Toquade is French for “infatuation.” Christine Barbe is from Bordeaux, and makes this dry-farmed, single-vineyard SB in a style falling somewhere between Sancerre’s verve and Bordeaux Blanc's roundness. Her style is decidedly not Kiwi, however. No gooseberry/bubble gum stuff here. Just pure, transparent SB the way the grape's originators in the Loire intended.

The fruit comes from an organic, dry-farmed vineyard in Yountville that was planted in 1978.

The 2009 Toquade, thanks to a cooler and rainier growing season than usual, is less grassy and citric than its predecessors. Instead, it shows clean passionfruit and kiwi notes, buoyed by minerally acidity.

350 cases produced

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California Wine Merchants

First & Vine

Maslow6

Royal Wine Merchants

Blue Hill for

Brushstroke

Dovetail

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Made up of 80% cab and 20% merlot, Anatomy No. 1 is a blend of fruit from several vineyards located predominantly in the Napa Valley’s southern half.

The 2007 Anatomy No. 1 is intensely fruit forward, but retains its balance with lively cherry, blackberry and tobacco leaf notes. It is vivacious and direct, making it food friendly and easy to drink.

250-case production; aging in 20% new French oak, 30% once- and 50% twice-used French oak.

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California Wine Merchants for $29.99/bottle

Embassy for $37.99/bottle

First & Vine for $32.99/bottle

Dovetail for $71/bottle

P.D. O'Hurley's @West End for $14/glass; $44/bottle

Kennedy's for $16/glass; $55/bottle

West Side Steakhouse for $55/bottle

Toquade is French for “infatuation.” Christine Barbe is from Bordeaux, and makes this dry-farmed, single-vineyard SB in a style falling somewhere between Sancerre’s verve and Bordeaux Blanc's roundness. Her style is decidedly not Kiwi, however. No gooseberry/bubble gum stuff here. Just pure, transparent SB the way the grape's originators in the Loire intended.

The fruit comes from an organic, dry-farmed vineyard in Yountville that was planted in 1978.

The 2008 Toquade is two wines in one: When chilled, it exhibits classic SB notes of cut grass, citrus and minerals. As it warms, apple and pear show themselves, though always with a continued citric tanginess.

250 cases produced

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Penn Wine & Spirits

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P.D. O'Hurley's @ West End 

Harry’s Vineyard is located at 500 feet above sea level in Coombsville just east of the city of Napa. The soil is clay formed out of weathered volcanic rock.

The 2006 Harry’s Cab is reserved and earthy, and opens to plum and berry fruit, cedar and bittersweet chocolate notes. It is both approachable now and built to last thanks to its zesty, bay-influenced acidity.

221 cases produced

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Blue Hill Restaurant for $110/bottle

The fruit for this mountain cab is sourced from Tony’s Vineyard, which is composed primarily of volcanic rock and located 1,650 feet above sea level.

The 2006 Spring Mountain Cab is intense, yet in control, with fresh notes of plum, cherry, red currant and dust. Its taut acidity and balance suggest a very long life, though it’s lovely to drink now.

123 cases produced

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First & Vine for $55.99/bottle

Frankly Wines for $49.99/bottle

The fruit for the Rutherford Cab is sourced from the Heritage Vineyard, which borders Conn Creek in the prestigious Rutherford appellation.

The 2006 Rutherford Cab shows intriguing scents of mulberry, tangy red fruit, green olive and the area’s telltale dust. It’s creamy and plush in the mouth with integrated flavors of blackberry, coffee bean and mocha.

99 cases produced

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Embassy Wines & Spirits for $47.99/bottle SOLD OUT!!

First & Vine for $55.99/bottle

Martin Brothers Wines & Spirits for $43.99/bottle SOLD OUT!!

Penn Wine & Spirits for $46/bottle SOLD OUT!!

Blue Hill for $110/bottle

This three-vineyard blend is the exception to the Hesperian single-vineyard rule.

The 2006 Napa Cab shows lovely varietal plum, pencil shavings and crushed herb scents. Its citrusy liveliness is a deft counterpoint to ripe cherry, mixed berries and milk chocolate flavors.

320 cases produced

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Martin Brothers Wines & Spirits for $35.99/bottle

Penn Wine & Spirits for $37/bottle

Pour for $54/bottle

Deux Amis for $120/bottle

Dovetail for $92/bottle

West Side Steakhouse for $65/bottle

THE CALIFORNIA INTRO WILL COME SHORTLY!