I have a unique experience for you all to enjoy with THREE wineries joining us to talk about terroir in California. They will be pour some specially selected wines to show off the terroir of their particular regions while talking us through the nuances and soils that make their wines so unique. This should be a SPECIAL experience, that will not be duplicated!
Despite incredibly hot weather, resilient vines across the region turned an otherwise challenging growing season into a wildly successful vintage for many producers. Chateaux adapted extraordinarily well to the elements.
While not necessarily as consistent a vintage as a 2019 or 2009, many chateaux still produced wines that are on par with or better than their top vintages of the past few decades.
Perhaps most incredible is how accessible the wines all are at such an early age. Soft, super fine tannins are already seamlessly integrated into many wines, and top chateaux have the structure to age for 50+ years.
There is a sweetness and plushness to the fruit quality of the wines not often present in young Bordeaux. Tartness often dominates the palates of these Primeurs wines, but the mature flavor profiles are stunning.
As is always the case in a top vintage, the Bordeaux hype machine is indeed in full effect. Although price increases for the 2023 campaign are anticipated, there is still value to be had with many producers
Spec’s 2023 Bordeaux Futures
WINE
RATING
Per Bottle Cash PRICE
Chateau D’Aiguilhe Rouge
JS: 92/93
$19.97
Chateau Siran
JB: 95/96
$29.97
Chateau Carbonnieux Rouge
JS: 93-94
$31.97
Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc
JA: 94
$34.97
Chateau d’Armailhac
JS: 93/94
$44.97
Reserve de la Comtesse
JB: 95/96
$45.97
Chateau Talbot
JS: 94/95
$48.97
Clos du Marquis
JS: 95/96
$51.97
Chateau Brane Cantenac
JS: 95/96
$60.97
Domaine de Chevalier
JS: 97/98
$61.97
Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste
JS: 95/96
$61.97
Chateau Clerc Milon
JS: 95/96
$71.97
Chateau Leoville Barton
JS: 96/97
$74.97
Chateau Pape Clement Rouge
JS: 97/98
$74.97
Chateau Leoville Poyferre
AG: 95/97
$75.97
Chateau Beychevelle
JB: 95/96
$79.97
Alter Ego de Palmer
JS: 95/96
$79.97
Chateau Pontet Canet Paulliac
JA: 98/100
$87.97
Chateau Quintus
JS: 95/96
$89.97
Chateau Lynch Bages
JS: 97/98
$95.97
Chateau La Mondotte
JS: 97/98
$141.97
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
NM: 96/98
$144.97
Chateau Cos D’estournel
JS: 98/99
$149.97
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
JB: 97/98
$159.97
Chateau Mouton Rothschild ‘Le Petit Mouton’
JS: 95-96/100
$172.97
Chateau Leoville Las Cases
JS: 97/98
$176.97
Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion
JAL 98/100
$234.97
Chateau Palmer
JS: 97/98
$314.97
Chateau Angelus
JS: 97/98
$347.97
Chateau Haut-Brion
JS: 98/99
$404.97
Chateau Mouton Rothschild
JS: 98/99
$424.97
Chateau Cheval Blanc
WAL 98/100
$499.97
JS: James Suckling | JA: Jane Anson | NM: Neal Martin | WA: The Wine Advocate
*Pricing listed reflects a 5% discount for payment with cash, debit card or check. Spec’s does not guarantee final case sizes or delivery times. Orders not finalized with payment within 30 days of invoicing date will be subject to voiding
*All prices indicated in this offer include a 5% discount for “cash”. All orders accepted are subject to availability and confirmation. Prices are subject to change prior to payment and may subsequently be subject to an additional surcharge if state or federal tax rates are changed. All wines are offered on a first-come, first-served basis but some wines are available only in extremely limited quantities and Spec’s reserves the right to limit quantities. If for any reason, a wine does not come in from our suppliers or is shipped short, Spec’s may refund the original purchase price of the wine only with no further obligation. Any orders that have not been picked up after 90 days of notification and remain on site will be considered forfeit and resold without reimbursement.
JAMES BARLOW
Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer
I’ve been working with Spec’s for over 15 years and have had the pleasure to watch the company expand. During this time, I’ve become a Certified Wine Educator, Certified Specialist of Spirits, and Certified Sommelier and have had the extreme pleasure of becoming one of 200 Bourgogne Wines Ambassadors in the world.
I recently took over buying of Spec’s Bordeaux wines. I spent the last two weeks in Bordeaux tasting through the 2023 vintage. I must say that these wines are SPEC-tacular and at a very reasonable price! You should jump on this vintage as it is a ‘Classic’ vintage without the crazy prices! Here are the latest Futures offerings. If you’d like to receive up to date emails to purchase these wines, please email me at jamesbarlow@specsonline.com and I’ll add you to the Spec’s Bordeaux Special Email List!
BORDEAUX 2023 FUTURES OFFERS OF THE DAY
CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD
CLASSIFIED 1ST GROWTH IN PAUILLAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
BOTTLE:$424.97
JAMES SUCKLING 98/99 –– “This is the most structured Mouton since the great 2016, with tannins that start slowly and then take off. It’s muscular and toned. It’s full-bodied but doesn’t come across too heavy. It builds up in intensity and goes on and on and on. It just keeps expanding. I took a double take here. 93% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot.”
NEAL MARTIN 96/98 –– “The 2023 Mouton Rothschild was picked from September 7 to 30 and contains 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, the second highest ever (after the 2010). Matured entirely in new oak as usual, this has an intense, floral bouquet with violet petals infusing the black fruit and touches of licorice loitering just off stage—very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with extremely refined tannins. Focused and harmonious, it’s velvety smooth with a long and tender finish that has more crispness than the 2022. In fact, I might ultimately end up preferring this over the 2022…it will be interesting finding out in the future!”
ANTONIO GALLONI 96/99 –– “The 2023 Mouton Rothschild is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintages on the Left Bank. Its balance of intense, super-concentrated fruit and equally imposing structure is spellbinding. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, pencil shavings and dried herbs gain intensity in the glass. I especially admire its vertical build and overall energy. This is an exciting young Mouton endowed with palpable dynamic energy. It’s a superb effort from the team led by Technical Director Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy.”
BARLOW SCORE 96/97 — Dark ruby core with rich, ripe red and black fruit. Intensely situated notes of black cherry and currant are sinewed together with fine, brawny tannins. The mid palate pops with violets, framboise, and whiffs of exotic spice. The finish is long and beautifully balanced with hints of vanilla bean, cedar, and crushed rocks.
CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD ‘LE PETIT MOUTON’
2ND WINE OF MOUTON ROTHSCHILD
PAUILLAC, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $172.97
95-96/100
Jamessuckling.com This is a tighter and more compact Petit Mouton with a full-bodied, compact palate that is framed nicely by the tannins. Savory and juicy. Structured. Contained. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Better than 2022? – James Suckling
93-95/100
Vinous The 2023 Le Petit-Mouton is fabulous. It could easy be a Grand Vin at another address. Rich, ample and beautifully resonant in the glass, the 2023 impresses with its notable palate presence. Dark red cherry, pomegranate, cinnamon, rose petal and new leather are some of the many notes that build. The 2023 is seriously impressive. Wow! – Antonio Galloni
BARLOW SCORE 94/95 – Dark ruby core with ripe, crunchy fruit and florals on the nose. Palate offers raspberry cream on a rich, silky palate. Notes of violets, crème fraiche play on the outer mid mouthfeel. The finish is enveloping with hints of exotic spice and dark mocha. Long, pure, and beautifully balanced. Well Done!
CHATEAU CLERC MILON
CLASSIFIED 5TH GROWTH IN PAUILLAC
BORDEAUX, FRANC
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $71.97
JAMES SUCKLING 95/96 –– “This has a great finish, with blackcurrant, chocolate, hazelnut and salt undertones that run the length of the wine. Full-bodied and dense, and then it lifts off at the end. Chalky undertone, coming from the limestone terroir here. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot, 6.5% cabernet franc, 1.5% carmenere and 1% petit verdot.”
THE WINE ADVOCATE 92/94 –– “Revealing aromas of red berries, cherries and blackcurrants mingled with hints of pencil shavings and new oak, the 2023 Clerc Milon is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit, sweet velvety tannins and a seamless, succulent profile. It’s a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc and the balance Carmenère and Petit Verdot.”
BARLOW SCORE 93-94 — Dark ruby core with an abundance of red florals on the nose. The palate shows red and black fruit composing of dark cherry and black currant with fine, precise tannins. The finish is long and balanced with notes of vanilla, exotic spice and dark chocolate.
CHATEAU D’ARMAILHAC
CLASSIFIED 5TH GROWTH OF PAUILLAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $44.97
JAMES SUCKLING 93/94 –– “There’s a powdery and open texture to this red. Full-bodied and layered with a pretty and weightless texture. Blackcurrants and blueberries and an orange-peel undertone. Velvety texture at the end. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.”
THE WINE ADVOCATE 92/93 –– “The 2023 d’Armailhac is an attractive effort, bursting with aromas of cherries, raspberries, licorice and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with a pretty core of fruit, sweet powdery tannins and lively acids, it’s a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot—which is a rather high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon for this address.”
BARLOW SCORE 92/93 – Dark ruby core of blackberry and currant with hints of mushroom earth, pencil shavings, and graphite. The wine is dark & brooding with plenty of red florals on the finish.
CH TALBOT
CLASSIFIED 4TH GROWTH IN SAINT JULIEN
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $48.97
JAMES SUCKLING 94/95 –– “A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.”
ANTONIO GALLONI 93/95 –– “The 2023 Talbot is another strong wine for this re-emerging estate. Powerful, deep and impressively resonant, the 2023 is striking. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, lavender and dried herbs build over time. There’s terrific depth and intensity here, with fine balance to match. This is a superb showing from Talbotand the team led by Estate Director Jean-Michel Laporte.”
THE WINE ADVOCATE 92/94 –– “Offering up aromas of dark berries, baking chocolate, plums, espresso roast and crushed mint, the 2023 Talbot is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a rich but lively core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Harvested over the course of fully four weeks, it’s a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot that attained 13% alcohol.”
BARLOW SCORE 92-93 – A medium ruby core with fine, dry tannins. Ripe plum and red currant notes in a firm and structured core. Tinges of cranberry, red florals, and herbs show on a long finish.
CH SENEJAC
HAUT MEDOC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE
BOTTLE: $15.97
NEAL MARTIN 90/92 –– “[…] This may end up at the top of my banded score.”
THE WINE ADVOCATE 89/91 –– “A blend based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Sénéjac exhibits notes of dark berries, red cherries and pipe tobacco, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and fleshy palate that’s bright, supple and charming. It’s a strong effort.”
BARLOW SCORE 89-90 – Medium ruby core with medium intensity. Red currant with a touch of smokey salinity on the palate. Zesty black pepper, tobacco, and tea leaves show on the finish.
CHATEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD
CLASSIFIED 1ST GROWTH IN PAUILLAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
BOTTLE: $512.97
JANE ANSON INSIDE BORDEAUX: 98-100
This hits you right off the first nose, driven by slate and crushed rocks, setting the tone and the architecture, guiding the fruit through the palate. Cassis, bilberry, tobacco leaf, graphite, crushed mint, finessed and sculpted, this is a gorgeous Lafite, with fine tannins and the squid ink character that seems to be present in all of this stable of wines except Moulin de Duhart. Hidden power, where nothing is too much and yet everything is concentrated, once again proving that the terroir at this particular spot has its own personality that stands out every year. High Cabernet as ever, combined with around 15% press wine. Not the concentration of 2022, but in many ways showcasing the essence of Lafite more squarely, and this will delight anyone lucky enough to own it in future years. 45hl/h yield, highest since 2015, harvest September 7 to 29. 100% new oak. New cellar underway, due for completion in 2027. I am giving it 10 years to begin entering its opening window, a little less than usual but it will make no difference to how long you can cellar it.
WILLIAM KELLEY WINE ADVOCATE: 97-99
The finest of the first growths this year appears to be the 2023 Lafite Rothschild, a terrific effort that unwinds in the glass with deep and incipiently complex aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, lilac and violets mingled with hints of cigar wrapper and mint. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s vibrant and refined, with a deep core of fruit, plenty of sweet structuring tannin and a compelling marriage between energy and plenitude. It’s a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot that reminds me of 2019’s tannins combined with 2016’s unimpeachable classicism.
JAMES SUCKLING: 97-98
15 Apr, 2024 – The purity of cabernet sauvignon is so evident here. It mesmerizes you with aromas of black and red currants, cedar, tobacco and bark. It’s full-bodied yet there’s very impressive weightlessness and agility, as well as subtlety and focus. Some iron and terra-cotta. Cedar and sandalwood undertones. Juicy and plummy at the end.
BARLOW SCORE: 97-99
Medium ruby core with lavendar and violets on the nose. Wild flowers galore on the palate with crunchy dark fruit and a creamy core of crème de cassis. Notes of black tea, leather, and cedar show on a long, seamless finish. The wine is stunningly accessible now with a weightless energy, but will age well for many years.
CARRUADES DE LAFITE
SECOND WINE OF CHATEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD
PAUILLIAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
BOTTLE: $189.97
JAMES SUCKLING: 95-96
15 Apr, 2024 – A savory and juicy Carruades with softness and notes of ripe berry, cedar and dried tobacco. Like Lafite from the 1980s but more precise. Round and pretty. It really grows on the finish with such sweetness of fruit and length. Pointed, fine tannins at the end. Very long.
JANE ANSON INSIDE BORDEAUX: 94
Medium intensity ruby, fairly austere right now, structured, with the same mint leaf and ink quality as Lafite. The sweet brambled black fruits only come in through the mid palate, this is well paced, unrolls slowly, a serious and concentrated Carruades that has its eye on the future. 12% pres wine, harvest September 7 to 29, unusually only using Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.
BARLOW SCORE: 95-97
Silky Smooth palate. Rich and velvety flavors of dark currant, violets, with smidgeons of red crunchy fruit. Plush and elegant throughout showing tobacco, graham cracker, cedar, and lavendar on a long, pure finish.
CHATEAU DUHART-MILON
CLASSIFIED 4TH GROWTH IN MARGAUX
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
BOTTLE: $72.97
JAMES SUCKLING: 94-95
22 Apr, 2024 – So much pure graphite and lead pencil here, together with blackcurrant and iodine aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with creamy and velvety tannins that are very polished. Cedar and some tobacco box. Deep and layered. Al-dente tannins. Precise.
NEAL MARTIN: 93-95
The 2023 Duhart-Milon was picked September 7 to October 3 and contains 15% pressed wine, matured in 50% new oak. It has a much more backward bouquet than the Moulin, displaying well-defined yet tightly coiled graphite-infused black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins that belie the backbone of this Pauillac. That graphite element is accentuated in the mouth and controls the classic finish that could only come from this appellation. This is excellent, but patience is required.
BARLOW SCORE: 95-96
Quite possibly the best Duhart I’ve ever tasted. Dark ruby core of creamy bright red and black fruit. Fine, elegant tannins with good balance showing violets and red florals. Neon pure fruit. Long, finessed finish!
CHATEAU L’EVANGILE 2023
POMEROL
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES PRICE:
BOTTLES: $195.97
JAMES SUCKLING 96/97
We personally found the wine gorgeous this year, probably the best they have produced so far. It also shows the commitment and dedication they put to that property, with a strong dedicated team. Intense and explosive in term of taste, the wine is balanced with pristine seamless tannins and length. A great great Pomerol that has the elegance, refinement and sexiness of what you can expect from grand Pomerols !
BARLOW SCORE 95-96: A spectacular L’Evangile! Ripe blackberry and cherry sits on a melodic palate. A big wine with notes of tea leaf, tobacco, and fleshy dark fruit with fine, pure tannins and tinges of dusted oak on the long finish. This wine will age exceedingly well, but is ready to drink upon release!
CHATEAU PONTET CANET
PAULLIAC
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE:
Bottle: $87.97
JANE ANSON 98/100 ––
THE WINE ADVOCATE 96/98 –– “With the 2023 vintage, this estate has crafted a wine of unprecedented aromatic intensity and precision that marks a significant evolution. Revealing an elegant, fresh bouquet of mulberries and cassis mingled with notions of violets, gentian and menthol, the 2023 Pontet-Canet is medium to full-bodied, seamless and multidimensional, with a pure and precise core of fruitthat’s framed by ultra-refined tannins and a powerful but controlled profile, concluding with long, mineral, licorice-inflected finish. It’s the result of more daring harvest decisions than in previous years: By picking the Merlot earlier to highlight fresh, fruity notes rather than baked, sun-kissed flavors and simultaneously delaying the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest until after September 28 to refine tannins, the 2023 Pontet-Canet marks a significant evolution at this renowned estate. At this early stage, its élevage appears to be more discreet, too. This wine, which I’d be delighted to own, is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, matured in 50% new oak barrels, 35% amphorae and 15% once-used barrels.”
JAMES SUCKLING 97/98 –– “A very structured Pontet-Canet that expands in the mouth with a gorgeous combination of beautifully ripe fruit and intense tannins. Very structured for the vintage. Full-bodied with excellent presence and length. So much raw pencil shavings to the blackcurrants. Graphite and tar. Fresh and vivid. They picked cabernet at the right time at the end of September. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.”
WINE INDEPENDANT 97/99
BARLOW SCORE 96-97 – Rich, ripe and dense palate. Crunchy neon dark fruit of blackberry and currant with loads of violets, leather, and crushed rocks. Plush core with fine, balanced tannins. Drinking well now!
CHATEAU LEOVILLE LAS CASES 2023
ST. JULIEN
BORDEAUX, France
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE :
Bottle : $176.97
JAMES SUCKLING 97/98 –– “Exceptional quality of cabernet comes through here, with a lot of graphite, lead pencil, crushed stone, walnut and currant fruit. It grows and expands on the palate, remaining in focus at the same time. Refined and seamless with beautiful tannins that show power and intensity. It rolls across the palate with verve. 86% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 4% merlot.”
JANE ANSON 98 ––
NEAL MARTIN 95/97 –– “The 2023 Léoville Las-Cases was picked from September 9 to October 2 at 43hL/ha and matured in 80% new oak barrels. This has a very precise bouquet, and, like the Clos du Marquis, it is imbued with an attractive estuarine element—aromatics that transport the imbiber to the banks of the Gironde. The oak is neatly integrated; 80% is much more optimal than 100% would have been. The palate is lightly spiced on the entry, moderately deep and quite lively on the mid-palate. This is a more linear Las-Cases than recent vintages, conveying a sense of “seriousness” toward the almost saturnine finish. Impressive in terms of persistence, this is a worthy follow-up to the magnificent 2022, but it will demand patience.”
BARLOW SCORE 95/96 – Opaque color with plenty of extraction. Dark fruits on the palate of blackberry and black raspberry with hints of pencil shavings and dark chocolate. Polished, plush fine tannins with a long finish.
CLOS DU MARQUIS
SAINT JULIEN
BORDEAUX, France
750ML
FUTURES CASH PRICE: $51.97
JAMES SUCKLING 95/96 –– “This offers beautiful blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity that adds tension and freshness to the mid-palate. It’s full of life and vibrancy, very fine and polished, and with nicely integrated tannins. Long finish. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 9% cabernet franc. What will be better between 2022 and 2023?”
JANE ANSON 94 ––
BARLOW SCORE 94/95 – Dark ruby core with dark fruit on the nose. Well structured fine tannins show with black cherry and blackberry. Rich and lively with plenty of freshness. The finish is long and offers hints of truffles, graphite, and red florals.
*Pricing listed reflects a 5% discount for payment with cash, debit card or check. Spec’s does not guarantee final case sizes or delivery times. Orders not finalized with payment within 30 days of invoicing date will be subject to voiding*
*All prices indicated in this offer include a 5% discount for “cash”. All orders accepted are subject to availability and confirmation. Prices are subject to change prior to payment and may subsequently be subject to an additional surcharge if state or federal tax rates are changed. All wines are offered on a first-come, first-served basis but some wines are available only in extremely limited quantities and Spec’s reserves the right to limit quantities. If for any reason, a wine does not come in from our suppliers or is shipped short, Spec’s may refund the original purchase price of the wine only with no further obligation. Any orders that have not been picked up after 90 days of notification and remain on site will be considered forfeit and resold without reimbursement.*
I am pleased to announce that I will have 3rd generation vintner of Silver Oak Winery, Matt Duncan, in town on Wednesday, May 8th from 6:30-8:00PM to host a tasting for us! This will be a rare treat as it is not often we have a family member of one of the premier wineries in all of Napa to walk us through the winery’s wines. I have really become a fan of this winery of the years because of their standards of excellence and ardent necessity to farm in a more earth friendly environment. This will be quite a special evening where he will show off the wines of Silver Oak and their sister property Twomey…and maybe open a special bottle to boot. This tasting will be limited to 50 people, so please RSVP quickly! SEE YOU THERE! Small bites will be available at the event.
I can’t believe we are already into March! I’ve been finding some Spec-tacular wines for you all to get into your baskets this Spring! I’ve been extremely fortunate to guide you all and now all of Spec’s stores with excellent wines that you will be proud to enjoy in your homes. Cheers and Enjoy!
Sullivan Estate ‘Coeur De Vigne’ Red Blend 2020
Rutherford, California
Cash Price $79.79 but a $20 Spec’s Key for a limited time
Only $59.79
Sullivan winery has become one of our Premier Rutherford AVA wineries. This wine is a 68% Merlot/27% Cabernet Sauvignon/3% Cab Franc/2% Petit Verdot blend that received 96 Points from Wine Enthusiast. It is a limited release wine that I was able to get a startlingly great deal on! Usually this wine sells for $80+ but I was able to procure a deal that I’m going to pass on to you for savings and will be able to sell for ONLY $59.97! The wine is Merlot driven but has plenty of structure that gives the wine a Cabernet-esque feel with a soft round opulence that only Merlot can give. Succulent flavors of black currant and plum flow into medium intensity with a silky plush core of dark fruit that sits beautifully on the palate. Coeur De Vigne shows the classic minerality of Rutherford dust with a hint of old world feel while delivering deliciously ripe fruit throughout the mouthfeel. Get this GEM while you can!!!BARLOW SCORE: 96 POINTS
Woodward Canyon is one of the original wineries that help put Walla Walla Valley on the the map in Washington State. They completely ‘WOW’ed me when I tried them at the ‘TASTE WASHINGTON STATE’ wine convention this past year. I tasted 300-400 different wines while I was there and this winery really stood out in the crowd, so we are now proudly offering them at Spec’s! This wine offfers an excellent bouquet of violets and dark fruit on the nose. Robust flavors of dark currant and black cherry sing on the palate with medium plus intensity. Dusty tannins show throughout the palate, but integrate beautifully into a harmonic balance of fruit and structure. The mid palate shows a creamy core with hints of dark framboise, leather, and exotic clove. The finish is long and seductive with notes of toasted oak, creme brulee, and just a hint of smoked tea leaf. Stunning! BARLOW SCORE: 95 POINTS
Smith Madrone Dry Riesling 2018
Spring Mountain, California
Cash Price $34.99
I recently joined Stu Smith of Smith Madrone Winery at the Houston Rodeo Livestock Wine Auction where his Lot of Reserve Grand Champion Riesling went for an ASTONISHING Record $220K to Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson! THIS IS THAT WINE! This award shows that deliciously DRY Riesling can find a home in Texas. Their Riesling is the best produced in the United States (in my humble opinion). The grapes come from the steep hillsides of Spring Mountain. This classic 100% Riesling is produced from the same vineyards, in the same way every year, yet the wines continually offer new characteristics every vintage. This Riesling has a light straw core with light legs. The nose offers wet rocks, white flowers, cream and whiffs of petrol. The palate has medium intensity with flavors of Granny Smith apples, orange blossoms, and Bosc pear that jump into medium plus acidity and tinges of grapefruit and honeysuckle. The finish is balanced and lip smacking with touches of lime custard, minerals, and petrol. A classically beautiful Riesling. WOW! BARLOW SCORE: 95 POINTS
Devil’s Candy Red Blend2018
California
Cash Price $29.99
This wine has been scorching hot in our portfolio. The blend is primarily Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon with a smidge of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbono sourced mainly from Oakville and Calistoga. The wine is nearly opaque in the glass. Rich, hedonistic flavors of blueberry and bramble pound into the palate with medium intensity. Neon purple fruit round into the mid palate with hints of exotic spice. The finish is thick and rich with plenty of blackberry and touches of cedar and vanilla. BARLOW SCORE: 90 POINTS
DNA Pinot Noir 2021
Russian River Valley, California
Cash Price $24.99
I recently hosted Andrea (Owner of DNA Vineyards) and was able to taste through her entire dynamic portfolio. I am always on the hunt for terroir driven Russian River Pinot Noir that shows wonderful fruit while staying true to the varietal and soil. This wine exudes this thought process from start to finish. DNA Pinot Noir offers a rich bouquet of raspberry, cocoa, and forest floor with aromatic complexity increasing with time in the glass. Silky textured with a core of red and black fruits balanced with fresh acidity. Fine tannins sinew into the palate to a offer a long, savory finish. BARLOW SCORE: 91 POINTS
Trione River Ranch Road Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Russian River Valley, California
Cash Price $26.99
Trione is a winery that I found by happenstance while I was driving through Alexander Valley with my Spec’s Crew a couple of years ago. We all tried through the portfolio and were duly impressed with what was in the glass. I particularly was impressed with their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Lo and Behold, we are now partnering with this winery and are proudly carrying their wines. This boutique Blanc hails from the Russian River Valley all from their estate vineyard River Road Ranch. The wine is delicously sumptuous, offering flavors of apricot, spiced pears, and grapefruit that flow into the palate with medium intensity. The wine is aged on neutral French oak for four months which gives Trione notes of lemon pie that lead into a nice creamy textured profile and a clean, zesty finish. This wine has a definitive Bordeaux Blanc-esque feel to it. WOW!!BARLOW SCORE: 93 POINTS
Altruria Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Alexander Valley, California
Cash Price $26.99
Altruria has proven to be quite the addition to our portfolio has it’s sales have skyrocketed from the beginning! The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley. The 2021 vintage was gorgeous for Alexander Valley and the ensuing wine really shows it. This small production Cabernet was aged for 18 months in new and used French oak. Ripe flavors of dark cherries, cassis, and blackberry pop into the palate with medium plus intensity. Notes of soft cocoa, smoked game, and violets sink through the mid palate. The finish is long and enticing with whiffs of black tea, tobacco and cedar. BARLOW SCORE: 91 POINTS
Single Lot #01 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Alexander Valley, California
Cash Price $15.99
Single Lot is a new release for us and is considered the ‘BABY’ Block Estate Vineyard wines. The Block Estate wines have been a tremendous hit for Spec’s for well over a decade. We are now offering This LIMITED RELEASE Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley that is an ABSOLUTE STEAL! It darn near impossible to find quality single appellated Cabernet Sauvignon at this price right now, but we’ve done it and knocked this gem out of the park! Single Lot offers a robust bouquet of dark fruit and floral tones. Thick and richly textured flavors of blackberry, currant, and hints of blueberry pop into medium intensity. The mid palate softens into a lush core offering more dark fruits. The finish is long and enticing with notes of toasted oak, vanilla bean and a velvety cream finish! GET THIS WHILE IT LASTS! BARLOW SCORE: 92 POINTS
Kiona Old Vine Chardonnay 2022
Columbia Valley, Washington State
Cash Price $19.94
Kiona Winery has been on fire since I brought them into the portfolio last year! They are the original winery on the famed Red Mountain AVA in Washington State. They are family owned and 3rd generation farmers. Although this wine is labeled Columbia Valley, it is 100% Estate Red Mountain fruit from the oldest plantings in the AVA. The wine is beautifully textured and offers delicious flavors of pineapple, melon, and lemon meringue with medium intensity. The mid palate is plush, offering ripe tree fruits that meld into a soft creamy core. The finish is soft and enticing with hints of hazelnuts, toasted oak, and wet stones. There is a real sense of place to this wine. Yummy! BARLOW SCORE: 92 POINTS
This value Merlot based Bordeaux blend has been a ‘go-to’ in my home for many years. It has shown consistent quality for under $15 year in and year out. The 2020 vintage was absolutely stellar in Bordeaux, so you can get amazing value throughout. Dark flavors of black cherry and currant flow easily into the palate with tinges of red fruit dancing through medium intensity. Fresh and buoyant notes of black pomegranate meld with nice tannin structure. The finish offers tobacco leaf, cigar box, and just a touch of graphite. BARLOW SCORE: 90 POINTS
Barnard Griffin ‘Rob’s Blend’ Red 2021
Columbia Valley, Washington State
Cash Price $14.99
Our Pacific Northwest portfolio has been on fire the last two years and this winery is one of the main reasons for the resurgence in Washington State wine sales at Spec’s. This is one of the original winery’s in Washington State. Rob Griffin started in Washington State in 1977. He and his wife, Deborah Barnard, started the iconic winery in 1983. The winery is still family owned and run with their daughter, Megan Hughes at the helm as head winemaker. The wines are still value based and really over deliver for the price! Barnard Griffin Rob’s Red is a Cabernet Sauvignon based red blend that is harvested from 6 unique vineyards and aged for 16 months in oak. Ripe flavors of racy cherry and red currant pop into the palate with medium intensity. The core of the wine is quite juicy with plenty of fresh red fruit on the palate with nice acidity and tannins. The finish shows a medley of toasted oak, vanilla, and exotic spices which sits on a palate for a beautifully long time. BARLOW SCORE: 90 POINTS
Shannon Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Lake County, California
Cash Price $14.99
Sauvignon Blanc is on FIRE! Many consumers are now experimenting with this delicious variety over Chardonnay due to its easy accessibility and crushable nature. Lake County is making some of the best priced Sauvignon Blancs in the entire United States. This Sauvignon Blanc is jam packed full of citrus fruits. Perky and fresh flavors of lemongrass and gooseberry tingle into medium intensity and tickles of exotic fruits. The mid palate is mouth watering with tangerine and orange blossom flowing into a crispy finish of papaya and grass. Delightfully refreshing. BARLOW SCORE: 90 POINTS
Nine Canyon Pinot Gris 2022
Columbia Valley, Washington State
Cash Price $9.99
I’ve been on the hunt for a GREAT VALUE Pinot Gris from the Pacific Northwest and I have absolutely found it! This Delicious Pinot Gris usually sells for $20, but we were able to get a SPECtacular deal! The wine is single vineyard from the famous McNary Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in Washington State. The nose offers a medley of meadow and white flowers that exude a playfully vibrant tone. Succulent flavors of pear, lemon, and honeysuckle pop into the palate with medium intensity and lip smacking acidity. Notes of zesty grapefruit apricot zing palate that finishes into what feels like bursts of sunshine! BARLOW SCORE: 90 POINTS
I am pleased to announce my first winery installment of the year! Blue Rock Vineyard in Alexander Valley has become one of Spec’s premier wineries! Owner, Kenny Kahn has graciously decided to come host an event for us on Thursday, March 7th from 6:30-8:00PM at Vault and Vino in Houston. His wines are still reasonably priced and really over deliver for the price point. So, join me to see this Alexander Valley icon’s passion for wine!
Blue Rock ‘Baby Blue’ Cabernet Based Red Blend 2021
Blue Rock ‘Baby Blue’ Pinot Noir 2020
Blue Rock Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Blue Rock BEST BARRELS Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
BLUE ROCK VINEYARDS STORY:
Blue Rock is a historic winery nestled in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Rooted in the rich legacy of the 1880s, the winery, vineyard, and gardens were originally established by Italian immigrants. Initially named Villa Maria, the winery faced the challenges of Prohibition and, unfortunately, did not endure. In the late 1980s, despite attempts by other families to cultivate the land, the property fell into foreclosure.
In 1987, Kenny and Cheryl Kahn breathed new life into the dilapidated estate, captivated by the allure of its hillside location in Alexander Valley. Over the past three decades, the couple has dedicated themselves to the meticulous task of replanting vineyards, restoring the original winery, and crafting state-of-the-art winemaking and production facilities. The Winery, guesthouse, and gardens have undergone a transformation to meet the highest luxury standards, reflecting a singular vision of establishing a worldclass wine estate in the European tradition.
The name “Blue Rock” finds its origin in the soil adorned with blue pebbles, rocks, and boulders of serpentine. This unique geological feature significantly influences the flavor and aromatic profile of the wines produced from the vineyard. Encompassing 100 acres, the certified sustainable vineyard hosts the five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec. In 1993, an additional two acres were dedicated to Syrah, planted on an extreme hillside. Blue Rock takes pride in being Family-owned, Family-farmed, and Certified Sustainable.
A new vineyard site was purchased in 2015 in the Petaluma Gap AVA. With gorgeous black volcanic soils and shouldered between two mountain ranges, the Gap receives fog and cold air from the Pacific Ocean in the morning followed by a temperature spike in the afternoon for only a few hours, which then gives way to cold night temperatures. As a result, the grapes take a long time to ripen, but this extra hang time on the vine also leads to complex wines with great aromatics and detailed flavors. It’s also the perfect climate for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Blue Rock’s commitment to quality is reflected in its hands-on approach to vineyard work and harvest, which are meticulously carried out by a dedicated team. The team maintains a year-round relationship with the vines, ensuring the highest quality in every bottle. All winemaking activities and production occur onsite, overseen by, Aaron Piotter, whose 30+ years of expertise shine through in every glass of Blue Rock wine
I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday season this year! Tonight is the last celebration of the year, so you might as well end it with some spectacular bubbles! Here are some great selections to pop tonight to ring in the New Year perfectly!
Louis de Sacy Grand Cru Champagne N/V
Champagne, France
Cash Price $44.99
Alain Sacy is a 12th generation grape grower and 4th generation wine maker. In other words….Its in his blood. He grew up in the vineyards forgoing school to focus his attention on his true love, grapes. His son and daughter have decided to become the 13th generation and the legacy of this boutique Champagne house continues. Alain is a minimalist in producing his sparkling wine, allowing the grapes to speak from his Grand Cru vineyards in the quaint town of Verzy. Grand Cru vineyards are considered the finest in all Champagne. It is rare to find Grand Cru at such an affordable price! Pure, zesty flavors of citrus lemon lay on the edgy backbone of deliciously refreshing acidity. He adds minimal dosage (6 grams) and allows fruits of bright red cherry and rose petals to flow seamlessly through the palate. The finish offers hints of brioche and wild flowers with an undertone of wet rock minerality. Yum! Barlow Score: 94 Points
JN Haton Reserve Champagne N/V
Champagne, France
Cash Price $39.89
We’ve found an amazing value Champagne in a time when bubbles can be tough to come by! This sparkler is 30% Chardonny/30% Pinot Noir/35% Pinot Meunier with an average age of 50 years for the vines. The grapes are hand harvested and aged for a minimum 3 years on the lees. Haton is delicately delicious with flavors of white peach, citrus and orange blossoms. Whiffs of yeasty complexity, hazelnuts, and exotic spice tingle throughout the palate with tantalizing efficiency. The finish is long and crisp with that lip smacking smile sure to cross your face. Barlow Score: 93 Points
Etesian Blanc de Noirs Brut Sparkling Rose NV
Sonoma, California
Cash Price $18.99
Etesian is an excellent sparkling wine for us from an extremely reputable winery (It’s a secret!) that we’ve been able to procure at a great price point. Coming from a bubble head, I’ll tell you that these sparklers are absolutely delicious! This sparkler comes from Carneros on the Sonoma side. The wine is 58% Pinot Noir/42% Chardonnay produced Method Champenoise (Champagne!) and aged on the lees for 2 years before release. Flavors of white cherry and citrus flow into tight, clean bubbles. The mid palate shows notes of lemon and orange peel that sink into tingles of raspberry cream. The finish is light and refreshing with whiffs of lemon meringue and chocolate truffles. Barlow Score: 91 Points
The Wine Epicure by James Barlow 