Best Barrels
is our limited production, flagship wine. True to the name, it just
what it sounds like: Best Barrels is made only when we find
something that is both different and better.
The first Best
Barrels was discovered by accident. Each year, prior to bottling,
winemakers Nick Goldschmidt and Kenny Kahn taste every barrel in
order to rank them. In 2003 we stumbled across one barrel that was
so outstanding that we decided to bottle all of 24 cases. It was
the 2003 Estate Malbec from vines that were planted in 1987.
The 2009 Best
Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon
from the oldest vines planted in 1987 and 15% Petit Verdot. We were
not surprised to make this discovery as the Cabernet barrels were
deep and rich and loaded with special complexity from the
beginning. The Petit Verdot, from young vines, shocked us with its
uncommon richness and wonderful aromatic expression.
One could
argue that the 2009 Best Barrels is accessible at present due to
its lush, silky tannins. However, it longs for a few years of
bottle age that will allow for the greatness to fully emerge.
Blue Rock Best Barrels from
Blue Rock Vineyard on
Vimeo.
