{"title":"Ian's Recommended Buy Now Drink Later - June 2022","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"locanda-estate-durif-romulus-estate-red-sonoma-valley-california-2018","title":"Locanda Estate, Durif “Romulus”, Estate Red, Sonoma Valley, California, 2018 (Petite Sirah)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HtIRJUW0ClE\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg height=\"166\" width=\"596\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/FtinStarsofSonoma_Banner_copy.jpg?v=1655213588\" alt=\"\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/FtinStarsofSonoma_Banner_copy.jpg?v=1655213588\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HtIRJUW0ClE\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick Here to Watch the Tasting!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOur mythological crest depicting the Capitoline Shewolf pays homage to the ancient Romans whose passion and innovation elevated winemaking to a refined art. This everlasting legacy is the inspiration for our passion and fearless innovation to create exceptional limited production wines. The soil is composed of gravelly clay loam with a strikingly red color. The rocky soils drain well, helping to stress the vines late in the growing season, concentrating flavors. With both coastal and inland influences, this area is perfect for creating grapes that retain their acidity and balance while maturing fully. The cold air and fog cool the nights while long, warm days allow the fruit to fully ripen. Winemaking The grapes were picked at the peak of ripeness during the early morning hours to preserve maximum fruit expression. The fruit was then immediately sorted meticulously then whole berry destemmed with an optical sorter then sent to a stainless cooled tank to rest and soak prior to a native yeast fermentation. The wine was fermented slowly over two weeks with a maximum temperature of 88°F to preserve the color and intense fruit aromas. A averaged total of 25 days on the skins. Aged in a blend of new and lightly seasoned French oak barrels for 21 months and constantly monitored to insure soft tannin balance is achieved. We use a mixture of several of the best cooperages including: Rousseau, Taransaud, Francois Frees, Radoux.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/CnQ1HuRORGQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePetite Sirah\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSonoma Valley, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Note\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNose: blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon and allspice. Fresh plums and hints of sage and peony flowers On the palate: Silky black cassis and an medley of blue and black vine fruits followed by hint of chocolate, the mid-palate is a powerful profile of earthy mushroom, campfire smoke, coconut cream and a mouth full of black cherry cola that extends into the finish a mile long. A two decade wine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40189851336746,"sku":"","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Locanda-Estate-Durif-Romulus-EstateRed-Sonoma-Valley-California-2018.jpg?v=1762529098"},{"product_id":"locanda-estate-remus-sonoma-valley-california-2018","title":"Locanda Estate, 'Remus', Sonoma Valley, California, 2018","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOur mythological crest depicting the Capitoline Shewolf pays homage to the ancient Romans whose passion and innovation elevated winemaking to a refined art. This everlasting legacy is the inspiration for our passion and fearless innovation to create exceptional limited production wines. The soil is composed of gravelly clay loam with a strikingly red color. The rocky soils drain well, helping to stress the vines late in the growing season, concentrating flavors. With both coastal and inland influences, this area is perfect for creating grapes that retain their acidity and balance while maturing fully. The cold air and fog cool the nights while long, warm days allow the fruit to fully ripen. Winemaking The grapes were picked at the peak of ripeness during the early morning hours to preserve maximum fruit expression. The fruit was then immediately sorted meticulously then whole berry destemmed with an optical sorter then sent to a stainless cooled tank to rest and soak prior to a native yeast fermentation. The wine was fermented slowly over two weeks with a maximum temperature of 88°F to preserve the color and intense fruit aromas. A averaged total of 25 days on the skins. Aged in a blend of new and lightly seasoned French oak barrels for 21 months and constantly monitored to insure soft tannin balance is achieved. We use a mixture of several of the best cooperages including: Rousseau, Taransaud, Francois Frees, Radoux.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrimitivo Zinfandel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSonoma Valley, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Note\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLoads of ripe strawberry, elderberry and peach preserves with hints of cinnamon and tea leaf on the nose. Transitions into a red and black fruit medley, loads of roasted coffee and cacao beans with accents of bacon jam, lavender, mushroom, fennel and black olive notes. The wine is elegant and focused. A solid 8-12 year wine that will benefit from the cellar aging. Less than 100 cases produced annually.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47311712223537,"sku":null,"price":69.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Locanda-Estate-Remus-Sonoma-Valley-California-2018.jpg?v=1759500166"},{"product_id":"almacerro-estate-cabernet-sauvignon-howell-mountain-napa-valley-2018","title":"Almacerro, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout The Producer\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eWe fell in love with a Napa we came to know in the early 1980s, which is to say a Napa that hadn’t changed much since the repeal of Prohibition. Farmers and winemakers tasting out of their cellars, unabashedly agrarian and bucolic. Remote and often wild places; even on the well-traveled Silverado Trail you felt like you were miles in the country. So when we started looking for a vineyard, we knew exactly what we wanted. We wanted our own piece of dirt, high up on Howell Mountain, perhaps Napa’s most remote outpost. A place to farm with all of the raw materials to allow for the utmost in quality in our wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd Almacerro was it. At almost 1,800 feet, the grapes grown here are mountain fruit — no debating that. Since we have been here, we have worked to revitalize and expand the vineyard planted by the family before us, so it can reach its full potential. Our crushpad is rustic and our caves unadorned. But they work. Like a lovingly restored family heirloom, we’ve fixed what was broken and embraced the property’s character and beauty everywhere else. Under Mike Wolf’s care the vineyard is flourishing, and with Françoise Peschon and Matilda Scott’s expertise, the wines have a profile that reflects our approach — forthright in structure, nuanced and balanced in character, and evocative of this incredible place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMatilda Scott\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\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e1% Merlot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHowell Mountain, Napa Valley, California\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\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and brooding, earthy and layered. Notes of petrichor, cedar box, dusty savory herbs and mountain sage brush exude from the glass. Unmistakably Howell Mountain, its robust and muscular framework is woven delicately with luscious, velvety tannins to reveal a wine that is both power- ful and lifted. Beneath these savory layers are beautifully nuanced aromas of cassis, juicy ripe blackberries and mulberries with perfumy notes of fresh rose petals and lavender that provide yet another level of intrigue and depth to the wine. As the tannins wind their way across the palate, we are left with the impression of total balance and harmony, a wine that is both stoic and poised.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA glorious vintage, 2018 is one of the most idyllic in recent Napa history. The winter began with lower than usual rains and was slow to release its cold grasp on the mountain, pushing budbreak to the middle of April and setting the trend for an overall cooler growing season. These mild temperatures induced slow matura- tion of the grapevines and led to balanced canopy growth. Spring brought plentiful and well-timed rainfall giving the vines ample access to soil nutrients. Bloom in June was heralded with perfect- ly mild conditions, creating a generous fruit set of beautifully full clusters. Veraison soon followed in the middle of August, the timing of which, coupled with another cool spell, allowed for the brix to develop slowly and in unison with the phenolics and flavors of the berries. A bountiful harvest across the valley, the Almacerro estate saw the first pick on September 12th with the old vine Merlot and continued through October 6th with the last pick of Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe same blend as the 2017, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is another impressive, medium to full-bodied Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from this team. Cassis, graphite, chalky minerality, and iron, as well as some classic Howell Mountain bouquet garni-like notes, all define the aromatics, and it's balanced, has ripe tannins, and lots of minerality on the finish. Give it another 2-3 years and enjoy through 2038+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProduct Size: 750ml\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48485812371761,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Almacerro_EstateCabernetSauvignon_HowellMountain_NapaValley_2018.jpg?v=1710368890"},{"product_id":"biondi-santi-tenuta-greppo-annata-brunello-di-montalcino-tuscany-italy-2019","title":"Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eGiorgio Santi (Pienza, 1746 - Pienza, 1822) dedicated much of his life to naturalistic exploration. Almost immediately after graduating with a degree in Medicine from Siena University he travelled to France, first to Montpellier and then to Paris, where he made the acquaintance of great scientists such as Lavoisier and Buffon. He returned to Tuscany to ask the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo license to enter into the service of the Sovereign of Baden, but the Grand Duke, who was very good at recognising people qualities, answered by assigning him the post of professor of chemistry and natural history at Pisa University and of Director of the Museum and Botanical Garden. From then on, all his efforts went into teaching, reorganising the Pisa Museum and exploring the land of Tuscany. Under French rule, he was appointed Inspector General of Studies and then under Ferdinando III, Honorary Head of Education of the Tuscan Universities. In the three volumes that describe his travels around the Province of Siena, he concentrated mainly on the botanical and geological aspects of the areas visited. The work was extremely successful, so much so that it was translated into the main European languages. He was among the initiators of the reports on explorations drawn up using the odeporic method, adopted between the 18th and 19th centuries by numerous travelling naturalists.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFederico Radi\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSangiovese\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\u003eTuscany, Italy\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\u003cspan\u003eBrunello di Montalcino Biondi-Santi is the first Brunello in history and has embodied for 150 years the vision that inspired Clemente Santi in the nineteenth century to create its first expression. It is today, as then, a distinct wine with a complex and refined personality. Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is a wine full of light and energy, a wine that is predisposed to a very long aging. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eVery perfumed and fragrant with sweet berries and fresh roses that follow through to a medium body with pretty depth of fruit and balance. Racy and driven, there’s a lot going on in the center-palate. The legend lives. Give this a few years to open, but already impressive. Best after 2027.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Biondi-Santi 2019 Brunello di Montalcino was born in a generous vintage that provided abundant high-quality fruit. The growing season became progressively warmer throughout summer, without heat spikes, and it ended with well-timed rains and a warm autumn. Harvest started in mid-September, and the grapes ripened according to the right parameters without over-ripeness. The wine shows a natural textural richness that is supported by dark fruit, navel orange, tobacco, laurel leaf and Mediterranean herb. There are flinty mineral notes that add to the complexity. This beautiful wine hits a special mark: it offers the ethereal qualities you expect of this celebrated estate, with a good level of austerity to match.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54331506786609,"sku":null,"price":319.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Biondi-Santi-Tenuta-Greppo-Brunello-di-Montalcino-Tuscany-Italy-2016.jpg?v=1762529139"},{"product_id":"castiel-estate-cabernet-sauvignon-howell-mountain-napa-valley-2023","title":"Castiel Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eInspired by Dave and Kathleen’s desire to capture time and place, Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a collaboration among nature, patient and caring human hands, and artistic excellence. It speaks clearly of its unique and extraordinary location upon Howell Mountain. It is masterfully brought to life by the talented and renowned winemaker, Celia Welch, whose deep knowledge and understanding of expressing terroir allows each vintage to showcase its unique qualities while maintaining the consistency of Howell Mountain characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the first vintage in 2014, attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. At the winery, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen with intent by manual and sophisticated optical sorting methods. During fermentation, the wine is left on the skins until complete, and then pressed and transferred to French oak barrels to age for 18 to 22 months. Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine structured around the backbone of minerality, concentrated fruit, powerful richness and integrated tannins, the hallmark qualities of a Howell Mountain cabernet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach vintage begins life in the vineyard where attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. Grapes are harvested by hand in several passes, resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. Arriving at the winery in the cool morning hours, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen, with intent, through optical and manual sorting processes. The wine is barrel aged in 100% French oak for 20-22 months then bottle aged 12-14 months prior to release.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSustainably Farmed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMaayan Koschitzky\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHowell Mountain, Napa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2023 Castiel Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant powerhouse that perfectly showcases the sophistication and complexity of these two high-elevation vineyards. Upon approach, it opens with expressive dark aromatics of graphite, dark chocolate, crushed rocks, and black fruits that are seamlessly blended with pronounced classic mountain freshness, wild herb and savory complexities. On the palate, the mountain tannins are pronounced, yet they feel completely dissolved and polished giving the wine a deep, textural and incredibly concentrated mouthfeel without any hard edges or heaviness. There is a stunningly beautiful core of natural sweetness in this wine that is layered with undertones of forest floor and violets. The integration of the French oak and vibrant acidity lead to a finish that literally does not quit. The 2023 Castiel Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is one of those rare offerings that can be enjoyed upon its initial release after a short decant or can effortlessly age for the next 30 years or more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA blend from Howell Mountain, Coombsville, and Oak Knoll, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley opens with crème de cassis, graphite, liquid lead pencil, violets, and chalky minerality. It's medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe, polished tannins, integrated acidity, and a gorgeous finish. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon from sites including Red Hen in Coombsville and Howell Mountain and aged 22 months in barrels, it comes across as an incredibly complete wine with a layered mouthfeel and a seamless, balanced profile that should cruise in the cellar. Drink this pleasure-bent Napa Cabernet over the coming 30 years. Drink 2025-2055.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTalk about a polished, beautifully concentrated and profoundly structured full-bodied Cabernet from the epic 2023 vintage in Napa, crafted by Maayan Koschitzky, the Screaming Eagle alum. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 4, 7, 169 and See) spent up to 22 months ageing in French oak, 60-70% of it new. The vines come from two sites: the 36-hectare Castiel Estate on Howell Mountain and Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville. Bold blackberry, black cherry and plum fruits are framed by impeccably fine French oak, which weaves an elegant framework around the ripe, expansive fruit. Contributions from the cooler Sleeping Lady site layer in fine wild herbs and dusty crushed-stone minerality, while the Howell Mountain grapes bring tannic power, muscle and dark-fruit intensity. The wine is flashy and full, yet so polished that there is an unexpected lightness and sleekness to it. You’re welcome to drink it now, but it would be best to hold until around 2027, allowing the mountain tannins to soften and the underlying earthy character to emerge in spades. What a wine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProduct Size: 750ml\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54463981912369,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CastielEstate_CabernetSauvignon_HowellMountain_NapaValley2023.jpg?v=1780937230"},{"product_id":"castiel-estate-sauvignon-blanc-napa-valley-2024","title":"Castiel Estate, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout The Producer\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eInspired by Dave and Kathleen’s desire to capture time and place, Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a collaboration among nature, patient and caring human hands, and artistic excellence. It speaks clearly of its unique and extraordinary location upon Howell Mountain. It is masterfully brought to life by the talented and renowned winemaker, Celia Welch, whose deep knowledge and understanding of expressing terroir allows each vintage to showcase its unique qualities while maintaining the consistency of Howell Mountain characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the first vintage in 2014, attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. At the winery, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen with intent by manual and sophisticated optical sorting methods. During fermentation, the wine is left on the skins until complete, and then pressed and transferred to French oak barrels to age for 18 to 22 months. Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine structured around the backbone of minerality, concentrated fruit, powerful richness and integrated tannins, the hallmark qualities of a Howell Mountain cabernet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach vintage begins life in the vineyard where attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. Grapes are harvested by hand in several passes, resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. Arriving at the winery in the cool morning hours, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen, with intent, through optical and manual sorting processes. The wine is barrel aged in 100% French oak for 20-22 months then bottle aged 12-14 months prior to release.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSustainably Farmed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMaayan Koschitzky\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSauvignon Blanc\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSt. Helena, Napa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMade in a fresh, vibrant Sancerre style, the 2024 Castiel Estate Sauvignon Blanc is complex and layered, with expressions of white flowers, lemon, citrus, melon, and a hint of passion fruit. On the palate, a medium bodied richness and an integrated acidity fold seamlessly into a clean, crisp, pleasant, and lingering finish. These Sauvignon Blanc Clone I vines were planted in the 1980s and are 100% organically farmed. The fruit was hand harvested on August 21st, whole cluster pressed, cold settled overnight, then barrel fermented in 20% new French oak at fifty-five degrees. Aged 10 months sur lees.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNow made by Maayan Koschitzky, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Castiel St. Helena is a bright, juicy white from Saint Helena that delivers ripe citrus, lemon curd, honeyed white flowers, and a touch of oyster shell. It's medium-bodied and ripe, with a round, textured mouthfeel, yet at the same time it stays incredibly juicy, clean, and pure. Based on Sauvignon Blanc and aged eight months in barrels, it has plenty of freshness as well as depth for the style. It is best enjoyed over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2032.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProduct Size: 750ml\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54463991415089,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CastielEstate_SauvignonBlanc_NapaValley2024.jpg?v=1780937772"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/ians-recommended-buy-now-drink-later-june-2022.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}