Holy Pinot Friday! You OP’s ready for another?

Pinot geeks! Gather ‘round! The vibes are immaculate with this one, as the kids might say.

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir with 94 points from Wine Advocate (plus a 93 by Wine Enthusiast) for 56% off?!

We’ve been waiting for this one with baited breath and watering mouths. Made by a tiny, up-and-coming producer who’s quickly becoming a favorite among somms and savvy restaurant buyers…and soon, Wine Spies Operatives across the country.

Meet JINSEI! Japanese for “human life”, it’s certainly life-affirming, and at over HALF OFF it’s a no-brainer.

This one is for the real lovers of this elegant, refined style of the varietal. For the true selective vino lovers among us. But you can’t be any geek off the street. You gotta be handy with a corkscrew, if you know what I mean…

This wine has passed the test of some of the most scrupulous Sommeliers. This can be found at Bay Area hot spots such as Saison, Boulevard, and Ethels Fancy. If you’re not in the area, you might also be able to catch the wine at the LA hipster paradise, Redbird or maybe even the ultra hip Palm Springs resort, Colony Palms Hotel.

But fair warning- there was not much made so don’t bet even the hottest Sommeliers can get their hands on what we at Wine Spies bring you.

And even if you DID find it at one of the restaurants above, it would be easily FIVE times as much as you’re paying today. Did we mention the 94 points?! Home run.

This brand is micro production and committed to the highest quality. Before launching their own wines, the Tobias Glen Vineyard supplied Merry Edwards for a single vineyard Pinot for a few vintages. Other top names like Joseph Swan, Dehlinger, and Paul Hobbs are right in the neighborhood.

Stéphane Vivier makes the wine here, having grown up in Burgundy where Pinot Noir is life. He spent time at cellars in Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Pommard, epicenters of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir done right. He then cut his teeth at formidable California institutions including Long Meadow Ranch and Hyde de Villaine better known as HdV, that renowned collaboration between the Hyde family, and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

This is a Russian River Valley Pinot so you can already imagine what it’s packing. Just like you like it - deep intense flavor and overflowing fruit and spice. So lush and incredibly drinkable. Black cherry cola and blackberry jam aromas lead perfectly into ripe raspberries, fresh cut cedar, and warm rhubarb pie on the tongue. Brimming with acidity and buoyed by fine tannins - just so damn likable. This one is a treat for sure!

And at what price?! You will not find this deal ANYWHERE else. And just like the recent Della and Furthermore…it’s almost guaranteed to sell out.

Don’t let this pass you up.

94 Points—Wine Advocate “Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir JINSEI Tobias Glen Vineyard opens slowly to warm black cherries, cranberries, woodsmoke, bergamot, dried flowers and a touch of tobacco and graphite. Medium-bodied, it’s wonderfully concentrated and savory, with meaty touches intertwined with the dark, ripe fruits, juicy, grainy and finishing long with lots of nuance. This has an appealing deeper, darker character than the rest of the lineup. California Winery & Vineyards is a new and very small project made by consulting winemaker Stéphane Vivier.”

93 Points—Wine Enthusiast “With an opening note of rose petal, this is a cool-climate styled wine, crisp and focused in texture and tension. Cherry cordial, wild strawberry, forest floor and black tea all figure into the silky, supple mix, finishing with a tease of power.”