Latest Cult Wine Release...

At least, if you're not into $800 NapaVlly Cabs, this can be considered a cult wine by some of us.
Just got the (snail) mail (now...how quaint is that??), the latest Organaleptics #92, with Steve's latest offer.
As you might expect, it's not yet up on his WebSite (either the Newsletter #92 or the order click-bait). So if you want to order, use e-mail: info@EdmundsStJohn.com.

Heart of Gold 2015 $22
Bone-Jolly GamayNoir 2015 $23
Rocks&Gravel 2015 $29
NorthCanyonRoad Syrah 2013 $33

The HoG is always a no-brainer.....terrific white at a great price. It'll age, too. Like most cult wines, you need to move fast. These wines will receive scores in the upper-70's to low-80's from the Monktown WA and are sure to sell out fast.

This is his last vintage of R&G from UntiVnyd, they no longer have the xtra fruit to sell. So, with this release, all his fruit is now being sourced from ElDoradoCnty. The really/really good news is that Steve'll be getting Tempranillo/Grenache/Graciano/Mourvedre from...TaDa...AnnKraemer's ShakeRidgeVnyd down near SutterCreek, one of the most special of vnyds in AmadorCnty. I'm jazzed...Steve, too.
Tom

[David M. Bueker]

Already in for a case of R&G!

Looking forward to seeing what Steve will do with Shake Ridge fruit. It will be interesting to compare with wines from Hardy Wallace and John Lockwood, who also source fruit from there.

These wines will receive scores in the upper-70's to low-80's from the Monktown WA and are sure to sell out fast.... .

These wines will receive scores in the upper-70's to low-80's from the Monktown WA and are sure to sell out fast.... .

A serious point lies in the reverse of that. When pondering an internet order I find that I am instinctively turned off by WA scores in the 90s, which web sellers never fail to quote, and seek confirmation elsewhere about a wine's style before venturing to purchase.

BTW HoG is the common abbreviation for a real Parker approved cult trophy, namely Hill of Grace from Henshke in South Australia. A quick scan on Wine Seacher shows a price range from €320 upwards.

How I long to taste an ESJ wine but I fear that may be never unless I can make it again to the USA.

Yes, I was happy to get my copy in the mail and will get in touch soon for the order. But was intrigued to notice that Fenaughty syrah is now being blended with a new vineyard. Any backstory on that Steve?

[David M. Bueker]

It's Barsotti. Same vineyard that produces some of Steve's Gamay grapes.

It's Barsotti. Same vineyard that produces some of Steve's Gamay grapes.

But any particular details for the switch? I thought the 100% Fenaughty syrah was pretty good. (Although I suppose the only real answer is that Steve thought a blend would be better!)

Rahsaan; What I liked about the wine I labelled as Wylie-Fenaughty was the way in which Wylie played some of the notes Fenaughty didn't. Same is true with the North Canyon Road. Barsotti is granite, and there's a firmness there that Fenaughty never has, and a little more muscle to go with the prettiness of the Fenaughty. Or so it seems to me.

Rahsaan; What I liked about the wine I labelled as Wylie-Fenaughty was the way in which Wylie played some of the notes Fenaughty didn't. Same is true with the North Canyon Road. Barsotti is granite, and there's a firmness there that Fenaughty never has, and a little more muscle to go with the prettiness of the Fenaughty. Or so it seems to me.

Thanks for the info. Makes sense to me! (Look forward to tasting it)