Lot 585 | 2023 North Coast Red Blend 750ml

***BOTTLING EARLY MARCH, SHIPPING SHORTLY AFTER*** Last year, a stalwart multigenerational family estate with some of the most celebrated vineyards in wine country quietly explored a sale, and they also began discreetly offering their prized library lots to select buyers. We seized the opportunity when their outstanding 2019 red blend was made available – that batch sold out to this list in under a day! Given how fast it disappeared, we asked, “Is there any more of that?” There was not, but recently they started putting out feelers for their 2023 – we sprang into action just as quickly to secure it for you. As mentioned before, opportunities like this rarely present themselves – renowned family estates seldom change ownership, but when they do, cellar gems tend to suddenly find themselves needing a new home. And boy, is this one a gem. Lot 585 features a Cabernet Sauvignon core masterfully blended with classic Bordelaise varietals and a touch of Zinfandel. Crafted from grapes planted in some of the finest hillside and valley sites, it’s a simply wonderful showcase of the terrific 2023 growing season. NDA terms require us to keep mum about exact varietals and percentages (and we had to declassify the label to North Coast for extra brand security), but we were happy to do it to lock in an amazing price. At $50+/bottle under its source label, a red blend of this caliber at such an aggressive price is basically unheard of, but that’s why you’re on this list, right? Our price: $19/bottle! 2023 kicked off with a stormy winter, with cool temperatures persisting through spring. Summer was mild with minimal heat waves, allowing fruit to ripen gradually. A consistently cool early fall led to one of the later harvests in recent memory, and the extra hang time produced grapes both phenolically mature yet bursting with freshness. Each varietal for this blend was fermented separately and remained so for the initial period of barrel aging. Following blending, the wine was again barreled down, where it has evolved into a stunningly complete red wine. Medium ruby on the pour, the nose dances out of the glass with a core of chocolate, dried herbs, cherry, and cassis berry haloed by menthol, plum, and crushed florals. On entry, a beam of acidity slices through red fruit and new leather, backed by medium barrel spice and small, velvety tannins. The finish begins with high-toned spice and earth, revealing cherry compote before shifting to broad welcoming waves of vanilla. Still full of youthful energy, this wine promises even more depth and integration with some more bottle age, but if you can’t wait, don’t forget to decant! 14.3% alc