2018 Montesquieu Napa Valley Cabernet Franc - $74 a bottle

 

Your greatest red wine dreams are about to come true with my new release, it’s the 2018 Montesquieu Cabernet Franc!  We’ve pulled out all the stops with this one, a glorious example of 100% Cab Franc from a few rows of terraced vines perched high above Lake Hennessy - one of the greatest sites in the whole valley.  It’s the perfect terroir to bring out the best in Cab Franc, all the richness and depth together with its freshness and complexity. 

 

I can’t remember the last time I drank a wine like this – with so much power and refinement crammed into just one bottle.  The wine’s glossy magenta color is your first sign of what’s to come.  The nose is pure decadence with cherry jam, roasted plum and hints of violets, coffee and spice.  The palate is super rich and velvety and the oak is perfectly integrated with the fruit so the flavors of cassis, blackberry, and dark chocolate flow effortlessly into the finish.  And what a killer finish it is, there’s juicy black cherry flavors and super smooth tannin together with delicate hints of fresh pepper and bay leaf.  This is Napa Cab Franc at its very best!

 

2018 Montesquieu Democracy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Painstakingly sourced from the highest organically farmed vineyard parcels in the majestic Spring Mountain AVA, the 2018 Democracy is a stirring expression of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Deep crimson in color, the Democracy’s nose is a Bordeaux-like perfume of cherry skins and violets with hints of dried sage and spice.  Rich flavors of red currant and licorice mingle on the palate with hints of smoky herbs and tobacco, all packaged with a smooth mouthfeel and effortless tannin structure.  The finish retains the palate’s elegance and balance and offers fine hints of damp earth and mocha.  The ideal food pairing wine, particularly with grilled meats.

2017 Josephine Napa Valley Chardonnay

An homage to Josephine Tychson, the first women to build and operate a winery in California, first established in 1886. Pale gold in color, the nose reveals a perfume of melon, peach, and nectarine with subtle hints of coconut oil and wet gravel.  Rich and creamy on the palate, the Josephine’s flavors of pear and carmelized green apple are kept fresh by the wine’s balancing acidity.  The wine finishes long with nuances of citrus oil, minerality, and just the right touch of cedar and toasted vanilla.  A powerful expression of Napa Chardonnay that would pair exquisitely with Mussels steamed in a lemongrass coconut broth.

2017 Viaggio Sangiovese  Emilia-Romagna, Italy 

Viaggio is Italian for journey. This 100% Sangiovese from a vineyard site just north of Tuscany, is a classic expression of the country's most venerable red varietal. Soft crimson in color, the nose offers an abundance of peppered strawberry, roses, and vanilla, all with a hint of smoke and grilled meat.  The palate is full-flavored with savory flavors of plum, bing cherry and classic notes of black pepper and dusty earth.  The Viaggio's finish is long and persistent thanks to the grape's naturally high acidity and smooth tannin, a style that promotes drinking this wine now and over the next 5-7 years.  Lovely on its own, it is best served alongside grilled steaks, roasted pork, or any classic Italian pasta dish with a hearty tomato sauce.  

2018 De Stijl Riesling

We should all drink more Riesling, life is simply better with it around.  And the beauty and versatility of Riesling is on full display with this gem from Washington’s Columbia Valley.  Platinum gold in color, the nose is honeyed peach and floral with a crisp undertone of zested lemon.  The palate is zingy with a mix of green apple and melon complemented by vibrant minerality and a pleasing hint of Kabinett-like sweetness.  The finish stays crisp and clean and offers limitless food pairing options.  Truly a wine for any and all occasions!