2018 SAMsARA, Syrah, Zotovich Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, California ($53)

100% Syrah

This boutique winery, founded in 2002, is renowned for its commitment to small-lot, single-vineyard wines that highlight the diversity and character of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, located just north of Santa Barbara. The Zotovich Vineyard, located in the heart of this appellation, is known for its diatomaceous earth and sandy loam soils, which contribute to the wine's mineral-driven character and fruit with incredible depth and purity. Under the meticulous stewardship of SAMsARA’s team, this single-vineyard Syrah showcases the very best of the Sta. Rita Hills region. This polished Syrah exemplifies the distinct terroir of Sta. Rita Hills, making it a compelling addition to this exclusive holiday collection.

The wine opens with inviting aromas of wild blueberries, blackberries, and violets, layered with savory hints of black pepper, smoked meat, rosemary, clove, and incense. On the palate, it is refined and well-structured, with a silky texture, bright acidity, and a persistent finish that highlights dark fruit and spice. While approachable now with 90 minutes of decanting. With further aging in the bottle, this Syrah will continue to gain nuance over the next 10–15 years.

Critical Acclaim:

• 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast: "An impeccably crafted Syrah that captures the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills. Aromas of wild blueberries, violets, and smoked meat are complemented by layers of black pepper and rosemary. The bright acidity and fine tannins lead to a long, spice-inflected finish."

2022 Robert Biale, Black Chicken, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California

100% Zinfandel

This is Napa’s Benchmark Zin! Robert Biale’s “Black Chicken” Zinfandel celebrates the history and boldness of Napa Valley’s old-vine Zinfandel vineyards with the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District,. Known for their concentrated fruit and character, these vineyards yield wines that balance power with vibrancy.

Aromas of blackberry jam, black cherry, and fig are complemented by nuances of vanilla bean, clove, and black pepper. The palate delivers layers of ripe blueberry, plum preserves, and mocha, balanced by fresh acidity and plush tannins. The finish is long and complex, with toasted oak notes and baking spices. It is drinkable now with aeration and will develop further complexity over the next 5–7 years.

Critical Acclaim:

• 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast: "A quintessential Napa Zinfandel, showcasing bold flavors of blackberry jam, black cherry, and plum, intertwined with notes of vanilla bean, clove, and black pepper. The wine's plush tannins and vibrant acidity create a balanced structure, while the long, spice-infused finish highlights its elegance and complexity."

2018 Sequoia Grove, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Sequoia Grove, a family-owned winery in Napa Valley’s Rutherford district, is celebrated for its classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2018 vintage benefits from a long growing season, producing wines with rich concentration and vibrant balance.

A complex bouquet of cassis, blackberry, and red currant is layered with notes of cedar, graphite, and espresso. On the palate, flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and savory herbs are framed by fresh acidity and firm, structured tannins. The finish is long and polished, with hints of toasted oak and Rutherford dust. Pair with grilled steak, slow-braised short ribs, or rosemary-crusted lamb chops.

Fun fact: This is the wine that inspired me to enroll in wine school and eventually become a sommelier. - Erica Archer, Wine Wise

A complex bouquet of cassis, blackberry, and red currant is layered with notes of cedar, graphite, and espresso. On the palate, flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and savory herbs are framed by fresh acidity and firm, structured and tannins. The finish is long and polished. Excellent now with decanting, this wine will reach its peak between 2025 and 2035.

Critical Acclaim:

• 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast: "A classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet with a compelling balance of power and finesse. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, and cedar lead to a palate of black cherry, dark chocolate, and savory herbs. Polished tannins and vibrant acidity create a seamless structure, with a long, refined finish showcasing subtle notes of toasted oak and Rutherford dust."

2020 K Vintners, The Boy Grenache, Walla Walla Valley, Washington

100% Grenache

K Vintners, led by visionary winemaker Charles Smith, is known for producing bold and expressive wines. “The Boy” Grenache is sourced from the prized Walla Walla Valley, where the region’s distinctive soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings create ideal conditions for this Rhône varietal. The name reflects Charles Smith’s playful approach to winemaking, but the wine itself is a serious and highly regarded expression of Grenache.

Aromas of ripe raspberry, red cherry, and strawberry compote mingle with dried lavender, black tea, and white pepper. The palate is layered with flavors of ripe plum, cranberry, and wild herbs, balanced by vibrant acidity and silky tannins. The savory finish is highlighted by hints of smoked paprika and licorice. Pair with roasted lamb, spiced eggplant, or Moroccan tagine. Delicious now right out of the bottle and will gain more nuances over the next 6–10 years.

Critical Acclaim

• 98 Points - James Suckling: "A masterful expression of Grenache, combining elegance and power. Aromas of ripe raspberry, red cherry, and lavender unfold into a vibrant palate of plum, cranberry, and wild herbs. Silky tannins and fresh acidity create impeccable balance, while hints of white pepper, smoked paprika, and licorice add intrigue to the long, savory finish. A stunning achievement from Walla Walla Valley."

2022 Anthill Farm, Pinot Noir, Campbell Ranch Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California

100% Pinot Noir

Anthill Farms was founded by three friends—David Low, Anthony Filiberti, and Webster Marquez—who met while working as “cellar rats” at Williams Selyem in Sonoma. Their shared vision was to create wines that emphasize vineyard expression and terroir. Campbell Ranch Vineyard, perched on a ridge above the fog line on the Sonoma Coast, benefits from the cool maritime climate and Goldridge sandy loam soils, allowing Pinot Noir to ripen slowly, developing exceptional complexity and retaining acidity.

This wine opens with complex aromas of wild strawberry, cranberry, and red currant, intertwined with notes of rose petal, damp earth, and baking spices. On the palate, flavors of pomegranate, blood orange, and tart cherry are balanced by fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering hints of clove and crushed herbs. It is ready to drink now with 90 minutes of decanting and will further develop over the next 5–8 years.

Critical Acclaim:

• 94 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "A stunning example of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, showcasing a vivid interplay of wild strawberry, red currant, and rose petal aromas. The palate delivers vibrant flavors of pomegranate, blood orange, and tart cherry, framed by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. The long, elegant finish is marked by subtle notes of clove and crushed herbs, a true reflection of the Campbell Ranch Vineyard's cool climate and sandy loam soils."

2018 Samsara, Syrah/Grenache, Santa Barbara, California

100% Syrah

Samsara’s Syrah/Grenache blend reflects the dynamic microclimates of Santa Barbara County, where cool coastal breezes and diverse soils create wines with both power and finesse. This Rhône-inspired blend combines the bold structure of Syrah with the juicy, fruit-driven character of Grenache.

The bouquet offers layers of black cherry, boysenberry, and plum, accented by notes of violet, cracked black pepper, and cured meat. On the palate, flavors of blackberry compote, dark chocolate, and anise are supported by a fresh backbone of acidity and velvety tannins. The finish is long and savory, with hints of leather and dried herbs. Pair with barbecue brisket, lamb stew, or roasted root vegetables. Delicious now, this wine will continue to evolve and gain complexity over the next 8–12 years.

Critical Acclaim:

• 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast: "A beautifully crafted Rhône-inspired blend that balances power and finesse. Aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, and violet evolve into a layered palate of blackberry compote, dark chocolate, and anise. Fresh acidity and velvety tannins provide impeccable structure, while the long, savory finish reveals nuances of leather, dried herbs, and cracked black pepper. A wine of remarkable depth and elegance."

PLEASE NOTE

• Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older and be present with an ID upon delivery.

• Price includes 5.50% Maine State sales tax and Maine’s fifteen-cents redemption deposit per bottle.

• If your billing address is different from your delivery address, please include your delivery address in the comments section at checkout.

• *Delivery is by Wine Wise—not third-party carriers. Our delivery area is Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland Foreside, Falmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrook. We have a larger delivery area for Wine Club deliveries.