Frisson Proprietary Red Toucher Vineyard Yountville Napa Valley 2018

Frisson continues to impress, and if you’ve tasted them before, you know they have some truly exceptional stuff! But THIS…95 points AND 60% off for single-vineyard fruit (mostly Napa cab, with dashes of merlot and petit verdot) – this shoots straight to the top of our deals ‘n’ steals list. You MUST get some if you’re a fan of seductive, woodsy, delectably fruity red blends that bowl you over with sheer deliciousness. (Uhhh, who isn’t?!)

The glowing 95-point review had me wishing I hadn’t already drained the glass I poured: “We were mesmerized by its woodsy perfume of sage and sandalwood. A flash of dark plum and fig brings in a plush mouthfeel, with black-peppered boysenberry leading the charge.” Facts only, people! Mesmerized is the perfect way to describe the impact this cabernet-dominant blend imparts – that, and lusting for one more glass. It over-delivers in every way, promising notes of wild blackberry, plum jam, sweet and outdoorsy cedar and sandalwood, toasted spices, and rich mocha, all balanced thoroughly. The blend’s made of 73% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, and 7% petit verdot, aged for 18 months in 40% new French oak, to create a supple and mouth-coating blend with layers of fruit, earth, and oak intermingling beautifully. This is a wine that can easily outshine many a Napa competitor, but for a price so low it almost doesn’t make sense for the caliber here!

Winemaker Paul Colantuoni cut his teeth at some worthy production facilities, including Neyers (under Ehren Jordan of Turley and Failla), Brancaia in Italy, and Rocca in Napa Valley. Unsurprisingly, he knocked the socks off this 2018 vintage – an absolutely stunning wine that has caught the praise of critics…and us! This is a wine you’ll be ecstatic you got in on – that is, while we still have it!