Spotlight on Amici Cellars

Amici Cellars, a family-owned winery located in the foothills of the Palisades near Calistoga, Napa Valley, is dedicated to crafting true-to-varietal wines that reflect its exceptional vineyard sources. Focusing on Napa and Sonoma's most prestigious heritage, hillside, and valley vineyards, Amici Cellars produces a diverse portfolio, including its brands Amici, Olema, and No Curfew, all carried by TWP Distribution.

Each wine is made with attention to detail and deep respect for the vineyards, resulting in elegant, balanced, and expressive wines. Amici's single-vineyard red wines and Chardonnays are carefully crafted from some of the region's most impressive vineyards, including Hyde Vineyard in Carneros and Charles Heintz Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. The Amici Reserve wines are blended to achieve density, richness, and complexity.

At the heart of Amici Cellars' success is its talented winemaking team, led by Tony Biagi and Matt Courtney. Their decades-long relationships with growers have been instrumental in producing wines that are not only accessible for everyday enjoyment but also worthy of aging.

Spotlight on Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon

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 Wine: Andremily 2020 EABA

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

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

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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 Wine: Melka 2016 Proprietary White

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

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

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.”

— Jeb Dunnuck (93 Pts)

“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.”

— James Suckling (91 Pts)

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.”

— Jeb Dunnuck (91 Pts)

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.”

— James Suckling (94 Pts)

“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.”

— Jeb Dunnuck (92 Pts)

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. 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.

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 Wine: 2018 Epoch Estate Blend Red

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

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.

Andis Painted Fields 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel

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.”

Covert Estate 2018 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon

The landmark 2018 vintage delivers rich, sleek Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in its full glory. The nose offers blackcurrant aromas with notes of damp earth, wild myrtle and a hint of volcanic minerality. On the palate, these aromatics expand into black and purple berries, black raspberries with boysenberries and black cherries, with warm notes of cedar and tobacco. On the finish is sweet clove, blackberries and fresh brown sugar.

Covert Estate 2018 Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful, opening with a rich nose of black and blue fruits, wild berry compote and mineral-rich volcanic rock. The palate builds from a core of ripe cherries, huckleberries and bright cassis, expanding to aromatic layers of warm cedar and sweet black licorice. Smooth, well-knit tannins and abundant sun-kissed fruit sustain a lengthy finish of ripe boysenberries and a refreshing lift of clove.

Andis Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge

The intense ruby color and a sensational bouquet of dried violet, black cherry, fresh herbs, and cocoa powder will catch your attention. A balanced mid-palate, generous, and round due to the velvety tannins with a lingering finish of dark berries and black licorice. 

Production Notes

77% Cabernet Sauvignon - Andis Estate, Rancho Victoria, Brice Station 13% Cabernet Franc - Hawk Creek, Brice Station, Salman Farms 7% Merlot - Miraflores 3% Petite Verdot - Bokisch Vineyard

Featured Wine: Peake Ranch Chardonnay

Peake Ranch's Santa Barbara County Chardonnay integrates the two coldest AVAs in Santa Barbara, those being the Sta. Rita Hills (sourced from Peake Ranch Vineyard) and Santa Maria Valley (sourced from Sierra Madre Vineyard).  This very expressive wine exudes fresh notes of citrus blossom, white pineapple, crème brulé, with delicate expressions of stone fruits, dried flowers, and lemongrass. Nice acidity up front, slight grip, and a long finish with subtle weight on the palate.

96 points Jeb Dunnuck

“Straight-up gorgeous notes of ripe peach, caramelized apple, flower oil, brioche, and spice all emerge from the 2020 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County, a brilliantly textured, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with terrific balance as well as length. It reminds me of some of the great Chardonnays coming out of the Russian River Valley with its opulence and richness.” - JD

Featured Wine: Maison Marcel Sparkling Hearts Rosé

Experience the finesse of Maison Marcel's new Sparkling Rosé Heart Edition. With delicate notes of white peach and nectarine, this "Cuvée Provence" showcases a beautiful rose gold color.

Notes: Grapefruit, Nectarine

Grapes: Muscat, Aligoté

Featured Winery: Spagnol

Spagnol is a prominent winery located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. With a rich history dating back to 1926, Spagnol has established itself as a respected producer of high-quality wines, particularly Prosecco.

The winery is situated in the heart of the Prosecco production zone, benefiting from the region's favorable climate and exceptional vineyard sites. The Spagnol family's commitment to traditional winemaking practices, combined with modern techniques, results in wines that exemplify the unique character of the region.

Spagnol offers a wide range of Prosecco wines, crafted from the Glera grape variety, along with other indigenous grapes. The winery is known for its attention to detail throughout the winemaking process - from vineyard management to harvesting and fermentation. 

Spagnol’s Prosecco gives notes of crisp green apple, citrus, and floral notes, accompanied by delicate bubbles and a balanced acidity. In addition to Prosecco, Spagnol also produces reds, whites, and rosés. 

Teeter-Totter Chardonnay

With grapes packed full of flavor, Teeter-Totter’s 2021 Chardonnay maintains the same characteristics the wine has been known for: pure, powerful, bright fruit paired with toast, honey, and brioche – and adds new layers of lemon, apricot, white peach and stunning minerality. The full-bodied palate rolls into a smooth, lingering finish that keeps you coming back for more. 

Featured Wine: Senses Pinot Noir

The Pinot Noir from Senes Wines showcases the delicate balance between fruit, earth, and spice. Aromas offer notes of ripe red berries, cherries, and subtle floral. On the palate, the wine reveals layers of vibrant fruit flavors, complemented undertones of forest floor, baking spices, and vanilla.

Senses Wines is a boutique winery rooted in craftsmanship and a deep respect for the land. Sourcing grapes from carefully selected vineyards across California, Senses Wines aims to showcase the purest expression of each grape variety.