We’re going full redacted, “CLASSIFIED” once again! Today is for the savvy Operatives. The risk takers. And the bargain hunters.

Our FIRST EVER Pinot that needed a full coverup lest we breach our source’s trust. With a rockstar winemaking team behind it and a respectable score (even that we cannot say out loud), the foundation is strong. But the price! For a price so low, we could catch a stray if we unmasked the label.

If you’re new to Wine Spies, for reasons that will become clear once in your hands, CLASSIFIED wines are so in demand, so exclusive, or so highly rated that they must remain hidden behind a cloak of secrecy.

These are wines that are hardly ever seen discounted. And because some wineries are so price-sensitive, their mailing list members would go ballistic seeing a deep deal on it.

Revealing the name would put our livelihood at stake. Our industry is built on relationships and not wanting to ruffle feathers, sometimes it’s a necessary precaution to redact some of the information.

Unless…

We go full redaction – CLASSIFIED - über-top-secret under the moonless black night with it. We do drop some breadcrumbs, and the savviest of you will probably put the pieces together.

Here’s your chance to put your detective skills to the test. First of all, this is THE ONLY way you can get your hands on a Pinot of this caliber at 60% OFF. Okay, maybe you can break into the winery and steal a case on a moonless night. We don’t, however, support that lifestyle. Or you can just put your order in, kick back, and treat yourself to a surprise… when this lands on your doorstep, tear open the box and stare in wonder at the treasure you scored here.

Speaking of scoring, this beauty was deemed an “outstanding” score by Jeb Dunnuck for one, who went on record calling it “brilliant” and “I like it every bit as much as many of the more expensive single vineyards.” Said wines get picked through by their mailing list at prices way north of $100 a pop.

The winemaking here is the dynamic consulting duo of Atelier Melka, namely Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky. Between the two the list of cult projects created won’t fit here. The lineup is truly nuts, so looking through those superstars may not get you too far in guessing what this wine is.

Next hint, it’s a blend of two SUPERB vineyards, one in Sonoma Valley and one in the Petaluma Gap. Jeb praises that “Spiced red fruits, loamy earth, leather, and subtle smoke notes give way to a medium-bodied, textured, incredibly charming Pinot Noir that already offers pleasure yet has the balance to keep for at least 7-8 years.” And by that he means this will continue to SING through the rest of this decade.

You figured it out, eh? Are you sure?

We EXTRACTED these last few cases out of the winery library sworn to secrecy. How else could we offer a near-cult-level Pinot for 26 Ben Franklins?? Back the unmarked white van up!