94 points Wine Spectator: "Complex, riveting aromas of spice, cola and sassafras join wild berry, spice, black cherry and sage notes in this full-bodied, intensely flavored, tightly focused and very persistent display of fruit that's long and lingering." (03/09) 92 points and two stars from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Both of the Caymus Cabernets reviewed in this issue embrace unabashed ripeness as a defining trait, but, in this instance, the wine's rush to ripeness is balanced by a wealth of very sweet oak and well-extracted fruit. Plu... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

The 2007 California vintage is revealing itself to be quite impressive. The Wine Spectator's Jim Laube wrote this spring (2009): "I expected 2007 to be a great year for California wine, and indeed it's shaping up that way across the board for all varietals...What made 2007 so good is that one the winter rains stopped, spring was dry, the set was good and winegrowers were able to farm the vineyards the way they wanted to. The growing season was dry, warm and mild, with a harvest that came off with few hitches." With this in mind, and their impressive sho... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Silver Oak's long-awaited 2004 Cabernet blends small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet and Petite Verdot, for a complex, savory wine that is still developing and has many years ahead of it. Right now the wine is the color of royal velvet and it's alluring bouquet is wonderfully exotic, displaying notes of Damson plum, rose, soy, spice and black olive. Sumptuous on the attack, the fruit is lifted by spice and supple, integrated tannins. According to K&L's Mike Jordan: "Silver Oak has been synonymous with California Cabernet for years. The 2004 Napa is a beauti... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

94 points Wine Spectator: "This has wonderful richness, density and focus, with tiers of smoky plum, currant, blackberry, loamy earth, sage and underbrush notes. Though firmly tannic, there's a measure of finesse and polish. Ends with a long, rich, persistent finish. The best Groth Reserve in years. Best from 2009 through 2015." (07/08) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse

95 points from the Wine Spectator: "Pure, rich and focused, full-bodied and concentrated, showing firm black cherry and blackberry fruit, with black olive, sage, dusty earth and mineral hints. Gains depth and complexity, with a long, persistent finish. Best from 2010 through 2017." (10/15/09). 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

94+ points from Robert Parker: "I don’t know whether it’s me, the vintage character, or whether Randy Dunn and his son have intentionally softened their wines, but these 2004s are more opulent and up-front than previous renditions. Yet, they lack neither concentration nor richness. Those of us who have been cellaring Dunn’s wines for twenty years, waiting for them to reach maturity should be thrilled by this new development. The Howell Mountain is denser and richer with blacker fruits as well as more body. Both are full-bodied, powerful Cabernets very mu... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

94-97 points Robert Parker: "At my tasting, they served the 2007 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard after their flagship luxury cuvee only because it is that exotic, flamboyant, and superb. Sometimes the most forward and evolved of the Kistler Chardonnays, the 2007 is completely different. Orange marmalade, buttered and caramelized peaches and apricots as well as pineapple notes and even a hint of mango make this the most exotic and exuberant of all the 2007 Kistler Chardonnays. This is a full-bodied, hedonistic wine with an amazing personality. It should be dru... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

From the winery's vineyard on the cool, rocky slopes of Mt. Veeder, the Darioush Cabernet is pure Napa Valley royalty. Aromas of black currant, blueberry and cacao nibs wrap themselves around you like a warm embrace. Once drawn in, the palate delivers focused blackberry, cherry and coffee flavors with firm tannins and a spicy accent. Enjoy now and over the next decade, at least. 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

90 points Robert Parker: "The Alexander Valley cuvee is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new oak. The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley offers abundant quantities of spice, vanillin, cedar, herbs, and smoke, soft, round, creamy-textured flavors, good black cherry and currant notes, and a spicy, medium-bodied, easy-going personality. Enjoy it over the next 7-10 years." (12/05) 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

94-96 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (1,500 cases) is made in a different style than the 2006, but it is just as provocative and compelling in quality. The sweetness of its tannins sets it apart from other vintages, but it exhibits a dense purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of incense, blackberries, cedar, licorice, and a hint of charcoal. It possesses remarkable full-bodied power and concentration along with stunning purity, equilibrium, and a finish that elicits a big smile. This fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon is b... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

95 points and a "Hot Wines" designation from Wine Spectator Insider: "Combines bold, ripe, rich and supple currant and blackberry fruit with shades of anise, mineral, black licorice, mocha and graphite. Picks up a complex earthiness, ending with a long, focused finish and fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2017." (Oct. 7, 2009) 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City

91-94 points Robert Parker: "Nectarine, orange blossom, lemon custard, and whole currants are present in the 2007 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard. This is, again a wine with crisp, zesty acidity, striking liquid minerality, and a long, full-bodied finish. The relatively cool growing season for 2007 Chardonnays produced tightly knit wines with very crisp acid profiles, superb concentration because of modest yields, and relatively long aging potential of probably up to a decade for most of these Chardonnays. If the scores seem slightly more conservative that in... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Even in this vintage, which was not so great, Beaulieu has succeeded with this dramatic, classic Cabernet Sauvignon. It's absolutely delicious, offering a range of blackberry, black currant and cedar flavors, complexed with notes of chocolate, anise, sweet smoky leather and Asian spices. Beautiful now for its velvety softness, but has the inherent structure to last for a long time. Through 2013, and much longer if you like older Cabernet." 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City

95+ points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Pinot Noir Mount Carmel cuts a stylistic path between the rich, fruit-driven Melville and the more earthy, barnyardy, terroir-driven Clos Pepe. The Mount Carmel offers plenty of blue and red fruits intermixed with hints of smoke, roasted herbs, earth, pomegranate, and underbrush. The sweetness of the tannins, beautiful full-bodied mouthfeel, and good acidity all reflect another brilliant Pinot Noir from this exceptionally talented duo. It should drink well for 10-15 years." (09/09) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "A big, r... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City

92 points Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Heavily extracted aromas of black cherries, dark soils, hints of licorice and scads of rich oak announce this wine's serious intentions, and it continues in the mouth with deep, ripe, layered flavors whose slight tilt to ripeness is nothing more than we have seen in virtually all Shafer releases. The key, of course, is that Shafer wines have historically shown their ability to carry the style off to perfection, and, given this bottling's depth of fruit and underlying solidity, it joins the exalted ranks ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

The Three Palms Vineyard is one of California's preeminent sites for growing Merlot, and vintage after vintage, Duckhorn's bottlings show why. Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in 2006, the wine is vibrant and fruit-filled with striations of red fruit layered on caramel layered on stone. Dry tannins and a broad, mouthfilling finish. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

93+ points Robert Parker: "While the 2002, which was quite extroverted right before bottling, has shut down, the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is still open-knit, although I suspect it will probably close down as well. It exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color along with a sweet, spicy nose of black currants, licorice, herbs, and damp earth. Rich and concentrated, it is the most accessible, and possibly the most elegant and French-oriented of the Cabernets produced between 2002 and 2004. This top-notch effort should be cellared for 2-3 years, and consumed... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

92 points Wine Spectator: "Rustic, with a pleasant earthy edge to the dried currant, blackberry, sage and savory herbal notes. Full-bodied, complex and well-focused, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2016. 370 cases made." (04/09) 91 points Stephen Tanzer: "Deep red. Redcurrant, plum, leather, pepper and loam on the nose, along with subtle hints of tobacco leaf and dried rose. Ripe but classically dry, with firm flavors of currant, licorice, minerals and tobacco leaf. On the lean side, but the tannins here are in balance with the ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

94+ points Robert Parker: "A beautiful wine, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve boasts classic creme de cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf, spice box, and pain grille aromas and flavors. This impeccably made, full-bodied, super-concentrated Cabernet reveals good delineation and freshness as well as surprising definition and elegance for a wine of such power and intensity. If you haven’t discovered the wines of Robert Keenan, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon as quality appears to go from strength to strength." (12/06) 

Inventory: Hollywood

94-96 points Robert Parker: "Hints of ripe pears, lemon butter, tangerines, and crushed rocks emerge from the 2004 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard, an elegant yet authoritatively flavored effort with a striking minerality, zesty acidity, and a spectacular finish. The good news is that there are 2,700 cases of this cuvee." (12/05) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Complex, with a roasted marshmallow edge from toasty oak. There's a medium-bodied mix underneath of sleek citrus-infused pear, anise, melon and hazelnut flavors that linger and turn elegant. Drink now t... Read More » 

Inventory: San Francisco

From Robert Parker: "The Alexander Valley cuvee is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new oak. The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley reveals an exaggerated tannin profile along with sweet plum, cherry, and currant fruit as well as notes of licorice, dried herbs, spice box, and toasty American wood. It could use a bit more flesh and depth, but it is certainly a very good, aromatic, spicy wine to consume during its first 8-9 years of life." (12/05) 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

From the winery: "This bold and age-worthy wine brings together grapes from three Estate vineyards to offer a classic expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Showcasing Monitor Ledge's bright red fruit, Rector Creek's darker red fruit elements, and Patzimaro's sophisticated mineral, earth and olive character, the final blend displays nuance and varietal integrity. On the palate, subtle notes of herb, spice, toffee and mocha mingle with layers of cassis, currant and black raspberry to add complexity and elegance." 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

90-91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Good full ruby. Very primary aromas of blackberry, cassis and bitter chocolate. Broad and suave; not as sweet as the 2004 but there's no shortage of size here. Boasts lovely vibrancy and finishes with sweet tannins and excellent length." (May/June 07) 90 points and one star from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Here is a deep and yet relatively winsome young Cabernet that strikes a different stance than those in the brooding, muscle-bound crowd. Rich and wide open with sweet fruit and ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Astringently tannic, as Duckhorn's new red wines tend to be, but very rich, very ripe, and sweet enough in fruit and oak to drink now with a nice steak. Floods the mouth with blackberries, cassic, chocolate, violets, mushu plum sauce, licorice and cedar. Best now through 2012." (06/09) Duckhorn has made their reputation on exceptional merlots and the 2006 vintage may be one of their best yet. Its sweet late-summer plum and framboise aromas are spiked hints of fresh-cracked walnuts and curls of sandalwood incense. Take a sip a... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

90-93 points Robert Parker: "Smoky, sweet, black and red currant aromas jump from the glass of this intriguing, saturated purple-colored wine. Some new oak is noticeable in the background. The wine's attack exhibits terrific purity of fruit, more acidity than many 1994s, and sweet, ripe tannin, all packed into a tightly wound, medium to full-bodied wine that only hints at its ultimate potential. This is not a large-scaled 1994, but it is a beautifully etched wine with considerable personality. I suspect it will be accessible when released in 1-2 years, b... Read More » 

Inventory: San Francisco

92 points Robert Parker: "The wine's opaque purple color is followed by a promising sweet, smoky, chocolatey, licorice, and blackcurrant-scented nose, and deep, powerful, full-bodied flavors. Abundant tannin in the finish suggests this is a Private Reserve to lay away for 2-3 years...Aromatically, the 1993 Private Reserve is rewarding, but after the initial attack of sweet fruit, the wine's tannin takes precedence. It is an outstanding wine, but more of a long-term prospect. Compared with the flattering precociousness of the 1994, 1992, 1991, and 1990, t... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse

A bigger, bolder Conn Valley than in the past. Very hearty with tons of tobacco and intense currant fruit. Complex and well worth cellar space. Received 90-92 points from Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate… 'The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon may turn out to be the finest Conn Valley Cabernet since 1990. The wine is the sweetest and richest of recent vintages, with nicely integrated tannin, a dense, deep, ruby/purple color, velvety texture, and the seamless quality possessed by many 1994s. It should drink well for 20 years. As I have said before, the Caberne... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

92 points from Parker: "If you missed out on Robert Mondavi's 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, try to find a few bottles of the sumptuously rich, decadent, showy 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve that is about to be released. It is a sweeter, riper, more unctuously-styled Cabernet. While it may lack some of the classicism of the 1991 Reserve, it is a super-rich, full-bodied, flamboyant, unctuously-textured wine that should drink well for 20+ years." (12/95) 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

90 points Wine Spectator: "A solid effort, with a tight band of herb, currant and cherry. Well balanced, with a pleasing dash of toasty oak, it holds together nicely on the finish. With its tannic strength, best to try it after 1999." (02/97) 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City

The Upper Terrace Pinot Noir from Beaux Frères is a more masculine wine, using only Dijon clones to create a dark ruby, aloof offering. This will take some time to knit together, but the hint of freshly-tilled soil, garrigue and spice, which complement the raspberry and black cherry fruit on the nose and palate, are a good indication of the incredible wine this will become. Weightier mid-palate with a firmer structure, this is like the George Clooney of the Beaux Frères line-up; it'll just get better with age. 92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wi... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

92 points Wine Spectator: "Rich, supple and harmonious, with layers of blackberry, currant and dusty berry fruit shaded by light toasty oak and supported by firm, ripe, fine-grained tannins. Needs time for the cedary oak to works its way into the center, but should be superb in a couple of years. Best from 2007 through 2012." (06/05) 92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Rich, supple and harmonious, with layers of blackberry, currant and dusty berry fruit shaded by light toasty oak and supported by firm, ripe, fine-grained tannins. Needs time for the cedary oak t... Read More » 

Inventory: Redwood City

The Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir is dark and sweet with a summery, Red Riding Hood nose - think going to grandma's through the sweet-smelling forest with a basketful of strawberries and jasmine. Seamlessly integrating the acid, tannin, wood spice and alcohol, this is a feminine Pinot Noir incredible length on the palate, which mimics the wine's aromatic display perfectly. Can be enjoyed now, but will surely age well over the next decade or more. 92 points Stephen Tanzer's Internationa Wine Cellar: " Vivid red. Bright red berry and cherry aromas are ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

94 points Robert Parker: "Pahlmeyer’s Merlot was the uncontested top California Merlot for many years, but significant competition has emerged from the upstart Kapcsandy Estate in Yountville. However, Pahlmeyer’s offering remains one of the classic examples of just how great Merlot can be in Napa. The 2006 Merlot (89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits sweet chocolate, mocha, cola, black cherry, and plum aromas and flavors as well as full body, a sumptuous, dense texture, and no hard edges. The beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, and wood re... Read More » 

Inventory: Redwood City

88-90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Good ruby-red. Exotic floral notes and wild spices lift the aromas of currant, raspberry, minerals and loam. Lush, dense and minerally, with complex flavors of redcurrant, hot stones, tobacco, chocolate and roast coffee. Like the 2000, this communicates a distinctly warm-site character. Finishes with ripe, dense, substantial tannins." (May/June '03) And, according to Wine Spectator: "Excellent structure, focus and range of flavors, with rich black cherry, blackberry and pretty smoky, toasty oak f... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

92 points Wine Spectator: "Well-made in a superripe style, with ripe plum, berry jam and anise. Starts out smooth and concentrated, then firms up on the finish, where this shows a touch of heat and cedary oak. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2016. 291 cases made." (07/09) 91-93 points Robert Parker: "The deep ruby/purple-hued 2004 Farewell Cuvee (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot) is the estate’s last offering made from Beckstoffer Vineyard fruit. While tannic, rich... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

There were only 135 cases of this pinot noir, from Block One of the famous Bien Nacido Vineyard produced. Its beguiling perfume of ginger, tangelo, kirsch and black truffle wraps you up in its exotic warmth. In the mouth it is wonderfully concentrated with a smoke meat component and hints of tar that complement the chalky tannins and blue fruit flavors. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse

Way atop Howell Mountain is the 15-acre Vogt Vineyard, which produces wines that are clearly from mountain fruit. Concentrated and dark black fruit aromas and flavors, there are also subtle violet and spice notes. This wine is pretty tight right now with firm (though nicely integrated) tannins that could use time in your cellar to resolve. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

This bottling comes exclusively from Kistler and Dutton Ranch vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The title is a testament to the mineral and hazelnut scented wines Kistler produces from these Russian River Valley soils. Complex aromas of ripe fruits, spices, toasted almond and hazelnut. Rich and expressive, with a long, lingering finish. Delicious now or will benefit from further aging. 

Inventory: Redwood City

Aromas of plum, chocolate and cherry pie are accentuated by hints of violet, clove, cinnamon spice and vanilla bean. Bright red fruit flavors of Bing cherry, strawberry and raspberry are contrasted by dark and compelling layers of blueberry, mocha and molasses. Great structure here, with smooth, fine tannins, a black pepper mid-palate and long nutmeg and red currant finish. 64% Zinfandel, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 

Inventory: Redwood City

92-94 points Robert Parker: "The minerality is evident in virtually all of these wines. It jumps from the glass of the 2007 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard. This cool Sonoma Mountain site offers up notes of tropical fruit, honeysuckle, citrus blossoms, and wet stones. It is full-bodied, crisp, restrained, but loaded with concentrated fruit and long in the mouth. The relatively cool growing season for 2007 Chardonnays produced tightly knit wines with very crisp acid profiles, superb concentration because of modest yields, and relatively long aging potential of... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

91 points Robert Parker: "The 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve displays a dense purple color, followed by a sweet, jammy, black plum, and cassis-scented nose, no obvious oak, full-bodied, spicy flavors with moderate tannin, and exceptional concentration. The wine reveals a youthful appearance and personality. There is enough fruit to cover the strong tannin in the finish. It should be cellared for 3-5 years and consumed over the next two decades. Ken Deiss, the winemaker at Flora Springs, thinks that the 1994 and 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon vintages have more... Read More » 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Merryvale's Profile remains a star year after year. The '04 is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon, and stunds with its power. With a smooth, complex tannin structure, it's rich in currants, blackberries and cedar, but is too young to open now. Should hit its stride around 2010 and continue to develop for some years after. Tasted twice, with consistent results. Cellar Selection." (12/08) 90 points and one star from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "This complex mix of concentrated black fruits is aided and abetted by scen... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

Four stars from Michael Broadbent: 'Already mature, and rich, earthy, scented nose; some sweetness, nice weight, silky tannins. A delight. 

Inventory: Redwood City

93 points Wine Spectator: "Classic Cabernet aromas and flavors, a bright beam of currant flavor shining through the toasty, vanilla and brown sugar complexity. Very seductive and elegant." (07/89) 

Inventory: Hollywood San Francisco

This silky, blackberry scented 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, entirely produced from the Stephens Estate in St. Helena aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 22 months. According to the Wine Spectator: "Tight and firm, with spicy currant, blackberry, anise, mocha and espresso. Complex and concentrated. Shortens up on the finish, where the fruit pours through. Drink now through 2012." (10/06) 

Inventory: Redwood City

93 points and a Cellar Selection designation from Wine Spectator: "An intense wine that weaves together a pretty array of ripe cherry, currant and spicy oak flavors, and adds a trim of earthy character. Very well focused, young and vibrant, but needs at least until 1999. Tasted twice, with consistent notes." (06/95) 91 points Robert Parker: "It seems like yesterday that Ric Forman began his career, yet he is now one of California's veteran wine-makers. From his early days (nearly 20 years ago) at Sterling he has built an impressive resume. The proprietor... Read More » 

Inventory: San Francisco

The steep rocky slopes of the vineyards at Mayacamas yield small crops of tiny grapes. This small fruit is intensely flavored and results in very full character development in the wines. Winemaker Robert Travers designs winemaking procedures to preserve this intensity. 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

At just four acres, the tiny Dragonfly Vineyard at the base of Spring Mountain, is quite special. The distinctive "banana belt" microclimate lends itself to the jammy, ripe fruit that characterize this wine. The fruit sings in the glass, with vanilla and cigar box overtones and a softer, plush structure. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

90 points Wine Spectator: "Tightly wound, firm and crisp, with a complex core of plum, black cherry, blackberry, cedar and toasty oak. Finishes with a rich aftertaste and fine length. Best from 2001 through 2008. 613 cases made." (09/99) According to Robert Parker: "Readers should be aware that Hartwell's labels are confusing in that the vineyard designation is at the bottom right hand side of the label. Their dark ruby-colored 1996 Sunshine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers an attractive bouquet of cedar and spice, open-knit, ripe flavors, medium body... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

One of the successes of the vintage. Meaty, spicy nose; ripe flavors, dense, and firm on the palate. Still has life in it. (Joe Zugelder, K&L Old and rare Buyer) 

Inventory: Redwood City