Winery of the Month, Vine Hill Winery

Here’s what we’re tasting, along with special pricing for the event and during the month:

2008 Vine Hill “Clements Ridge” Chardonnay
Regular Retail: $19.99 W.C. Best Price: $16.99

2008 Vine Hill “Santa Cruz Mountains” Chardonnay
Regular Retail: $25 W.C. Best Price: $21.25

2007 Vine Hill “Santa Cruz Mountains” Pinot Noir
Regular Retail: $27.95 W.C. Best Price: $23.75
(Note—Price increase on the this wine)

2006 Cumbre “Hicks Family Vineyard” Pinot Noir (Reserve Wine)
Regular Retail: $59 W.C. Best Price: $50

2006 Cumbre “Raffaelli Vineyard” Pinot Noir (Reserve Wine)
Regular Retail: $59 W.C. Best Price: $50

Two Winners for Less When you Buy Online

Drew just brought in two new wines that we think you will absolutely love, and the best part is if you buy through our online wine store, you save even more. . .but you gotta go to “Buy Now” to discover exact pricing.

We know we’ve got a real winner with a Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon called the “2007 Table,” part of a unique label called “Once—The Sommelier Series,” a collection of wines developed by sommeliers from some of America’s finest restaurants. The background is convoluted, but the way I understand it, sommeliers from restaurants such as the Thomas Keller Group (The French Laundry), Restaurant Daniel, Gotham Bar & Grill, Veritas, Michael Mina and more make their own wines. The participants compete in a blending contest—apparently sourcing wines from all over the Napa Valley—and the resulting wines are judged by a panel of wine industry notables. The winning blend is then bottled and sold under the Once label.

This year’s winning blend is 78% cab, 18% cab franc and 4% pinot verdot. This wine has loads of dark fruit and subtle oak, 14.5% alcohol and it is a great food wine. . .I know because I had a glass with dinner last night. Price at the winery is $30 per bottle; K&L sells it for $25.99; Carpe Vino’s everyday price is $22.50, even less on our online wine store.

You’ll also want to try the 2007 Hocus Pocus Syrah (Santa Barbara). Pretty much the second label for Holus Bolus, the 2007 vintage is an absolute stellar deal. 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 version 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. Cost is just $18 per bottle; even less if you purchase online.