Happy Sunday!

Jean Hoefliger! is back in the house, it’s early we know, but coffee can wait, this is a wine priority…

$275, $188, $200, $165, $209… just a smattering of prices for 2019s made under the hospices of this ultra-talented consultant.

This one? Released at $110 it sits at the floor of these pricing tiers. At 55% OFF and under $50, it is worthy of fan favorite.

He also racks up huge scores like it’s nothing. 95 POINTS here and 94 POINTS there!

His magic is so in demand that he comes with his own (tech sheet!) worth a read if you want to see just how prolific his span of work is.

And then there’s this.

If you don’t remember the story of the winery from previous wines, let us remind you of the awesomeness. Chris Medlock James and Ames Morison are college best friends who left the hustle of Manhattan for the rolling hills of Sonoma. They knew what they wanted from the very beginning. Driving around Chalk Hill, their vision was realized at Bell Mountain Ranch, that charming spot where Russian River Valley meets Alexander Valley. Ames is the winemaking force here, reaching for hillside Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties that exude power without excess. To that end, they have taken organic viticulture and sustainability to a whole new level.

The press came soon after their launch when Food & Wine declared Nirvana in Sonoma! announcing that “up on Bell Mountain, Medlock Ames winery produces amazing wines in a utopian setting.”

The property is an obvious oasis, and this specific wine is crafted to show the elegance of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the subtlety of tannins that come from this special place. The Wedding Tree is a stately olive tree that served as the backdrop for the property’s first vows, more than 20 years ago.

As is Jean’s style, Power and polish are on full display here. Deep ruby-purple colored, with a youthful, perfumed nose of black fruits, exotic woods, and charred herbs. Full-bodied, it fills the corners of the palate with brilliant berries, cocoa nibs, and ripe tannins. This wine is meant to age so be sure to cellar a few bottles. It is gorgeous now too so get to know it young and watch it evolve over the years.

But get it in your lockers quickly since there is precious little left!

95 Points – Decanter

“Named for the California Live Oak tree on the Medlock Ames property in Sonoma, which served as a canopy for the winery owner’s marriage. Here is a profoundly aromatic red with inky dark fruit notes, sagebrush, sandalwood, smoked meats and enticing dark chocolate notes. Full-bodied with black cherry, creme de cassis, earth and rich, toasty oak notes tinged with dried herbs. Big, bold, and delicious and perfect alongside a rack of lamb, wood-fired burger, or mole dish.”

94 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“This cellar-worthy and powerfully concentrated red is perfumed in earthy sage and cedar. Thick tannins coat a structured layering of complex red fruit and savory spice, a mix of cigar box, cocoa nib and coffee that will develop further over time. Enjoy best from 2029–2034.”