Saturday Search Party: Rare Finds, Rising Stars and Regional Surprises
From Carneros to Collio, these limited-production bottles prove that greatness often hides off the beaten path.
Saturday is the perfect day to head to a wine shop and get lost as you walk the aisles. Maybe it’s a long stroll as you check out what’s new on the shelves. For me, it’s about turning into a section of the store you’ve yet to explore.
After all, it’s Saturday. Hopefully, there’s no work on your agenda, and you can take your time discovering the deep cuts of your wine shop. Like an album from your favorite band, there are the hits everyone knows. But a true fan listens to track No. 8 on repeat, getting excited when it’s played live.
Wine can be the same way. Every Saturday, the One Minute Wine Guy does the discovery for you. I’ll sample the deep cuts—your only job is to head to your wine store and get lost for a little while.
Bouchaine Carneros Riesling 2022 ($45):Only 280 cases were produced of this bone-dry beauty. It’s a pretty wine with rising aromatics and a compelling mix of mineral and fruit flavors. Honeysuckle, wet rock, and ground ginger dominate the palate, while the nose shows pronounced spice and lemon rind. Known more for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this Carneros producer doesn’t make much Riesling or Gewürztraminer—but what they do make is worth seeking out.
C.L. Butaud Texan High Plains Albariño ($28): Throw this Texas wine into a blind tasting with Albariños from northwest Spain and it’ll fit right in. A stunner with flavors of rock salt, papaya, green melon, underripe pear, and pineapple. It finishes with a cheek-puckering lime and salt note that demands another sip.
Early Mountain Quaker Run Chardonnay 2023 ($45): The time has come to take Virginia wine seriously—this bottle is ready to join the ranks of California, Washington, and Oregon. This dynamic Chardonnay starts with stone fruit before turning tropical. It’s lean and racy with nutty hints on the finish. Distinct and deeply enjoyable.
Gary Farrell Russian River Valley “Honoring a Legend” Pinot Noir 2022 ($90)
A Pinot on the Search Party List? That’s right—only two barrels of this collectible masterpiece were made. The best wine I’ve tasted from the Russian River Valley in years. Winemaker Brent McKoy masterfully harnesses the power of the appellation to create a graceful, elegant, full-flavored wine. Think craft cherry soda, silky mouthfeel, and flavors of cherry cola, cranberry, and ripe red fruit. A full feature story on the winery and this wine is in the works—it’s definitely one to hunt down.
Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc 2022 ($32): This Italian Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of thyme, sage, and iodine. On the palate, black cherry mingles with bell pepper and loamy earth. Medium-bodied and food-friendly, it’s a refined, Old World take on the varietal.