ARBALEST

BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2015

I know we’ve already designated a prior offer as value of the year – but that was before we tasted the 2015 Arbalest and caught wind of the price point. If you could find the perfect marriage between Bordeaux elegance and California opulence, this is it. A collaborative effort between rockstar winemaker Benoit Touquette and highly acclaimed importer/distributor Kimberly Jones, today’s right bank Bordeaux is produced in a luscious, concentrated California style that combines the best of both worlds – for a price point you won’t believe. Hands down, the best $25 bottle that drinks well above its price point, this is certainly an accomplishment from renowned winemaker Benoit Touquette.

Rising superstar Benoit Touquette is unquestionably one of Napa Valley’s winemakers to know. If you are not familiar with him, you probably are already familiar with his repertoire of wines including the highly acclaimed Realm Cellars and Hartwell as well as his work alongside Andy Erickson at Screaming Eagle, Arietta and Ovid. Responsible for numerous wines that will go down in history as some of Napa’s greatest ever produced, including eight 100-pointers at Realm Cellars, Touquette has a resume that is simply jaw-dropping, making any one of his projects a must-have.

The journey to his rockstar status is fascinating. Unlike other icons of wine, Touquette was not born into a family of wine, but rather grew up in Lyon with dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. When this didn’t pan out, he tried his hand at numerous careers, including auto repair and banking. Uninspired, he made the fortuitous move to Bordeaux to attend graduate school where he was introduced to the wonderful world of wine. Working at numerous chateaux, including La Louviere and Couhins-Lurton, he eventually ventured to California where he was introduced to Andy Erickson of Screaming Eagle by his friend and mentor, renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland. The rest is history.

With his success in Napa, Touquette returns to Bordeaux for one of his newest exciting projects, Arbalest. Sourcing fruit from the right bank, 2015 Arbalest is lush, juicy and full bodied with an abundance of rich dark fruit and layers of incense, spice and forest floor. Featuring a blend of 81% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine is aged for 16 months in tank followed by time in barrel using 30% new oak. Coming from the remarkable 2015 vintage – this is hands down one of the best buys in Bordeaux. Regularly priced at $25 a bottle, we’re here today to offer a smoking deal at more than 30% off by the case. Don't miss this chance to stock up while you can!