Spotlight on Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon
With a total production of 437 cases of the 2018 Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine comes from the highly esteemed Napa areas including Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak and Rockwell Ridge estate vineyard.
Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon
2018: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon | 8% Petit Verdot | 1% Malbec | 1% Merlot
With a total production of 437 cases of the 2018 Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine comes from the highly esteemed Napa areas including Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak and Rockwell Ridge estate vineyard. Barrel aged 23 months in 90% New French and Hungarian Oak.
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, and the balance Malbec and Merlot. Beautiful crème de cassis, blueberries, flowers, cedarwood, tobacco, and rocky, mineral-like notes emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, building tannins, and a great finish. This rich, powerful 2018 has the vintage's purity and freshness, stunning overall balance, and the class to evolve for 20 years or more."
— Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points
Featured Winemaker: Jim Binns, Andremily Wines
Andremily Wines owner and winemaker Jim Binns has managed to become one of the greatest producers of Rhône-varietal blends in California’s Central Coast. Read more about this seasoned winemaker.
Andremily Wines owner and winemaker Jim Binns has managed to become one of the greatest producers of Rhône-varietal blends in California’s Central Coast.
Binns has had a direct hand in developing some of the most highly collectible Californian wines ever made during his 12 years as assistant winemaker to Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non.
At the heart of Binns' winemaking philosophy is a reverence for nature and a dedication to sustainable practices. He meticulously tends to his vineyards, employing organic and biodynamic methods to nurture the vines and preserve the land for future generations. By working in harmony with nature, Binns believes he can coax out the true essence of the grapes and create wines that express the purest expression of their terroir.
Binns' portfolio encompasses a diverse array of varietals, each crafted with precision and care to showcase the unique characteristics of the grapes. From elegant Chardonnays to bold Cabernet Sauvignons, his wines exhibit a remarkable depth of flavor, balanced acidity, and silky tannins that captivate the palate.
Featured Wine: Andremily 2020 EABA
The 2020 Andremily EABA is one of the biggest, richest wines in the lineup, yet like all of Jim’s wines, it remains light on its feet, has brilliant purity of fruit, and is as drinkable as could be.
2020: 65% Syrah | 22% Mourvèdre | 10% Grenache
"The EABA is more Syrah-dominated and checks in as 65% Syrah, 22% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, and the rest Viognier that saw plenty of stems and close to two years in 50% new French oak. Its inky purple hue is followed by a sensational bouquet of bloody blue fruits, black raspberries, iron, ground pepper, baking spices, and who knows what else.
Incredibly complex and nuanced (yet intense) aromatically, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, and a finish that won’t quit.
It’s certainly one of the biggest, richest wines in the lineup, yet like all of Jim’s wines, it remains light on its feet, has brilliant purity of fruit, and is as drinkable as could be."
- Jeb Dunnuck | 99 Pts
Featured Wine: Melka Metisse Martinez
Melka Metisse Martinez comes from Pritchard Hill at 1,200 feet in elevation above St. Helena. The iconic wines from this area are noted for their complexity - and this wine is no exception. The aromas of minerality and crushed rock along with dark cherry, strawberry and toast leap from the glass.
2019: 92% CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 7% CABERNET FRANC, 1% PETIT VERDOT, 100% NAPA VALLEY
The 2019 Metisse Martinez is the fifth vintage from this vineyard located on Pritchard Hill at 1,200 feet in elevation above Oakville. A fruit profile of dark cherry and plum, with tobacco, black licorice and cola, all leaping from the glass. The wine is iron-rich, extremely lush and vibrant showing incredible depth with licorice, spice and minerality dominating the palate. The wine carries through with a very long finish that continues to linger and begs you to revisit for another sip.
"A spectacular example of a classic hillside site showing intense power and finesse."
-Philippe & Cherie Melka
2017: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon | 20% Cabernet Franc | 10% Petit Verdot | 100% Napa Valley
The third vintage from this vineyard created a full throttle Cabernet. It has an exuberant dark blackberry nose with touches of graphite, tobacco, licorice and hot gravel. An incredibly structured wine with a pure mountain fruit expression, this stunner will benefit with a bit more bottle age and drink well for decades.
"This 2017 has so much to offer - even in the early going, this wine is a knockout."
-Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Featured Winemakers: Philippe + Cherie Melka, Melka Estates
As co-proprietors and winemakers for Melka Estates, Philippe and Cherie produce four distinct brands: Métisse and CJ from Napa Valley, Mekerra from Sonoma Valley, and Majestique from sites around the world.
As co-proprietors and winemakers for Melka Estates, Philippe and Cherie produce four distinct brands: Métisse and CJ from Napa Valley, Mekerra from Sonoma Valley, and Majestique from sites around the world.
Born in Bordeaux, Philippe has degrees in Geology, Agronomy and Enology.
A chance encounter with Jean-Claude Berrouet, the technical director for Christian Moueix's Château Petrus, took Philippe across the pond to the Moueix-owned Dominus in California in 1991. After work was complete at Dominus, he did a stint at Ridge with Paul Draper, which is where he met Cherie, who was working as a lab technician. Cherie boasts a degree in
Microbiology and a diploma in French Studies from the University of Bordeaux III.
The beginnings of Melka Estates started in 1996, after Philippe and Cherie moved back to Napa Valley from France. They decided that they would love to produce their own label, despite each working for different wineries. They started modestly with only two wines in 1996: Métisse and CJ for a total case production of 500.
The organic growth that ensued over two decades has resulted in them having two estate vineyards, their own winery and ten distinctive wines in their portfolio. They work side by side using their strengths and knowledge to decide harvest dates, fermentation protocols, maceration length, barrel regime and final blends before bottling.
Featured Wine: Melka 2016 Proprietary White
The 2016 Proprietary White is the sixth vintage of mountain fruit Sauvignon blanc to be produced from Melka's vineyard at 2,300 foot elevation in Knights Valley.
100% Sauvignon Black | 100% Fermented | 100% Knights Valley
The 2016 Proprietary White is the sixth vintage of mountain fruit Sauvignon blanc to be produced from Melka's vineyard at 2,300 foot elevation in Knights Valley.
Aromatics include lemon peel, white plum and nectarine, with notes of stony fruits like white peach, and underlying tones of toasted almonds and May flowers. One of the most striking aromatic profiles of this wine to date.
“This stunning Sauvignon Blanc is quickly becoming a signature wine in our portfolio. The 2016 is the rock star of the group.”
— Philippe + Cherie Melka
Featured Wine: Melka 2016 Proprietary Red Knights Valley
The aromatics of Melka Estate’s 2016 Proprietary Red Knights Valley are distinctive, including fig jam, dried violet, cedar, black pepper, lavender and red currant fruits.
2019: 53% MERLOT, 47% CABERNET FRANC, 100% KNIGHTS VALLEY
Both the Cabernet franc and Merlot were the first to be planted on this parcel of land in 2004. Possessing a deep garnet color, the aromatics boast dark fruit, plum, mocha and pepper. This wine has a velvety texture, yet it is juicy, rich and dense along with amazing acidity which provides a great structural backbone. The tannins are leathery, the finish is very powerful and the cabernet franc elements are simply delightful. Another excellent vintage of proprietary red from Mekerra which is sure not to disappoint.
"Deep, rich and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous depth and tons of character."
— Antonio Galloni
Spotlight on Allbaer Wines
Learn more about Allbaer Wines, founded by Alex Baer.
Allbaer Grenache
78% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 8% Graciano
Grenache is a grape variety that is appreciated by sommeliers and wine professionals, but can often be overlooked by consumers.
Grenache is wonderfully food-friendly, pairing well with grilled meats, fruit-based sauces and even sings with pizza.
“Bright cherries, chocolate, sappy flowers, and spice... Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has ripe tannins, a round, layered mouthfeel, some grippy tannins, and a solid finish.”
“Nice depth to the nose with dark strawberries, morello cherries, white pepper, wild herbs and spiced lemon on the nose. A medium- to full-bodied grenache showing some glycerol sweetness and texture to the palate, with a nice touch of bitter herbs in the finish.”
Allbaer Syrah
77% Syrah, 23% Graciano
“Its deep purple hue is followed by a great nose of ripe blackberries, Bing cherries, chocolate, peppery herbs, and hints of iodine and iron. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, it has a pure, focused texture, beautiful acidity, and ripe tannins, all making for a brilliant bottle.”
Allbaer Sangiovese
100% Sangiovese
“Shows Sangiovese character with cherry, chocolate and some walnuts. It’s full-bodied, yet fresh and delicious. One of the best Sangioveses in California now. Drink now.”
“Spiced cherries, pepper, leather, and dried herb notes all emerge from the 2020 Sangiovese, a pretty, complex, nuanced red with lots of character. I like it today, but I see no reason why it wouldn’t evolve for 5-7 years or so. This is all varietal and sourced from the Solana Vineyard outside Paso Robles, aged 20 months 43% in new oak.”
Featured Winemaker: Alex Baer, Allbaer Wines
Alex Baer didn’t grow up as a generational winemaker. It wasn’t until he was a sophomore in high school that wine became a part of his life. His parents’ company had contracted to make a small condo atop a barn on a vineyard. His father finessed one ton of Petite Sirah into the contract. Learn more about Alex’s journey to starting his own winery, Allbaer.
Alex Baer didn’t grow up as a generational winemaker. It wasn’t until he was a sophomore in high school that wine became a part of his life. His parents’ company had contracted to make a small condo atop a barn on a vineyard. His father finessed one ton of Petite Sirah into the contract. Shoveling grapes into a destemmer late into the evening in 2007 was his first exposure to the vinification and winemaking process.
He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Enology, and a minor in Agricultural Business. His wine career has included stints at Clos Solène, Chateau Petrus, Domaine la Barroche and Sine Qua Non.
While working at SQN, Alex decided to make a small amount of wine from a particular area of his family's vineyard. The plan was to continue to work full time at SQN, and when he had time, drive back to make what would become Un Petit Début. After much thought and deliberation, he decided to make the leap and commit to his winery full time. He opened Allbaer Winery in 2018.
““I started the brand because I had plateaued in my career. I had worked for so many incredible producers. Those people had already accomplished goals that I could never have imagined. My work for them was to help maintain that consistency of quality they had already established. I hadn’t been a defining figure in their success. ALLBAER gives me the opportunity to create something from scratch. My work with this brand will show what I’m capable of doing. It will be a trial by fire. I’ll learn through successes and failures like all new brands.” ”
Our Favorite Collectible Wines
Special occasions call for special additions that leave lasting memories. As passionate wine enthusiasts, we enjoy collecting special vintages to savor and enjoy with family and friends.
Special occasions call for special additions that leave lasting memories. As passionate wine enthusiasts, we enjoy collecting special vintages to savor and enjoy with family and friends. Below are just a few our our favorite collectible wines carried by TWP Distribution:
Roy Estate 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
(94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot)
The 2018 Roy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is an expression of this bountiful and acclaimed vintage. After an initial flood of ripe, dark fruit, the wine intrigues with notes of toasted grains and dried hay. Dark cherry, black plum and blueberry notes cascade decadently from the glass, while wild mountain herbs like thyme, mint and fennel promise freshness. Evoking golden fields on a warm autumn day, the comforting mid-palate complements warm, lingering tones of roasted coffee beans and baking spices on the finish. Exceptionally focused tannins, a signature of Roy Estate hillside blocks, provide precise structure and the ability to age for the next 15-20 years.
“2018 stands as the most collectible and critically acclaimed Napa Valley vintage of the past decade,” says Crétier. “Making the most of such an ideal growing season, Philippe demonstrated unflappable patience in allowing each step of the winegrowing process to follow its natural course. Now, nearly three years from harvest, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, certainly among the vintage’s finest examples, stands ready for its debut.”
Except courtesy of Wine Industry Advisor
The Vineyard House 2018 Block 8 Cabernet
95+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon The Boss Block 8 comes from a site close to Futo and Harlan, in Oakville, and it’s another inky hued, concentrated, powerful, age-worthy wine from this team. Giving up plenty of red and black fruits as well as violets, minty herbs, and hints of eucalyptus, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a balanced, concentrated, structured mouthfeel, fine tannins, and good acidity. Everything points to a seriously good bottle of wine. Give it 4-5 years as well. - Jeb Dunnuck
brilliant mistake The Poet and The Muse
The Poet & The Muse is a luxurious best barrel selection showcasing a rich and multilayered personality; 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from St. Helena and Rutherford. This bold and powerful wine impresses with a deep garnet-purple color when poured. Vibrant and plush with layers of creamy ripe black and red cherries, chocolate, plum, black currants, cedar, espresso, and herbs are present in the glass. Structured and intense silky tannins and acidity coat the palate, with a finish epic in length. This wine will age gracefully for decades, but it’s also delicious and approachable now so don’t hesitate to pull the cork!
Excerpt courtesy of brilliantmistakewines.com
Bring in the Bubbly this Holiday
With the holiday season now upon us, it’s officially time to break out the bubbly. At TWP Distribution, we offer a variety of champagne and prosecco varietals, perfect to compliment any dish or occasion.
With the holiday season now upon us, it’s officially time to break out the bubbly. At TWP Distribution, we offer a variety of champagne and prosecco varietals, perfect to compliment any dish or occasion.
Champagne Juillet-Lallement
Champagne Juillet-Lallement produces precise wines, showing elegance, minerality and above all, a true personality. Husband-and-wife team Jean and Virgine carry on the family tradition of winemaking spanning three generations.
Maison Marcel
Inspired by the epic love story of his grandparents, Marcel and Helene, Maison Marcel's founder carries on their legacy with every bottle produced. With vineyards located in the south of France, each bottle is infused with tradition and playfulness.
Spagnol
Spagnol began as a family business, and remains so to this day. The entire family, including father Orazio, mother Loreta and brothers Stefano, Marco, Alberto and Mattia, are intricately involved all of the winemaking. The winery is located in Colbertaldo di Vidor, and includes
Solighetto di Pieve di Soligo vineyard, which belonged to Count Marco Giulio Balbi Valier, who isolated the Prosecco Balbi.
Featured Winemaker: Helen Keplinger
Winemaker Helen Keplinger founded Keplinger Wines in 2004 with her husband, DJ Warner. Learn more about about this passionate winemaker.
The culture of wine has been a part of Helen Keplinger's life for as long as she can remember. Her dad had a wine cellar, which was the source of her childhood wine bottle collection — she also collected rocks, an early indication of her future as a winegrower.
Helen earned a degree in viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis in 1998. After completing her formal education, she began working with Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland and David Abreu. She also served as winemaker for Cellars Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scully, Arrow & Branch and Bryant Family Vineyards.
After founding Keplinger Wines in 2004 with her husband, DJ Warner, that became her main focus. Keplinger wines are greatly influenced by Helen and DJ's love of the Mediterranean lifestyle, where they both spent a significant amount of time. They believe that great wine is only possible for great vineyards - they select vineyards, farm grapes and make wine by this mantra.
Featured Winery: La Pelle Wines
In 2016 La Pelle Wines was founded by three partners connected through the wine industry - Maayan Koschitzky, Miguel Luna, and Pete Richmond. La Pelle (which translated in French means ‘the shovel’), pays homage to both the vineyard and the cellar with respect to a tool that is used in both areas.
In 2016, La Pelle Wines was founded by three partners connected through the wine industry - Maayan Koschitzky, a former winemaker at Screaming Eagle and Atelier Melka winemaking team leader, Miguel Luna, a long-time viticulturist, and Pete Richmond, who runs Silverado Farming Co, a Napa-based vineyard management company.
La Pelle pays homage to both the vineyard and the cellar with respect to a tool that is used in both areas. It is said that Miguel would frequently joke about returning to California to start his own brand, simply calling it the shovel. La Pelle produces single vineyard wines, as well as wines from their Bien Nacido, Napa Valley vineyards and a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - a barrel selection which varies each year.
Featured Winery: For Your World
For Your World was started by Erin Wiehe and Rhiannon LaForest, two Michigan residents who share a passion for Italian wine. Their goal is to connect small lesser-known wineries with the dining tables of the USA - telling the stories of their community, their family and their terroir.
For Your World was started by Erin Wiehe and Rhiannon LaForest, two Michigan residents who share a passion for Italian wine.
Their goal is to connect small lesser-known wineries with the dining tables of the USA - telling the stories of their community, their family and their terroir. By doing this, they hope to deliver an experience, and enable the consumer to really “taste Italy”.
Erin started her journey to Italian wines more than 20 years ago when she lived in Rome during her undergrad studies.
She returned in 2018 to take a year long sabbatical, this time sheltering between the Tuscan hills and extending her passion for wine. While teaching English and learning Italian Erin’s love of Italy grew to where she would turn a passion into a business.
Rhiannon grew up in England. She received a BS in European Business with Technology and spent these precious years studying and living in both England and Italy. Italy, however, was to become her home for another 8 years and the rolling terrain of Piedmont cultivated her love of wine and the Italian way of life.
New Brand: Hertelendy Vineyards
We are pleased to announce that we are now carrying wines by Hertelendy Vineyards. Hertelendy Vineyards specializes in producing Bordeaux varietals from premium mountain fruit.
We are pleased to announce that we are now carrying wines by Hertelendy Vineyards. Hertelendy Vineyards specializes in producing Bordeaux varietals from premium mountain fruit, including Oakville, Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, Coombsville, and its very own 4+ acre Crystal Springs mountainside 1365 ft elevation “Rockwell Ridge” estate vineyard (35 ft below the Howell Mountain AVA) planted in 1993. They also produce a Russian River Valley Chardonnay from the legendary Ritchie Vineyard. With a limited total annual production of 750 cases, the winery’s focus is on producing unparalleled wines of superior quality with a commitment towards excellence.
Featured Winemaker: Jordan Fiorentini
Passionate, dedicated and not afraid to push the envelope, Jordan Fiorentini brings an enthusiastic and experienced spirit to Epoch Estate Wines. Under her direction, Epoch Estate Wines has produced some of the most revered wines in Paso Robles.
Passionate, dedicated and not afraid to push the envelope, Jordan brings an enthusiastic and experienced spirit to Epoch Estate Wines. Under her direction, Epoch Estate Wines has produced some of the most revered wines in Paso Robles.
Jordan holds an engineering degree from Dartmouth College and a masters degree in viticulture from UC Davis. Jordan started her career working at her family’s winery in Georgia, Araujo Estate in Napa Valley, Antinori Winery in Italy, and as head winemaker at Chalk Hill in Sonoma.
An interesting fact about Jordan is her unique approach to developing her tasting notes. Her descriptors are hand-drawn, visual representations of each vintage, which she refers to as Vinpressions. "Your palate has a beginning, middle and end so I’m trying to draw what I feel.”
Featured Wine: 2018 Epoch Estate Blend Red
The 2018 Epoch Estate Red Blend is brimming with concentrated dark plum and black cherry, savory roasted herbs and meats, earthy forest floor, lavender, chocolate, and vanilla.
The 2018 Estate Blend is a graceful, awe-inspiring expression of the red varieties at Epoch grown across all three vineyard sites – Paderewski, Catapult, and York – in the even-keeled, dreamy 2018 vintage. Brimming with concentrated dark plum and black cherry, savory roasted herbs and meats, earthy forest floor, lavender, chocolate, and vanilla, this wine is generous and harmonious in youth, but it is sure to age beautifully thanks to its balance of flavor and texture on the palate entry to finish.
Wine Enthusiast 98
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96
Wine Advocate 95
Covert Estate 2018 Cabernet Franc
Covert Estate 2018 Cabernet Franc offers sun-ripened black fruits and purple flowers, grounded in aromas of earth.
On nose offers sun-ripened black fruits and purple flowers, grounded in aromas of earth. In the mouth, sweet black fruits explode with the full force of summer, layering black cherries and plums with red fruit freshness, fragrant violets and kola nut notes. Ultra-silky tannins glide effortless into an endless finish of gentle plum, blackberry and oak spice.
Featured Winery: Purlieu Wine
Purlieu Wines hail from the most prolific vineyard sites in the Napa Valley, and are finished in the hands of world-class winemaker - Julien Fayard.
Purlieu in the literal sense means “the edge of the forest” or “an outlying area.” For Purlieu Wines, “purlieu” symbolically refers to the their approach to winemaking, to exploring the outskirts and navigating the boundaries of what one may expect of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
Purlieu Wines hail from the most prolific vineyard sites in the Napa Valley, and are finished in the hands of world-class winemaker - Julien Fayard. With more than two decades of winemaking expertise, Julien Fayard is one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers producing California varietals with French finesse. He believes in producing wines with an identity, exploiting what makes each one unique. Julien’s wines are a pure expression of their terroir, highlighting the specificities and characteristics of the fruit, vineyard management, soil and climate.
Andis Painted Fields 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel
Richness and ripeness show off great fruit flavors in this full-bodied but fresh and vibrant wine from a historic vineyard.
Planted in 1869, the Original Grandpère Vineyard is one of the oldest documented Zinfandel vineyards in America. Farmed by only four families over its 150-year history, the vineyard produces a very small amount of fruit each year, and every ton is prized by winemakers. Andis is one of only four wineries fortunate enough to get fruit from this vineyard.
Richness and ripeness show off great fruit flavors in this full-bodied but fresh and vibrant wine from a historic vineyard. Moderate tannins frame the exuberant raspberry and blackberry flavors nicely and blend with good acidity for a very good balance.
93 points - Wine Enthusiast (2018)
“Distinctive tones of salt, pepper and sage bring this full-bodied wine to life as they accent the ripe plum and blackberry flavors. Mild tannins and a superbroad texture make this wine something over which to linger, as it no doubt reflects the 19th-century vines from which it was made.”