Mission Codename High horse
“The inaugural release of Red Mare sold out in just two months.” – Napa Valley Vintners
Saddle up, Operatives! We have a staggering deal today. Red Mare Wines’ flagship! An eye-popping $110 OFF! Only 120 cases made, and $168 at the winery - where it’s SOLD OUT, btw.
We have just a fraction of that to share today. GO BIG OR GO HOME!
Meet your new favorite ultra-boutique Cabernet. This has all the right stuff. Made by a superbly talented winemaker and a glance at the chatter around this wine reads like a fever dream:
“Like drinking a $2,000 bottle from Bordeaux.”
“Incredible! An absolute must for special occasions.”
“Unbelievable and should be priced at 400 a bottle.”
“Worth every penny.”
Mind you that last one was from someone who found it at Total Wine for $134. Hope that poor fella is on this list! No matter - because you ARE, and what little there is will FLY.
Winemaker Anne Vawter has a life path that seems like destiny. The daughter of a dairy farmer in Washington, she learned to tend land early. Her father introduced her to Leonetti, L’Ecole NO. 41 and other great wines when she was young.
And then after graduating from UC Davis, she cut her teeth under the guidance of THE Heidi Barrett at Oakville’s Paradigm and also helped/helps make Oakville Ranch, Teaderman, Hoopes Family and other highly regarded boutique projects in Napa. Her time in the industry led to deep connections with some absolute prime vineyards - Gamble Family, Dutton Ranch, and Volker Eisele to name a few.
While working at Paradigm one of her bonuses included a horse (ahem, Agent Cru take note please) - which she aptly named “Paradigm.” The horse was, you guessed it - a red mare.
Naturally, Alpha Mare is the “leader of the herd” - the flagship of her entire production. It is, in a word…EPIC. The Cabernet comes from Rutherford and Petite from the Stagecoach block. It gets the star treatment - fermented in mostly new, small 225 L oak barrels for slower, cooler fermentation. Gently extracted, with a lush mouth-filling texture and broad tannic structure. Native yeasts and a bit of co-fermentation with Petite Sirah add strength and character to the finished product. Dark and staining, with spiced plums, blackberries, and baker’s chocolate. Opulent but refined, towering yet elegant. A finish that carries into tomorrow.
And most importantly - a STUNNING PRICE while we have it here. Hardly enough to send an offer, so if you’re still reading this - GIDDYUP and get some!
92 Points – The Wine Independent
“A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petite Sirah, the 2017 Red Mare Wines Alpha Mare is deep garnet-purple in color. It storms out with powerful notes of blackcurrant pastilles, plum preserves, and cigar box, plus suggestions of crushed rocks and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a chewy texture supporting the elegant, earthy flavors, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. Drink 2023-2033.”
What the Winery Says
2017 'Alpha Mare' Napa Valley Cabernet Blend
- Winemaker
- Anne Vawter
- Varietals
- 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah
- Vintage
- 2017
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Appellations
- Atlas Peak, Rutherford, Calistoga
- Vineyards
- 46% Stagecoach, 42% Alsace Vineyard, 12% Swickard Vineyard
- Total Acidity
- 5.8 g/L
- pH
- 3.71
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 72% new French oak