Breaking the Mold

As I mentioned in last week’s offer, this marks the beginning of a three-part series featuring highly distinctive wines that are absolute must-haves for your collection. How often have you encountered a retailer claiming, “today’s offer is truly one of a kind!”? I wager it’s a phrase you’ve heard enough to instantly raise skepticism. However, I’ve truly earned the right to use it this time, thanks to today’s producer, as one of the wines in this offer stands as the only one of its kind. But let’s not overlook the other two wines included, as they’re equally deserving of attention and affection. In essence, today’s offer promises an exhilarating journey, with wines that will exceed your expectations in every possible way.

What started off with just a single wine has now morphed into a kaleidoscope of an exciting and exotic lineup for winemaker Travis Allen. Kobayashi Winery has shaken up the Washington wine scene and has become a name that few want to share outside of the tiniest circles of friends. Why wouldn’t people want to share this gem of a winery? It’s easy – the wines are staggeringly good and incredibly fairly priced! However, he’s doing it with varietals that aren’t what most would expect. He’s largely focused on Rhone varieties as well as Cabernet Franc, but his level of execution is simply wild. Furthermore, his experimentation goes to a level that no one else has even tried.

I was introduced to Travis’ wines through a friend, and I was left speechless. I was drinking these next to other wines that were as much as four times the price, and I just kept going back for more. Then I got treated to the extended barrel age Syrah, and I was hooked. I thought I was tasting the next great Cote Rotie producer. The next day he kindly introduced me to Travis, and he hooked me up with a mixed case of my own for home. I immediately opened the first bottle, the 2021 Syrah you see below, and my mind immediately raced to the Northern Rhone again. I said, “This reminds me of Gonon.” That’s hyperbole I do not take lightly, but frankly, I couldn’t find a way to argue myself out of saying it! A few days later I opened a 2021 Viognier (hopefully we can offer the 2022 later this year!), and my mind went right to Condrieu. I was trying to remember the last time I had a Viognier with so much acidity and freshness! Certainly, I had never had an American-made one that was this good. Last, a 2021 Cabernet Franc, offered below, is a magnificent example of how great the grape can become in the right hands. This felt like a crucial component to a top Bordeaux, like Angelus or Figeac.

I saved the best for last, which is a tiny selection of the Cabernet Franc that is aged in Mizunara Japanese oak casks. For the scotch lover, you will immediately recognize this name as they are among the most expensive casks in the world (over $6000 each!). Travis sought these out with good reason, as they will impart subtle, earthbound flavors into the wines, creating a more exotic nose and flavor profile. What you get is a headrush of complexity, and you need to really be seated when trying this. This wine was actually reviewed by Eric Guido of Vinous who shared a similar sentiment to mine, saying “the word exotic doesn’t seem to do this justice,” later saying in his final review that this “needs to be experienced to be believed.” I would say that “experienced” is absolutely the right term to use here because this wine has no other equal and is a thrill a second.

Please note that quantities are extremely limited. We also encourage all of you to sign up for Kobayashi’s mailing list, as we can’t say for sure how many years we will be able to offer these wines to our customers.