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Volume 5: Going going, back back to Cali
The Red, White, and Blue-Chip
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First of all, wishing all the dads out there a happy Father's Day. I hope you were allowed to sleep in, have been sufficient feted and that you've pulled the cork on a special bottle or two.
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And speaking of special bottles, that leads us to this week's offer.
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Cult classics and under-appreciated greats dot the landscape of California's wine scene.
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The fact that the USA — and California in particular — has been producing world-class wine for the better part of a century is no secret. I’ll spare you the usual Judgement of Paris spiel merchants love to roll out when selling California wines.
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The real issues are access and price. Many of the West Coast’s top producers sell most – or all – of their production through clubs or mailing lists to the domestic market, meaning very little ever makes it to Old Blighty. Combine that with the Dollar strengthening versus the Pound in recent years (anyone remember the days of $2 for every £1?), and American wine feels more expensive — and out of reach — than ever for UK wine lovers.
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That’s why I’m particularly proud to offer some of California’s finest this week, and at jaw-dropping prices. Names like Mondavi, Au Bon Climat, Colgin, and Mayacamas need no introduction. As a bonus, many of these bottles come with a bit of age — someone has already done the cellaring for you — and all have been stored in bond since their original UK release.
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White-Glove Concierge Delivery and Free In-Bond Transfers
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As always, delivery within the M25 is complimentary — duty-paid, expertly packed, and handled with care. Orders placed by 5 PM GMT on Wednesday will arrive on Saturday. If that timing isn’t convenient, simply let me know and we’ll arrange a delivery slot to suit your schedule.
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Nationwide delivery is also available via secure, two-day shipping from our bonded warehouse — just select this option at checkout.
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To reiterate, AGFW also offers free transfers out of London City Bond to other UK bonded warehouses. Orders are consolidated and transferred every few weeks. If you'd like your wine transferred faster, reach out to discuss.
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It’s been a real pleasure getting out and meeting more of you in person over the past few weeks — these conversations continue to shape how I build Avint-Garde. This is about more than sharp pricing on exceptional wines — it’s about creating something worth returning to, week after week.
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Founder, Avint-Garde Fine Wine
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"Remarkably fresh and vibrant...this is a stellar showing from Au Bon Climat."
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Blends California richness with Burgundian restraint: lemon curd, white peach, hazelnut, and bright acidity. From Bien Nacido’s cool slopes, it drinks well now but ages gracefully for a decade.
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£250.00 in bond (£41.67/bt)
£322.32 inc. VAT
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"Super polished and textured."
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A poised, powerful Napa red from Pritchard Hill—layered with dark fruit, graphite, and spice. A world-class wine entering its prime. Limited availability. Provenance guaranteed.
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£475.00 in bond (£79.17/bt)
£592.32 inc. VAT
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"Rich, layered, has beautiful tannins, and an elegant style on the palate"
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Only 425 cases produced. A high scoring Napa gem blending power and elegance, Kapcsandy’s 2016 State Line Vineyard Estate Cuvée offers vibrant fruit, fine tannins, and outstanding aging potential. Drink now through 2036.
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£240.00 in bond (£80/btl)
£299.16 inc. VAT
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"It tastes like a great first-growth Pauillac and has an amazing amount of complexity and richness."
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100-point, Cabernet-led icon—structured, intense, and cellar-worthy. A Sonoma masterpiece echoing Pauillac elegance, crafted for collectors and lovers of bold, timeless wines.
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£280.00 in bond (£93.34/btl)
£347.16 inc. VAT
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"...one of the finest Cardinales I have tasted..."
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A masterful Napa blend, Cardinale 2013 offers rich blackberry fruit, fine structure and long aging potential. Entering its prime now, it will evolve gracefully through the late 2030s.
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£540.00 in bond (£90/btl)
£670.32 inc. VAT
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"...clearly one of the great, great wines of the vintage, and another tour de force in winemaking from Carpenter."
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Cardinale 2014 blends Napa’s top mountain vineyards into a rich, balanced Cabernet. Deep fruit, fine tannins, and layered complexity offer immediate appeal and excellent aging potential—a benchmark Napa expression.
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£280.00 in bond (£93.34/btl)
£347.16 inc. VAT
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"The 2018 is super-impressive. That’s all there is to it."
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Delivers bold dark fruit, earthy complexity, and vibrant acidity, earning 98 points from Vinous—a timeless Napa Valley masterpiece for collectors.
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£575.00 in bond (£95.84/btl)
£712.32 inc. VAT
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"...sensational richness and depth..."
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A masterpiece of depth and elegance, blending ripe fruits, earthy complexity, and seamless structure. Perfectly crafted to elevate any occasion with sophistication and timeless appeal.
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£800.00 in bond (£133.34/btl)
£971.16 inc. VAT
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- All offers are subject to availability and confirmation.
- Alcohol is sold only to customers aged 18 or over. By placing an order, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
- Please drink responsibly. Alcohol can be harmful to your health. For more information, visit Drinkaware.co.uk.
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