Kistler's Second Act

FOR PINOT NOIR LOVERS!

 

For the second act in his brilliant and distinguished career, Steve Kistler is choosing to work with coastal Pinot sites that achieve full ripeness at lower sugars than those in the Russian River Valley and other parts of Sonoma. For now, there are four wines in the range, although Kistler told me he expects to add at least two more vineyard designates in the coming years. Kistler's Occidental Pinot Noirs are off the charts and, again, very limited.  Reserve yours by stopping by or contacting us.

KISTLER VINEYARDS 2016 "FREESTONE-OCCIDENTAL" Sonoma Coast PINOT NOIR...REG. $45, Special $38.95

Captivating aromas of high-toned raspberry and red currant, rose petal, and spice. Possesses the energy, precision, and purity of flavor that gives all the Occidental wines lift and perfume, along with the deeper soil tones that contribute to complexity. Remarkably vivid and beautifully layered, this wine shows elegance and great overall balance."

Amizetta's 'Tradition'

FOR a LIMITED TIME ONLY!

We have always focused on those very small, boutique wines that express some of the best quality available.  Unfortunately, they are usually produced in minute quantities and only available during a small window of time. By the time many of our customers have a chance to experience certain wines, they are sold out and have to 

wait up to a year for the next release.

This is one of those wines.  We fielded call after call to order more only to be disappointed to find out it was sold out...UNTIL NOW. We were able to procure a small amount from the winery's library and can offer it at the same incredible price that we offered during the Jolidays.

AMIZETTA 2014 "TRADITION" Napa RED BLEND

The Clark brothers grew up making cult wines on the slopes of Howell Mountain with their father at Amizetta Estate Winery. Utilizing their family's forty-year history of winemaking knowledge in Napa Valley, the brothers are now embarking on their own adventure. The Tradition philosophy is to create the best possible blends representing unique terroirs and microclimates of select vineyards in Napa. 

A dark wine with aromas of chocolate, blueberry pie and spices. Medium-to-full bodied with notes of French oak and vanilla bean. A rich finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak create a delicate balance between fruit and body. This vibrant red blend reflects another excellent vintage in the Napa Valley. 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 21% Syrah, 16% Petite Sirah

This wine retails for $50, but you won't believe the Capitol Cellars price...call today!

WoW - Winery of the Week: Hourglass

WINERY of the WEEK

Hourglass Wines has built a steadfast following and affirmed their status as one of Napa's most sought-after wine for collectors. Hourglass's inaugural release came with the 1997 vintage and the new brand was catapulted to instant renown at a tasting held just before the 2001 Napa Valley Wine Auction featuring a flight of 1997 vintage Cabernets that critic Robert Parker, Jr. had scored 100 points: Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, and Bryant Family. Hourglass held its own alongside the cult giants and ever since then sold out immediately upon release. 

HOURGLASS 2016 "HGIII" Napa RED BLEND

HGIII, a Bordeaux based blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Petite Sirah was developed to provide a wine from this great estate that loyal followers could enjoy without breaking the bank.

Bounding aromas of fresh vibrant fruit-black and Bing cherry, blackberries, and pomegranate-mingle with elevated notes of chocolate, roasted hazelnut and toasted vanilla bean to create an explosive and compelling aromatic. Layers of fruit, crossing a spectrum of red and black berries, incorporate the finest elements of blending Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Sirah (the secret sauce).

HOURGLASS 2017 Estate Napa  SAUVIGNON BLANC

Primary aromas of lemon and lime zest, orange blossom and Granny Smith apples open to flavors of limeade, cut hay, white peach, pineapple and vanilla bean. Wet stone minerality from the Larkmead fruit provides a wonderful counterbalance and tension to the pure fruit expressions from the Varozza and Gamble vineyards.

These wines retail for $60 and $42, respectively.  We are honored to offer them at amazing prices...too amazing to list here, so please contact us to reserve!

New Arrivals for May 3, 2018

NEW ARRIVALS to CAPITOL CELLARS

GHOST BLOCK

With the extraordinary vintages that California has experienced since 2012 the 2015 has captured our attention even more. It's as close to perfection that a vintage can attain and our favorite wineries like Ghost Block make this recent release memorable. For our customers that were fortunate to get on the allocation list the wine is here for pickup.  However, as the exclusive retailer in the area, we are allowed to offer a small amount to those who have never experienced such a beautiful wine. Call or email to reserve your wine.

Nestled on a gently sloping knoll, Ghost Block vineyard is named in honor of Napa's pioneer winemakers who rest in a tiny 150-year-old cemetery on the north edge of Yountville - the epicenter of Napa Valley. Graced with perfect drainage and sunny exposure, Ghost Block Vineyard is a jewel, an heirloom, passed down through

a single family for over 100 years. Coveted by celebrity winemakers, the fruit from this and nearby vineyards has been the cornerstone of many of Napa's 'cult wines'.

GHOST BLOCK 2015 "OAKVILLE ESTATE" Napa Cabernet Sauvignon...REG. $72, Special $62.95

The fruit comes from the Rock Cairn vineyard, a 30-year-old vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley that is 100% certified organic.  Finesse oriented with an elegant balance and structure. Bright floral aromatics, such as rose petals and tobacco. A full-bodied Cabernet that attacks with loads of dark berry fruits, cocoa and nutmeg. The palate is supported by the lasting finish of black cherries and coffee.

 

McGAH FAMILY VINEYARDS "SCARLETT"

Mike Smith is an award-winning winemaker who started his career under the direction of Thomas Brown and worked with a vast array of wine labels including Schrader, Maybach Family, Tamber Bey and Rivers Marie & Carter Cellars. It was during this period that he developed his own philosophies on winemaking, based on the strong foundation he built while working with these established labels.The award-winning Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon, named after the founder's daughter, is crafted exclusively from fruit grown on their magnificent 64-acre Rutherford vineyard estates.

MCGAH 2015 "SCARLETT" Rutherford Napa Cabernet Sauvignon... REG. $70, Special $59.95

The 2015 vintage was the last of the drought years, which offered bold and classic characteristics to the finished wines.  Violet in color, with a clarity that shows the overall vibrancy of this wine.  Aromas of high-toned black currant, dark cherry, and anise dance on the palate. Dark ripe berries, cassis, light spice notes with hints of earthy notes yield a rich and smooth mid-palate. The finish is loaded with ripe and opulent fruit that is framed by firm, but supple tannins, gaining length and grace along the way. 

MCGAH 2016 "SCARLETT" Rutherford Napa Zinfandel...REG. $45, Special $38.95

This is a Zin for Cab lovers! Old vine, a real stunner.  It possesses amazing aromatics and flavors and is full of charisma.  On the nose large gobs of black stone fruit and pomegranate jump out of the glass!  This youngster is full-bodied and extremely well-balanced.  The palate is loaded with bright black currants, black cherries, chocolate, spice and a touch of tobacco.  The finish is long and intense and does not seem to end.

THIS WEEK'S NEW RELEASES

We are so excited to have some new wines just in.  Please visit us to enjoy them while they last.  Customers receive exclusive pricing.  Please call for details.

DUTTON ESTATE

In the Green Valley AVA in the Russian River Valley located near the small charming town of Sebastopol. Once a dominant apple-growing region, Sebastopol is now a destination hide-away and home to the winery's founders, Joe and Tracy Dutton.

2015 "Kyndall's Reserve" Dutton Ranch CHARDONNAY A leading bouquet of stone fruits, vanilla, citrus and cinnamon burst from the glass for this cool climate chardonnay. With the first sip, ripe fruit flavors of red and green apples, nectarine and orange zest, along with hints of buttercream and orange honey surge the palate.

2014 "Karmen Isabella" Dutton Ranch PINOT NOIR  Red cherry, raspberry and Santa Rosa plum are among the flavors that fill your mouth which is what you would expect from a Russian River Pinot Noir.

JONES FAMILY VINEYARDS

Jones Family's three estate vineyards are located in the northern Napa Valley at the base of Howell Mountain about 5 miles north St. Helena in the Calistoga AVA.  10 total acres of vineyards in 3 distinct blocks create unique lots with individual flavor profiles. In 1998 David Abreu designed and planted a 3 acre hillside vineyard of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot.  With Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, one of the most exciting young talents in Napa Valley, these wines are not to be missed. 

2012 "The Sisters" Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON This wine is a multi-layered chorus of aromas and flavor that displays a great sense of harmony.  After experiencing the aromatic profile of clove, jasmine, tanned leather, eucalyptus and spiced ripe plum what remains is the purity of the vintage.  On the palate deep red fruit and spice notes of black cherry, cassis and cocoa nibs.

2013 Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON Tightly packed aromas of blackberry, cinnamon, dark chocolate and graphite swell out of the glass.  Over time the palate profile releases layers of crushed blueberries, cassis, and nutmeg.  The tannin that frames the rich, decadent notes contributes a strong mineral quality that begins in the middle of the palate and carries through to the long, nuanced finish. This wine has a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon profile and reflects the pinnacle of winemaking from the Jones Family Vineyards Estate.

MI SUENO

Rolando Herrera's story is the epitome of the American dream realized. Rolando left his home in El Llano, Mexico at age 15 to build a life in the Napa Valley. While enrolled in high school, Rolando spent his nights as a dishwasher at Auberge du Soleil. He got his start in the wine industry as a harvest laborer at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and, over the next 10 years, he worked his way up to cellar master and then, with the help of so many mentors in the Valley, started his own winery in 1997.  We are honored to sell Rolando's wines including his amazing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, currently in stock.

2013 Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON Just recently we tried his CABERNET SAUVIGNON and were blown away by the depth and balance and can now offer the lowest price.

BENCH VINEYARDS Circa 64 Wines

Husband and wife team Sam Sharp and Allison Steltzner have partnered with her parents, Richard and Christine, to create Bench Vineyards. The brand is named after the unique topography of their 30-acre estate, a true benchland vineyard located on the eastern side of Napa Valley, directly below the Stags Leap District Palisades.

By partnering with Jim Barbour on the vineyard side and Winemaker Mike Smith, the goal of Bench Vineyards is to make modern, elegant wines that reflect their Stags Leap District vineyard location.

2015 Stag's Leap District RED BLEND An amazing blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Verdot & 25% Malbec that shows the versatility of famed winemaker Mike Smith from his first Stag's Leap District wine.  Never have we tasted such elegance & richness in the same glass.

HALCON VINEYARDS

Paul Gordon, founder of Halcon Vineyards, is a firm believer in cool climate wines.  His estate, located in the Yorkville Highlands, shares geologic, altitude, and oceanic exposure with the Northern Rhone.  The vineyards that provide the fruit for the Pinot Noir share these cool climate characteristics.  Winemaker Scott Shapely (ROAR Wines) has created spectacular, expressive, delicious wines from these exceptional parcels.

2015 "Cerise Vineyard" PINOT NOIR This wine is incredibly fragrant & floral with brambly black cherries, blood orange and anise.  Mouthfeel is fresh, rich & pure.  Enticing flavors of bing cherries, plum, clove and fresh tea lead to a long, clean finish.  Wonderful balance of ripe fruit, acidity and tannic structure.  Only 120 cases produced.  SPECIAL PRICE $29.95

Please call (916)780-9030 for special pricing

WINEMAKER SERIES Continues with CAMERON and BAHANEH HOBEL

I am pleased to announce that Capitol Cellars customers will have the special opportunity to meet the proprietors of Hobel Winery this Saturday.  Hobel's story began in 1998 when Cameron and Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown met in Napa Valley.  After 11 years of a shared love of wine, they collaborated to produce Hobel Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, one of my favorite wines to share with customers.

On Saturday we will taste two designations, The Grain (only 96 cases produced) and The Figure (158 cases), along with some treasured library vintages.  These are beautiful, concentrated, rich wines with flavors of blueberry, blackberry compote and dark chocolate.

I hope you can join us for this opportunity to taste and purchase some truly rare and extraordinary wines.  Please call at your convenience to place your $15 reservation for this Saturday, September 30, 4 to 6pm.

Contact Marcus at (916)780-9030 for reservations!

NEW ARRIVALS and GREAT VALUES - July 20, 2017

KILLIAN  2015 “Adam & Eve Vineyard” Russian River Chardonnay

Thirty years making wines in some of California’s most prestigious wineries and finally Jean and Ed Killian decided to make their own wine.  These are exciting times!  Jean has always loved Ed’s Chardonnay.  It has been a favorite of many over the years, and has produced many a gold medal.  

Killian’s intention is to remain very small, and produce only distinctive, elegant wines from great appellations.  They will add a couple of red varietals when they can secure fruit sources that they believe will support their quality goals.

Attractive light-gold color with an open star jasmine, citrus blossom nose above red apple, stone fruit and hints of smoky oak.  Flavors are reminiscent of fresh apple and pear and are framed in a richly-bodied mouthfeel that finishes with balanced acidity and just a hint of fruit sweetness.  This will be one of the best aging of the Killian Chardonnays and should be optimally balanced about a year after release.

CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING...$25.95

SEVENTY FIVE WINE COMPANY 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon 

The Seventy Five Wine Company revels in expressing California wine country’s sun, earth and abundance. The wines reveal a history of care and craftsmanship that begins in the vineyard.

Tuck Beckstoffer honed his skills around some of the most talented vineyard managers and winemakers in the world.  The Seventy Five Wine Company draws on a great foundation of inspiration, and was created as a conscious reflection of Beckstoffer's personal belief in and commitment to the production of high quality, reasonably priced wines from the Napa Valley - his home since 1975.

The Beckstoffer family has historic connections to the vineyards of northern California, and deep roots in the wine world. The Seventy Five Wine Company is dedicated to pioneering change by producing premium wines of great distinction at reasonable prices. In Tuck’s own words, “I personally promise to over-deliver on every one of your expectations: wine quality and pedigree.” 

This exceptionally rich yet balanced Cabernet Sauvignon expresses wonderful dense aromas of ripe burnt early season cherries and scorched earth. The palate showcases classic notes of sweet black cherry, cassis and black raspberry. Tannins are beautifully integrated into this multidimensional, full-bodied yet wonderfully balanced wine. Finish is exceptional and lingering. This wine can certainly be enjoyed now but will only get better with age.

CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING…$19.95

OLEMA 2014 Sonoma County Chardonnay

#1 in "Best of 2016: Robert Parker, Top 3 Greatest Value Wines of the Year"...The 2014 Chardonnay from Sonoma is a heck of a bottle of wine, with honeysuckle, lemon blossom and a touch of white peach all present in this wine that offers clean, pure fruit, medium body and a distant hint of wood. This is a terrific value and sleeper selection. 

CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING…$13.95

HUNGRY BLONDE 2014 Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay 

Hungry Blonde is the brainchild of Sandy and Mike Davis, successful Southern California IT entrepreneurs. As Mike tells it, “[Sandy and I] were talking one morning about where we were in life and where we wanted to be. Sandy wanted to continue her education - singing lessons, cooking lessons, exploring the world. She has a hunger for life, and at that defining moment I called her my ‘Hungry Blonde'.” 

At the time, the Davises were in the process of buying a set of historic Napa Valley vineyards; their original plan for the “Hungry Blonde” label was to make 25 cases of wine for personal consumption. But friends of the couple went nuts for the Chardonnay, which is sourced from a single vineyard in Napa’s cool Carneros subzone. With fourth-generation Napa winemaker Cary Gott, the Davises made 40 barrels’ worth of the 2012 vintage, which won a rare Double Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition.

Give the glass a swirl to release vibrant, creamy scents of apples, lemon curd and vanilla.  The wine’s focused flavors suggest green apples, lemon zest and, thanks to pretty French oak, a slight graham cracker note.

CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING…$25.95