What's the scoop on Kohue?

I signed up for their list based solely on the recommendation of the Morgan Ranch folks. I just got an email saying their first release will be next week. But I can’t find anything substantive about the wine on-line. I did find where they registered their trademark on September 4, 2024, but that doesn’t give me much information (other than this project is brand-spanking new). I can’t even figure out what it is going to cost.

I’m sure one of you wine nerds knows the deal. Share, please.

Máximo Valsecchi Is the winemaker. He worked at Araujo with Nigel Kinsman. Comes up from Argentina to work harvest every year at KE.

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Right - that’s in the email., Here’s pretty much all of the information that is included:

More About Kohue Wines
THE SITE

In our quest to make unique and distinct wines, we started our journey with this single vineyard Malbec from La Carmela Vineyard, a one acre plot in Paraje Altamira, an appellation which sits at 3000 ft. of altitude in the heart of Uco Valley. This site is characterized by its unique soil composition from alluvial origin. Presenting loamy soil with a generous amount of large granite stones which are covered in calcium carbonate.

High altitude plays a pivotal role in development of our wines. Particularly the microclimate and sunlight intensity.

All these elements come together to create wines with an impressive concentration of aromas, flavor and a complexity that can only be found in the foothills of the Andes.
266.8xauto VINTAGE 2021 - MALBEC

This exceptional vintage gifted us with cool nights and warm days, some humidity and low yields. We harvested the first week of April, slightly later than previous years. This delay allowed for a slower ripening process, enabling grapes to achieve maturity with a perfect balance of sugar, acidity and a bold tannin structure.
THE WINE

The Kohue Malbec 2021 reflects the unique character of this over 60-year-old vineyard plot with remarkable depth and elegance. Full-bodied and sensual, it’s framed by refined, silky tannins and a delicate, endless finish.

This wine is beautifully balanced and set to age gracefully over the decades.
MEET THE WINEMAKER

If you’re in Napa Valley, you might have crossed paths with Maxi. He has been coming to Napa for over 15 years and has collaborated on of the most prestigious wine projects. From his early days at Araujo to most currently forming part of the Kinsman Consulting team, Maxi’s journey has been extraordinary. More About Kohue Wines
THE SITE

In our quest to make unique and distinct wines, we started our journey with this single vineyard Malbec from La Carmela Vineyard, a one acre plot in Paraje Altamira, an appellation which sits at 3000 ft. of altitude in the heart of Uco Valley. This site is characterized by its unique soil composition from alluvial origin. Presenting loamy soil with a generous amount of large granite stones which are covered in calcium carbonate.

High altitude plays a pivotal role in development of our wines. Particularly the microclimate and sunlight intensity.

All these elements come together to create wines with an impressive concentration of aromas, flavor and a complexity that can only be found in the foothills of the Andes.
266.8xauto VINTAGE 2021 - MALBEC

This exceptional vintage gifted us with cool nights and warm days, some humidity and low yields. We harvested the first week of April, slightly later than previous years. This delay allowed for a slower ripening process, enabling grapes to achieve maturity with a perfect balance of sugar, acidity and a bold tannin structure.
THE WINE

The Kohue Malbec 2021 reflects the unique character of this over 60-year-old vineyard plot with remarkable depth and elegance. Full-bodied and sensual, it’s framed by refined, silky tannins and a delicate, endless finish.

This wine is beautifully balanced and set to age gracefully over the decades.
MEET THE WINEMAKER

If you’re in Napa Valley, you might have crossed paths with Maxi. He has been coming to Napa for over 15 years and has collaborated on of the most prestigious wine projects. From his early days at Araujo to most currently forming part of the Kinsman Consulting team, Maxi’s journey has been extraordinary. 298xauto
Born and raised in Argentina, Maxi first pursued a career as an economist before discovering his passion for winemaking, which first led him to Bordeaux, where he was immersed in the world of wine.

With an adventurous spirit, when he’s not dedicated to winemaking, you’ll find him exploring Patagonia’s wilderness with his family, traveling or navigating rapids in his kayak.

Rooted in his experience in biodynamics, Maxi’s vision is deeply connected to respecting nature and its ecosystems, allowing the land to speak for itself. His consistently prioritizes the highest quality standards, partnering with vintners who share the same vision and are dedicated to preserving the ancient wine traditions for future generations.
Born and raised in Argentina, Maxi first pursued a career as an economist before discovering his passion for winemaking, which first led him to Bordeaux, where he was immersed in the world of wine.

With an adventurous spirit, when he’s not dedicated to winemaking, you’ll find him exploring Patagonia’s wilderness with his family, traveling or navigating rapids in his kayak.

Rooted in his experience in biodynamics, Maxi’s vision is deeply connected to respecting nature and its ecosystems, allowing the land to speak for itself. His consistently prioritizes the highest quality standards, partnering with vintners who share the same vision and are dedicated to preserving the ancient wine traditions for future generations.

Interested to see what the price will be. I’m interested.

Right. The price is everything. Anything by Catena is hard to beat at their price point.

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Interesting. I had an email exchange with whomever is manning their “info” email address. The retail price for their inaugural release is set at $185. That puts it up there with the limited production Catena stuff. They’re supposedly planning to offer a discount to Morgan Ranch customers.

I realize they have a world-class winemaker, but that’s aggressive pricing in my book when there are no reviews or even buzz from people who have tasted this.

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I agree with this take. That price point from that region - for me - is limited to a few bottlings from a few producers. Probably double what I was thinking this would come in at.

Exactly. Per Se’s high-end stuff is $250 if you can even find it. I’ve never seen it in the wild - only read about it. And the single vineyard stuff coming from Catena tops out around $200.

I remember back in the day signing up for the first offering of Sloan. That was worth it (though I’ve long-since given up that list).

I joined via Morgan Ranch link. Hoping it’s not $185.

185 for a 3 pak right?

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If you click on the members section, you’ll see that the release is now live. It’s $435 for a 3 pack ($145 per bottle). I signed up based on a recommendation from Shae/Nigel Kinsman. I have some thinking to do regarding whether it’s worth it.

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$470 for three bottles inclusive of ground shipping. Is there a beeswax capsule or any gold foil on the label? Or maybe a velvet-lined presentation box?

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I miss the days when this kind of project started out overdelivering at a reasonable price for a few years and building up a following and wait list, before the prices moved up into high levels.

Now these higher end projects try to start at the top of the scale (or in this case, nearly above the top of the scale).

Probably will be good wine, and I wish him well, but I could buy excellent classified growth Bordeaux with age (among lots of other great wine) for that price.

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Right. I realize we’re talking Chile vs. Argentina, but I can get 4 or 5 bottles of Clos Apalta for that price, and at least I know what I’m getting.

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You can also get very good and well known Argentine wine from other producers at 2/3 the price. Hard for me to justify.

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Just got our three pack. I’m dying to try this. I saw one taster talked about the coffee/brown sugar dominant profile which is normally my jam. Apparently they’re bottling a CS as well.

I also pulled the trigger and bought a three pack. Received mine yesterday. I will likely try one over the holidays to see how they are.

I’m sure it shipped with a stunning beeswax capsule and gold-leaf label appliques.

But seriously - I’m very curious about this. I’d bet it needs a super-long decant.

Anyone else receive a 1 bottle offer this week? $235 all in :flushed:

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I did and would like to give 1 a go, but i’m trying to show some restraint.