Deals!
5Thought I’d start this topic for good deals that can be found elsewhere…
wtso has Scott Harvey Reserve Amador County Zinfandel 2015 for $16/fs4
Not Scott’s Red mountain or White reserve normal labels that are his flagship bottlings, but rather a more new-world style that’s accessible to many that don’t adhere to some afwe style.
- 174 comments, 366 replies
- Comment
And you said there weren’t “inside jokes” on ww… Perhaps not jokes, but you are using a lot of jargon above, which amounts to the same thing. (And maybe it wasn’t you… but someone did, complaining about meh.com inside jokes.)
What means wtso? fs4? afwe?
Or did I just catch you while you were still editing the post? (Got another minute to see…)
@baqui63 To be fair, those are generally terms that are ubiquitous throughout the wine deal seeking internet fora. WineBerserkers and CellarTracker both have a forum and you will see those acronyms and such everywhere.
AFWE dates to a Robert Parker post (back when he had a forum on his site) complaining about the “anti-flavour wine elite”. i.e. anybody who didn’t agree with his palate preferences.
@baqui63
@Dave
@winedavid49
@snapster
@rjquillin
@corrado
Perhaps casemates could someday add a “term and acronym glossary” to the FAQ That Is To Be.
wines till sold out
wtso.com
free ship 4 or more
anti-flavour-wine-elite
It’s our short hand.
@rjquillin Cool! Thanks. I’ve bookmarked that site.
@baqui63 We really do like Scott and what he does, but the ‘winemakers reserve’ that this is is more of a commissioned product and a bit more entry level/transitional for those that prefer a bit of RS (residual sugar). His InZinerator line really shines as a crowd pleaser.
@rjquillin Yeah, I have several bottles of InZinerator… well, probably. I really really really need to inventory what I have.
@baqui63 cellartracker.com if you’re not there already…
@rjquillin InZinerator was my first ww purchase. Brings back fond memories. I was sorry I missed out on Cockamamie from NakedWines. Reviews didn’t seem to be very good, I just liked the name.
@heartny I ended up with a couple cases for the Cockamamie, perhaps one of each of the two.
Really good daily drinker at a great price, but it was from El Jefe at Twisted Oak, not Naked
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2055506
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2055511
@rjquillin I guess google let me down on the correct winery
. Thanks for the correction.
@heartny El Jefe is already here too. Likely we’ll be seeing his juice in the future.
@rjquillin Caveat Emptor…
@rjquillin Any word from Ty to be offered here? I hope so.
@baqui63 NOOOO !!
@Winedavid49 Any chance you’d be willing/able to elaborate? (in regards to the caveat emptor comment)
@kawichris650 wtso has been known to contract with wineries to make blends specifically for them. Scott Harvey is among those who’ve done that. They’ve also been less than honest about retail prices for comparison points.
That said, when you know what they’re offering, they can have great prices. Like iron horse estate chardonnay for $18 yesterday.
@klezman Thanks klezman, however, that much I knew. When I saw WD’s comment following rjquillin’s comment:
“El Jefe is already here too. Likely we’ll be seeing his juice in the future.”
I thought WD was referring to El Jefe/Twisted Oak, hence why I was surprised and was seeking elaboration.
Once quotes start getting used it’ll be easier to reference specific posts. (I haven’t quite figured it out yet myself, but I’m working on it.)
@klezman Did you get “in” for the WTSO Class Action case for “Dishonest Pricing?” I just got a postcard in the mail out of the blue about it a week or two ago with my claim # and this site: http://www.winesettlement.com/
@kawichris650
If you copy in what you wish to quote and precede it with a > on each line it will break out the text as above.
@jbartus
Got it. Not on each line however, just the first it seems. Thanks!
@kawichris650 Oy, we really need to get used to quoting here! It’s confusing otherwise. I read WD’s “nooo” as a reaction to baqui63’s comment that they were going to bookmark WTSO.
@corrado
I am “in”, but never bought any of the wines listed on the schedules. So I am “out”. Not that I care, to be honest. If you buy the wine solely because of some imaginary list price it’s on you, imo.
@kawichris650 that’s because my entire post was one line. The appearance of multiple lines was the result of the width of the forum forcing text wrapping as opposed to explicit line breaks. Here’s an example where multiple > are required:
@heartny I actually love the Cockamamie blend. One has tempranillo and one is petite syrah/monastrell iirc. For the price they’re really good.
I got a $100 coupon for nakedwines.com. Anyone have any dealings with them?
@jmdavidson1 private label. spending gazzilions for market share. burn rate.
@jmdavidson1 I’ve gotten at least a dozen such "coupons” as pack in promotionals from various etailers. I’ve never found anything there to justify the overall spend required
@jbartus This would have been a cheap buy, though. $100 coupon + $60 to get a case of reds, FS. Not like I was going to have to spend a lot. But your advise is well received.
@jmdavidson1 I have bought wine with them a good bit - they have some really fun stuff. The concept is actually great - basically, fund winemakers who often have to make what the man who signs the check says to make (cab, pinot, chard etc) - instead, they make more interesting wine, and if you are an “angel” (monthly credit contributor, where credit is used to fund more wine but it is in your balance to be used to buy wine), the QPR is quite good… and they have higher end stuff too on occasion (Barolo, Champagne, 1er Crus and the like). I buy about once-to-twice a year - and they give you a free bottle with every case, sometimes a nice magnum around the holidays.
@jmdavidson1 Should add, other than Woot, it is one of the few forum communities where winemakers are communicating directly with the drinkers!
Cheap plonk IMHO
https://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=132449&p=2103843&hilit=NAKED+WINES#p2103843
@ScottW58 But has anyone on these blogs bought from them to attest that the wines are crap? And if so, how so?
@ScottW58 I’m going to be doing this a lot for a while…
“Ponk”???
@arielleslie Plonk, cheap not so good but somehow drinkable wine.
@CorTot So probably the kind of thing that I drink with my Craft Mac ‘n’ Cheese.
Are there not enough known good wines to buy? Just the fact that they are giving you $100 should throw up some red flags…no? At least whatever that company was that was giving out vouchers a number of years ago was letting you buy known wines. No offense intended Jm just MHO
@ScottW58 I did get some pretty good wines from the Lot18 vouchers. In the last four or five years, since the vouchers stopped, I haven’t bought anything from them. OK, so I’ll take your advise and forget about the $100 voucher. Bring on the Casemates offers.
That’s it Lot18 could not remember that name
Yeah I bought a lot of nice wines from them too.
@ScottW58 "Lot18 is now Tasting Room!
Our name may be different now, but we have all the same great wines, plus a subscription club where you can get customized selections delivered right to your door!
Come check us out at TastingRoom.com. If you find that your login isn’t working, just reset your password.
Welcome aboard!
Tasting Room"
@ScottW58 sad that I missed the vouchers
For those who don’t want to start signing up and/or checking a million sites each day, I find https://vinelog.com/Deals/Index a good place to start. If for no other reason than it aggregates some of the “major” wine sites…
others include wtso.com, lot18, invino…
I think Invino has some pretty interesting deals, but you have to scour the deals in order to get one. The wines on Winespies seem to be mostly “undiscovered” wines, but again I have bought some interesting ones from them. Hard to beat the bin sales at Benchmark. Their daily offerings are strictly retail. I have been able to buy/try wines from them that I would otherwise not have been able to.
FWIW, Todd posted the first master thread for this year’s BD. Always a must attend event.
@jmdavidson1 Oh god…my wallet can’t take it. Will need to keep it small. Briceland, Flannery, Cabot, and if that Campesino Rose comes back…
@jmdavidson1 Doomed. I did just re-up my subscription however.
@jmdavidson1
Boy i’m in a mood today…look out 
Really! I thought you were buying naked wines
@rjquillin Me too. It is well worth getting the preview day. I’d like to see Wine David buy from some of the BD wineries and food vendors for Casemates.
@ScottW58 Tytiger would never post something like that. Too nice of a guy. Who is this ScottW anyway? Perhaps an alter-ego?
haha tytiger is dead, kind of liberating you know
and now that I see this place has the 
emoji I feel more at home!
@ScottW58
TSO has a 2014 Gruet Blanc de Noirs Ltd Release. Any sparkling drinkers care to comment before it is sold out?
@jmdavidson1 The BdN ww has offered was decent. Wonder how this differs?
@rjquillin Don’t know. That it’s why I am asking for help here. NV vs.2014. Ddeuddeg drinks a lot of sparklers, so maybe (if he and bahwm are still up), he/she will comment.
@jmdavidson1
I havent had their vintage blanc de noirs before, but the couple vintage blanc de blancs have been great QPR. I haven’t had one of their wines I didn’t enjoy, especially considering the price. I would be willing to take a flier on it if we had room.
@jmdavidson1 I’ve had a previous vintage of the Blanc de Noirs and loved it. I enjoy it more than the vintage BdB in fact.
Bummed that I missed this deal.
@knlprez Too late. I sat on the fence and when midnight (EST) came, the site changed wines.
If they were made from NM grapes I would be in???
@ScottW58 You need to learn to click the correct “reply” button so it’s linked to the right post!
@klezman
Hey I’m trying hard to embrace change!
Write up indicates NM.
@jmdavidson1
Next time I see it.
wtso 2012 Notre Vin cab howell mtn 49.99 FS2
@rc70 Got it. Thanks. $10 less than the other vintages.
@rc70
Thanks! I really want this
@rc70 just need to make sure they don’t ship frozen bottles.
@rjquillin why not just delay the shipping until the weather is better.
@jmdavidson1
Yes that is an option in the real world you know
@ScottW58
love that option, put mine out for delivery in early april
@jmdavidson1 well, yes, of course. I was just blathering.
hi all here is few other sites where you can find a great wine deals as well:
https://jws.shops.vivino.com/
http://wineslash.com/
cheers
What does the group think, avoiding groupthink, of garagiste? Variety of price points, Washington State and European wines, with an occasional South American thrown in the mix, always your choice of number purchased, twice a year shipping of full cases? Thoughts? Bueller? Anyone?
@msten I’ve gotten some excellent wines from them, including some that have become annual purchases, like Saint-Siffrein CdP and most Red Newt Riesling and CF Rose offers. He also gets some nice older French and Italian bottles from time to time, usually at nice price points. But, of course, you need to ignore the ridiculous verbiage and learn how to turn his “prose” into actual information.
@msten I buy from Garagiste pretty regularly. I have had decent results, some clunkers, some bargains. Anecdotally I’d say the outcomes closely resemble wine.woot. The semi-annual shipping is a blessing and a curse. It’s always exhilarating to open the cases (generally Oct & March) because I’ve forgotten much of what I’ve ordered. The downside is I’ve also forgotten why I ordered these lots of misfit toys. I’ve attempted to print out the offers and consult when I pull a bottle, but that takes more effort than I’m usually willing to give. I use Full Pull as well, and find it easier to look up the sales pitch on the website to remind me why I bought the wine in the first place.
@kainc I enter in cellartracker as soon as I get the confirmation. Easier that way.
You can also log in to the account tracking system and now it has links to the full text of every offer that you’ve requested (I think even if you don’t get allocated).
@klezman fine, until there is some mystery offer. And those can be frequent, but @ScottW58 doesn’t like surprises so he won’t care.
@rjquillin
Truth! Makes my life easy
@rjquillin True, but each case also comes with a packing list. Unless you’re buying enough mystery offers that you can’t figure out which bottle goes with which offer then you still can access the offer text. (I’ve lucked out on some of the mystery offers, but of course ymmv.)
@klezman In the past I have intentionally not added pending bottles to my CT in an effort to assuage my concerns that I have too much wine already, you w.w enablers wouldn’t understand
. You make a good point though, doing so may actually enhance the experience.
@kainc Whereas I put it there a) so I don’t forget (more an issue with local splits and the case+ of Vineyard 1869 Ron has on order for me) and b) so I buy less wine :p
Jon acts like/writes like every wine he offers should be bought. I have had some very nice wines from him, but you have to research his offers (as much as is possible). As you should with every wine site’s offer.
I buy from garagiste but I pretty much only buy what I know now (had a few bad ones probably my own fault falling for the verbiage) but for Washington wines Full Pull has been great!
Notre Vin Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
wtso 49.99 FS1
@rc70 Looking at CT, that’s right at the average pricing, so no great deal there except for fs. re: tasting notes, anyone that claims in '16 that it’s “nearly at it’s peak” and I’ll quit reading reviews from them in the future. Generalizing it seems '11 was a weaker year, but the gems can still shine. I did get the '12 yesterday.
11 was weaker in the valley but were pretty strong in the mountian ava’s. Not a deal? have you ever seen their release prices? I’m in again!
@ScottW58 I did snag one… Likely regret it was only one. Gee, never done that before.
@rjquillin
Email them they always keep some in reserve
I’ll just assume at some point I’ll try one of these that you guys are getting. Too rich for my blood right now. After the Victory madness on the 31st I’m trying to stay as out as possible until BD.
@klezman Yeah, BD is likely to put some additional hurt on the storage area(s). As is, no idea where all the Wellington will go, after it ships and arrives.
That average price is because people have been buying it at that price from tso for awhile, including me previously, the 11 may not be as good as the 07 10 12 but it is tasty now and will be tasty down the road, especially at $50 the fs1 was a bonus for folks that wanted to try it I was just adding inventory for future consumption. I’ve had it from previous purchases, long way from peak imho.
Halyard Sonoma Valley Brut 2013 for $19 on Last Bottle. FS on 6. Halyard = Knot Wines using Robert Hunter fruit if I’ve understood the label and write-up correctly.
@chipgreen I loved the '12. (Hi chipgreen!)
@InFrom Hi InFrom! I remember you writing about that on woot. I decided to sleep on this one but it was still available this morning so I grabbed a 6er. Willing to part with a bottle or two if we happen to be back in Buffalo at the same time next year…
@chipgreen Ya never know…
Benchmark bin sale is killing my credit card (a$ usual).
@jmdavidson1
Ohh bin sale, I better check!
@ScottW58 I check every time, put stuff in my cart and get to checkout and see the shipping price and close my browser.
@CorTot Consolidate
@rjq Is that an offer?
@jmdavidson1 Picked up the following:
2011 QTR CS
2001 Feudi San Gregorio Serpico
2006 D.R. Stephens CS Walther Vyd River Block
2013 Peay Vyds Syrah La Bruma
2002 La Brancaia Ilatraia Maremma
2008 Rasa Vyds QED
2007 Taplin CS Terra 9
2007 Parallel CS
Hold and consolidate is the best way to go. $54 to ship to IL, so it is a little pricey even by doing it that way.
@jmdavidson1 and it’s only a week till BD; that will put some hurt on the plastic.
The Wine Spies have a nice deal on 2013 Antica Cabernet. $36 free shipping on 6. CT price is $47 and reviews point to a well balanced age-worthy Cab.
I started a post for BD, which is Friday/Saturday, on WW. Didn’t seem right to start one here (at least not yet).
@jmdavidson1 I was wondering if anyone would do it, given all the comments about people’s wallets hurting. I bought modestly last year, and hope to do so again this weekend.
Please provide a definition of BD, for those of us who are innocent of that knowledge. I even tried Google (and as any sane person knows, there’s almost no search term you can use that will provide the meaning for an abbreviation).
@Shrdlu Berserker Day on Wine Berserkers
@Shrdlu
When what’s left of your CC melts in agony.
2013 Saddleback Cellars Cab Sauv (Oakville) for $39.99 on Invino
Flying Start Wines
2013 North Coast Proprietary Red - $15.99 on WineSpies - free ship on 6+
Made by Chris Taddei, the guy behind SuperSonoman and Hensteeth labels.
Kendric 2014 pinot noir on wtso for $20. Excellent wine, excellent price.
@klezman ha, while I was composing, and purchasing, you were posting.
@klezman @winedavid49 should be grabbing stuff like this for us.
@klezman please tell me more as there are no notes on ct
Kendric Vineyards Pinot Noir 2014 Marin County
WTSO $20 fs/4+
Got mine.
@rjquillin please fill me in as I know very little and can’t seem to find any ct notes
@jml326 None for the '14 vintage, yet, but there for 8 prior vintages dating from 2004. And you’ll note @klezman and others here on CM have bottles in their cellars. Klez’s comment was, I believe, generic in that Kendric consistently makes good wine.
@rjquillin guess it doesn’t matter now
@rjquillin any referral codes for wtso?
@jml326 I’m wondering if they still exist…
I seem to recall one could forward a link for a new user to use, but looking at my account, I don’t see a way to create one. I’m not legally blind, but at times it sure seems that way…
@rjquillin Its back
Did anyone else bite on Last Bottle’s current offer, half bottles of a Spanish old vine Garnacha for $7, FS on 12? San Valero Particular Garnacha Old Vine 2014. I read up on the region and the winery, and figured, why not?
PS if anyone new to that site is interested in signing up with them for a $10 coupon toward your first purchase, I would be happy to cooperate. Just say the word (and provide me with your email, preferably via a PM on Woot).
@InFrom I grabbed a couple of bottles of the 2013 a Marathon or two ago and really enjoyed them. $6 each at that time.
@InFrom I don’t know if you get Whispers. So I’m posting this for you to see it
@jml326 Yes, I just saw the notification in my email. I’ll whisper you back in a minute.
Wine Till Sold Out has some deal about weekly tastings. Has anyone tried it out?
@jml326 Never heard of it before. After reading the info on their website it’s probably not something that I would take part in personally but I think it’s an intriguing idea and props to them for coming up with it.
@chipgreen I think it could be a good way for novice wine drinkers like me to try new varieties. They offered me 20% my first week.
WTSO is having a mini-marathon with free shipping on single bottles right now through 3pm eastern.
@radiolysis wow great timing
@jml326 great minds…?
WTSO having a Love Your Reds Mini Marathon
I would be remiss if I did not pass along the offer still available (or should I say re-opened) on the Wine Berserker website for Veleta products. Go to the Wine Berserker Day thread for 2018, look up the Veleta thread. Until Monday, the 19th, there is free shipping with the shipping code. If you have not tried, at least the canned sardines or tuna, you are missing something very delicious. I was in for the sardines, evoo and some cheese.
WineSpies has Scott Harvey Jana Cathedral Cabernet 2013 for $45. FS w/ 6
@jhkey Still available on Invino for $35
/giphy ohh
@chipgreen Thanks!
@jhkey You’re welcome! I was surprised to see it still available. I got some weeks ago.
@chipgreen welp. i was holding off buying wine, but i think i need a pair…
$10 off any order over $25 at Naked Winery - not a big discount, but applies to wine, bundles, gift sets, clothing, gear, etc. - Use Code: HELLONAKED
Expires 4/30/18
They currently have some sales going on such as 25% off wines & gift sets with free shipping on orders over $49 and up to 75% off gear, so the extra $10 code is a nice bonus.
WTSO has Aliénor Grand Vin Red Wine 2010 by Denis Malbec, $18 F/S on 4
Thanks, grabbed a set. Dennis made some excellent wines, his Notre Vin label has been outstanding of the 5 wines I have had.
@rc70
Yes they are! This Alienor is delicious too I will pick up more.
Currently up in the WTSO marathon is Scott Harvey Reserve Amador County Zinfandel 2015 @ $16, FS on 4.
@InFrom Now it’s Gruet Limited Release Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV, same deal as the SH. Says it’s AZ-sourced grapes, I know that’s important to many Gruet fans.
In my cellar I have some 2009 ACV Right Bank, which is drinking beautifully now. LastBottleWines has the 2014 for $39/bottle. FS w/3. A great price for a delicious wine. But this is a wine that should be put away for 2 - 4 more years. Buy only if you can be patient; you will be rewarded. (74% CF, 26% Merlot).
wtso has Notre Vin 2012 cab sauv up now, 50.00 fs 2
@rc70 INvino also currently has these, but for $60
Fans of the Cavedoni Piccolo Balsamic will want to get over to the Gourmet woot-off.
@InFrom yup. $40 delivered.
Scott Harvey Vineyard 1869 Zin, invino 35.00
@rc70 you just beat me to it, while I was shopping…
They had one Cathedral left!
2015 Scott Harvey 1869 Zinfandel
This smokes the club price.
@winedavid49, why aren’t you snapping up these deals for us?
@rc70 @rjquillin @Winedavid49 I’d hope we could do better than $35/bottle for Vineyard 1869 by the case!
@rc70 Got a trio, plus filled out my half case with some of the $10 bubbly rose from the Loire. Now hopefully they’ll hold until fall to ship so I can make room!
@klezman @rc70 This, for CA, actually looks like a good shipping week.
@rc70 @rjquillin 1869 has been mostly off limits, but i have inquired. they may not have enough to justify a casemates slot.
Intriguing offer on Lastbottlewines.com, 2013 World’s End Against the Wind Reserve cab franc at $24, f/s with 4. Various websites (vivino, etc.) give it nice reviews and past couple of vintages on CT have been good reviews.
@jmdavidson1
I thought about those but between some of their marathon bottles and the Vineyard 1869 have way overspent this week, just couldn’t get myself to pull the trigger. If you get some let me know how it is for future purchase.
Iron Horse Estate Chardonnay 2014
$18 fs/4 on wtso
@rjquillin Sent you a whisper about this wine. I presume since you are posting, that means it is a buy. Not too much oak?
@jmdavidson1 I think I missed the whisper. This thread.
Whispers, for me, still seem to be difficult to locate after first posted. Likely I’m missing a way to find them. I think Klez has the same feelings.
When I click on your name, I don’t see whispers directed at me, and that would be helpful, as well as some other notification, other than email, that someone is trying to say something.
@dave
@jmdavidson1 just looked again for the whisper.
Can’t find it.
@dave
I got six when it was listed earlier this year; added four more.
The oak is tastefully presented, as is their style for the Estate. I do like the un-oaked as well for it’s crispness.
I saw a Tierra y Mar RRV PN 2015 at GO today @ $14.99. Wine.woot at some point had a cab that I ratted and thought was decent enough. Might be a good pick up.
@CorTot $14.99? That must be some top shelf GO juice.
@chipgreen The most expensive bottle i’ve ever seen is $19.99. And yes this PN bottle was on the top shelf.
@chipgreen @CorTot
2013 Blakeslee Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir Sheila
was $24.99, $20 during their sale. CT average now down to $65.
@CorTot Wish we had GOs in Ohio…
For those looking for additional NxNW Rose, head over to RLL for some x-site supplier sharing.
Some Keller over there as well!
Flannery Beef sale till 5/5, get your custom burger mix while you can. No longer available after the 4th.
@rc70 Yeah, just completed the order I started yesterday.
35% Off California Reserve New York Steaks was compelling.
Another expensive weekend. I should be working…
@rc70 @rjquillin I got suckered in as well. Getting some of the famed pork caps also, and re-upping for 10 lbs of burger blends. Sad to see the burger builder go away.
@klezman @rc70 I was thinking about the blends as well, but don’t have any idea what I’d include in the mix; but open to suggestions, and why…
@rc70 @rjquillin
Well, for starters, I first had Flannery burger blend without knowing that was the source. At Berserkerfest in Santa Ynez a few years ago. Best sliders I’d ever had. I’ve made 4 different blends now, including the ones I just ordered. 25% each unless otherwise noted:
So you see I have a few things I keep returning to. It’s not like I’ve done a blind comparison, but I really like the dry aged flavour, which is why one of my two new orders is 50% dry aged ends. I also don’t like my burgers too fatty (I can’t figure out how to keep the juices in when I do that) so I steer clear of the suet/fat blends. (But if you get a blend with one of those in it, I’d love to taste it.) Basically I weigh out cost vs Bryan’s flavour rating out of 5 and read the descriptions. Ends up being about $10-12/lb, and we use them when we want really spectacular burgers. With 4 lbs remaining in the freezer, the additional 10 lbs will probably do us for a few years.
Some Breathless Bubbles over at RLL for <$20/btl I wish I knew more about.
@winedavid49, any comments?
Not saying this is a deal or not, but today SommSelect has a 2004 and a 2014 Corison cabernet sauvignon for $299.
@jmdavidson1 Ian! Haven’t checked his site in a long time. Looks like that “deal” is gone already, not that I was going to pony up $300 for 2 bottles. Maybe if it was Kronos.
@chipgreen When I click the link in the email it shows it still being available.
@jmdavidson1 Hmm, I just navigated to sommselect.com, I guess the email offer is something additional to the daily.
@chipgreen I was surprised to see a Corison offer on a website like that one. Don’t think I’ve seen that in a while. Too pricey for me. Maybe RJQ?
@chipgreen @jmdavidson1 Don’t see anything either. Perhaps an email forward?
I’ve only got a single '04, and no '14 unless I’ve forgotten to enter some coming from Tim.
Rotie Cellars Southern Blend Washington 2014 on last bottle $26 is a nice deal! Imho
@ScottW58
Thanks for heads up,picked up a set.
Father’s day mini marathon @noon (EDT) till 4 over on WTSO.
In case you missed the casemates offer for the 2013 Charles Smith Viognier, Wine Country Connect has 3 bottles for $64.99 (fs) or a couple bucks more than it was here. Offer ends June 10th.
@jmdavidson1 Whoa, when did WD start selling wine directly through WCC? https://winecountryconnect.vinespring.com/purchase/detail?item=local-wine-events-wcc-offer
EDIT ok, it looks like the offer is affiliated with localwineevents.com and “the juice”. Also, there is a vinespring.com in the URL that may come into play. First I’ve heard of this!
@chipgreen @jmdavidson1 This was recently up on rll as well.
@chipgreen It seems like the guy is just trying to pay for his expensive real estate. Pretty enterprising. BTW, I missed the Casemates deal and took this one.
@chipgreen vinespring is an ecommerce site geared to wine sales, best I can tell.
King Estate’s North by Northwest Rosé 2016 on Winelibrary FS on12, $9.99 a bottle.
For you Ty fans, Invino’s got
2015 Ty Caton Big Hill Cabernet Sauv
Caton Vineyard, Moon Mountain, Sonoma
for $35, FS on 3. Small lot, 71 cases made.
Degani Amarone on last bottle for $35 fs on 3. I’ve always wanted to try Amarone. Anyone have experience with this producer?
K&L just loaded up a shit ton of oldish Ridge wines on their site for very good prices.
@ScottW58 damn, now I need to look
@klezman
Sorry guys but I took the last 3 99 Geyservilles for $34.99, but still good stuff to be had
@ScottW58 very tempting!
@ScottW58 Damn you! I’d have been in on those no questions asked! I haven’t had time to really look yet given work.
@ScottW58 Those I would have bought. I got a half case of the $30 bottles. A Dusi/Paso bottle, 2 York Creek Napa, and 3 Ponzi RRV.
@klezman
Nice haul! You’re welcome
@ScottW58 Thanks! Also, that was evil, but appreciated nonetheless. molarchae approves heartily of Ridge.
Just got a “back in stock” email from Invino for the 2013 Jana ‘Cathedral’ Cabernet Sauv @ $34.99
They also still have 2015 Scott Harvey 1869 Zinfandel for the same price.
RLL has 2 bottles 2013 Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut for $64.99
Right now at TSO: 2013 Anthem Beckstoffer Las Piedras St. Helena CS, $59.99 with FS. I have not had this Anthem, but have had others and they do not disappoint. Great price on this one.
@jmdavidson1
Grabbed a pair of these along with the 2012 from a week ago, delayed to october for shipping on both.
@rc70 I did too (two). I set shipping for when I want it. Considering that I will cellar it for another 5 years, there is no rush t get it. Too bad casemates does not let us ship at a later date.
Just saw the Coravin listed as a deal of the day on Amazon…half off. Not sure when “today” ends in Amazon world…
https://www.amazon.com/Coravin-Model-Limited-Preservation-System/dp/B0756F2DJS/ref=gbps_img_s-4_f087_80a53476?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=67b60084-1a9a-4483-abfe-f22f181ef087&pf_rd_s=slot-4&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=7NQVW1N6K2T6DY34Z80G
@karenhynes
Man it is tempting but I just can’t pull the trigger
Sorry for the last minute posting. Invino.com until 11:59PST tonight get 20% off orders +$100 with code TGIF0720. Helped me pick up the 2013 Jana Cathedral they have, so score!
RLL has WineSmith Grenache Rose up today. I’m not sure I ever saw that on WW. Any one had any experience…maybe @chipgreen ?
@mrn1 I got the email…
Live Saturday, July 28, 2018
3 Pack of 2010 Cabernet Franc $120 $64.99
3 Pack of 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon $150 $99.99
3 Pack of 2017 Grenache Dry Rose $90 $54.99
Or Try One of Each:
Retail $130.00 Rue La La Offer $69.99
This is the first I have seen of the 2013 Cab Sauv and 2017 Rose. Looking at Clark’s website, I see the Cab Sauv is from Lake County and the Rose from Santa Cruz. I am tempted by both but have an aversion to RLL.
I have had several bottles of an earlier Pennyfarthing Rose by Clark that were excellent although they were Rose of Cab Sauv not Grenache (and cost under $10 apiece). However, I have had nothing but positive experiences with Clark’s wines so am always willing to purchase based on past results alone.
In reviewing the “ledger” of our spate of swaps, it looks like I’m in the black so if you want to be the enabler, I’m willing to go in on either or both and am flexible re: quantity.
@chipgreen @mrn1 Clark brought the rose with him to the Tour finale dinner. None of our palates were still in good shape, but we liked it well enough. It was a lighter/whiter end of rose, not a bright pink version.
@chipgreen @klezman @mrn1
This has to be the understatement of the tour.
@klezman @rjquillin
Ha! I’ll bet. Reminds me of the evening poolside tasting on the 2012 tour when WD, Neil, et.al. brought 2-3 dozen wines setup on multiple tables. I must have been affected by spending all day in the sun along with having palate fatigue because every wine tasted salty to me. Have never thought “salty” before or since when tasting/drinking wine.
Even though summer is winding down and the days for sitting on the patio and sipping rose will soon be over, how can I say no to Clark’s Grenache Rose. I bought three, and will let one head your way. I have free shipping on RLL, so let me know if you want anything else and I’ll go ahead and order it.
@mrn1 Thanks, that’s perfect.
Congruence is in the final stages of clearing their inventory of Napa cabs. 08, 09, 11, and 14 vintages, $25-40 ea, 5 and 10 case discounts for splits. Anyone interested in the nyc metro area and eastern pa send me a PM for details.
@hscottk edit to add that all should feel free to pm me for contact info. Ny metro for possible splits.
For those in LA who like Tercero (@CorTot @ScottW58 @time2testit @losthiwayz @merrybill), I was at Wine House picking up some stuff and noticed that they have 2010 The Climb on closeout for $18 and 2016 Cinsault for $20. Far better than any direct pricing for both.
@klezman not showing as close outs on website. Must be walk in only. If I’m down that way I’ll stop by. Nice deal!
@kaolis wrote (in the Buoncristiani thread)
If there’s anyone left out there who doesn’t have a sous vide cooker, Anova’s running a $79 special for the bluetooth version. Looks like they’re clearing them out to make room for new models.
We had a nice sous vide cooking discussion going on wine.woot, once upon a time.
Have to share this and believe a few here will understand, picked up 4, yes four, bottles of Princess & the Peasant City of 10,000 Buddhas Carignan from the bottom rack of the Heinen’s grocery store in downtown Cleveland for $13.99 each! I then promptly bought a lottery ticket. Now I can drink the one bottle I got last Bday.
@pjmartin
Wowza! I paid $15.25 there for a 1 oz. pour of Opus One. You win.
@pjmartin wow that’s a nice find of a pretty rare bottle! Someday I will drink my only one and really can’t wait
@pjmartin @ScottW58 Wow!
For all you Ty Caton fans out there, Invino has the
2015 Ty Caton Big Hill Cabernet Sauv
Caton Vineyard, Moon Mountain, Sonoma Micro Lot Production, 71 Cases
$35, FS on 3
The thing in their email that made me smile was this typo in the blurb:
Why does everything have to be so political these days???
Anyway, the wine does sound nice.
@InFrom ROFL
2012 Ardente Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Select Reserve for $25.99 on Wine Spies, free ship with 6 or more.
@chipgreen great info. I love the old Red label stuff.
TAKE15 saved me 15% also
2012 Korbin Kameron Cabernet Sauvignon
90 Points Wine Enthusiast
List Price - $55
Wine Library Sale Price - $29.99
Secret Case Price - $19.99 per bottle with code SEPTDEAL plus free shipping!
(pasted directly from the email they sent me)
Like the Annie Amie PB?
Check out rll for some 2015 PN.
2015 Anne Amie Pinot Noir
Dunno why @winedavid49 doesn’t put this up here…
Lots of Cavedoni up on RLL.
@winedavid49
You responsible for this Cavedoni The Imperatore 25 Year Old Balsamic
Trader Joe’s had half bottles of Select Late Harvest Cab Sauv and Vidal Icewine from a winery in Ontario called Levesque Estates. $15 each.
We’re trying both in the next couple nights and will report back if there’s interest.
@bahwm @ddeuddeg have you heard of this place? I can’t find any hint of its existence online.
The only thing resembling information that might reveal the identity suggests that it’s actually from Pillitteri. Maybe dumping some off-year stuff, but for them an off-year is probably still pretty good!
@klezman We’ve never heard of the place. I have a message out to a winemaker friend of ours up there.
First bottle wines https://www.firstbottlewines.com
A new site from last bottle wines
daily deals I think and expanded wine sales, free shipping on 6.
@ScottW58 lol, just what I needed!
@ScottW58 Looks less like a deals site and more like a “regular” outlet site. Inevitably I’ll miss a couple great deals, but that’s why I wait for the rest of you to let me know!
They do have a SQN and some high end stuff…
@klezman @ScottW58 This suggests it’s rebranded BPW
Yep, it’s true – the BPWine you know (and hopefully love) is now First Bottle. It’s going to be EPIC, too. Read on for the details. The only thing that is REALLY changing is MORE WINE, FREE SHIPPING, and an easier, cleaner, faster website. Did we mention free shipping!?
@rjquillin @ScottW58 Who was BPWine? Never heard of them.
@klezman @rjquillin
The home company of last bottle wines, been selling wine for years.
@rjquillin @ScottW58 I had no idea they had another pre-existing business. Makes sense.
@klezman @rjquillin
I think most of them do? Cinderella = WL
Not wow’ed by the pricing. But, there might be a diamond or two in the batch.
The Last Bottle deal has me interested. I can’t find too many producers that make an Oakville Station vineyard designate.
That Cornerstone Oakville Station Cab is up at LB for $49 again ($95 from the winery), free ship with 3. I just want 1, so anybody in SoCal want to split a 3 pack? Deal expiration will probably be around kick-off tomorrow.
@merrybill I got a three pack yesterday. I’ll bump one your way. It’s on hold until cooler weather, but I’m honestly not sure where you live. So it might be a while?
@merrybill @radiolysis
Might the third be up for grabs?
@radiolysis @rjquillin I’m in Orange County and see Mr Quillin at least a couple of times a year, so there’s that if you don’t come up for a gathering yourself sometime. I’m about 50/50 for the one in Glendora in Nov myself. BTW, LB uses GSO for California shipments, so weather is rarely a factor with them.
@merrybill @rjquillin I had them change to “ship now” so i should have it in time for the gathering. Happy to bring it up then.
End of the old Le Cigare Volant. Got an email from Bonny Doon that the Cigare rouge would be changing styles for 2018 and so it’s a sale on a 2012-2017 vertical.
$135 for one bottle of each (50% off), free shipping on a case or more.
For you Ridge fans, K&L got a good shipment in the other day of middle aged vintages. @rjquillin @ScottW58
Ty Caton 2016 “Winemaker’s Cuvee” Cabernet Sauvignon on winespies for $23.99, free ship with 6
$17 off any purchase of $17+ at Underground Cellar with code GOBLIN - expires Wednesday, October 31st at midnight PST.
Mags of Gruet Blanc de Blancs up on Rue.
PSA: This year’s Trader Joe’s Brut Rose is in stores! I went to ask when they were coming in and the guy there said they came this morning! Same price as last year, $10. I got my six bottles.
@cortot
@klezman thank you for the heads up.
GRUET up on Rue!
@rjquillin don’t think I’ve seen the demi-sec on any deal sites before. cool!
@radiolysis @rjquillin I was happy to find a local store selling Gruet for $10. I picked up a few bottles (including the demi-sec – haven’t tried it yet, but the store rep said it is not particularly sweet).
@radiolysis Exactly, first sighting of the demi…
@winedavid49
we ever going to see Foppiano again?
2016 Foppiano Petite Sirah Lot 96 case for $135
Enter Coupon Code: LOT96 for flat rate shipping
CA is $10
Splitz?
Our 2016 Lot 96 Petite Sirah is lavishly spicy and fruit-forward. Crushed blueberry and cinnamon flavors are complemented by deep shades of red and purple. This wine will be thoroughly enjoyed casually or with a fine meal.
To place your order over the phone, please call (707) 433-7272 ext 209 or
email us at info@foppiano.com
Just in case you thought we didn’t have enough venues for WD to pick our pockets with here and rue, we now have gilt.com with some 2015 Anne Amie Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
@rjquillin
Another site that won’t let you look at anything until you sign up for an account. Must be a sister site of RLL. Pass.
@chipgreen @rjquillin yeah I deleted when that popped up on my screen too.
@chipgreen @ScottW58
Yes, it is. I’m told Rue bought them out some time ago. I just used foo@bar.com and was in.
2015 Anne Amie Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon: 2 Bottles
93 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Our estate vineyard rests on the unique Mineral Springs ridge in Yamhill-Carlton and in the shadow of the Pacific Coast Range, which accounts for a growing season of warm, dry days and cool nights. This blend of our Pommard (P4) and Dijon 115 clones (grown on Willakenzie soil) and uplifted marine sediment, shows the depth of fruit and rich tannins that exemplify the vineyard that we affectionately call our “backyard.”
Aroma: red cherry, black plum, forest floor, stems, baking spice, cola, leather
Flavor: wild cherry, anise, blackberry, tar, horehound, black pepper
Finish: long and structured with nice acidity
Suggested Food Pairing: rib eye, lamb shank, venison, wild mushroom and burrata bruschetta, pork collar, fresh egg tagliatelle with parmesan, wild boar chili, oeufs en meurette, salmon
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Barrel Regime: Aged for 16 months in French oak (23.9% new, 35.8% one year old, 40.3% neutral)
Alcohol: 13.2%
@chipgreen @rjquillin what does that mean? If you buy something don’t you have to sign up with an email address?
@chipgreen @rjquillin @ScottW58 it just means he gave a fake email so he could look.
@chipgreen @CorTot @ScottW58 yes, this.
Yup, Holidaz coming right up.
@winedavid49 has Candy Basket up on gourmet.
Both Wine Access and Coravin have some nice discounts offered today.
@rjquillin Just bought a Coravin but haven’t used it yet. Have you found it to work well?
@mwfielder Haven’t received mine, just ordered.
Generally I’ll just backfill an opened bottle with Ar from my tank, but the ability to sample is appealing, and I’ve generally heard good things about these.
And, I just like gadgets…
@rjquillin Same. I saw it demo’d at Total Wine with a year old bottle of Moone Tsai Cab and had to get it. Though I haven’t used it yet and now its on sale.
Cavedoni Botte Piccola Italian Balsamic
on the old site, in case you’re running low,
or need gifts.
@rjquillin Done.
@rjquillin And the Siloro Olio Nuovo is up today. I love that stuff. So fresh and green, at least for the first month or so. After that, merely delicious.
Feels weird not to buy this year, I’m long on tuscan oil atm. Maybe I need some to gift…
@InFrom Yeah, @winedavid49 is pushing all the wrong buttons for my financial health here and on Gourmet.
Next will be Iron Horse and Corison to sink the ship.
@InFrom @rjquillin @Winedavid49 Is this fact or speculation?
@InFrom @jmdavidson1 @rjquillin @Winedavid49
More like wishful thinking… although I wouldn’t be surprised to see IH make an appearance with NYE coming up soon. As much as we love everything they make, our long-standing favorite is the Brut Rosé. Our second favorite was the 2010 Winter’s Cuvee. Would love to try a newer vintage!
@InFrom @jmdavidson1 @Winedavid49 pure speculation, but it would be nice, I’ve not been naughty.
@rjquillin That would be quite a ship-sinker.
Laura Michael 2013 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is on WTSO at $26.99 a bottle.
@canestfr I took a flyer on 3 based on the vintage (2013 was solid), the winery (RPM tour went there and the wines were good) and it being a cab from Rutherford. At $27/bottle, this seemed easy.
2015 Bonny Doon “De Proprio Gravitas” white blend on Last Bottle, $10, FS on 6. Looks like it’s in the same line as the Proper Pink, etc. that we saw last year on W.woot, at the same price. I did enjoy the Pink and the Moscato from that offer, not sure I got to try the Claret.
Not that anyone got to review the Gravitas white back then, but I linked to the discussion nonetheless, by way of saying “Hey! Old discussion threads seem to be back!” Though I’m not sure how far back they go at this point.
If anyone would like a referral link (for a $10 credit) from last bottle, please say so, I’d be happy to oblige. (So generous, I am!)
@InFrom I was at Bonny Doon in the spring and got a bottle. I remember NOTHING from the tasting, but apparently i liked it enough to buy one.
I’m also considering popping it tonight “for science”.
Not cheap at $119 but anyone know anything about the 2007 Meander Morosoli cab up on invino? Have to say I’m intrigued.
https://www.invino.com/wine/cabernet-sauvignon-2007/2SD9ENH4BI8OX.html
@kaolis Not many, but nice notes in CT.
@rjquillin another project gone under makes me wonder if a blow out price comes around. But not much availability looks like so I’m guessing not. Particularly given the vintage
@kaolis a bit of inet sleuthing found it went sour?
@kaolis The 2013 Prestoni CS Howell Mtn at $51 looked interesting, but now priced at $75 is less so.
Didn’t end up getting the Bonny Doon, but jumped at the WTSO for Laura Michael Oat Hill Zin for $14.99 that just posted.
@radiolysis Thanks! Good catch.
FYI, Last bottle is doing their version of a woot off for the next two days.
@mwfielder it goes so quickly, i can’t really take time to think!
@mwfielder If you do think, the offer is gone. Kind of a ridiculous offering. Who has the time to babysit the website, only to discover that they weren’t offering that much anyway? The really good one’s are their for a nanosecond. I’ve had’em disappear when I had them in my cart and only to disappear.
@jmdavidson1 @mwfielder yeah I’ve been trying to do quick background research on the offers (literally 2 mins) and the couple times I was thinking I’d buy, it was gone. Free shipping is pretty sweet at least
@mwfielder You’ll also notice that some offers repeat. Unfortunately, they usually aren’t the one’s you wish came back.
@jmdavidson1 @mwfielder
I had it up in the background at work today and periodically took a quick look, grabbed a few bottles of 2013 Rôtie Cellars Southern Blend @26, good juice and a good delivered price. But that was the extent of my buys, as you said they roll over quick.
Got one of the splits of Burgundy they just had up. What I like is the free shipping on single bottles. Try more, buy more.
And a tiny spatlese? Wheeeee!
@mwfielder I typically buy 2-4 bottles during this 2 day event. Stuff to try but a lot of offers sell through before i commit. only 1 bottle this time.
Skylark Grenache Mendocino County 2013
@CorTot I got four. The two splits I mentioned above, and one each of 2007 and 2011 Weekender Meritage. Almost got the 2012 for a verticalish thing, but didn’t want to drop more money on completely unknown juice.
@radiolysis @mwfielder @jmdavidson1 I got one of those half burgundy bottles. I was pondering whether to get more, as it seemed like a great deal. Only up for a few minutes. Some German Rieslings were only up for about 20 seconds. I decided the next “JJ Prum” Rieslings that came up, I was getting it, because I kept missing out by researching. I got two half bottles of 2014 Kabinett, and by mistake two JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese Riesling 2015 Magnums for $45 each. I meant to just get one, but slipped on the button trying to click in time. From the reviews though, it sounds like I might eventually be happy I got 2.
@CorTot @radiolysis And I was wondering about the “weekender” wines. Couldn’t find any info. I was looking at the Merlot, thinking that might just be a fantastic deal. Didn’t pull trigger.
@jmdavidson1 @mwfielder @PatrickKarcher @radiolysis you will be wishing you got a case of those Prums you lucky bastard
@CorTot I got the Skylark Grenache on last bottle previously and really enjoyed it. In fact that accounted for 2 of the 4 bottles I ended up grabbing in this one!
Marina del Rey Costco has half bottles of Reif Estate Grand Reserve Vidal Icewine for $29+tax. Solid.
@klezman mine has the Chateau Des Charmes Vidal for the same price. That a good deal?
@radiolysis Yeah, it’s a proper smaller producer in Niagara, which makes it a fair price for sure. Mine had the Chateau des Charmes the last couple years as well. I prefer Reif Estate overall, so I was happy to see them there.
@klezman Of course you find the icewine!
FYI, on wine spies today is 2001 Ardente Grande Reserve CS @29.99 with fs on 6
@rc70 Hhhhmmmmmmmmm!!! This is very good news. Got mine. Use take15 for extra $20-something off.
@rc70 Grabbed 6 w/fs. Maybe WD can get us an offer from them (again).
@jmdavidson1 @rc70 Yup! Late '12 we got these for $20 bones on w.w. Looks like I may even still have a half case already or even at $10 more I’d have been tempted.
Woodland Hills Wine Company is having their year-end sale. Last night is tonight. whwc.com. Some excellent deals, including on Tercero.
@klezman You or @scottw58 actually make the drive?
@rjquillin @ScottW58 Well, the sale is over. The first guy I talked to said they could do the free shipping but then the other guy said it was suspended for their sale. Irritating.
I’ll trek out there if I have to, but hopefully Scott will make it there first
@klezman @rjquillin Well I don’t have anything waiting there right now but if i’m out that way sure.
@klezman @ScottW58 Nor do I, that I know of.
Was just curious of either of you had dropped by to shop the sale, (that now seems over).
2014 Wind Gap syrah Sonoma coast $15 FS on 6 at Last Bottle.
@hscottk I’ve been looking at this.
Thoughts anybody?
@scottw58 @klezman
But Scott has been ruined now for pedestrian bottles.
@hscottk @rjquillin @ScottW58 I got some Wind Gap Syrah from Rimmerman a couple years ago and quite liked it. Pax sold the brand last year, and the owners are clearing out all the Wind Gap wines. I’ve got a bevy of them inbound between Garagiste and K&L. $15 for the Sonoma Coast Syrah is less than I paid Garagiste, but that was for the 2009. Also have a fair bit of Pinot coming in as well.
Sabatino is having the 50% off sale again on the fantastic white truffles, code: NewYearFlash
@ScottW58 how much do you generally purchase?
That burger looks mighty fine.
I did 2 ounces last time since it was 50 off
Underground Cellar is selling Amazon gift cards with automatic upgrades. $25 apiece, you will mostly get $27 and $30 cards but could get lucky and get up to $1,000.
I spent $300 total and got $353 (9x $27, 2x $30, 1x $50) in gift cards, fwiw. Not like winning the lottery but if there’s one website where I will spend it anyway, it’s Amazon, so I’ll take the $50+ bonus! YMMV
@chipgreen I gambled $150 and got $168. Like you said, it’s Amazon so I’ll spend it anyway.
Sold Out
@chipgreen BTW thanks for this Chip, went for 100 ended up getting almost 125. Free money is always a Slam dunk
@ScottW58
YW and agree it’s hard to beat a guaranteed win!
@ScottW58 @canestfr
Now Amazon itself is offering a one-time $15 promo code if you purchase a $50 gift card.
Get a $15 credit when you purchase $50 in Amazon Gift Cards
@canestfr @chipgreen @ScottW58 Amazon says I’m not eligible for this offer.
@canestfr @chipgreen @InFrom @ScottW58
Ditto.
@canestfr @InFrom @karenhynes @ScottW58
Hmmm, didn’t think I was that special haha. It did say that it was for first time gift card buyers, maybe that’s the problem? Sorry I should have added that caveat.
@canestfr @chipgreen @InFrom @ScottW58
Haha! I am definitely not in the first time buyer category. They are in the regular rotation for gifts for my nephews.
Johndrow Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Cimarossa Vineyards for $50 on WTSO in the “More Wines” section. Howell Mt. Cab for $50… anyone have experience with this one?
Varietal Breakdown: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: 100% Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Vineyard: 100% Cimarossa Vineyard - elevation ranges of 1700-2000 feet, several soil types, and sun exposures from the east, west, and north.
Harvest Date: October 6, 2014
Analysis
TA: 0.680 g/100 ml
pH: 3.74
Alcohol: 14.50
Date Bottled: May 25, 2017
Cases Bottles: 200 x 6 bottle cases
24 months in new and neutral French oak
@chipgreen Have not tried this one but I have had very impressive cabs from the Cimarossa vineyard, I think Ed Sbragia made them years ago?
@chipgreen @ScottW58 Took a chance on a couple but delayed shipping till spring,Howell Mtn,worth giving it a chance for me.
@rc70 @ScottW58
I also went in for 2. Free shipping was nice. I love Howell Mt. Cabs!
For those with 2016 commemorative wine years to stock up on, cindy has 2016 Maynard’s Port for $56, free shipping.
Remember SakéOne G Fifty Genshu Saké from w.w?
Up on Gilt now. 2/$40
@rjquillin Thanks, just ordered a set! Been missing SakéOne from the old WW days.
@winedavid49 @catcoland
WD, I did mention this earlier we needed to see them ‘here’ again…
@rjquillin good stuff! Have a couple of bottles left that I need to drink.
@rjquillin @Winedavid49 The SakéOne G Fifty order arrived at my office today along with the 4 pack of Lang & Reed CF I bought here, both shipped by WCC, but the Saké box had an extra label. Got some chuckles from the FedEx driver & the folks at the front desk who signed for it!
@catcoland probably should end up on most of our packages… The FedEx manager thinks I have a problem.
A local chain (Binny’s, for those in the Chicago area) is advertising the 2016 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis for $40 (regularly $60). Seems like a nice price, but I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with this bottle.
@Mark_L Not the vintage, but all bottles I have tasted have been good. It is not exceptional, so do not expect an amazing QPR.
Umm…did y’all see what’s going on on meh.com? If you need more wine glasses I suggest you take a look.
@klezman
Thanks for the h/u!
@chipgreen @klezman
Nice, glasses for @work. Need those.
“Basically, how it works is this: a new wine is offered every day.” Ruh roh.
@JOATMON I vote typo. Hopefully.
Iron Horse 2014 Chardonnay for $17 at WTSO right now.
Last Bottle has the 6 Sigma red blend that we saw here back in April, for $15, FS on 6. That was the per-bottle price here for a 4-pack, for a case it worked out to $12. Very tasty stuff. I just found one this morning, poking around in some boxes.
As ever, if you are looking for a Last Bottle referral code to save a couple of bucks, send me a whisper.
I have an allocation from Turley that I’m happy to share with y’all. Any interest? I’m hoping I’ll be able to pick it up and save the shipping costs, even.
@klezman interested…
@merrybill I sent it in a few days ago, but I can request additional if you want…ping me by email and we can figure it out.
2016 Y. Rousseau “Son of a Butcher” for $20 at Invino, free ship on 6.
Not a big discount from the $24 retail price but Y. Rousseau had somewhat of a following on wine.woot and has not been seen on Casemates. This blend is 45% Tannat, for those who may have enjoyed his previous Tannat-based wines.
Cavedoni Botte Piccola Balsamic Vinegar IGP, 250ml Bottle for $37.49 w/free prime shipping on Amazon
@chipgreen one of these days i need to buy it for myself… i’ve been waffling for what seems like years.
Sonoma Coast Estate Syrah 2013 Baker Lane Vineyards
'tso $19/btl fs/4
Still good to visit “that other site”
BeeHive Cheese Smoke & Spice 3-Pack Sampler: Apple Walnut Smoked, Big John’s Cajun, & Red Butte Hatch Chile
@rjquillin
Thanks, order in. Had the first 2 previously and enjoyed both but was especially fond of the Big John’s Cajun. The Red Butte must be fairly new to the lineup.
@chipgreen @rjquillin The Red Butte is a new one, I bought this sampler once before and it was the first one I tried, it’s very good!
Iron Horse Estate Chardonnay 2014
$17/fs4 on 'tso
$14 off at Underground Cellar today until midnight with code BEWINE at checkout.
@chipgreen
How does that site work out for you?
I’ve gotten a couple of bottles, but generally most of the offers just don’t appeal; and the chance of a marquee bottle seems quite slim.
How do you make it work?
@rjquillin
It has changed some in that they are putting more total bottles into the offers, reducing the odds of getting the top upgrades. I usually look at the % of each wine in the offers to determine what I am most likely to receive and weigh that against the base bottle price. If I think that it is a value play based on that alone, I will buy and if I get a better upgrade(s) than expected, then hey, bonus!
Also, they put out these codes fairly often (usually for $17 but this was $14 for V-day) and I usually try to take advantage of the free money. Today I got a bottle of 2012 Bolen Family Estates Merlot Oak Knoll District for $18 (after $14 code) that retails for $95. They were blowing them out as they accounted for 60% of the bottles in this $32 deal. Perfect example of the value play mentioned above, even without the $14 code. That deal (Rockin Reds) is likely over by the time you see this (currently 6 bottles left only) and it appealed to me more than the others but if nothing else, I will sometimes use a free money code to buy a single bottle from whichever offer has the lowest entry price.
Also, keep in mind the number of buyers vs. the % of base bottles. Once the base bottles run out, there’s nothing left but upgrades, although some deals are designed with very few base bottles and most of the upgrades only retail for a few dollars more than the base bottle did. Just have to assess each offer individually. If you’re OCD enough (like me) you can even go through the list of buyers and look at their cloud cellar list to see which bottles they got from the deal (usually the most recently acquired bottles are listed at the bottom), although some buyers keep their cellars private and because of overlap you can’t always tell if that bottle in their cellar was from this deal or another one.
There is no exact science to it but there are definite strategies that can improve your results when buying from UC!
@chipgreen @rjquillin Hi Chip. Wow, you’re really got a problem. I mean, impressive research!
@PatrickKarcher @rjquillin
yeah, well…
@chipgreen @PatrickKarcher
I was thinking the same.
How ever do you find time for all that?
Is it really worth it?
@chipgreen @rjquillin It’s the hobby. In the end, I’m not sure it’s worth the time, all the time I spend saving money. But I’m enjoying myself, and I’m learning a lot as I research. And when it’s a game, well, I like playing games.
@chipgreen @rjquillin I only buy from them using the monthly codes. So my total price per bottle ends up being very low. Plus they ship for free after you have 12 built up. If you don’t mind rolling the dice a bit it’s a nice value play.
Candy Basket Milk & Dark Chocolate Fleur de Sel Salted Caramel Pecan Patties
over “there”.
Entycement on Wine Spies today.
Did anybody notice the Woot Cellars Coffee a couple of weeks back?
@JOATMON I did, but I’ve also pretty much given up on unknown on-line coffee purchases. To date, every one has been a disappointment when compared to a local roaster where I can get beans roasted within the past 2~3 days.
Was it here or there we had an active roasting/coffee thread going?
@JOATMON I bought it around Thanksgiving during the first round. It was fine. Nothing special, but a fun logo and a very reasonable price. I didn’t go for another round when it was posted a few weeks ago. I like supporting the local roasters too much.
K&L has Liquid Farm Mourvedre Rose for $18
Invino has the Kukeri (Cornerstone Vineyard) Pino Noir, by the half case, in case you liked it and/or missed it here. Price is not quite as good as it was on Casemates. After today (Sunday 3/17) I think the price will go up a little, but will still be pretty good.
Prager Winery & Port Works 2013 Napa Valley Petite Sirah
$28 Wine Spies FS/6
@markdaspark if ya wanna split…
@rjquillin The pile of superfluous apostrophes (or maybe apostrophe’s) in the write-up is so distracting. Literacy is clearly going downhill.
Aside from that, the breakdown says 53% PS, 45% Tinta Roriz, and 2% Cab. Wrong wine, or incorrectly labeled?
@klezman suspiciously similar to this previous Red Port offering:
https://winespies.com/sales/8333-prager-winery-port-works-2013-napa-valley-port
2016 Anderson’s Conn Valley cab on LB FOR $35 fs on 4
@hscottk Annnndd gone.
@hscottk @radiolysis that was quick!
Kyle and I wee going back and forth over splitting a set and it disappeared.
Just noticed, Ty Caton Upper Bench Red Wine over there at the Spies.
Treasury Wine Estates has their sale going on again. Some good deals, including half price Clone 4 and Clone 6. 70% off 2010 BV Maestro, Ranch No 1, puts it at a little under $30/bottle.
2013 Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
Anyone want to split a case?
@rjquillin
I’m too far away.
@rjquillin I might take a couple bottles off your hands
@rjquillin Karen and I do. Is it too late?
@jmdavidson1 @karenhynes
Nope, still there.
They also have some '14 BV Latour.
@jmdavidson1 @rjquillin
Anthony Bell’s Clone 6 is probably the best Cab I have ever had but the CT notes on the Beaulieu concern me a little.
At K&L from Spencer Hoops and Anne Vawter.
2014 Liparita “V Block” Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60) ($19.99)
Anyone know something about this?
@rjquillin No, but I bought some of the 2013 from TSO for $30/bottle back in May '18. CT notes for the 13 look better than the 14.
@jmdavidson1 @rjquillin Yeah, I was going to get a few of them at that price and then saw the CT notes. Last thing I need is more wine, so I’m looking for reasons to not buy
I also wondered if the mystery Napa wine from Garagiste today was one of theirs.
The Cavedoni Botte Piccola Balsamic over on woot clearance for $29.99 today. Think that might be the cheapest I’ve seen it.
@kaolis @winedavid49
Was going to post earlier, but wasn’t sure it was WD’s offer, finally found time to check my email.
It is.
buy, Buy, BUY.
Great price.
@kaolis @rjquillin @Winedavid49 Isn’t that the price it used to be, about 5 years ago?
I’m still decently stocked
@kaolis @rjquillin it’s not a buy if it’s not a WD offer?
@kaolis @ScottW58
Could be, just better that it is. Just surprised the one here on clearance is.
There was another Cavedoni offer on Gourmet months (years?) ago for a higher price that wasn’t a WD offer.
Gigondas 2015 Domaine du Grand Montmirail Vieilles Vignes On TSO. I remember seeing this in the ‘what are you drinking? April 2019’.
@TechnoViking hope it’s good, my first tso purchase. Feels like I’m cheating on WD
@TechnoViking THANK YOU!!! @scottw58
@deadlyapp Don’t worry, it’s just a flirtation, it’ll put a spring in your step and keep your relationship with WD young.
Testing
@MarkDaSpark looks like we’re back!
@deadlyapp @MarkDaSpark
This and Case Savings thread working but Clues thread still no bueno.
Missed it earlier but wtso had the michaels Calistoga at 24.99 ea, about the same as here without the blended better price of the Rutherford.
2014 iron horse estate Chardonnay 16.99 FS on 4 at WTSO.
2015 Torii Mor Pinot on WTSO at 14.99 FS on 4 if you missed it on Casemates. Mixed CT reviews but I personally loved it.
i’m telling you…
facebook comment after news of lawsuit:
Lindsay Hoopes
2 hrs ·
WTSO owes us 2.6 mm in unpaid wine sales. They have almost bankrupted my family and my life. Do NOT buy wine from them if you care about us.
WINEBUSINESS.COM
Courtwatch: Wine Producer Sues Wines Til Sold Out Over Unpaid Bill
@Winedavid49
Well, I can’t say I haven’t bought from them in the past, but I can say that between 2010 and 2018 I bought a grand total of 21 bottles from them. I definitely can’t say the same for casemates/woot!
@karenhynes @Winedavid49
I have bought 82 bottles from WTSO in 7 years. I bought 24 bottles from Casemates today!
@Winedavid49
That really sucks but I have to wonder how many offers did they have on there to accumulate $2.6 mm in unpaid funds? At what point do you cut your losses? That’s a helluva lot of wine!
Even if WTSO was on the hook for $50 a bottle that works out to 52,000 bottles. At $40 per bottle we’re talking 65,000 bottles. At $30 a bottle we’re looking at 86,667 bottles. Any less than that and we are talking 100,000 bottles or more!
Is anybody else suing WTSO for the same reason or did they only stiff Lindsay Hoopes? I wonder if there is more to the story…
@chipgreen @Winedavid49 @ScottW58
I’m missing something - the Wune Business story about the lawsuit is for a different winery and states something like 5k bottles and $175k in unpaid bills, give or take, after interest. It also cites Johndrow Vineyards, not Hoopes as the one filing the lawsuit.
So who’s out $2.6M and why haven’t they also filed a lawsuit?
I also agree with Scott - I’ve had nothing but good experiences with them. But if they stiff their suppliers then they should suffer the consequences.
Admittedly sour grapes. They’ve become huge. How they got there? ??
Yeah there has to be more to this story, they have not made a cab or anything else since 2014 at least according to CT, there website is a bad joke (but some nice legs) haha. And the current vintage for cabs on the website is selling the 2010 vintage or at least trying to for $150 a bottle!? I’d like to know who they have been ripping off (or trying too since they started). Yes we know you have a thing for WTSO and their success WD but for me anyways they have done nothing but provide some of BEST customer service I have encountered and that goes a long way for me anyways. And if you know what your looking for some great deals!
But who knows maybe they ripped these guys off but I will pass judgement when all the facts come out.
@ScottW58 Any thoughts on this Dirty & Rowdy offer from Somm Select?
@jmdavidson1
That’s a pretty fair offer on some really nice wine’s imho. If you have never tried them they are very light but plenty of flavor! Usually around 12.5 or 13 abv. I think they might age quite well but I burn them to fast to find out
@jmdavidson1 @ScottW58
Where have I heard of them before?
I know I’ve visited that site.
Spin-off from one of the other sites?
@jmdavidson1 @rjquillin
One of the guys from the original somm movie’s started it I think.
Local Costco has the 2015 Whitehall Lane Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (new label design) for $29.99/bottle. Didn’t buy, but it was nice to see some familiar labels as i walked the aisle.
2001 Ardente Atlas Peak Grande Reserve Cab Sauv on the Spies for $29, f/s on 6. Solid notes in CT.
@merrybill dang missed that one.
Ardente? didn’t think they still existed!
@Winedavid49 2001
@jmdavidson1 @Winedavid49
Some '01’s from WD @ $20 still exist too…
@jmdavidson1 @rjquillin @Winedavid49
Got some 2012s from WS 09/27/18 for $26 each. I think that was the final vintage?
BWG bin sale, at your own risk.
Cavedoni Botte Piccola Balsamic Vinegar IGP, 250ml Bottle $27.99
over in clearance on the other site
A WD supplied offer at GILT.com
2013 Esterlina Estate Riesling, Cole Ranch, Mendocino
at $4 after the discount?
How can you say no?
@rjquillin dang what an excellent price!
@rjquillin Holy crap that’s cheap
@klezman especially when compared to the gilt Beringer.
I wish @winedavid49 would pick up some offers like this.
Wait, he did for the '10, back in '11, for $16.
TWS is having a rather interesting sales event where some of the wines are well below 50% of CT pricing.
Beaulieu GdL and others, Beringer, Etude, Stags Leap for example.
Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Laura Michael Wines
$27/fs3 on 'tso
Not the '12 we had here, but three delivered for $81.
If ya can’t swing a tank of Ar, try a
Coravin 100010 Model Two Premium Wine Preservation System, Includes 2 Argon Capsules, Graphite for $210 on the old site. Not a ~great~ deal, but a bit less than other large sellers have it listed for.
@rjquillin
Everytime I see one of these deals I’m so tempted! But then I remember that I drink all my wine
2015 Vincent Arroyo Otra Vez Cab // SET OF 3 109.99 + 10.00 shipping @ T.O.Modern
@rc70 you tasted either of the other two vintages, or this one?
@rc70 @rjquillin If it was PS I’d be in. Why can’t @WineDavid49 get VA PS here for a Friday deal?
@rjquillin Have had the 2014, black fruits, pepper medium tannins long finish. Lower alcohol 13.8 which I liked for a mid week bottle. Not a killer deal but a fair price for a (hopefully based on the 14) pretty good cab.
Over on the old site : Cavedoni Botte Piccola Balsamic Vinegar IGP, 250ml Bottle 27.99 (home staff picks)
Brandini was having a roadshow at my Costco today. That stuff is hard to pass up.
@radiolysis Glad I don’t know which one. Another wallet buster indeed.
@rjquillin
Mission Valley.
Somr tasty olives over on that other site.
Winesmith Grenache over on Winespies; $19.99.
@FritzCat Sold Out!
@FritzCat Back up again for those interested.
@jmdavidson1 Got me some when it first came up. And, thanks for letting me know.
Clark Smith has some great deals on a few of his wines in celebration of his wedding anniversary. I was alerted via email, but I see the deals are on his website under the Buy Wine tab, the 1st four listings there.
@mrn1 the 2014 sparkling Grenache sure looks interesting. How good is that? Any information about it?
I’ve gotten into sparkling lately, thanks to casemates/gruet. As great as Gruet is for the price (it will remain key in our house I think), I’d like to try the next level up. But as a cheapskate with limited budget, I need a great deal. Is this (looks like $23/bottle plus tax) it?
@PatrickKarcher I have not had any of Clark’s sparkling wines, but everything I’ve had of his has not disappointed.
@mrn1
Those 2009 Pennyfarthing Chards have been $10 each for a few years, except you only had to buy 6 to get that price now it looks like you have to buy 12. I bought a couple 6-packs, one in 2016 and one in 2017. As of 8 months ago it’s still drinking well.
@mrn1 @PatrickKarcher
I have 1 bottle left of the sparkling Grenache. Here are my notes from the 2 I killed off previously;
12/16/2017: Biscuits on the nose along with some honeyed lemon peel and light citrus blossom. Dry and tart on the palate with white peach, lemon zest and a faint hint of strawberry. More of a pleasant background note that persists from entry to finish. Medium bodied with flinty minerality, the mousse dissipates rather quickly but the wine retains a nice foamy effervescence on the tongue. The long finish makes me want to segue into another sip.
2/6/2018: Similar to previous note with the addition of something slightly floral on the nose (like a whiff of fresh-cut flowers in a florist shop) and some white cherry on the palate. The strawberry notes were a little more pronounced as well. Despite this bottle arriving semi-frozen with slush in it, it was fine with the exception of some crystal tartrates that were left behind after the slush melted.
The case price is definitely worth it (I paid an average of $38 each for mine). I would suggest requesting a weather hold until Fall, though.
@chipgreen Are you going in on any of these deals? Maybe a couple of the other NE OH bandits might want to increase their WineSmith inventory too…like @boatman72 @pjmartin and @marikar
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @mrn1 @pjmartin I’m willing. For the record, you all can count me as automatic on: any autobuy; anything known good; anything interesting from a known good winery. If it’s not my cup of “tea,” I’ll pass it along. I can easily digest up to 1/2 case without question. I trust your NE OH tastes after seeing your posts all these years. Just do it and let me know the damages. Or, nudge me when I need to do the actual buying. (Gah! And I just ordered a case from one of my standbys, Navarro [Mendocino], with 1-cent shipping. But, hey…it is WineSmith…good and interesting.)
@Boatman72 @marikar @mrn1 @pjmartin
I’d be up for a few bottles of the sparkling and maybe even a couple more of the Chard if someone wanted help with that.
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @marikar @mrn1 I have to pass on this one. Enjoy.
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @mrn1 I’m curious enough about the bubbly to do a couple (or three if needed to round out a case) and can help with Chard too.
Limited Supplies! 50, 65, 75 day dry aged steaks!
Yup, Flannery.
@rjquillin If only I had room in my freezer…
@klezman the 75’s are already SO
@klezman @rjquillin
The last sale I loaded up on the sirloin tales just a fantastic cut of beef that imho you need to try.
Yuk those are too old for me! That and like Adam I have no room in the freezer
@klezman @ScottW58 Quite unlike the age of the bottles you pop.
@klezman @rjquillin @ScottW58 Love the tails, ordered some 50 day ribeye, we’ll see if they are too funky or not.
and the Adventurous blend burgers have a great funk too, 30% 30 day I think without looking
2015 Iron Horse RRV Chardonnay for $16.99 on WTSO.
@Mark_L was it the estate or unoaked?
@rjquillin
Iron Horse Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2015 Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Campesino wines 25 percent off with code back2school. Isa rose fifteen bucks a bottle with free shipping if you buy a case. Seriously considering it.
@hscottk Was looking at that offer as well.
Pining for the Isa price from a few years ago.
@rjquillin I think the days of $10/bottle are gone. But it was great while it lasted! And the ‘15 Isa was amazing.
@hscottk @rjquillin I picked up a few bottles of Campesino during Last Bottle’s recent marathon, along with a few other things. Something came over me when I was unpacking them yesterday, a strange feeling that I have too much wine. I can’t believe I did it, but I just unsubscribed from their emails.
Not even contemplating cutting the cord with this place, though! And it far outweighs all my other sources, combined. My purchases here seem to be accelerating.
@InFrom @rjquillin Sadly, I missed the LB marathon and a chance to grab more Campesino. But I, too, have been looking to slow down purchases, if not a full-blown SIWBM.
@hscottk @InFrom @rjquillin I managed a full case plus on the different campesinos that came up.
Isa
Alina
Syrah
I would have grabbed the Grenache or red blend if I saw it.
@CorTot @hscottk @rjquillin I got 2 of the Alina and one of the Syrah. Plus a few other things, including a Riesling, and an IPA from Italy which caught my eye, just because it seemed such a random thing to find on a wine web site.
There was some love for 2012 Baker Lane Estate syrah here, so thought I’d mention the 2013 is at WTSO for $18.99 as a Platinum offer
@DanNC had a quick thing to say 22 minutes ago
Winesmith 2010 Cab Franc on another site
Daily offer on another site for $19. Probably inappropriate to say which one, but if you’re too slow you’ll miss the Last Bottle. FS/6
2013 Keller Estate Rôtie on WTSO for $19.99 (free shipping on 4).
2014 Castellare I Sodi San Niccolo Toscana on Last Bottle is a pretty solid buy for $49.99
2016 Quest
OK, if you like the Caymus (Austin Hope, Grand Durif, Red Schooner) overextracted too much oak/vanilla, with a smooth flavor. Quest is a bordeaux blend, made by the Austin Hope folks in Paso Robles, in that style. I got a case from Vivino for $22/btl shipped.
Clark, or @WineSmith, sent out an e-mail saying he was selling 15 cases of his 2017 Norton (a grape I’ve never tried) for 239.88 + tax + free shipping. His website has it listed third one down. Looking forward to it!
Rolling the dice on clark
@jml326 @KNmeh7
I’ve tried a number of Norton (aka Cynthiana) wines in VA and MO. I’m a fan. That said, I was expecting this to show up on Casemates but maybe he is already offering it at the upcoming “deal” price. Or maybe it’s not coming to Casemates at all… but I have 2 bottles coming from Clark right now. One is the complimentary bottle for filling out his survey. I suspect the other is this Norton.
@chipgreen @jml326 I filled out the survey, too! Yet to hear of any bottle. Oh well. I would be disappointed if casemates sells it for less, but if the same, glad it gives him whatever cash flow he needs. If it is the Norton, let us know!
@KNmeh7
Are you a UPS My Choice member? That’s the only reason I know that I have bottles coming. 2 separate 3.6# packages coming although interesting that one originated in Santa Rosa (where WineSmith is based) and the other originated in Oakland. Both are being shipped through JLA Acumen-Windsor and I haven’t ordered anything else. So it’s really just speculation at this point… but I can’t think of another likely explanation.
@chipgreen @KNmeh7
I’d lay odds that if this exact wind goes up on castmates the price is the same. He honors the CM prices when there are shipping issues.
@jml326 @KNmeh7
Yes he does! And I have seen him put the identical offers on his own website too.
@chipgreen I was not, but I signed up. Nothing coming to my address as of now. I guess I didn’t recommend enough sommeliers, or have your internet presence. I think you are officially an “influencer!” Break out the HDR photos and Instagram.
@chipgreen @KNmeh7
I just found the survey e-mail in my spam folder…
@chipgreen @karenhynes @KNmeh7 I got my comp bottle, but I did put in a note asking them to let me know before shipping so I could consolidate some stuff. So the rest of the stuff is still at WS HQ. Oh well.
I need to start clearing the pending list of stuff @rjquillin has stored upstate.
@chipgreen @karenhynes @klezman @rjquillin I just received my bottle! Apparently signing up for My Choice doesn’t track shipments that have already been shipped? Hooray.
When did he send out said email exactly? I’ve checked my spam folder and I’m sad to say I never received the email. I have ordered from Clark directly in the past and I know I’m on his distribution list.
@kawichris650
I got the email on August 30.
2014 WineSmith Grenache Bates Ranch
in the “More Wines We Love” section of WineSpies for $19.99
Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Napa Estate Reserve Cabernet 2014 59.99 w/fs on TSO
The letter I received from Joel Peterson, could be a fun couple of days.
Dear Once & Future Fans,
A couple of years ago, I received a call from one of the accountants from Constellation Brands. He had been put in charge of getting rid of “excess” inventory, which apparently included the wine libraries of Simi, Robert Mondavi, and Ravenswood. The accountant asked, “What is this item called the Ravenswood Stash in the Lodi warehouse?” I informed him that it was the Ravenswood library.
When I started Ravenswood in 1976, I was well acquainted with aged wine. Some of the best wine experiences that I shared with my fellow wine enthusiasts were older wines. These wines were relatively available and not particularly expensive. We were able to put together verticals of wine like Petrus as well as other first-, second-, and third-growth Bordeauxs going back to the 1920s. We did the same for great Burgundies, and for Rhone and German wines. It was far more difficult to do for California wine. Prohibition certainly had something to do with that, of course, but there was also the sense that California wine wasn’t made to develop with age like European wines. There were exceptions; occasionally an old bottle of Hallcrest Cabernet or la Questa or Rixford vineyard would show up. There were also John Daniel’s Inglenook wines and some older Simi wines from the 1930s. The best of them were quite good and all were interesting to taste.
At Ravenswood, I made wine in a very traditional fashion: small open-top redwood fermenters, hand punch downs, native yeast and malolactic fermentation, extended maceration, as well as substantial time in small French oak cooperage. I also worked with exceptional vineyards. Beyond just making flavorful, interesting, delicious wine, I wanted to make wine that would evolve and gain complexity with age. In my mind, part of what made great wine great was that, if stored properly, it would change and evolve into exceptionally interesting bouquets and flavors that could be experienced in no other way than leaving the wine in the bottle for a number of years. A few of the older California wines I tasted seemed to indicate this was possible.
The result of this belief was that we held back a few cases of the 1976 Ravenswood Zinfandels. While a few collectors in those days had cellars where they aged wine, they were the exception, not the rule. The general wisdom in those days, and even today, is that the average lifespan of a bottle of California wine is about three days after it leaves the store shelf. It seemed clear that if I wanted to see how my wines aged, I would have to do it myself.
Each year, we would put down five to 10 cases of wines that seemed worthy. Since I didn’t have a winery or library space in the early years, this created some serious logistical and storage problems. I made a number of serious vineyard-designated wines. If I chose just four of those to put in the library, that could be up to 40 cases per vintage. In the early years, Reed Foster, my business partner, kept them in San Francisco. When that less-than-perfect space was filled, we moved the whole thing to Ravenswood Gehricke Road. As that filled up, we moved everything to a larger space at our newly built Quarry facility, and when Constellation bought Ravenswood, some of the wine was moved to a climate-controlled warehouse in Napa and then Lodi. Another stash of it remained at the Quarry facility.
The library contained most of the significant wines I had made between 1976 and 2001, when Constellation took ownership. During the accounting gyrations that always accompany a winery sale, Constellation saw some advantage in writing the value of this wine down to zero. This meant the company couldn’t sell the wines without some fairly fancy bookkeeping but could give them away to charity events and use them for tastings. Any of you who have attended ZAP over the years have been beneficiaries of this policy. Over the years, I have opened many older large-format bottles at ZAP events.
Back to the call from the accountant, where I started this story, he told me we weren’t using the wine fast enough to justify its existence. Besides that, he said “the wine is all outdated” (he must have been in charge of Arbor Mist before he was assigned to this job). Hence, he had been authorized to destroy the wine. You might imagine my reaction. At that point, I offered to buy the wine and remove it from Constellation’s inventory. The accountant seemed pleased, but incredulous, that I would want that “old, outdated wine.” I assured him that a few drinkable wines probably were in the lot. There were a few other twists and turns before I suddenly I found myself in possession of around 1,800 cases of well-aged, interesting Ravenswood wines. It is an amazing stroke of good fortune that these wines still exist and are in my possession.
My next job was to re-case the wine, examine every bottle for condition, and taste every individual lot. Thank goodness for my able, organized assistant, Erika, who was instrumental in making it all happen. We found that the wines were in generally good shape. There were a few leakers and low fills, but that was the exception. How do they taste? They surpassed my expectations. Some of the wines from the late 1970s that had seen rough storage in San Francisco seemed a little old before their time, but starting with the wines from 1981, there are some real gems. The wines from the 1990s are downright exciting. It was fun to relive the vintages as I was tasting them. Based on these wines, whoever said there was no evolution, vintage, or terroir distinction in California was clearly mistaken.
These wines are mature. As such, they have sediment and require special attention when removing the cork. When you receive your wine, let the bottles rest for at least a week before opening them. Stand them up for a few hours to let the sediment drop to the bottom of the bottle. For the most part, these wines like a little air. Decanting is suggested but not mandatory if you don’t mind a few clouds in the last glass poured and prefer to watch the wine evolve in the glass.
Special care should be taken when removing the corks. They are generally in good shape but have become soft with age. It is easy to break or shred the center of the cork with a regular waiter’s corkscrew. If you are handy with an Ah-So, that device can work well. Best of all is a cork remover called the Durand. It is essentially a corkscrew and an Ah-So that work together. I have never lost an old cork with one of these.
There are lots of reasons that you might want some of these wines. Maybe you or someone you know was born in the same year that the wine was made. (It is a little disconcerting to think that I have been making wine that long.) Maybe you had a bottle of a particular wine when it was young and would like to try it again in its mature state. Maybe you have never had old California wine and would like to investigate the pleasures to be found there. Or maybe you already know and love older wines and would like to add some of these gems to your tasting repertoire. And finally, library wines make wonderful holiday gifts! This is a great opportunity to get older wines of known provenance that have been screened by the winemaker who made them and can certify that they are what he hoped they would be.
Most of the wines in this collection are vineyard-designated wines. Some of them, such as Old Hill and Monte Rosso, are exceedingly rare. Within the list, you will also see county series wines such as Sonoma County Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. They are all blends of unique and delicious vineyards. For instance, the Sonoma County Zinfandel is a very high percentage of the Teldeschi vineyard. Even though I had wanted to vineyard-designate that wine in the early 1980s, the Teldeschi Family would not let me do so until 1997. Hence, all that great wine went into Sonoma County Zinfandel. These wines have aged very nicely and are exceptional values.
@ScottW58 My wallet hurts already. I’ll need to make sure I’m on top of that email.
@ScottW58 @klezman Holy Moley. Did he intimate how these wines would be honorably assisted to into your possession? Is this a Ravenswood Winery wine club or mailing list thing? Or just old friends? If so, how to I become one of Joel’s old friends really quick?
@klezman @PatrickKarcher
Sign up for the once and future mailing list.
@klezman @PatrickKarcher @ScottW58 I don’t know if I should thank you…
The list was sent out yesterday, with a copy being posted on wineberserkers. Dang. I’ll be clearing my calendar that morning and keeping the office door closed.
Anyone grab some? I got stuck doing work and missed out – only two Merlots were left.
@radiolysis Same here – darn work!
@InFrom @radiolysis
I got 10, but I was really irritated that two bottles vanished from my cart while I was purchasing. Especially since cases had free shipping.
Normally I’d expect precisely that behaviour but there was a note on the screen that said “bottles will be held in your cart for 15 minutes”. If anybody got that Teldeschi Zin, please share
@InFrom @klezman @radiolysis @ScottW58 I saw the email show up and went right there. I unfortunately dawdled while there, looking at vintage charts and just plain taking too long. I went to check out thinking I had a case, but saw exactly 6 left in my cart. All but one of the Petit Sirahs was gone. Realizing the deal at this point, that it was all disappearing right underneath me, I hit buy. I’m pretty sure I got the last PS bottle. So, 6 bottle after meaning to get a case. But, at least I got some. 5 Merlots and a PS. The Cab Franc and Cab Sauvs also disappeared on me.
@InFrom @klezman @PatrickKarcher @radiolysis
I just got 3 bottles 1 cab and 2 Merlot it was moving too fast I was at work and I have spent an ass load on wine recently. I’m sure I can find or create an offline to pop nothing but these bottles. That would be the way to try a bigger selection
@InFrom @PatrickKarcher @radiolysis @ScottW58
Next socal gathering. Done. I got 10 bottles in the end, 2 each of 5 wines
Can’t top that…
But, Bonny Doon is selling some Library Wines for 50% or more discount:
https://shop.bonnydoonvineyard.com/?method=pages.showPage&PageID=008343F4-FC60-0523-832F-8A5A8CF855E0&originalMarketingURL=Shop
Also, there was some discussion that Cameron Hughes Lot 601 Amador County Barbera, at $13/bottle (and less if you look for a coupon code) was made by one of our friends in the wine business.
@FritzCat Uhhh…Not only that, but CH Reserve Cabs (2011 and 2012) are $50 today only, I’ve never seen them go below $75, and I’ve never had one. Free Shipping on a case, and use coupon code “steal” to get another 20% off. They’re giving it away!
@FritzCat Sorry, the Barbera is Lot 691, sorry for the error.
@FritzCat
Man I am tempted by some of those Bonny Doon Bien Nacido Syrah’s @ $20 if not just for old times sake
@FritzCat
Were these the ones that he had advertised as coming from some big cult winery or something like that? I actually bought one of those when they had a big sale and meant to bring it to a wine tasting as a blind bottle. Well I forgot all about it until now so I might as well try it tonight or tomorrow and report back
@ScottW58 yep. I still have one 2009 X-Block kicking around that I’ll keep for a long while. I love Bonny Doon and reeeealy having trouble not buying too much for this sale.
@FritzCat “highly extracted” and 15.5 ended my interest on the CH CS
@FritzCat I was too late to the party. I waited a day too long to put my order in, and missed out on the other vintage of Le Cigare Volant (rouge) in 375ml.
@radiolysis where did the 2014 XBlock go? I understand when out of stock it’s listed as such, however that vintage just no longer exists on the page. Luckily I snagged 4 of those. I was reading the 2014 is the last of xblock…
@TechnoViking That was one of the ones i wanted.
Good score for you! I ended up getting a bottle each of the '12 and '13, though.
@radiolysis I wanted the Amelie one but sold out at checkout… my daughters middle name. I’ll TRY and hold on to a 14’ for ya so you can get that vertical going. I grabbed the 12 and 13 for a vertical case, I’m feeling like the 13 might be meh in comparison to the other 2 vintages available.
@TechnoViking Awesome! Hopefully they still have odd backstock and this is a yearly-ish event. Maybe you’ll find the Amelie yet.
VAN GOGH! MANGO! TANGO! AWESOME!
Well I got 4 of the X block and filled out the case with a couple vintages of the cigare, hope I like the cigare haven’t had one in ages.
The Spies have The Spaniard this morning!
Reverse Wine Snob has Twisted Oak Cockamamie Red Blend (normally $22 per bottle through the winery) for $59.99/4 bottles ($15 per bottle) plus only $5 for shipping. Another WD facilitates deal, I think.
@karenhynes I just saw this (I enjoy the Reverse Wine Snob newsletter - he even suggests Casemates as a wine shopping site) and was about to post. The link is here
[edit] Not sure what I did to get mediocrebot riled up!
@Mark_L
I’ve been following them on Facebook for a while. They seem to have some pretty decent deals. They have a “community” on Facebook, but not the “feel” if our Casemates community.
WTSO has the 2014 Laura Michael Calistoga cab that Casemates had for $34/btl with shipping for $25 with free shipping at 3 bottles. I haven’t tried it.
@DanNC I was just looking up the Casemates offering (Feb 20, 2019). With the case price it was the same as the WTSO offering, and the 2 bottle offering here was $30/bottle.
@Mark_L I was comparing the WTSO 3 bottle to CM’s two bottle, including shipping. It seemed like a fairer comparison than 3 bottle to a case
OK fellow Casemates:
Winebid has 2 sets of 2008 Ty Caton Petite Sirah
at starting bids of $20 each (of course they charge
a 17% fee and are not shy about shipping fees).
I just had a bottle the past 2 nights, and it was very
good. Bidding? Be kind to each other!