***RECENTLY BOTTLED WINE, SHIPPING BEGINS NEXT WEEK***
The wait is over.
We make sure to reserve some of the best offerings of the year for this occasion – standout wines that wildly overdeliver on value, priced extra aggressively in the true spirit of Black Friday. Let’s just say you should definitely keep a close eye on your inbox over the coming days. Now, without further ado: our first Black Friday Daily Deal – a gorgeous top-shelf Cabernet for under $20/bottle!
Today’s offer reflects what our team loves doing the most – shining a light on under-the-radar wines beloved by “wine geeks,” and acquiring gems that the mainstream tends to overlook (Grüner Veltliner and Tannat are recent finds that come to mind). Case in point: most folks know that the Russian River Valley is a fabulous place to grow world-class Pinot and Chardonnay, but few know that hidden amidst these famous 150 square miles are small pockets of warmer microclimates up in the hills above the fog line, where a handful of artisan producers grow equally exceptional terroir-driven Cabernet.
Lot 520 is one such example – a single-vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brimming with concentrated bramble fruit and dark cherry acidity, with incredible structure to boot. Crafted in an obviously old school style by old school winemakers, this boutique offering’s hyper-local distribution means it rarely makes it beyond the tasting room or wine club. We’re forbidden to disclose the original label price, but it falls near the current Sonoma County average of $65/bottle, $780/case before shipping. While that’s a decent price for a wine of this caliber by market standards, you expect much better than market price as a member of this list – how about one of the best kept secrets in Sonoma for well over 70% OFF?
Our price: $109/6-pack, $18+/bottle.
The hills in the northeast corner of the Russian River Valley are more exposed to the afternoon sun than the low-lying sites in the rest of the appellation. Their gentle slopes and rocky soils keep the vineyards well-drained, limiting vigor and resulting in superbly concentrated grapes. While Burgundian varietals had a trickier time in 2022’s warmer vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon absolutely thrived, achieving brilliant phenolic maturity. After fermentation, our veteran source carefully aged the precious juice for almost two years in French oak, making sure the fruit’s unique character and terroir would shine through.
Aromas of bramble, raspberry coulis, and plum abound on the nose, haloed by eucalyptus and herbs before making way for delicate crushed violets dancing underneath. Rich upon palate entry, a core of dark fruits is enlivened by vibrant black cherries, while new leather is interwoven with medium acidity and polished-yet-chewy tannins – the incredible structure of this wine can’t be overstated. The finish is both enduring and complex, where resonant red fruits merge seamlessly with crushed florals, granite minerality, and waves of toasty vanilla. A stunning wine tailored to elevate your steak dinners.
