Ken Wright ‘Bonnie Jean’, 2014, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $98
Ken Wright has been an Oregon Pinot Noir icon since the early 1980’s. His production of single vineyard wines truly expresses each vineyard that he sources from. The Bonnie Jean Vineyard is his newest addition and is already making quite a name for itself.
Brookman, 2010, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $91
Gary Brookman comes from acclaimed wineries such as Joseph Phelps, Miner and California’s first “Cult” wine, Grace Family Vineyards. Gary makes only 425 cases of this rare California gem.
Keplinger ‘Lithic’, 2013, Grenache/Mouvedre/Syrah, Sierra Foothills $130
One of Napa Valley’s most decorated wine makers and also a winner of winemaker of the year, Aaron Pott has a tendency to turn any wine he touches into gold. Producing only 1,000 cases only means that there is not a lot of gold to go around.
Lail ‘Blueprint’, 2014, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $120
Robin Lail is quite possibly the most amazing person in the wine business today. Her family founded Inglenook in 1879, she was Robert Mondavi’s personal assistant and directed the first Napa Valley Wine Auction. Robin also co-founded Dominus and Merryvale wineries. That’s a wine resume very few can come close to. Oh, and did I mention her winemaker is Philippe Melka?
Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’, 2013, Cabernet Blend, Columbia Valley $113
Quilceda is one of the most respected wineries in all of Washington and, honestly, North America. This wine is very rare and very hard to get a hold of and at this price point with the limited amount that is made, this wine will not be on our list for long.
Janzen ‘Cloudy’s Vineyard’, 2012, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $178
Only 353 cases were made of this wine. The vineyards are in the acclaimed Dutch Henry Canyon which is nestled between Hourglass and Switchback Vineyards. Talk about some great neighbors.
Janzen, 2013, Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer to Kalon $240
Kurt Vegne, a second generation cult winemaker has made a name for himself by being a master to the To Kalon vineyard. There are only 347 cases of this wine produced and at this price for Beckstoffer to Kalon, it will go fast.
Araujo ‘Altagracia’, 2013, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $218
This extremely rare wine is sought after in auctions all over the world. Most of the fruit is sourced from the acclaimed Eisele vineyards. The 2013 vintage is heralded by many to be their best production of Altagracia to date.