Take the “Bull By the Horns!”

Barrel 27 Bull By The Horns Syrah Blend 2005

Our team just rated this impressive new red wine best buy rated “Outstanding 93” points, particularly amazing for a wine that retails for only $29. Inspired by the magnificent red wine blends of Spain, this unique wine provides a deliciously luscious experience guaranteed to thrill with grilled meats or even burgers on a Tuesday night budget. Winemaker McPrice Meyers has already gained praise from the Wine Spectator naming him “Worth Watching” by editor James Laube. Anyone who is tired of the same Cabernet blends should take a walk on the “wild” side and sample this wine asap!

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Caymus Cabernet Next Door Neighbor in NAPA

We love this new discovery from the ultimate ’boutique’ vineyard (only 7 acres) just next door to Caymus. This wine is named after “Bacchus,” the Roman god of wine and intoxication, equated with the Greek Dionysus. The Bacchanalia, orgies in honor of Dionysus, were introduced in Rome around 200 BCE. These infamous celebrations, notorious for their ‘exotic’ (and criminal) character, got so out of hand that they were forbidden by the Roman Senate in 186 BCE.

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The “Boutique Rombauer” Chardonnay

One of our very favorite annual events is Hal and Fiona Barnett’s harvest party at their spectacular home and boutique winery at the pinnacle of Spring Mountain in Napa. For an “insiders” peak at this party and the opportunity to meet Barnett winemaker David Tate click here to view our video blog. One highlight this year was sampling the new release of Barnettt’s “Sangiacomo” Vineyard Chardonnay! In 2007, Wine Spectator magazine awarded the Barnett Chardonnay ‘Sangiacomo’ an “Outstanding 93” point rating, putting this wine in the same company as collector favorites such as Peter Michael and Kistler that cost more than triple the price. We’ve been recommending Barnett Chardonnay for many years as the “boutique” version of Rombauer Chardonnay because both are sourced from the exact same “Sangiacomo” vineyard but Barnett’s production is less than 1/10 the production of their more famous Napa counterparts. Below, see full tasting notes from Barnett’s winemaker David Tate, former assistant winemaker at Ridge vineyards whose 2005 Chardonnay was ranked #3 in the World by Wine Spectator magazine.

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ALERT: Silver Oak’s “Boutique” Neighbor!

Blue Rock’s vineyards sits high in the Alexander Valley in ‘Cabernet Heaven’ directly adjacent to Silver Oak Cellars‘ Estate vineyard. However, Blue Rock is still a truly undiscovered “boutique” winery producing a fraction of the amount of wine as their world famous neighbor and selling primarily to their own private mailing list (for about $20 less)! We just sampled this “sensational” new release (see 93 point rating below) and proclaim it a guaranteed winner for any big Cabernet lover. Plus, since Blue Rock is totally under-the-radar it is still available for 1/2 price of many of their famous neighbors and comparable quality Napa Cabernet. Proprietor Kenny Kahn is a very entertaining fellow and clearly hitting his stride producing some of the finest micro-production Cabernet in California currently. Kahn and winemaker Nick Goldschmidt also produce very, very tiny lots of his “Best Barrel” program Cabernet. This is the closest thing you’ll ever find to a Silver Oak “Reserve” bottling because the totally production is only 70 cases!

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#1 Exotic MALBEC

Our #1 most exotic new international discovery is Tritono Malbec 2004 if you can find it. Note: less than 50 cases of this wine were originally available in America today (that’s 1 per state!) Sourced from Argentina, home of the finest Malbec in the world today, this wine delivers the bold experience we love from Napa Cabernet combined with the luscious ripe fruit unique to Malbec. Trust us, we’ve never sampled a more exciting red wine experience for less than $40. Plus, due to the Argentine Peso’s exchange rate (one currency where US dollar is still strong!) an equal quality collector wine would command an $80+ price tag had it been made in Napa.

THE WINE INSIDERS “OUTSTANDING 93″ RATING: Intense perfumed notes of lavender oil and violets mingle with notes of spice and dark fruit. Lusciuos deep flavors of plum, dried black cherries and currant provide a base for soft, lilting spice seasonings. Softened by 18 months in bottle, this wine is drinking beautifully now and will continue to improve for five to seven years.

93 points TheWineInsiders.com

Currently this wine is available for $39 (Click Here)