92 & 93-Point Wines by Tablas Creek's Winemaker—Over 50% Off Market Price

2021 Lone Madrone "Points West" Paso Robles Rhone Blend (Elsewhere $40) ($17.95)

92 points Wine Advocate: "The 2021 Points West Red represents an entryway into the Lone Madrone lineup geared toward restaurants, but it punches at the same weight as the rest of the roster. A blend of 44% Counoise, 29% Grenache, 16% Vaccarèse and 11% Mourvèdre, it enters with black-fruited, herbal aromas of bramble, asphalt and leather with a pure, plush and vibrant texture. The finish is lifted and balanced with fine, detailed tannins and solid length. (ML)" (09/2024)

92 points Vinous: "The 2021 Red Points West is wonderfully lifted and refined, with a fresh blend of wild strawberries and sage complicated by pine shavings. Its juicy and spry with a pure blend of wild berry fruits and hints of sour citrus that add a spicy kick toward the close. It finishes with a tart cranberry concentration that I find wildly attractive. Rosy inner florals persist. The Points West is a blend of 44% Counoise, 29% Grenache, 16% Vaccarese and 11% Mourvèdre. (EG)" (06/2024)

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Crisp berry and plum aromas are cut by chaparral spice and toasted wood on the nose of this blend of 44% Counoise, 29% Grenache, 16% Vaccarese and 11% Mourvèdre. The palate is fresh, fruity and juicy, with zesty raspberry, lemon peel and baking spice flavors. (MK)" (09/2024)

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Domestic Buyer | Review Date: April 28, 2025

Lone Madrone is the personal project of esteemed winemaker Neil Collins. Neil has been the long-time winemaker at Tablas Creek for 27 years! He brings experience not only from decades of leading one of California's foremost estates, but has also drawn from many years working with the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel. As a pioneering Rhone varietal specialist his entire career, when Neil had the chance to plant his own estate vineyard in West side Paso Robles with his son (and second-generation winemaker) Jordan Collins he jumped at the chance.
Their estate vineyard is planted to the usual suspects Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, but also more esoteric Rhone varieties such as Counoise and Vaccarèse as evidenced by this blend. As you would expect from Neil's many years at the helm with Tablas Creek, the wines are made in a true and authentic style with native yeast, large format oak aging and minimal intervention. The Points West Red is beautifully balanced with earthy dark fruits, dried herbs, garrigue like wild elements, leather and spice. Medium bodied with a nice structure to make this a great accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted squash. Our pricing on this wine is not to be beaten at less than 50% of the original SRP. We purchased the final parcel of this vintage directly from the winery and are passing the savings on to you through our Insider's Advantage program.

Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 22, 2025

A rich and luscious nose opens with dense bramble fruit with a sprinkle of bitter green herbs and just a touch of anise. There's a sort of creamy roundness to the fruit that's echoed on the palate, with loads of bramble fruit but there's cranberry around the edges, brought in by the superb acidity. This is an absolutely delicious sub-$20 wine with way more structure and balance than its price-point typically brings. Have this with some grilled or BBQ'd meats or even a rich mushroom ragout, this wine just slaps.