Notes from the Archivist

"Kairos"

We don’t really do sequels around here, but this might be the closest thing to last year’s Odyssey.

A wine that lived up to the mythical name, Odyssey came from an absolutely impeccable winemaking source. It was f#$%ing good stuff.

Like its predecessor, this too brings a 94 point score from Decanter and loads of immense pleasure straight from the pull.

Odyssey was one of those rare barrel samples that, like some kisses, you remember more than others. Rewind a month or two and Bobby drops a few samples at my house. I taste the Rutherford Cab and think “Wow, this tastes like Odyssey”.  I texted him that, and he responds saying it was sourced from the same vineyard. Different producer this time. But one I may hold in even higher regard. They make similarly styled, utterly sexy wines.

Naturally we struck a deal and secured some.

Then another gorgeous single vineyard Rutherford lot came in from a serious allocation-only source. And that actually makes 52% of the blend here. With 38% from the Odyssey vineyard source, and a sprinkle of Merlot coming from the same Griffin source.

And “Kairos” was born. Meaning “the right moment”  the “sweet spot of knowing when to deliver some pivotal comment” it seemed a fitting follow up. It’s also  sounds cool.

But as cool as it sounds, it tastes even better. Built like the walls at Thermopylae, and holding as much power within. It’s still silky smooth and generous with the black cherries and blackberry, soft creme de cassis. A bit of forest floor, some kind of sea salted mocha and fresh cut flowers all carry into a finish that extends like the jawline of a Spartan soldier. Loaded up with 75% new French oak, it isn’t shy about showing it in a distinguished way. This has all the right stuff in all the right places and it’ll keep that way for a long time.

Don’t be sad when it sells out, just be happy you bought enough while it’s here.

94 points – Decanter 

“A powerful, hearty, meaty Cabernet with rich, chewy tannins, a full-bodied dark berry fruit intensity with salted dark chocolate notes, and a soaring tannic finish. For all its intensity and concentration, there’s plenty of Rutherford dusty mineral and cocoa powder intensity to warrant serious consideration for collectors looking to cellar a wine that offers plenty to enjoy.”

Winemaker Addendum

bottled 4/28/26