There has never been a WIA season without a Deerfield Ranch, and there never will be. While choosing the winner amongst all the DR winners was quite the daunting task, this Wine Spies Exclusive is a truly special one and how good it drinks today is simply mindblowing.

Sonoma Private Reserve, is a private winemaking academy launched by Robert Rex. This wine is produced at Operative-favorite Deerfield Ranch Winery as a flagship wine to serve as a guide to his students.

Rex has developed a unique approach to winemaking that produces the style of wine that fans have come to know and love:’

He discusses the “Shape of Wine”, in which each varietal has a unique quality and texture. After blending, they come together to produce an experience that is greater than the sum of his parts. That is why many of Deerfield’s wines are blends, as each varietal is carefully arranged to add a different voice to the choir.

Robert Rex has taught many apprentices and students over the years, including megastars such as Michael Browne of Kosta Browne, and many have gone on to found their own wineries. The Sonoma Private Reserve was developed to offer formal training to those that may not be ready to make the jump into winemaking full time. This very special wine was produced to be an exemplar of Rex’s winemaking philosophy. Here is our take on the result:

Enter the heart of darkness and behold this formidable wine with its jet black center and blood red lip. The nose is deep, aromatic and intense with ample cherry, plum and baking spice. Powerful aromas of sandalwood and potpourri linger. Take a sip and waves redolent of black current, chestnut, creme brulee, sauteéd strawberry, and black plum crash over the palate. A true hallmark of Deerfield is a wonderfully constructed wine, this wine offers balance and structure throughout with an integrated mouthfeel that coats the entire palate. A rack of lamb, seasoned and seared, would be the perfect accomplice for this Sonoman behemoth.

This one-of-a-kind wine won’t be found anywhere else, and it is only due to Deerfield and Wine Spies’ long-running partnership (well over a decade!) that we are fortunate enough to be able to offer it to you, dear Operative. Even more amazing, today we bring it to you at an unbelievable price at over 60% off. Do NOT miss out. Production was extremely limited. Only a few barrels were made.