| So Free Rangers, Ya know that scene in Swingers where a few of the struggling actors are discussing what it’s like going to fruitless auditions and having to explain themselves to people back home? And how they don’t tell their relatives when they’re up for a part anymore, because invariably they don’t get the gig, but then continue to get asked about it. “Boy, does it hurt when they ask.” Well, that’s what I get for telling everybody my plans for the future of the shop, while at least 63% of all gods in the known universe chortle in my general direction. Our grand reopening seems farther off now than it did in February. What month is this, man? … Wait, Swingers came out in 1996? Granted I’ll open at least half a dozen bottles of wine tonight that are older than that, but holy hell, 27 years ago…. So this crazy Somm guy- deep into a storied career– auctioned off his insane wine collection and used the millions to buy a piece of land adjacent to a famed Oregon vineyard, which he felt also had the potential to become a truly great source of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. His estate fruit came around as quickly as young vines can, the juice was clearly special stuff, and the bottled product really turned the corner to world-class Pinot and Chard by the notable 2018 vintage. 2019 was a charmed vintage for much of Willamette Valley’s vinifera, some truly classic wines were produced throughout the state, and Larry Stone’s Lingua Franca bottled their finest work to date. The fires of 2020 and pandemic put a profound strain on the fledgeling winery, and Stone sold the operation to booze behemoth, Constellation Brands Inc. Stone and his winemaking team are staying on for now, and I’m sure they all have many fine vintages ahead of them, but their magnificent bottles of 2018 and 2019 were produced at peak performance under the inertia of original intent, before the outside world bore upon them its unforgiving machinations. It is from such fleeting moments that great art often springs. Have a taste and tell me I’m wrong. Every one of the ’16 to ’19 Lingua Franca Pinot and Chard are drinking beautifully today, and all have great aging potential, especially the deep and ponderous Mimi’s Mind Pinot Noir. Click on the bottles in the link below to see full notes for each wine. All in-stock Lingua Franca wine is 10% off, or 20% off 6+ bottles! (!) CLICK HERE for Lingua Franca Sale page (!) As always these sales are ONLINE ONLY! And our Biggest Ever Whiskey Sale rolls on, now in its final week! A few new items have been added, and a number of the biggest of dogs and rarest of breed have been re-loaded. Just to be clear, currently available at the lowest price(s) of the year include: Pappy 10, 12, 15; Yamazaki 12 & 18; Blanton’s, Weller 12, Hudson Four Part Harmony 7, Sazerac Rye, Jameson 18, Eagle Rare 10, Widow Jane 13, Nikka Pure Malt 17, McKenna 10, WhistlePig 15, Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23, Pendleton 20, Hibiki Harmony & 17; Yellow Spot, Elmer T Lee, Mortlach 15, Taconic Mizunara, Hakushu 12, Stagg Jr, and insane piles more! For those out of town, buy now at sale price and we’ll hold your purchases until you make it back to town. But if you skip this sale, I don’t want to hear about whiskey prices for the rest of the year! Buy now, no cry later. As always these sales are ONLINE ONLY! (!) CLICK HERE for WHISKEY Sale page (!) *** Online exclusive! *** *** This week only! *** Cheers, Jack Proprietor Free Range Wine & Spirits P.S. Free Range E-mail Archive |
