Cabernet is an almost “perfect grape” when well grown….balanced between fruit, astringency, power, perfume and, of course….redness. I love Cab and always have.
This is our third release of Esoterica Cabernet Sauvignon. I made this tiny lot using a wonderful blend of North Coast grapes from several different vineyards, mostly in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley and Dry Creek appellations. It is always a pleasure to make small blends like this as they allow for “fine tuning” to get the fruit, tannins, mouthfeel and balance just right without the constraints of big commercial blends.
With the Pinot Noir, initial aromas of cherry and raspberry evolve to include subtle notes of toast and leather in this immediately appealing wine. The red fruit aromas are reinforced on the palate where dried cherry flavors, supported by just a hint of varietal earthiness, are carried nimbly forward by the silky-smooth tannins and pinpoint acidity.
This wine will pair beautifully with simple, grilled salmon or sage-dusted pork tenderloin.
Winery: Kent Rasmussen Winery
Owners: Kent Rasmussen and Celia Ramsay
Location: Napa, CA
After over thirty years of making wine, Kent Rasmussen Winery is as busy as ever and our passion remains as strong as ever.
Kent Rasmussen and wife, Celia Ramsay, ran the family winery they started in 1986 at their beautiful facility in St. Helena. Unlike most wineries in the Napa Valley, they never wanted to have a public presence in the form of a tasting room, but sell their wines in Bay Area & California restaurants & stores, and in 28 other states.
Famous for the Kent Rasmussen and Ramsay brand wines, and best known for making “purely poetic Pinot Noir”, the couple raised their family of four on the Silverado Trail property.The kids grew up and Kent and Celia realized they longed for a more urban life. They moved their winemaking operations to share another family-run facility owned by their long-time friend, Stefano Migotto in Napa. Then they bought a home in Berkeley. With a very reasonable reverse-commute to Napa, Kent is happy to be back in the southern end of the Napa Valley, especially since his original winemaking start was in the Napa-Carneros.
Since its modest beginnings in a garage in 1986, the Kent Rasmussen Winery has evolved as its owner’s lives have changed. It continues to be one of the most important Pinot Noir producers in California.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Esoterica by Kent Rasmussen Mixed Reds
4 bottles for $49.99 $12.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $129.99 $10.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
We’re down to our last couple bottles of this from the last case, and have loved it. It’s become our “When we want something slightly nicer but not too fancy” red. Easy buy.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Esoterica by Kent Rasmussen Mixed Reds - $20 = 13.32%
What’s the drinking window on both? I’ve still got some from the first Casemates offering, but find them good enough that I might buy more…
Edit: I see what CT says for drinking window, but I’d like to hear KR’s take on it.
Bought another case because I really liked these two wines from the last time they were offered here. (Even though shipping charge has increased by $4.)
@markgm Where in CT are you? I’m in southern NH - would also be game to split (or just take 2 of each wine for 4 total) from a case depending on how much you would want to keep for yourself. I’ll probably be trekking down to the Hartford area sometime in the next couple months and could pick up then.
This was my first Casemates purchase, and I have repeated it again. Am enjoying a bottle of the Pinot this evening with pizza, and loving it! I opted for the super duper fast shipping with ice. We’ll see if it make the trip to the east coast any easier on the juice!
Hi all - Kent here. I know that this is a repeat, but it is a VERY GOOD repeat!..both are lovely wines that you would have to try very very hard not to like. Take advantage as we are almost out on both and there will be no “3rd go”. Esoterica wines are made in very small quantities - more as a hobby for me (to keep my winemaking life interesting) than as anything commercial. David badgered me into offering them again, saying that “oh…they like your wines “so much”…if you still have some you HAVE to let me offer them”…honestly…he is a good salesman!
Anyhow…these are a rare find and I hope that you order them up.
I will keep an eye on this blog over the weekend. If any of you have questions or comments that you would like to address to me, I will do my best to answer them.
All the best, Kent
@KRWINE Thanks for the re-offer of your wine!! I had to jump on it! WD is right, we love your wine. I almost bought 2 cases, but my basement is full of wine and since I’m retired, I have to buy with a little control.
It seems the messaging system was screwed up since yesterday. I lost two messages to Casemates and I sure hope that it didn’t affect purchases. I thought your wine would have been sold out by now!! Take care Kent and keep making great juice for us!!
I absolutely love tasting in Shenandoah Valley. And the wines produced in Amador County are absolutely delicious. Think Scott Harvey. Up for a split in Buffalo…I owe you one @lamplighter.
Tasting Notes
Cabernet is an almost “perfect grape” when well grown….balanced between fruit, astringency, power, perfume and, of course….redness. I love Cab and always have.
This is our third release of Esoterica Cabernet Sauvignon. I made this tiny lot using a wonderful blend of North Coast grapes from several different vineyards, mostly in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley and Dry Creek appellations. It is always a pleasure to make small blends like this as they allow for “fine tuning” to get the fruit, tannins, mouthfeel and balance just right without the constraints of big commercial blends.
With the Pinot Noir, initial aromas of cherry and raspberry evolve to include subtle notes of toast and leather in this immediately appealing wine. The red fruit aromas are reinforced on the palate where dried cherry flavors, supported by just a hint of varietal earthiness, are carried nimbly forward by the silky-smooth tannins and pinpoint acidity.
This wine will pair beautifully with simple, grilled salmon or sage-dusted pork tenderloin.
Specifications
Price Comparison
$249.68/case at Wine.com (including shipping)
About The Winery
Winery: Kent Rasmussen Winery
Owners: Kent Rasmussen and Celia Ramsay
Location: Napa, CA
After over thirty years of making wine, Kent Rasmussen Winery is as busy as ever and our passion remains as strong as ever.
Kent Rasmussen and wife, Celia Ramsay, ran the family winery they started in 1986 at their beautiful facility in St. Helena. Unlike most wineries in the Napa Valley, they never wanted to have a public presence in the form of a tasting room, but sell their wines in Bay Area & California restaurants & stores, and in 28 other states.
Famous for the Kent Rasmussen and Ramsay brand wines, and best known for making “purely poetic Pinot Noir”, the couple raised their family of four on the Silverado Trail property.The kids grew up and Kent and Celia realized they longed for a more urban life. They moved their winemaking operations to share another family-run facility owned by their long-time friend, Stefano Migotto in Napa. Then they bought a home in Berkeley. With a very reasonable reverse-commute to Napa, Kent is happy to be back in the southern end of the Napa Valley, especially since his original winemaking start was in the Napa-Carneros.
Since its modest beginnings in a garage in 1986, the Kent Rasmussen Winery has evolved as its owner’s lives have changed. It continues to be one of the most important Pinot Noir producers in California.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, August 9th - Monday, August 13th
Esoterica by Kent Rasmussen Mixed Reds
4 bottles for $49.99 $12.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $129.99 $10.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2016 Kent Rasmussen Cabernet Sauvignon Esoterica
2016 Kent Rasmussen Pinot Noir Esoterica
We’re down to our last couple bottles of this from the last case, and have loved it. It’s become our “When we want something slightly nicer but not too fancy” red. Easy buy.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Esoterica by Kent Rasmussen Mixed Reds - $20 = 13.32%
Just when I was whittling down the number of bottles to a reasonable amount…
Thank you, KR, for falling into the irresistible camp.
Looks like IL fell off the ship list this time around.
@karenhynes yea…
@karenhynes @Winedavid49
Makes my consideration of moving to Missouri a bit more attractive.
Ack!!! I was scrolling through the comments about to hit the button- then get the Illinois “No soup for you!”
Well, I saved some money, but I’m not happy about the saving part. Hopefully next time!!
Down to my last bottle of the Esoterica 2004 Petit Verdot. Great juice.
I’m in, this looks like a nice easy drinker for the warmer nights when we don’t want a White.
Thanks Kent & WineDavid, we do love the Mixed offers.
What’s the drinking window on both? I’ve still got some from the first Casemates offering, but find them good enough that I might buy more…
Edit: I see what CT says for drinking window, but I’d like to hear KR’s take on it.
Bought another case because I really liked these two wines from the last time they were offered here. (Even though shipping charge has increased by $4.)
@SoSmellyAir next time make a friend with free shipping.
/giphy honorable-malignant-porter
@lagloriafan That’s painful. And cruel. I hope there’s more to that story.
/giphy paunchy-presumptuous-alarm
I liked it the last time, and I’m just about out. I’d split some with the CT folks if anyone wants.
/giphy deadpan-bountiful-pilsner
@markgm you know- just when I think I’m going to hold off…
I’d be happy with 4 if that works for you.
@markgm Where in CT are you? I’m in southern NH - would also be game to split (or just take 2 of each wine for 4 total) from a case depending on how much you would want to keep for yourself. I’ll probably be trekking down to the Hartford area sometime in the next couple months and could pick up then.
@wordek I’m in Plymouth.
@markgm Awesome - I like field tripping to Vernon just for Rein’s deli, so that’s in range
let me know if you have 4 (or more) bottles to spare!
I love that we can buy 2 cases now! My first attempt at the expedited shipping with ice into sweltering Atlanta, we’ll see…
No Illinois??? Bought this last time and would buy again. Tell me this is a mistake.
Are these the same bottles that were available last time KR was available? And is there a way to visit discussions of old sales?
@CruelMelody fairly sure they are the same. The way I pull up older sales is to simply do a google search. here you go
@CruelMelody I think this link will give you the forum discussion from past deals: https://casemates.com/forum?category=deals
Really loved this the first time around. Only bought a 4 pack then, I think I’ll go for a full case this time!
What do I want to say? Daaa… BUY!!!
@Boatman72 do you want the whole deal or do you want to split? I really don’t need any wine but then again…
No NH shipping - you guys are killing me, going back to the woot days KR has always been an autobuy…
Middle/northern Massachusetts folks - if anyone is willing to share a case with me please send a reply here ASAP - I’d definitely be all in!
This was my first Casemates purchase, and I have repeated it again. Am enjoying a bottle of the Pinot this evening with pizza, and loving it! I opted for the super duper fast shipping with ice. We’ll see if it make the trip to the east coast any easier on the juice!
Loved this the first time around! Too bad IL is off the list!
What happened to IL shipping?
Anybody in SoCal up for splitting a case?
@amlammo I’m in
@losthighwayz Awesome, done! I’ll hit you up when it arrives!
@amlammo and if anybody else wants in, just drop me a line!
@amlammo Hi Amlammo, I’d be interested in joining you two if you don’t mind. I’m in Fullerton area and commute to Pomona.
/giphy temporal-harmonious-scarecrow
Literally just finishing the last of the bottles from the first time this came up - in for more!
/giphy insincere-fluorescent-porter
Hi all - Kent here. I know that this is a repeat, but it is a VERY GOOD repeat!..both are lovely wines that you would have to try very very hard not to like. Take advantage as we are almost out on both and there will be no “3rd go”. Esoterica wines are made in very small quantities - more as a hobby for me (to keep my winemaking life interesting) than as anything commercial. David badgered me into offering them again, saying that “oh…they like your wines “so much”…if you still have some you HAVE to let me offer them”…honestly…he is a good salesman!
Anyhow…these are a rare find and I hope that you order them up.
I will keep an eye on this blog over the weekend. If any of you have questions or comments that you would like to address to me, I will do my best to answer them.
All the best, Kent
@KRWINE Thanks for the re-offer of your wine!! I had to jump on it! WD is right, we love your wine. I almost bought 2 cases, but my basement is full of wine and since I’m retired, I have to buy with a little control.
It seems the messaging system was screwed up since yesterday. I lost two messages to Casemates and I sure hope that it didn’t affect purchases. I thought your wine would have been sold out by now!! Take care Kent and keep making great juice for us!!
Bummer, the system is down…error log from nginx. Guess I should’ve checked in earlier!
Any Buffalonians up for a split?
@lamplighter Syracuse, with transpo to and from Buffalo on occasion. Yeah, I’d go for a 50/50 split.
@lamplighter You won’t be disappointed.
We are in! Never was able to meet up to split the first case so excited to try them!
/giphy poetic-voidable-centipede
Great wine…great price. Here we go again. Sigh.
/giphy maddening-baffling-turkey
After checking the purchases map I wonder if THIS the best selling wine yet?
/giphy long-frightful-pine
I never pass up Esoterica!
/giphy able-fiery-summer
In for two more cases… great daily drinker…with the 8 remaining bottles from the first offer in storage!
I absolutely love tasting in Shenandoah Valley. And the wines produced in Amador County are absolutely delicious. Think Scott Harvey. Up for a split in Buffalo…I owe you one @lamplighter.
I find Harborview to be rather pedestrian.
If you’re in the area, go to Vinomania.