You must have played Monopoly and experienced how good it feels to draw a Chance card with all kinds of perks on it when you need them the most? Well, that’s how this classy Pinot Noir feels with a 60% OFF the original price that was at $60 before a change of ownership, and us negotiating an unreal deal for loyal Operatives, bringing it down to around 20 bucks! So here it is, your “Get Out Of The Pinot Rut Free” card should The Heartbreak Grape (a great book by the way) ever tire you out. Napa Carneros RESERVE Pinot for about 20 bucks, will move as if in the fast lane, so grab some while it lasts.

Gorgeous, cherry-lipstick red, dripping with appeal as it fades to a broad crimson circumference. An open-knit, sexy, opulent yet elegant nose with ripe berries, currants, and cedar from new oak. Supple and forward in style with cherry, red apple skin and strawberry fruit, spice, and forest floor. Medium body and a vibrant, lively, pure and with a long finale that will evolve gracefully in a cellar. Meant for dried or freshly picked exotic mushrooms, so think of a fillet of fish, a cut of your favorite meat or a simple risotto elevated by the fungi, perfectly in time for the upcoming chanterelle season.

Chateau Lane has become a Wine Spies Operative favorite in recent years. Their wines are among our most popular because they deliver incredible value for your money. This wine was made by our good friend, winemaker extraordinaire Rudy Zuidema. We’ve been showcasing Rudy’s wonderful wines since we met him in 2007. His brilliant winemaking resume reads like a who’s who of the luxury wine world, including Cuvaison, Honig, Patz & Hall, Robert Craig, Ehlers Estate, White Cottage Ranch, and Chateau Lane’s new owners - Shadybrook Estate.