We are very excited to finally share with you our newest project. During the past few years, under a cloak of great secrecy, our unbridled passion for wine has led us from the Napa Valley into uncharted territory - nosing around a small appellation in the southeastern region of France before arriving at the legendary and most prestigious area in the Rhone Valley: Hermitage!

As many of you already know, the first plantings of syrah in Hermitage date as far back as the 10th century; and the region itself is tiny - comprising a mere 311 acres, all owned and controlled by fewer than 10 local families. Our equity partner in this effort to bring you a world class wine is renowned viticulturist and wine maker, Michel Chapoutier!

Yes, you are hearing it here first; for the first time ever in history, "outsiders" have gained access to and control over an amazing 3-acre vineyard parcel, and we're now in partnership with one of the most prolific wine producers in France. Our inaugural release is just under 400 cases of wine.

The 2005 Le Cheval Fou, harvested on September 21, is made from 100% bio dynamically farmed and vinified syrah grapes, exemplifying the immense power and elegance of the great Hermitage wines. Opaque purple in color, this wine flaunts an enticing bouquet of wild flowers, creme de cassis and sour cherries. On the palate, you'll be impressed by its gripping tannins and muscular style, as well as its pure, opulent notes of blackberry intermixed with truffles, smoky bacon and spice with an intense undercurrent of minerality which typifies its terroir. The 05 Le Cheval Fou spent 18 months in a combination of French oak cooperage.

Gregory Viennois, consulting wine maker for Maison Chapoutier and Ferraton Vineyards, notes "The 05 Le Cheval Fou is very typical of the extraordinary fruit grown on the Ferraton hillside of the Hermitage appellation. The vineyard is ageing gracefully and the wines are exhibiting all the unique characteristics of the limestone deposit in the terroir. The 06, now in barrels, shows even more remarkable maturity; and I expect Le Cheval Fou to become a collector's wine . . . approachable today, yet continuing to develop and age well over the next 25 years."

We just spoke with Danielle, who is Director of Wines for Wynn Las Vegas. She said that this is a "major serious wine of great quality."

The Duke is truly pleased to be able to offer this unique and historic collectible to you. Because of the limited production and the anticipated high demand for Le Cheval Fou, the wine is packed in 6-pack cases. You can order a 6-pack for $750.00 ($125.00 per bottle) or individual bottles for $135.00 each. We expect the wine to be available some time in December, 2007.