Super Silent Lots

#201 ABREU VINEYARDS MAGNUM OF 2007 MADRONA RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Robert Parker rated 98 points! The 2007 Madrona Ranch is a compelling, creamy-style red offering an assortment of aromas, including white chocolate, graphite, forest floor, blackberries, cassis and blueberries. Pure, multi layered and super rich, without any harshness or astringency, this is one of those wines that can be drunk young or laid away for 25+ years.

DONOR: Abreu Vineyards

 

#202 ANDERSON’S CONN VALLEY 6L OF 1994  ES TATE RESERVE  CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

This lovely vintage has a rich nose that appears immediately in layers of raspberry jam, pepper, cherry, oak, currants, and tobacco tones. On the palate, experience deep, full flavors of cocoa, black cherry, earth and a touch of black olive with oak.

DONOR: Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards

 

#203 ANTINORI HERITAGE  CONTINUED IN NAPA VALLEY

A rare, 6-year Magnum Vertical 2004-2009 of Antica Cabernet Sauvignon and a 3L of 2008 Townsend Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The Antinori family has been making wine for a long time—over 600  years and across 26 generations. Antica Napa Valley is a true blend of Italy and California, not only in name, but in style, too. The family’s long winemaking history has long been synonymous with the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, but their passion for innovation has led them in a quest to promote new terroirs rich with winegrowing potential, like Napa Valley. Antinori’s cabernets offer terrific elegance and fruit concentration rich with dark red and black fruits, especially plump currants, and complex, sweet roasted coffee notes, with a hint of mocha and spice. These wines will have a decade or more of terrific aging potential with fine tannins, balanced acidity and rich fruit flavors.

DONOR: Antica Napa Valley

 

#204 BARNETT VINEYARDS 6L OF 2009 SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND TASTING AND PICNIC FOR 6

The 2009 Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon is deep purple in its youth and refined in its purity of black currant and pepper spice. Some black cherry and anise begins to become apparent, but the gravelly, rock-minerality really starts to push through with a few swirls. Very round and lush on the mid palate, more cassis pushes through, coated with pure vanilla bean and black licorice. The tannis are more sizeable on this vintage, but the purity of the natural Spring Mountain acid balances it well. This is a cab that will show well in its adolescence, but will be amazingly showy with some patience in the cellar. The winner of this 6L will also receive a complimentary tasting and gourmet picnic for six on the top of Rattlesnake Hill. You and your guests will enjoy the privacy of the ultimate picnic spot, 2000 feet above the valley floor among the cabernet vines!

Restrictions:  Expires August  31, 2013. To be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date between the donor and the winning bidder.

DONOR: Barnett Vineyards

93 points by Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate #192. “Cliff Lede 2008 Poetry Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon seductive aromas of raspberry mousse, violets, allspice and graphite emanate from the glass. The palate is a combination of power and finesse. Rich layers of chocolate and cassis develop quickly in the mid-palate, supported by a classic Stags Leap minerality. Luscious, soft, rounded tannins extend into the lengthy finish. While the wine offers pleasures now, patient cellaring will reveal even greater elegance. Drink: 2012 – 2030.

DONOR: Cliff Lede Vineyards

 

#206 DALLA VALLE  3L  OF MAYA  2008

A blend of Dalla Valle Estate’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vineyards, the 2008 Maya is a giant of a wine. The dark, opaque, black-purple color is impressive, as are the multiple layers of flavor and aroma that emerge from the wine in the glass. Notes of camphor, smoke and sage are intertwined with aromas of very ripe black fruits, and even hints of fresh flowers. The aromas are almost tangible. While the wine has a core of deep, ripe fruit, the excitement comes from the exotic wood and mineral notes that seem to come straight from the soil. Given its structure and density, the 2008 Maya should be decanted when young, and should age well for 20+ years.

DONOR: Dalla Valle Vineyards

 

#207 DUNN VINEYARDS  AUTOGRAPHED  & NUMBERED  5L  OF  2006  HOWELL MOUNTAIN CABERNET

This Cabernet begins with a supple mouthfeel and features fine concentration to dark berry flavors, with persistent earthiness adding interest. Dried and fresh herb accents and nicely integrated cedary, chocolaty oak intermingle with the fruit. There are plenty of solid tannins and this will certainly benefit from at least three or four more years in the cellar.

DONOR: Dunn Vineyards

 

#208 THE FRENCH LAUNDRY DINNER FOR 2

Two guests will enjoy a prix-fixe dinner of the Chef’s tasting menu. A great meal is not only about the food and the wine, but it is also an emotional experience at the 3 Michelin Star-rated The French Laundry in Yountville, California. Their chefs are obsessive about the details and fundamental techniques that are the foundation of an exciting culinary imagination and a kitchen that delivers the very best products of the earth to the table. No detail or element can be less important or more important than another. No single ingredient is ever repeated  throughout the meal of small courses meant to excite your mind, satisfy your appetite and pique your curiosity. Certificate #D04-12.

Restrictions: Reservations are taken two months to the calendar date. Confirmation is required three days prior to reservation by calling 800-944-1224. Jackets required for gentlemen; no jeans, tennis shoes, shorts or t-shirts are permitted. Includes tax and gratuity, nontransferable.

DONOR: The French Laundry

100 Points. A splendidly opulent, pure wine with a skyscraper-like texture, as well as a stunningly deep fruit that expands gracefully across the palate. This wine will still be going strong at age 25-30. Like the offerings from its sister estate,  BOND, this Harlan Estate offering is an uncompromisingly brilliant example of Napa viticulture and winemaking at its finest.” Robert Parker, Jr./The Wine Advocate

DONOR: Harlan Estate

 

 #210 JUDD’S HILL 6L OF 2002 CABERNET  SAUVIGNON AND TOUR & TASTING FOR 8

Only 280 cases produced of this excellent vintage! Judd’s Hill 6L of 2002  Cabernet is a large-framed, serious wine, delirious with minerals, rapturously fruity and blessed with great dimension, detail and gravity. Black currants and dusty plums are permeated by cedar and tobacco with touches of walnut shell and underbrush. The texture feels like velvet, its sensuous nature held in check by grainy, chewy tannins, dense and moderately spicy oak and a scintillating acid backbone. The finish brings in hints of bark and mossy forest floor for some austerity. Enjoy a tour & tasting for eight guests at Judd’s Hill, owned and operated  by two generations  of the Finkelstein family. Bunnie, Judd and Holly Finkelstein are vintners dedicated to producing ultra- premium, handcrafted wines. You will be treated to a production tour followed by an intimate, sit-down tasting at the winery located on the Silverado Trail. Taste an exclusive “winery only” wine and a sampling of current releases along with a selection of limited edition wines which are only available at the winery. At the end of the tour, the winning bidder will take home a bottle of the current release vintage of Judd’s Hill Estate Cabernet.

Restrictions: Expires August 5, 2013.

DONOR: Judd’s Hill

 

#211 LAIL VINEYARDS 3L  OF  2006  J. DANIEL CUVEE  CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

95 Points, Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate. “The 2006 J. Daniel  Cuvee is living up to my laudatory notes from last year. Black current, crushed rock, licorice, asphalt, graphite, and chocolate characteristics are present in this full-bodied effort. With excellent purity, depth and delineation, it should drink beautifully for 20+ years.”

DONOR: Lail Vineyards

 

#212 LAMBORN  FAMILY  6L  OF  2009  ZINFANDEL

This signed 6L bottle of the 2009 estate-grown Lamborn Family Zinfandel comes from their 4-acre vineyard on Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley. Consistently producing some of Napa Valley’s top wines, Lamborn Family Vineyards has been growing winegrapes on Howell Mountain since the late 1970′s. With over three decades  of farming excellence, Heidi Barrett has been crafting Lamborn wines since 1997, striving to bring quality, value, and the “Wow!” factor in every bottle for you to enjoy. This 6L is one of only six produced and is not available retail.

DONOR: Lamborn Family Vineyards

This powerful and richly flavored red comes from Napa Valley winemaker Andy Erickson, the man who crafts the wines for Oakville’s celebrated  and ultra-exclusive Screaming Eagle winery. Aromas of espresso, cracked peppercorn and shiso leaves exude from the glass. Succulent red currants, cassis and dark cherries lure one in, and deliver a smooth, decadent finish with hints of raw cacao, cigar box, pavement and rustic bramble pie. This new creation has found true varietal balance, encompassing all enological aspects: ruby-cyan hues, mouthwatering  acidity, ample but rounded tannins, and a truly insatiable nature. Don’t let this guileful creature slip away; delight in a glass or a bottle now.

DONOR: Leviathan Wine Company

 

#214 MORLET FAMILY VINEYARDS  3L OF  2009  ’PASSIONNEMENT’  OAKVILLE CABERNET

93-96 points, Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate, February 2011. Morlet Family Vineyards etched and numbered 3L of 2009 ‘Passionnement’ Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Dedicated to Winemaker & Owner Luc Morlet’s wife, Jodie Morlet, this wine was made with the passionate, uncompromised & ongoing pursuit of quality from a beautiful vineyard located on the Oakville bench of Napa Valley. Dark purple, intense and complex bouquet of red, black and blue berries intermixed with notes of blueberries, Crème de Cassis, plum, and a hint of cedar and cigar box. Full-bodied, the palate is reminiscent of the nose, with a creamy texture and a great intensity. The luscious tannins, the intense aromatic complexity and its opulence create a flamboyant yet harmonious ensemble, leading to a very long, complex and smooth finish. It is simply the ‘ne plus ultra’ of the Morlet wine production.

DONOR: Morlet Family Vineyards

 

#215 NAPA VALLEY’S  BEST KEPT  SECRETS  –  THE FABULOUS  FOUR

Four guests will visit four Napa Valley wineries that are known for producing some of the world’s finest wines. Meet some of Napa’s best kept secrets: Parallel Wines, Redmon Wines, Hunter III Wines and Dancing Hares. After a fun-filled day of wine tasting, retreat  to the Napa River Inn at the Historic Napa Mill where history meets luxury for a one-night stay for two couples. The decadent  urban hotel is a mixture of high-style and warmth; art entertain- ment, world class food and unforgettable wine. Certificates #230205 & 230206.

Restrictions: Subject to availability  and valid Monday through Thursday only. Not valid during August, September & October. Expires December 30, 2013.

DONOR: Parallel Napa Valley, Redmon Wines, Hunter III Wines, Dancing Hares, Napa River Inn

The 2004 vintage is inky/blue, highly aromatic and offers a big fruity nose of blackberries, cherries and black currants in addition to that Howell Mountain perfume of graphite, crushed rock and licorice. It is revealing hints of coffee, dark chocolate, cedar wood and spice box. This wine is full-bodied with magnificent concentration and formidable, dense, well-integrated tannins, length and overall harmony.

DONOR: Notre Vin

 

The fruit jumps out of the glass with ripe currant, blueberry, black cherry and fig blended together with a lovely combination of cedar, sweet anise, and tobacco smoke. In the mouth, this wine is voluminous and rich with stout tannins that give this wine intensity on the palate to match the nose.

DONOR: Oakville Ranch

 

#218 PARRY CELLARS 10-YEAR VERTICAL OF 1999  - 2008 CABERNET SAUVIGNON,  SIGNED MAGNUM OF 2008 CABERNET, PRIVATE LUNCHEON FOR 4

Stephen & Sue Parry invite you and three guests to their home and small vineyard in St. Helena in the Napa Valley where you will enjoy a view of the Mayacamas Mountains as you join them for a delicious luncheon with wine pairings. At the end of your visit, you will be the first to take home a signed 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon magnum along with a rare TEN-year Cabernet Sauvignon vertical of two (750ml)  bottles each of all Parry Cellars’ releases from 1999-2008, for a total of 21 bottles of premium Cabernet Sauvignon. Parry Cellars is Napa Valley’s smallest family-owned, single vineyard winery. These high-quaility  wines have impeccable balance, luscious fruit and an intriguing finish and are sustainedly farmed and certified under the Napa Green Program. Only 200  cases produced annually.

Restrictions: Lunch to be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date; expires August 31, 2013.

DONOR: Parry Cellars

 

#219 SKIPSTONE RANCH EXCLUSIVE ESTATE TOUR & LUNCH FOR 6

An exclusive visit for six guests to Skipstone Ranch, a private, organic winegrowing estate located in the hills above Alexander Valley and the latest project of renowned winemaker Philippe Melka. Your VIP experience will include a vineyard tour followed by lunch under the oaks. Lunch will feature a rare tasting of Estate wines Makena’s Viognier and Oliver’s Blend, and produce from the estate culinary gardens.

Restrictions: Based on availability  for adults over 21. Valid  Monday  through  Friday only. Expires August  4, 2013.

DONOR: Skipstone Ranch
#220 SWITCHBACK RIDGE ETCHED & HAND-PAINTED 6L OF 2009 CABERNET

98 Points! Only 1 of 12 produced makes this Switchback Ridge Etched & Hand Painted 6L of 2009 Cabernet a very special bottle made for aging. “Rich and flavorful, with tiers of ripe plum, black cherry, mocha, herb, cedar and dill. Full-bodied, focused, pure and well-structured,  gaining nuance and substance on the finish, where the flavors sail on and on, ending with black licorice and raspberry touches.” – Jim Laube, Wine Spectator, August 2010.

DONOR: Switchback Ridge

 

#221 TAJ CAMPTON PLACE SAN FRANCISCO 2 -NIGHT WEEKEND  STAY

Two-night weekend stay at the TAJ Campton Place in a Deluxe room for two guests. Centrally located at the edge of Union Square, this retreat is minutes away from premier art galleries, renowned museums and San Francisco’s best stores and restaurants.  The rooms are reminiscent  of an impeccably designed residence, and give the hotel its distinctive boutique ambience. Guests can bask in the privacy and luxurious comfort of their rooms, with the excitement of the city close by, yet blissfully muted.

Restrictions: Expires August 4, 2013.

DONOR: TAJ Campton Place San Francisco

 

#222 TAMBER BEY  GUESTHOUSE STAY FOR 4,  PRIVATE TASTING,  LUNCH & HORSE STABLE TOUR

Two couples will enjoy a two-night stay in Tamber Bey’s two-bedroom guesthouse located on the estate property in historic Yountville. A private wine tasting and lunch paired with a selection of Tamber Bey single vineyard wines will be hosted in the English gardens of the estate, ending with a tour of the stables that house the family of performance endurance horses.Restrictions: Expires August 4, 2013. Dates to be scheduled on mutually  agreeable dates between donor and winning bidder.DONOR: Tamber Bey Vineyards

Hidden amongst forest and vineyards, this Napa Valley jewel sits perched atop a knoll boasting expansive views overlooking the valley. Four guests are invited for a two-night stay with a tour and tasting at Villa Valentine. This two-story, private French country home was hand-built by the famously eccentric inventor, Fred Aves, including the marbled interior and patios, oak doors, hand-carved wooden beams and cast-iron spiral staircases. Villa Valentine features a living room with fireplace and two Mediterranean-style bedrooms with private baths. There is a gourmet kitchen and patio grill awaiting your culinary talents. Master bedroom and patio views sweep from the estate  vineyards of Terra Valentine to St. Helena and Howell Mountains across the valley.

Restrictions:  Expires August  31, 2013.

DONOR: Terra Valentine Winery

 

#224 WILLIAM COLE VINEYARDS 3-YEAR VERTICAL COLLECTION AND PRIVATE TOUR, TASTING & LUNCHEON FOR 4

William Cole Vineyards Three-Year Vertical 2006-2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)  is certainly a special treat for cabernet  collectors. The Cabernet Sauvignons produced at William Cole Vineyards are consistent year after year, showing deep garnet color with brilliant ruby red highlights at the edges. This balanced and elegant 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, has hints of black cherry, sweet mocha and smoky oak. It has excellent longevity on the finish with balanced tannins that embrace the complexity of the fruit, rewarding both those seeking a youthful cabernet and those enjoying age and maturity. If the vertical isn’t enough, four lucky guests will join Proprietor/Winemaker William Ballentine at his historic three-story  winery built in 1876, William Cole Vineyards, for a private tour and tasting followed by a private, catered luncheon paired with William Cole Vineyards Cabernet “Cuvee Claire.”

Restrictions: Expires August 4, 2013. To be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date between donor and winning bidder.

DONOR: William Cole Vineyards

 

#225 CAYMUS VINEYARDS 3L  OF  2009  SPECIAL  SELECTION CABERNET  SAUVIGNON

At first pass, this wine is reminds you of fresh grape pumice spread onto an open field; the smell of Rutherford during an October harvest. The 2009 is dark scarlet color, with purple edges and a palate that has a slight tartness and expands to a supple, juicy character with an intense presence. Flavors are an amusing ensemble of harmonies: bitter chocolate, charred peppered meat, raw dry-aged beef, brown spice, vanilla yogurt, sarsaparilla, and cream soda with judicious grip and texture.

DONOR: Caymus Vineyards

#226 HESS COLLECTION VIP TOUR, TASTING & LUNCH FOR 4

Your exclusive menu prepared by our Executive Chef will feature current releases of four Hess Collection Wines. You will also receive a one-time 10% discount on all wine and merchandise purchases on the day of your scheduled event. Restrictions: This certificate is not transferable and may not be resold. This event must be booked a minimum of six weeks in advance and must be scheduled based upon availability.  Not valid for the period September 28 to November 26 each year. Expires August 4, 2013.

DONOR: The Hess Collection Winery

 

#227 LLOYD  CELLARS 3L DUO OF 2010 SANTA RITA PINOT NOIR & 2009 CHARDONNAY

The 2010 vintage marks the first Lloyd Pinot Noir sourced from a hillside block in the Santa Rita Hills above Santa Barbara. While the drive to check on the vineyard is long, it is worth the effort to make this wine. Lloyd Chardonnay is an unabashed California Chardonnay. The 2009 exhibits aromatics of pineapple and vanilla, with tropical fruit jumping out of the glass. A rich mouth-feel balanced with just enough acidity allow the wine to disappear quickly, leaving you waiting for the next taste.

DONOR: Lloyd Cellars

 

#228 DOOBIE BROTHERS AUTOGRAPHED GUITAR