Deals!

@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

What means wtso? fs4? afwe?

Perhaps casemates could someday add a “term and acronym glossary” to the FAQ That Is To Be.

@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

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.)

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

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.

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

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/

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:

Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocket full of rye.
Four and twenty blackbirds,
Baked in a pie.

When the pie was opened
The birds began to sing;
Wasn’t that a dainty dish,
To set before the king.

The king was in his counting house,
Counting out his money;
The queen was in the parlour,
Eating bread and honey.

The maid was in the garden,
Hanging out the clothes,
When down came a blackbird
And pecked off her nose.

@heartny I actually love the Cockamamie blend. One has tempranillo and one is petite syrah/monastrell iirc. For the price they’re really good.

@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!

@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.

@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.

@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
Really! I thought you were buying naked wines Boy i’m in a mood today…look out

@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?

@ScottW58

@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.

@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!

@jmdavidson1
Next time I see it.

@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.

@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

@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.

@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.

@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…

@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

@jmdavidson1 and it’s only a week till BD; that will put some hurt on the plastic.

@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.

@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

@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

@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.

@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.

@radiolysis wow great timing

@jml326 great minds…?

@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…

@rc70
Yes they are! This Alienor is delicious too I will pick up more.

@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.

@rc70 INvino also currently has these, but for $60

@InFrom yup. $40 delivered.

@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.

@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.

@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

@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…

@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:

1. Wagyu chuck/prime hanger/dry aged ends @ 50%
2. Wagyu chuck/prime hanger/dry aged ends/wagyu short ribs
3. Wagyu chuck/prime hanger/prime brisket/dry aged ends
4. Wagyu chuck/choice short ribs/prime brisket/dry aged ends

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.

@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.

@ScottW58
Thanks for heads up,picked up a set.

@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.

@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.

They also still have 2015 Scott Harvey 1869 Zinfandel for the same price.

@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.

@karenhynes
Man it is tempting but I just can’t pull the trigger

@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

None of our palates were still in good shape

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.

@mrn1 Thanks, that’s perfect.

@hscottk edit to add that all should feel free to pm me for contact info. Ny metro for possible splits.

@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!

@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!

@InFrom ROFL

@chipgreen great info. I love the old Red label stuff.

TAKE15 saved me 15% also

@winedavid49
You responsible for this Cavedoni The Imperatore 25 Year Old Balsamic

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.

@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

@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.

@klezman thank you for the heads up.

@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…

@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.

@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.

@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.

@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.

@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”.

@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.

@radiolysis Thanks! Good catch.

@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!

@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!

@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.

@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).

@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.

@ScottW58 how much do you generally purchase?
That burger looks mighty fine.

@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.

@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!

@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.

@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.

@klezman
Thanks for the h/u!

@chipgreen @klezman
Nice, glasses for @work. Need those.

@JOATMON I vote typo. Hopefully.

@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.

@chipgreen one of these days i need to buy it for myself… i’ve been waffling for what seems like years.

@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!

@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.