Hey Free Rangers,
How are you all doing?
When the pandemic set in, and these e-mails started to become whatever they are now, I set out to offer thoughts from daily street level life, mostly for the benefit of those who had/have the luxury/burden of staying home most of the time. The observations on the greater machinations of our collective ill-functioning system(s) were as much for me as for you. Given the immediate and overwhelmingly positive response- not something to which I am accustomed- I began to feel a real responsibility to keep it going. Further regular encouragement rolled in, and so it/we went. Not so slowly, I realized that these notes were as much for my own mental well-being as for anybody else’s. This really is the closest thing to therapy in which I engage these days (besides occasionally bowling). Thanks for that.
It’s no secret that two years into the Now Times, I’m not always handling things so well. So, huge apologies to whoever I blew by at the bottom of the stairs at the first night of Yo La Tengo’s Hannukah run last week. Between my eyesight, the masks, and my semi-expected level of acute angst being in a sold-out standing room venue, I have absolutely no idea who that was, though you clearly know me, and meant well when you put a hand on my shoulder. If it makes you feel any better, I have spent 7 of every 10 minutes since feeling crappy about leaving a rare someone happy to see me out in the wild feeling weird. I owe you a drink. Maybe a couple. Sorry, I was never properly socialized.
I know parties still aren’t the things that they used to be, but even at a small gathering, have you ever noticed someone walk in with a magnum of wine? If you had, you would. Aside from being 2 bottles in one by volume, the juice that fills magnums is very often the best of that harvest. They also age a bit slower, and many hardcore collectors seek them out almost exclusively. While a standard (750ml) bottle of wine yields 4-5 glasses, a magnum gives you 8-10 glasses, which is enough to go around the table at most dinner gatherings. So this week’s e-mail/online only sale is on a handful of our food friendliest magnums. If you are out of town and want to take advantage of the sale, we’re happy to hold your purchase in our cellar until you’re next in the neighborhood.
Catch the tail end of the season with Chateau Maris Rosé de Nymphe Emue 2020 1.5L, a lovely light and fresh Biodynamic rosé that was only released in magnums. sale: $29 retail: $39
P. Pecina Crianza Rioja Reserva 2010 1.5L is one of our all-time favorite reasonably priced Rioja(s); medium bodied, medium rich, from a banner vintage, goes with almost any fare. sale: $55 retail: $69
How ‘bout some big bold Napa Cab, at a ridiculous discount? Chappellet Mountain Cuvee 2018 1.5 L sale: $49 retail: $75
Cristom was way ahead of the curve in organics and susatianable farming practices for Oregon Pinot Noir, and they remain a benchmark of the region. Check out their Cristom Mt Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2018 1.5L
sale: $75 retail: $89
We’ve long been vocal proponents of CA’s most sincere ode to Champagne, aka Schrampagne: Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2018 1.5L
sale: $75 retail: $95
We recently picked up a lovely lush red from Priorat, one of Spain’s most sought after and least understood regions. Another delicious next level goes with everything red: Familia Torres Salmos Priorat 2015 1.5L
sale: $79 retail: $99
From our old friend Charles Smith (who nobody wants to hang out with), comes a masterpiece of a full bodied WA red with lovely mineral undertones: K Vinters River Rock 2015 1.5L sale: $109 retail: $135
How ‘bout some classic red Burgundy from a great small producer (extremely rare in this format)? Chezeaux Nuits St Georges Charbonnieres VV 2018 1.5L
sale: $129 retail: $159
One of the first producers I began collecting in earnest was Ken Wright, whose OR Pinot Noir age very well (in fact require 10+ years in bottle in my opinion) this Ken Wright Pinot Noir Carter 2006 1.5L is drinking beautifully, still showing the deep fruit for which this vineyard site is known.
sale: $155 retail: $179
Ken Wright Pinot Noir Savoya 2006 1.5L is currently showing a bit lighter, prettier, and earthier than it’s more fruit forward big brother above. These two show how distinctly different vineyards display their fruit under identical winemaking techniques. sale: $155 retail: $179
Domaine Serene has been consistently turning out somme fo the most elegant and long lived Pinot Noir in Oregon since the early ‘90s. This Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Jersalem Hill 2006 1.5L is from a lovely low-lying hillside in the Eola-Amity AVA. sale: $169 retail: $199
(!) Click here for the hidden sale page (!)
*** This week only, as supplies last! ***
*** No other discounts apply! ***
Happy Hunting,
Jack
Proprietor
Free Range Wine & Spirits
P.S. Free Range E-mail Archive
