With a name like Coup de Foudre  (pronounced koo dah foo drah) meaning the moment when lightning strikes, or when something unforgettable occurs that you want to capture forever, my expectations were set high…  They were made even higher by knowing who’s behind the project… Coup de Foudre is owned by John Schwarts whom you might recognize from Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, Vin Perdu and PharaohMoans.  John has an eye for exceptional talent, working with the likes of Heidi Barrett, et.al.  The 2016 Cuvee shattered my absolutely stratospheric expectations, starting with a unique double label design where you can peel the top layer off to keep, leaving one more below it, to a riveting bouquet and dense, polished core that’s stunningly balanced, poised and polished.  At $75 this wine has everything that I look for in an Ultra Premium Napa Valley Blend.

 

The wine was pristinely constructed by talented winemaker Kent Jarman who perfected his craft at Kenefick Ranch Winery and Duckhorn Vineyards in the early 2000’s.  This distinctive Bordeaux styled blend is built around a core of top-quality Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot.  The 2016 has already earned 94 Points from Vinous and with 450 cases produced, this one most certainly won’t be available for long.

 

 

 

From Vinous: “The 2016 Merlot Cuvee 37.2 is just as good from bottle as it was from barrel. Deeply layered and yet also super-polished, the 2016 has much to recommend it. A rush of dark cherry, plum, leather, smoke, licorice, grilled herb and earthy notes abound in this beautifully resonant and expressive Merlot-based blend. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 has terrific freshness.”  94 Points

RAPP RANCH  CUTTERS RESERVE  2015 PROPRIETARY RED   Your Price: $69.99/btl Click to Order Tasting Notes: “This Napa Valley red blend is uniquely driven by 45% Petit Verdot.  Blueberry , licorice, and rose petal entice the nose with secondary aromas of rhubarb, mint and graphite.  Medium bodied on the palate, a burst of mixed berries, anise, and kirsch kiss the tongue.  Balanced, firm tannins lead to a bright, long, lingering finish.“

VIN PERDU PROPRIETARY RED 2016 NAPA VALLEY   Your Price: $75/btl  Click to Order   Arising from Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, La Sirena and Fantesca vineyards, the 2016 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.  As one of Napa Valley’s most talented winemakers, some of Heidi’s past and present clients includes Amuse Bouche, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur and Barbour.