An assorted case of California birth year (2025) mags

WINE TALK
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Priorities in no particular order are:

  1. Likely to be in good shape when kiddo is old enough to drink them
  2. Mags available to me (aka a person of no particular importance or special resources)
  3. Made by nice folks who take good care of their people and the environment

Relevance to CA wine history would be a nice bonus

Some current candidates: Bedrock Bedrock, Extradimensional Evangelho Mourvèdre (unfortunately I think Hardy didn’t make any 2025s), Tablas Creek Panoplie (red and white), Hanzell pinot & chard, Corison Kronos, Ridge Monte Bello, Smith-Madrone Riesling, Turley Hayne Petite Sirah

What does the WB brain trust think about these starter candidates & what am I missing, especially for whites and sparkling?

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I’d consider Mt Eden Cab

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I am in the same boat as you, though not per se as focused on mags, though it’s probably the correct aging format.

Bucklin Ancient Grenache or Field Blend is on my list. Fait-Main (though I’m not per se thinking about mags but you have me thinking). I’m doing more of an international selection that speaks to me though.

I love the idea of doing a Hardy wine. I am certain Evangelho would age well but I think you are correct he didn’t make 2025. There’s not really anything out there that is comparable to that, though you could maybe just do Bedrock Aerio e Vento e Amor (though it’s way bigger expression). I don’t have literally any problem with the list you presented. Sparkling wise, we may be many years down the road, but Western. I have a smattering of international bottling as well on my list. Gran Enemigo, Caberlot, Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja. And other domestics there will likely be a Kobayashi.

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Mt Eden had come up in searching around forum posts - just don’t have any personal experience with them. Big plus is that it seems like I might actually be able to pick up a mag without having to join any wine clubs (looking at you Ridge!) You’d recommend?

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Based on my experience over the last year and a half, I’d consider some Au Bon Climat chardonnays in mag. The 2002 reserve (“Nuits Blanches au Bouge”) (out of 750) was among the most compelling white wines I’ve ever had. The '97 and '02 Sanford & Benedicts were stellar out of 750, and the '99 [edit: and 05] Nuits Blanches au Bouge out of mag was similarly excellent.

Might make for some good variety so you aren’t just awash in heavy reds. Mt. Eden chard also has a similar track record for very long aging, I’m just less experienced with it.

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Bucklin would’ve 100% fit what I’m going for… I just don’t recall any mag availability sadly. Will still be getting 750s mind you, just not a candidate for this mag case idea!

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Awesome rec, thanks for reminding me that I’d completely blanked on Santa Barbara & SLO Coast! I’ll have to look for some Syrahs from down there too

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Don’t necessarily need to purchase it right now, correct? The wine clubs then become unimportant - as about any of these can likely be had at auction in the coming years.

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Hardy not making any wines in 2025 hits me right in the heart. I’ve also got a 2025 baby and a mag of Evangelho Mourvèdre would be so amazing.

I am thinking along the same lines as you. Bedrock makes some awesome stuff and I’m gonna buy an assortment of 2025’s (although probably not in mag)

I’m a big fan of the Sown Estate Cabernet from 2023 and I know they released mags. I would imagine the 2025 in Magnum may be a thing.

Beyond that, I think I’m just gonna cherry pick a bunch of misc 2025’s as they release and drink them over the years and see which ones make it long term. I did buy a couple cases of 2025 Bordeaux for long term

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True, true… and I’d save on storage costs in the meanwhile. On the other hand, isn’t there a bit of romance in having gotten the bottles from the source & also practically avoiding any provenance worries?

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Second hand will open up a lot of doors for things that would otherwise not be accessible unless you’re on a list. Maybe some 2025 Magnums of Kinsman Eades will hit the market down the road

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Hobo Wine Company (and associated wineries) meets your ‘good people/good wine’ requirement and would save you a few bucks. I don’t see mags in their online shop but I suspect that Kenny would be responsive to an email query.

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Absolutely re: Mount Eden Cab. Outstanding. And will be in perfect shape in 20 years. And congrats!

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Would also add re Mt Eden they have library availability on their website if you wanted to try one with a little age to check for yourself.

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We’ve happened to have enjoyed two (750 ml) bottles of 2004 Mount Eden Cab this year and both were outstanding, FWIW.

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Right on the money with this recommendation, they seem like exactly the sort people I want to support. Mags or not I’ll be making room in the wine budget.

Surprised I haven’t heard more buzz about Hobo… wouldn’t have made it 20 years if the wine’s not good, so it can’t be lack of quality.

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You might also consider Dunn Howell Mountain. I think you would need to get on to their list.

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Thanks Joe! So a strong recommendation for the Mt Eden Cab - any thoughts on their Chard or Pinot?

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Really like them both, but I find the aged Cab to be especially good.

And I agree with your point about the romance of buying and holding. I did the same for our twins when they were born in 2009 and have some bottles in the basement.

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Mayacamas, Dunn Howell Mountain, Dominus, Chappellet Pritchard Hill, Spottswoode, Heitz Martha’s, Montelena, Corison, Ridge Monte Bello, Stony Hill Chardonnay, Diamond Creek

These should all be available, firmly hold a place in CA wine history, and should hold up in magnum.

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