Some sequels just don’t live up to their predecessors. Like Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2…or Police Academy 4, 5 and 6.

No bueno.

But sometimes the follow-up is even better than the first. This Zinfandel from Markham is the Terminator 2 or the Blade Runner 2049 to the Petit Verdot we offered a few weeks ago. A knockout - enjoyable from start to finish, and STILL priced like it’s 2004.

Markham is a quintessential blue-chip Napa staple. Normally you can only find their limited production “Heritage Selection” at the winery. And you’d pay $55! From us? A breezy $22?!

As one of the Valley’s longest continually run wineries, Markham never stopped innovating. Back in the 1800s, Jean Laurent founded the property, built a stunning Stone Cellar waaaaay before it was cool, and pushed the winery to adopt the newest technologies ahead of the day and oak cooperage which was not a common thing in Napa Valley yet. In the ‘80s, they were on the cutting edge as the 4th winery in Napa to produce Merlot and they set a gold standard for the varietal and many others. In 2001 they promoted Kimberlee Nicholls to Head Winemaker making her one of the first female winemakers in Napa. She leads to this day and helps maintain a consistently high level of quality at every vintage.

And in 2016? They fit right in with what Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate thought of this extraordinary year: “Tasting these wines reminded me just how phenomenal 2016 was for Napa, both in terms of the pinnacles of quality and consistency of quality. “Bright,” “energetic,” “expressive,” “refreshing” and “bold” were descriptors that came up again and again in my tasting notes. Truly, this is an exceptional year that will give lovers of Napa Valley wines a lot of pleasure for many years to come. Enjoy!”

Today with 45 vintages under the Markham label, they lead the charge of sustainable viticulture in Napa with Nicholls at the helm and a team of badass women behind her. Chances are you’ve had their Merlot - which stands as one of the best in Napa, and a reliable value. But they make a host of other sensational wines, like this one here.

Deliciously dark, juicy, and spicy, with a medium body and soft mouthfeel. This is Zin served right down the middle of the plate, with deep black plum, black raspberry, jammy blueberry right up front. Subtler notes of fig jam, cherry liqueur, pepper, licorice, and vanilla all come into focus as well. What’s obvious here is all that gnarly old vine material in the upper valley that institutional wineries like Markham have access to. Aged to perfection too, and drinking prime right now, with youthful and pure fruit and a finish that carries on. At our price, a stupendous value.

At 60% OFF, you won’t find a better Napa Valley deal on a Zin or any one of the classic reds really.

If the last Markham was any indication, this will be a VERY popular offer. Own it while it’s here!