Jog your memories Operatives! Last month’s top-selling Cerro Napa Merlot was our introduction to JDB, a Caymus-legacy project. Winemaker Derek Beitler is Caymus founder Charlie Wagner’s grandson and his wines are truly worthy of his pioneering forefathers and iconic family. While he collaborates with his cousin Joey Wagner on Carne Humana, with Bodega Rancho, Cerro and Skyhook, he’s the sole proprietor. Skyhook is his label for Rhône Rangers styled wines and this cool climate Syrah-Grenache blend mostly from the up and coming Bennett Valley AVA is, yet another stunner of secret finds, for spies’ eyes only.

Deep and dark as midnight in the core thanks to Syrah with a playful ruby edge. The expressive nose is drenched in cassis, boysenberry, blackberry, and fig fruit, along with graphite. A racy beam of raspberry and chocolate are pushing through sweet mocha notes on the rich palate. A big red, with a wall of structure and mouthwatering minerality on the spicy finish. Would pair “Rhônederfully” with all day slow cooked lamb shanks with a mild and sweet curry reduction sauce.

In the 80s and the 90s, Caymus Vineyards opened the eyes of wine connoisseurs to a red wine style that was infinitely complex with fine-grained tannins that combined elegance and approachability at an early age. Prior to that era, most of the famous ‘big reds’ all delivered in the brawn and depth departments while requiring years of cellar time to be truly enjoyable. The JDB project, as a Caymus spin-off, truly over-delivers. Think 2 or 3 times this secret Wine Spies deal price for the quality level you should expect in your Rhôneful glasses.