{"title":"Mega Napa Valley: Prestige","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"annulus-napa-valley-sauvignon-blanc-napa-valley-california-2022","title":"Annulus, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, 2022","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\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe’ve been fortunate to call the Napa Valley home for more than two decades. Living in this beautiful place, we have forged cherished friendships and close partnerships with world-renowned vintners, growers, and winemakers and honed our love of fine wines. After years of dreaming and planning, together with our daughters Alexandra and Elena, we are delighted to present Annulus and our own interpretation of the wines and Napa Valley vineyards we love.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe spirit and passion we bring to Annulus is also reflected in our decades-long dedication to unraveling the mysteries of a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease called scleroderma.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Board Members of the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) and Directors of the research program, we have spent many years building a pioneering research portfolio and an innovative global clinical trial platform designed to advance new therapies for scleroderma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach year, as a part of our fundraising efforts, we join forces with a star-studded group of comedians, actors, musicians and chefs for the cause at the SRF’s signature event, “Cool Comedy • Hot Cuisine.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2021, an early bud break, a long hang time, low yields, and a smaller leaf canopy yielded intense, concentrated fruit at Vine Hill Ranch. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNigel Kinsman\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\u003e61% Sauvignon Blanc, 24% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Musqué\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\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 2022 growing season began with dry conditions that promoted early bud break.  Moderate heat in the first half of the summer supported even ripening. The site’s southern exposure ensured full ripening while fastidious organic and biodynamic farming, led by Steve Matthiasson, preserved soil moisture. Morning fog and cool afternoon breezes sealed fresh acidity into the fruit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Bordeaux-style blend of 61% Sauvignon Blanc, 24% Sémillon, and 15% Sauvignon Musqué (an aromatic clone of Sauvignon Blanc) is sourced entirely from Rancho Pequeño Vineyard, a 10-acre parcel on the eastern bench of the Oakville appellation. Floral aromatics include honeyed acacia and chamomile, white pepper, and fennel seed. The palate offers up Asian pear, lemon confit, and lychee. Hints of oyster shell and a firm phenolic backbone give this wine excellent persistence and a mouthwatering finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - The Wine Palate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2022 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is composed of 76% Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Musque Clone, plus 24% Semillon. It zips out of the glass with intense notes of green apples, mown grass, and lime leaves, leading to hints of crushed rocks and yuzu zest. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and understated with savory nuances and a chalky finish.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50503278723377,"sku":null,"price":77.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Annulus_Napa_Valley_Sauvignon_Blanc_Napa_Valley_California_2022_88c1f20b-3a2d-4db5-a7e5-91db2d7a53e8.jpg?v=1752776950"},{"product_id":"bergman-proprietary-red-wine-napa-valley-california-2021","title":"Bergman, Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, California, 2021 (one to watch)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePioneer and adventurer Florentine Kellogg settled on the land in October of 1846. Kellogg was drawn to the site’s lush forests, abundant game, and the rugged sense of community among outdoorsmen. Upon successful completion of the ironwork for the neighboring Bale Grist Mill, Kellogg was awarded a 600-acre parcel where he planted fruit — including a 2-acre vineyard — before selling his property to the prominent Lyman family. The redwood stakes found here mark historic vines harvested in 1891 to Berger and Riesling by Mr. Lyman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter nearly a century of stewardship, the Lymans sold their property to the Heinemann family in 1970. Consistent with the spirit of the Kelloggs and Lymans, Carl Heinemann and his four young children ushered the land into a new era. Over more than a decade, the Heinemann family cleared rocky forest and oak woodland to plant to Pinot Noir and Riesling vines. The grapes were sold to Joseph Phelps, to become one of the earliest single-vineyard-designation wines in Napa Valley in the 1970s. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe newest era for our land began in 2013, when the vineyard was replanted as Bergman by renowned vineyard manager, David Abreu. With exacting attention paid to soil depth and consistency, sun and shade patterns, as well as the slopes, Abreu matched varieties and rootstocks to each distinctive micro-climate to achieve consistent maturity of fruit. The vineyard is certified organic and we follow regenerative farming practices throughout each step of production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eGraeme MacDonald, Nigel Kinsman, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDavid Abreu and Brett Bergman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 6% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot\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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOur Proprietary Red Wine is driven by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with touches of Merlot and Petit Verdot. The composition is always distinctive, but aromatic consistency transcends vintage.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, deep blue and spiced black fruits give way to layers of wild herbs and delicate floral aromas. The palate surprises with its vibrancy and firmness of structure. Cool, ripe fruit is layered with savory forest notes that come forward on the finish. Signature flavors include Wild Blueberry, Plum, Cherry, Lavender, Thyme, Rose Petal, Baking Spices, and Dry Forest Floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - The Wine Palate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis 2021 Proprietary Red Wine was made at Mending Wall by Graeme MacDonald, and the élevage and bottling were done in the newly finished estate cellar by Nigel Kinsman. It is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 6% Merlot, aged for 30 months in French oak, 95% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out of the glass with fragrant notes of candied violets, lavender oil, and mint tea, leading to a core of wild blueberries and warm cassis with a touch of raspberry coulis. The full-bodied palate shimmers with black and blue fruit layers, framed by wonderfully fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and so, so perfumed. 250 cases made.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairings: Grilled Lamb, Grilled Steak, Roast Beef, Venison\u003cbr\u003eDrinking Window: 2026–2050 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSo luscious, broad and velvety, this saturated wine coats the palate with ripeness and richness on a full body. It’s the debut vintage from a new wine estate. Red and black cherries, raspberries, cocoa, vanilla bean, bay laurel and a touch of black olives. Melts in the mouth, offering such creaminess and depth on powdery, superfine tannins. Drink or hold.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA stylish and polished wine with lifted blackberry and blueberry fruit, accented by graham cracker spice, fragrant new cedar, sage, and spearmint. Full-bodied, it showcases powerful Spring Mountain tannins that are robust and deeply embedded on the palate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe inaugural release, the 2021 Proprietary Red Wine checks in 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 6% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot, all aged 30 months in 95% new French oak. This deep ruby\/plum-hued beauty offers a killer nose of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, new leather, graphite, and chocolate. A rich, full-bodied, concentrated 2021, it has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, perfectly integrated oak, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age (if not more) but is a stunningly complete, layered, impressive Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that readers will love. This is a tiny estate and there's not much wine produced, but buy it if you can find it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBottled after approximately 29 months in French oak barrels (95% new), Bergman's inaugural release—although not the first vintage made off this small Spring Mountain vineyard—is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 6% each Merlot and Petit Verdot. The 2021 Red Wine, made with the advice of consultant Nigel Kinsman, is fragrant and floral, combining hints of sage, bay and violet with strong underlying notes of black cherries. Cocoa and vanilla nuances from the oak are also present on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is dense and concentrated yet simultaneously silky and fine, with a lingering, elegant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51475216105777,"sku":null,"price":289.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bergman_Proprietary_Red_Wine_Napa_Valley_California_2021_ca781a4c-ab8c-403a-a0ce-cc579e011ca3.jpg?v=1749818979"},{"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\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\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\u003cbr\u003epronounced, 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":157.0,"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/mega-napa-valley-prestige.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}