Picayune Cellars Padlock 2015 | Seriously over-delivers on price!

Picayune Cellars Padlock 2015 is deep ruby-purple in color. Inviting aromas of black plum, black cherry, and mocha.  While on the palate the silky-smooth tannins surround a supple core of fleshy and ripe black fruit, subtle cedar, and baking spice.  And seriously over-delivers on price. Drink now through 2023. Crafted by Jennifer Roberts and Claire Weinkauf.

Red Wine Gems Under $35

The deep Napa gem boasts blackcurrant and graphite and is perfect for a night cooking at home.  We recommend charcoal-grilled Steaks or London Broil with some roasted Brussel sprouts.  Most of all, when paired with Picayune Cellars Padlock 2015, and you’ll think you paid Michelin-star prices.

 A Michelin Star Restaurant Favorite

The First Commandment of running a wine program is this: Thou shalt not run out of any by-the-glass wines. This is why, when 3-Michelin-starred The French Laundry in Napa laid claim to the previous vintage of Picayune Padlock Proprietary Red Blend.  While the remainder of the 85-case production of Padlock disappeared from the radar.

Fortunately, the grip of Thomas Keller’s culinary temple loosened a bit.  And our longstanding friendship with Jennifer and Claire did the rest when we offered those last cases to our clients.

When the Picayune Cellars Padlock 2015 was set to be released, we got the call, ahead of the sommelier at The French Laundry.  And the fourth consecutive drought year, in which Robert Parker declared it “another great vintage,” that was “spectacular.   In addition, praised the “high-quality” despite a smaller crop.  While showing the quality that Roberts, Weinkauf, et al. were able to achieve for such a modest price.

Jennifer Roberts & Claire Weinkauf

Firstly, this overachieving Bordeaux-style blend from the “spectacular” 2015 vintage was crafted by Jennifer Roberts and French-born Claire Weinkauf.   Claire’s resume includes stints with Paul Hobbs and Mathiasson.  Its real secret is that “Padlock” refers to the hush-hush Napa sources of the first-rate Picayune fruit. Most of all, it all adds up to stellar provenance, a strong Napa pedigree. In extremely limited supply, do not hesitate.