Domestic Wine

It's important to treat yourself to Flowers every now and then, and the 2007 vintage of the winery's Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is so good it's a good place to start. Flaxen, the wine has a beautiful bouquet flush with stony minerality, tangy lemon and sweet apricot aromas. In the mouth, the wine's citrus and stone fruit flavors are balanced by crisp acidity and round texture. Enjoy now and over the next few years. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

90-92 points Robert Parker: "The outstanding 2007 The Offering is even more exciting, as one would expect, since it is a far higher quality vintage than 2006. Gorgeously sweet black raspberry and black cherry fruit, a deep ruby/purple color, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and stunning freshness, fruit, and length all make for what should be a hedonist’s delight when this wine gets bottled and released soon. The final blend is 45% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 19% Mourvedre, and 1% Viognier." (08/09) 

Inventory: Hollywood

91 points Wine Enthusiast: "This complex, young wine needs time. It’s tannic and closed, although it has a rich heart of black currants, spice and minerals, accented by nearly 2 years in oak. Nowhere near ready, but an elegant example of classic Napa mountain Cab. Should start to be approachable after 2010." (06/09) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

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

92 points and an Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "A beautiful young Cab, built along classic Napa lines. Stands at the elegant end of the stylistic spectrum, with relatively low alcohol, less ripe fruit and a delicate mouthfeel. Shows flavors of herbs, cherries and blackberries. Drink now through 2015. Good value in an upscale Cab." (09/09) Clos du Val has been making top-notch Cab since the 1970s, and in that time has earned itself quite a following. But this isn't "cult" Cab in the sense that it's wine you can't find. There are 36,000 cases of this ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

The 2007 vintage of J. Runquist's "Z" from Amador County illustrates the depth and complexity possible in the Sierra Foothills. Mountain lavender and flowery violet overtones complement the wine's bright red fruit bouquet perfectly. In the mouth, the red fruit is jammy and rich, but the tannins, vanilla spice and juicy acidity keep everything in check. There's a hint of smoke on the finish, that reminds you of the outdoors. Remarkably elegant. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

89 points and a Best Values designation from the Wine Spectator: "Supple and inviting. A softer style of Cabernet that weaves milk chocolate and spice flavors through the dark berry and currant flavors, mingling effectively on the finish. Drink now through 2012." (05/09) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

The "Old Vine Cuvée" from Four Vines combines fruit from a number of California's top Zinfandel appellations. Full of berry and licorice aromas that carry over to the palate with hints of plum and sweet vanilla. Smoke and oak spice puntuate the finish, framed by velvety tannins. According to Wine Spectator: "Juicy and user-friendly, offering cherry and toasty oak aromas and flavors that are smoky and spicy. Drink now through 2013." (11/09) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

What happens when you put together 47% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 4% Merlot, 3% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot? Well, in this case you get the 3CV Bank Blend. This 300-case production wine comes from Cimarone's organically-grown Three Creek Vineyard in the Happy Canyon sub-appellation of the Santa Ynez Valley, and it is made by Happy Canyon champion Doug Margerum. (Magerum has been instrumental in helping Happy Canyon obtain its own AVA, which has been approved but is not yet in effect.) This Bordeaux blend with a twist caught me by s... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Aromatic and velvety Julia's Pinot Noir, named for owner Barbara Banke's younger daughter, is a signature wine of this great estate, and a very typical Pinot for this widely applauded zone. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

90 points and an "Editors' Choice" from Wine Enthusiast: "A fine, dry Sauvignon Blanc. Dry and crisp in acidity with flavors of lemon, limes, figs, vanilla, honeysuckle and a nice tangy streak of lemongrass. No oak was applied but the richness of the lees shows in the butter cream." (08/09) One of the surprise finds of 2008 were the wines from a smallish winery in Paso Robles called Viña Robles. Some of you may remember the 2007 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2006 Petite Sirah that we were pushing in the fall and winter of 2008. We think that the 2008 vintage o... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

90 points and featured in the "Fifty Super Domestic Wine Values" from Robert Parker: "The 2007 7 Deadly Zins is a knock-out bargain. Aged completely in American oak, it is loaded with berry fruit, pepper, spice, and earth characteristics. This rich, full-bodied, opulent, luscious Zinfandel can be drunk now and over the next several years. Another reliable name for consumers to remember is Michael-David Wines." (Aug. 2009) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "Etude's 2005 defines power and authority, Napa style. It's hard to imagine a Cabernet Sauvignon more explosive in blackberry, cherry and chocolate fruit flavor. Yet the structure is superb, with firm but ultrarefined tannins providing an architecture to house all that richness. Beautiful now, and should age gracefully for a decade. Relatively easy to find, with 4,600 cases produced." (03/09) 90 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa's deep ruby/purple hue is followed by notes of black currants, lead pencil, t... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

According to Wine Enthusiast: "A very nice, elegant and clean Cab that shows plenty of coastal climate balance. Fully dry, it has oak-accented flavors of blackberries, currants, mocha and spice. Good buy at this fair price." (02/09) And, according to Wine Spectator: "Notably harmonious, supple and graceful, with ripe, fleshy plum, black cherry and raspberry fruit delivered in a full-bodied, easy-drinking style. Drink now." (02/09) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

From its lemon-green color to its aromas of Bartlett pear, Meyer lemon peel, hard lemon candy, clove and honeysuckle, this wine offers a captivating first impression. On the palate, it is lushly textured and full-bodied, displaying flavors of poached pear and lime custard, alongside brown baking spices and Stuhlmuller Vineyard’s signature wet stone minerality. 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

95 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a big, well-balanced red boasting a dense ruby/purple color as well as aromas of roasted herbs, creosote, licorice, black currants, cedar, and loamy soil. Dense and full-bodied with superb richness and power, and sweet tannins, it should drink well for two decades. Altamura continues to impress me, not only for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, but also for one of the finest California Sangioveses money can buy." (12/08) 93 points from Wine Spectator Insider: "A ripe, juicy mix of blac... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

From Robert Parker's "Value Issue:" "The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits abundant notes of black currants and cherries as well as hints of cedar and spice box. This medium-bodied, richly fruity, clean, pure 2006 will drink well for 5-6 years. Joel Gott, the brilliant restaurateur (think of Taylor’s Refresher in St. Helena as well as San Francisco ... America’s best hamburgers and Ahi burgers), also produces wines under the capable guidance of his talented winemaker/wife, Sarah." (Aug. 2008) Gott wine? I... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

Justin shows us, yet again, that you don't need a glamorous Napa Valley address to make a concentrated, fruit-filled Cabernet. The 2007 vintage is indicative of this great vintage - spicy cherry, black plum, saddle leather and garrigue aromas create a tantalizing bouquet. In the mouth, the wine layers sultry black fruit, caramel and sweet American oak flavors that linger on the finish. Soft tannins keep this readily approachable. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

A subtle expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with honeydew melon, spice, tangerine and nectarine flavors and a gentle yet persistent acidity. Likeable for its elegance and focus, along with its echoing finish. Drink now. 723 cases made. —M.W. Imagine the love child of a pineapple and a grapefruit - what would you call it? I would call it Provenance. The winery's 2007 Sauvignon Blanc bursts with aromas of tropical fruit and grapefruit, coupled with hints of white flowers and minerals as the wine opens up. In the mouth the wine is dry and crisp, with plenty o... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

Sometimes a little wine goes a long way. That's surely the case with this little bottle of Patz & Hall's Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, the perfect size for two. Pure Sonoma Coast character, this wine is fresh and fun with cool-climate strawberry and cherry aromas that repeat on the palate. The red fruit is complemented by cinnamon and clove spice, resolved tannins for easy-drinking and mouthwatering acidity that makes it a lovely accompaniment to tonight's dinner. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

Our friends at Black Sheep Finds, Peter Hunken (Piedrasassi/Holus Bolus) and Amy Christine (AOC Restaurant), have made their best Hocus Pocus yet. Lower in alcohol than previous vintages, the 2007 Santa Barbara County Syrah is loaded with dark blackberry fruit, hints of bacon fat, earth and a little spice. Much of the fruit for this vintage comes from Dierberg-Starlane Vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley's Happy Canyon. 500 cases produced. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Beautiful nose of crushed rose petals and red raspberry. Flavors of ripe black cherry, raspberry and spiced fruit with tones of French oak. Finishes with a lush velvety mouthfeel. Although Old Vine is often loosely interpreted in the wine industry, Seghesio's benchmark is fifty years. The average age of the vines producing this wine nears 90 years! 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Winemaker Erich Bradley always does an exceptional job with the Audelssa wines, and this Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon showcases his style very well. Made using grapes from the winery's estate vineyard, which add depth and structure, and the Warm Springs Vineyard at the base of Sonoma Mountain, which contributes bright acidity to the blend, this is a very concentrated, age-worthy Sonoma Valley Cab that belies its price point. Only 1,650 cases produced. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

A Côtes du Rhône style blend of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre that's the "petite frère" of the Unti's grenache blend. Bright and fruity with lots of spicy, this lush wine has crisp acidity and fine tannins that make it perfect to enjoy with a meal. Its masculine Dry Creek fruit and structure will also help it age nicely for a couple of years. 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

This is not a wine for pondering, but a wine for drinking now with friends. A blend of zinfandel, carignan and merlot grown in family-owned vineyards in Sonoma County. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Now certified organic and biodynamic, Sinskey's Carneros vineyards are ideally situated for creating balanced, ripe fruit. The 2005 Merlot, which is blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and an even smaller amount of Cabernet Franc and aged in 30% new French oak barrels for 19 months, is a deep and brooding wine that might actually make Miles' head spin. Plum, pomegranate and olive aromas and flavors mingle with bittersweet chocolate, anise berry components. Firm tannins keep this from becoming too quaffable right away, but with some air or t... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

93 points Wine Spectator: "Clean, crisp and flinty, with green apple, lime, quince and spicy hazelnut notes that are pure and focused, gaining depth on the finish. Drink now through 2012." (06/09) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

If you walk into one of our stores and ask a salesperson to point you in the direction of a quality, reasonably-priced Washington or Oregon wine, chances are good that what they recommend will have been made by David O'Reilly. The Sharecropper's Pinot Noir from O'Reilly's Owen Roe label comes from a variety of northern Willamette Valley appellations, and is luscious with cherry cola flavors and an undercurrent of earth and coffee bean. Refined but open, this is ready to drink tonight. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Consistently a great value wine for California Chardonnay fans, the Bogle Chard undergoes partial malo and barrel fermentation, but it has a good dose of acidity to keep the wine from becoming cloying. Buttery and rich with apple and pear aromas and flavors touched off with nutmeg and vanilla, finishing with a little hint of Werther's Original. According to Wine Spectator: "Fresh and lively, full-bodied and smooth-textured, with vibrant green apple, melon, ripe pear and honeysuckle ending with a long, full finish. Drink now through 2011." (11/09) 

Inventory: San Francisco

93 points Robert Parker: "A fabulous introduction, the generic cuvee, the 2007 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills (just over 1,000 cases produced), possesses a deep plum/ruby hue as well as gorgeously sweet, sexy, plum, cherry, forest floor, and spring flower notes. Sensual and medium to full-bodied with great fruit, good acidity, and an incredible Burgundian-like character that suggests something from Morey-St.-Denis or further north, it should drink well for 7-8 years." (09/09) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "You can taste and feel the stem inclusion in this whol... Read More » 

Inventory: Redwood City

This Scharffenberger Brut is a blend of two-thirds pinot noir and one-third chardonnay. The predominance of the pinot noir creates a sparkling wine that is fruit forward with noticeable aromas of strawberry/raspberry and some plum notes. The chardonnay expresses itself with subtle tropical flavors of pineapple with pear. All of the fruit for Scharffenberger Brut undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation, making the wine rich with complex flavors and a round, lengthy finish. And, from the Wine Spectator: "Fresh and easygoing, with aromas of green apple and f... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

90-92 points Robert Parker: "A combination of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2007 Cru Proprietary Red Wine should be widely available as over 4,000 cases were produced. Classic notes of graphite, black currants, earth, spice, cedar, and tobacco leaf are present in this deep, medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy, pure wine. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Proprietor Chuck McMinn and his winemaker, Philippe Melka, continue to fashion one of Napa’s finest negociant blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, offering it at a re... Read More » 

Inventory: San Francisco

92 points Robert Parker: "Thackery's detour with the stubborn and largely unsuccessful Sangiovese grape in California is the gorgeous 2003 Aquila, which comes from the Eaglepoint Ranch in Medocino. Dark plum/garnet ruby, with a stunning nose of sweet kirsch intermixed with currants, fig, plum, and underbrush, the wine exhibits plenty of earthy, cedary, spice box notes, it has a good bit of glycerin and body as well as a silky, sumptuous finish. This is as good as Sangiovese can get in California. Drink it over the next 5-8 years." (08/09) ETA: Sept 18th... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse

92 points from Wine Spectator: "Tightly structured, firm and concentrated, with a trim beam of spice, earthen floor, dried currant and cranberry fruit that holds onto its earthy tannins through the long finish. Drink now through 2013. 1,137 cases made." (06/09) Roessler has been on our radar for a long time, dating back to their inaugural releases in 2000 that were made by the now famous Wells Guthrie of Copain. While Wells still hangs around in a consulting winemaker fashion, Scott Shapely, brother-in-law to Wells and former assistant winemaker at Sidur... Read More » 

From Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Pale, green-tinged gold. Peach, pear and mint on the nose, with a subtle lime zest quality adding verve. Fresh orchard and citrus flavors are a touch sweet, which would make this a good match with spicy Asian fish or chicken dishes. The smooth, clinging finish leaves a juicy peach note behind." (Nov/Dec '08) From Robert Parker's "Value Issue:" "The 2007 Viognier Reserve possesses classic notes of apricots and honeysuckle as well as good fruit, acidity, and freshness. Drink it over the next year." (08/08) ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Very rich, very fine, this Pinot is a blend of Goldeneye's best vineyards. It shows a molten density, like liquid silver, lush in red cherries, licorice, cinnamon, coco, dried herb and orange zest flavors, and should develop in the bottle through 2012." (06/09) 90 points from Wine Spectator Insider: "Firm and rich, this is marked by tight mineral, dried currant and berry fruit that gains velocity and depth, with touches of cedar and anise and tannins that give the flavors traction. Needs time. Best from 2014 through 2017." (0... Read More » 

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 Redwood City San Francisco

A stainless steel fermented Chardonnay that's aged in French oak, this affordable California white is rich and sweet with buttered guava paste aromas that carry over to the palate. A Best Buy, Wine Enthusiast: "Great price for a Chardonnay this rich and tasty. It has a buttery, creamy texture, framing tart flavors of pineapples, peaches and vanilla oak." (12/09) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

91 points Wine Spectator: "Leesy citrus, grapefruit and honeydew melon flavors are full-bodied, intense and concentrated, with a pleasant earthy edge that builds depth and complexity on the finish. Drink now through 2013." (06/09) 90 points Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Showing the same obvious ripeness and the extra oak richness for which its pricey Pahlmeyer cellarmates are known, this latest Jayson Chardonnay is nicely focused on keenly defined, apple-like fruit even though unstinting in oak. It gets a welcome lift in brightness and life f... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

According to Wine Enthusiast: "You can really taste that cool-climate Anderson Valley acidity. There’s also a minerality to the citrus and sweet oak flavors. Finishes a little austere, but elegant. Drink now." (12/07) 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

According to the Wine Spectator: "Trim yet full-bodied, with firm, savory dried currant, herb, cedar and mineral flavors that give this a tight focus and distinct personality. Ends with minerally tannins." (Web only, 2009) 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City

Who said great wine has to cost a mint? This may be one of the best values in California Syrah available today. From winemakers Russell From and Mac Meyers, this is a rich fruit-forward wine with all of the spicy, meaty notes you'd expect from something three-times the price. Sourced from eight vineyards in Santa Barbara County and Paso, this is a blend of 95% Syrah, 3% Grenache and 2% Mourvèdre. According to Robert Parker: "The 2006 Right Hand Man (100% Syrah) is a richly fruity, elegant, well-made, savory wine revealing plenty of black fruit, earth, a... 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

92 points Wine Spectator: "Sleek and trim, with tight, concentrated black cherry and wild berry flavors that are compact, focused and medium-bodied, keeping the emphasis on the dark, vibrant, juicy fruit. Drink now through 2014." (03/09) Keefer Ranch vineyard in Green Valley really shines here. Focused high-toned cherry aromas and flavors, a vineyard signature, with hints of forest floor and sweet oak on the palate, will please many a Pinot lover. An excellent pairing for springtime morels, grilled meats and fall/winter braises. A great value. (Alex Pro... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Dense and garnet in hue, this full-bodied Pinot Noir entices with aromas of black currants and orange pekoe tea, framed by touches of earthy mushroom, cola, and savory hints of sage. The elegant aromatics lead to a complex palate defined by black raspberry, juicy boysenberry and bramble berries, with hints of subtle citrus and a dash of winter spices. Refined, supple tannins and the Fort Ross Vineyard signature minerality are revealed through the layered, velvety finish. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

If Cain Vineyard and Winery's Cain Five and Cain Concept are two wines that are meant to convey a sense of place, the non-vintage Cain Cuvee is an exercise in winemaking, without the appearance of being "made." Of the winery's three wines, this contaains the most Merlot, which gives it a broad, smooth base. Mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc give the wine structure and aromatic complexity. 55% of the blend comes from the 2006 vintage, 45% from 2005. Deep fruit, polished and already approachable. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

We're not exactly sure what this is "Prologue" to in the eyes of the winemaker, but we know that when you open a bottle it's a start to a great night. A Napa Valley Cab through and through, this 100% Cabernet from the impressive 2007 vintage is aged for 18 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels. The oak influence is subtle and really complements the blackberry and currant fruit. It leads with a heady nose of black tea, new leather, coffee, chocolate, purple flowers and fruit, all of which carry over to the palate, which is full and sweet but impeccably b... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse

91-93 points Robert Parker: "A barrel sample of the 2007 Syrah (100% Syrah) exhibited a beautiful ruby/purple hue followed by sweet creme de cassis aromas interwoven with notions of ground pepper, melted licorice, forest floor, and spring flowers. With vibrant acidity, admirable purity, full-bodied power, and luscious layers of fruit, it should drink well for 7-8 years." (06/08) 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

Meiomi is the Wappa and Yuki tribal word for "coast," and it symbolizes this Pinot's source: the wild expanse of Sonoma Coast from Mendocino County to Marin. The varied soils, sub-climates and elevation variations create grapes with diverse character and style. In the hands of Joseph Wagner (son of Chuck Wagner from Caymus), these diverse fruit sources come together to create a brillian Pinot Noir with vibrant plum, cherry and molasses aromas that excite your senses. In the mouth, juicy pomegranate and plum fruit flavors are kissed by minerals, fresh aci... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco