Mission Codename Prince Coal
Whoa. What a rollercoaster ride that Buccella vertical has been…
But they are as of this moment ALL SOLD OUT - sorry but nothing good lasts forever.
What we DO have is ANOTHER ‘second’ Cab by ANOTHER top winemaker, that BABY KING COAL, how ‘bout more?
“They have one of the most stacked lineups out there… they are at the top of the pyramid, flat out incredible wines that I wish every reader could taste. As I’ve said in the past, these wines are the real deal!” - Jeb Dunnuck
Charles Smith cranks out killer wines with such consistency it’s like vinous fiber runs through his veins.
Has there EVER been a Charles Smith or K Vintners that did not score in the 90s? Critics and consumers love them, and they routinely hit bigger than the competition, and the value of his “Cs” wines is unmatched!
Case in point, this wine. It delivers a strong 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck.
NOT TO BE CONFUSED with the entry-level Substance series that’s widely available for far less. This is the single vineyard “Collection” reserve bottling with a golden capsule and gold on the label, rarely seen in the wild. And we have it at the lowest price you’ll find anywhere on planet earth. Also, fun fact - the fruit is sourced from the same hillside block as his flagship King Coal (remember that one?!) which runs $100+.
This is Washington Cabernet in all its glory. Not over-extracted and ultra-oaked. Not choked with black fruit. Instead, charged with MEGAWATTS of red fruit, which we LOVE. Red currant, red cherry, red plums, even a touch of wild strawberry. Take your pick! Tobacco leaf, graphite, and some snickerdoodle-like (or maybe toffee?) baking spices round things out. 71% new French oak wraps it up in some sweet, toasty oak. It’s medium-bodied with a feminine touch and simply delightful to drink and we think it will age wonderfully for another decade or so.
No doubt Charles Smith has the magic touch. This is proof.
If you can, secure your share - you’ll be happy you did.
94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Moving to the Cabernet Sauvignon single vineyards, the 2017 Stoneridge Vineyard comes from the same block as the King Coal and was brought up in 71% new barrels. It has a classic Cabernet bouquet of lead pencil, cedarwood, cassis, and hints of tobacco. More medium-bodied, silky, and elegant on the palate, it has wonderful balance and should evolve gracefully for 15+ years or more. Drink 2020-2036.”
What the Winery Says
2017 Substance 'Cs' Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemakers
- Charles Smith & Brennon Leighton
- Varietal
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage
- 2017
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Appellation
- Royal Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
- Vineyard
- Stoneridge Vineyard
- Yields
- 2.3 tons per acre
- Total acidity
- 5.4 g/L
- pH
- 3.96
- Whole clusters
- 100%
- Skin contact
- 51 days
- Aging
- 22 months on lees
- Barrels
- 71% new French oak