$800 Walla Walla Cabernet

WINE TALK
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Owen Bargreen just released his 2024 top 100 wines. It seems there are a few producers that are really swinging for the fences this year with $250 bottles and up are becoming more and more common. Any thoughts on WA pricing?

17) 2021 Rasa Vineyards ‘Naravane’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Columbia Valley | $800.00 | 100 Points

The 2021 ‘Naravane’ is a new wine by Rasa Vineyards with a hefty price tag. This is what winemaker Billo Naravane has chosen as his top barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from the vintage. Stored for 36 months in new French oak barrels, this delivers sandalwood and anise on the nose alongside shades of creme de violette and tar. The palate is utterly seamless and elegant with a great underlying sense of poise and weight. This effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience, with no rough edges. Give this at least two hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2024-2044- 100

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I’m only buying this if The Todd was the consulting winemaker

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He was not, It was Billo Naravane of Rasa. The Black Square which I thought was hitting a new high bar was $300. Another project he is consulting on has a $500 magnum only malbec and a few $250 Syrahs called Cimento and looks interesting.

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Two thoughts from me…

  1. I wish all winemakers the best results for their efforts. If they can get prices like that, good for them.

  2. They ain’t gonna get it from me…

Michael

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Odd as I see no mention of this wine on their website

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But are those Syrahs solid?

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There is only one “The Todd” and he works in Napa. We could call Todd Alexander the Other Todd. I love almost everything he makes especially the Paxsa wines.

This had to happen. I am surprised it’s Rasa.

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I’m glad someone gets me

though I am less surprised that it’s rasa

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He doesn’t make the Paxsa wines anymore. Loved the 2020 Syrah though.

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Romain. I did not know that, his last vintage was 2019. Thanks for the information. The 2019 SJR may be my WOTY.

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yes, but I dont know if they justify the $250 Price

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Who gave this 100 points? It sounds unpleasant from the descriptor.

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Owen Bargreen. The wine won’t be released until this spring.

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Of course.

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My first guess would have been Todd Hamina. But he is retired.

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I was surprised that this wine, rated 100 points, was shown above as #17 on whatever list. I looked up Owen Bargreen’s article containing the list, partly to see the 16 “better” wines, and it was a pretty “as expected” list of top west coast wines, and he hands out eleven 100 point scores in the top 20.

I really like Billo and Pinto Naravane and like supporting their winemaking/selling, but I shop for their wines in the $40-60 range, which there are plenty of.