***RECENTLY BOTTLED WINE, SHIPPING BEGINS NEXT WEEK***
A flagship white wine from a legendary Rutherford estate!
We’re thrilled to unveil the first domestic Côtes du Rhône-styled white blend in the history of this Lot program. These aromatic, full-bodied white wines are a pillar of the Rhône Valley’s winemaking identity, typically made with some combination of Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, and Grenache Blanc. Domestically, these varietals have gained a strong foothold along California’s Central Coast (Rhône Rangers, anyone?), but remain exceedingly rare in Napa, whose red domination allows for limited white wine acreage that’s largely committed to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. With almost no area left for new development, planting white Rhône varietals would require uprooting existing vines – an extremely unlikely move given current economics (Napa’s Viognier fruit sells for under a third of the price of its Cabernet, for example).
Choosing craft and tradition over maximizing profits, our source devotedly tends these varietals in some of the priciest soil in the world, and we’re simply ecstatic that we’re able to offer their handiwork to our customers. For the fans of classic California-styled Chardonnay looking to mix things up, you’d be hard pressed to find a better candidate than today’s score.
Lot 542 is an estate-grown Côtes du Rhône-style blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, conceived as the sister release to the estate’s flagship red blend (which goes for over $200/bottle). An iconic Napa brand with a history that few local peers can match, they are one of the few wineries in the valley cultivating Rhône varietals, and are doing so at a higher level than anyone. This full-bodied, yet graceful wine has been a cornerstone of their portfolio for decades, and obviously the ‘23 release has the potential to be one of their best ever. Over $65/bottle from the source, we’ve secured it for well over 70% OFF and are happily passing the savings directly to you.
Our price: $109/6-pack, $18+/bottle.
The grapes were sourced from blocks strategically planted so they soak up ample morning sun, but are shielded from the harsher afternoon light by the Mayacamas Range. This creates a longer growing season and ensures they develop vibrant acidity. Aged sur lie for 8 months in a combination of stainless steel tanks and both new and neutral French oak barrels, it’s a divinely balanced, perfectly structured white wine.
A compelling American homage to its French muse, the wine captures the soul of the Northern Rhône through the prism of Napa terroir. The nose is dynamic and structured, unfurling layers of apricot, beeswax, brioche, mandarin orange, and quince, backed by white florals and garrigue. A full-bodied palate boasts apricot, marzipan, white florals, citrus zest, and wet stone minerality, which play upon mild acidity and a clean freshness. A dry, satisfying finish complements the wine’s robustness perfectly, beckoning another sip.
13.2% alc
