Get Your Pitcha on the Cover of the Rolling Stone
I haven’t presented a Gary’s Deal of the Week in a long time, mostly because we have so many capable staffers pitching wine to our beloved customers. So perhaps I should change these offers to Gary’s Wine Deal Every Now and Then. . .
Whatever, this week I have something incredibly special for you, a very limited wine that was a part of our $75 Wine Clubs in March, the 2009 Derenoncourt Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County). This is a first for us, but when we were able to score the Derenoncourt for the Wine Club, we secured an additional amount to offer more widely.
Here’s the deal: This wine was pictured on the cover of Wine Spectator magazine in February, and it scored 90 points. We are the only retailer in Northern California to selling this juice, and only 880 cases were produced. The single bottle price is $45, but purchase a three-bottle case (sorry, it’s not wooden) and the price goes down to $40 each.
Here’s how I described the wine to our Club members:
But the thrill we’ve never known
Is the thrill that’ll getcha when you get your picture
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone
When a wine makes the cover of Wine Spectator magazine, it’s parallel to a rocker making the cover of Rolling Stone. And it doesn’t happen very often. . .over the past year or so, only three wines have had their big moment. . .including the 90-point ’09 Derenoncourt Cab from Lake County. It was front and center on the February 28, 2014 cover alongside the headline, “Editors” Picks—Wines to Discover in 2014.
We got behind this wine a few years ago when the 2007 vintage was released, again scoring 90 points from Wine Spectator (the 2006 vintage earned 92 points; there was no 2008 release). Here’s the cool part. . .as far as we know, we’re the only source for this wine in Northern California. Google it for yourself.
French Winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt’s California project has been a huge hit; he produced seven wines for the current vintage, and two are sold out already (most wine is sold through the winery’s web site). Pricing ranges up to $175 per bottle; only two wines are under $100 ($90 and the Red Hills cab at $45).
We’re fortunate to get this juice, so please enjoy!
Winery Tasting Notes: “Our popular entry-level Cabernet from the volcanic soil near Clear Lake is back after a one-vintage hiatus, and in 2009 this wine is hitting new heights of depth and complexity. Harvested at optimum ripeness before the October rains, the grapes’ remarkable concentration and ample acidity gave a wine that strikes the perfect balance between brightness and richness. An enticing nose of fresh plum, caramel sauce and vanilla give way to buoyant yet dense flavors of candied cherries, ground black pepper, and cinnamon, overlaid with lively tannins and a dark minerality. A joy to drink.”
Wine Spectator Review, 90 Points: “This offers plenty of muscle to the flavors of red and dark berry, red and black licorice, and cedary earth and oak. Notably dense and concentrated for a Lake County Cabernet. Drink now through 2023.” –James Laube
Alcohol Level: 15.5%
Cases Produced: 880
Winemaker Name: Stéphane Derenoncourt
This is wine is akin to being one of the Ohio Rockefellers. Same pedigree, same name, same resemblance. . .just a little different than the New York bluebloods. For the wide margin in price, it is an awesome opportunity to enjoy wine from one of the most celebrated winemakers on the planet. Derenoncourt has brought a new luster to the Red Hills and his cab delivers huge flavors that will stand up to any steak you throw at it.
I haven’t asked you to do this in a long time, so I hope you remember: take your index finger and mash the “Buy Now” button and we’ll get you your three bottles just as soon as we get off the phone with UPS! Enjoy!
Cheers,
gary