@radiolysis Yeah, I was going to dip in for additional. Saved me some coin and space I donāt have to begin with. Still, sad face, but happy for @Harvest_Moon
2016 Harvest Moon Pinot Noir; Sonoma County, 13.5% abv, natural cork.
58F, PnP into Riedel fishbowl. A bit cloudy w/sediment present, likely due to recent shipping. I had let the bottle rest upright in cellar for about 40 hours after receiving.
The nose on this wine is huge! Forest floor, earth, bright cherry. Palate is a little tart, but not leading to any bitterness. Medium acid, medium weight. A bit of cherry and lean strawberry on the palate. Medium+ length finish with a mild spice note.
This was SWMBOās favorite out of the 4 labrat bottles, and it was a close second for me behind the Winesmith Meritage. Already bought a case to split, as Pinot is liquid currency in our household, as this is a darn enjoyable wine!
I did go back to this for a small tasting hours later at the gathering and the tartness was gone and it had picked up more complexity of fruit as well as some mushroom/umami on the palate. As Twich22 mentioned, it was well received at the gathering. If you are a pinot drinker, this will likely be in your wheelhouse. There were a few folks who prefer cleaner style pinots without the forest floor/earth notes, so if thatās not your thing this might not be the wine for you. Cheers.
Harvest Moon Russian River Pinot Noir
3 bottles for $44.99 $15/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $134.99 $11.25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@Harvest_Moon Congrats on the anniverary! We just had a casemates gathering in Seattle where we tried this Pinot. Very well received. Next time you make it up to Seattle let us know!
I also enjoy Randyās wines but, as I have mentioned before, his wines tend to be corked or have flawed corks more than usual. Moreover, I have not been refunded for a corked bottle I got from Klez via a casemate share over 6 months ago! Contacted customer service twice and they wanted me to go through Klez. Not sure itās worth the risk going in for case knowing 2-3 will likely be flawed. What a shame because the price is off the hook!
@losthighwayz Iām curious. I drink a lot of my own wine and find 1-2 off out of 30-40 btls opened. Wine from brls are gently blended in tank prior to bottling to reduce inconsistency. Me thinks you live in an area where heat damage is playing a role here
Mine was not heat damage, at least not on my end. Ordered the 2013 from woot December '17, stored perfectly, had a couple bad/off (not corked) bottles and this is the cork from one of them, opened March '18. This topic came up at the time so I took a pic because I happened to have just opened one up. A leaker cork not necessarily a bad thing but combined with what I perceived to be off bottles I thought it odd. Never said anything, but since it came up againā¦
@Harvest_Moon@kaolis similar experience. Not trying to bash Randy because I truly enjoy his style but itās frustrating when not only do I get an off bottle but there is no recourse for me because Casemates has not figured out how to handle flawed shared bottles. I wish WD would jump in here and address this issue. I have been very patient and loyal, I might add!
@Harvest_Moon@losthighwayz@winedavid49@klezman Went back to look at prior comments on woot but unless Iām doing something wrong, which is possible, appears that comments from old discussions have been purged
As @trifecta said, we had this at our seattle gathering. This was a favorite among everyone, along with the Winesmith meritage. This is a smooth, earthy, round, lovely Pinot. This is a Pinot drinkers pinot, typically not something that I would enjoy, but this is so well rounded and balanced, with pleasant cherry fruit, that its pretty difficult to dislike. When I tasted this I said that I would pay $15 - $20 per bottle for it, so this is very well priced.
@klezman I respectfully disagree. Itās not bad luck. Iāve made dozens of purchases in wine woot/casemates and have never had an issue with corked bottles like I have with HM. The ratio of flawed bottles to good bottles is a bit high imo and I recall others mentioning the same
@losthighwayz Logic dictates that either you are abnormally unlucky (i.e. getting a higher percentage or corked bottles than statistics suggest) or I am abnormally lucky (i.e. getting far fewer than statistics suggest). I agree the 2009 Late Harvest and 2009 RRV Zin had a higher rate of cork problem on average than any other wine Iāve had. But my cork problem rate is still far far lower than yours and more in line with Randyās.
So yes, I think youāve had some exceptionally shitty luck in this case.
@klezman@losthighwayz But isnāt even 1 or 2 off bottles every 30 or 40 a pretty high rate? I have more than a few wineries that I drink a TON of and no way I come even close to that.
@kaolis@klezman@losthighwayz
I do remember there being issues with some Harvest Moon corks in the past. In fact I warned klez about it when he was getting ready to buy cases for his wedding. Thankfully he ignored my warning, bought them anyway and didnāt have any problems.
I donāt remember discussions about HM wines being ācorkedā, though.
@kaolis@losthighwayz Good point. That is certainly higher than my going rate, but it is well in line with the standard industry statistic of 1-5% (different sources certainly give different ranges - Iāve seen some as high as 8%)
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Harvest Moon RRV Pinot Noir - $45 = 24.99%
Elegant, floral and packed with red cherry fruit, this classic harvest Moon Pinot Noir has all the elements of Burgundian-style Pinot Noir. Earthy, delicate and delicious!
This offer is only for 24 hours, or until we sell out.
Harvest Moon Estate and Winery was founded on growing, producing and bottling world-class Russian River Valley wine in a balanced, elegant style. Our premise is that Russian River Valley Zinfandel can be just as layered and complex as any Pinot Noir or Bordeaux variety in the world and receive the same respect. The Pitts family has grown quality grapes in the Russian River Valley since 1976. In 2000, son Randy reverse migrated from San Francisco back to Sonoma County to assume the farming responsibilities at the familyās modest nine-acre ranch. In conjunction with lessons on farming by his Dad and a few viticulture/enology courses at the local junior college, Randy made a barrel of homemade Zinfandel off the ranchās back block which turned out exceptionally tasty. Quickly concluding that properly farmed and judiciously fermented, Zinfandel has great capabilities of being Californiaās own wine nobility. The growers-turned winemakers birthed their inaugural vintage in 2002 and look forward to making their Zinprint on the winescene for decades to come.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI
We also had this bottle for the Seattle gathering. Notes are at work right nowā¦ The email said this was going up Friday. We really enjoyed this. Iām buying a case and would be willing to share a bit with Seattle crew, but want at least 6 for us. Notes coming in the morning if it lasts that long!
Curious how this compares to the 2014 that was offered back in Feb? I found the 2014 to be more tart (is that acidity?) than I prefer. Maybe I didnāt decant long enough? Iāve still got most of the 2014 case in the basement because I thought maybe it needed more time.
For the 2014, vintner Randy said that it could go another 3-7 years (even though the specs said drink by 2020, Randy chimed in saying 3-7 more years), so Iām also curious if this 2016 could go another 5-9 years (even though the specs say drink by 2020 once again).
Strange this hasnāt sold out. Quality Pinot Noir for $12 or $13 total, to your door. That opportunity (like with KR E mixed case) makes me skip other opportunities.
In fact this year Iāve really raised the bar on what constitutes a āgood dealā because of Casemates. Because the stuff that has come to Casemates the last year is insane, with very little shipping (just my $60 a year shipping.)
There are a couple great sites that rhyme with āShinRenoā and āDoubleStew Bee Mess Dohā and āBlast Schmottleā (I donāt want to say any names!) that are great, but by comparison, just not great enough any more.
I suppose a lot of your are in the same boat Iām in after 10 months of Casemates: Iām stuffed with more wine than ever, and have to say no sometimes at least.
Sellouts help me not buy things. Thanks everyone!!!
@radiolysis Yeah, I was going to dip in for additional. Saved me some coin and space I donāt have to begin with. Still, sad face, but happy for @Harvest_Moon
@radiolysis
Haha, yep. I might have caved this eveningā¦
2016 Harvest Moon Pinot Noir; Sonoma County, 13.5% abv, natural cork.
58F, PnP into Riedel fishbowl. A bit cloudy w/sediment present, likely due to recent shipping. I had let the bottle rest upright in cellar for about 40 hours after receiving.
The nose on this wine is huge! Forest floor, earth, bright cherry. Palate is a little tart, but not leading to any bitterness. Medium acid, medium weight. A bit of cherry and lean strawberry on the palate. Medium+ length finish with a mild spice note.
This was SWMBOās favorite out of the 4 labrat bottles, and it was a close second for me behind the Winesmith Meritage. Already bought a case to split, as Pinot is liquid currency in our household, as this is a darn enjoyable wine!
I did go back to this for a small tasting hours later at the gathering and the tartness was gone and it had picked up more complexity of fruit as well as some mushroom/umami on the palate. As Twich22 mentioned, it was well received at the gathering. If you are a pinot drinker, this will likely be in your wheelhouse. There were a few folks who prefer cleaner style pinots without the forest floor/earth notes, so if thatās not your thing this might not be the wine for you. Cheers.
NOTE TO ALL:
THIS IS A 24 HOUR SALE
NEW OFFER TOMORROW,
FRIDAY FOR THE WEEKEND.
@rjquillin how do you know this?
@rjquillin Eh, I suppose you read past the title of the wine or something.
@Twich22 That tooā¦
bahā¦ fine. iāll buy some.
/giphy dysfunctional calculating sangria
Harvest Moon Russian River Pinot Noir
3 bottles for $44.99 $15/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $134.99 $11.25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2016 Harvest Moon Russian River Pinot Noir
I asked for Harvest Moon, so I grabbed a case.
@TechnoViking I can part with some bottles for my Vegas casemates. Throw me a text if interested.
Sure, Iām in for 3 or 4 as needed. Moved in the area a few months ago and my stock is depleted!
What up guys, itās randy with Harvest Moon. Iām on vaca with my wife in Seattle enjoying our 5 year anniversary but Iām here too! Letās chat
@Harvest_Moon congrats on the anniversary!
@Harvest_Moon Congrats on the anniverary! We just had a casemates gathering in Seattle where we tried this Pinot. Very well received. Next time you make it up to Seattle let us know!
@Harvest_Moon What is your suggest best drinking window on these? How will these develop you think?
@Harvest_Moon congrats to you and your better half on you anniversary.
I bought this early this morning. TY!!!
I also enjoy Randyās wines but, as I have mentioned before, his wines tend to be corked or have flawed corks more than usual. Moreover, I have not been refunded for a corked bottle I got from Klez via a casemate share over 6 months ago! Contacted customer service twice and they wanted me to go through Klez. Not sure itās worth the risk going in for case knowing 2-3 will likely be flawed. What a shame because the price is off the hook!
@losthighwayz youāve got bad luck. Iāve had one single corked bottle from harvest moon out of several dozen that have been opened.
@losthighwayz I agree with bad luck. Bought much from Harvest Moon on the old wine website, and never had a corked bottle.
@drcanak @losthighwayz @klezman Iāve had a few flawed corks/bottle troubles also with some previous woot purchases.
@losthighwayz Iām curious. I drink a lot of my own wine and find 1-2 off out of 30-40 btls opened. Wine from brls are gently blended in tank prior to bottling to reduce inconsistency. Me thinks you live in an area where heat damage is playing a role here
@Harvest_Moon @losthighwayz
Mine was not heat damage, at least not on my end. Ordered the 2013 from woot December '17, stored perfectly, had a couple bad/off (not corked) bottles and this is the cork from one of them, opened March '18. This topic came up at the time so I took a pic because I happened to have just opened one up. A leaker cork not necessarily a bad thing but combined with what I perceived to be off bottles I thought it odd. Never said anything, but since it came up againā¦
@Harvest_Moon @kaolis similar experience. Not trying to bash Randy because I truly enjoy his style but itās frustrating when not only do I get an off bottle but there is no recourse for me because Casemates has not figured out how to handle flawed shared bottles. I wish WD would jump in here and address this issue. I have been very patient and loyal, I might add!
@Harvest_Moon @losthighwayz @winedavid49 @klezman Went back to look at prior comments on woot but unless Iām doing something wrong, which is possible, appears that comments from old discussions have been purged
@Harvest_Moon @kaolis @klezman @losthighwayz @Winedavid49
Theyāre supposed to be migrating them.
As @trifecta said, we had this at our seattle gathering. This was a favorite among everyone, along with the Winesmith meritage. This is a smooth, earthy, round, lovely Pinot. This is a Pinot drinkers pinot, typically not something that I would enjoy, but this is so well rounded and balanced, with pleasant cherry fruit, that its pretty difficult to dislike. When I tasted this I said that I would pay $15 - $20 per bottle for it, so this is very well priced.
@Twich22 in Seattle this very moment, actually in boat to Bainbridge. Loving your city
@klezman I respectfully disagree. Itās not bad luck. Iāve made dozens of purchases in wine woot/casemates and have never had an issue with corked bottles like I have with HM. The ratio of flawed bottles to good bottles is a bit high imo and I recall others mentioning the same
@losthighwayz Logic dictates that either you are abnormally unlucky (i.e. getting a higher percentage or corked bottles than statistics suggest) or I am abnormally lucky (i.e. getting far fewer than statistics suggest). I agree the 2009 Late Harvest and 2009 RRV Zin had a higher rate of cork problem on average than any other wine Iāve had. But my cork problem rate is still far far lower than yours and more in line with Randyās.
So yes, I think youāve had some exceptionally shitty luck in this case.
@klezman @losthighwayz But isnāt even 1 or 2 off bottles every 30 or 40 a pretty high rate? I have more than a few wineries that I drink a TON of and no way I come even close to that.
@kaolis @klezman @losthighwayz
I do remember there being issues with some Harvest Moon corks in the past. In fact I warned klez about it when he was getting ready to buy cases for his wedding. Thankfully he ignored my warning, bought them anyway and didnāt have any problems.
I donāt remember discussions about HM wines being ācorkedā, though.
@kaolis @losthighwayz Good point. That is certainly higher than my going rate, but it is well in line with the standard industry statistic of 1-5% (different sources certainly give different ranges - Iāve seen some as high as 8%)
Auto buy! I am a big fan of Randyās Pinot noir. Who wants to split?
@klezman Iād split.
6/6?
You buy, or I do it and ship there?
@rjquillin yeah a half case is right. Who buys?
@klezman gloomy-overt-teeth
Itās on the way.
Iāll send tracking when available.
@klezman Awfully tempted here but I think I already owe Ron to much money
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Harvest Moon RRV Pinot Noir - $45 = 24.99%
Tasting Notes
Elegant, floral and packed with red cherry fruit, this classic harvest Moon Pinot Noir has all the elements of Burgundian-style Pinot Noir. Earthy, delicate and delicious!
This offer is only for 24 hours, or until we sell out.
Specifications
Price Comparison
$514.64/case at Harvest Moon Estate & Winery (including shipping)
About The Winery
Winery: Harvest Moon Estate & Winery
Owners: The Pitts Family
Founded: 2000
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Harvest Moon Estate and Winery was founded on growing, producing and bottling world-class Russian River Valley wine in a balanced, elegant style. Our premise is that Russian River Valley Zinfandel can be just as layered and complex as any Pinot Noir or Bordeaux variety in the world and receive the same respect. The Pitts family has grown quality grapes in the Russian River Valley since 1976. In 2000, son Randy reverse migrated from San Francisco back to Sonoma County to assume the farming responsibilities at the familyās modest nine-acre ranch. In conjunction with lessons on farming by his Dad and a few viticulture/enology courses at the local junior college, Randy made a barrel of homemade Zinfandel off the ranchās back block which turned out exceptionally tasty. Quickly concluding that properly farmed and judiciously fermented, Zinfandel has great capabilities of being Californiaās own wine nobility. The growers-turned winemakers birthed their inaugural vintage in 2002 and look forward to making their Zinprint on the winescene for decades to come.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI
Estimated Delivery
Friday, November 23rd - Monday, November 26th
We also had this bottle for the Seattle gathering. Notes are at work right nowā¦ The email said this was going up Friday. We really enjoyed this. Iām buying a case and would be willing to share a bit with Seattle crew, but want at least 6 for us. Notes coming in the morning if it lasts that long!
/giphy huge-tempered-side
@trifecta Iād take the other 6. I really liked this one.
@airynne Done! Umami and forest floor. Bring the funk!
Curious how this compares to the 2014 that was offered back in Feb? I found the 2014 to be more tart (is that acidity?) than I prefer. Maybe I didnāt decant long enough? Iāve still got most of the 2014 case in the basement because I thought maybe it needed more time.
For the 2014, vintner Randy said that it could go another 3-7 years (even though the specs said drink by 2020, Randy chimed in saying 3-7 more years), so Iām also curious if this 2016 could go another 5-9 years (even though the specs say drink by 2020 once again).
@TimW I dont recall any tartness in the 2016
@TimW the 14ās will cellar for years where as the 16ās much less so
Forum topic for the 2014 version:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/harvest-moon-russian-river-pinot-noir
I think that was the first sell-out on Casemates!
@TimW Thats actually linking to the current offer. Here was the first offer of the 2014.
@Twich22 Oopsā¦thanks!
Bought a case in Atlanta if anyone wants a few bottles or wants to trade for the Onesta Medtida Blend.
/giphy coherent-mesmerizing-alligator
@Cynamon great! Iāll take 3-4
@malex_vt awesome. Weāll work out a meetup time
@FritzCat @domels I love a nice Pinotā¦anyone interested in splitting a case in the 'Cuse area before they move on to the weekend selection???
@NatasG Hey! Iām in Roch and would be interested in splitting (@Fritzcat and I have before)
@NatasG Sure, Iām in for 3 or 4 as needed. Moved in the area a few months ago and my stock is depleted!
/giphy abstracted-ashamedly-spade
@domels @fgfljsb @Fritzcat Great! I grabbed a case while we can with my free shipping. Once we hear from @Fritzcat we can decide on 3 or 4 each!
@domels @FritzCat @NatasG sweet! I too have free shipping if for any reason we need moreā¦(not here)
Anyone else in the PNW interested in splitting a case? Iād be in for at least half and can purchase with my free shipping?
Just missed out on the cases apparently, should not have held back this morning. Decided to get the three anyway.
/giphy overwrought-beastly-slug
@vin314 you could contact customer service, looks like cases are still available.
I bought a case in Chicago; glad to split it if anyone wants 2 or 3 bottles.
Strange this hasnāt sold out. Quality Pinot Noir for $12 or $13 total, to your door. That opportunity (like with KR E mixed case) makes me skip other opportunities.
In fact this year Iāve really raised the bar on what constitutes a āgood dealā because of Casemates. Because the stuff that has come to Casemates the last year is insane, with very little shipping (just my $60 a year shipping.)
There are a couple great sites that rhyme with āShinRenoā and āDoubleStew Bee Mess Dohā and āBlast Schmottleā (I donāt want to say any names!) that are great, but by comparison, just not great enough any more.
I suppose a lot of your are in the same boat Iām in after 10 months of Casemates: Iām stuffed with more wine than ever, and have to say no sometimes at least.
@PatrickKarcher The cases are sold out. Feel better?
Oh, now itās a for-realz sellout. Thatās a nice dayās work!