2021 Wood Family Vineyards “Groovy Wagon” Pét-Nat
Wood Family Vineyards just introduced their new wine called 2021 “Groovy Wagon”. It is a Pétillant Naturel, or Pét-Nat for short, style using 100% Grenache grapes. First a quick tutorial on pet nat. Pét-Nat is a not a new method of making a “bubbling wine” as it dates back to the pre-Champagne era. The process in making Pét-Nat is called méthode ancestral. The wine is bottled prior to fully completing its first fermentation. This allows carbon dioxide to develop by the natural sugars in the grapes. Méthode champenoise requires a secondary fermentation of yeast and sugar. Champagne must be disgorged. Pét-Nat may or may not be filtered on completion of fermentation. The bottle is cloudy due to the remaining lees present and no filtration. This produces a more rustic and lively wine reflecting the terroirs of the grapes. Wood Family Vineyards Pét-Nat provides the basic Grenache profiles, but with effervescence and brightness of the fruit. A beautiful peach color on the eyes and has a slight tartness on the palate of green apple and grapefruit, along with more typical Grenache fruit traits. A wonderful patio pounder on a warm afternoon or evening. Only 30 cases produced and it is an exclusive for their Club Members. This wine sells for $30 minus wine club discount.
Key hints for serving Pét-Nat:
- Serve it very cold
- Have your glasses ready to go as up to a quarter of the bottle may froth over. Best to let the beginning sentiment (dead yeast) come out then catch some of the clearer “foam” with the glasses. Then pour the remaining wine.
- Best to open over a sink or some kind of containment (large pot).
Who knows with an impending Champagne shortage on the horizon due to global warm, supply chain, government directives, etc., (read: https://www.winemag.com/2021/12/15/champagne-shortage-why/?utm_campaign=3063581_BIE%2012%2F27&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dotmailer&dm_i=28KR,1TNVH,7D4YXZ,6BH74,1) Pét-Nat may be your more convenient chose of bubbles in the future???
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
For more background information on Wood Family Vineyard click on: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2/
2012 Realm Cellars, The Bard
The Winery
Realm Cellars a small boutique winery seems to purposely be under the radar as a cult wine in Napa Valley. The have a small vineyard but generally gather their grapes from some of the more prestigious vineyards in the valley. Those include Beckstoffer To Kalon, Blair, Houyi, Larkmead, Farella and others. The two owners are Scott Becker and Benoit Touquette. Benoit is the winemaker with an excellent pedigree making about 4,000 cases a year. Some of his wines have scores of 100 points like the 2013 The Bard and most are between 96 and 100 points! The 2013 currently shows a price of $484. Currently it takes 1-2 years just to get on their mailing list.
They have two series with the first being blends called The Bard, The Tempest, The Falstaff and the Absurd. Obviously, all with a respective nod to William Shakespeare, highlighting the phrase on The Bard referencing their desire to make excellent wines from the Napa Valley. From King Richard the line is “this blessed plot, this earth, this realm”. Their second series is the single vineyard labels designated by vineyard plot names.
The Wine, 2012 Realm, The Bard
Pulled this from the cellar for a dinner party at a very good friend’s home, I had yet to taste the wine. Knowing that it received 99 points from Parker and 100 points from Dunnuck obviously intrigued my interest. It had been resting comfortably in the cellar for many years without having been tasted before purchase, but on a good friend’s recommendation. The wine is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot and the grapes came from To Kalon, Dr. Crane, Fortuna and Weitz vineyards.
On the eyes a lush deep crimson/purple hue with heavy viscosity. On the nose lavender and violets are predominant. Where the wine shines is on the palate with a complexity of flavors chocolate, licorice, expresso, plums and blackberry. On the finish a light cedar and oak mixed with sweet vanilla pipe tobacco provides an exquisite and lasting finish. Today, the average price for this wine runs about $295, but with some keen sleuthing, a lower price may be found.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Paired with a prime rib cooked medium, potato, broccoli and a fresh garden salad the meal and wine were simply heavenly. I can’t wait until summer to experience at least one more bottle with a BBQ ribeye steak or tri-tip.
Perhaps the line that should be quoted from Richard is “the ripest fruit first falls” (Act 2, Scene 1) and in this case, it fell into the harvest bins of Realm Cellars.
Sláinte,
Michael
2016 Twisted Oak Spaniard and 2015 Crocker & Starr Casili 8th Edition
After spending eight out of twelve days feasting for the holidays with family and friends, we opted for a quiet New Years’ Eve dinner with wine, watching a few movies. This was a welcome break!
First up for the evening was the 2016 Twisted Oak Spaniard, a blend of three beautifully constructed wines by Jeff Stai. The blend is 46% Tempranillo, 31% Grenache and 23% Graciano. The wine is so very complimentary with this blend. Tempranillo with its red ruby coloring, strong berry flavors, plum, tobacco, vanilla, herbs and leather blending with the two others. Grenache with added body, fruitiness and without hearty tannins with a pale coloring coupled with the Graciano with its dark juice, intense blackberry flavors and with spices of cinnamon and cloves made for a compelling blend. The wine sells for $49.
Paired with a chicken enchilada made with corn, sour cream, cream cheese, onions, cheese and salsa. The wine provided an explosion of flavors and became a perfect companion this evening.
Second up for the evening while enjoying a couple of movies, we wanted to keep with the “Spanish theme” so pulled out a 2015 Crocker & Starr Casili 8th Edition. It is a blend of 55% Malbec and 45% Cabernet Franc. This has always been an easy sipping and enjoyable wine albeit rich and full bodied. Blending “milder” and “spicier” varietals provided just the right balance of roundness, yet structure and mild tannins to appreciate this 93 point wine. This wine sells out every year and goes for approximately $80.
Definitely a simple way to end a very trying 2021 and prepare for an exciting 2022!
Sláinte,
Michael
The recently released 2020 Acquiesce Roussanne
The Winery
Acquiesce Winery continues to impress with their white wine portfolio on French varietals. There is so much to state about Susan Tipton, owner and winemaker of Acquiesce Winery. The key takeaway is that she established her winery in Acampo (just north of Lodi) with the expressed purpose of bringing French white wine varieties to market. Lodi had been primarily known for red wines, but she turned heads with some of her unique wines such as Picpoul, Clairette Blanche, Ingénue (blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc & Picpoul Blanc), Roussanne and more. Here are some reviews of her wines and her impact:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/09/20/2018-acquiesce-vineyards-picpoul-blanc/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/08/30/2018-acquiesce-ingenue-french-and-more-french/
Her awards are too numerous to list!!
The 2020 Roussanne Wine
Her 2019 Roussanne and earlier vintages have made my Best Wines of the Year list. The 2020 Roussanne on the eye is a light-medium golden straw color and medium viscosity. On the nose, it possessed an elegant finesse with floral aromatics, hints of pear, apricots and with a rich and silky smooth mouthful texture almost creamy. The finish had a soft nutty texture of almond and a hint of honey with a distinct minerality with a medium long finish. Roussanne brings more acidity, elegance and floral aromatic complexities to the wine which makes it perfect for chicken, turkey or fish. The current release is the 2020 and winery price is $34/bottle. This wine will make my Best Wines Tasted in 2022 (Dec 15th, 2021 to Dec 14th, 2022) Click on previous article on Acquiesce Winery:
The Food and Wine Pairing
The 2020 Acquiesce Roussanne wine was paired with a spinach tomato feta stuffed chicken breast recipe. Ingredients included paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, chopped baby spinach, sundried tomatoes, shallots, garlic clove, fresh basil, oregano, Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Accompanying dish was Yukon Gold smashed potatoes. . Dessert was a beautiful pineapple upside down cake.
I have always believed Susan Tipton is unique in her vision for the AVA and has produced wines to showcase her ability as a top-rated winemaker and trailblazer. While I have always kept her Roussanne in the cellar, this last year Picpoul Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ingénue and Clairette Blanche are also always stocked and featured in the Best Wines Tasted in 2021.
Sláinte,
Michael
2009 Lineage Collection Bordeaux Style Wine
The Winemaker
Steven Kent Mirassou as a 6th generation family winemaker had to set new goals. He set as his pinnacle development to produce the best “Bordeaux style” wine California could produce. A lofty and perhaps extreme goal for one man in Livermore Valley. After many years as a successful winemaker at Steven Kent Winery, he decided to make 3 to 5 barrels a year of the absolute premier “Bordeaux style” wine. On Christmas we opened this 2009 vintage, which is the third of the Lineage release. This release entailed only six barrels. The blend which changes year to year based on flavor profiles, consisted of Cabernet Sauvignon 63%, Merlot 27%, Malbec 5%, Petit Verdot 3% and Cabernet Franc 2%. While blending is an “artistic” endeavor, Steven also is analytical in his pursuit of the perfect Bordeaux blend.
Here is Steven’s write up on why these varietals and clones were chosen. It is like an artist mixing paint colors for right shading, hue and expression of a painting.
“Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 30: Dark cherry and cassis flavors, fine-grained tannins and acidity. Less opulent but more age worthy than Clone 4. (the 2009, only Clone 4 was chosen).
Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 191: Cassis, coffee, and mocha flavors, angular, tannic structure and lengthy, persistent finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 4: Powerhouse rich, viscous flavors of dark fruit and chocolate with broad tannins.
Cabernet Franc: Not as “big” as CS but with more finesse and an aromatic palate of sandalwood and chocolate. Acidity is the watchword of this variety. Its acid-based red fruit flavors marry well with the darker more tannic Cabernet Sauvignon to enliven and length Lineage’s finish.
Petit Verdot: Contributes tannin, color, and grapey aromas and flavors of violet and black fruit. This variety helps to build density in the mid-palate of the wine.
Malbec: Adds fruit and tannin; quite different from Cabernet in its sauvage mix of dried berry and raspberry fruit notes. It signature aromatic note is obvious when the wine is young. As Lineage ages, the Malbec takes on a dried-fruit edge and nice acidity.
Merlot: Noble variety of Bordeaux’s Right Bank; as counterpoint to CS’s austere structure, Merlot is fleshy and opulent; ripe red/dark cherry flavor, a touch of herbal complexity which adds to Lineage’s rich mid-palate.”
The key take way on blending is that it is extremely selective and requires rigorous decision making of not only varietals, but the correct Clones of the varietals to get the flavor profile. Add another step of both winemaking and personal craftsmanship and abracadabra you have a gorgeous and refined Bordeaux blend called Lineage. I am sure Steven wished it was that simple, but this is the shortened version.
Two of many other detailed undertakings are his hand selection of French oak barrels (Taransaud, Le Grand and Francois Freres) and his constant monitoring of the development of the wine in the barrel. The 2009 Lineage was aged 26 months in barrel and released approximately 34 months after harvest.
The Wine
As I went back through my notes, it seems this is our Christmas wine 3 years in a row! The flavor profile and experience of this wine is truly remarkable. First on the eye you see a medium to medium dark red tint and medium viscosity wine. Very different than some of the bold Cabernet Sauvignon’s coming out of Napa Valley. Your first whiff reveals “black fruits, exotic woods and spice aromatics” with aromatic Bing cherries. On the palate, you get all the above characteristics that Steven purposed in his selection of varietals and clones to produce a crescendo of semi-sweet mocha, dark cherry, dark roasted coffee, sweet tobacco, violets, black fruit, etc. On the finish, you are a bit mesmerized in trying to dissect each essential trait in this wine drinking experience. Since it is the season, imagine the finish was akin to the soft ballet of the Nutcracker combined with the strength and precision of the high-kicking Radio City Rockettes. It is a wine to simply enjoy and savor the existential engagement and relationship of such a rare and eloquent treat. Paired with a prime rib, twice baked potato and roasted brussel sprouts, it was heavenly.
Lineage has made my Best Wines of the Year tasted, ten years in a row! The current release is the 2018 and sells for $175/bottle.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.thelineagecollection.com/lineage/
Bentley Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford by Laura Michael Wines
The Winery
My wife and I met Laura many years ago, I think exactly 2 dogs ago (reference her dog which would greet you when you pull up to the winery). She acquired the property in 1999. Laura has always been a one-woman show until her husband Michael is now helping out in the vineyard management and Laura continues as the winemaker. Laura has for over two decades focused on small production artisan wines with consistently quality year to year. When we can all get back to visiting wineries this is not “showy or upstaged” opulence facility, it is essentially their lifestyle and home. That said after spending some time with Laura, you immediately come away with the appreciation of her craft and pleasant personality. This quite boutique winery is just outside downtown Calistoga heading east on Lake County Highway. She currently produces three Zinfandel’s from different vineyards, Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, two Cabernet Sauvignon’s from Rutherford and Calistoga, a dessert wine made with 50% Zinfandel and 50% Petite Sirah, a Dry Rosé of Zinfandel and last but not least her flagship wine Bentley Cabernet Sauvignon. I still have a few bottles of her Bentley and one comes up to drink in 2021 and another in 2024. Unknown to Laura until she reads this, I have always kept her 2009 Bentley in a place of honor in the cellar on the display rack. Wines get this status either because the wine is exceptional or the winemaker/owner is someone special. In her case, both got her this position.
The Wine
The Bentley Cabernet Sauvignon is named for Laura’s maternal grandmother, this wine is dedicated to all of her grandparents, each of whom influenced and instilled the hard work ethic needed to produce great wine. I purchased a few bottles of the 2009 but had never drank (only tasted at her winery) until the other night with friends. On the eyes a very deep and dark color with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose a most intriguing and alluring red & black berries, cedar and vanilla aromas. On the palate, black cherries and mocha countered balanced with cedar and oak provided a luscious and mouth-filling wine. The finish is long and enduring with the classical Rutherford dust lingering and the aging in new French oak barrels provided the panache for a great finish. Laura and Michael manage the vineyard in Rutherford. The current release is the 2018 which goes for $100/bottle and is stated to last 20 years!!
I waited 12 years to enjoy the 2009 and my patience was extremely rewarded.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.lauramichaelwines.com/
2020 Acquiesce Grenache Blanc
The Winery
When Sue Tipton founded Acquiesce Winery, she was on a mission unique to Lodi AVA and in fact, most vinicultural areas. She sought to offer only “white Rhone wines”!! She was chastised and admonished why she should not focus on “solely white wines”. Yet based on her passion and life experiences in France, she proceeded without wavering. She sourced and planted the best vines from the Chateau de Beaucastel of Chateauneuf du Pape on her quest. Today she has and continues making artisan and award winning boutique wines. Her awards are too numerous to list, but include International Women’s Wine Competition Gold Medal, California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition Gold Medal, American Fine Wine Competition Double Gold, SF Chronicle Wine Competition Gold Medal and many, many more.
The Wine
Pulled this bottle of 2020 Acquiesce Grenache Blanc from the cellar to have with our meal last night. I am a big fan of Grenache, but had never tasted this Grenache Blanc from Acquiesce. Acquiesce Winery has 3 acres of Grenache Blanc near the Mokelumne River in the Lodi AVA Appellation. The vines come from the famous French Château de Beaucastel via Tablas Creek. The cool nighttime breezes from the Mokelumne River provide the necessary climate for the grapes to ripen with fruity flavors and balance. Susan Tipton as always handpicked and pressed as whole cluster to the essence of this varietal. The wine has a residual sugar of zero and aged six months sur lie which provides a round and mouth filling flavors.
On the eyes it appeared a light golden color and medium heavy viscosity. My initial thought was it would be a very light flavored wine and perhaps I might have chosen the incorrect wine with this meal. Once on the nose, I was immediately introduced to spicy, explosive and intriguing floral aromas. Then on the palate, green apples, brioche and soft Meyer lemons but not edgy like a Sauvignon Blanc. The wine lists for $28/bottle and for such a subtle powerful wine, this is a bargain. It won a Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco International Wine Competition. This wine now made my Best Wines Tasted of 2022. The timeframe runs from December 16th 2021 to December 15th 2022. I just published the Best Wines Tasted in 2021 last week.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Last night pulled this out to go with one of my favorite dishes, a special Shrimp Pad Thai recipe. At first I thought it might be “too light” but I was quickly corrected with the first sip! This Pad Thai recipe packs a little heat flavoring/spices with flat rice noodles, virgin oil, minced garlic, uncooked shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, red bell pepper, green onions, peanuts, chopped cilantro and lime juice. The Pad Thai sauce included fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Sriracha and creamy peanut butter! Limes were plated to squeeze the juice over the top of the dish. Accompaning the meal was a fresh garden salad with an Asian dressing. The wine was mouth-filling refreshing to quench the palate. A wonderful pairing and sipping wine. I knew it was a white wine to go with seafood but when I looked up the winemakers’ notes, she specifically stated it went well with “spicy Asian food”—Susan Tipton was absolutely correct!
Sláinte,
Michael
2016 Steven Kent Winery Cabernet Franc
Steven Kent Winery has always come through with great wines. I am a BIG, BIG fan of Steven Mirassou wines (Lineage Collection, L’Autre Côte, Steven Kent Winery) for twenty years. Fortunately, and the good news, is that I have many of his varietals which still occupy my cellar today. One which I had been historically slow to pull the trigger on, was his Cabernet Franc. I had remembered it being a “lighter Cabernet Franc” both in texture, color and flavor (more French style). Last night as the temperature was dipping to freezing, I opened his 2016 Cabernet Franc and I was once again pleasantly surprised and astonished by the aroma, complexity and finish of this wine.
His 2016 Cabernet Franc is a part of his Small Lot offering made of 100% Cabernet Franc. He sources the grapes from Ghielmetti Estate Vineyard 67% and Sachau Vineyard 33%. It is 100% Cabernet Franc. It is aged in hand selected 20% new French oak barrels for 18-20 months. Steven, ever the perfectionist, proposed to mitigate the “oak influence” so that the herbal (green bell pepper, pyrazines) could be juggled with the fruit characteristics. Combining two vineyards, he was able to also extract different fruit and levels of acidity, to blend to a desirable level. A lot of thought and effort went into this vintage. On the eyes, a purple and red brick hue with a vivid clarity. On the nose, blackberry, blueberry, fig and prunes were present along with floral notes of violets. On the palate, the key herbal qualities of bell pepper were interlaced with the sweetness of vanilla and caramel. Additionally, minerality and soft leather came through in the finish. The winery is “re-branding” the lineup and going forward his Cabernet Franc will be listed under the L’Autre Côte label. This wine is not the single vineyard series, but a combination of the two vineyards in 2018 and lists for $48/bottle.
I have L’Autre Côte, both the blend and his single vineyard series Cabernet Franc in the cellar. All of them are outstanding and worth consideration, especially if Cabernet Franc is on your radar!
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://stevenkent.com/
Vine18’s Inaugural Winemaker Dinner with Hill Family Estate
Vine18 is initiating a series of winemaker dinners and kicked off the venue with a small twenty person dinner last evening. The new management and Executive Chef wanted to “work out the kinks” with service and food preparation in a small kitchen with a reduced crowd before opening it up to a broader cliental. The feature winery and one of the owners was Ryan Hill, 5th generation farmer and now wine producer out of Yountville, California.
Ryan Hill spoke about his family lineage with antidotal stories from gopher extermination to securing first right of refusal on vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. One gets a greater appreciation of a family run business/winery when its history, the ups and downs, are revealed. Three wines were served during the course of the evening: 2017 Reserve Chardonnay, 2018 Stewart Ranch Pinot Noir and the 2019 Like a Hawk (blend).
The first course of the evening was the Sea Bass croute with stone fruit chutney and toasted hazelnut béchamel. Paired with this dish was the cream rich 2017 Reserve Chardonnay with a golden color and heavy viscosity on the eyes. On the nose, a vanilla and light oak were present. On the palate, toasted hazelnut and brioche were noted. The finish was especially long for a Chardonnay. The Chardonnay comes from the American Canyon region with the cooling winds effects of San Francisco Bay. The presentation of the dish was stunning.
The second course was the seared duck breast with spiced date, peppadew and chorizo demi-glace and crispy rainbow kale. The wine served was the 2018 Stewart Ranch Pinot Noir from the Napa Carneros region with cool winds from the adjacent San Pablo Bay. The wine was dark in color with a 30 day contact with the skins. Flavor profiles included black cherry and plum flavors. The wine and sauce were excellent together.
Dessert was a mocha pot de crème with a pastis berry compote with had an unique coffee/toffee flavoring. This was paired with the 2019 Like A Hawk, a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Syrah, 17% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. A dark rich wine in the glass with mocha and black cherry being predominant on the palate.
For the inaugural dinner and with a limited attendance, it went well. The areas of improvement and logistical shortfalls are being asked and rectified by management. The Executive Chef, Albert Sandoval and pastry chef prepared the food very well. By the end of the evening all these glasses and a few others were filled and filled again!
Sláinte,
Michael
Best Wines Tasted in 2021
2021 continued to be an unusual and strange year with fires and Covid-19 especially in California. While I am generally fortunate enough to taste and appreciate over 1600+ wines, this year with Covid 19, fires, etc., I was only able to taste a little over 1400+ wines. This list roughly represents the top 5.5% of those wines. I have broken it out by price point, those $50 and under and those $51 and up—-something for everyone! The picks also span almost the entire state AVA’s and sub-AVA’s. I believe whole heartily and stand by these picks. There were many other very good and solid wines, but these “stood out” in the crowd.
No matter which category, each wine listed will enhance your tasting experience. These wines represent some of best quality for California wines. Most can be purchased at the winery only and are based upon availability. On the California Wines and Wineries website (not blog) you can put the name of the wine/winery in the search engine and most have stories associated with each wine for a deeper dive.
During the year I have kept meticulous notes on each wine tasted and hope you enjoy these selections in the coming year. Wishing you a wonderful holiday and that your New Year be prosperous, meaningful and find you in good health.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
$50 and less
| Vintage | Winery | Varietal |
| 2016 | 3 Steve’s | Carmenere |
| 2018 | Acquiesce | Roussanne |
| 2018 | Acquiesce | Picpoul Blanc |
| 2018 | Acquiesce | “Ingenue”, Blend |
| 2019 | Acquiesce | Clariette Blanche |
| 2019 | Acquiesce | Bourboulenc |
| 2017, 2018 | Acre Wines | Zinfandel |
| 2018 | Acre Wines | Merlot |
| 2015 | Alyris | Chardonnay, The Audition |
| 2017 | Borjon | Petite Sirah |
| 2019 | Cellar 13 | Chardonnay |
| 2017 | Cuda Ridge | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Cuda Ridge | Carmenere |
| 2019 | Dave’s Porch Wine | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2017 | Dracaena Wines | Cabernet Franc, Reserve |
| 2017 | Hindsight | Cabernet Sauvignon, 20/20 |
| 2020 | Hindsight | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2018 | Iron Hub | Chardonnay |
| 2018 | Lavender Ridge | Roussanne |
| 2016 | MadoroM | Sauvignon Blanc |
| 2016 | Mineral Wines | Meritage |
| 2019 | Prospect 772 | “Black Tie Charlie”, Blend |
| 2017 | Rosa Fierro Cellars | Primitivo |
| 2018 | Smith-Madrone | Riesling |
| 2019 | Tenbrink | Chardonnay |
| 2016 | Tobin James | Nebbiolo |
| 2016 | Tobin James | Legrein, Silver Reserve |
| 2016 | Twisted Oak | Mourvedre, River of Skulls |
| 2016 | Twisted Oak | Graciano |
| 2018 | Wood Family | “Against the Grain” Blend |
| 2018 | Wood Family | Malbec |
| 2019, 2020 | Wood Family | Chardonnay |
| 2016 | Zuidema | Grenache |
Add 2015, Shale Canyon, Cabernet Franc to Below $50.
$51 and up
| Vintage | Winery | Varietal |
| 2014 | Arkenstone | Cabernet Sauvignon, NVD |
| 2018 | Austin Hope | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2013 | Barnett Vineyards | Merlot |
| 2014 | Blackbird | Contrarian, Blend |
| 2016, 2018 | Brecon | Cabernet Franc |
| 2016 | Calla Lily Estate | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 | Crocker & Starr | Cabernet Sauvignon, Stone Place |
| 2014, 2015 | Crocker & Starr | Cabernet Franc |
| 2011 | Detert Family | Cabernet Franc |
| 2013 | Duckhorn | Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mtn |
| 2017 | Duckhorn | Merlot, 3 Palms |
| 2017 | Hawk & Horse | Cabernet Sauvignon, Block Three |
| 2017 | Hawk & Horse | Petit Verdot |
| 2010 | Hewitt | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2015 | Hindsight | Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mtn |
| 2011, 2017 | Justin Vineyards | Isoceles, Blend |
| 2009 | Keenan | Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mtn |
| 2013 | Keenan | Cabernet Franc |
| 2017 | L’Autre Cote | Cabernet Franc, Sachau |
| 2008, 2017 | Lineage | Bordeaux Blend |
| 2016 | MadoroM | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2016 | MadoroM | Merlot |
| 2018 | Maritana | Chardonnay, La Riviere |
| 2014 | Meyer Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2010 | Nickel & Nickel | Chardonnay, Branding Iron |
| 2008 | Oakville East | Cabernet Sauvignon, Exposure |
| 2007, 2011 | O’Shaughnessy | Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder |
| 2010 | Outpost | Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mtn |
| 2012 | Outpost | Cabernet Sauvignon, True Vineyards |
| 2013 | Peter Michael | Chardonnay, Mon Plaisir |
| 2009 | Progeny | Cabernet Franc, Mt Veeder |
| 2016 | PrueCru | Cabernet Franc |
| 2010 | Robert Mondavi | Cabernet Sauvignon, Private |
| 2012 | Sarocka | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2005, 2006 | Silver Oak | Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley |
| 2010 | Skipstone | Cabernet Sauvignon, Faultline |
| 2018 | Smith-Madrone | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2017 | Summit Lake | Cabernet Sauvignon,” Emily Kestrel” |
| 2012 | Tate Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder |
| 2015 | Tate Wines | Merlot, Spring Mtn |
| 2019 | Titus Vineyards | Cabernet Franc |
| 2019 | Titus Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2012 | Trespass Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon, Rendezvous |
| 2013 | Villa Vallecito | Sagrantino |
| 2010 | Vineyard 29 | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 2018 | Vinoce | Cabernet Franc |
| 2017 | VJB Cellars | Aglianico, Estate |
| 2015 | YoungInglewood | Malbec |
Also $51 and up are:
2017 Diamond Mountain, Cabernet Franc
2016 Palazzo Wine, Cabernet Franc
2017 Shadybrook Estate, Cabernet Franc