We underestimated the thirst for Stags Leap Cabernet. Luckily we have a spectacular second deal lined up today - the bright and beautifully balanced Watkins Family Winery 2010 Bugay Vineyard Sonoma County Cabernet Franc. A ten year aged, plucked-straight-from-the-winery gem. At $55 it already delivers crazy good value, and if you told us it cost near $100 we wouldn’t doubt it. But knock 50% off that winery price and drop it down to $28?! OFF. THE. METER!

Winemaker Randall Watkins who also makes Bugay’s popular wines made this must-have gem. His wines are built to age, and we’re thrilled to bring this 10+ year-aged library selection to you. The Bugay Vineyard sits at 1400 feet elevation on the Mayacamas range, and the incredibly steep, rugged slopes yield thick-skinned, concentrated berries packed with flavor.

As the proprietor and winemaker of his namesake winery, Randall Watkins is charged with overseeing every aspect of the winery’s business. He’s been in the industry since 1979 and knows his way around every aspect, from growing the fruit to making outstanding wines. This meticulous attention to detail is clearly visible in his winemaking practices as well, with deliberate thought and care given to each step of the process.

The resulting wine is bursting with flavor, with an elegant balance of fruit, structure, and tannin with a buttery soft mouthfeel. We particularly enjoyed the balanced and bold flavors in today’s delicious and - ridiculously well priced wine. Exceptionally aromatic, with bold scents of black cherry, blackberry, dried violets, campfire smoke, baker’s chocolate, dried fall leaves, plum, spice box and a hint of cracked pepper. On the palate is all dark and packed with flavors of grilled cherry, dried violets, dusty bramble, smoky black cherry, blackberry juice, dried fall leaves, black tea leaf, spice box and a hint of kola nut. Or hoisin sauce? Remarkable complexity, and still retaining a powerful core of ripe fruit, this one has it all.

For $28?! Reserve yours now before this highly recommended wine vanishes.