WINERY OF THE WEEK...Gandona

The story of Gandona is rooted in tradition and a passion for transforming land into something extraordinary. It’s born from an estate that rests upon a sloping hillside high above the beauty of Napa Valley and Lake Hennessey (Pritchard Hill) – its vineyards, carved from the steep terrain and planted in four blocks, each possess their own distinct personality. 

In 2006 Manuel and Cristina Pires met Bob Long on Pritchard Hill and talked candidly as they toured the vineyards that Bob spoke of their life on Pritchard Hill.  He had a fondness for grape growing, and the capability of the Hills’s legendary soil.  So thin that it barely covers the rock underneath, the soil had indeed proven ideal for producing Cabernet Sauvignon by neighboring estates like Colgin Cellars, Bryant Family, David Arthur and Ovid.  Add famed winemaker Philippe Melka and you know there is nothing better!!

2013 “Estate” Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON

This is Gandona’s fifth vintage of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon and it shows the high quality of terroir, farming and winemaking technique. Made by Philippe Melka, this is pure Pritchard Hill Cab, with great structure and power but will benefit greatly with time in the bottle. The fruit is rich, black and full-bodied yet the tannins on this Cab are firm but not overwhelming. 100% Cabernet, this bottling is sourced entirely from what they call "The Old Block", which comprises 1.6 acres under vine that Jim Barbour planted as vineyard manager for the property.

REG. $225…Special Pricing $199.95

2014 “ENCOSTA” Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Encosta (“slope”) Cabernet Sauvignon originates from the steeply terraced hillsides of Gandona Estate and its terra cotta-colored, volcanic soil.  The 2013 vintage is a wine celebrating the very soul of hillside fruit capturing the essence of the vine’s interaction with earth and sun.

REG. $90…Special Pricing $79.95

2014 “MEIA” Napa Valley CABERNET FRANC

Situated in the heart of the estate—Meia, Portuguese for “middle”, encompasses the best of both the steep slope of the terraces Gandona is known for, and the perpendicular row orientation of the less extreme avenue blocks — characteristics that are directly reflected in the style of the wine produced from the block. Historically used to add complexity and depth to Encosta, the exceptional success of the Cabernet Franc in the “meia” of the estate in 2014 compelled them to bottle a limited quantity of it, an event only to be repeated when the vintage allows it.  ONLY 60 CASES MADE

REG. $120…Special Pricing $104.95

NEW ARRIVALS and GREAT VALUES

Get ready for the HEAT!!…It’s going to get up to 109 degrees these next couple of weeks so what could be more appropriate than drinking a cold, crisp Rosé?  Capitol Cellars has a wonderful collection of the best Rosés from California’s exclusive wineries.  They are extremely limited - so if you can’t make it to our very cool (pun intended) wine cellar then give us a call and we will be happy to hold them for you.  

KRUPP BROTHERS 2016 “The Damsel” Napa Valley ROSÉ

80% Tempranillo and 20% Syrah and truly an amazing Rose. It’s creamy and lovely with great acid and you can only get it at Capitol Cellars…while it lasts.  

 A lush coral color, this wine brims with bright cherry, raspberry and orange peel. Layers of succulent strawberry, roasted marshmallow and tart cherry are interlaced with vibrant acidity. The 2016 vintage saw strong winter rainfall with an early bud break that was followed by temperate weather without significant rain, frost or heat spikes leading to balanced vines that yielded fruit with excellent concentration, tannin and ripeness. Pair with little gem lettuce, goat cheese, blood orange and walnut salad or grilled salmon tacos.  ONLY 200 Cases produced!

CAPITOL CELLARS Price $32.95

TURTLE ROCK 2016  “Willow’s Tickled Pink” Paso Robles GRENACHE ROSÉ

This is a small, family-owned winery located in Paso Robles. Don and Claudia Burns’ winemaking philosophy is simple: you can’t make great wine without great fruit. They source their fruit from some of the finest vineyards in the Templeton Gap area of Paso Robles. Through sustainable farming practices, low yields, and harvesting at optimal ripeness, they are able to make wines with both intensity and balance.

CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING…$18.95

EPOCH 2016 “Willow Creek” Paso Robles GRENACHE GSM ROSÉ

This wine is made by talented winemaker Jordan Fiorentini and consulting winemaker Justin Smith (of Saxum fame). Justin was also intrumental in the development of the vineyards, which are planted on the west side of Paso Robles. 

Jordan has an undergraduate degree in engineering from Dartmouth College and a masters degree in viticulture from UC Davis.  Jordan earned her spurs working at her family's winery in Georgia (yes, they really do make wine in Georgia!), at Araujo Estate in Napa Valley, Antinori Winery in Italy (where she met her husband), and, most recently, as head winemaker at Chalk Hill in Sonoma.

48% Mourvèdre | 36% Grenache | 16% Syrah…offers a wonderful nose of strawberries and citrus that is beautifully balanced and refreshing!

CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING…$26.95

AZUR 2015  Napa Valley ROSÉ

Julien Fayard gained his knowledge and defined his core winemaking style while working at grand chateaux in France such as Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte. In Napa Valley, he's worked alongside renowned winemaker Philippe Melka. He has come to be a Napa Valley veteran after many years of working with some of the most highly-acclaimed and sought after wines from the Napa Valley. 

This Rosé is made from 100% Syrah grapes. Call it a mix of California sunshine and some good ol' fashion know-how from Provence.  Hand picked from just a few select, expertly managed vineyards within Napa Valley and the Sierra Foothills, Azur Rosé can be enjoyed by just about anyone, any day and anytime.   The pale salmon color belies the deliciously refreshing strawberry and watermelon fruit layered with intriguing mineral notes that glide over the palate like silk.

CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING…$26.95

PLUS…

ALPHA OMEGA 2016  Napa Valley ROSÉ

BOOKER 2015 “Pink” Paso Robles ROSÉ

GREAT VALUES CONTINUED!

GRIEVE FAMILY WINERY
Grieve is dedicated to growing and producing distinctive Sauvignon Blanc from their Family estate vineyard located in a unique part of Napa called Lovall Valley. This valley is the coolest viticultural area in Napa County and sits just above Carneros straddling the Sonoma/Napa county line between the towns of Sonoma and Napa.

2012 “Double Eagle” Napa Valley MERLOT…The 2012 vintage was a special one, being the first warm year since 2007. The spring began relatively dry, continuing with a warm spring that reduced the fruit set, resulting in a very small and concentrated crop. This wine has a deep black/garnet core with a purple rim…aromas are of plum, dust, orange zest and vanilla; the wine has an amazing brightness, with the acidity carrying the lingering flavors of cassis, plum, pine and cocoa. The wine is not overly powerful, yet is full of flavor intensity with an astonishingly long, bright and savory finish. Showing exceptional balance, Grieve’s first estate Merlot is a tremendous hit!! 
THIS WINE RETAILS for $87…but call CAPITOL CELLARS for an unbelievable price!

AARON WINES 
Aaron Wines begas as a vision to create wines that were a detour from conventionality, an ideology that no doubt stemmed from their desire to create a new fingerprint on an otherwise well-established status quo. Winemaker Aaron Jackson has spent a combination of many years procuring oenology degrees at various institutions around the world, along with working alongside some of California's greatest winemakers. He launched Aaron with his first commercial vintage in 2002. Aequoria means “of the sea” and relates to how close the vineyards are to the ocean.

AEQUOREA 2016 "Spanish Springs Vineyard" San Luis Obispo VIOGNIER...
This Viognier probably one of the best white wines I have tasted in many years….& I don’t even like Viogniers. This vineyard, only two miles from the ocean in Pismo Beach is at the extreme for any vineyard. Producing only ¼ ton per acre where other vineyards are getting 4 ton per acre, one can understand the passion but not the monetary loss. But it is this passion that allows Aaron to get the ripeness of fruit without sacrificing the acidity. CAPITOL CELLARS Price $29.95

AEQUOREA 2014 "Derby West Vineyard" San Luis Obispo PINOT NOIR...
Derby West is one of the most extreme vineyards properties I've ever seen in California, sitting on a slope overlooking the Pacific Ocean just 1.5 miles away. Lying just south of the town of San Simeon, it is pounded by daily wind and fog, exemplifying a cool, coastal climate probably better than anywhere I can imagine. But arising from the struggle the vines face on a daily basis is a wine that is amazingly pure and focused. Deep, intense aromatics of Damson plum, smoked meat, black rose, and white pepper. High toned and pure on the palate, it has loads of black fruit, minerals and smoke, with a backbone of dashing acidity. ONLY 74 cases produced!!
CAPITOL CELLARS Price $39.95

CALL (916) 780-9030 or email Marcus at marcus@capitolcellars.com FOR SPECIAL PRICING of these very exclusive and highly-allocated wines!

WINERY OF THE WEEK...Octopoda

Trevor Sheehan has been making wine in Napa Valley for eight years and has strong contacts with outstanding vineyard sources and grape growers as well as top winemakers in the region.  Trevor's wines reflect his hard work and access to great resources to create an excellent, well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the Napa’s most prestigious vinicultural appellations…Oakville.

Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the Oakville AVA is an officially demarcated two-mile-wide swath of Napa Valley that extends to 1,000 feet in elevation up the base of the Vaca Mountains to the east and 500 feet in elevation in the Mayacamas Mountains to the west. Within this small district you will find the greatest concentration of Napa Valley’s preeminent producers of Cabernet Sauvignon.

OCTOPODA 2015 “Oakville” Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON

A Capitol Cellars Exclusive!!  Only 25 cases produced of this incredible Oakville Cabernet for California and Capitol Cellars has them all!

This wine offers an incredible aroma of big, black fruit, spring flowers, graphite and toast.   Full-bodied with stunning concentration with flavors of dark cherries, black plum, melted milk chocolate, and well integrated French oak.  This is well balanced with supple ripe tannins and a long finish.  

REG. $65…CALL (916)780-9030 for Special Pricing

WINERY OF THE WEEK...Keever Vineyards

Keever Vineyards is nestled in the western slopes of Yountville in the Napa Valley. It is a family-owned and operated winery, producing exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon from the family’s six acres of rocky, hillside vineyards  The stony, loamy soils there are well-drained and well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon.

These great wines are crafted by Celia Welch, well-known for her winemaking at Scarecrow, Lindstrom, Buccella, Corra, Barbour and others.  When you put Celia Welch and Vineyard Manager Jim Barbour on one team, it is like seeing Joe Montana and Jerry Rice connect for some of the best plays ever.  Jim's portfolio is as well-known as Celia’s so it is not surprise that the latest Keever is probably the best one to date!

KEEVER 2014 Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON
REG. $135…Bright purple aromas of boysenberry, mulberry, and warm summer briars invite a closer look at this fully ripe Cabernet.  Plush and satiny at entry, the purple fruit flavors are enveloped in mocha, vanilla and warm spice tones in the mid-palate, where the concentration of texture and the fine-grained tannins combine to create a palate impression of sweet and savory tones.  At the finish, the slightly softer acidity leaves an impression of juicy baked plums and warm berries. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot

KEEVER 2012 Napa Valley INSIRADO

REG. $75…Forward, intense aromas of black currants, wild huckleberry, elderflower, and a faint whiff of sweet pipe tobacco jump from the glass of this complex and fully ripe Bordeaux-style blend.  The blend of sweet, purple notes from Cabernet and Malbec meld beautifully with the slightly more savory Merlot tones, creating a cohesive aromatic profile showing a solid foundation of ripe fruit with just a hint of vanilla and toasty oak base notes.

On the palate, the texture evokes the impression of heavy satin, while the flavors show off their juicy, approachable tannins and, echoing the aromas, a lasting impression of ripe purple fruits.  The finish is big, rich, ripe, full-bodied, and full of fresh fruit character. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Malbec

KEEVER 2016 Napa Valley SAUVIGNON BLANC

REG. $32…An enticing, complex and aromatic display of lemongrass, lime zest, fresh pineapple, and clover blossoms show off the bright, very fresh notes of this lovely Sauvignon Blanc, which blends fruit from two distinct growing regions (Pope Valley and Yountville) to create a cohesive, multi-faceted wine. On the palate, the wine is broad and soft, showing a natural fruit acidity that provides freshness.  With barrel fermentation providing lees contact for roughly six months, the mid-palate shows a silky texture and slightly more weight than one might normally expect in this variety.  While the inclusion of just a touch of French Oak gives only a minimal impact on the aromas, the flavors finish with a faint base note of vanilla and caramel adding complexity to the juicy finish of bright tropical fruit and citrus.

Contact us for special pricing...(916)780-9030

NEW ARRIVALS and GREAT VALUES

PRECISION WINE COMPANY
Trevor Sheehan has been making wine in Napa Valley for 8 years and has great contact with outstanding vineyard sources and grape growers as well as top winemakers in Napa. These wines reflect Trevor’s hard work and great resource to create excellent, well-balanced wines.

Method 2014 Napa Valley CABERNET SAUVIGNON…Full-bodied, well-structured with notes of ripe red plum, black cherry, violets, cocoa and savory spice notes with well integrated French Oak. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a couple of top vineyards in Atlas Peak, Rutherford, Oakville and Oak Knoll. These diverse vineyard sites exemplify the strong Napa Valley terroir. ONLY 300 cases made.
CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING…$32.95

Method 2015 Napa Valley PROPRIETARY RED…Full-bodied, generous on the palate with notes of black wildberries, black cherries and raspberries, dark cocoa dust and baking spice. This offers a powerful mid palate with juicy red and black fruits and hints of vanilla with a long, lingering finish. Blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel…a perfect food pairing with burgers, BBQ’s meats and pork tacos. Excellent Value!!
CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING…$19.95


CERRO WINES

Derek Beitler is a young and up-and-coming winemaker in Napa Valley. He has been making wine since 2005 and currently works side by side with his cousin Joey Wagner (Caymus Family). Derek’s wines are high quality, artisan production, from long0-term vineyard contracts he has maintained since 2005. Excellent wines from a talented wine artisan. 

2013 Napa Valley PETIT VERDOT…This is a delicious and food-friendly red wine packed with generous red cherry and red plum fruit, nicely integrated French Oak and well-integrated smooth tannins.  Only 300 cases produced.  This 100% Petit Verdot comes from the Cerrito Vineyard in Rutherford.
CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING...$26.95

2013 Napa Valley ZINFANDEL...Nose of red fruits, savory and bright.  The mouthfeel is smooth and supple with flavors of wild blackberries, red plums and white pepper. This wine shows great balance and structure and might have you believing in Zinfandel!
CAPITOL CELLARS SPECIAL PRICING...$29.95

GRIEVE FAMILY WINERY
Grieve is dedicated to growing and producing distinctive Sauvignon Blanc from their Family estate vineyard located in a unique part of Napa called Lovall Valley. This valley is the coolest viticultural area in Napa County and sits just above Carneros straddling the Sonoma/Napa county line between the towns of Sonoma and Napa.

2012 “Double Eagle” Napa Valley MERLOT…The 2012 vintage was a special one, being the first warm year since 2007. The spring began relatively dry, continuing with a warm spring that reduced the fruit set, resulting in a very small and concentrated crop. This wine has a deep black/garnet core with a purple rim…aromas are of plum, dust, orange zest and vanilla; the wine has an amazing brightness, with the acidity carrying the lingering flavors of cassis, plum, pine and cocoa. The wine is not overly powerful, yet is full of flavor intensity with an astonishingly long, bright and savory finish. Showing exceptional balance, Grieve’s first estate Merlot is a tremendous hit!!
THIS WINE RETAILS for $87…but call CAPITOL CELLARS for an unbelievable price!

OUR GREAT VALUES CONTINUE

 

ROMBAUER 2015 “Carneros” CHARDONNAY…'Last call' before the 2015 vintage ends. The next vintage is scheduled for September.

KRUPP BROTHERS 2016 “The Damsel” Napa Valley ROSE… 80% Tempranillo and 20%

Syrah and truly an amazing Rose. It’s creamy and lovely with great acid and you can get only at Capitol Cellars…while it lasts.  A lush coral color, this wine brims with bright cherry, raspberry and orange peel. Layers of succulent strawberry, roasted marshmallow and tart cherry are interlaced with vibrant acidity. The 2016 vintage saw strong winter rainfall with an early bud break that was followed by temperate weather without significant rain, frost or heat spikes leading to balanced vines that yielded fruit with excellent concentration, tannin and ripeness. Pair with little gem lettuce, goat cheese, blood orange and walnut salad or grilled salmon tacos. ONLY 200 Cases produced!
CAPITOL CELLARS Price $32.95

AEQUOREA 2016 “Spanish Springs Vineyard San Luis Obispo VIOGNIER…

Aaron Wines began as a vision to create wines that were a detour from conventionality, an ideology that no doubt stemmed from their desire to create a new fingerprint on an otherwise well-established status quo. Winemaker Aaron Jackson has spent a combination of many years procuring oenology degrees at various institutions around the world, along with working alongside some of California's greatest winemakers. He launched Aaron with his first commercial vintage in 2002. Aequoria means “of the sea” and relates to how close the vineyards are to the ocean.

This Viognier probably one of the best white wines I have tasted in many years….& I don’t even like Viogniers. This vineyard, only two miles from the ocean in Pismo Beach is at the extreme for any vineyard. Producing only ¼ ton per acre where other vineyards are getting 4 ton per acre, one can understand the passion but not the monetary loss. But it is this passion that allows Aaron to get the ripeness of fruit without sacrificing the acidity. CAPITOL CELLARS Price $29.95

AEQUOREA 2014 “Derby West Vineyard” San Luis Obispo PINOT NOIR… Derby West is one of the most extreme vineyards properties I've ever seen in California, sitting on a slope overlooking the Pacific Ocean just 1.5 miles away. Lying just south of the town of San Simeon, it is pounded by daily wind and fog, exemplifying a cool, coastal climate probably better than anywhere I can imagine. But arising from the struggle the vines face on a daily basis is a wine that is amazingly pure and focused. Deep, intense aromatics of Damson plum, smoked meat, black rose, and white pepper. High toned and pure on the palate, it has loads of black fruit, minerals and smoke, with a backbone of dashing acidity. ONLY 74 cases produced!!
CAPITOL CELLARS Price $39.95

CALL (916) 780-9030 or email Marcus at marcus@capitolcellars.com FOR SPECIAL PRICING of these very exclusive and highly-allocated wines!

SUMMER WINEMAKER SERIES CONTINUES!

Each week Capitol Cellars will present its guest winery calendar for the next couple of months.  Here’s our current schedule.  Reservations are recommended.  Call today!

CAMi VINEYARD, Laurie Shelton
THIS THURSDAY, June 15, 5 to 7pm...Come and meet Laurie Shelton and taste her first vintage of CAMi. In 2000, Tom and Laurie Shelton purchased five acres off Silverado Trail and named the property after their fifth child. David Abreu planted their Cabernet Sauvignon vines and, up until 2013, the fruit was sold to local wineries. In 2006 they replanted the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard to a new rootstock and as Laurie will say, after Tom's passing in 2008, "the grapes took on a new spirit". It was then that Laurie decided to produce her own wine. They are now committed to producing 50% of their production which equates to roughly 150 cases. Comprised of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, this Cabernet offers rich blueberry and purple fruit that leads onto the palate with balanced acidity and refined tannins. For those of you who aren't familiar with Tom, he was president of Joseph Phelps Winery and responsible for their incredible success. What an honor to have Laurie here!!

TRIONE VINEYARDS, Henry Trione
Saturday, July 22, 4 to 6pm...Three generations of the Trione family has farmed five ranches in Sonoma County over four decades and is deeply rooted in the Sonoma wine industry. Brothers Mark and Vic Trione own and cultivate close to 700 vineyard acres in three prime Sonoma County appellations: Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Sonoma Coast. In 2005 they established Trione Winery, designed specifically for crafting small lots of wine from estate grapes grown in these appellations.

HOBEL WINES, Cameron and Bahaneh Hobel, Thomas Rivers Brown
Coming soon

PASO ROBLES VINTNERS TASTING...Similar to our Napa Valley Vintners Tasting events, Capitol Cellars will be doing another first for the Sacramento Region - hosting the best of Paso Robles with the top vintners of that region. More info to follow.

SUMMER WINEMAKER SERIES at Capitol Cellars

This summer, we are pleased to welcome a selection of featured winery representatives making the trip to Granite Bay to share their knowledge and lead tastings with our preferred customers. Reservations are recommended. 

CAMi VINEYARD, Laurie Shelton Thursday, June 15, 5 to 7pm...
Come and meet Laurie Shelton and taste her first vintage of CAMi. In 2000, Tom and Laurie Shelton purchased five acres off Silverado Trail and named the property after their fifth child. David Abreu planted their Cabernet Sauvignon vines and, up until 2013, the fruit was sold to local wineries. In 2006 they replanted the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard to a new rootstock and as Laurie will say, after Tom's passing in 2008, "the grapes took on a new spirit". It was then that Laurie decided to produce her own wine. They are now committed to producing 50% of their production which equates to roughly 150 cases. Comprised of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, this Cabernet offers rich blueberry and purple fruit that leads onto the palate with balanced acidity and refined tannins. For those of you who aren't familiar with Tom, he was president of Joseph Phelps Winery and responsible for their incredible success. What an honor to have Laurie here!! 

TRIONE VINEYARDS, Henry Trione Saturday, July 22, 4 to 6pm...
Three generations of the Trione family has farmed five ranches in Sonoma County over four decades and is deeply rooted in the Sonoma wine industry. Brothers Mark and Vic Trione own and cultivate close to 700 vineyard acres in three prime Sonoma County appellations: Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Sonoma Coast. In 2005 they established Trione Winery, designed specifically for crafting small lots of wine from estate grapes grown in these appellations. 

HOBEL WINES, Cameron and Bahaneh Hobel, Thomas Rivers Brown,,,
Coming soon 

PASO ROBLES VINTNERS TASTING...
Similar to our Napa Valley Vintners Tasting events, Capitol Cellars will be doing another first for the Sacramento Region - hosting the best of Paso Robles with the top vintners of that region. More info to follow.

Please make a reservation by calling the store at nine-one-six, seven-eight-zero, nine-zero-three-zero.  Or email us at Marcus at CapitolCellars.com.