{"title":"3\/19: Napa Valley The Experience","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"institution-winery-cabernet-sauvignon-erba-vineyard-napa-valley-california-2018","title":"Institution Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Erba Vineyard, Napa Valley, California, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eInspired by our decade-long relationship with winemaker Russell Bevan, Institution represents a zero compromise approach to crafting Napa Valley wine. Established year 2018 at 2100 Hoffman Lane, Napa Valley. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe selfishly aim to create deep, hedonistic wines that we love to drink. We share what is left with those who never apologize for what they love.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRussell Bevan and Josh Peeples have worked together since 2010. Russell has earned over 15 100-point wines in his career, including the world's only 100-point wine in 2011.\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\"\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\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCombining seven blocks of this rocky mountain side vineyard spread across a 1200 foot change in elevation, this Cabernet Sauvignon quickly reveals its power and focus. Dark chocolate, espresso, and cigar box all support a core of blueberry and black licorice. Aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months, this wine offers amazing texture and mouthfeel that unveil the hedonistic nature of this rugged vineyard site. While this wine has the structure to age for decades, its polished tannins allow for it to be enjoyed in its youth.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck (2019)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2019 Institution Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Erba VineyardThe minty, chocolaty, currant, and plum-loaded 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Erba Vineyard is full-bodied, ripe, and balanced, with both ripe tannins and a great sense of freshness. It shows more red and black fruits with time in the glass and is a plush, forward, undeniably delicious Cabernet.\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":43934408900913,"sku":"","price":219.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Institution-Winery-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Erba-Vineyard-Napa-Valley-California-2018.jpg?v=1762529972"},{"product_id":"cervantes-family-vineyards-palomino-sauvignon-blanc-napa-valley-california-2022","title":"Cervantes Family Vineyards, Palomino, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCervantes Family Vineyards is a 1,100 Acre Ranch in the far eastern reaches of Napa Valley last frontier, marks the highest profile project where winemaker Andy Erickson (Favia, Dalla Valle, Mayacamas, Arietta, and formerly of Screaming Eagle, Harlan and Staglin) and Xavier Cervantes Family are growing a text book Napa Valley hill side wines. Where wild deer and bears still roam, giving the feeling of an uncharted feral frontier to these elegant and polish wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe wanted to express the full range of our soils with the unique elegance of a white wine, which is lighter but, at the same time, has complexity, richness, character, and the relentless wilderness of our land. Similar to Cervantes Red Wines, it is always adventurous, demanding the best quality and experience. We like to feel whole as we complete the range of grapes that we can grow in our terroirs. Our white wine has an elegant style, is totally dry, has good acidity, and is fresh like cold air. It is complex, well-structured, bright with a round texture. and has a neutral barrel with a sense or place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have decided to name our Sauvignon Blanc \"Palomino\" to finalize that unique character of our land. It is the beautiful golden color of a loyal horse. Nowadays, Palominos from California are the most popular and well-known for being highly spirited, having excellent temperament and unique personality. Overall, they are incredibly curious, alert, gentle, calm, versatile, social, and friendly. And this is exactly what we wanted to share with you... Enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAndy Erickson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSauvignon Blanc\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa Valley, 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\u003ePope Valley, the home of Cervantes Ranch, Is known as the source for vibrant and delicious Sauvignon blanc fruit. Typically the first harvested in Napa Valley every year, these grapes produce a white wine that is full of electric energy. Clone one Sauvignon Blanc is the classic expression of this varietal in Napa Valley. Our vines, twenty-five years old, on a gentle, gravelly slope, deliver a style of wine that has a full range of aromas and flavors. Grapes are whole-cluster pressed, fermented in barrel and aged on the lees for seven months, giving the wine breadth, texture, and purity. By restricting malolactic fermentation we are able to capture the freshness and focus of the vineyard. And, by limiting the new French oak to only 25% of the barrels, we can allow the fruit to come forward, while still framing the wine with a solid structure and adding length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 2022 vintage, our inaugural white wine for Cervantes, shows notes of lemon peel, grapefruit, thyme, and subtle baking spices. The acidity excites the palate, then expands and lingers for minutes. It is an easy wine-delicious with food-but also a wine of substance and contemplation. This young wine is completely appealing right now and will continue to unfold and reveal more complexities as it ages in bottles for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94+ Points - Wine Independant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Palomino from Cervantes opens with alluring notes of white peaches, fresh grapefruit, and lemon drops, giving way to nuances of coriander seed, beeswax, elderflower, and lime blossoms. The medium to full-bodied palate is gracefully played, delivering layers of citrus, stone fruit, and floral notes with a seamless backbone and wonderfully satiny texture, finishing with great length. Delicious right now, this should age gracefully over the next 5 to 7-years+ \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"USA Wine West","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45871571992881,"sku":"","price":86.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Cervantes-Family-Vineyards-Palomino-Sauvignon-Blanc-Napa-Valley-California-2022.jpg?v=1760731212"},{"product_id":"robert-foley-cabernet-franc-napa-valley-california-2021","title":"Robert Foley, Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eRobert (Bob) Foley began his wine making career in the Napa Valley in 1977, having just graduated from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. He spent his first year working for Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker for Markham Vineyards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eIn 1992, Bob began another 15 years as the founding winemaker for Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this period, he also created the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. He now focuses mostly on Robert Foley Vineyards wines, but also creates the offerings of Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise Wines in the Napa Valley.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eIn 1998 Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret and has since expanded and diversified its production to offer more of the big reds Bob is famous for – Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, the limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Howell Mountain Merlot from our estate property, a Carneros Pinot Noir, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Griffin (a blend of the best in the red cellar that changes varietal composition each vintage). Bob has also bottled three of his favorites: a medium-bodied Chablis-style Chardonnay, a Syrah called Kelly's Cuvée, and a Port-style dessert wine named Conclusão.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eBob’s reputation for producing very expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to develop at his winery facility on Napa County’s Howell Mountain, where more than 1,000 barrels are housed in an extensive cave system (completed in 2008) for the production of Robert Foley wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eRobert Foley Vineyards is a full-time staff of three that handcrafts the wines (Bob) and run the office (Kellyand Shannon). In the tasting room, Kelly's dad Jerryhelps out from time to time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eMina, Spike, and Jimmy da Kitten are the feline Office Interns in charge of treats, naps, and distraction, while Princess Bella and King Tommy proudly preside as our official Winery Cats.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eWhen Bob's not making wine, he spends time with his wife (and RFV's business manager) Kelly Kehoe, and his children and granddaughters. You can also find him singing and playing guitar in \u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003ca data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" data-uw-rm-ext-link=\"\" aria-label=\"The Robert Foley Band - open in a new tab\" data-uw-original-href=\"http:\/\/www.robertfoleyband.com\/\" data-uw-rm-brl=\"PR\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.robertfoleyband.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Robert Foley Band\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eor SCUBA diving.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan data-uw-rm-color-contrast=\"prs\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRobert Foley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e76.5% Cabernet Franc, 12.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Merlot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDark ruby in color, this fully ripe Cabernet Franc steers away from green character and delivers aromas of ripe blueberry and a bouquet of roses. The youthful body is full with flavorful mid-palate grip and beautifully balanced natural acidity that resolves with very soft tannins in a lingering finish. Enjoy this wine now with the meal of your choice and rest assured bottle-aging for 10+ years will provide extended enjoyment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSince the inception of Robert Foley Vineyards' wine production, we have had relentless urging by friends familiar with my work with Cabernet Franc to resume making this wine. Experience with it in the early 1980s, coaching and encouragement by André Tchelistcheff, and the chance to work with high elevation vineyards where exposure plays key elements in flavor development inspired me to work again with this variety. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith consumer and culinary interest in this variety increasing, our friends have become more insistent. As good fortune has it, we began working with a high elevation vineyard east of Atlas Peak where plantings of Cabernet Franc benefit from warmth and exposure allowing for even and complete ripening. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe 2021 vintage is our first Franc bottling under our label. Normally we like to bottle-age our red wines for several years before release, but in this case we are offering our 2021 Cabernet Franc at a younger stage. Enjoy this wine now with the meal of your choice and rest assured bottle-aging for ten to twenty more years will provide extended enjoyment.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eA blend of 76.5% Cabernet Franc, 12.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Merlot aged 18-20 months in 30% new French oak, the 2021 Cabernet Franc reveals red and black fruits, leather, savory flowers, and chocolate nuances. Medium to full-bodied, pretty, and elegant on the palate, with a seamless texture and fine tannins, this impressive release will drink nicely for 10-12 years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49854202577201,"sku":null,"price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Robert_Foley_Cabernet_Franc_Napa_Valley_California_2021.jpg?v=1743804975"},{"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":"plinth-sauvignon-blanc-napa-valley-california-2023","title":"Plinth, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePlinth Wine began as a love letter from Flora and Jason Chang to their cherished Houyi Vineyard sitting atop Pritchard Hill. Like any good story, we must venture to the beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eAfter arriving in California in 2010, a majestic plot of land enchanted the Changs. It was there that they planted their entrepreneurial wine roots, founding Nine Suns Winery and Houyi Vineyard. The wine brand grew under their passionate direction, as did Houyi’s reputation among wine-lovers and winegrowers within—and far beyond—the rolling hills of Napa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIn 2022, the Changs passed stewardship of the winery and vineyard to their longtime partners and friends, Realm Cellars. Their wine journey, though, was far from over. During those 12 years with Nine Suns, a budding interest in wine blossomed into a great reverence for wine's distinct ‘somewhere-ness’ and the occasions and people that give wine its meaningful relevance. This perspective on the meaning of a wine’s plinth inspired a brand devoted to both the land it grows from and the experiences over which it is shared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eUnder the winemaking direction of Philippe Melka and continued relationship with Realm Cellars, Plinth produces its own expression of Pritchard Hill with a very limited batch of Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard wines and choreographs Bordeaux blends and white varietals that celebrate wine as a foundational element of a life well-lived.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePhilippe Melka (Master of his craft)\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\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\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eA Sauvignon Blanc of bold presence, balancing bright acidity with a rounded, supple texture. The wine is vibrant upon opening, unfolds with energy and marks an elegant, long finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(This wine is the enduring legacy of the Nine Suns Sauvignon Blanc)\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":50542036517169,"sku":null,"price":91.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Plinth_Sauvignon_Blanc_Napa_Valley_California_2023.jpg?v=1736198340"},{"product_id":"hudson-chardonnay-carneros-estate-napa-valley-california-2023","title":"Hudson, Chardonnay, Carneros Estate, Napa Valley, California, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Consulting Winemaker - John Kongsgaard)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSituated deep in the heart of the rolling hills of Napa Valley’s Carneros District, Hudson Ranch and Vineyards is our agrarian dream. Producing world-class wine grapes for exceptional wines and Tuscan olives for verdant oil, raising heritage breed pigs, lamb and chickens, and growing a diverse array of seasonal fruits and vegetables for our grocery store, Hudson Greens \u0026amp; Goods, our farm encapsulates the true sense of wonder, possibility, and enthusiasm with which we start each day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHudson Vineyards produces grapes of distinction from uniquely situated sites on two hundred acres of vineyards. Over thirty years of meticulous winegrowing and winemaking experience goes into each bottle of Hudson Wine. Additionally, Hudson Vineyards’ premium grapes are sold to 27 wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties, some of which produce wines from specific vineyard sites identified as distinct and bear the ‘Hudson Vineyards’ designation on their labels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa\/Sonoma, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe fruit was picked by hand at night, whole cluster pressed, and barrel fermented utilizing native yeast in 70% new Francois Freres \u0026amp; Damy French-forest oak barrels. The wine is stirred regularly while being aged sur lie, and bottled unfiltered and unfined after an 22 month élevage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Chardonnay showcases a combination of 3 distinct blocks from the Hudson Estate planted to Heritage Shot Wente clone. We hand select barrels from each site to create a Chardonnay that fully expresses the elegant and balanced style of Hudson Vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHudson produces grapes of distinction from 200 acres of estate vineyards situated in the heart of the rolling hills of Napa Valley’s Carneros District. Forty years of meticulous winegrowing and winemaking experience goes into each bottle of Hudson wine. Our deep understanding of the intricate combinations of soil, climate, rootstock, clone, and scion, combined with our management of each vineyard block, allows us to produce premium wines with an intense varietal expression found only at Hudson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - The Wine Palate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2023 Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay prances out with showy notes of white peaches, beeswax, juicy pears, and allspice, plus hints of wet pebbles and coriander seed. The medium to full-bodied palate is satiny and savory, delivering lots of orchard fruit layers and a long mineral-laced finish.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGenerous ripe fruit like pears and golden apples resting on a relaxed, rich texture. This wine is gentle, almost sweet tasting, with Bartlett pears, vanilla bean, creme brulee and white chocolate on the palate. Drink now.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51893399683377,"sku":null,"price":70.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Hudson_Chardonnay_Carneros_Estate_Napa_Valley_California_2023.jpg?v=1759369091"},{"product_id":"melka-mekerra-knights-valley-napa-valley-calilfornia-2018","title":"Melka, Merlot, 'Mekerra,' Knights Valley, Napa Valley, 2018","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\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMétisse is a French word meaning “a blend of cultures”. We chose this name because it embodies both the spirit of our original concept and our spirit as the winemakers a blend of French and American). Our first Métisse vintage, in 1996, was the result of blending grape varietals and vineyard sources. A symbiotic relationship between Philippe and his clients led to an extraordinary blend of grapes from all over Napa Valley. Then in 2003, we decided to make a single-vineyard Métisse wines. It seemed a natural progression for us, and fit our philosophy about wines expressing their native soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePhilippe and Cherie Melka\u003c\/span\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\u003e100% Merlot\u003c\/span\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\u003eHaving fallen in love with the Merlot from this vineyard, we continue to dedicate ourselves to producing this single varietal bottling.  Boasting a deep garnet purple color, the aromatics hit full on with black cherry, tobacco, chocolate and savory herbs. An extremely elegant Merlot that is medium to full bodied, lush with amazingly bright energy and superb balance.  The palate is chock full of dark fruits, velvety tannins and a finish that has layers of spices and goes on forever.\u003cstrong\u003e\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":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51935465505073,"sku":null,"price":90.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Melka_Mekerra_Knights_Valley_Napa_Valley_Calilfornia_2018.jpg?v=1760476353"},{"product_id":"pott-wines-incubo-mt-veeder-napa-valley-california-2022","title":"Pott Wines, 'Incubo', Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMt. Veeder has been getting a lot of well-deserved press recently. We loved it at first sight, and moved up here in 2004. It's a dormant volcano and its landscapes can be downright weird: tension of tectonic shift in the plunging canyons; soils of ancient sea-floor shale and sandstone pushed above 1500 feet.\u003cbr\u003eAs you would expect from Pott, we respect and nurture the weirdness. We allow a permanent cover crop between our vine rows which supports the microbial world in the soil, and all the attendant birds and beasties above. We have nesting boxes for owls, bluebirds and bats, and they in turn control insects and other predators. We are 100% organically farmed, and even brew our own \"compost teas\" for when the vines need a refreshing boost of nutrients.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes time to harvest we pick by hand in to small baskets to avoid premature crushing. We harvest multiple times because different parts of the vineyard ripen at different times. In spite of researching many high tech ways to analyze ripeness we still prefer to pick by flavor, the old-fashioned way. (In other words we eat a lot of grapes!)\u003cbr\u003eThen to the winery where age-old artisanal techniques and indigenous yeasts develop pure, un-adulterated expressions of our site and its beauty\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAaron Pott\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/span\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\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2022 vintage was the most perfect example yet of the majesty of our ridge-top mountain site. Deftly textured tannins give rich, full body, yet the wine maintains its hallmark purity, with layers upon layers of elegant fruit (blackberry to violets to orange blossom) and a long finish of cocoa, tobacco, plum and blackcurrant. There is a very small percentage of Cabernet Franc that lifts the mid palate and brightens the intense aromatics.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSo muscular, sinewy, firm and structured, yet elegant, concentrated and pure. This full-bodied wine balances firm, layered tannins and brilliant fresh raspberries, blueberries, and blackcurrants. Elegant, well balanced and beautiful. It offers the fine-grained tannins of Mt. Veeder that will help it age a long time. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Independent\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe single-varietal 2022 Incubo Cabernet Sauvignon, tasted as a barrel sample, is deep garnet-purple in color. It leaps with scents of creme de cassis, black cherries, and mulberries, followed by touches of violets, dark chocolate, and cardomom. The full-bodied palate is rich, juicy, plush, and really plummy, with a peppery lift to the finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eComing entirely off the estate vineyard on Mount Veeder, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Incubo includes just a drop (1%) of Cabernet Franc. It's muscular and tannic, sturdy and rich, with aromas of cedar, cinnamon and dark earth accenting a mix red and black cherries.\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":51935531204913,"sku":null,"price":187.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Pott_Wines_Incubo_Mt._Veeder_Napa_Valley_California_2022.jpg?v=1760706787"},{"product_id":"001-vintners-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2021","title":"001 Vintners, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ecotone Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2021 (Graeme MacDonald)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFollowing the repeal of Prohibition, in 1933, Carmine Martignetti was granted retail license number 001 for Martignetti Grocery Company in Boston’s North End. Since the late 1970’s, a passion for wine led our family to introduce numerous Napa Valley wines to New England. Inspired by those classic vintages, third-generation principals Carmine and Beth Martignetti and their sons Freddie, Philip and Michael have created their own wine, sourced from thirty-three-year-old hillside vines of Ecotone Vineyard. In partnership with winemaker Graeme MacDonald, grape-grower Jack Bittner, and crafted at Hudson Napa Valley, the Martignetti family aspires to create a classically styled, singular wine that reflects this unique site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipWinery_copy viewMoreModule\" itemprop=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"viewMoreModule_text\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGraeme MacDonald\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e90.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWinemaker Graeme MacDonald describes the wine as \"Jumping from the glass with complex layers of high-toned red cherry, wild strawberries, rose petals and hints of dried herbs. Thirty-seven year old hillside vines add depth and concentration across the palate with fine noble tannins and a mouth-watering finish. A beautifully balanced wine expressing restraint, purity and a sense of place.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery concentrated and firmly structured, this wine is built for aging. Deep, dark black cherries, black currants and blackberries are shaded by star anise, espresso crema and clove accents as sandy, supportive tannins lend a firm backbone. Made from half Rutherford and half Howell Mountain grapes. Best from 2028–2040\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51938157068593,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/001_Vintners_Ecotone_Vineyard_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Napa_Valley_California_2021.jpg?v=1760554525"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/3-19-napa-valley.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}