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Inventory updated: Sun, Mar 23, 2025 10:54 AM cst

New American Cellar
Today at Flickinger Wines we would like to showcase a recently acquired cellar of wines from the United States. Do not miss out on the 2015 Sine Qua Non Entre Chien et Loup White Wine, the 2017 Linne Calodo The Martian Proprietary Blend, the magnums of 2009 Sans Liege en Gedi Grenache or the 2004 Sine Qua Non Covert Fingers Pinot Noir. Happy Hunting!!
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| USA Red |
Bergstrom |
2016 |
Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir (375 ML) |
$20 |
1 |
|
|
|
Cloudline |
2021 |
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir  |
$16 |
1 |
|
|
WA 91 (3/2023): Part of the Domaine Drouhin Oregon portfolio, the 2021 Pinot Noir from Cloudline is very easy to drink! Medium ruby-purple in the glass, it's scented of cranberries, blackberries and blueberries with touches of tar, mushroom and lavender. Light-bodied, soft and juicy, it offers generous, perfumed fruit and a long, floral finish. It's exported around the world and should be fairly easy to find. |
|
Lewis Grace |
2014 |
Estate El Dorado Tempranillo |
$25 |
3 |
|
|
|
Linne Calodo |
2017 |
In My Dreams Proprietary Blend  |
$75 |
6 |
|
|
VM 96 (12/2020): Deep, brilliant ruby. Powerful, smoke-accented red and dark berry and spice-cake aromas are complemented by suave floral and incense accents that expand as the wine opens up. Appealingly sweet and broad on the palate, offering sappy black raspberry, cherry liqueur, star anise and lavender pastille flavors supported by a spine of juicy acidity. Smoothly plays richness off energy and finishes spicy and extremely long, with lingering florality and smooth tannins that add shape and subtle grip. (Drink between 2024-2034). Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2017 |
Overthinker Proprietary Blend  |
$99 |
6 |
|
|
VM 97 (12/2020): Inky ruby. Intensely perfumed black currant, boysenberry, candied violet and exotic spice aromas show outstanding clarity and take on a smoky mineral quality as the wine opens up. Stains the palate with concentrated red/blue fruit liqueur, floral pastille and spice-cake flavors that become livelier through the midpalate. Finishes extremely long and smooth, with harmonious tannins and resonating floral and spice notes. This is a re-taste for this outstanding wine, which I reviewed in our last article covering the region. Drink between 2025-2034. Josh Raynolds. JD 96 (9/2020): Lastly, the 2017 Overthinker checks in as 52% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 9% Carignan, 7% Mourvèdre, and 5% Graciano. It has a beautiful bouquet of kirsch liqueur, wildflowers, candied violets, and orange blossom. This carries to a full-bodied red with a rounded, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s beautiful today yet will keep for at least a decade. Drink between 2020-2030. WA 93 (10/2020): The 2017 Overthinker is a blend of 52% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 9% Carignan, 7% Mourvèdre and 5% Graciano. Medium ruby-purple in color, it opens with ripe red berry and currant fruit with accents of dust, iron, graphite, dried herbs and flowers. The medium-bodied palate is bright and fresh with loads of juicy uplift and concentrated, spicy berry flavors. It has a ripe, grainy frame and finishes long and nuanced. Drink between 2020-2030. |
|
|
2018 |
Overthinker Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
2005 |
Rising Tides Proprietary Blend  |
$59 |
1 |
|
|
WA 93 (8/2007): A blend of 51% Syrah, 38% Grenache, and the rest Mourvedre, the 2005 Rising Tides (700 cases) is dark ruby/purple, and has almost explosive garrigue-like notes interwoven with blackberry and cassis. The wine is firmly structured, very beautifully pure, dense, and expansive. This beauty should age nicely for 5-7 more years. |
|
|
2005 |
Slacker Proprietary Blend  |
$45 |
1 |
|
|
VM 90+ (11/2007): (65% syrah and 35% grenache) Deep red. Fresh, lively scents of spicy cherry, dark berries and exotic licorice. Brisk, sharply-focused cherry and anise flavors are sweetened by vanilla and firmed by a bitter chocolate quality. Tannins build on the finish but don't detract from the impressively vibrant fruit. I'd hold onto this for another few years. The laconic Trevisan told me that he was the slacker for whom the wine was named. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2017 |
The Martian Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
12 |
|
|
|
Sans Liege |
2009 |
en Gedi Grenache  |
$45 |
1 |
|
|
JD 94 (12/2011): One of the few Grenache based wines from California that can match the power and intensity of a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the brilliantly done and totally hedonistic 2009 Sans Liege Grenache En Gedi delivers bombastic and borderline over the top levels of sweet kirsch, licorice, incense, and spiced meat like characteristics that just come soaring from the glass. Full bodied, voluptuous, and sweetly fruited, yet with ripe underlying tannin and structure, as well as beautiful length and focus, this is a thrilling example of Grenache, yet not for those that shy away from large scaled, sweetly fruited wines. I'm a huge fan however and would drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years. VM 90 (11/2012): Ruby-red. Deep, smoky, rather powerful aromas of red and dark berry compote, dried cherry and vanilla. Fleshy and sweet, displaying an exotic array of red and dark fruit and floral scents underscored by anise and espresso. The plump, expansive finish is long, appealingly sweet and gently tannic. Josh Raynolds. WA 88 (8/2012): Another standout, the 2009 En Gedi (Grenache) is bigger and riper in style than the Offering. It shows good intensity in its fruit but the oak tannins appear to dry out the finish, which is surprising considering the vast majority of the barrels are seasoned. Hints of tobacco, anise and spices are layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
|
|
2009 |
en Gedi Grenache (1.5 L)  |
$90 |
3 |
|
|
JD 94 (12/2011): One of the few Grenache based wines from California that can match the power and intensity of a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the brilliantly done and totally hedonistic 2009 Sans Liege Grenache En Gedi delivers bombastic and borderline over the top levels of sweet kirsch, licorice, incense, and spiced meat like characteristics that just come soaring from the glass. Full bodied, voluptuous, and sweetly fruited, yet with ripe underlying tannin and structure, as well as beautiful length and focus, this is a thrilling example of Grenache, yet not for those that shy away from large scaled, sweetly fruited wines. I'm a huge fan however and would drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years. VM 90 (11/2012): Ruby-red. Deep, smoky, rather powerful aromas of red and dark berry compote, dried cherry and vanilla. Fleshy and sweet, displaying an exotic array of red and dark fruit and floral scents underscored by anise and espresso. The plump, expansive finish is long, appealingly sweet and gently tannic. Josh Raynolds. WA 88 (8/2012): Another standout, the 2009 En Gedi (Grenache) is bigger and riper in style than the Offering. It shows good intensity in its fruit but the oak tannins appear to dry out the finish, which is surprising considering the vast majority of the barrels are seasoned. Hints of tobacco, anise and spices are layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
|
|
2010 |
en Gedi Grenache  |
$45 |
1 |
|
|
VM 92 (11/2013): Vivid ruby. Heady aromas of raspberry compote, cherry, cola and licorice, with a spicy topnote. Spicy, floral aromas of black raspberry and cherry, with a peppery overtone. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering subtly sweet red fruit flavors that become spicier with air. Rich but surprisingly lively grenache with excellent finishing clarity and a hint of supple tannins. This broad-shouldered wine checks in at 15.9% alcohol but doesn't come off as hot. Josh Raynolds. WA 91 (8/2013): Pulling no punches, the 2010 En Gedi (all Grenache and aged 22 months in 7% new French oak) is ripe and decadent, with notions of black cherry liqueur, new leather, licorice, scorched earth and spice. Possessing no hard edges, lots of tannin and a blockbuster, heady finish, it’s hard to resist and despite all of the fruit and texture, remains lively and beautifully drinkable. I don’t think it will make old bones but 7-8 years of ultimate longevity sounds about right. Drink now-2018. |
|
|
2011 |
en Gedi Grenache  |
$45 |
1 |
|
|
VM 91 (12/2014): Brilliant ruby-red. Fresh red berries and cherry on the fragrant nose, complicated by notes of candied rose and blood orange. Bright, sharply focused strawberry and raspberry flavors give way to a deeper bitter cherry quality in the mid-palate, with peppery spice adding cut. Finishes gently sweet and floral, with silky tannins folding smoothly into the wine's lively fruit. Josh Raynolds. WA 91 (8/2014): Kicking off the reds, the 2011 Grenache En Gedi incorporates a splash of Syrah (3%) and was aged in a combination of new and used barrels and puncheons. Loaded with kirsch, dried earth, ground herbs and spice, it's full-bodied, rich, chewy and decadent, with a heady finish. It's another hard to resist effort that should be consumed over the coming 2-4 years or so. |
|
|
2012 |
en Gedi Grenache  |
$45 |
1 |
|
|
WA 92 (8/2015): The 100% Grenache 2012 Grenache en Gedi Santa Barbara Highlands spent 22 months in mostly neutral punchons and barrels, with only 7% being new. It offers lots of savoriness in its dried herbs, spice-box, licorice and black raspberry/blackberry-scented bouquet. This leads to a big, ripe, textured and character-filled red that has a big mid-palate and that firm, 2012 edge to its tannin. It's well worth checking out and has lots to love. Drink between 2015-2020. |
|
|
2013 |
en Gedi Grenache |
$45 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
Pickpocket Grenache  |
$40 |
5 |
|
|
WA 89 (8/2010): The 2007 Grenache Pickpocket tips the scales at 16.2% natural alcohol, which is not unusual for this varietal. Jammy strawberry and cherry notes are presented in an uncomplicated, but hedonistic, velvety, plump, lush style. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. |
|
|
2010 |
Pickpocket Grenache  |
$40 |
5 |
|
|
VM 91 (11/2013): Inky ruby. Ripe cherry, licorice and lavender on the highly perfumed nose. Silky and sweet, offering juicy red fruit flavors and a sexy floral pastille quality. Silky tannins give shape to the impressively persistent finish, which echoes the floral and cherry notes. Josh Raynolds. WA 91 (8/2013): Playing in the same ballpark, yet more restrained and tight at the moment, with a darker fruit profile than the En Gedi, the 2010 Pickpocket (100% Grenache) has loads of darker berry and cherry fruit, licorice, leather, crushed flowers and underbrush as well as a full-bodied, voluptuous palate that stays light and fresh. There’s ample ripe tannin adding focus on the finish and it should benefit from another year or two of bottle age and drink well through 2018 or so. Drink 2014-2018. |
|
|
2010 |
The Adversary Mourvedre Very Lightly Scuffed Label |
$35 |
2 |
|
|
VM 91+ (11/2013): Opaque ruby. Deeply pitched cherry, cassis and licorice aromas, with a subtle herbal nuance adding complexity. Chewy, penetrating dark fruit and bitter cherry flavors are sweetened by a subtle vanilla quality and pick up smokiness with air. Closes with firm, chewy tannins and excellent length. Shows a suave blend of New World fruit power and Old World structure, which bodes well for cellaring. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2010 |
The Offering Proprietary Blend  |
$29 |
4 |
|
|
VM 90 (11/2013): Inky ruby. Potent red and dark berry preserve aromas are complicated by notes of licorice and woodsmoke. Plush, palate-coating black raspberry and boysenberry flavors show very good depth and pick up a licorice nuance with air. Finishes smooth and appealingly sweet, with soft tannins and a late jolt of cracked pepper. This big boy clocks in at 15.5% alcohol, for those who are keeping score. Josh Raynolds. WA 90 (8/2013): Moving on to the reds and a blend of 48% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 21% Mourvedre and 2% Viognier, the 2010 The Offering dishes out loads of blackberry, kirsch, licorice, pepper and hints of chocolate in a full-bodied, voluptuously styled package. It’s an outstanding, full-flavored effort to drink through 2016. Drink now-2016. |
|
|
2018 |
The Offering Proprietary Blend (1.5 L)  |
$49 |
10 |
|
|
JD 90 (8/2020): Based on 39% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre, the 2018 Offering sports a deep ruby color as well as lots of pretty blackberry, blueberry, peppery herbs, and subtle meaty aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with plenty of fruit, good acidity, and a clean finish, this solid Rhône-like blend will keep for 4-6 years. Drink between 2020-2026. |
|
Sine Qua Non |
2006 |
A Shot in the Dark Syrah (1.5 L)  |
$1,500 |
1 |
|
|
WA 100 (8/2010): The soon-to-be-released 2006 A Shot in the Dark is composed of 96.5% Syrah and 3.5% Viognier from the 11 Confessions Vineyard in the cool Santa Rita Hills. Performing better from bottle than it did from barrel, this prodigious red exhibits incredibly velvety tannins, a seamless style, and no noticeable oak (which is remarkable given the fact it spent 32 months in barrel). Dense purple to the rim with an extraordinary perfume of blueberry pie, blackberries, soy, Asian spices, and hints of forest floor and charcoal, this is a complex, rich, seamless, well-balanced tour de force in winemaking. A full-bodied, exuberant, unabashedly California Syrah, it will offer stunning drinking over the next 10-15+ years. VM 96 (12/2010): (includes 3.5% viognier) Inky violet. Captivating, varietally expressive nose melds cassis, boysenberry, olive tapenade, cracked pepper, licorice and Indian spices. Suave, velvety and deeply concentrated, with restrained sweetness for a wine with this much power and thrust. Firm acids give the lush dark fruit and floral flavors excellent focus. Finishes chewy, suave and very long, with velour-like tannins and strong mineral character. Really compelling wine that is shockingly approachable now. |
|
|
2013 |
And an 8-Track Rose |
$215 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
2004 |
Covert Fingers Pinot Noir Cracked Wax Capsule |
$400 |
2 |
|
|
WA 95 (8/2006): The knockout, deep ruby/purple/plum 2004 Covert Fingers Pinot Noir exhibits a slightly restrained nose revealing sweet cranberry and cassis aromas interwoven with hints of flowers, charcoal, and oak, a savory, broad texture, and an opulent, voluptuous finish. This beauty should drink well for a decade or more. VM 93 (10/2006): Bright red-ruby. Pure, pungent aromas of raspberry and spices; very pinot! Densely packed, supple and sweet, with pure red berry, spice and earth flavors. Has a thickness of texture while retaining verve. Finishes with fine, supple tannins and lovely subtle length. Not as complex as Krankl's top syrahs, but this is delicious, and as graceful a pinot as I recall tasting from this producer. My sample showed even more intense raspberry and spice flavors the second day, without any loss of freshness. (I must note, however, that my first two bottles were corked.) |
|
|
2006 |
In the Crosshairs Grenache (1.5 L)  |
$1,700 |
1 |
|
|
WA 99 (8/2010): The extended barrel aged Grenache, the 2006 In the Crosshairs, will be released in a few months. A blend of 84% Grenache, 12% Syrah, and 4% Viognier from the estate's 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, this cuvee was aged completely in French oak, many of the barrels being demi-muids. It spent 32 months in wood, which goes against nearly every conventional rule about how Grenache reacts to wood. This contrarian notion is the genius of Krankl. An extraordinary wine, it may turn out to be his greatest Grenache since the 2000 Incognito (a wine that is currently at a magical maturity point). No shy wine at 16.3% alcohol (similar to a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape), it exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color as well as a luxurious bouquet of raspberry jam, kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, and spice box. Full-bodied and sumptuously textured with stunning power as well as elegance, this hedonistic and intellectual turn-on should rock and roll (or is it Rock and Rhone?) for another 10-15 years. VM 96 (12/2010): (includes 12% syrah and 4% viognier) Opaque ruby. A wild bouquet exudes scents of candied red and dark berries, incense, smoked meat and black olive. I'd have guessed that there was a lot more syrah in here. Lush and palate-coating black raspberry and boysenberry flavors are lifted by zesty acidity and complemented by exotic floral pastille and spice flavors. Strikes an impressive balance of richness and vivacity and finishes with Outstanding clarity and smoky, spicy persistence. With air some fine-grained tannins peeked out, but this is really a wall of seductive fruit, floral and spice qualities. |
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2004 |
Ode to E Grenache  |
$675 |
1 |
|
|
WA 100 (6/2014): Leading off with the Grenache-driven efforts, and easily the greatest expression of the variety I’ve ever tasted from California, the 2004 Ode to E (Grenache) is mind-blowing stuff that will stand toe-to-toe with the greatest Grenache-based wines ever made. Coming from Manfred’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard and comprised of 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, it sports a still vibrant purple color to go with off-the-hook aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, melted licorice, graphite, smoked herbs and assorted meaty nuances. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with incredible purity and a perfect texture, it can be consumed anytime over the coming decade. VM 97 (8/2015): The 2004 Grenache Ode to E is absolutely stellar. There's not too much more to say. Still young, fresh and vibrant, the 2004 is incredibly impressive. Exotic spice, rose petals, raspberry jam all open up in an effortless, nuanced wine bursting at the seams with personality. Exquisitely nuanced and balanced, the 2004 is a gem. Readers who own the 2004 should be thrilled; as it is a magnificent wine by any measure. My favorite age to drink Sine Qua Non wines is around ten years. The Ode to E Grenache delivers the goods, and then some. The blend is 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2004 |
Ode to E Grenache (1.5 L)  |
$1,500 |
1 |
|
|
WA 100 (6/2014): Leading off with the Grenache-driven efforts, and easily the greatest expression of the variety I’ve ever tasted from California, the 2004 Ode to E (Grenache) is mind-blowing stuff that will stand toe-to-toe with the greatest Grenache-based wines ever made. Coming from Manfred’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard and comprised of 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, it sports a still vibrant purple color to go with off-the-hook aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, melted licorice, graphite, smoked herbs and assorted meaty nuances. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with incredible purity and a perfect texture, it can be consumed anytime over the coming decade. VM 97 (8/2015): The 2004 Grenache Ode to E is absolutely stellar. There's not too much more to say. Still young, fresh and vibrant, the 2004 is incredibly impressive. Exotic spice, rose petals, raspberry jam all open up in an effortless, nuanced wine bursting at the seams with personality. Exquisitely nuanced and balanced, the 2004 is a gem. Readers who own the 2004 should be thrilled; as it is a magnificent wine by any measure. My favorite age to drink Sine Qua Non wines is around ten years. The Ode to E Grenache delivers the goods, and then some. The blend is 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
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2011 |
Patine Grenache  |
$275 |
1 |
|
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WA 97 (8/2015): Coming all from Manfred's Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and a blend of 77% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 1% Viognier (fermented with 25% whole clusters), the 2011 Grenache Patine spent a full 33 months in almost all neutral oak, with just 11% being new. It offers perfumed and spice-laced notes of white pepper, black raspberry, blackberry and ground herbs that flow to a full-bodied, elegant, nicely concentrated 2011 that has nicely integrated acidity, no hard edges and a terrific finish. It's certainly one of the fresher, more elegant Grenaches from Manfred, yet it still has rocking levels of fruit. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy bottles over the following decade. VM 97 (8/2015): The 2011 Grenache Patine has turned out beautifully. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and leather meld together in the glass as this savory, beautifully layered wine opens up. Herb, graphite, smoke, sage and tobacco add shades of nuance in a delineated Grenache that captures the best of this cool, late-ripening year. Patine is 77% Grenache, 22% Syra and 1% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 25% whole clusters and aged for 33 months in French oak barrels, 11% new. |
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|
2007 |
Pictures Grenache (1.5 L)  |
$650 |
1 |
|
|
WA 97 (8/2011): A blend of 87% Grenache, 11.5% Syrah, and 1.5% Viognier, this wine has wonderful floral notes intermixed with black raspberries, black cherries, licorice, graphite and some camphor. In the mouth, more white chocolate notes appear, along with meatiness and some silky tannins. Its great purity, density and richness make me think this wine could even improve a few points and flirt with perfection. This stunning wine should drink nicely for another 10-15 years. VM 95 (11/2010): (87% grenache, 11.5% syrah and 1.5% viognier) Deep, bright ruby. Wild aromas of black raspberry compote, mocha, Asian spices and incense. Expansive and deeply concentrated, with obvious sweetness to its very intense red fruit, floral and spicecake flavors. Shows real spine and Outstanding finesse for a rich wine. Finishes vibrant and extremely long, with great spicy perfume. Josh Raynolds. WS 91 (6/2010): Intense, vibrant and full-bodied, with tightly wound wild berry, black cherry, pepper, spice and cedar flavors that are pure and focused, long and persistent. Drink now through 2016. 764 cases made. |
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2014 |
Piranha Waterdance Syrah  |
$329 |
7 |
|
|
WA 100 (9/2017): Blended of 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and 1% Graciano, sourced from 34% The Third Twin, 35% Eleven Confessions and 31% Cumulus (all estate vineyards), the provocative, inky purple colored 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance was made using 26% whole cluster and hits the scent scene with exuberant, pure crème de cassis, blackberry cordial and blueberry coulis notes with hints of espresso, licorice, garrigue and menthol, plus a gorgeous underlying perfume of red roses. The full-bodied palate is oh-so-elegant and pretty, revealing very finely pixelated tannins that beautifully frame the almost electric intensity, culminating in an epically long, licorice and chocolate-laced finish. Too stunning for mere words and rude to even try-just drink it. 1,839 cases and 600 magnums were produced. VM 95-97 (9/2016): A striking, vibrant wine, the 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance is beautifully focused and energetic from start to finish. Plum, blueberry, lavender, mint, violet and sweet spices all take shape in the glass. This is an especially nuanced, sculpted Syrah long on class and personality. There is so much to like here. The 2014 is 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and % Graciano, done with 26% whole clusters, all from Sine Qua Non's estate vineyards: 35% Eleven Confessions, 34% Third Twin and 31% Cumulus. Antonio Galloni. WS 94 (9/2017): Rich, ripe and powerfully built, with deep and expressive smoky beef, cracked pepper and currant flavors that charge like a bull toward big but polished tannins. Best from 2019 through 2025. 1,800 cases made. |
|
Substance |
2019 |
Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$12 |
1 |
|
|
WA 89 (10/2022): Open-knit and approachable in youth, the 2019 Cs Cabernet Sauvignon is juicy with a mineral essence and a classic beam of dark berry nature with hints of dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the Cabernet is fleshy with an agreeable mid-palate that is balanced, highlighting a fresh, lingering finish that delivers at a great price. Give it a try. |
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2017 |
BX Klein Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$59 |
1 |
|
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JD 95+ (5/2021): The 2017 Klein Bx Vineyard Collection checks in as a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 28% Merlot, all co-fermented and brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. It's a rich, powerful, concentrated Bordeaux blend delivering lots of red and black fruits, ample leafy herb, tobacco, cedar, and damp earth nuances, full-bodied richness, and a deep, rich, layered texture and mid-palate. There are a lot of ripe tannins on the finish, and it's holding things relatively close to its vest, which can be common in 2017. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar and it should drink brilliantly over the following 15 years.Wines of Substance is the Bordeaux side of the K Vintners releases. Drink between 2023-2038. WA 92 (7/2021): Consisting of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc and 28% Merlot, the 2017 Bx Klein Vineyard opens with a juicy and oaky essence that sways out of the glass with elements of dusty leather, hints of black olive and roasted plum before offering nuances of vanilla, cardamom and resinous purple flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is juicy, with a distinct mineral tension, fine-grained tannins and lingering spice tones across the mid-palate. The wine concludes with the subtle flavors of worn leather and pencil shavings over the long, complex and juicy finish. The wine rested for 28 months in 73% new French oak barriques. VM 91+ (12/2020): Moderately saturated medium red. Subtly complex aromas of redcurrant, plum, cherry, mocha, black olive, clove, red licorice, spices and menthol. Thick, spicy and fairly sweet on entry, then much firmer in the middle palate, with the substantial dusty tannins biting down on the fruit and giving grip to the back half. Ultimately quite dry and classic, even if it's also fine-grained. Shows more energy and definition than the Merlots, not to mention more incipient complexity, but has the most serious tannins of all of the current Substance releases. I'd wait until next year to drink this. Drink between 2021-2029. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
Trinchero |
2001 |
St. Helena Estate Cabernet Franc |
$40 |
1 |
|
|
|
| USA White |
Sine Qua Non |
2015 |
Entre Chien et Loup White Wine  |
$225 |
4 |
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WA 97+ (9/2017): The 2015 Entre Chien et Loup is a blend of 44% Chardonnay, 40% Roussanne, 8% Petit Manseng and 8% Viognier coming 44% from Bien Nacido Vineyard, 30% from the Cumulus (Estate) Vineyard and 26% from the Eleven Confessions (Estate) Vineyard. No settling was done to the juices—they were fermented as “dirty” as possible and, as usual, they were not racked. This wine was matured for around 19 months (bottled April 12, 2017), in: 19% concrete eggs, 20% stainless steel, 20% used barrels and 41% new French oak. It opens with a positively electric nose of ripe apricots, pink grapefruit and green mango with notions of candied ginger, honeycomb, allspice and baking bread. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a wonderfully satiny texture and incredible freshness, cutting through the dense tropical and stone fruit layers, finishing with epic length and many layers of savory and spice notions. By the way, I love the name of this wine and just wait until you see the label which, I’m happy to report, has already (somehow) been given the all-clear by the TTB. 811 cases were made. Drinking deliciously right now, it is built like a brick house and should cellar gracefully for 10-12 years+. JD 97 (8/2017): As good, if not better than the 2014 white, the 2015 White Wine Entre Chien et Loup (which translates to between a dog and wolf, but is a French saying referring to dusk/twilight) checks in as a blend of 44% Chardonnay, 40% Roussanne, 8% Petite Manseng and 8% Viognier, raised in a combination of concrete eggs, stainless steel, used barrels and new French oak (varying sizes). The Chardonnay dominates on the nose which shows terrific buttered citrus, stone fruits, marzipan and brioche nuances. These carry over to the palate where the wine is full-bodied, thrillingly concentrated and textured, with bright, even racy acidity. Give this beauty a few years, and it’s going to keep for two decades or more. VM 94 (9/2017): The 2015 White Wine Lightmotif opens with a huge nose of apricot, peach pit, honey, chamomile and herbs. Ample and luscious on the palate, with tremendous depth, the 2015 is terrific today, even though it is still recovering from its recent bottling. I would give it a few years to settle down. The Sine Qua Non whites always need time in bottle, and that is very much the case here as well. In 2015, the low yields produced a white that is quite intense, even by Sine Qua Non standards. The blend is 40% Chardonnay, 40% Roussanne, 8% Petite Manseng and 8% Viognier. Antonio Galloni. |
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| USA Red |
Sine Qua Non |
2011 |
Dark Blossom Syrah |
$315 |
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Sold Out
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| USA White |
Sine Qua Non |
2003 |
Sublime Isolation Proprietary Blend |
$275 |
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Sold Out
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