“The value play here is clearly the GSM blend, and it’s a smoking good Rhône-like blend that readers should pounce on.” – Jeb Dunnuck

That’s THIS very wine. And Jeb’s recommendation, Dear Operative? That’s at FULL PRICE!

Today, at DOUBLE 94 POINTS for 40% OFF? Retails for $65. $39 today. The “value” appraisal makes even more sense. Grab as many as you can!

If you were lucky enough to pounce on the Frequency Graciano back in January, we’re with you. We wish we had more of the big, meaty powerhouse! But, after months of begging, they sent us their ‘Artist Series’ to shut us up.

And as Jeb Dunnuck points out about winemaker Zac Wasserman, “he’s far from a one trick pony.”

And this is a straight up STALLION! It pours a thick purple, rippling with muscley flesh, jammy blackberry, roasted meat, lavender, and exotic spices.

It takes the “steakhouse red” of the Graciano (Dunnuck’s words) and LEVELS IT UP with nuance, finesse, and complexity.

To stick with the metaphor, it’s a horse. One of the awesome ones from the 80’s action movies that shoots fire out of its hooves as it runs toward battle.

You may be asking… Where is the ‘M’ in the GSM? You are very observant.

In this “Rhône-like blend”, the Mourvèdre used to play a role. But it has been pushed out by its more attractive and beefier understudy, Graciano… like Alan Ritchson replacing Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher.

And we’re glad it did. Graciano is an obscure variety, sure. But one that’s on the rise. It represents less than 0.0004% of vines planted.

It’s best known as a blending grape in Spanish Rioja, where it provides richness, concentration, power, and depth to bolster the elegance of Tempranillo.

Here? Pure magic!

Combine its power with the nuance and freshness of Grenache and the meatiness and velvety smooth tannins of Syrah. The sheer textural and flavor complexity is stunning!

This particular blend is a specialty of Wasserman’s Frequency label.

A native son of Santa Barbara, he was Assistant Winemaker at the highly accoladed Tensley before he started his own label in 2011.

He’s been attracting critical acclaim ever since. “Zac Wasserman creates an approachable and delicious range of wines under the Rhône-focused Frequency label and the Burgundian Di Palermo line,” points out the Wine Advocate. They continue, “Across the board, the wines are refined and pure, with careful attention paid to their textural precision.”

An avid fan of art, Wasserman features a new artist on the ‘Artist Series’ every year. For 2023, the artist is Satoshi Kojima. A Japan-born, German-based painter, he uses surreal compositions that merge geometric abstraction with figuration in soft pastels. His themes are memory, desire, and the subconscious.

(now you can show off for your friends while downing a KILLER bottle!)

Last time, we compared their wine to Sine Qua Non, the very definition of a CULT producer, with countless 100 point wines (that go for $350+!). We stand by that.

They source terroir very close to each other. The wines similarly marry complexity, power, and finesse. And Frequency is starting to generate real buzz.

For just over a tenth the price, we stand by our comparison. AND… we can afford to drink a lot more of it!

Fear not. Your trusted Agents of Wine will not lead you astray. Even Agents Rôtie and Noir, who both already have too much wine at home (or so their wives say), plan to stock up on it. It is that good!

Also, under $40? If you don’t pounce on it now, you may never get another chance.

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “Zac Wasserman’s Frequency label is his Rhône-focused lineup. The program centers around Rhône varieties, with the lineup ranging from an entry-level GSM to the flagship Select, a Syrah-Graciano blend. There’s also an amphora-aged Graciano from Portico Hills, which is certainly novel. These wines consistently deliver richness while maintaining balance. The value play here is clearly the GSM blend, and it’s a smoking good Rhône-like blend that readers should pounce on. Wasserman also makes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under the DiPalermo label, and he’s far from a one trick pony. These wines are worth your time. A blend of 50% Syrah, 34% Grenache, and 16% Graciano, the 2023 Artist Series was vinified with 20% whole cluster (Syrah) and aged 16 months in once-used French oak. Deep ruby/purple-hued, ripe blackberries, peppery herbs, leather, and spicy nuances all shine in this ripe, medium to full-bodied, sexy beauty. It has velvety tannins, a round, lush mouthfeel, and a great finish. Drink 2025-2035.”

94 Points – James Suckling “Exuberant life pulses through this juicy red blend with mouthwatering aromas and flavors of mixed cherries, huckleberries, orange oils, woodsy spices, crushed violets and lavender. A lingering, layered finish nods in the direction of red tea with subtle balsamic tones lifting it up. Drink or hold.”