Lot 42 2024 Carneros Napa Valley Syrah-Grenache 750ml

Magnificent. Gorgeous. Sensuous. Complex. World-Class.

These are just a few of the superlatives that come to mind as I enjoy Lot 42 2024 Carneros Napa Valley Syrah-Grenache (66% Syrah, 34% Grenache).

Whereas Lot 16 Napa Valley is hillside Syrah on steroids, Lot 42 is the perfect combination of the essential elements of Côte Rôtie and Châteauneuf du Pape, at once meaty and peppery with a plentitude of black and blue fruits while beautifully spiced with crushed lilacs and a bright beam of cherry liqueur and raspberry. Crazy complex, sensuous, bold and beautiful, it is not only a hell of a fantastic wine, but it's deliciously approachable even now.

If you can't tell, I absolutely love it!

Rhône-lovers, TRUST ME on this one, it's is time to BACK UP THE TRUCK!

The producer is a high-end house known primarily for $75-$80/bottle estate and single-vineyard designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also offers small lots of estate grown Merlot and Syrah; however, in 2021 they grafted a portion of their Syrah over to Grenache to create a new Syrah-Grenache program. Lot 42 is simply a small portion of the bottling blend for the debut of their new estate 2024 Syrah-Grenache program. Again, this is another no-expense-spared production where the producer is just looking to right-size inventories, we are bottling the wine as-is.

I wasn't about to ask the price, but I think it's safe to assume it'll be priced alongside the Merlot and Pinots at $75-$80/bottle. In fact, I'd throw this up against any $60-$100 Châteauneuf. Like I said, this is a world-class Rhône-style red.

Any way you slice it, it's a stunning deal at $16/bottle.

Wow, Carneros knocked it out of the park in 2024. Deep purple edges but opaque core. At once meaty and boisterous, the bouquet is remarkably complex at this stage, perfectly-ripe and beautifully attenuated featuring cherry liqueur, crushed lilacs and new leather ensconced in meaty blueberry, dark chocolate and cracked black pepper. Warm and supple on entry with notes of ripe black cherry and raspberry wrapped around a robust core of silky tannins that unfurl a melange of meaty black and blue fruit underpinned with dark chocolate in a long, sensuous finish. Beautifully balanced and lush, this sexy wine really punches the umami button...I had to tear myself away from it last night!

Trust me on this one Rhône-lovers, its is indeed time to BUTT!

100% Carneros Napa Valley estate grown and produced
66% Syrah, 34% Grenache
~50% new French oak
15% alc.
~200 cases available