Holy mother of Bacchus on a Black Friday morning!

ALL that Cheval Blanc winemaker made Lalande de Pomerol VANISHED in 15 minutes?!

We underestimated you. Thank you for the love, we did NOT see that coming. Jet lagged from a family trip, I shuffled to bring you the best next… and found the perfect next offer to keep the festivities rolling.

Has that been a Cliffhanger? Because it IS! A befitting name for this Howell beauty as all that holds your palate onto dear life is a ten-thousand-pound rated rope at 2,000 feet elevation. You may recall it from last summer when it cost 5 bucks more. Black Friday-style, it’s a mere $33 today at 2/3 OFF.

Our climbing coach in this expedition is none other than consulting winemaker extraordinaire Kevin Morrisey who worked at Château Petrus(!), Ehlers Estate, Etude, Stags’ Leap Winery, you get the drift.

A TURK, by name, originates from a nomadic tribe originating in Central Asia, who found a new home in Asia Minor in the 11th century. Having fought their way horseback across vast, cold lands, they are by necessity and definition strong people. Hence the name behind this mighty big 95-pointer.

With 90% Cabernet Sauvignon (and 10% Merlot to cushion those famous high-elevation tannins) it hails straight from the rugged terrain on Howell Mountain, where some of Napa’s best Cabs are born. And for $33, well there’s NOTHING comparable from this glorious AVA. Legends like Abreu, Lokoya, Dunn all exemplify this mythical appellation and have long well reached stratospheric prices. Good luck finding a Howell Cab for under $100 worth a damn.

Surprisingly approachable, and downright sexy, with beautiful notes of blue fruits, forest floor, exotic spices, and pencil shavings. It hits the palate with an open, opulent texture and ripe, polished tannins. The tannic austerity this appellation is known for is certainly not present, yet this shows flashy, fleshy, beautifully concentrated, and has an awesome long finish. We can hear the steaks sizzling…

What else is sizzling? How hot this deal is, and how many hours it may be around… you know the drill.

95 Points – The Tasting Panel

Publisher’s Pick! “With 10% Merlot blended in, this concentrated red is ripe and juicy, with a wash of blackberry lengthening its glide path. Its skyscraper structure exhibits regal tannins. Cedar notes are long and flanked by graphite and roasted coffee bean.”