Mission Codename Los Bordolivos
Sometimes picking an offer is just SO obvious.
Like this one.
And then we wonder why we did it, once the deliciousness wears off…
Well, tp start we cut the release price in HALF. But that alone is not enough. There’s also the MASTER winemaker’s touch here… ever heard of Brewer-Clifton? With Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate having rated more than 40 of their wines in the 95-99 range?
No bells ring? How about some quotes from Parker himself. “The talented Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton have admirably exploited the extraordinary potential that exists in selected micro-climates in Santa Barbara county. In a few short years, this young, energetic twosome have astonished this critic with the breadth and complexity of their wines.”
Yeah, this brilliant Bordeaux blend was made by THAT Steve Clifton. You can tell by the…
Brilliant ruby core, radiating to a fiery crimson rim. A mélange of berries red and black, spices, expensive leather, cured meats, dried herbs, and a touch of plum compote define the nose. A juicy burst of lively acidity springs from within. Fine-grained, dusty cocoa powder tannins coat the palate. A long finish, streaked with minerals and pencil lead carries out a freshly cooked raspberry jam theme, smothered over a toasty baguette. Take that same baguette, fill it with your favorite cheeses and charcuterie, mayo, mustard, and all, grab this to head out to a picnic on a sunny afternoon.
Back in 2015 Antonio Galloni’s Vinous looking into a crystal ball wrote “it will be interesting to see what Baehner and Clifton do next at this high-elevation property planted with Bordeaux varieties”. The irony is they stopped reviewing these under the radar gems. And soon thereafter, the winery closed its doors. What remained was this small stash of their last vintage, did not hesitate to hoard all we could for ya.
What also remains are a few but highly favorable CellarTracker impressions on older vintages including this one that pretty much sums it all up well: “Absolutely delicious and luscious. Plenty of dark depth.”
Lucky us, for landing this, lucky you for being the savvy Operative you are, stealing it at 15 bucks.
Here now, predictably gone in hours…
What the Winery Says
2017 'V3' Los Olivos District Cabernet Blend
- Winemaker
- Steve Clifton
- Varietals
- 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot
- Vintage
- 2017
- Appellation
- Los Olivos District, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Aging
- 12 months
Barrels: 20% new French oak
- Production
- 7 barrels