The rarest wine ever vs a newly discovered jewel

2013 Amizetta ‘Estate Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Wine Spectrum 96+: The 2013 ‘Estate Reserve’ Cabernet shows a similar profile to the Estate Cabernet, but with even more depth and intensity. Fresh black cherry, black raspberry and cassis aromas lead to enticing flavors of blackberry compote and red plum jam, with hints of mocha, graphite, and cocoa nibs. Well balanced tannins and a long, mouth-watering finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 192 cases produced. 

 

 

2012 Oakville Winegrowers ‘Oakville Cuvee’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville

Wine Spectrum 96: Aromas of cherry, spiced plum and cocoa lead into a wine of medium plus body with a sumptuous texture and lengthy finish.  The flavors are classic for Oakville Cabernet with plum, chocolate and cherry showing prominently at this tasting with a thrilling balance of structure and acid in this exceptional wine.  The finish persists for 30-45 seconds offering nuanced flavors of fruit.

 

 

 

2013 Amizetta Merlot Napa Valley

Wine Spectrum 94+: The 2013 Amizetta Merlot is perhaps one of the finest examples of this varietal from the Napa Valley. Rich in color, this newly released wine shows bright and focused aromas of blue and black fruits. Intense concentration of blueberries, blackberries and cassis are complemented by hints of milk chocolate and baking spices. Depth and complexity of flavor lead to a long, mouth-watering finish. Just 200 cases produced. 100% Merlot. 

2012 Amizetta ‘Complexity’ Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Wine Spectrum 94+, Beverage Testing Institute 96: Opaque dark violet black color. Bold aromas and flavors of blueberry pie a la mode, rice Krispy treat, and pink peppercorns with a silky, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long finish displaying impressions of eucalyptus, exotic spice, crème brûlée, and pencil shavings with silky tannins and moderate oak. A sensational flavorful and generously fruity red that is sure to please. (Beverage Testing Institute). 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 750 cases produced. 

2013 Taken Red Wine, Napa Valley

Wine Spectrum 94: Intense aromas of ripe blackberries and blueberries, crushed graphite and earthy notes, underlying deep tones of dark chocolate and espresso with hints of vanilla and toasty French oak. This is a smooth and opulent Napa Valley wine that bursts from the glass with blackberries, chocolate, plum, cassis and savory flavors as well. The wine is dense and structured and the finish lingers with notes of espresso and toasty oak. The softness of the Merlot adds a complexity and roundness to the mid-palate making for a great balance. The wine spent 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels. This classic Cabernet blend is ready to drink right now and should continue to evolve for 8 – 10 years. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. 

 

2012 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Cherry Ridge Vineyard’ Syrah, Russian River Valley

Wine Spectrum 94: Tasting this decadent, velvety, mouth-filling wine, we’re reminded how much we’ve missed our Cherry Ridge Syrah these past two years. The wine greets with boysenberry and cherry vanilla aromas, the signature white pepper, and hints of grilled meat, cedar, and an exotic Asian spice element. The first sip slowly expands in your mouth, all juicy richness, dark and sweet in the middle and red and bright on the edges. The tannins are big as Syrah should be, but they’re especially fine, and the finish is unusually bright and fresh for the varietal. The big flavors of this wine make a great match for hard salty cheddar cheeses, as well as braised veal or a grilled sirloin. Be sure to put some aside from this wonderful vintage, as the balance of the wine tells of a beautiful future ahead. 501 cases produced. 

2013 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Walker Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Wine Spectrum 94: Our third release of this single-vineyard chardonnay reaffirms our love for this spectacular vineyard and wine. The warmer 2013 vintage brought out the creamier notes to the wine, while still maintaining that Green Valley focus and brightness. The tropical banana/mango and lemon/lime/ tangerine nose evolves in the glass as the ginger, toffee and sweet cream overtones emerge. In the mouth, its concentrated core of sourball citrus fruit is softened by an almost oily viscosity, and sweetened with creamy spice notes. The finish is all fresh lemons and just taunts you to taste more. Try this wine now with anything decadent, rich and creamy, or just by itself when you’re in a hedonistic mood. But be sure to save a few bottles—you’ll be blown away in 10 years. Or I can just drink it all. 180 cases produced. 

2013 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Chileno Valley Vineyard’ Riesling, Marin County

Wine Spectrum 93+: What can we say, other than if you don’t drink it we will. Our love at Dutton-Goldfield is for wines which reflect the personality of their site and the people who get to craft them. The 2013 Riesling is clearly such an offering. Even in this dry, warm vintage the old vines ripened slowly, developing the crystalline grapefruit and peach fruit characters we so love, while retaining the wonderful searing acidity that defines its character. In the nose, the ebullient fruit, with a hint of caramel richness, just leaps out of the glass. Then in the mouth, the extraordinarily refreshing white peach, juicy tangerine and white grapefruit explode, while the fine structure and fresh acidity keep you coming back. Few bottles disappear more quickly once opened. This is a wonderful wine to quaff on its own, but a wonderfully versatile match for food. Asian dishes are a classic pairing, along with shell fish of any type, or a broad array of cheeses. 380 cases produced.