Insider's Advantage

The 2021 Puzzle is Newton's mountain Cabernet blend at its most generous, dense and dark. It pours rich and dark, chocolate and mocha lifting out of the glass, before turning soft and fabulously friendly on the palate. Chalky dark fruit abounds, with a generous, almost decadent finish. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from Newton's high volcanic sites, filled out with the a supporting cast of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder starts with notes of dried Provence herbs, tilled soil, and fresh black plums slowly emerging from the glass, giving way to a core of red currant jelly, graphite, and Morello cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly wound with crunchy red and black fruit layers, supported by grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a cheeky herbal lift. (LPB)

A fabulous wine of focus and polish with very fine tannins that caress your palate and give great length to the finish. Medium to full body. The aromas of violets and currants are so beautiful. Dreamy. Best ever? A blend of 92% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc, 2% merlot, 1% malbec and 1% petit verdot.

Another incredibly concentrated, focused, insanely impressive wine in the lineup is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, which offers a powerful nose of darker currants, scorched earth, graphite, and savory herb aromas and flavors. This full-bodied, dense, concentrated, powerful, inward beauty needs 4-6 years in the cellar but will age forever.

This is a really fun wine for folks who appreciate both Old World and New World styles - or at least wines that strike a thoughtful balance between the two, as this one does. Daniel Baron is one of the most experienced winemakers you’re ever likely to meet. In 1974, he attended UC Davis, where he studied Viticulture and Enology under the legendary Dr. Harold Olmo. After graduating, he worked numerous harvests before eventually landing in Bordeaux at the iconic Château Pétrus during none other than the famed 1982 vintage. After 12 months at Pétrus, he had befriended owner Christian Moueix and returned to his native California to help launch the newly minted Dominus Estate. After working at Dominus for 13 years as General Manager, Dan went on to become the winemaker at Silver Oak, a tenure he held until 2016. Now that’s quite a résumé, huh? Francophone is a project Dan made with Naked Wines, combining fruit from both Napa’s Oakville district and Sonoma’s Moon Mountain. The 2021 Francophone - a playful nod to Dan’s inspirational journey to Bordeaux and back - has rich, ripe fruit, but also an elegant, refined structure more reminiscent of Bordeaux. Dusty red and black fruits meet leather, camphor, subtle hints of licorice, and graphite. The very modest use of oak frames the wine with just a faint sprinkle of spice. Very easy-drinking and silky on the palate, this is a remarkably compelling Cabernet. The fact that you can get a wine directly from the hands of a winemaker with this kind of pedigree is just mind-blowing. Check it out, Insiders!

The 2021 Apollo is impossible to ignore, wafting up with a hauntingly dark mix of mentholated blackberries, rosemary and ashen stone. Juicy upon entry, it quickly gains saturating tension as tart wild berry fruits drench the palate in primary concentration. Tactile mineral tones linger with silky tannins as this finishes long, with a note of blackcurrant that fades slowly.

The blackberry, dark-chocolate, walnut and blueberry aromas are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with fine, velvety tannins and a long and firm-tannin finish. Just the right amount of tension at the end. Shows the beauty of the 2023. A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 10% petit verdot. Drink or hold.

***No. 1 Best Buy of 2025*** Aromatics of deep, regal, dark fruits, with hints of baking and savory spices, leap out of the glass. The palate promises rich, dense blackberry, Olallieberry, cardamom, tobacco, chocolate cocoa nibs, and a lip-smacking finish. Decant and Enjoy. Pair with grilled bone-in rib-eye, rosemary herbed butter, creamer potatoes. *Best Buy*

Rich, dark-fruited character with dried berries, plums and hints of mocha, chocolate and grilled herbs. Full-bodied with a velvety, though slightly chewy texture and plush fruit. Long and broad finish.

This lively and lifted native fermented Cabernet jumps from the glass with aromas of dark cherry, tobacco and cedar. The palate is a ripe and brilliant wave of raspberry acidity, velvety tannin and rounded flavors of plum, espresso and black pepper. Lovely now, this will age gracefully for at least a decade. *Editors' Choice* (TRC)

The 2021 Pinot Noir Rodnick Farm Vineyard is a radiant and translucent expression of this singular vineyard, leading with a perfumed yet savory nose that rapidly takes on further citrusy and saline complexity. Silky and ethereal on the palate, it explodes into a finish that elegantly melds weightlessly saturated fruits with persistent mineral intensity. This is a high point of a beautifully well-crafted roster. (ML)

The Doc's Ranch is east-facing 1150-1200ft of elevation, and according to Cobb, it is pummeled with fog. The slope is southeast facing, and Ross uses 50% whole cluster to make this wine—aromas of red flowers and mint, white pepper and wild green strawberries. The palate shows sweet red berries, lightly spiced with notes of white pepper and an elegantly textured mouthfeel. This Pinot dances across the palate with zippy, savoury white pepper and a fresh note of evergreen sap and lithe pine needles lingering on through the finish. (CP)

The 2021 Pinot Noir Ascona Vineyard is packed with dark cherry, plum, leather, licorice, incense and dried herbs. This imposing, dense Pinot packs a pretty serious punch. There is a wild, exotic quality here that is impossible to miss. (AG)

Lovely aromas of cherry, strawberry, hibiscus and warm ginger snaps entertain the nose on this bottling from a dramatic vineyard. The palate is lean but expressive with red fruits and flowers, as wet clay and baking spice add depth. Drink now-2037. *Cellar Selection*

This is a really lovely and dynamic wine, starting with dense aromas of cola, root beer, mushroom, mint and black cherry that strike the nose in complex waves. The palate's oregano and marjoram notes give a savory balance to the raspberry and cherry core.

Another addition to our array of top tier Pinot at yesteryear's prices. This carries all the beautiful characteristics of Chalone vineyard fruit, including vibrant acidity, breadth of fruit, and a refreshing mineral quality. Black cherry, preserved strawberry, and pomegranate mingle with dried herbs and a savory, mineral-laden finish. The sort of wine that has you coming back for more until you realize you need another bottle. Get a few now, because inventory is unlikely to last long.

A lighter hue in the glass, this bottling from a top-shelf site in the appellation offers current, pomegranate, violet and lavender aromas on the floral-leaning nose. The palate is richer, with deep black chery, boysenberry and violet flavors, but it's still bright, very layered and finishes on a spicy kick.

Cranberry, cherry and earthy rhubarb aromas meet with bold chai spice on the nose of this bottling. The palate is rounded with warm baking spices that are wrapped in lush, creamy tannins, proving easy to quaff.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Jack Hill comes from a site in Freestone-Occidental. It’s a proper standout in a range of excellent wines. The 2023 delivers so much concentration and density, yet it comes through without an iota of excess. Lavender, black tea leaves, sage, white pepper and new leather unfurl in a seriously complex, enticing picture. It’s crunchy and lively through the finish, echoing long with a lifted note of orange zest. The Jack Hill is fresh, persistent and laser-focused, not to mention a joy to taste, even in the early going. (BN)

This wine is absolute magic in a bottle - a simply stunning, perfectly aged, world-class Cabernet Sauvignon that can stand toe-to-toe with any challenger. Its local competition would be neighboring Ridge Monte Bello or Mount Eden, and I would happily put this wine side-by-side with an aged Monte Bello without hesitation. It would have no problem rising to the challenge. Run it against the most famous names from Napa Valley, too. Trust me, this is as good as aged California Cabernet gets, period. This is a truly unprecedented opportunity to offer a 20-year-old library release with incredible historical pedigree from one of the most unique and singular vineyards in the country. The price we’re offering is almost too good to be true - $150 less per bottle than the wine is currently selling for elsewhere. I recently drank a bottle of this wine with my family and was floored by the quality, and by the absolutely perfect stage of development it has reached. After 20 years in bottle, the wine still has beautifully rich, pure Cabernet fruit, but it also shows the suave and sophisticated complexity that can only come from graceful aging. The once-formidable mountain tannins are now silky, elegant, and perfectly resolved. Since the 1970s, Kathryn Kennedy’s postage-stamp vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains has been renowned for powerful, age-worthy, Bordeaux-inspired Cabernet Sauvignon. Since 1981, Kathryn’s son Marty has been crafting the wines, and after Kathryn’s passing in 2009, he continued the legacy of producing exceptional wines from this small but mighty terroir. K&L has long carried these wines. A quick check of our database shows SKUs going all the way back to the 1970s and 1980s. I have known Marty personally since 2010 and have always admired the way he continues to honor his mother’s legacy, producing wines of integrity and quality above all else. Recently, Marty and I struck a deal to sell some parcels of library wine at extra-sharp pricing. I asked him which vintages he thought were particularly compelling right now, and he immediately suggested 2006 as one of the favorite wines of his long career. The bottle he sent me confirmed what I already knew would be a heartfelt recommendation, and here we are with today’s offer. If you enjoy beautifully aged Cabernet, be it from Napa, Bordeaux, or anywhere else, you have to try this wine. If you already know the wines of Kathryn Kennedy and saw the price, you’ve likely already filled your cart. Do not miss this opportunity: perfect provenance, a 20-year library release, and once-in-a-lifetime pricing. Enjoy!

The 2021 Peak Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Merlot in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a swirl or two to coax out notes of blackcurrant jelly, black cherries, and mulberries leading to hints of licorice, tar, and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is taut with dense, muscular black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy.

The latest Cabernet from the Anonymous Wine Collective is a truly special wine with an incredible backstory. I was lucky enough to walk among the vines with the winemaker and hand-pick barrels in the cellar to put together the final blend. It has been an absolute joy to help create this tiny, 200-case bottling from a historic block of vines that played an instrumental role in putting Napa Cabernet on the global map. The block of vines from which this wine originates was planted in 1974. It sits above the valley floor on a perfect alluvial bench at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains, along the western edge of the valley. The vines, an old heritage clone of Cabernet grafted onto St. George rootstock, grow in extremely rocky soils composed of weathered basalt and compressed volcanic ash, or tuff. From the late 1970s through the 1980s, fruit from this very block was a component of early Opus One bottlings and was blended into Robert Mondavi’s iconic Reserve Cabernet alongside To Kalon fruit (apparently to add structure!) My initial dream was to bottle a pure Cabernet Sauvignon from these 50-plus-year-old vines. However, while tasting barrels, I fell in love with some Merlot and Petit Verdot from a neighboring block planted in the mid-1990s. After trying several renditions of a Bordeaux-style blend, I decided to add equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot to the cuvée, as they beautifully complemented the dense, brooding old-vine Cabernet. The final blend was literally scribbled on the back of a napkin and sealed with a handshake. Once the components were racked together, the finished wine went back into barrel (Taransaud barrels, no less) for several more months, allowing everything to marry before bottling. Even though this wine is still an absolute baby, the quality is already clear to see. It is inky, brooding, and powerful, with an uncommon depth of black fruit, crushed rock, savory graphite, cedar, bay laurel, and beautifully integrated barrel spice. Please decant the wine for at least an hour if drinking it anytime soon, allowing it time to open up. I think it will be in fine form by this coming autumn and should have more than 20 years of aging potential. This is a wine I am incredibly proud of and one I will be enjoying on special occasions for many years to come!

An absolute classic rendition of Zinfandel this legendary, historic site. There tons of rich, brambly fruit from the old vine Zin, but also real substance and complexity from the inclusion of Alicante Bouchet and a Primitivo clone brought here by Italian immigrants over a century ago. The wine shows a real sense of place with a crushed rock and ferrous mineral tone from red iron-rich loam and volcanic cobblestones that define the soils of the site. The picture perfect growing season in 2023 gave this wine lots of vibrancy and focus to balance all that old vine concentration and potency. The subtle use of both French and American oak is a well known signature when combined with this beautiful fruit. The value here, as with all the Anonymous wines is simply outstanding! Enjoy!

A remarkable blend sourced from Montagna Vineyard and from sites in Oak Knoll and Calistoga. Montagna Vineyard is located on Pritchard Hill in the eastern hills of Napa Valley. This full-bodied wine features notes of cardamom, black liquorice, and black cherry, complemented by a perfumed bouquet of wild herbs. Crafted by the talented winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, it is a lovely and sophisticated wine. (JC)

The nose is intensely aromatic and floral, with piercing notes of crushed strawberries, potpourri and orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied with seamless tannins and bright acidity, showing red currants, forest floor, cassia bark and mulberries. Very balanced and pure, with 40% whole cluster. Drink or hold.

Our latest Pinot Noir from the Anonymous Wine Collective comes from the newly minted SLO Coast AVA. This ultra-cool-climate growing region on California’s Central Coast has long been renowned for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other aromatic white varieties, but has now been formally recognized with the creation of an AVA defined by its immediate proximity to the Pacific Ocean. We partnered with one of the region’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed producers to craft this entirely estate-grown and produced Pinot Noir from vineyards located just a few miles from the coast. The fruit was hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before undergoing open-top, native fermentation with 10% whole-cluster inclusion. Each block was handled separately until the final barrel selections were made, bringing together our favorite components into one seamless expression of the SLO Coast. The wine is effusively aromatic and pure - a silky, highly perfumed expression of Pinot Noir that is drinking beautifully right out of the gate. Yet, knowing the reputation of this estate, it should also age gracefully for many years to come. Once again, our commitment to preserving the anonymity of our winery partners allows us to offer this wine at a fraction of the price it would command under the regular label. I hope you enjoy it. Cheers!

Aromas of blood plums, violets, licorice, spices and dried herbs. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a generous mouthfeel framed by finely extracted tannins and bright acidity. There’s tension to the wine and persistent purity of fruit in the finish. California's nod to the northern Rhone at the highest level. 100% whole-cluster fermentation. Drink or hold.

This is a seriously classy bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that combines purity of fruit and sheer quaffability with next-level complexity and depth. The source of this wine is a parcel of old-vine Sauvignon Blanc in the heart of Oakville, a subregion of Napa where precious little Sauvignon Blanc is grown anymore, simply because folks can replant the land to Cabernet and get two to four times the price for the fruit or wine. However, some growers realize it’s better to keep world-class Sauvignon Blanc in the ground than plant a few more acres of average Cabernet if the soils aren’t right. We partnered with one such estate to make this wine. That old-vine fruit was then fermented and aged in a variety of different vessels to build texture and tension in the wine. Some was aged in 500L seasoned French oak. Some rested in concrete tank. Another portion aged in a handmade Italian terracotta amphora. I worked with the winemaker to combine these fascinating individual components into one cohesive blend, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. As a young wine, the vivacious tropical and ripe citrus fruits are at the forefront, but there’s also a wonderful mineral tension and crystalline quality to the wine. The portion that spent time in relatively neutral oak boosts the texture just a touch, giving the wine wonderful length and presence on the palate. Despite its relatively inexpensive price point, this is not your typical, simple, stainless-steel, straightforward Sauvignon Blanc. There’s real sophistication and nuance here. I can’t wait to see how this wine settles in; I think it will continue to improve over the coming weeks, months, and probably years. Cheers!

This is a rather wondrous bottling, starting with juicy aromas of cherry that are expertly masked by dewy sagebrush notes that arise with persistence and poise. The snappy palate ranges from raspberry and cranberry to rose petal and hibiscus, and then that slow-rising wave of green sage and peppercorn makes for both delicious and intriguing complexity. (MK)

As other staff and reviews have point out, this is an incredible deal and fantastic wine for the price - fruit coming from Chalone outside of its own estate label is bonkers in and of itself, but at this price a genuine steal. The wine itself is incredibly layered, pretty and elegant aromatics of ripe stone fruit skin, white flowers, and even chamomile tea - and on the palate it is just ripe peaches and nectarines, a little lemon/lime, and a great finish of salinity and riverstone. Acidity is nice and zingy, but integrated into the fruit ripeness as to not be overbearing. Get it before its gone!

A super lean, racy, mineral-driven wine, so fresh and linear and full of energy. Crisp green apples and lemon pith. Light-bodied and refreshing. At just 12% alcohol it's easy to sip and enjoy multiple glasses. Fermented in oak barrels with native yeast and native malolactic for a slightly smoother texture. Drink now. (JG)

Our team found another outstanding value! This Napa Chardonnay offers ripe tropical fruit, a touch of creaminess, and a beautiful flinty character. Vibrant and well-balanced, it captures the warmth of Napa while remaining fresh and never heavy-handed.

The 2022 Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard is classy and elegant from start to finish. There's an element of translucence here that is captivating. Readers will find a super-classic Santa Maria Chardonnay done in a steely, brisk style that is quite appealing. (AG)

A softer, more aromatic energy surrounds this Pinot. Whispers of flowers, fresh cut herbs and cranberries swirl on the nose, while the palate brings flavors of dried cherry, anise, and some nice crunchy tannin to balance the dancing acidity.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains is rock-solid and certainly has plenty of classy Rhys character. Lots of black cherries, mulberries, dried spices, savory herbs, and forest floor notes all dominate the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant texture, silky tannins, and a great finish. This is classic Santa Cruz Mountains, delivering complex, Burgundian aromatics, ample minerality, integrated structure, and a great finish.

The Hillfighter, a “second label” from WeatherEye, is mostly Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 24% Syrah and 7% Tempranillo. I loved how its dried blueberry, worn saddle leather and graphite aromas reminded me of a mature Bordeaux. The wine's flavors of black cherry are ably backed by fine-grained tannins. *Editors' Choice*

The 2023 ‘Geyserville’ is a marvelous, silky blend of mainly Zinfandel (70%) with 18% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah and a touch of Alicante Boushet. Very dark in the glass, this delivers beautiful violet rose petals alongside mocha, tar, Cuban cigar and notes of garrigue with loganberry compote. The palate is fresh and refined, with an elegant mid-palate mouthfeel and light dusting of salinity. Well-structured and weighted, offering plenty of depth and flavor density, this is a marvelous effort that has yet to fully hit its stride —- but the incredible potential is there. The combination of weight and tension suggests this will be very long-lived. Give this another year in the cellar before uncorking. Drink 2026-2045.

The Jonive wines come from their Moon Dust Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills, a cool site by Russian River Valley standards. Lushly aromatic with notes of chicory, sumac and loads of wild berries. The palate is fresh but well-structured. Red raspberries, fresh mint, and savoury smoke follow the flavours of cloves. Delicious but youthful with the structure to develop over the next 8 to 10 years. (CP)

A depth of brambly black and blue fruit dazzles on the well-structured palate of the 2024 Pinot Noir, layered in light bolts of baking spice, forest, and black tea. Balanced acidity keeps it fresh and lively and inviting in its youth. Drink now through 2032.

Takes only a millisecond, once you taste the wine, for the mouth to flood with juicy lime flavours plus splashes of tropical fruits. Totally delicious now, but has the structure to develop well into the next decade.

Spiced dark cherries, ripe blackberries and hints of licorice, cocoa and mocha nose. It’s compact and seamless on the full-bodied palate with a deep core of succulent fruit. Firm but polished, with a lingering finish.

The Gemstone estate vineyard spans 6.5 hectares (16 acres) on the western benches of Yountville. Still, Facets is Gemstone’s non-estate wine, crafted from carefully selected vineyards in Yountville and Oak Knoll by winemaker Julien Fayard, who took the helm in 2021. The 2022 Facets is a crowd-pleaser with upfront appeal, offering heady aromas of violets, rose petals, sweet candied red berry fruit, and dusty minerals. The velvety, fine-grained tannins are seamlessly integrated on the palate, giving the wine a polished texture. Full-bodied and rich, it features expressive, balanced cedarwood sweetness and finishes with notes of crushed cacao nibs. Grapes are gently pressed directly into barrels for fermentation and aged up to 18 months in 40% new French oak. The 2022 vintage is approachable now and perfect for drinking, while the more structured 2021s continue to develop, delivering a harmonious balance of richness, elegance, and immediate gratification. (JC)

So much purity to the fresh, concentrated beam of cherries, raspberries and red plum preserves, all lifted by flowers and mouthwatering acidity. A kiss of spices and Mediterranean scrub sweeps in, while elegantly long, approachable tannins promise a rewarding life ahead. Drink or hold.

This unfiltered Chardonnay explodes from the glass with brilliant aromas of fresh lime peel, orange blossom, chalk and green pear. The palate displays all of that acid-driven freshness, with flavors of juicy tangerine and flowers leading to a finish with echoes of salty lime zest. *Editors' Choice* (TRC)

The 2022 Pinot Noir Francesca Vineyard comes from a site in the Sta. Rita Hills and was fermented with plenty of stems (60%) and aged in 25% new French oak. It has a little Dujac-like vibe in its stemmy red and black fruits as well as complex notes of underbrush, leather, and leafy herbs. This carries to a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that's beautifully balanced, has fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's one hell of a classy Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir to drink over the coming decade.

I had not seen the Overshine wines until recently, but when I learned that Sam Bilbro was making the wines I immediately payed full attention. I have long loved Sam's wines from his other brand, Idlewild, that is focused on Italian grape varieties. Knowing his exceptional skills in the cellar, deep connections to great vineyards across Sonoma, and his dedication to top-notch farming, I knew these wines would be special. Overshine's "Tina's Block" Zin comes from a tiny 2-acre block of vines planted in 1910 at Maple Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. The wine is a classic ancient vine field blend. The block is thought to be roughly 80% Zinfandel interplanted with Petite Sirah, Carignan, Mission, Alicante Bouchet, and Cinsault. The wine is medium to full bodied with lots of beautiful brambly dark fruit, hints of hot stone and dusty earth. Soft, ripe tannins, hints of baking spice and subtle oak. Lush, rich, soft, but not sweet or overly jamy. Really excellent Zinfandel from a fantastic old block of vines. Classic California in a bottle. Our Insider's Advantage price on this is laughable given the quality. Load up for summer grilling season, at $15 this can't be beaten.

This bubble has spent an incredible amount of time on the lees! Seven full years. Comparable to what we see from a few of our very finest small-estate Champagne producers. I really loved its balance of tartness, cream, citrus, poached pear fruit and that super-duper long and chalky finish. It went on forever! There are also some flavors of juicy stone fruits with undertones of exotic Asian spices and Granny Smith apple. I have the distinct feeling that this bottling is also cellar worthy, just like a fine Champagne. I've had bottlings of Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc that were decades old and I can see this one also having that high quality advantage.

The 2018 Pinot Noir La Vida Bella Vineyard envelops the palate with its breath and inviting contours. Black cherry, cloves, licorice, sage, menthol and coffee bring out the darker side of Pinot. There’s real fruit richness, substance and inner perfume to play off the wine’s natural structure. Gorgeous.