They seem to be saying that the latest Napa bottlings are $100 + wines
Anyone got any specific info to back this up, it just seems to good to be true. Why would any Napa winery sell off premium 2012 juice for 10-20% of retail
Young vines and barrel selection.
Many wineries in the Napa Valley have had to replant their vineyards over the last few years for various reasons like Pierces Disease etc - so they sell off the first couple of years of the vineyard until the vines become mature.
Or, if they have 200 barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, and tasting through the barrels they find 30-40 that might not match the other barrels in quality, will be sold off as well. An easy way to get your cash back for the vineyard, and not have to use juice you consider subpar for your label.
I don’t know about any of this but I can say that as a 35+ case customer that the recent red releases have been strong once obtained on sale around $25/bottle. Does it taste like hundred dollar juice? No. But they are way better than his earlier offerings.
Here’s an interesting thought. Parker just gave Odette’s 2012 Reserve 100pts and their Estate Cab 96pts. He has their 2013 Reserve at 97-100pts and their Estate at 96-100pts. Sounds like what you get when amazing fully-mature vines meet no-holds-barred wine-making. Hypothetically speaking, you would think the same vines and wine-making from 2011 would make a pretty frigging awesome cab too, right?
Gotta love Cameron Hughes!
Which Lot is this wine you are talking about? And, who is the “they” who think these latest releases are $100 wines?
hypothetically, of course.
Hint: It’s currently available two places only. His website and the Danville, CA Costco. I plan on picking up a bit more in light of these new developments.