, but it was only a handful of years ago that curiosity led me beyond the event horizon of this world. It began with the experience of learning the complexities of blending wine in 2008, and progressed steadily until I found myself working in the cellar, handling barrel fermentation throughout the harvest of 2012. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe Mascot began early on as an experiment, after talking the family and winemaking team into sparing a few barrels of wine—produced from our younger vines—to explore a blend of my own. In the first few years, before it had a label or a name, it was just a wine shared with friends and family. It wasn’t until the 2008 vintage, our first official release, that we had enough to share with new friends.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWill Harlan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Mascot is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made from distinct hillside vineyards; specifically the younger vines of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOND, Harlan Estate, and Promontory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003eIt started out as a small project shared among the family, winemaking team, and close friends. Drawing fruit from blocks of recently replanted vineyards, The Mascot shares a glimpse into the evolution of its parent estates: a youthful snapshot of their future… With an athletic balance of energy and density, The Mascot is expressive and approachable early in its life with the potential to evolve long into the future…\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA vibrant purity manifests within this vintage’s generosity, which advances without excess of weight or volume. Aromas of gentle red fruit give way, eventually, to a savory darkness and finely wrought core. An effortless, structural tension transforms into a silky softness on the palate that envelopes The Mascot’s inner depth and dimension. The 2020 vintage resonates rather than roars: its intricate threads of tannin, acidity, and nuance interweave to form a complete expression that shimmers with sensory detail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIan Blackburn - “Teeth” -\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e Teeth 94 \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-50840d2e-7fff-9748-6b23-c5e27a789382\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2020 was a changing vintage in Napa due to fires, but it was on track to be one of the great vintages…. and with this wine you can count on a couple things.  Precision - balance - purity - focus - this is one of the most elegant and refined wines under the Mascot label.  It's not light and thin, it's voluminous and pure… and for that I believe the wine to be an upside surprise.  I was dead set not to purchase 2020’s without intense scrutiny. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e.  Color 14\/15 (what does 15 look like anyway?) , Aroma 24\/25 (gorgeous), Body 23\/25 textbook Napa, textbook luxury Cabernet 33\/35, and Overall this wine is a considerable surprise … I think it rewards early drinking but has great balance and will no doubt be even better in its 5th and further years… \u003cb\u003e 94 Points \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - CT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hillbrand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50530562539825,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/TheMascot_CabernetSauvignon_NapaValley_California_2020.jpg?v=1749994872"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/april-30-top-wines-of-napa-valley-sonoma.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}