We’re on our THIRD Bordigioni today and sold out of the first two before we could finish our coffee - or even get the emails sent. That’s what happens when you get the text message offers (sign up here if you want). These sell out FAST – this Merlot is the LAST of it, WE SWEAR.

A wise man once said all good things must come to an end…

And so does Bordigioni’s Annadel Estate.

Fear not, THE DEAN is just fine. In fact, he’s more than fine, living the dream in Hawaii, sailing into many a sunset with his family. It’s good to be Dean Bordigioni these days. It always has been so.

Just last month when we blew through the last of his Zin, we wrote: “this is a perennial favorite around here, but sadly with Dean moving on from the wine business, there’s a limited runway.”

Alas, we reach the end of that runway today. Just before Dean flew one way to Kona, we had begged for the keys to his antique motorcycle collection. Instead, he gave us all his remaining inventory! Not a bad consolation prize. Hundreds of bottles of glorious juice, that he asked we drink, and share with YOU.

So here we go, first Cab, then Franc, then Merlot. These extraordinary 2016s are his very last wines at prices that will make you blush, as if you are doing something wrong, and we will roll onto the next one as they sell out.

And how do we know they will sell out? They always have. This is the way. The Bordigionian way.

The opposite of WIMPY, these are for true hedonists and thrill-seekers out there. Or anyone who likes hard-charging, full-throttle, drop-a-gear, and push-it-to-the-limit type reds. He always brought this hard-charging, life-in-the-fast-lane take to winemaking, and that’s on full display here.

Even more hedonistic and plush than the Cabernet Franc, this beauty offers classic chocolaty dark fruits, violets, scorched earth, and hints of cedar. With striking purity of fruit, a soft, forward, sumptuous style, no hard edges and a great finish, this downright sexpot of a Merlot is a killer crowd pleaser to enjoy over the coming decade. Oh, hell yea, this ain’t your jam Miles, not even close.

Well, when this is gone, there is not another bottle of Bordigioni to sell on the planet, sad as it may be, Dean promised us a sunset cruise, we’ll bring the wine, enjoy your new life! – Your Favorite Spies