2014 Juicy Rebound Cuvee Unique No. 84 Juicy Villages Russian River

The Wine for Winemakers Who Love a Good French Accent

Doug and Mary Danielak are francophiles to the core. This dynamic husband and wife duo of wine industry veterans learned the ropes working in France, where Doug attended winemaking school in Beaune. He was one of the first American “Rhône Rangers,” and has consulted with many top Napa Valley and Sonoma wineries, while Mary thrived as a wine buyer at the Oakville Grocery boutique. A few years ago, the Danielaks launched their own world-class brand — Pont Neuf — producing Burgundy varietals from California sites worthy of Grand Cru status. Critics went berserk. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave their Le Pont Neuf Chardonnay 94+ points, and their Pont Marie Chardonnay 96+.

Juicy Rebound is a side project for the Danielaks, who wanted to focus their attention on French varieties. Their Juicy Villages “Cuvée Unique No. 84” is 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache from a single, spectacular Russian River Valley vineyard. A small percentage is whole-cluster pressed, to retain bright fruit flavors, and the wine is aged three years in used Rhône Valley and Burgundy barrels. While the blend pays homage to Côtes-du-Rhône Villages wine, the “84” reference is a nod to Vaucluse, France’s 84th Department, home to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The French (and the Danielaks) would call this a “vin de soif” — a thirst-quenching, fresh and satisfying wine with loads of character and tasty fruit. It’s so delicious that Napa Valley’s Michelin-starred Redd is pouring the 2013 vintage by the glass.

As for 2014 in Sonoma, the third consecutive drought year was warm, but not hot. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate reported conditions were “spectacular,” “absolutely superb.” Berry size was smaller than 2013, and better skin-to-juice ratios resulted in rich, structured wines with substantial depth and intensity.

The 2014 Juicy Rebound Juicy Villages “Cuvée Unique No. 84” is a vibrant purple garnet in the glass. Warm berry notes are tinged with cracked pepper on the nose. Fresh and exuberant on the attack, layering gorgeous black and blue fruits into sleek and supple tannins, with notes of licorice, espresso, and cocoa. Bright and satisfying, with a savory finish. Drink now until 2020.

It’s a shame Doug only made 330 cases of this juicy goodness. We snapped up almost half of it, but 130 cases won’t last. One pour for $15 at Redd if you get there, or four to five pours when you buy from us at $19.99 per bottle. Shipping included on 6.

• ABV 14.50%
• Enjoy right away
• 65% Syrah35% Grenache