Found a stash of 19’s and 20’s in a store the other day where they clearly aren’t popular–as everywhere else is well into the new flowery screen-print label of the 21. Checking the blog, it seems I’ve never written about either vintage! Oops. Slight chill, down around 50-55, and this one comes off rather ripe and dense, although bottle typicity runs rampant. Violent blue-purple, the nose expressing definite gear-lube, dirty worn leather and crushed dark herb. Beneath all lies a fat layer of black cherry composure.

Tasting it provides yet anothe HOLY WOW moment in my Wildflower Valdigue experience. The cherry is sweet and robust, edged in sharp stony ire and chalky presence. The herbaceousness on this one doesn’t run into Gamay or Cab-Franc territory as is often the case: here is just pure California composure in a sunny, delicious medium. The middle backs off into Old World nuances, lending a hint of barnyard compost and cellar floor over the tight acid and a little smokiness. Finish dries out well–going a bit harshly steely–but still the charming blush of cheery sunshine and Cherry Cola glows through. I love trotting these sleepers out and watching #winebro’s face twist up into all kinds of judgement and it’s OK, because they’re missing out on one of the most beautiful $10 wines on the planet.

2020 L. LOHR ‘Wildflower’ Valdiguie Arroyo Seco Montery Co. 13.0

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