Dear Friends,

When I first launched the Lot program it was with Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah because these varietals, especially when grown in the right soils, consistently offer the best pound for pound value in the state of California. Heading back to our roots, today’s offerings continue that tradition.

Both wines are made by famous consulting winemakers, but each has its own unique story. Lot 224 2009 Lake County Syrah ($12) is sourced from the High Valley AVA of Lake County. The vineyards for this project start at 1,800 feet and run up to 3,000 feet above sea level. It’s an incredibly remote property that has remarkable vineyards. They recently brought in a new winemaking team and a deservedly famous consultant to turn around the winemaking; they are now turning out lush and inviting wines. Winemakers often espouse that they are just guardians of the terroir and their job is simply to stand back and let the wines make themselves – nonsense. Winemakers matter and Lot 224 proves it.

While the dark magenta core and cardinal and violet inflected rim are visually pleasing, the nose is terrific with classic Syrah aromas of violets, black licorice and roasted meat nicely underpinned with mocha/coffee ice cream notes from the approximately 30% new French oak. Nicely extracted across the palate, the wine is seamless and perfectly balanced with excellent concentration, depth, and fine tannin structure. Decant for at least a half hour before drinking. Incredible Value!

Our next wine is potentially our value wine of the year. Lot 229 2009 Napa Valley Petite Sirah ($13) is sourced from two vineyards that are, by anyone’s estimation, among the Top 10 vineyards for Petite Sirah in Napa Valley, combining the depth and structure of Oak Knoll with the power and extraction of Calistoga. Lot 229 blows away so many $50 and $100 Napa Cabernets, it’s ridiculous.

For those of you who remember and are hankering for more of Lot 3 this wine is your wish come true and then some. Virtually opaque black core with a touch of dark red creeping up along the rim, Lot 229 is glass staining stuff with real density and depth. Deliciously perfumed with aromas of cedar shavings, blueberry compote, blackberry, cassis, violet and woodsmoke. Rich, ripe, massive and mouthwatering across the palate this is an awesome example of Napa Valley Petite Sirah and my candidate for Value Wine of Year. Give this puppy a good hour in a decanter before drinking. 

As always folks, please give us call at 1-800-805-1971 or email us if you ever have any questions about these wines or any past orders. We love hearing from you guys, so don't hesitate to reach out to us at any time.