First and foremost, let me start by saying how grateful we are at Top Flight Wine Club. Our wineries and our consumers alike, we appreciate all the support throughout the last two years. Without each, we wouldn’t be here today and we’re thankful.
Alright, the wines. We had a lot of fun selecting these and had a jam packed tasting schedule this fall. The wine selections come from a wide range of producers in this business and we are fortunate to get our hands on these wines. The selections were tough and the outcome was exactly what we were looking for when putting together the December shipment.
We tasted a TON of wines and are quite pleased with the selections for this quarterly shipment. Enjoy the wines and thank you for the ongoing support.
Purchase these wines on our website or join the club to secure this selection.
2014 Buselli Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Napa Valley
Why We Love This Wine:
The Buselli Family’s vineyard is nestled on the oak studded eastern slopes of the Vaca Mountain range. Here, the vines draw their essence from the rocky, volcanic soils, long sunny days, and the gentle, fog-infused mornings. The wines that come from this micro-region above the Silverado Trail show unique flavors and distinct characteristics.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
The 2014 vintage was an exceptional year in Napa Valley and at our Oakville vineyard. This wine, produced from Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 8 grown on 110R rootstock, is sourced exclusively from the Buselli Vineyard on the eastern slopes of the Oakville appellation. Sustainable farming practices, low yields, and minimalist winemaking, by Tim Milos, have allowed the voice of this vineyard to shine through. The wine is round with rich black fruit flavors of plum, blackberry, currant and hints of spice leading to an elegant finish. The wine is finely balanced and approachable now.
Producer: Buselli Family
2019 Montagne Russe Claire-Obscure Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Why We Love This Wine:
They specialize in small-production wines from in northern California, typically cooler climate locations. They hand-pick relatively tiny vineyards that truly specialize in their craft and produce exceptional grapes. Their simple philosophy… Great Vineyards. Great Winemaking. Great Wines.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
This Cabernet opens up with blueberries, cedar, rum, and brown sugar. On the palate – Bing cherry, cassis, espresso, cedar and cocoa powder. It’s big and rich, yet has tamed tannins with a berried acidity to keep you coming back for more.
Producer: Montagne Russe
2018 Patel Red Wine, Napa Valley
Why We Love This Wine:
PATEL Wines’ first release was 100 cases of a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate reviewed the wine, scoring it a 95, and The Wine Advocate has scored the subsequent vintages at 94 or above. A successful follow up was the introduction of a Right Bank Bordeaux-style red wine in 2008.
After years of research and cultivating relationships with growers, PATEL was able to add limited-production wines to the brand, including a Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon, a Atlas Peak Malbec, and a Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc. Current total production is around 1,000 cases and sells out each year. One common thread… unrelenting attention to detail.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Red Wine, composed predominantly of Merlot from Atlas Peak, is consistent with previous years bottlings. Merlot brings forward elegant texture and red fruit characteristics including Bing cherry, and red plum. Cabernet Sauvignon reinforces the tannin structure. The blend between the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon creates balanced concentration and drinkability.
Producer: PATEL Wines