Caton Meets Clarke? What does that even mean you say? Stories, we say, make the wine. Especially one that is WAY under the radar.

At $15 a red this yummy will not last no matter what, so grab first then read on? We would.

Anyway, where were we? Oh yes, Caton, that is good ole Ty Caton, yeah that label we blew out just this past Sunday. He grows stunning Cabernet Sauvignon on Moon Mountain as you know, and he happens to sell just a smidge of it to a tight circle of friends, including Marilyn & Jim Hybiske of Broadway Vineyards, whose homegrown Sonoma Valley Merlot is married to a third of Ty’s Cabernet to make this blend sing, with a smidge of Syrah to add spice and depth.

Enter Clarke, Château Clarke that is, owned by Bordeaux’s Rothschild clan, where Broadway Vineyards’ winemaker Philippe Langner is considered family, and mastered the art of blending. Now at $35, one sip is all you need to become a believer. Hidden Sonoma gems give Napa quite the run for the money when you know where to look. But at $15 this is an ABSURD DEAL. It drinks like a hypothetical cross between a Cuvée by Caton and a Château Whatever, that sells for, well, add a zero or two.

A deep claret color greets the eye, with traces of crimson and mahogany on the broad, limpid rim. The nose is engulfed in aromas of blackberry, plum, red, and black cherry, with hints of licorice, vanilla, and sweet tobacco. Medium to full-bodied once sipped, with silky tannins shining through notes of espresso and cigar box. Long and caressing, surprisingly solid, very pretty, structured, and mouth-puckering. Enjoy with roast poultry, game, long-simmered stews, or aged cheeses and charcuterie.

This tiny, boutique family operation that borders a hobby for Marilyn who used to be a chef, is so far a best-kept secret but with Philippe taking over the winemaking from veteran consultant Rick Tracy (you may recognize that name from Opal Moons and Bonneaus of past) this property may soon be on the rise. This level of quality leaves no doubt that Broadway will eventually become the talk of the town down the road when you can proudly say you drank your share at 15 bucks a pop.