{"title":"#13 - SWS Signature","description":"\u003cp\u003eMichael Palese\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"aperturealexandervalleycabernetsauvignon2018-750ml","title":"Aperture Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98pts I.W.R. - Highly Recommended \u0026amp; Editor’s Choice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County includes small amounts of 3% Malbec, 1% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, and was aged for 18 months in 55% new French oak. In the glass, it reveals an opaque ruby-purple hue. The nose is strikingly layered, bringing together aromas of crushed black cherries, wild marionberries, roasted coffee bean, cedary herbs, and damp forest soil. The palate follows with intensity and grace, offering cassis, mulberry, and dark chocolate, balanced by savory herbs and graphite. Firm, polished tannins and vibrant acidity structure the wine without weighing it down, giving it both power and lift. The finish is extended and resonant, echoing spice, fruit, and earthy undertones long after each sip. This bottling is both deeply expressive and precise, one of the most incredible Cabernet Sauvignons yet from Aperture, built to evolve over two decades. For pairing, it would be stunning with dry-aged ribeye and truffle butter, the wine’s depth of fruit and earthy complexity mirroring the richness of the dish. Highly recommended and editor’s choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96pts Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI tasted the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon in October, not long after it was bottled in August. Grapes were harvested October 5 through November 3. It was blended with 3% Malbec, 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot and matured for 18 months in 55% new French oak barrels plus 10% concrete—a new aging vessel Aperture has started experimenting with. It has slowly unfurling scents of cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, cast iron and floral hints. The full-bodied palate is impressively concentrated without over-ripeness, and its flavors are rich yet minerally. It has an haut couture frame of powdery tannins and refreshing acidity and a very long, elegant finish. It should be very long lived in the cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95pts James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAromas of plums, blackberries, marionberries and red soil. Full-bodied and structured yet approachable, with abundant yet integrated tannins and a lot of earthy minerality in the finish. Drink or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocusing first on the Cabernet fruit from our mineral-rich, volcanic soil sites nestled on the hillside slopes in the Alexander Valley. This vintage’s blend is uniquely crafted with delicate inclusions of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and a small hint of Merlot and Petit Verdot showcasing intense black fruits enriched with lengthy velvety tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the significant wildfire challenges of this vintage did not allow us to produce our entire portfolio of wines, the wines we were able to put to bottle were done so with complete confidence and a renewed sense of awe for the delicate balance between unpredictable nature and precise science that our craft is rooted in. We are proud to share this flawless cabernet sauvignon blend with you now.\u0026amp;nbsp;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39504280780971,"sku":"860005414628","price":59.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/products\/aperture-alexander-valley-cabernet-sauvignon-2018-750ml-373275.jpg?v=1691441041"},{"product_id":"aperture-alexander-valley-red-blend-2019-750ml","title":"Aperture Sonoma Red Blend 2022 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97pts Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“This opulent Malbec-forward blend delivers loads of crushed blueberry, black plum, coffee, and sage aromas on the nose. The palate displays hearty tannic structure with lavish acidity and flavors of currant, cassis, shattered granite, dark chocolate, and licorice.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94pts Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Bordeaux Red Blend is a blend of 36% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and a splash of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. A more saturated red color, it’s pretty and floral with hints of mocha, purple flowers, black raspberries, and red-fruited highlights. The palate is full and ripe, with a plush and well-detailed feel and a long finish. Although it offers more immediate appeal in the vintage, it should have a wide window to show its best over the next 12-15 years. 8,470 cases were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Bordeaux Red Blend is composed of 36% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 18 months in 50% new French oak, it bursts from the glass with pure red cherry and pomegranate perfume, unfurling nuances of lavender, forest floor and glossy new oak as it opens in the glass. The medium-bodied palate features generous, floral fruit. It’s structured by powdery tannins and juicy acidity and has a long, layered finish. 8,470 cases produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92pts James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn elegant but rich and ripe Bordeaux-style blend that’s not too tight with tannins and features broad, opulent black fruit flavors and generous oak spices. Full-bodied, sleek and luxurious. Drink now or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this vintage, we crafted a distinct Bordeaux blend, composed primarily of malbec and cabernet sauvignon, rounding out the blend with with merlot and small amounts of petite verdot, and cabernet franc. The ripe red fruit characters are structured by silky seamless tannins, showcasing an elegant density to the blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlend:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41649409294507,"sku":"860005414659","price":39.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/files\/aperture-sonoma-red-blend-2022-750ml-572942.jpg?v=1756235281"},{"product_id":"aperture-chenin-blanc-sonoma-2022-750ml","title":"Aperture Sonoma Chenin Blanc 2023 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95pts Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Aperture Chenin Blanc hails from the Clarksburg AVA near California's Sierra Foothills. Winemaker Jesse Katz says that the 40-year-old, dry-farmed vines there benefit from cooling breezes that come in from the San Joaquin River Valley. Fermentation was done in various vessels (cement, neutral French oak, and stainless steel) to preserve the freshness and transparency of fruit from what Katz noted was an early-ripening vintage. An Incredibly bright nose of pear, white peach, white pepper, and chalky minerals with springtime flowers marks the nose. Acid-driven freshness is immediately prevalent on the palate, like a fresh squeeze of lemon intermixed with lemon zest, lime blossoms, apricots, marionberry, and white raspberry. The flavours are all fueled by a saline-mineral finish that keeps everything super bright and lifted. Easily one of the brightest, most focused expressions of this wine ever, and at 12.2% alcohol, it is eminently food-friendly and an easy quaffer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94pts James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA light-bodied, very fresh and dry wine with aromas of minerals and wet stones. Great acidity balances a creamy lemon curd character that’s bright and clean. Only 12.2% alcohol. Drink now or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94pts International Wine Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAperture Chenin Blanc Clarksburg 2023 delivers a radiant pale straw hue with silver highlights, showcasing its vibrant character. This wine, aged in 75% stainless steel, 20% neutral French oak, and 5% cement tank aging, greets the nose with aromas of honeysuckle, chamomile, green apple skin, and crystallized lemon zest. Subtle notes of fresh linen and tropical guava add intrigue and dimension. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and impeccably balanced, offering a delicate interplay of zesty acidity and soft texture. The flavors unfold with a seamless flow, revealing layers of golden kiwi, tart pear, and a whisper of wet stone minerality. The finish is crisp and refined, maintaining a graceful lightness that lingers without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93pts Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Chenin Blanc displays a bright yellow\/silver hue and is floral and dewy, with fresh aromas of white blossoms, baby powder, starfruit, and candied citrus. Medium-bodied, it’s bright through the finish, with an elegant, linear, and weightless feel. It’s really pretty and never feels austere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91pts Wine Spectator - \u003cem\u003eTop 100 Wines 2024\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShows plenty of verve and intensity, offering yuzu, mango and lemon curd notes at the core, plus accents of hops, vetiver and lemongrass. Vibrant acidity and plenty of momentum on the finish make this a showy wine, with a hint of crunchy sea salt that lingers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur 2023 Chenin Blanc is a vibrant and bright wine, coming from old vines planted in the 1940’s. It is a product of its rich clay loam soils and colder, brisk nights that are made possible by the Delta Breeze coming in off the San Francisco Bay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinery Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNever mind the six million album covers around the world that feature Andy Katz’s photographs, or his dozen books of gorgeous photos that grace countless coffee tables around the country, or the many awards on his mantel earned from five decades of work around the world. It was all an excuse. An excuse to drink world class wine. To learn what it takes to make world class wine. And to spend time with his young son Jesse. Andy brought Jesse to the the most famous vineyards on earth, from the heart of Burgundy to the hills of Tuscany. He may not have admitted it at the time, but Andy’s gambit worked. Barely a decade later, Jesse is now one of the most exciting — and accomplished — winemakers in the world, recently gracing the cover of Wine Enthusiast as a rising young star who is doing nothing less than “changing the way the world drinks.” The son of a man who, through his photographs, changes the way the world sees wine. It’s a perfect combination. Jesse supplies the grapes, Andy supplies the images. And together they make wines worthy of their travels. Aperture. World class wines. Katz and Katz. A world class pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43229994123435,"sku":"12826","price":19.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/files\/aperture-sonoma-chenin-blanc-2023-750ml-372503.jpg?v=1762983794"},{"product_id":"far-niente-napa-valley-cabernet-sauvignon-2023-750ml","title":"Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with vibrant aromas of black cherry, black currant, and dark plum, layered with notes of rose petal, caramel, and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is coating and expansive, unfolding in waves of ripe blackberry, spiced cherry, and cassis. Fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity create balance and lift, while hints of bay leaf, cocoa, and sweet oak weave through the long, supple finish of juicy, spiced cherry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlend: \u003c\/strong\u003e92.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.4% Petit Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinery Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar Niente’s decades-long mastery of each intricate component of winemaking—from unparalleled Napa Valley vineyards to precision harvesting and vinification—makes this winery the pinnacle in luxury Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Refined and sophisticated with a consistent house-style, every Far Niente wine offers the highest expression of its vineyards and vintage, from our iconic Napa Valley Chardonnay to our legendary Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlend:\u003c\/strong\u003e 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Merlot, 2.5% Malbec, 2.5% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSustainable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53331011535212,"sku":"030174091306","price":99.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/products\/far-niente-napa-valley-cabernet-sauvignon-2019-750ml-573591.jpg?v=1691447510"},{"product_id":"aperture-sauvignon-blanc-2024-750ml","title":"Aperture Sauvignon Blanc 2024 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94pts Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Blended with 10% Sémillon, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc was barrel-fermented and matured for six months in 30% new French oak. It bursts from the glass with intense aromas of kiwi, green guava, peach, elderflower and spice. The medium-bodied palate combines concentrated, perfumed flavors with well-integrated new oak spice. It has a pleasantly waxy texture, bright, juicy acidity and a long, nuanced finish. 3,325 cases were made. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93pts Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnchanting spice, pithy Meyer lemon, and loads of white flowers drive the nose of this intense and satisfying Sauvignon Blanc. The palate delivers loads of concentration and lightning rod acidity, with flavors of lime peel, ginger, melon and citrus blossoms that bounce and rebound through the finish. Rest this for a few years in the cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe harvest grapes from three vineyards for this wine. Our estate sémillon and sauvignon musqué in Russian River Valley, sauvignon blanc from Dry Stack Vineyard in Bennett Valley, and sauvignon blanc from our estate property, Farrow Ranch in Alexander Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelnd:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90% Sauvignon Blanc,10% Sémillon\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54134877192556,"sku":"860005414673","price":29.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/files\/aperture-sauvignon-blanc-2024-750ml-232218.webp?v=1785870907"},{"product_id":"far-niente-chardonnay-2024-750ml","title":"Far Niente Chardonnay 2024 - 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e93pts James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has a good core of fruit with an underlying power that will unravel with time in the bottle. Aromas of lemon confit, oak spices, vanilla and pastry. The rounded, phenolic palate is cut with a bright line of acidity, leading to a generous, concentrated finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93pts Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipe and punchy aromas of fresh apple, Meyer lemon, thyme, and white flowers blossom on the nose of this wine. The palate brings a wave of tropical citrus acidity and flavors of pineapple, apricot, toasted almond, lemon balm, and ginger across a generous but acid-driven finale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90pts Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold and spicy, with notes of cardamom, nutmeg and gingersnap that complement the vibrant, mouthwatering core of citrus, with lemon sorbet, citron, lemon confit and tangerine flavors, plus hints of lemon blossoms on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrimming with freshness and finesse, the 2024 Far Niente Chardonnay opens withinviting aromas of melon, citrus blossom, ripe peach, and pear, with a whisper ofvanilla and toasted hazelnut in the background. The palate is bright and layered,offering flavors of grilled citrus and wet stone over a smooth, creamy texture. Ajuicy finish with subtle spice and lively acidity adds the final polish. This vintageoffers both vibrancy and depth, a graceful expression of Napa Valley.\u003cbr\u003eBlend: 100% Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinery Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar Niente’s decades-long mastery of each intricate component of winemaking—from unparalleled Napa Valley vineyards to precision harvesting and vinification—makes this winery the pinnacle in luxury Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. 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Engaged with dried lavender, jasmine and a hint of iron, the wine boasts a juicy nature, revealing black cherry washing over spiced cedar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96pts Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a site in Rutherford, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Decarle Block has a deeper, richer, broader style, with chocolaty red and black fruits, spicy oak, and savory, floral aromas and flavors. It's gorgeously textured and medium to full-bodied, with ripe, velvety tannins and just about flawless balance. This is a killer 2023 that can be drunk any time over the coming two decades or more. Drink 2025-2045.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94pts Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAromas of black plum, blackberry, pencil shavings, and cracked pepper drive the nose of this wine. The palate is decadent but bright, with plush tannin and juicy acid framing flavors of roasted cherry, dark berry, malted cocoa, licorice, mint, and cinnamon that echo across a long finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93pts Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInky in aroma and color, this offers a dense, deep core of black currant and blackberry compote flavors laced with warm earth, roasted cedar and tobacco. Tilts a touch more toward fleshy and flattering than your typical Rutherford Cab, with the fruit powering through on the lengthy finish, but that iron note is buried, too. Best from 2028 through 2040.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 DeCarle Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, from the western Rutherford bench, captivates with aromas of rose petal, black currant, and espresso. This texture-driven wine offers a nice core of concentrated dark fruit flavors, enhanced by firm, chewy tannins. The vineyard’s strict leafing procedures and overhead sprinklers ensured optimal performance during the warm growing season, allowing for fine-tuning and focusing on specific blocks, resulting in less quantity but higher quality. The wine’s balanced acidity and structured tannins promise excellent aging potential.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Southern Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67644895756652,"sku":"686014000771","price":89.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2424\/3053\/files\/nickel-nickel-de-carle-cabernet-sauvignon-2023-750ml-154236.jpg?v=1791337712"}],"url":"https:\/\/redneckwinecompany.com\/collections\/15at-4.oembed","provider":"Redneck Wine Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}