Ever wonder what would happen if ‘Cheval Blanc’ class meets ‘Napa’ hedonistic pleasure. With DOUBLE 94 POINTS, and dropping the price… wait, is this right? $130 OFF?!

Think of your favorite Napa Cab. Big, plush, dripping with ripe fruit and sweet spice greatness. Now imagine it had a more refined, somewhat exotic, bi-lingual older sibling. That’s this wine.

If you know John Scwartz, either from his project Amuse Bouche and Au Sommet with Heidi Barrett, his baller Bourbon collaboration with Steph Curry, or his many other projects like Coup de Foudre, Richard G. Peterson, and so many others – the man swings for the fences, every time.

“Sold largely through a tasting room in downtown Napa and via a mailing list, these wines are somewhat are under the radar despite their fine quality.” quips Wine Advocate. But we managed to lock down a small allocation for you, dear Operative.

Suckling call out how it’s, “Full-bodied with soft, velvety texture to the tannins.” And when we tasted it, we couldn’t agree more. Pouring an inky purple, it fills the air with aromas of blackberry compote, mocha, violets, toast, and a hint of black tea. Lush black fruit mingles perfectly with savory herbs and a hint of earth on the palate, all cradled in sexy toasty oak. It lingers long on the palate, which is good, because it’s so tasty the bottle will be empty before you know it!

Good thing it’s OVER 74% OFF!

Grands Joueurs Vignerons represents a more playful spirit than Schwartz’s other projects, dedicated to crafting wines that embody old-world elegance through new-world innovation. The name itself has a somewhat dual meaning – roughly either ‘Big Baller’ or ‘High Roller’. His partner in the project is cult winemaker Kent Jarman. And the smart money is on this duo.

Jarman has worked alongside some of the top winemakers in Napa Valley (including Schwartz’s other collaborator, the former Screaming Eagle alum). With “humble” beginnings at Duckhorn, he later, as neighbor to Eisele Vineyard, single-handedly put Kennefick Ranch on the cult wine map. He now makes wine for some of Napa’s most sought-after labels.

‘Rougiste’ is a play on French meaning ‘one who works in red’. And 2021 is the inaugural vintage for the label. It’s a perfect name for this dark, spicy, silky, seductress.

At this price, it’s a no-brainer.

But be warned. Quantities are very, very, low – THEY WON’T LAST!

94 Points – James Suckling “Attractive aromas of cherry chocolate, dark berries, crushed walnuts and pine wood with a racy spiciness to it. Full-bodied with soft, velvety texture to the tannins. Even and long. It is big but weightless and elegant with an attractive spiciness and hints of forest floor on the finish. A blend of fruit from Atlas Peak and Calistoga. 65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot. Drink or hold.”

93 Points – Vinous “The 2021 Rougiste, a Cabernet Franc-based blend, is ripe, voluptuous and super-expressive. A burst of dark red/plum fruit, spice, blood orange, new leather, tobacco and dried flowers gives the 2021 tons of immediacy. This mid-weight red is a charmer. Drink 2026-2036.”