We are just about to put a bow on our Corks for Kids fundraiser to support the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Currently, we are sitting at $48,434 in total.

Wouldn’t that look a whole lot prettier if it were $50,000+?

Well, here’s your last chance to help out… we had a late donation that didn’t make the auction. So I am pricing these at 44-50% off regular price… crushing the best prices in the US… for 96 pt wines! Selling these out will add another $600 to the tally…

These will go first-come, first-served. Reply if you want them.

You can also reply to make a cash pledge.

I have been floored by the generosity of our customers yet again, especially given the times we are living in. Thank you all so very much for making a difference in these children’s lives.

Here are the wines…

Catena Zapata Nicolas Zapata 2016

Suggested Retail Price $125
Corks for Kids Price - $70
Save 44% and Support the NC Children’s Hospital!

96 pts Wine Advocate – “This is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary and 31% Malbec from Nicasia. There is also some 8% Cabernet Franc that seems to add a touch, and in 2016, it didn't need irrigation because there was enough rain. This seems to follow the style of the 2013, a little tight, perhaps because of the Cabernets. This is nuanced and complex, with very good integration of the varieties and the oak, fruit, acidity and mineral texture. One of the best vintages for this bottling.”

Casa Lapostolle Le Petit Clos 2016

Suggested Retail Price $60
Corks for Kids Price - $30
Save 50% and Support the NC Children’s Hospital!

96 pts James Suckling – “ A juicy and delicious second wine from Clos Apalta. Beautiful, ripe and delicious with dark berries and mushrooms. Full-bodied and very balanced with complex walnut, spice and berry character. Dark chocolate and hazelnuts at the finish.”

93+ pts Wine Advocate – “mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with just 4% Merlot and 1% Carménère, while last year it was almost half Carménère. The vineyards are now certified in organic and biodynamic agriculture. The bunches were hand-destemmed, and the grapes fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a six-week maceration. Malolactic was in barrique, and the élevage happened as follows: the wine spent seven months in new French barriques, and then 71% of the volume was transferred to French oak barriques (22% new and 49% second year), while the rest of the wine was put in oak vats. The élevage was 23 months in total. With the change in varieties, this feels very different from the Clos Apalta—more Cabernet here and more Carménère there. The nose is elegant and nuanced, with herbs, spices and a core of ripe red and black fruit, quite varietal and with integrated oak. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with round tannins and vibrant acidity, making it long and supple.”