New Releases, October 2013
I feel like I’m having déjà vu. It’s another perfect vintage, maybe even better than 2012. As the 2013 harvest comes to an end, the 2011’s are gettin’ ready to drink. No question, ’11 was a tricky year. It’s the type of vintage that everyone loves to hate, but the guys that knew what they were doin’ ended up with some really beautiful wine, with lots of depth and personality. We only used the absolute best fruit, so instead of 12 wines, we made four, and in tiny quantities. Really special stuff.
2011 Cabernet Franc [clone 214] $95
In the land of anthropomorphic analogies, Cabernet Franc is the feminine side of Cabernet Sauvignon; a little more flirtatious, precocious and charming. This year’s is Rubenesque (think Joan on Mad Men) – juicy, classy and refined. With layers of crushed velvet, mouth-watering red fruits, salted caramel, cedar and tobacco, it summons those times when you’re feeling cozy, but a tad dangerous, like hanging with good friends and doing something just a little bit bad. These are the times we live for, and this is the wine we want around.
An improvisational master, Syrah plays as well in Australia’s famously concentrated Shiraz as it does in France’s most prized jewels of the Rhône. Ours strikes a brilliant chord, taking the best from both. The 2011 is a session that brings Jimi Hendrix, Barry White and Grand Master Flash into the same room. It’s deep and sweet, old school and modern, with dark purple plum tones, bright acidity, pretty tannins, meaty spice and a whole lotta base.
2011 “Silver” Proprietary Red $120
Equal parts wild animal and upper class hedonist, our flagship wine is our favorite beast of burden. Sweet, dark fruits piled high on a Nutella laden crepe. The sweetness is harmonized by pretty acid and pleasantly bitter tannins. Accessible but complex and mysterious, you can pack your bag for a long weekend with nothing but lingerie and this.
2011 “Gold” Cabernet Sauvignon $165
Cab is king here in California and this is the example – filled with equal parts swagger, charisma and fortitude – that loudly expounds upon why. Impeccably crafted, it’s still tightly wound, like a seasoned actress playing hard to get. Slowly you get a sense of what’s underneath, and then, before you know it, you’re in deep. Inviting, intriguing, big, bright and balanced. Patience is justly and lovingly rewarded for this rock star of a Cab. If you’re drinking it before the end of 2014, decant it and wait for it to let you in.
Ground shipping is available almost everywhere now that the weather’s cooled.
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