Dear Friends, Two new releases today, both small Lots, and available only online for now, though I am sure some of these will make an appearance a local Costco super-demo (for the uninitiated, that’s a one weekend event featuring 4-5 wines). As well, both wines have serious pedigree from famous winemakers having reached the pinnacle of their craft. These wines are fabulous not just because they represent amazing deals but because they truly represent the dirt from whence they came – you’ve probably not had much like these wines….in fact, several of the guys who clear product for us into different markets have tried to buy each Lot in its entirety. We have allocated a couple hundred case for the online business so if you’re interested you will want to act fast. Lot 67 2005 Syrah hails from the inland portions of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, just a bit warmer than the more coastal regions where fog significantly cools off chard and pinot. Well drained, sandy soils and 25-year-old vines make for incredible intensity; this wine screams out of the glass with purple fruit, spicy anise and fresh mint. On the palate she’s firmly structured but fruit driven, reflecting her older vine character and distinctive terroir. This wine costs a bit more than our syrahs of the past but we had a to pay a lot more to get our hands on it – its well worth it at $15/bottle (the winemaker makes two bottling off the property priced between $30 and $45 – they indicated this wine was a blend of barrels form both programs). Limited production is just shy of 700 cases. Lot 69 2006 Merlot hails form Dry Creek Valley, a warmer climate of Sonoma County known for killer old vine zins and big, lush cabs. This is definitely one of the most powerfully structured Merlots you will ever have and a surprising wine. Intense nose of dark fruit, cigar smoke, and milk chocolate translate onto the palate with the exceptional mouthfeel you only get from merlot. Bottled 3 months ago this wine is still evolving and may turn over in the bottle once or twice more before settling in for more consistency in a few months. Like I intimated previously, Lot 69 comes from well-drained, 30+ year old vineyards and is made by one of the world’s most famous winemakers (it’s his vineyard). Like Lot 67, a great deal at $15 a bottle and again made from barrels culled from two different merlot bottlings retailing from $24-$45 a bottle. Single vineyard designate, we just can’t say who, of course, and limited quantities at 950 cases. I suspect half will go out online and the rest will show up at superdemos. For those of you in warmer climates, please take advantage of our “Buy and Hold” program where, for $5, we will store your wine in our temperature-controlled warehouse until next Fall. For more details click here. Otherwise grab ‘em before they’re gone…… Cheers! Cameron

Now available in our online store: Lot 66 Pinot Grigio Awesome summer wine in any heat. Bright, crisp, clean, and most importantly, refreshing. Buy now! Lot 68 Chardonnay Aussie Chard perfect for BBQ. A clean, bright, fresh wine with just a hint of oak. Buy now!