Mystery Cabernet from One of California's Most Dynamic Winemakers!
We've had deals before where the price was so special we couldn't tell you the name of the wine. Today is something different. The wine is so special and priced so low that we can't tell which California rockstar winemaker made it!
Decadently packed with dark fruits, spices and yummy toasty barrel flavors, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from four vineyards, all names you'd see on 98-Point wines costing $80+. Carrying a serious structure and supple tannins, it is lush, complex and incredibly delicious.
As the price on today's wine is roughly half of this boisterous winemaker's signature Cabernet, they have requested to remain anonymous. No worries, whether you know who made the wine or not, you are going to love it!
Read on for all the details on this glass-coating California Cabernet, and for a nervy Sauvignon Blanc from our mystery winemaker's equally famous spouse, then hammer down on that Big Yellow Button to get in on the fun!
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2022 Diamonds in Space Cabernet Sauvignon
California
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Aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak, the 2022 Diamonds in Space pours a visually exciting purple-black color that thoroughly coats the sides of the glass.
With a few swirls, this complex Cabernet releases gobs of black and blue fruit along with sweet oak notes of toast, charred wood, and vanilla. Decadent, layered and wonderfully balanced, it offers a voluminous feel, medium-full tannins, and excellent balance.
The best part, however, is how great it shows after extensive decanting. Most California Cabs in this price area fade quickly after opening. Only the expensive stuff gets better with more air. This wine gets better! The initially tight structure unfurls to reveal an even more silky and elegant mouthfeel while the black fruits, olive, herbs and baking spice notes expand and deliciously linger as the wine is swallowed. Wow!
Labeled as California, the fruit for this wine is actually sourced by our mystery winemaker from a quartet of well-known vineyards in western Paso Robles, which we unfortunately cannot name. Clocking in at a balanced-yet-powerful 14.7% ABV, the overall experience is akin to what you’d expect to find in a $50+ wine.
On our scale, this fantastically delicious Cab is a legit 93 Points and will drink beautifully for the next 10 to 15+ years. It is completely ridiculous to get this much Cabernet goodness at this price. If you're a Cabernet drinker or have friends who are, this 1,200 case production beauty is worthy of jumping all over!
Vin Chicago Price: 25.99
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2023 Diamonds in Space Sauvignon Blanc
Central Coast, California
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More great news! Our mystery winemaker has a mystery spouse, and their 2023 Diamonds in Space Sauvignon Blanc is on a short list of our favorite Sauvignon Blancs of the year, and that includes those from Sancerre, Napa Valley and New Zealand.
Explosive citrus and tropical fruit flavors are arrayed with fresh-from-the-garden herbs and nervy minerals. These flavors are a trademark of this winemaker, and they allow the 2023 Diamonds in Space white to be both velvety and electric at the same time.
This rich and powerful Sauvignon Blanc gives flavors of guava, mint, fennel, white peach, tangerine, lemon zest and bergamot along with subtle white stone minerals. Slightly grippy, like a quality Loire Valley Sauvignon, it manages to be both silky and nervy, finishing warm and zinging with balancing acidity and impressive length.
Highly expressive when first opened, it continues to expand with air. This is one of those white wines that will benefit from a good decanting. Earning a strong 92 Points on our scale, it is a wine to drink at cocktail parties and with citrus-dressed fish, sushi, spicy soups, or chicken piccata. For ALL Sauvignon Blanc drinkers, this one must be tried to understand just how good it is!
Vin Chicago Price: 22.99
