Takeaways: Official return of Herb Lamb, no price changes otherwise, healthy allocations. Looking forward to the tasting notes to see how I can keep this to just a case order
The 2025 Rivers-Marie Summer Cabernet Sauvignon offer will go live on Tuesday, July 15th at 9:00 AM PST. As in the past, this release is via email only. At the time the release opens, you will receive an email with a link to the offer and your log-in credentials.
Thanks Matt, there are nice pictures of the fire damage and the replanting of the Herb Lamb vineyard at the winery’s website. Also some interesting commentary on the first harvest of grapes from the new vines, which spent a year in a nursery and two years in the vineyard. Truly a heartening story of loss and renewal!
I actually opened a '21 Vidovich a few weeks ago in anticipation for this release. Blue fruited, chocolate, nice structure, well made for sure. The problem is that sounds like many other valley floor cabs and not worth the $150 (to me). The others have another layer of complexity that makes them more interesting.
For what it’s worth, Jeb gave a barrel sample 95-97 earlier this year and said ‘23 was more on the black fruited side of the spectrum. I’ll wait for Will to send out Thomas’ tasting notes but right now it’s on the outside looking in for me.
I’m really curious about Herb Lamb…have yet to try the ‘18 or ‘19, and only have two bottles of each. Might have to try one before the release…’19 maybe?
What might be different about them compared to the younger vines?
That aside, Napa and M-Bar are definite buys for me.
I would definitely open a few bottles to see what you like. I recently opened an Herb Lamb and felt like it wasn’t as good as the Calistogas I’ve been hoarding and drinking. So, someone on the waitlist is going to get fewer Calistogas and more Herb Lambs after I’m done with my order.
