On occasion, we’ll offer a wine with a narrative so enthralling that it seems like just about everybody wants to try it… Likewise, those are the wines that disappear the fastest, which is exactly what happened when we wrote about J. Gregory’s 2014 Extol Blend.  As luck would have it, we uncovered some of their 2013, so multiply that compelling story by an extra year of bottle development.  What’s the story? J Gregory’s is made by Mark Jessup who was on the original winemaking team at OPUS ONE from 1979 through 1987, and his flagship “Extol” Proprietary Red is his version of OPUS ONE.  The 2013 has a magnetic bouquet that pulls you in and on the palate, the wine is incredibly layered and powerful, yet supple and balanced.  At the winery price of $115, believe me, it’s an incredible bargain (Join our Insiders Club for special offers).  I recommend going big, because this one is going to fly.

 

The 2013 is built around a solid core of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and dressed with Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Merlot.  The flavors are profoundly stunning, pure and supple.  Like the 2014, the wine has a regal presence on the palate that’s impossible to miss. The 2013 spent 22 months developing in French oak and it envelopes your taste buds in perfectly ripened wild berries, dried herbs, bakers chocolate and pipe tobacco.  You might need someone to pinch you to make sure you’re not dreaming of a time when OPUS ONE was around the same price.

 

Retails at:  $115/btl

 

 

Tasting Notes: “You just know from the moment this wine kisses your lips… it’s really something special. This brilliant expression has an exquisite nose of wild crushed ripe blackberries, alluring red currants, dried herbs and smoke. Impressively structured with a beautifully supple approach, the rich, viscous, velvety texture perfectly frames the opulent layers of bing cherry, brooding mountain berries and cassis.  Then comes a breath of sweet pipe tobacco, green herbs and sweet vanilla oak. The supple fruit tannins perfectly balance a mesmerizing flow of precisely orchestrated fruits, then ending with a long, elegant, mouth watering finish.” 97 Points