Sometimes it just HITS differently.

Hadn’t tasted a CAST in a while. This unassuming Meritage, thanks to the opulence of the 2021 vintage, left us in utter disbelief. Especially when we went back and forth to squeeze it down under $30 for you.

Grab all you can, thank us later.

As the name implies, this Incantation is all “charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic.” No press, no medals, no noise. No nonsense either, just pure, bold fruit all day, with layers and layers of aroma and flavor that unfold in the glass.

Winemaker Ashley Herzberg gets a special mention here. Learning the ropes from industry-defining visionaries such as Greg LaFollette and Merry Edwards she sure knows how to blend artistically and harness a ‘Greatest Hits of Sonoma’ Meritage-style Bordeaux-buster. As a consultant, her clients include locals Bacigalupi and Amista. With access to top vineyards such as Windsor Oaks in Chalk Hill, Pyramid in Alexander Valley, and Schreyer in Dry Creek Valley, the palette to create this masterpiece was as colorful and diverse as they get, and what’s in the bottle reflects that.

There’s the vintage at play too. Per Antonio Galloni’s Vinous following a turbulent 2020, it’s simply “SENSATIONAL… Sonoma bounces back big time with a fabulous vintage… the 2021s are both very high in quality and consistent across the board. It’s a vintage full of stunning, compelling wines.”

Just like this eye-popping discovery!

With 56% of the blend led by Cabernets (about half/half Sauvignon and Franc), Merlot, and Petit Verdot top things off here, making for a superb interpretation straddling structural heft and seductive silkiness. The opaque ruby/purple color is followed by intense aromas of black cherries, cassis, cocoa, herbs, and spicy scents. Deep and full-bodied, with complex tannins, fine acidity, and superb richness, this wine will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring, and it will continue to age gracefully for a good decade plus.

Classy Bordeaux blends are nearly impossible to source under $30 out there. Seize the day.