What a find!

THIS is why we love being locals to Napa / Sonoma… how else would we land this virtually unheard of 92-pointer conceived by a Master of Wine… and for almost half off (48% to be exact)?!

Entrepreneur / philanthropist Peter Paul teamed up with Martin R. Reyes for this passion project. Martin is a first generation Mexican-American, and the first Mexican to earn the Master of Wine qualification. Through this collaboration they are devoted to making tiny lots of the highest quality wines possible.

Stanford alum Reyes has dedicated his life to wine, as a buyer, importer, educator, and recently winemaker - covering nearly every base in the industry. He directed the New York Times and Williams-Sonoma wine clubs. He’s worked closely with Spottswoode and Vice Versa, to name a few. In short, he’s DEEP in the wine game and has serious chops. Not too long ago, his hard work and dedication was recognized by Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers” list.

As if his deep experience wasn’t enough, Martin partnered with hot shot consultant Trevor Smith, who brings his own viticulture and winemaking expertise from high places such as Screaming Eagle and Antica Terra. Yeah, wow indeed.

From a string of near perfect growing seasons, 2016 stands at the top of the list, a vintage rated 98-points by Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and Jeb Dunnuck! And this full throttle blend driven by 74% Cabernet delivers in a big way. It has everything you love about high end Napa reds - seamless and plush from back to front, with layers of black cherry, plum, and baking spice and soft polished tannins holding everything together. Mouthcoating and decadent, and a surefire winner for anyone who loves big, rich, modern Napa blends.

Not much of this one made, and we scooped every last case we could… but you know how it goes these days…

92 Points – Wine & Spirits

“Martin Reyes selected this blend from the winery’s best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, with an important contribution from Cabernet Franc and small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot. It’s a floral take on Napa Valley fruit with scents of acacia flowers and hibiscus over dark and juicy current flavor. Give this time in a decanted for that fruit to absorb the influence of oak, then pour it for a roast turkey with cranberries in the stuffing.”