As the summer sun casts its warm glow, there’s no better time to indulge in the elegance of ultra-premium wines. The esteemed Napa and Sonoma wine regions of California are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, producing wines that embody sophistication and opulence. In this blog post, we invite you on a journey through these illustrious regions as we explore the pinnacle of winemaking, showcasing ultra-premium wines that will elevate your summer experiences to new levels of luxury and refinement.
The epitome of excellence, Napa Valley stands as a testament to the artistry of winemaking, boasting a reputation for producing some of the world’s most sought-after wines. Delight your senses with a glass of meticulously crafted Chardonnay, renowned for its harmonious balance of oak, tropical fruit, and vibrant acidity. Alternatively, indulge in the bold sophistication of a Cabernet Sauvignon, where layers of blackcurrant, cassis, and refined tannins weave together to create a truly memorable tasting experience.
Known as the symphony of refinement, Sonoma County, neighboring Napa Valley, offers a harmonious symphony of flavors and craftsmanship. Delve into the refined elegance of Sonoma with a glass of impeccably crafted Pinot Noir. Discover a kaleidoscope of aromas, from cherry and raspberry to hints of spice and earthiness, as you savor the delicate yet complex nature of these wines. Alternatively, Sonoma showcases its versatility with exceptional Chardonnay, where vibrant fruit flavors and subtle oak nuances intertwine with grace.
Conclusion: As the summer unfolds, immerse yourself in the world of ultra-premium wines from the prestigious Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Let the meticulous craftsmanship and refined elegance of these wines elevate your warm-weather moments to a luxurious new level. Whether you choose to explore the nuanced complexity of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or indulge in the delicate refinement of a Sonoma Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, these ultra-premium wines will delight your palate and create an unforgettable summer experience. Cheers to savoring the magnificence of Napa and Sonoma!
June 2023 Wine Features
2017 Pellet Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Why We Love This Wine:
Compared to last year, 2017 produced medium sized berries, which means a fantastic ratio of skins to juice, leading to higher levels of color and tannin. There were a few heat spikes in late July, and the weather was generally dry, warm even and consistent throughout the season. The wines were picked the Cabernet under ideal conditions in September, and put to barrel a few weeks later.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
91 points – “The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Pellet Vineyard, which includes some Merlot and Petit Verdot, offers a rich, medium-bodied style as well as solid purity in its blue fruits, violets, and sappy herb-like aromas and flavors. It’s not a blockbuster yet has rock solid elegance, fine tannins, and outstanding length. It’s a classy wine to enjoy over the coming 15 years or so.”– Jeb Dunnuck
2013 Pestoni Family Merlot, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Why We Love This Wine:
The Pestoni Family Merlot is produced from their Three Tears Vineyard on the Eastern slope of Howell Mountain. With elevation that ranges from 1,600 to 2,100 feet above sea level, this estate vineyard sits on a 160 acre estate of which thirteen are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon and three in Merlot. The rocky volcanic soils and weather conditions are challenging, but worth the extra effort as the vineyards produce wines with outstanding flavor, intensity and aging properties.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
This Howell Mountain Merlot opens with notes of black cherry and cedar. This wine is just beginning to evolve but shows so much already with delicious laced flavors of deep espresso and dark chocolate. The mouthfeel is rounded as the varietal proves. Layered with dark black fruit and earthiness, the finish lingers on the palate. With its big structure, this merlot is almost cab-like, but with slightly more refined tannins.
2017 Westwood “Twenty One” Proprietary Red Wine, Sonoma California
Why We Love This Wine:
This Proprietary Rhone blend produced from the most exquisite lots of Syrah and Mourvèdre, with a dash of Grenache, showcase the hallmarks of the Annadel Gap Vineyard: windy, cool and layered in fog. The wine shows opulent black cherries, lavender, duck confit and baking spice. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, yet still light on its feet with balance and brightness on the palette and the signature Annadel Gap lifted acidity and elegance on the finish.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
The 2017 GSM Annadel Gap Vineyard is blended of 75%Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre and 8% Grenache aged in 50% new oak. Very deep purple-black colored, it gives up wonderfully cool-climate, savory scents of bacon fat, garrigue, sautéed herbs and chargrill over a cover of black cherries and crushed black berries with hints of violets and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of pepper-laced, crunchy black fruits, framed by rounded tannins, finishing long and earthy. 92pts Wine Advocate.
Be sure to visit our wine shop to discover these wines and many more like them. If you’re interested in learning, venture over to our “regional focus” tab and learn more about the wine regions these great wines come from.