Hot News

Dark Horse – 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Double Gold, Best of Class, Best of California AVA, 2016 Harvest Challenge.  November 2016.

Dark Horse – 2014 Merlot, GOLD MEDAL, 92 POINTS, Sommelier Challenge. September 2016.

Gallo Signature Series – 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 92 POINTS, Decanter Mag, “This plump, round Cab has captivating energy and drive. The delicate purple flower and sweet liquorice tones seem to defy the boldly tannic , assertive style with its long chocolatey finish” February 2017

Ghost Pines – 2014 Winemaker’s Blend Merlot, 92 POINTS, The Tasting Panel, “Smooth, ripe nose; velvety and rich with deep plum, black raspberry and spice; long and balanced.” February 2017

Ghost Pines – 2014 Winemaker’s Blend Pinot Noir, 90 POINTS, The Tasting Panel. “Smooth, rich and juicy with ripe cherry and raspberry fruit; mellow, balanced and long.” February 2017

J Vineyards & Winery – 2015 Multi-Appellated Pinot Noir, 93 POINTS, Tasting Panel, “This texturally impressive (luscious, graceful and generous) new release from J is their first multi-appellation wine. It may be the juiciest Pinot we’ve tasted (all our editors agreed). From its raspberry-earth nose to its cherry-lavender middle, the “J Black” label could just be the little black dress of wines” February 2017           ePOS Coming Soon!

J Vineyards & Winery – 2015 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 91 POINTS, Tasting Panel, “Silky, smooth and ripe with ripe pear and juicy acidity; bright and balanced, long and charming” February 2017

John Barr Blended Scotch Whisky – 96 points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016, April 2016

Liberty Creek Vineyards – Liberty Creek won the Hot Brand Award and will be featured in the March issue of IMPACT and the April issue of MARKET WATCH, January 2017. 

Louis M. Martini – “2013 Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 93 POINTS, Decanter, “”Fresh, classic aromas of blackcurrants, mineral sweet liquorice and warm soil. It is very mouthfilling, and has swagger and density. It is packed with fruit and interesting Indian spice notes too.”” Highly Recommended.”  February 2017

MacMurray Estate – 2014 Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Noir, 91 POINTS, Tasting Panel, “Silky and tangy with bright cherry fruit and notes of earth; juicy and balanced with deep, savory style; long and mellow” February 2017

MacMurray Estate – 2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 90 POINTS, Tasting Panel, “Bright and fresh with crisp acidity and dense cherry fruit; silky, smooth and showing notes of earth and spice” February 2017

Mirassou – 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, 88 PTS, The Tasting Panel, “Ripe and juicy with tangy acidity and silky texture; lush, clean and rich.”  January 2017

Talbott Vineyards – 2014 Logan Pinot Noir, featured in Wine Enthusiast, 92 POINTS, Editor’s Choice. March 2017.

Talbott Vineyards – 2014 Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir, featured in Wine Enthusiast, 92 POINTS. March 2017.

William Hill Estate – 2013 Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 90 POINTS, Wine Enthusiast, “This wine offers billowy, bittersweet tannin and a flirtation of gunpowder, highlighted by a ripe, full-bodied midsection of black currant and tobacco leaf. It’s well-balanced and flavorful, with a lingering finish.” February 2017

William Hill Estate – “2013 Napa Valley Benchland Series, Cabernet Sauvignon, 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast, “”This expansive wine is generous on the palate in dusty tannin, currant, pencil and tobacco, more savory than sweet. Firm texture and structured acidity provide a classic edge to this 100% varietal wine that will do well at the table.” February 2017

William Hill Estate – 2015 North Coast, Chardonnay, 90 POINTS, The Tasting Panel, “Smooth and lush with toasty, ripe fruit; rich with tropical and spice notes; mellow and deep, long and balanced.” February 2017

William Hill Estate – 2014 Napa Valley, Bench Blend, 90 POINTS, The Tasting Panel “Dark and deep with lush, balanced boysenberry fruit and spice; tangy, rich and juicy; long and intense.” February 2017

TOP Premium ACCOLADES

Alamos – 2015 Malbec, 91 POINTS, JamesSuckling.com, “an attractive red with notes of dried berry and light chocolate. Spicy too. Full body, juicy and rich with a long and flavorful finish. This is a real malbec” September 2016

Alamos – 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, 91 POINTS, JamesSuckling.com, “This shows plenty of dark fruits with graphite and espresso undertones. The palate is full and round with supple caressing tannins and a savory fruity yet reserved finish. Awesome value.” September 2016

Alamos – 2014 Red Blend, 92 POINTS, JamesSuckling.com, “A juicy and dense malbec-based blend with aromas of cappuccino, blackberries, black pepper, and some dried herbs. Full-bodied and juicy with polished tannins and a good backbone of acidity that follows through to a clean finish. Balanced.” September 2016

Alamos – 2015 Chardonnay, 89pts – BEST VALUE, Wine Spectator, “rich and zesty white, offering crisp, concentrated flavors of green apple and ripe citrus that are matched to pastry notes.” September 2016

Alamos – 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 88 POINTS, Wine Advocate, “freshness and properly ripened fruit with peppery aromas and a hint of orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft texture and a pleasant, bitter finish.” August 2015.

Alamos – 2014 Torrontés, 90 POINTS, Wine Advocate, “2014 was a good vintage for Torrontés in Salta…offers that mixture of lime and white flowers with subtle minerality and pungent, fresh flavors plus spiciness in the palate.” August 2015.

Alamos Selección – 2014 Malbec, 92 POINTS, JamesSuckling.com, “A rich and flavorful red with blueberry, spice and walnut character. Full body, lots of fruit, and a soft and balanced finish. This one is always delicious.” September 2016

Brancaia – 2013 Ilatraia, 97 POINTS, The Wine Advocate, Monica Larner, December 30, 2016. “Wow. The 2013 Ilatraia jumps right out at you. This is a tremendous effort. The complexity and the ever-changing nature of the bouquet is mind-bending. Ilatraia shows enormous depth and sophistication, and it leaves a profound impact. The texture is immensely soft, yielding and seamless in its integration. Dark fruit and blackberry is followed by light notes of tobacco, toasted nut and scorched earth. I am in awe of its complexity.”

Bridlewood – 2014 Chardonnay, featured in Wine Enthusiast, 89 POINTS- “Apple blossom, lemon butter and white peach aromas show on the nose of this very clean and crisp bottling. There is solid acidity and grippy texture to the palate, where sea salt, caramel apple and more white peach flavors arise. Great sizzle on the finish. August 2016

Chateau Souverain – 2014 CA Cabernet Sauvignon, 89 POINTS, The Tasting Panel, “Smooth, lush and dense with ripe plum and vanilla oak; balanced and long.” December 2016.

Chateau Souverain – 2014 CA Merlot, 88 POINTS, The Tasting Panel, “Smooth and juicy with clean, bright plum and soft texture; balanced and long.” December 2016

Columbia Winery – 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon featured in Wine Spectator, 90 POINTS–“Dense and focused, playing the coffee and mineral-accented blackberry flavors against a blanket of fine tannins, coming together smoothly on the purposeful finish.” June 2015

Columbia Winery – 2014 Merlot, finalist in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2016, 91 POINTS- “Excellent, Highly Recommended, Great Value” November 2016

Columbia Winery – Composition Red Blend, featured in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2016, 90 POINTS- “Excellent, Highly Recommended, Great Value” November 2016

Columbia Winery – 2014 Chardonnay, Eighth Annual Sommelier International Wine and Spirits Challenge, 91 POINTS- September 2016

Columbia Winery – 2014 Riesling Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, featured in Wine Spectator, 90 POINTS- “Light and sleek, barely off-dry, featuring lively green tea-accented apple and pear flavors. Finishes with lime and chalk notes, persisting pleasantly. Drink now. 750 cases made. -H.S., October 2016.

Don Miguel Gascon – 2015 Reserve Malbec, 89 POINTS, Wine Advocate, “aromas of black fruit, spices, cured meat, smoke and hints of leather and brick dust together with chocolate undertones.” August 2015.

Don Miguel Gascon – 2013 Reserve Malbec, 92 POINTS, Wine Spectator, “lush flavors of dark plum, blackberry and dark currant accented by Asian spice. Medium-grained tannins give this a refined allure. Creamy and chocolate mousse on the finish.” November 2015.

Don Miguel Gascon – 2014 Malbec, 89 POINTS, Wine Review Online, “delivers bright pepper and blackfruit, supple tannins, good acidity and a long finish that will please a crowd.” September 2015.

Don Miguel Gascon – 2013 Malbec, 92 POINTS, JamesSuckling.com, “A solid wine with blueberries and hints of walnut follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a long finish…Malbec magic.” October 2014.

Don Miguel Gascon – 2013 Red Blend, 87 POINTS, Wine Advocate, “Red berries, licorice and some vanilla are found in the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with some dusty tannins, which indicates it will be better with food.” August 2015.

Ecco Domani  – 2015 Pinot Grigio, The Best 20 White Wines Under $20, “Hugely appealing white fruit flavors stretched out by a minerality remarkably complex for the inexpensive price”, Forbes.com, October 2016

Edna Valley Vineyard – 2014 Chardonnay, featured in The Tasting Panel, 92 POINTS- “The palate is exotic, with Asian pear and a lovely salinity… This is a labor-intensive white that is 30-percent barrel-fermented…” July 2016.

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve – 2013 Alexander Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 90 POINTS, Tasting Panel, “Dark and lush with deep plum nose…juicy, ripe and deep with lovely balance” Anthony Dias Blue. July 2016.

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve – 2014 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, 92 POINTS, Tasting Panel, “Spicy, rich nose; ripe and lush with deep blackberry and cherry fruit; smooth and generous with lovely balance and finesse” Anthony Dias Blue, June 2016.

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve – 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 92 POINTS, “…impressive flavor intensity, but isn’t heavy and doesn’t lose the nuance of elegance that is essential to a top-notch pinot. This vintage offers layered red and black fruit complexity with silky tannins and a long seductive finish.” Robert Whitley, March 2016.

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve – 2012 Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 92 POINTS, Wine Spectator, “Combines firm, dark fruit and chewy tannins with a measure of finesse and refinement. Ends with gripping, cedary tannins, bolstered by good length and depth. Drink now through 2024.” James Laube.  July 2015

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve – 2014 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, 90 POINTS, California Grapevine, “…Medium body; crisp, citrus and tropical fruit flavors with bright acidity and a slight richness in the mouthfeel…very highly recommended.” November 2015

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve – 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 92 POINTS, The Tasting Panel, “…On the nose, just-squeezed lemon adorns caramel…the mouthfeel is round and sumptuous…coming to a long finish with notes of …pear, tangerine and vanilla.” December 2016.

Gallo Estate – 2010 Northern Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, 90 POINTS, Wine Spectator, “Sanguine in red plum, clove and dark chocolate, this bottle-aged, full-bodied wine is impressive…tannins are prominent and supported by a girth of oak, with a dense, concentrated finish. ” February 2016

Gallo Estate – 2012 Northern Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, 93+ POINTS, Wine Enthusiast, “…notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco, chocolate, espresso roast, black currants cedar and a touch of barbecue smoke, the wine is full-bodied, dense, moderately tannic, long and mouth filling.” December 2015

Gallo Estate – 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 91 POINTS, “…this wine has an inky purple color, aromas of graphite, blackberry, licorice…the tannins are noticeable, the acidity is crisp, and the wine full-bodied and powerful with a long finish…” Robert M. Parker Jr. October 2016

Gallo Estate – 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 90 POINTS, Wine Advocate, “…the wine is a classic Russian River Chardonnay with notes of tropical fruits, honeysuckle, spice box, earth, fruitcake and plenty of exotic fruits and spices.” Robert M. Parker Jr. October 2016

Gallo Estate – 2012 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 92 POINTS, The Wine Advocate, “…notes of orange blossom, white peach, honeysuckle and brioche. It’s elegant, medium to full-bodied, ripe, pure, and well-balanced.” December 2014

Gallo Estate – 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 91 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, “Vibrant acidity envelops lively yet dark, brooding baked plum and cherry notes in this smoothly made, velvety-textured wine from estate vineyards. It excites as much on the palate as on the nose, transitioning smoothly into the medium-length finish.” September 2016.

Gallo Signature Series – 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 93+ POINTS, “…this wine offers a dense, opaque bluish purple color, notes of pen ink, graphite, blackberry and blueberry, a big full-bodied, fleshy texture and a long finish with plenty of structured tannin and good acidity” Robert M. Parker Jr. October 2016.

Gallo Signature Series – 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 95 POINTS, “…shows off the exceptional balance between ripeness and structure that characterized this very good vintage. It offers deep notes of cassis and blackberry, with a classic whiff of cedar and graphite…with exceptional weight and depth, and a long, lingering finish” Robert Whitley.  January 2016

Gallo Signature Series – 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 90 POINTS, Wine Advocate, “…showing terrific fruit intensity with loads of honeyed citrus, a touch of tangerine oil, pear and white peach, the wine is…pure and clean with a medium to full-bodied texture” Robert M Parker Jr. October 2016.

Gallo Signature Series – 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, 90 POINTS, “…This wine has a dark ruby/purple color, notes of blueberry and black raspberry, loamy soil undertones and an intriguing floral scent. Lush tannins, terrific fruit on the attack and midpalate, and a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel…” Robert M. Parker Jr. October 2016.

Gallo Signature Series – 2013 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, 94 POINTS, The Wine Advocate, “…a stunning nose of licorice, charcuterie, springs flowers, pepper…the wine is full-bodied, layered, pure and dense. This is a stunner and could compete with just about any top Zinfandel made in California” Robert M. Parker Jr.

Ghost Pines    2013 Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, 90 POINTS, 4th Place, California Grapevine, “Medium-dark purplish ruby color; attractive, forward, ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with notes of dried herbs, and toasty oak; full body; fleshy, plummy, black cherry fruit flavors with some richness in the mouthfeel; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended.” November 2015.

J Vineyards & Winery – 2015 Multi-Appellated Pinot Noir, 93 POINTS, Tasting Panel, “This texturally impressive (luscious, graceful and generous) new release from J is their first multi-appellation wine. It may be the juiciest Pinot we’ve tasted (all our editors agreed). From its raspberry-earth nose to its cherry-lavender middle, the “J Black” label could just be the little black dress of wines” February 2017.  ePOS Coming Soon!

J Vineyards & Winery – NV Cuvée 20, 92 POINTS, Wine Review Online, “…Exceptionally well balanced, with a creamy mouthfeel, it is without a doubt one of the best values in domestic sparkling wine today” Robert Whitley. July 2016.

J Vineyards & Winery – NV Brut Rosé, 90 POINTS, Wine Advocate, “…crisp acids and dry medium-bodied cranberry and strawberry notes with a hint of wild cherry” Robert M. Parker Jr. October 2016.

J Vineyards & Winery – 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 90 PTS, Wine Spectator, “Elegantly styled…with nectarine, honeydew, anise and green apple flavors. This is a wine of finesse, showing more grace than power and richness.” February 2016.

J Vineyards & Winery – 2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 93 POINTS, Wine Enthusiast, “From estate-grown fruit dotted around the appellation, this wine shines in a fresh approach to tannin and savory-laced black cherry, seasoning it with clove, earth and black tea…”, February 2017

J Vineyards & Winery – “2013 Russian River Valley Vin Gris, 92 POINTS, Wine Review Online, “”fresh and clean, with mouth-watering acidity and beautiful aromas of strawberry and tart cherry.”” August 2014.

Louis M Martini – 2014 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon featured in Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 90 POINTS — “One of the best values in Cabernet Sauvignon anywhere in the world remains Louis Martini’s Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County (89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and the rest Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc and other varieties) is just a beautiful wine. Dense ruby/purple with classic tobacco leaf, blackcurrant, loamy soil notes and a touch of wood spice…” – Robert M. Parker, Jr., October 2016

MacMurray Estate Vineyards – 2014 Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Noir, 92 POINTS, Wine Spectator, “…flavors that move from supple to firm, this offers fine-grained tannins that add texture and traction. Ends with a mix of floral and anise notes.” James Laube. August 2016.

MacMurray Estate Vineyards – 2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 95 POINTS, Wine Review online, “Showing notes of Lavender and Cherry… this gorgeous wine is beautifully balanced, spicy and exquisitely delicate” Robert Whitley, Wine review.

MacMurray Estate Vineyards – 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 90 POINTS, Wine Review Online, “Forest floor, cola and red cherry, with medium weight and intensity on the palate…A gem for the price.” June 2015.

MacMurray Estate Vineyards – 2014 Central Coast Pinot Noir, 90 POINTS & Editor’s Choice, Wine Enthusiast, “Quite a steal of a deal… Once sipped, the mouthfeel is soft, offering flavors of cranberry and red cherry…” August 2016.

MacMurray Estate Vineyards – 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Gris, 93 POINTS, Beverage Dynamics, “…clean, unoaked fruit, with lots of weight and texture, so the wood is not missed. This wine is a great match for a wide range of grilled, smoked, and roasted dishes.” November 2014

MacMurray Estate Vineyards – 2013 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 90 POINTS, The Tasting Panel, “Fresh and juicy with pear, tangy acidity and balance; silky with generous fruit and a long, mellow finish.” November 2014

MacMurray Estate Vineyards – 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Reserve, 90 POINTS, Wine Spectator, “Well done, ripe and supple, this is firmly tannic in a good way, with blueberry, blackberry, plum and spicy nutmeg scents…” May 2015

MacMurray Estate Vineyards – 2014 Russian River Valley Winemaker’s Block Pinot Noir, 92 POINTS, Wine Enthusiast, “Velvety, robust structure makes way for a textured, complex personality of baked plum, rhubarb and cola spice. That spice continues in lengthy spikes of clove and cinnamon…” February 2017

Mirassou – 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, BEST OF CLASS, Show Award, 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2017

Mirassou – 2015 Pinot Grigio, Gold, 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2017

Mirassou – 2015 Moscato, Gold, 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2017

Orin Swift – 2014 Machete featured in Wine Spectator, 94 POINTS — “Generous and expressive, big and brawny, this offers a mouthful of tannins but also brims with flavors and aromas, including Earl Grey tea, dark chocolate, dried violet and toasted gingerbread. Rich notes of plum and black cherry are balanced by forest floor and earth accents, which linger on the long finish.” August 2016

Starborough – 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, 90 POINTS, Winereviewonline.com, “Starborough’s 2014 vintage is classic Marlborough Sauvignon that exhibits pungent aromas of green citrus, cut grass and tart green apple. It is well-balanced, with crisp acidity and finishes with exceptional freshness.” June 2015.

Talbott Vineyards – 2014 Logan Pinot Noir, finalist in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2016, 94 POINTS- “Excellent, highly recommended” November 2016.

Talbott Vineyards – 2014 Kali Hart Chardonnay, featured in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2016, 91 POINTS- “Excellent, Highly Recommend” November 2016

Talbott Vineyards – 2014 Kali Hart Pinot Noir, featured in Wine Enthusiast, 90 POINTS. September 2016.

Talbott Vineyards – 2013 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir featured in Wine Enthusiast, 92 POINTS– “Concentrated raspberry and brambleberry aromas mix with iron and brown mushrooms on the nose of this wine from a historic vineyard originally planted in 1972. The palate is sanguine with bloody meats and pencil lead, with earthy beet-juice flavors and unrelenting minerality, almost like licking the earth itself.” December 2015.  POS available on Gallo Content Hub

Whitehaven – 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, 90 POINTS, Wine Enthusiast, “Subtle herb and citrus shadings mark the nose, but so do riper hints of fig and melon. Those riper notes shape the palate, giving it breadth up front, then gently tapering into a long, elegant, citrusy finish.” March 2016.

William Hill Estate – 2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay featured in Wine Enthusiast, 90 POINTS — “Aromas of orange blossom and jasmine intoxicate on the entry of this delightful wine, which combines in complex ways to offer savory fennel with a creaminess to the texture. That complexity continues through the finish, which ends long and lean.” May 2015

William Hill Estate – 2013 North Coast Chardonnay featured in Wine Enthusiast, 90 POINTS & Editor’s Choice–“A bowl full of complex aromas and flavors are bundled together in this full-bodied, lush-textured wine…Ripe and honeyed pear flavors come out on the palate and the mouthfeel is nicely viscous.” July 2015

TOP POPULAR ACCOLADES

Dark Horse – 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, GOLD MEDAL, 90 POINTS, San Francisco International Wine Competition.  June 2016

Dark Horse – 2014 Merlot, GOLD MEDAL, 89 POINTS, San Francisco International Wine Competition.  June 2016

Dark Horse – 2013 Chardonnay, 92 POINTS, The Tasting Panel. August 2016

Dark Horse – 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Double Gold, Best of Class, Best of California AVA, 2016 Harvest Challenge.  November 2016

Dark Horse – 2015 Rosé, SILVER MEDAL, 2016 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition. The Tasting Panel.  August 2016.

Dark Horse – 2014 Pinot Noir, SILVER MEDAL, Sommelier Challenge.  September 2016.

Gallo Family Vineyards – NV California Merlot, GOLD, 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  January 2017.

TOP SPirits ACCOLADES

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve – Double Gold, 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

E&J Gallo Brandy – “Brandy Producer of the Year,” 2016 Bar Business Competition

E&J VSOP Brandy – Gold, 2016 Denver Bar Business Competition

Jura Superstition – 94 Points, 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Jura Origin 10 Years Old – 97 Points, 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge