My best friend, class of '98, is releasing her first vintage of wine. Her husband was the winemaker at Realm Cellars and now has an independent label in Napa.

I told her I would post and get her an influx of orders....so will everyone order a bottle or two and let us know what you think!

www.lightningwines.com

I really appreciate it!!!

Ha! I met her husband while tasting Realm in the cellar at Boswell a few years ago. He was working under Mike Hirby at the time (before Benoit took over). We didn't talk much, as it was harvest and they were busy.

I see that Lighting has some Kick Ranch wines. I have the Behrens Kick Ranch Petit Sirah and really liked it so I hope they can do something similar with their grapes. I wish them the best!

Yes!! That's randy!! I'll tell him you posted! He'll be excited!

Try lightening! You'll love both the Syrah and Grenache!

I thought Hirby was the winemaker at Realm from 02 till '10 or so, is that not correct?

I like Hirby's stuff at Relic, at least the few items I've tried.

I've been a Realm buyer for several years and I believe that to be correct, Mike was the winemaker and then Benoit came aboard when Mike left. Randy must have been one of he assistants, but still, what a crew to learn under: Mike Hirby and Michel Rolland! Man, now I want some Realm. I hope Lightning does well. They certainly learned under some great winemakers.

Yes, he was the assistant during 2009-2012. Not 'the winemaker'.....but I didn't figure anyone would notice. Cut me some slack?! ; )

When people spend $100+ on a bottle of wine (which adds up after multiple cases), they will notice who makes it!!!

I thought maybe you spent money on wine like some people buy bubble gum? Not even noticing the price?

I showed randy your messages....he was pretty excited you guys knew your stuff. He also has a label through naked wines. It's called rachis. It's a little sweeter than he anticipated. Some sugar was added before bottling (not by him)
to make it more 'suitable to a wider audience'...he was ticked. Still a good, less expensive white.

Are the wines sold in Texas?