Tuesday, April 15, 2025
2018 Ackerman Family Vineyards Memoir Red Blend
Monday, December 9, 2024
2018 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
In 1996, Switzerland navtive Jack Schlatter, who became a partner just 5 years prior, became the sole owner of Merryvale, along with his family and son René. Eventually René would marry Laurence, whose family had been making wine in Switzerland for six generations. This story would travel half way around the world and end up in St. Helena where the Schlatter family continues to produce distinctive wines at the historic property.
This expression is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Petit Verdot (2%) and Malbec (2%) and the combination is married in wonderful unison. Medium ruby red color with subtle blueberry pie, tobacco leaf, dried herbs and earthy undertones. The mouthfeel is very much in balance with the medium acidic brightness against the ripe plum, oak, blueberry and savory finish. The micro tannins are very welcoming and this wine is a stand out of the vintage. Drink now or cellar this for 5-10 years; either way it is classic Napa and it is very lovely!
ABV: 14.5%
Napa Valley AVA
Winery: Merryvale
Suggested retail price: $74.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
2018 Youngberg Hill Natasha Pinot Noir
Monday, April 25, 2022
2018 Hamel Family Wines Isthmus
Sonoma Valley, CA
2,698 cases produced
Suggested retail price: $90.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93+/100
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
2018 Enkidu Cabernet Sauvignon High Mayacamas
Sonoma, CA
Suggested retail price: $45.00
Drink The Bottles score: 92/100
Friday, January 21, 2022
2018 Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Monday, January 10, 2022
2018 Galante Vineyards Olive Hill Petite Sirah
Carmel Valley, CA
Suggested retail price: $55.00
Drink The Bottles score: 92/100
Friday, November 12, 2021
2018 Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
2018 Caprio Cellars Eleanor Estate Red Wine
ABV: 14.5%
Walla Walla, WA
Suggested retail price: $60.00
Drink The Bottles score: 92/100
Monday, November 1, 2021
2018 Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Carneros Napa Valley
Friday, October 29, 2021
2018 LOBO Wines Cabernet Sauvignon
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
2018 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Pinot Noir
Monday, October 18, 2021
2018 Enkidu Wines Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Enkidu Wines of Sonoma, California is a new addition to the Drink The Bottles wine tribe. It is no secret that we taste and share a lot of Napa wines and when we partner up with a (new-to-us) producer from Sonoma, we're always excited to see the outcome. We had the privilege of tasting the 2018 Enkidu Wines Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) and this was a great introduction for us to this producer. When we popped the cork and saw the wine imprint, we suspected that we were in for a treat with some high quality, dense fruit. Medium to dark scarlet color solid in the glass from center to edge. Aromas of fresh out-of-the-oven strawberry rhubarb pie, damp earth and spices carry over to similar flavors. This is a potpourri of sweet fragrance with intense, medium bodied raspberry jam and hints of vanilla. The acid in this wine is solid but in check, leading the taster to a path of a lingering finish that goes on for moments. We didn't decant this wine but rather gave it some extended time and swirling in the glass. It is drinking really lovely right now and we suspect for another 3-5 years.
Thursday, September 30, 2021
2018 Lagana Cellars Eritage Vineyard Chardonnay
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
2018 Knights Bridge Estate Chardonnay Knights Valley
The 2018 Knights Bridge Estate Chardonnay (Knights Valley) is a welcoming and affordable wine that can be presented as an every day sipper or for a lighter food wine. While this particular vintage is no longer available from the winery's website, you can still find it readily available at many retailers. In the glass is a medium golden apple color with crisp aromas of stone fruits, baked bread and vanilla. In the mouth you easily embrace flavors of pear, vanilla bean, apple tart and lemon curd, leading to a solid and refreshing finish. This wine is not overly oaked and should be drank in the next 2 years for optimum enjoyment.
ABV: 14.5%
Sonoma County, CA
Suggested retail price: $39.99
Drink The Bottles score: 88/100
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Rodney Strong Wine Estates REJUVENATION Virtual Wine Tasting
- 2020 Rodney Strong Rose of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley: $25.00
- 2019 Rodney Strong California Chardonnay: $17.00
- 2017 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Merlot: $20.00
- 2018 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon: $22.00
- 2018 Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: $28.00
- 2018 Rodney Strong Old Vine Zinfandel: $25.00
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
2018 Patland Vineyards Select Barrel Reserve Malbec
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
2018 Flora Springs Trilogy
Monday, April 19, 2021
2018 Flora Springs Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Napa Valley, CA
Suggested retail price: $50.00
Drink The Bottles score: 90/100
Friday, March 26, 2021
2018 Patland Estate Vineyards Select Barrel Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, CA
295 cases produced
Suggested retail price: $200.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100
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