Bowl you over with a feather kind of wine. Most folks just never see it coming, it even knocks those “red wine only” aficionados off their lofty perch! This is the pure expression of the vineyards that started Brecon on its wildly successful Albariño ride. Aromatic as ever, it veritably jumps from the glass with hints of Sauvignon Blanc and day lily blossom (that edible flower). Being varietally true it's all citreen, with crisp fresh limes dominating the palate. It is so refreshing, yet the finish is surprisingly rich with a softness and biscuity toastiness reminiscent of a classic champagne.

There I was somewhat mentally unstable, standing on a table. Sometimes it's the only way to elevate the artistry in a blend. After all, Vincent did cut off his ear! In retrospect, judging by its innumerable awards over the last nine years, the then lofty decision to mature in Acacia barrels was closer to visionary than the madness of King George. Acacia adds structure, fills out the mid-palate, and aromatically gives an overlay of elegant white peaches or nectarines. All this on top of Albarino’s naturally, citrusy zesty bite. Try it with a sit-down banquet of baked Pollocks, we did!

There are certainly few Francs more iconic than the legendary hilltop plantings on our beloved vineyard. Although Old Blue Eyes might take issue with that, even he would have to agree that the ripeness, lush red fruit and complexity is unmatched in the region. The distinctive and singular herbaceous aromatics are well known to our loyal followers. But alas, as all true Breconites know, these bottlings don't stick around for long. Perhaps tuck a few away while you can. 

Pls Note: The 2021 Franc was tasted by our Frank, penned by said Frank and perhaps poured for you by one in the same, hazel eyed Frank!
 

91 Pts, Gold. L.A Invitational, Feb 2024

Best of Cass, 94 pts, Gold. L.A. International, April 2024

A wine so elegant, we just had to offer you a limerick:

There once was a wine called ‘Meritage’
Bordeaux blend so beautifully rich
Old vine complexity
Drinking so velvety
Add this to your cellar storage!

Every year, our Meritage blend differs which makes our wine lively, integrated, and organoleptically interesting. Like a mad scientist, mixing components, or a meticulous crockpot meal with various ingredients–our winemaker has done it again! Careful tannin management and oak integration has created a wine worth writing poetry for. (Sorry we employed an English grad!)

91 pts. Dr. Owen Bargreen, Mar 2024

Mamma said never start a tasting note with “moderately catastrophic!” It does, however, define mother’s often-used facial expression. Perfectly describing the ‘last drop syndrome’ of our too often sold out Reserve Mourvedre. We eventually bowed to parental pressure, secretly sourced a fascinating new vineyard and made a few extra drops. Who’s a good boy then! So here it is our cheekiest Mourvedre yet! Best served instead of a cheeky pint (perhaps that should say “sneaky” in mumsie’s case). According to the Blues Brothers, this particular vineyard combines both styles of Mourvedre, all in one rich sophisticated glass. Luscious, fruit-forward, and the down right, down to earthy. All with the signature bright acids associated with a Calcareous ridgetop.

92 pts. James Suckling, September 2023

Perhaps it's the Celtic in us, being prone to shenanigans and malarky that is (Shhsh… don't tell our G.M. there’s a blues harmonica taped to the bottom of her truck)! Anyway, this is a wine we definitely don't mess with. It's as close to a pure offering as we get (topping wine excepted), and thus bottled in our fancy schmancy single vineyard label (ie >95% Brecon Petit Verdot). While on the subject of percentages, as you might expect from an essentially pure Petit Verdot, it’s ~ 90% stud with about 10% muffin top. Again in more traditional wine speak: bright, but with dark velvety fruit, oodles of varietal character, fantastic structure, and excellent mid-palate fruit weight.

91 pts. Dr. Owen Bargreen, Mar 2024

Gold. Texas International Wine Competition, April 2024

90 pts, Gold. L.A. International, April 2024

Shh, better be quiet around them… these old vines sure do hold 50 years of secrets. To tell you the truth, we even thought about not writing a tasting note, knowing it will sell out with a snap of the fingers. We even considered (for a fleeting moment) to let Chat GPT write this note for us. But as a whimsical wordsmith, I figured I shall not let technology take over this winery just yet! Since we have old vines, we might as well keep it old fashioned for a while longer. These smooth old rascals grow regally on its own Calcareous hilltop, creating lovely cherry-red, subtly fragrant, soft quality.

93 pts. Dr. Owen Bargreen, Mar 2024

92 pts, Gold. L.A Invitational, Feb 2024

92 pts, Gold. L.A. International, April 2024

“Stock up and ferret away!” (Yes, it's a true British-ism) as any self respecting small white weasel, that can run up your trouser leg, can tell you. “Why?" I can hear you ask. Well, a little dicky-bird let slip that there will be diddly squat 2021 Reserve Cab beyond the upcoming wine club allocations. This is indeed a good sign;  it shows that Brecon is committed to putting our best foot forward and not unnecessarily stretching a blend when we are short of the good stuff. However, like any good prepper, make sure you have enough squirreled away while you can!

93 Pts, Gold. L.A Invitational, Feb 2024

92 Pts. Dr. Owen Bargreen, March 2024

92 Pts, Gold. L.A. International, April 2024

This wine honors a Major Milestone and perhaps is a nod to how time flies. It really has been ten crazy years since we purchased what is now Brecon Estate. Along the way we tried to take a path less traveled, picking up a somewhat colorful inner circle and rather unconventional influences. This special wine aims to reflect all this and improve on our ever popular “42” Rhone Blend, “the answer to life, the universe and everything.” A little more color, structure and silkiness, perhaps thanks to the addition of some tiny-berried Petite Sirah baby vines. Best saved for a special occasion or large family gathering. 

92 pts. James Suckling, September 2022

93 pts. purely domestic wine report, December 2022

91 pts. Vinous, May 2023