So, here’s the story…

Agent Noir & Agent Vine were at a super exclusive tasting in San Francisco, put together by the importer of DRC…. With one expensive hit after another - a Gosset here, a GAJA there, their side quest to score a great deal seemed daunting.

And then this happened.

94 point Super Tuscan from a famed producer’s new project - at nearly 50% OFF.

Volpaia is well known as one of the top estates in Chianti Classico. And the force behind this newer project on the Tuscan coast.

After some hard-fought negotiations, we landed you this crazy price on this crazy good Cabernet-based Super Tuscan.

Looking it up on Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate revealed “Castelprile is the Maremma estate in Castiglione della Pescaia owned by Federica Mascheroni Stianti and her family at Castello di Volpaia (or just Volpaia). The family has been farming here for 15 years and is now gearing up to release new Riserva wines.” That blurb is from about a year ago, and HERE IT IS today!

These clues then led us to the winemaking genius behind this beauty, Ricardo Cotarella - who’s been named Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. And Best Italian Winemaker by Gambero Rosso. Also “one of the most influential wine personalities in the world” by Robert Parker, and “one of the best in Italian winemaking” by Wine Spectator… in 2023 he was recognized by Der Feinschmecker for his lifetime achievement since “from the Pope to Sting, Riccardo Cotarella invented and perfected the profession of global winemaker and flying winemaker.”

In those able hands, this masterful blend of 40% each Cabernet and Sangiovese with 20% Merlot truly shines. It’s soft, sexy, smooth, and complex, with the structure and cassis of Cabernet complimenting the juiciness and cherries of Sangiovese, and the plushness and plums of Merlot rounding things out in perfect harmony. Spices and cocoa powder expand through the dusty, long finish. It’s everything one could wish for from a Super Tuscan with coastal character, and a thumbprint shared by many legends in the vicinity.

Oh, and at $75, it’s a great value. With HALF OFF?! Pronto, pronto!

94 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Prelius is the Maremma property of the Stianti Mascheroni family, who are perhaps best known for the wines they make at their Volpaia estate in in Chianti Classico. The wines have grown considerably in recent years. There are now two whites and two reds, all done in an energetic, vibrant style. The 2016 Prile is the top wine from Volpaia’s Prelius estate in Maremma. It offers all the richness that is typical of the Tuscan coast. Blackberry jam, licorice, bittersweet chocolate, mocha and sweet spice give this dark, voluptuous red quite a bit of complexity. The 2016 is very nicely done. Drink 2024-2031.”