Holy Dionysus!

Look what happens with a great Oakville vineyard surrounded by the glitziest wineries, when in the able hands of a veteran globetrotting winemaker such as Nick Goldschmidt! Lizard Rock is his covert project concealing the identity of this otherwise $200+ per bottle source. Right in front of our eyes, is Mr. Goldschmidt’s very own “Rendition” of the ritziest reds of Oakville, Napa Valley’s epicenter for cult Cabernet.

Deep ruby with purple highlights and a narrow circumference, glowing with a navy-red hue. Big blackcurrants, licorice, chocolate, and lead pencil notes define the nose, with a youthful, ripe, sexy personality emanating. Incredible density and depth of fruit take over on the palate, with vibrant acidity, full-body, and robust, round tannins. Nuances of tobacco and graphite back a breathtaking concentration of powerful black fruits on the long, long finish. A classic Châteaubriand, which is the large center-cut filet roasted with a shallot, wine, and tarragon butter sauce, would be the ultimate decadent accompaniment.

You will recall our recent very similar feature of Meyer Family’s Fluffy Billows, this wine reminded us of that, with a tad less polish and a tad more oomph. It’s every bit as tasty and collectible at this giveaway price with over 50% off. Last week it was a Railyard Zin made my Nick, this week it’s his Oakville Rendition, that has us equally all jazzed up. These wines are solid as they get, to recap his star-studded winemaking history.

Goldschmidt is an esteemed winemaker with over 3 decades of experience all around the globe. A native New Zealander based in Healdsburg, CA, he is renowned locally and globally for his contributions to winemaking and viticulture advances. Nick was the VP and Chief Winemaker at Simi, building a strong passion for Alexander Valley. He later led winemaking for Allied Domecq and Beam Wine Estates overseeing famous brands like Buena Vista, Clos du Bois, Gary Farrell, William Hill, Mumm Napa and others, covering eight countries. In 1998 Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt established their own family winery. More than 100 of Goldschmidt’s wines have received 90 points and above from Wine Spectator, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast, and 20 of his wines have been honored in Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

93 Points – The Tasting Panel - “Dense nose; intense and concentrated with deep plum and spice; toasty and balanced with an enduring finish.”