Are you sitting down? Good.

Sometimes you learn something that completely alters everything you thought you held true to your heart.

Like learning ALL FRUIT LOOPS ARE THE SAME FLAVOR.

Or figuring out you can get a 96 POINT OAKVILLE CABERNET for nearly $100 off.

That’s a 66% break from the release price of some prime-time Napa Cabernet. Oakville, no less! Erickson & Caradin crushes it when we turn it loose, as every offer sells out. This should be no different. With the ever-expanding throng of thirsty Ops around here, we expect this to be the same story.

This tiny project makes just a few hundred cases under the direction of the formidable Kevin Morrisey who worked at Château Petrus(!), Ehlers Estate, Etude, and Stags’ Leap Winery - so you know he has the chops.

But how does a freshly released Cabernet like this land in our hands for such a fat discount? Sometimes these grand visions and privately labeled wines simply don’t pan out as hoped, a restaurant backs out of a deal, or some other twist of fate happens. But that’s good news for you!

And what does it taste like? Formidable and lush, with Bing cherry, creme de cassis, red currant, sweet cigar, spice, and leather joining forces in a sappy, seductive richness. Excellent mouthfeel, with super soft tannins, makes this terrifyingly easy to drink, even at this young age. But it will develop for years. Or you’ll get to that last sip without realizing it as those weekday steaks will sing with it.

Finally, we must emphasize one last thing. DON’T WAIT FOR ANOTHER SECOND - Oakville Cabernet (under $50 especially) goes fast around these parts. Won’t last the day… - maybe not even the morning.

96 Points, Publisher’s Pick – The Tasting Panel

“Wound up at first, the silky tannins begin to unfold, and it’s worth the wait. Strikingly handsome, dressed in violet and boysenberry, with a twist of tobacco and a formal swath of lead pencil. Broad, ripe, and super-structured.”