Sonoma Cuvee Pinot Noir 2017

Sale $19.99

Buy six or more pay just $17.99

$45 Pinot for $17.99!

Yep.

And I’ll even tell you why! As opposed to most retailers who make vague declarations – “I can’t tell you the source of the wine… but trust me, it’s really good.” – I’ll actually spell it all out for you.

One of our top importers is trying to break into the domestic wine scene. MISA Imports, the same people who bring us so many of your favorite French and Spanish wines. You may recall they operate a little differently… they work with a small group of retailers, and operate on very low markup. And the distributors they sell through also agree to work on very low markup. The tradeoff is we, and other retailers, buy in large chunks and take the wine as soon as it lands. The result are incredible deals with wines selling for 30-40% less than they would through normal channels.

Here, they are using that same model, but also working directly with wineries to produce the wines, further reducing costs along the way.

Ok… so here’s what we have… all Russian River Valley juice. 54% from the famed Charles Heintz Ranch (Green Valley), 31% BCD Vineyard (Olivet Bench), 15% Murray Vineyard (Llano plain, across the street from the famed Lorenzo vineyard). The winemaker is Brian Maloney of DeLoach & Buena Vista. The wine is 100% barrel aged, French Oak, 18% new oak used.

Let’s see… DeLoach’s Green Valley designated Pinot from 2017… 91 pts Wine Spectator for $45. DeLoach’s OFS Pinot, which includes a nice hunk of BCD vineyard, rated 92 pts Wine Spectator and sells for $45.

Same winemaker, same grapes… different blend and a private label. $45 Pinot for as low as $17.99.

The only catch is I could only get 20 cases. First come, first served, I am afraid. 

Oh, right... the wine... what is it like? 

On first opening, the Heintz Ranch fruit is at the fore - delicate aromas of raspberry and forest floor lead into a juicy wine, buoyed by vibrant acidity. The fruit is so fresh, it is the style some tasters refer to as "crunchy"... and I think that is apt here! With some air, the BCD vineyard shows itself with darker cherry fruit and spice notes, all while still retaining the crisp acidity. On the finish, mineral notes add refinement to the red fruit. In short, it is just delicious Pinot - well-balanced between fruit, acidity and earthy flavors. Great for drinking on its own, but a killer match for all Pinot friendly dishes. Planked Coho Salmon? You read my mind... 


Or reply. The wine will be available Wednesday in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.