While hanging out on the waitlist, I collected a small vertical (2013-2016) from the secondary market. Glad to now have gotten an offer! In for a 3-pack!
Roy - I got your email today mentioning WB and purchased as quickly as I could. Very excited to try your wines and thanks for the personal touch of giving this community a shot.
I got the WB e-mail as well – incredibly generous and such a boon to this community. I had to pass since we’re in the process of buying a house, so hopefully another WBer jumped in and snagged it. Much appreciated, Roy, and hopefully I’ll be able to take you up on it next year.
I jumped on the chance to get some — first time buyer, in for a 3 pack.
Someone pointed out to me the speculation on Bonny’s Cab. I will have 125 cases of that wine but I decided to give it extended time in barrel, so it has not even been bottled yet. I am thinking of giving it more time in bottle as well, perhaps even saving it for a release in a year with a fire, if smoke taint becomes an issue. I think either way, I will release it in late 2026 or mid-2027. So a little ways off.
Emailed Roy and got an offer. Excited to finally try these.
I have too much wine, but still a 3-pack here, left my other one on the table.
I couldn’t believe my offer email this morning and had to do a double take. Went in for a 3 pack. Simply a class act, thanks for giving us the opportunity off the waitlist. I’ve learned a ton from watching your videos, and absolutely stoked to try these wines now!
If you have followed Roy over the years you know he is a class act and continues to be. His wines also happen to be excellent.
I’ve been following this thread only for a bit, but also got the offer specifically for WBers… tempting, but have also spent a lot already this year. Don’t know much about Roy’s style - how does it compare to others in the price segment (KE Hierothesion, Realm Bard, etc)?
I put Roy’s CS above Hierothesion, personally. Both are excellent wines but are made for different purposes, and of the two I think Roy Piper is the more ageworthy of the two. As of the 2022 releases, I think Hiero is definitely drinking better now.
On the other hand, my mother proclaimed that the 2022 Piper was “the best wine you’ve ever given me” a few months ago, so it’s drinking pretty well too.
For me, Roy’s style strikes a perfect balance in Napa. The fruit is ripe but not the overripe super glossy stuff that’s all too common in the region. More about showing place than showing off.
The other producer I buy in Napa is Corison, and while Cathy’s wines are decidedly more restrained (likely earlier picks at lower brix), Roy’s wines bring a bit more power, but both share great elegance. Importantly, both wines are purposefully built for great aging potential and I really enjoy them both a ton.
I tend to think if you enjoy top classed Bordeaux, particularly Montrose, there’s a very good chance you’ll love Roy Piper.
Opened up a 2015 last night and drank alongside a 2013 Blankiet Prop Red (out of Magnum). The Piper was just a baby with a very dark color, primary dark fruit, and, and some tannins on the finish, while the Blankiet showed some slight bricking on the edges, no noticeable tannins, and more of a Bordeaux nose. I think folks expected to like the Blankiet more, but most preferred the Piper.
Question for Roy - no Greer in the 2023. Are you no longer getting grapes from there, or was there a reason for not including it in the final blend?
cracked into my very first Piper ever tonight for the 4th - with Wagyu burgers, 2016 Roy Piper Cabernet. About a 1 hour decant, just outstanding.
Congrats Roy! Just saw the “sold out” email. No small feat nowadays and a testament to the quality of the wine and the guy who makes it! Cheers!
Thanks, Joe. I did not know what to expect given the big drops I’ve been hearing about but about 94% of my buyers still bought again. So now I can relax a little between now and harvest. Next up is to get the Gazette back up to speed. Have lots of articles I am backed up on there.
Someone asked earlier… The Franc goes on sale in the fall and the 23 Bonny’s Cab is still in barrel. I have 125 cases of that and plan to hold it until our next fire vintage, so I have something to see if a vintage gets tainted. Which you never know, could be anytime.