May 2021 Recommendations
Cabernet Sauvignon
Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon KnightsValley 2018
4.0
Average Cost $29
Beautiful dark ruby red color. Elegant notes of blackberry. Fresh and tight. Hints of brown spice. The best value Napa Cabernet in the business.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018
4.3
Average Cost $30 - 35
A barn-burner! The 2018 is full bodied, high alcohol and enticing acidity. Powerful fruit, yet ripe and elegant. Blackberry and black currant. Lingering finish.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.6
Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2018
4.1
Average Cost $28
Dark ruby red, almost purple color. Black and red cherry in the nose, hints of spice and forrest floor. Very balanced on the palate. Perfect harmony of fruit, body, alcohol, with little tannins and little acidity.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.6
Chardonnay
Chateau St.Jean Creamy Chardonnay 2018
3.8
Average Cost $10.99
Incredible Value!
Slightly buttery, but well balanced. Aromas of tropical fruit, green apple and lemon. Mixed in you find hints of creme brûlée.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay 2018
4.0
Average Cost $19.99 Aromas of citrus and green apple. Very balanced on the palate. Long fruity finish.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2018
3.8
Average Cost. $13.99
Aromas of fruit, vanilla and oak.
Hints of mango, papaya, pear and pineapple.
Just the optimal mix of fruit and oak.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Add a footnote if this applies to your business
December 2020 Recommendations
Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa VAlley
Barnett Vineyards Carbenet Sauvignon 2016
4.4
Average Cost $80 Round and plush with black currant, caramel and sweet chocolate on the complex palate.
Barnett Vineyards is located on top of Spring Mountain in Napa. The rocky, well drained soils of their hillside terraces are ideal for ultra-premium cabs. One of D's new favorite Napa Cabs.
D's Vivino Rating: 5.0
Snowden Brothers Vineyard 2016
4.5
Average Cost $84
A Wine Spectator (WS) 94 points rated wine that was part of WS Top 100 list for 2019.
Again, another hillside wine with the characteristic rocky hillside taste.
Aged for 19 month in French oak, and it shows.
I can buy currently this beauty on Vivino for $63. Get a case!
D's Vivino Rating : 4.75
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis 2017
4.4
Average Cost $69
A classic and always good.
2017 was a difficult year in Napa with significant damage from wildfires. Nevertheless, the Artemis faired well and 2017 came out better than 2018.
This is a lush cab with dark ruby red color and great dark fruit aromas.
I can often buy this wine for below $60.
D's Vivino Rating: 5.0
Faust 2017
4.3
Average Cost $ 49
Heavy on the alcohol with 14.9%. Rich ruby color. Aromas of black currant and dark cherries. Notes of cassis and chocolate.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Merlot - Napa Valley
Nickel & Nickel Harris Vineyard 2016
4.3
Average Price $49
Aromas of plum, juicy berries and cherries.
Toasty oak from the barrels. Full bodied and well balanced.
A WS 92 rated Merlot.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2016
4.2
Average Price $48
Won my Merlot tasting hands down!
The flagship vineyard of Merlot production. This wine is consistantly good every year. 2016 was exceptionally enjoyable.
Vibrant red fruit flavors, hints of licorice and tobacco leaf. Good oak.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Pinot Noir - California
Roar Santa lucia highlands 2017
4.3
Average Price $45
Winner of D's Pinot Noir tasting.
A monster of a Pinot. Powerful red fruit and impressive elegance.
This Santa Lucia Highland product comes from cool air and rocky soil.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Belle Glos Las Alturas 2017
4.4
Average Price $49
Extra points for a pretty bottle!
But the Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot impresses as well: Dark ruby color. Raspberry and wild blackberry aromas. Rich meatiness of ripe plum and black cherry on the palate.
Special Vivino pricing of $34!
D's Vivino Rating: 5.0
FEL Anderson valley 2018
4.2
Average Price $38
One of several Cliff Lede Pinots. Named by the initials of Cliff Lede's mother.
Aromas of black cherry and strawberry. Hints of cinnamon, vanilla and mild spice.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
20 Under 20 Winners
La Posta Pizzella Family malbec 2018
4.1
Average Price $15
Winner of D's 20 under $20 tasting. 93 points by James Suckling.
Dense, dark berry flavors, hints of sandalwood and spice.
A great wine for an unbelievable price!
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
4.1
Average Price $20
What a "beautiful thing"!
This California North Coast cab came in second in D's 20 under $20 tasting.
Aromas of cherries and plum. Multi-layered vanilla and silky tannins.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5
California Table Wine
Pure Paso j.lohr red table wine 2017
4.1
Average Price $24
This proprietory Cabernet and Petite Sirah blend is a mouthful! A Paso Robles, CA product that features great blackberry notes. It is juicy on the palate and drinks sooooooo easily.
D's Vivino Rating: 4.5