New Releases for Summer 2020

Silver Ghost founder Weston Eidson’s great-grandfather, John Montagu, was a pioneer in the emerging automobile industry at the turn of the 20th century. As a British Lord and Member of Parliament, he was an instrumental figure in early automotive legislation. Montagu had a close relationship with Charles Rolls and Henry Royce and suggested that his secretary serve as the model for the Rolls-Royce hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy, which we still see on Rolls-Royce cars to this day. As a tribute to his family’s illustrious past, Weston adopted the name of his great-grandfather’s favorite car – the 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

Made from some of the most prestigious vineyards in Napa Valley including Beckstoffer’s George’s III, black and red fruits with layers of mocha and a SILKY tannin finish. This is one of the BEST red wine deals from NAPA VALLEY. Maybe even your new GO-TO!

Winemaker David Green ​has been lucky enough to work with the likes of icons David Ramey ​and Philippe Melka, ​but he doesn’t fear the trap of what good fortune he may have in front of him. The 2018 is Green’s first release of Cabernet Sauvignon. Now working with former Screaming Eagle winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, these wines from Royal Prince are becoming epic.

Revealing steely aromas of citrus oil and wet stones, the 2018 Royal Princess Chardonnay shows flashes of laser beam acidity, a freshness with a glycerin mouthfeel and a medium-bodied, clean, bright finish. Minimalist winemaking allows the wine to reflect the coolness and fog-filled influence of the extreme Sonoma Coast. It’s crisp and mouthwatering, luring you in with each sip.

The 2017 shows balance and richness with aromas of dried cherries, Dijon mustard, violets and baking spices. It’s garnet in color, viscous and supple, and expresses vibrant flavors of pomegranate and black cherry. The tannins are plush, smooth and balanced by vivid acidity.

A seamless, opulent, densely textured wine that is at once extravagant and racy in its precision, the 2018 is dark and almost opaque in color and shows aromas of truffle, black cherry and licorice. The wine fills the palate with an amazing energy, leading to a deeply textured mouthfeel, and culminating with fine grained tannins and an exceptionally long, lifted finish.

Special Price $49.95 (Where on this planet can you get a TRB for that price?)

How can we showcase wine without one from Thomas Rivers Brown?  The 2017 vintage sold out quickly and the ‘18s’ are even better so I know to secure enough for not only return buyers but new ones as well!

Caterwaul is a new collaboration between superstar winemaker Brown and Matt Hardin from Barbour Vineyard Management. Started in 2014, they produce a Napa Valley Cabernet from Matt’s estate vineyard in Pope Valley and a Regusci Vineyard release from Stags Leap.

The 2018 vintage can be described as a picture-perfect growing season. Starting in February, the vines arose from their winter slumber and as late spring approached, flowering yielded uniform grape clusters. The mild and warm summer gave way to a steady harvest season that afforded the grapes extended hang time. It is very expressive upon first pour; a tantalizing perfume of fresh blackberry and dark cherry jump from the glass with notes of cedar and burnt tobacco rounding out the nose. On the palate the wine is medium to full bodied with creme de cassis and dark berry tones giving way to velvety tannins that lead into a bright and refreshing finish.

From Opus winemaker Mark Jessup, these same vineyards were used to make the final Opus One wine that sold for $325 a bottle.

J Gregory is inspired by Jonny Gregory Jessup, who was diagnosed at birth with a challenging disability, and honors Jonny’s determination and love of life. The wines reflect Mark’s expressive winemaking style, commitment to quality, and attention to detail. In addition, the stylized design of the label echoes Mark’s respect and love for family; the ‘thumbprint’ image represents his four sons, with special recognition of Jonny.

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is from a small vineyard in Coombsville. The complex bouquet is immediately apparent – with layers of aromas including a darker fruit liqueur, dark chocolate, dried rose petals and blueberry. The palate is well balanced with nice acidity – anchored by dusty fine grained tannins. This wine is easy to drink.

LAST CALL…These wines from famed winemaker Paul Hobbs have been our most popular wines to date and these two vintages have received their highest scores and ratings.

Continues to show the character of the Sonoma Coast vineyards that we started to see in 2012. The color is a pale yellow-green, unfiltered gold color that is neither flat nor brilliant. The coastal nose of this Chardonnay is crisp and clean with characters of bread dough, citrus peel and a beautiful slight tang of Passion Fruit. Aromas of damp pebbles showcase the minerality side of this wine. I would say that at this stage the personality of this wine is linear. One flavor and aroma leads gracefully and softly to the next. There is an equal balance between the fruit and acid that gives the wine a soft nature free of tension. Graceful wisps of mild oak can be found at the edges. The nose and flavors mirror one another with melon leading the way. Lemon peel, apricot, pear and melon are found, along with a medium long, soft, round, finish that gives way to crème brulee and a hint of slightly toasted marshmallow.  This great wine from a great vintage is going fast and we got in the last 15 cases so you know that won’t last around here for long.

This showed well from the start and all through two years of barrel aging, but seemed to hit a higher gear right before bottling. I now feel that the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon will be equal to or better than 2012 and 2013. Once again a very dark color. Dark nose as well…dark, thick, black and red cherry with sweet mixed berries, currants and plum…none of these fruits dominates the other; it’s just a delightful mix of complexity.