Sometimes, we have winery offers that are amazing, but there isn’t enough inventory to go around. Other times, we have a few remaining cases from our top performers. After renegotiating the best price available, we’ve put together this Mystery Case which includes numerous 90+ rated red, white and sparkling imported wines from well-regarded wineries in France, Italy, Spain, Argentina and beyond.
Case orders will receive at least 4 different wines and 6 packs will receive at least 2 different wines. Most case orders will receive random upgrades with wines that regularly sell for over $50 a bottle! Some of these gems have been on Casemates before and some have not.
Trust us on this one. Your friends will thank you for sharing.
What’s Included
6-bottles:
6x Mixed Whites, Reds & Sparkling
Case:
12x Mixed Whites, Reds & Sparkling
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Imported Wines Mystery Offer - $20 = 12.49%
Is this the closest casemates will get to the old sites woot off? I really like this mystery BTW. Reminds me of when we did the Kickstarter and everyone posted what they received for the party! Very cool @winedavid49. In 4 2
Well, I hope I don’t get much white… but I suppose a couple bottles will be fine.
I hope there are tasting notes to help me understand regions or varietals I’m not familiar with.
What fun. I couldn’t resist.
@sandbarhappy@Tassadar@Winedavid49
Hardly dispositive, but in past random offers (which this appears to kind of be) it all comes down to the packing. Cases packed at the same time tend to have the same (or very similar) distributions of wines. It’s almost like they pull solid cases of the wines and then re-mix them into cases until that pile is gone. Repeat until all cases are packed.
Just a guess based on what I’ve seen happen in the past!
And if your two cases are going to the same place they will likely be packed in the same batch, so will likely be similar.
@klezman@sandbarhappy@Tassadar@Winedavid49 yeah, thats my experience in the past as well, but then i also remembered winedavid saying last feb they were changing their process so second cases were going to get different variations. I was thinking of ordering one case last night and then a second this morning to game the system, but im taking David’s word that its been changed.
@InVinoVeritas@Winedavid49 That’s what I did. It took a (short) while for them to respond, due at least in part I think to the number of people who bought 6’s when they thought cases were sold out and now want to switch. You might also try orders@casemates.com, that’s where my cancellation confirmation came from. Good luck!
@klezman@sandbarhappy@StingingJ@Tassadar@Winedavid49 Me too! I ordered 2 cases, and would very much love variety. Either by each case having a lot of variety, or getting 2 cases packed far from each other. Any effort to do so would be appreciated. However, I realize the whole point of this these awesome-deal odd-lot mystery deal is for the convenience of the sellers.
@klezman@sandbarhappy@StingingJ@Tassadar@wardad one of the reasons we don’t do this more often is that it really taxes operations. it’s a hard pack. much more difficult than our tried and true “one sku repeated” approach that has allowed us to be a lean mean fulfillment machine over the years (can you say logistically beautiful??).
@jrbw3@kasandrae just checking back and not sold out yet?! Myself I just couldn’t do it this time, especially with just moving shelving and digging thru the pile (some know what I mean) to make room for company. It sure is exciting tho, when you find some “forgotten” treasures. But, some shipping labels on cases 3/4 full, dated to NOV2018…that’s just wrong!
Based on comments here and the relative popularity of previous offers, it seems like the majority of us would prefer most- or all-reds (myself included). But this is the kind of offer that seems designed specifically to clear inventory of less-popular offerings, so it’s really unlikely anybody will end up with a case that’s majority red.
I bit anyway, hoping that even if it has less red than I would prefer, it at least contains all dry choices. I don’t recall seeing any imported dessert wine offerings, though I don’t check in here every day… fingers crossed.
@jenludwig@Winedavid49 second this question. i now have an order for a case and for 6, but would like to cancel my 6! I sent an email, but appreciate your assistance (just-laden-werewolf)
Sheeeze… I was going to pass since there wasn’t any cases available, and wouldn’t get in on the upgrades.
What do you go and do? Make more cases available.
NOT FAIR.
In for a case… sigh…
@danidani12@KingKoopa oof… you must have gotten the good bottles. I’m still trying to get through mine. Maybe the first two were compromised, but I’m not looking forward to the next 4.
Thank you @Mercatalyst for helping me with my order so that I could be in for a case. Remember if we are rewarding early buyers with the better things (bubbles) my first order was at 7:30am EDT!
@rjquillin@wmhatch yeah, the 90%+ of people who think it’s still EST. When people tell me a time explicitly as standard time during DST I always want to show up an hour late when they do that.
@vandemusser yeah, agreed, it was definitely on the downhill side of its peak… ordered the three bottle set, should get the last one opened within the next month.
@wardad I don’t look at that as sad. I look for 5 seconds along with meh and I’m done. As an east cost guy sometimes I’m up until midnight and will look then. I have missed Friday sales in a short period of time
@jml326@tburritt@wardad Yeah I usually check Meh to get my clicky-face-icon (which serves no purpose whatsoever) and then come here. You can even get to Casemates from the logo on the bottom-left corner where all the related sites are linked. And it’s fun to see what is new even if I tell myself I have too much wine already (is there such a thing?)
@jkoz86@rjquillin@tburritt The automated mail goes out the SECOND day. That tricked me a few times when I missed out. Except on FRIDAY where it goes out same-day. Just check every day. You’ll buy more that way. (part of the evil plan?)
@rjquillin@tburritt Never knew it was on a set schedule like that. Been buying wine here for a while and just figured it was random or varied based on what was currently being offered. Just as well though, saved myself a little money
@pmarin@rjquillin@tburritt Definitely good to know going forward. I’m sure there’s plenty of other opportunities that’ll come up anyways. And I definitely don’t need any help buying more
@rjquillin@rpstrong@Winedavid49 Well there are apparently 49 Winedavids. But only #49 speaks for all of them. How many more would we need to get more offers?
@pmarin@rjquillin@rpstrong@Winedavid49 I think that the number might refer to the vintage - maybe it’s the first one that came out okay enough that they didn’t have to pour it out into the drain.
I can only imagine how the uncorking process was like.
@sillyheathen I’m not. Perhaps this will be a real score for some people. But on the old site I fell for 8 of these, and only once did it include a truly premium bottle. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me 7 times, never again.
@Zortapa “fool me once shame on you! Fool me twice, twice on shame! Scooby do!” As Dana Carvey once put it. Fair enough. I guess the money is better in my pocket.
@sillyheathen I saw the offer the morning after it went live and was tempted to pick up a case but decided to wait. I felt some relief when the cases sold out a short time after. But when cases became available once again, I fell prey to the temptation… I hope @Winedavid49 doesn’t start using this as a ploy to snare the weak!
On the plus side of missing out on this offer, for the first time in nearly 3 1/2 years, I finally have evidence that I’m not the only casemater in my county. Not that I keep super close track, but this is the first time I’ve even seen a sale in my county on an offer I didn’t buy.
@xandersherry Yeah I once learned that I could click on the map for a close-up view, and I was impressed. And then I forgot. But yes, that’s a really cool feature.
@xandersherry Wow, I didn’t know about that feature…something else I can check, haven’t been able to have a casemate, maybe there is one, then again, maybe not.
@winecaseaholic@xandersherry I’ve been using the map all along to help me gauge how good the wines are. It’s hard to say no when half the country already said yes. Dagnabit! They really got it figured out
@winedavid49
The temperature here has gone up 25 degrees since I placed this order. Is anything going to be done to protect it from the super hot weather?
@Rstoker That is always my concern here in Texas as well. I know they switched to 2 day mail which helps some. I wonder what it would cost to box it in an insulated container with a little ice? That would help my anxiety about it.
@mikepav@Rstoker I don’t think this qualifies for 2 day shipping. That started with the 5/31 offer, I believe. @winedavid49 correct me if I’m wrong. Just hope this ships soon before it gets any hotter.
@mikepav@Rstoker no two day on this one. I wish it was based on ship date but it’s based on offer date. Gonna have to take a gamble (I’m in Texas also)
Hilariously enough, my winesmith and Gard cases shipped this week via normal ground and only look like they’ll be in transit about 3-4 days. Sometimes they slip through the weekend which is really the only time I get worried.
@deadlyapp@mikepav@Rstoker@Winedavid49 I’m very happy to hear that this offer will be shipped via two day – temperatures here in mid-Missouri are running around 90 at this time. Hopefully the last leg will not come until this coming Wednesday when the high is supposed to in the lower 80s.
@deadlyapp@mikepav@Rstoker@Winedavid49
Thank you for the upgrade. Winesmith arrived today with 9 of 12 bottles leaking. Ty and Brunello didn’t appear to leak but we were 20 degrees above our norm this week and reached 100 today so every bottle was burning up when it arrived. I’m afraid all three may be goners, but definitely the Winesmith. Heartbreaking.
UPS seems to be indicating this will be delivered Monday, 6/14. I say appears, because they have “upgraded” their software so you can’t see the “Reference Number” anymore, the only thing that actually tells you what it is. Winesmith got here yesterday with no problems. Temps in the low 80s.
Still ‘processing’ for SoCal delivery, suggesting delivery will be next week. With temps well into the 30’s, hoping the styro helps, AM delivery and there are no delays.
@rjquillin I believe I’m the last stop Brown makes before hopping back on the freeway. I’m much better off shipping directly to the customer center and having it stay in the warehouse.
@mikepav@winedavid49
Hoping for the best, but this is the worst week of the year to ship to SoCal. Temps forecast to be high 30’s (100+F) the next couple of days…
Sigh.
@radiolysis@rjquillin
Just an FYI- I was talking with my driver on Friday when my wine arrived leaking (Doug has been my driver for 19 years-great guy) and he said the warehouse is not air conditioned. The customer pick-up area is cooled, but storage is not. I thought everything was temp controlled until it made its way into the final destination truck, but he said no. You may want to ask your driver about conditions in your neck of the woods.
@chefjess@rjquillin Yeah. I’ve had to go into the back to get a few cases and it’s not air conditioned, but the big empty warehouses around here tend to stay a little cool. Packages arrive middle of the night and i try to get it when they open at 10am. I just fear the un-A/Ced trip in a semi-trailer down California.
@chefjess@radiolysis
If they’re moving at night, I’m less concerned, especially for a 750 in styro as it will take a lot longer than a 375 to heat up. It’s that last leg that gives me the willies, again, especially for something that may cellar for any time (which for me is most things actually…)
@radiolysis@rjquillin
I have to believe that the warehouse here is warm. With 90s/100+ and humidity in the mid 90s, it’s miserable in the summer. Doug said it was hot in the warehouse. I’m sure the ride to Stl through the heat of the country that we all experienced last week didn’t help. The winesmith, Ty, and Brunelllo rode around 6a-630p after the warehouse. I’m one of the last deliveries now that the routes have been extended with COVID. Lost every bottle of winesmith. I thought it was 9 of 12 since they had wine-soaked labels, but I ended up pulling the foil and it was all 12. The Ty and Brunello have no wine on the corks, but I have yet to try. That will be over the next few days. I really wish the summer shipping started with ship dates vs offer dates. I cellar as well but I don’t have hope for these.
With tomorrow’s temperature predicted at 92 (and 100+ for Thursday and Friday), I decided to bite the bullet and pay to have my shipment redirected to the UPS store.
@lehigh you might want to double check. I got an email saying mine was being delivered on the 17th instead of the 16th, but the latest tracking shows it arriving on the 16th. I guess I’ll find out which one is true.
@lehigh mine showed up today, despite UPS sending me another notification that it was coming tomorrow. At least it’s not FedEx. Then it would’ve been delivered in 7 weeks to a random house, and just be a wet box of broken glass.
2 Punte de Flechas 2015 Corte
2 Caliterra Cab Sauv2014
2 Crianza, Ribera del Duero 2015
2 Chateau Roubine, Cru Classic
2 finca Torrea, Rioja 2016
2 Aimery sparklers that are wedged so tightly in the styro that it’ll be awhile until I know those details.
Two identical cases with two of each of the following in each.
2015 Altue Merlot
2014 Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
2019 Duca Carlo Guarini Burdi Negroamaro
2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2017 Rosé all day Beaujolais Rosé
2013 Les Vins de Vienne Reméage Rouge
@sndg My wife decided to break open the Merlot and regretted it two sips later and it is now stewing as sangria. Sadly, the CS is similar grade. I hope I don’t regret the balance of the wines in my case as much as these two.
@drhellknow oh my! My quick search of these wines doesn’t yield much hope. If this was going to be an IRK/Bandolier of Carrots, it should’ve been priced like one…
@drhellknow@lehigh So got same case… the Caliterra Cab…was first we opened not enjoyable. Have to say once bitten twice shy…probably not going to bit on on the next mystery case
My half-case showed up today. More sparkling wine than I would want, but still not a bad selection.
Jean Babou Élégance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
Jean Babou Élégance Cremante de Limoux Brut
2014 Tommasone Per’e’Palummo Ischia Rosso
2015 Flechas de Los Andes ‘Punta De Flechas’ Corte Mendoza
2016 Mauvais Garcon Vin de Garage Bordeaux
2018 Bodega Polo Herencia Trabajo Chardonnay Valle de Uco Mendoza
1 Cremant De Limoux Rose Brut
2 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
1 2011 Pago de Vallegarcia Petit Hipperia
1 2016 Mauvis Garcon Recolte
1 2014 Per’e’ Palummo Ischia
[1]:
I have two cases that were supposed to arrive today between 1145 and 1245. It is 130 now and going to get to 98 degrees. The delivery time has been changed to 630 now. I know that Casemates did their job and upgraded this to 2 day delivery. UPS not so much. I wonder if UPS will pay for the damage?
@mikepav I received 2 cases as mentioned above. Case 1 was not in styrofoam. Every bottle was over 90 degrees (most 92 degrees) according to my heat gun. The other case was this “mystery case”. It was in styrofoam and all every bottle was under 80 degrees. Is there any chance that my 92 degree wine is drinkable? I videoed opening it and taking the temps. Anyone know if any of these are decent?
@mikepav A brought a bottle to a gathering and everyone liked it. The heat didn’t ruin it. So I am happy and you guys don’t have to hear my whining anymore lol.
@danidani12@deadlyapp Third! If I did math, and I don’t, I’m quite sure I paid more per bottle for these than the average pricing of Casemates’ previous offers.
@deadlyapp@ovad2 I don’t do math either. Even with basic rough math, I paid waaaaaay more per bottle than the $11ish dollars that was advertised. It’s my birthday today too and I was really looking forward to this delivery.
I’m not sure I even want to cook with some of the wine. The Corte has a 2.8 rating on Vivino and the average cost is $2 dollars. I didn’t even know ratings went that low.
@danidani12@ovad2 The punta de flechas was previously offered here for $15 ea bottle, the Caliterra I don’t see offered here previously but I see it around $10 out on the interwebs.
@deadlyapp Another really bummed here. Street value of my haul is certainly less value than what I paid for here…took a roll of the dice and fell on my face for this one. Lesson learned I guess…at least when I am disappointed with an IRK, that disappointment only cost $5.
@danidani12 I bought a case, 4 of my bottles are in the $5 range, 2 in the $9 range, 4 in the $12 range and 2 in the $17 range on Vivino - total value is under what I paid.
@char2na@danidani12 I was getting prices from Vivino, which is typically in line with what I find in my local liquor stores here in Indiana most of the time.
I’m glad that some folks came back to post results, and I like the idea of checking average case values against an index. That said I have no idea what to expect from any of these. If the promise for the higher tier offerings in some cases materialized, that would be good to know. I recieved:
2015 de Restia Crianza Ribera del Duero, Spain
2014 Caliterra Reserva Cab, Chile
(undated?) Aimery 1531, France
2017 Chateau Roubine Rose, France
2016 Maques de Riscal Rioja, Spain
2015 Puenta de Flechas Corte, Argentina
@danidani12 Thank you for the reassurance! I should clarify I received two of each, it was a case order. Apologies for typos and/or mixing up the nomenclature. Seems like the 2016 Rioja has some appreciation out there. Looks to be same as apathy0, above.
Disappointed as well. Got a couple ~$25 bottles and a couple $2 bottles. Roughly the same price as I would have in a local store. Probably didn’t overpay, but that’s not why I buy full cases here (especially for the ratings on the bottles I received). Won’t do this again.
I got two of the exact same cases. Gotta be honest that I’m a little disappointed in that I not only got the exact same things as most everyone else, but that most of it looks like stuff that wouldn’t have sold on here for under $10 a bottle. I’ll reserve final judgment until I try them, but I doubt I want 4 of most of them, and from my vantage point I was expecting more variety, better wines, and not a clearance sale at not quite clearance prices.
@ovad2 Thanks for posting reasonable look-up values, I got similar except not the Rioja. I don’t know where people are getting $2 prices. yes that’s a bit silly. But many of these that do look like ones I’d be accustomed to seeing at $8-10 at discount stores (Grocery Outlet(west), ALDI(east)) or TJs.
I did try the Aimery and was pleased with it; it does seem a bit better to me than the TJ’s Cremant de Limoux which I think is around $9.
Marques de Riscal Rioja - Bought the 2000/2001 a long wile back. Some bottles are awesome. Others seem past their prime. Happy to try the 2016.
Caliterra Cab - Was a labrat on this one. Enjoyable with the right meal. Was on the fence for a 1/2 case but decided to save space. Two bottles will suit me just fine.
@char2na I’m honestly looking forward to trying most of them. Nice to see some variety in my wine cellar too. How many bottles of Wellington can one person have?
@Vince247 I brought a bottle of Victory to my wife’s extended family’s house for Thanksgiving one year. The guy I was trying to impress with it never opened or really looked at it. Probably in some corner of his cellar somewhere. I found out a few days later that Peter was done making wine.
Then a couple years later that same guy brought his own wine to drink at my wedding. It wasn’t even an expensive bottle. The rest of my guests were served a Casemates trifecta of Gruet Sparkling, Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino, and Wine Smith Pinot Noir. The next time I go to his house I’m bringing yellowtail.
@char2na hi. You said the Caliterra was enjoyable with the right meal - what are your recommendations for the right meal? Alone it was not so good, would love to enjoy it more with a meal.
My pregnant wife put a frozen meat lasagna in the oven at like 4pm, so I didn’t have much chance to consider pairing. Or so I thought. One of the perks of having a pregnant wife is that when you are finished with a meal that she cooked you, you can offer to prepare a whole 2nd meal without offending her and she is all for it. Dinner #2 was skirt steak with grilled green peppers and Spanish rice.
The wine was not great for lasagna. Too much plumb came forward. The skirt steak on the other hand was perfect for it. It was a pretty fatty cut, so the astringent tannin was welcomed. The smokey green peppers and the pinches of cumin, annatto, paprika, and black pepper used on the steak brought out some vegetal notes and worked well with the pepper and tobacco in the wine.
It is possible that I was experiencing some rat selection bias. Everything tastes soooo complex when you’re ratting. That and the second meal was
paired with the second half of the bottle. I guess we’ll see.
Took a roll of the dice and came up empty - worth less than I paid - received a compilation of bits and pieces from what everyone else already posted. On the upside, 10 of my 12 bottles are reds, so YAY, silver lining. The other 2 are rose, which as much I as do not drink that, on a really hot day I can stomach that chilled more than a white wine. Victim of Casemates IRK here I guess. Hope someone out there gets a real Unicorn and shares so we can all live vicariously!
@sknight20 agreed. So far it appears the best bottle was actually given to someone that ordered a half case - that is great for them, but ultra disappointing to those of us that bought the case with the hopes of the random upgrade!
@sknight20
It would be interesting to know the total cases sold vs upgraded cases sent… >>>“Most” is an imprecise term, which means, an amount more than 50% and less than 100%.
@PLSemenza@sknight20 It appears to be far less than 50%. The clue would be, I’m assuming, a single bottle in a case, (well, 2 singles, of which one would be “special”). So far almost all cases listed are 6x2, most in the arguable $8-15, or $2 if you take some peoples comments seriously. (which I don’t, but I do think the $8-15 is valid and probably generous.)
2 Aimery 1531 Crémant de Limoux Brut $39.98
2 Caliterra Reserva 2014 $28.00
2 Crianza Ribera del Duero 2015 $64.00
2 Finca Torrea Rioja 2016 $54.00
2 Punta De Flechas Corte 2015 $34.00
2 Rosé all Day Beaujolais 2017 $32.00
12 $251.98
I paid $139.99
Fair enough, even though some of the pricing, which I looked up on-line may be wonky.
But, hey, it was a mystery case; a blind buy gamble. So I didn’t have high expectations. I’m surprised that so many others did. I sort of expected to get odd lots of wine from Argentina and Chile, that were older, but maybe not in sufficient quantity to sell as a Casemates offer.
I sometimes buy such wines from the Manager’s Shelf at my local Kroger, for much the same pricing as here. These are usually wines that have been sitting on the shelf for a while and are discounted for quick sale, which brings them to about the same price as this lot on average.
It was fun. I have no regrets, even if a bottle or two ends up not the best.
@Jackinga I picked one bottle at random from those I received yesterday. It was the Finca Torrea Rioja 2016. Damn! That’s a good wine. Very, very dark red, almost black. Good acidity, not too much tannin, some cherry notes, berry, good finish. I would gladly take a case of this one. I’ll see how it tastes again in about 12-18 hours.
@revmem@Vince247 mine was fully engaged, actually both of my cases of wine were so jammed in the package locker I had to break the boxes open and trash the whole boxes/styrofoam to get stuff out. Will check my WS delivery on Friday night. Looks like no more city deliveries till we go back to cardboard again…
In my case was,
2x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2x 2015 Altue Merlot
2x 2017 Rosé all day Beaujolais
2x 2013 Remeage Les Vins de Vienne Syrah
2x 2019 Burdi Negroamaro
I was almost out of daily drinkers which is why I ordered this so I’m not terribly disappointed.
Reading the comments is like reading the comments for an IRK reveal, but way more pissed off.
You guys just need to buy more mystery cases in the future, so you know ahead of time that you likely aren’t winning the “high-value item” lottery and revel in your mediocrity.
Also, all mystery wine should be encased in bubble wrap instead of styrofoam to really make it feel meh.
No bubbly in my box but the rest is like all of the above. Still a savings and was a fun little game. Hopeful for some bubbles on Friday or Sat offers!
2x 2015 Altue Chardonnay
2x 2015 Punta de flechas corte
2x 2013 Secco-Bertani vintage edition
2x 2013 Les Vins De Vienne Remeage Rouge
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2x NV Elegance blanquette de limoux brut
I was not able to pin a price on the Chardonnay, but Vivino says comparable (2.9 stars) Chilean chardonnays go for $5.24/bottle. The CS got a vicious review on Cellar Tracker. The range is $5.24 for the chard to $27 for the Secco-Bertani. Several new grapes for us, so there is an adventure aspect. No random upgrade, but approximately $160 value based on mid-range internet pricing, so maybe close to what I paid for? If the mystery case game comes up again, not sure we’ll play.
In my box:
2x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2x 2015 Altue Merlot
2x 2013 Remeage Les Vins de Vienne Syrah
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2x 2013 secco-bertani vintage edition
2x Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux Elegance
Should be fun, biased on the estimated prices above, I’m fine, but no random upgrade
@halwarning Yup. While the value isn’t bad, and getting it delivered to the door is convenient, I was hoping to get 1-2 “interesting” items, but it seems most of us got the same thing, priced at pretty much exactly what we paid.
But this kind of defeats the “mystery box” aspect of the sale, because we take on the risk of getting stuff we’re not interested in just for the sake of the company being able to unload some stock. That should be rewarded, otherwise it’s a better idea to simply go for a 12-pack of something you’re truly interested in when it comes up for sale.
@halwarning@ShotgunX pretty similar here, thought maybe at least one interesting thing would be in the mix, alas more like the leftovers from a budget wedding reception. All quaffable I’m sure, but from what I’m seeing seems little reason to buy in on the mystery in the future.
@halwarning I’m willing to go along with maybe a mistake in packing, but not the typo idea. They said most and meant most, but someone in charge of putting bottles in boxes just grabbed two of whatever and jammed them in. I don’t think there was any active effort to include upgrades in case orders, and definitely not for “most” of them.
They could’ve made it a “one of each” thing with an occasional double of something thrown in if necessary. That way everyone could’ve had the opportunity to try many different new things, which increases the odds of finding new favorites for the future.
An interesting collection consisting of some likely plonk and some hopefully nice bottles. Couldn’t figure out a way to export CT values
1 2013 Altue Carménère Gran Reserva Altue Carménère
2 2013 Bertani Secco-Bertani Original Vintage Edition Bertani Corvina Blend
2 2014 Viña Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Viña Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon
2 1001 Les Caves du Sieur d’Arques Crémant de Limoux Aimery 1531 Cremant Brut Les Caves du Sieur d’Arques Chardonnay Blend
2 2015 Bodega Flechas de Los Andes Punta de Flechas Corte Bodega Flechas de Los Andes Malbec Blend
2 1001 Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux …lÈgance Jean Babou Mauzac Blend
1 1001 Jean Babou Crémant de Limoux …lÈgance Jean Babou Mauzac Blend
2 2016 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Finca Torrea Marqués de Riscal Tempranillo Blend
1 2016 Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy) Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy) Red Bordeaux Blend
1 2011 Pago de Vallegarcía Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Petit Hipperia Pago de Vallegarcía Red Blend
1 2018 Polo Bodega y Viñedos Chardonnay Herencia Trabajo Polo Bodega y Viñedos Chardonnay
2 2015 Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel Ribera del Duero Crianza Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel Tempranillo
2 2017 Château Roubine Côtes de Provence Cru Classé Premium Château Roubine Rosé Blend
1 2016 Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Côtes du Roussillon Villages Cuvée Constance Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Grenache Blend
1 2014 Tommasone Ischia Per’e Palummo Tommasone Piedirosso
1 2018 Vinhas Altas Vinho Verde Vinhas Altas White Blend
@rjquillin thanks for the info! My first case had six pairs, so i hope my second is something like yours. I wish UPS wasn’t keeping me waiting like this!!! Also hoping for the barolo that one person got…
This is far more what I was expecting, and my disappointment would have been severely lessened by receiving something like this, rather than 2 cases with the exact same 6 wines.
No upgrade case and only one pair of a real clunker, Caliterra Cab 2014. I hope it drinks better than the reviews. I had to destroy the styrofoam to get the 2 Aimery Brut out. LOL. I estimate the value to be at CS case prices and about what we paid. I’m looking forward to trying a couple of the selections!
@cbilyak@rjquillin RjQ, It looks like you received a nice varied selection! The reviews on the web also weren’t very encouraging for the Caliterra Cab.
@irenegade day 2 I had it with some brisket and mashed potatoes. It was a bit more palatable but still not what I would call Good. Only had 1/2 a glass…will probably give away my 2nd bottle.
No ice packs included (in my experience the norm from casemates this time of year). At over 95° it’s pre-cooked & a couple of bottles have some leakage. Bummer!
Caliterra Reseva Cabernet Sauignon 2014 Colchagua•Chile (Vivino $12.50)
Elegance Blanquette De Limoux Brut Year? Maybe it’s from the future here to warn us not to expect Opus One in these (Vivino $12.99)
Remëage 2013 LesVinsDeVienne French (Vivino $16.99)
Punta De Flecha 2015 Corte Argentina (Vivino $2.48)
Secco-Bertani 2013 Vintage Edition Cav.Gio/Batta Bertani wrapped in paper so you KNOW it’s worth over $11 per bottle, right?
" you KNOW it’s worth over $11 per bottle, RIGHT?” Padmay Meme (Vivino $19.97)
Altue Gran Reserva 2015 Chardonnay from Chile (didn’t see it on Vivino so imma guessssss it’s worth 15 schrute bucks)
WoW! I didn’t know Casemates was selling Instant Regret Kits, but that’s exactly what I got. Case full o’ Meh
2 x 2015 Altue Merlot
2 x 2014 Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
2 x 2019 Duca Carlo Guarini Burdi Negroamaro
2 x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2 x 2017 Rosé all day Beaujolais Rosé
2 x 2013 Les Vins de Vienne Reméage Rouge
Someone please point out the “numerous 90+ rated” wine in the bottles above. No $50+ a bottle wine, that’s for sure. I don’t mind taking $5 flyers on a box of crap, but this beyond disappointing. I encouraged some friends to get cases, god I hope they didn’t…
Taking a step back here and have to say that I have been one of the naysayers about value compared to price paid. Did a little more digging and the prices are crazy all over the board. In my Vivino price search, I see $15 for one of my bottles, but when I go to the vinyard’s site it sells for $50 for the 2016 Thunevin-Calvet “Cuvée Constance” Côtes du Roussillon-Villages . So I guess it is all about perspective. I will now shut up until I try them and see if I like them…that truly is where the value lies anyway. And I did get 10 out of 12 reds, which is where my preference lies.
@cbilyak I can probably dig up some bloke on the internet who gives some of the bottles I received a 90+ rating, too. I didn’t expect I’d have to read the fine-print on this offer.
I’m thinking of contacting support. There were only 12 bottles in my case and not a singe one is Made in America. I looked them all up in Beckett and they aren’t even worth anything. Didn’t receive a silver slugger in the pack either. The Aimery bottle was so big it cracked the concrete on my front porch.
I got 2 boxes. I was lucky in the variety department as one was 6x2 similar to several above, the other was a lot of singles with just a couple repeats.
I too was a little disappointed with the apparent value of what was included, at first. I certainly agree with some comments above that mystery cases are expected to be even better values. Mystery offers are not a feature, but a price we pay to get an even better deal.
Also, there’s several places where I can get a good deal on foreign wines (wtso, garagiste, wine.com with coupons). I come to casemates for great deals, and I would rather @winedavid49 not even do foreign wines unless he can get his usual awesome discount.
However, I suspect this deal will end up being better than it first appears. If you look at the CT comments out there for many of our favorites (Pedroncelli, Winesmith, etc.), the CT comments/scores out there are not great. I trust winedavid’s judgement and curation more than CT scores, certainly. Why should this be different?
So curious was I about this shipment, and worried about some being over the hill, last night we popped our single 2011 Pago de Vallegarcía Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Petit Hipperia. CT scores are low, and comments indicated this was likely over the hill. Might as well starting seeing if some of these old ones might be heading for stew or drain. It turned out to be fantastic. We don’t normally like bordeaux blends, but we loved this. The first “bordeaux” my wife has liked. Judging by the CT info, this should have been crap. I probably won’t keep getting this lucky; but if I do, this will be a great wine purchase. If winedavid did anything like his normal curation, this stuff should be better than CT would indicate, with the older stuff still in good shape.
@wardad I’d don’t doubt (most) these will be decent. The issue is the offer stated there would be multiple 90+ rated bottles in each case. I don’t put this on @winedavid49, IMO it’s whomever was doing the pulls and packing.
I’ve been buying since the earliest days of WW, more than a few mystery cases have made their way to me over the years. They’ve always matched or exceeded what was stated in the offering. Something is amiss in what was promised v. what shipped on this one.
Just opened my box and came to the site to see how I did relative to everyone else. I only got a 6 pack since the cases were “sold out” when I ordered. At first I was kicking myself for not checking the comments back then, but after reading all the comments about the unveilings, i’m not sure I would have wanted a case. On the plus side, I got five reds. On the negative, three of them are the Punta de Flechas Corte…In my box:
3 x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
1 x 2014 Chateau de Bel-Air Lalande de Pomerol
1 x 2019 Cazzaro Rossa (with a 98 point sticker)
1 x Elegance Cremand de Limoux Brut
@phatbob01 You might have paid less overall, but with that selection and with the 6-pack costing more per bottle, your overall QPR is considerably lower than the 12-pack people with the decent Riojas.
@phatbob01@ShotgunX Actually the Corte was generally OK, not great, but those other 3, well the 2 Reds + the bubbly, I’d glady trade at least 6 of my bargain bin Chile/Argentina reds for those 3.
I mean, Chile and Argentina have been great places to find cheap fairly good wines, but I expect to find quite a bit in the $6-9 range. Less for some quite drinkable white wines. It’s just that this deal, for some reason the way it was described, I assumed it was primarily French, Italian, maybe some Spain or Portugal. I think it’s because there were some deals on older vintage European wines lately and a theory that there was some old stock discovered and I (incorrectly) assumed this might have been a way to liquidate some of that stock, which would have made it more fun and educational for me. And the whole 6x2 thing really diluted the variety that I think many of us hoped for. Especially when 4*2 of those were Chile/Argentina bargain wines. Honestly unless there’s some more clarification in the future, and regarding what “most will receive a premium $50 wine” really meant, I think I’ll pass on any future mystery case deals. Life is too short to drink cheap wine, unless you buy it really cheap. Which this wasn’t.
Second case arrived today, no aged barrolo, but very happy with the variation! Second Set:
1 2013 Altue Carménère Gran Reserva Altue Carménère
2 2013 Bertani Secco-Bertani Original Vintage Edition Bertani Corvina Blend
1 2016 Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy) Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy) Red Bordeaux Blend
2 2018 Polo Bodega y Viñedos Chardonnay Herencia Trabajo Polo Bodega y Viñedos Chardonnay
1 1001 Jean Babou Crémant de Limoux …lÈgance Jean Babou Mauzac Blend
1 2011 Pago de Vallegarcía Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Petit Hipperia Pago de Vallegarcía Red Blend
2 2014 Tommasone Ischia Per’e Palummo Tommasone Piedirosso
1 2018 Vinhas Altas Vinho Verde Vinhas Altas White Blend
1 2016 Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Côtes du Roussillon Villages Cuvée Constance Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Grenache Blend
@StingingJ That’s ridiculous! That’s an amazing mix. I really do now wonder if this was the one case of “premium” bottles they were supposed to mix in randomly to the cases, and then after a day of packing, someone said “what’s this box over here in the corner?” “Oh well, just ship it!”
EDIT notably, those generally don’t show up in other cases people have posted.
Mine was delivered to the UPS Store yesterday and I retrieved it this afternoon. Identical mix as a number of other cases reported earlier:
2 x 2017 Chateau Bonnet Saint-Amour
2 x 2013 Altue Gran Reserva Carménère
2 x 2015 Altue Gran Reserva Chardonnay
2 x 2015 Punta De Flecha Corte
2 x Jean Babou Élégance Cremante de Limoux Brut
2 x Jean Babou Élégance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
I appreciate the earlier hint about wiggling the sparkling bottles to get them out without tearing apart the styrofoam.
@winedavid49
I received:
2 x 2015 Punta De Flecha Corte
Jean Babou Élégance Cremante de Limoux Brut
Jean Babou Élégance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
Villages Cuvée Constance Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Grenache Blend
2016 Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy)
I’m not disappointed. I know nothing about these wines but my SO loves French wine so he’s probably happy and I love sparkling so I’m excited to try something new. Hoping the Argentine wine is decent. I don’t think it was a great value purchase but I love a mystery!
Ok gang can you guys let me know which of these (if any) are decent? I’m a wine lover but I don’t know this stuff that well. Here’s what I got:
2017 Rose All Day Beaujolais x 2
2019 Burdi Negroamaro, Duca Carlo Guarini x 2
2015 Punta de Flechas Corte x 2
2015 Altue Merlot x 2
2013 Les Vins de Vienne Remeage x 2
2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sav x 2
Same mix as @jml326 and @jackinga in my case. I had previously gotten a case of the Rioja and liked it, so happy to have a couple more bottles. The rose arrived conveniently right before the heat wave. As for the rest, haven’t tried them yet. Even if they turn out to be clunkers, no regrets. I knew what I was getting into.
Two 2015 Punta De Flechas Corte
Two 2014 Caliterra Reserva
Two 2015 Crianza Ribera del Duero
Two 2016 Marqués de Riscal Finca Torrea Rioja
Two Aimery 1531 Crémant de Limoux Brut
Two Chateau Roubine Cru Classé Rosé
I’m not sure of the value of this case, because I’m unfamiliar with most of them. I did get a case of the Rioja when it was offered in December, and liked both vintages from that case, so I guess that’s a positive.
I’m neutral on the bubbly — at least it’s Brut. But I’ve only liked one Rosé ever (a dry one from Paso Robles — Clautiere, I think) and I don’t know anything about the other reds.
I was going to tell you I liked the Rose’, because I did, but now I realize I had the one called Rose’ all day Beaujolais. It is dry and very pleasant; it is a Rose of Gamay Noir which is common in that region. You got a different one but give it a try; I would recommend chilled a bit but not super-refrigerated, maybe 50-55.
I also did like the Crémant de Limoux Brut quite a bit.
So despite that I was disappointed with the “reds” that I got in the mix (which I haven’t tried yet, but comments aren’t promising), both the Sparkling and the Rose’ were actually very good. Oh and you got the Finca Torrea Rioja which is supposed to be one of the better ones.
@pmarin Yeah, the Finca Torrea Rioja is the only wine in my mystery case I was familiar with, as I bought a case of it back in December. But I’m unfamiliar with everything else, and many of the comments above express disappointment with this (or similar) mixes… so I guess I’ll just have to dig in and find out.
We were having a lighter meal today consisting of leftover broth (and some beef) from last night’s short ribs, some roasted veggies, and salad. Thought I would try the Chateau Bonnet Saint-Amour with it. Fairly simple, not objectionable, but nothing special.
My case, like almost everyone else’s here, was meh. A few decent bottles, some offered here before, some not. Nothing extravagant and the ones that were for sale here prior had a better qpr than the mystery case. I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed. This could have set the stage for something fun and exciting, but now it will just be something everyone avoids when it comes up again. It wouldn’t have taken much effort to make this mystery case at least appear worth it. Shit, even a casemates bottle opener would have made enough people happy enough to at least want to try this thing again in the future.
My half case - not as impressive as any of my previous mystery deals, but in fairness I haven’t tried them yet. Based on price lookups it wasn’t much of a deal.
1 x 2011 Petit Hipperia $12
1 x 2016 Mauvais Garcon $18
1 x Maison Centenaire Elegeance Cremant de Limoux Brut $13
1 x 2014 Ischia Per’ e’ Palummo $27
2 x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte $5
Cracked my first bottle today. The Caliterra Reserva. Hopefully, this one is not representative of the rest. Ran it through an aerator. Initial aroma is burning rubber with a touch of something else. Initial taste is about the same. I was thinking about dumping it, but decided to “take one for the team.”
I let the glass sit while I poured the rest through the aerator into a decanter, and went back to the glass. Burnt rubber smell is mostly gone. the funky something else seems to be resolving itself into something I have heard of in wine, but never smelled or tasted. Aged beef.
The taste is hard to describe. Still getting a a bit of rubber, something else, and a lingering bitterness after you swallow. Half an hour in the decanter didn’t help. I get the feeling that no amount of air will.
So, is it drinkable? Barely. Is it enjoyable? Not at all. I’d save this one for unwanted or uninvited guests.
@Springbank The burning rubber thing is often reduction. You might be surprised at what a few hours or even a day of air can do for it.
On the other hand, you might not be.
@klezman@pmarin
A few hours did no good. I poured it back in the bottle, and will re check tonight. After brushing my teeth twice, and a good dose of Listerine, (the original one, not the puny new flavored stuff,) I still seem to be tasting the rubber/bitter note.
@SelfGovern@Springbank@klezman@pmarin
Twisted a top yesterday on one of mine; pretty rough. Overnight in the fridge showed some improvement, but none of the rubber thing. This one will remain for awhile, if only so I can decide what to do with the remains.
First bottle of the batch to sample, so far. Others gifted with disclaimers with no reports yet.
I hope that’s the case with this one. I looked at Cellar Tracker and there was a review, I think from 2016, that mentioned rubber and petrol, so it might effect more than just my botte. I was going to crack a different one tonight, but maybe try the second bottle against what’s left in the first one.
@klezman@pmarin@rjquillin@SelfGovern@Springbank Brings to mind the Pinotage burnt rubber flavor (someone I know described as the “Curad Bandage” flavor in reference to the original medicated pads).
@klezman@Mark_L@pmarin@rjquillin@SelfGovern
Not Curad. The only thing that comes close was as part of a coffee roasting/tasting education where I had some really cheap Vietnamese Robusta that had the same tire fire smell and taste.
I did try the Altue Merlot last night. Not sure if it’s from the shipping, but it was really hazy to the point of being opaque. Seemed to show a little bricking, but that might have been because the rim was the only place that was transparent. First impression was cherries, and maybe plum. A decent wine, I thought, with a bit more acidity than I’ve seen in most Merlot. My wife on the other hand, described it as “turning into vinegar.”
The rioja and every day rose are so far the best of what I ended up with. The Corte was passable and the Ribera del Duero was disappointing. Haven’t cracked the Caliterrra cab sav yet.
@LJeAYsy4LoqxEC slow cooker Chuck Roast. (not as a wine pairing – as an ingredient to the broth for overnight cooking.) About 187ml (1/4 btl) per batch, depending on size of your slow cooker and roast.
Missed another IRK on the Irk-a-thon. Why bother, I don’t know. But these questions were meaningful, relating to the mystery case. #2 and #3 were true. #1 sadly, not.
Is this under $19?
Yes.
Will its contents be worth $19 or more?
Can’t say.
Will you be happy with your purchase?
Absolutely not.
Finally getting around to reporting in. 2 of each-
Marqués de Riscal Spanish Rioja --Too tannic for my tastes.
Punta de Flechas Corte Argentinian Blend- Saving til it cools down this fall.
Caliterra Chilean Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon- Saving til it cools down this fall, sounds like it’ll be pretty astringent
Chateau Roubine Cru Classe’ Rose ’17 --Popped one of these, loved it, would happily buy more!!
de Restia Crianza Ribera del Duero-Saving til the fall too
Les Caves du Sieur d’Arques Crémant de Limoux Aimery 1531 Cremant Brut- pretty good, a bit softer than my go to Gruet, which is a nice change.
Would have loved some whites in there, but eh, would grab a random case again. It’s actually a good solution for my household as we’re not big red wine drinkers, so it’s nice to have a few different options.
Checking in on the caliterra. Definitely get the tire and gasoline. Going down the drain. I don’t even think I’d want to try to make a sangria from it.
About The Wine
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jun 14 - Thursday, Jun 17
Imported Wines Mystery Offer
6 bottles for $79.99 $13.33/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $139.99 $11.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@ilCesare EZ evening, tnx
@ilCesare @rjquillin haha!
A boat’s a boat, but a mystery box could be anything. It could even be a boat.
There won’t be upgrades on 6 packs? Is it likely we’ll get trios or more likely to get singles?
@klezman
Yeah, that didn’t answer your question.
Now, if only the early orders get a nice mix of the premium bottles.
lookin’ at ya @winedavid49
@rjquillin @Winedavid49
I mean, I’m mostly looking for reasons not to buy
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Imported Wines Mystery Offer - $20 = 12.49%
Suuuure. Why the hell not, it works for Irks, might as well treat us to some fun randoms.
/giphy blotchy-jerky-trapper
/giphy misunderstood-huge-day
No idea where I will store this…. No idea! Bunny den full!! ugh
Here’s for rollin early with hopefully first dibs on those premiums!
/giphy altruistic-scientific-lip
Who needs money anyway.
Spill the wine, take that pearl.
In. For. A. Case.
/giphy haunted-bardic-food
In for a Case - ***Well in a house full of Cats go figure…*updated-hot-mouse
@PLSemenza would that be…
/giphy updated-hot-mouse
Is this the closest casemates will get to the old sites woot off? I really like this mystery BTW. Reminds me of when we did the Kickstarter and everyone posted what they received for the party! Very cool @winedavid49. In 4 2
/giphy duly-evasive-rod
/giphy faithful-needy-wrist
I’m way too intrigued, and the hardest year of teaching ever is about to come to a close. In for a case.
/giphy amazing-common-beast
@jeffcohen bless you. I hope you enjoy!
My wife is gonna kill me… again. Hoping for some premiums.
@mikepav and as many reds as possible
pulled the trigger on this one…hoping as well for those upgrades. thanks!!
/giphy comedic-refreshing-jackalope
Well, I hope I don’t get much white… but I suppose a couple bottles will be fine.
I hope there are tasting notes to help me understand regions or varietals I’m not familiar with.
What fun. I couldn’t resist.
@SelfGovern Hoping all red!
/giphy condemned-steep-mouse
Bandolier Of Carrots vibes.
@InVinoVeritas
/giphy guarded-pendulous-addition
In for another case. Please give me many different bottles!
@Winedavid49 for those of us that get 2 cases, will the second case have a different mix than the first?
@Winedavid49 +1
@Tassadar @Winedavid49
Is that a yes?
@sandbarhappy @Tassadar @Winedavid49
Hardly dispositive, but in past random offers (which this appears to kind of be) it all comes down to the packing. Cases packed at the same time tend to have the same (or very similar) distributions of wines. It’s almost like they pull solid cases of the wines and then re-mix them into cases until that pile is gone. Repeat until all cases are packed.
Just a guess based on what I’ve seen happen in the past!
And if your two cases are going to the same place they will likely be packed in the same batch, so will likely be similar.
@klezman @sandbarhappy @Tassadar @Winedavid49
If this is true, can you cancel my second order? I bought 2 cases hoping there would be more variety.
@klezman @sandbarhappy @Tassadar @Winedavid49 yeah, thats my experience in the past as well, but then i also remembered winedavid saying last feb they were changing their process so second cases were going to get different variations. I was thinking of ordering one case last night and then a second this morning to game the system, but im taking David’s word that its been changed.
@InVinoVeritas @klezman @sandbarhappy @Tassadar @Winedavid49 I successfully canceled an order about an hour ago. Contact customer service asap.
@davirom @InVinoVeritas @klezman @Tassadar @Winedavid49
I just emailed to the “I need help” from my order (trying to cancel my order). Is there a different and better way?
@InVinoVeritas @Winedavid49 That’s what I did. It took a (short) while for them to respond, due at least in part I think to the number of people who bought 6’s when they thought cases were sold out and now want to switch. You might also try orders@casemates.com, that’s where my cancellation confirmation came from. Good luck!
@klezman @sandbarhappy @StingingJ @Tassadar @Winedavid49 Me too! I ordered 2 cases, and would very much love variety. Either by each case having a lot of variety, or getting 2 cases packed far from each other. Any effort to do so would be appreciated. However, I realize the whole point of this these awesome-deal odd-lot mystery deal is for the convenience of the sellers.
MEALS! DEALS! EELS! AWESOME!
@klezman @sandbarhappy @StingingJ @Tassadar @wardad one of the reasons we don’t do this more often is that it really taxes operations. it’s a hard pack. much more difficult than our tried and true “one sku repeated” approach that has allowed us to be a lean mean fulfillment machine over the years (can you say logistically beautiful??).
honestly, it will fall to the luck of the draw.
@klezman @sandbarhappy @StingingJ @Tassadar @wardad @Winedavid49 I know the logistics present some serious packing overhead, but I’ve always loved the mystery boxes! It would be great to have them “when possible”.
And sure enough, the one day I don’t check in, here’s a mystery box and BAM- all sold!
/giphy dependable-thoughtful-division
Who doesn’t love a mystery?
@jrbw3 @kasandrae just checking back and not sold out yet?! Myself I just couldn’t do it this time, especially with just moving shelving and digging thru the pile (some know what I mean) to make room for company. It sure is exciting tho, when you find some “forgotten” treasures. But, some shipping labels on cases 3/4 full, dated to NOV2018…that’s just wrong!
If this was all red, I’d bite. I never drink white wine anymore.
@ACraigL no but I’ll be looking to casemates swap on anything that I can find a new home for sure!
@ACraigL My hesitation solved that for me, lol. Looking forward to the reveals!
@bunnymasseuse At least send us the inventory sheet when you unpack so we can enjoy vicariously.
Uh…scerry, but I’ll bite!
enamored-ecstatic-bag
I’m a sucker for crap like this. Bought a case.
Wish we could specify what we prefer, though. I definitely hope to receive more reds than whites.
@ShotgunX same here.
@cbilyak @ShotgunX should be red heavy.
@ShotgunX Hoping for all or mostly reds too
/giphy ballistic-klutzy-deer
I like a good mystery, so why not?
Oh, what the hell…
/giphy thorough-depraved-ink
Hope to get some nice upgrades (sparkling), and less whites
/giphy fatherly-wild-stone
/giphy grateful-simple-trouble
Dang. 7AM EST and sold out of full cases.
Half it is. Would have bought 2 full.
/giphy lethal-torn-otter
Hurray!
/giphy divine-slender-minotaur
/giphy noticeable-nameless-mamba
Too late for a case
vocal-productive-badger
Wtf, case sold out at 7.52am est?!?
Based on comments here and the relative popularity of previous offers, it seems like the majority of us would prefer most- or all-reds (myself included). But this is the kind of offer that seems designed specifically to clear inventory of less-popular offerings, so it’s really unlikely anybody will end up with a case that’s majority red.
I bit anyway, hoping that even if it has less red than I would prefer, it at least contains all dry choices. I don’t recall seeing any imported dessert wine offerings, though I don’t check in here every day… fingers crossed.
Sure wanted a case but hopefully the 6 pack will be a nice surprise!
/giphy furrowed-oval-sea
Can’t wait for the email to go out tomorrow for a sold out offer.
/giphy popcorn
@jml326 … yep. About 18 mins ago. /giphy thumbs-down-joaquin-phoenix-gladiator
got 6pk but very happily would I upgrade to a case! Will Alice be able to work out her magic?
@salpo Same!
@salpo @wmhatch SAME!
/giphy unadorned-early-income
Perfect gif for missing a case for sleeping in 2 min.
I gotta start getting up earlier to get mystery cases, I guess. Oh well, 6 pack it is:
/giphy glassy-depraved-hat
6 pack it is. Hopefully I get some interesting wines to try!
/giphy raspy-distinguished-shaman
And got a case!
/giphy greedy-misanthropic-mom
Hoping for more cases to show up. Seems strange to have a two day offering with limited case availability.
Went ahead and purchased two 6 packs and sent a note to support. Hopefully more cases become available.
Also hope I don’t get some of that henry fessy in this, I wasn’t that impressed by it.
@deadlyapp agree on that sparkling. Pleasant still though
I am intrigued - and will have to settle for six since cases were sold out hours ago.
/giphy big-bodacious-burn
@DebRVA I have an overdue trip to RVA, when I go to drive I’ll hit you up and see what we can trade…
@bunnymasseuse Yes, I’d love that! Please do. Wine friends are the best!
@bunnymasseuse Here is what I got
This is too fun not to go in! I do wish I’d checked earlier and had the case option.
@jenludwig earlier means last night at midnight!
@jenludwig @salpo @deadlyapp @gtcharlie more cases coming! the wrong sell out # was placed during set up. still moving fast though!
@Winedavid49 can we upgrade our order of 6 to the case or do we need to place another order?? Very excited to hear this!
@Winedavid49
The new ones aren’t from your shed at home are they?
@jenludwig @Winedavid49 Same, I can’t cancel my orders of 6 now, should I place an order of 12 or can the 6’s be upgraded?
@jenludwig @Winedavid49 second this question. i now have an order for a case and for 6, but would like to cancel my 6! I sent an email, but appreciate your assistance (just-laden-werewolf)
@danidani12 @jenludwig yes, email support to cancel.
Thanks!!
@jenludwig @Winedavid49 thanks! emailed!
You can add me to that list of folks that would like to upgrade to a full case - but would there still be random ‘premium’ bottles included?
/giphy ludicrous-melodic-start
Cases available
@salpo yay! scored!
/giphy yippy-tame-mink #quote cases
Awesome. Additional cases added and order placed!
KRULL! A SKULL! BRETT HULL! AWESOME!
Fine I ordered a case. Dammit.
@osiris3mc LOL
/giphy duly-slender-platypus
Where are the rats on this?
@halwarning no rats. offer is too weird.
Sheeeze… I was going to pass since there wasn’t any cases available, and wouldn’t get in on the upgrades.
What do you go and do? Make more cases available.
NOT FAIR.
In for a case… sigh…
/giphy nondescript-immaculate-sail
I wasn’t going to bite because cases were gone. And then y’all went and added more. I already used my wine budget this month!
/giphy fitful-sorrowful-antelope
Snagged a case
/giphy wordy-cloudy-dime
More 2001/2000 Rioja?
@KingKoopa that was SO good
@danidani12 @KingKoopa oof… you must have gotten the good bottles. I’m still trying to get through mine. Maybe the first two were compromised, but I’m not looking forward to the next 4.
@danidani12 @vandemusser
sad to hear that. I only bought a 3 pack, but really enjoyed them
In for a case - totally worth a roll of the dice.
Somebody stop me!
/giphy crafty-countless-rooster
/giphy foulest-mopey-effect
Thank you @Mercatalyst for helping me with my order so that I could be in for a case. Remember if we are rewarding early buyers with the better things (bubbles) my first order was at 7:30am EDT!
/giphy blissful-undulating-music
@wmhatch And a tip of the hat to @Mercatalyst from me, as well - for the same reason.
[In my experience, customer service here consistently comes through.]
@rpstrong @wmhatch Thanks from me also, but for a different reason.
@wmhatch def the best customer service around, these folks!
@wmhatch Thank you for correctly using EDT!
@klezman @wmhatch
There is an incorrect way?
@rjquillin @wmhatch yeah, the 90%+ of people who think it’s still EST. When people tell me a time explicitly as standard time during DST I always want to show up an hour late when they do that.
@klezman Thank you for noticing.
Thanks for making the cases available let. This should be fun!
Missed the cases at 7AM CST this morning, should not have checked back! Hoping for some good bottles!
/giphy ravishing-passing-camel
/giphy pickled-bored-toy
Thanks to the friendly support team, got my two packs of 6 canceled and just ordered a full case!
@deadlyapp They are great! Even laughed at my dumb joke.
@deadlyapp they’re the best!
Hoping my wines of import will be imported!
IN for 2 cases! YOLO
In for two cases, because a love the idea of an IRC (Instant Regret Case).
But really hoping they don’t put any of that 20 year old Rioja in there as an “upgrade”… that stuff was rough, to say the least.
@vandemusser Weird. It was great for me.
@vandemusser
'd for the IRC reference; the Rioja I’ve had was killer, especially for the tariff.
@vandemusser yeah, agreed, it was definitely on the downhill side of its peak… ordered the three bottle set, should get the last one opened within the next month.
@vandemusser we had pretty good luck with the 2001s. Had to drink within 30 mins. I think one bottle was off.
The 2000s, well, we drank the 2001s first and haven’t circled back.
Six…
/giphy fantastic-finished-knife
Then twelve…
/giphy dark-tampered-card
Now…how deep does the trust run…cancel six or no…Must go re-read…
unfriendly-condemned-sky
not very promising
/giphy damaging-virtual-glue
/giphy inconvenient-invisible-privateer
What can I say. I’m feeling lucky!
/giphy nasal-amused-grain
/giphy special-jubilant-orangutan
/giphy oppressive-spongy-idea
I apparently got the last case (it wouldn’t let me order a second one)…
/giphy lovely-traumatic-puffin
Might or Might not be a co-incidence that a Mehrathon is happening on the other site.
Harumph. Would have done the case but I can live with the six pack. No whammies!!
/giphy welcoming-restricted-carbon
It literally sold out as I was reading the comments and discussing with the wife.
@jlim13 Hope you learned your lesson - nothing good ever comes of those discussions
@jlim13 yes… i too would have cased and not casemated
@jlim13 NEVER discuss first, apologize later.
Just got the email… kindof a waste to send that if it’s sold out. On a clearance case sale no less lol
@tburritt right? Get the email tonight but it’s been up for sale for 12 hours+? Kinda lame
@tburritt come on now you’re a kickstarter backer. You know new sales start MWFSa.
@jkoz86
New sales start MWFSa don’t want for the email
@jml326 yes, and I haven’t been checking the site 3 times per week for the last 3 years.
@jml326 @tburritt sad, but I’ve checked the site every MWFS morning since it started, with very few exceptions.
@wardad I don’t look at that as sad. I look for 5 seconds along with meh and I’m done. As an east cost guy sometimes I’m up until midnight and will look then. I have missed Friday sales in a short period of time
@jml326 @tburritt @wardad Yeah I usually check Meh to get my clicky-face-icon (which serves no purpose whatsoever) and then come here. You can even get to Casemates from the logo on the bottom-left corner where all the related sites are linked. And it’s fun to see what is new even if I tell myself I have too much wine already (is there such a thing?)
@jkoz86 @tburritt
email goes out 24 hours after launch, except on Friday…
@jkoz86 @rjquillin @tburritt The automated mail goes out the SECOND day. That tricked me a few times when I missed out. Except on FRIDAY where it goes out same-day. Just check every day. You’ll buy more that way. (part of the evil plan?)
@rjquillin @tburritt Never knew it was on a set schedule like that. Been buying wine here for a while and just figured it was random or varied based on what was currently being offered. Just as well though, saved myself a little money
@pmarin @rjquillin @tburritt Definitely good to know going forward. I’m sure there’s plenty of other opportunities that’ll come up anyways. And I definitely don’t need any help buying more
Been traveling the last couple of days, just checked in. Not usually a mystery offer guy, but this looks like, or looked like, an interesting offer.
@winedavid49
Remember when we’d get a second offer if there was an early sell-out…
@rjquillin nope…
@Winedavid49
on the old site!
@rjquillin nope meaning we can’t do this on this site.
@Winedavid49 one can reminisce.
@rjquillin Because we need more wines to be tempted by??
@rjquillin @Winedavid49 Is that for logistical/practical reasons, or is it yet another inane liquor regulation? Just curious.
@rjquillin @rpstrong internal limitations.
@rjquillin @Winedavid49 Thanks for the response; I guess I’ll cancel my irate letter to my congresscritter.
@rjquillin @rpstrong @Winedavid49 Well there are apparently 49 Winedavids. But only #49 speaks for all of them. How many more would we need to get more offers?
@pmarin @rjquillin @rpstrong @Winedavid49 I think that the number might refer to the vintage - maybe it’s the first one that came out okay enough that they didn’t have to pour it out into the drain.
I can only imagine how the uncorking process was like.
@pmarin @rpstrong @ShotgunX @Winedavid49
This is the updated #39 model.
I’m kicking myself for not just buying this the other night!
@sillyheathen I’m not. Perhaps this will be a real score for some people. But on the old site I fell for 8 of these, and only once did it include a truly premium bottle. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me 7 times, never again.
@Zortapa “fool me once shame on you! Fool me twice, twice on shame! Scooby do!” As Dana Carvey once put it.
Fair enough. I guess the money is better in my pocket.
@sillyheathen @Zortapa I’d be surprised if I felt like my case wasn’t worth 11.67 a bottle…
@CruelMelody @sillyheathen So true. But even after several years the sour taste remains in my mouth…
@sillyheathen I saw the offer the morning after it went live and was tempted to pick up a case but decided to wait. I felt some relief when the cases sold out a short time after. But when cases became available once again, I fell prey to the temptation… I hope @Winedavid49 doesn’t start using this as a ploy to snare the weak!
@sillyheathen @Zortapa *“Fool me twice … won’t get fooled again”
@CruelMelody @sillyheathen It seems that others now share that sour taste in my mouth…
I volunteer to be a LabRat for the next one of these. Just send the case a little earlier than usual.
If it’s really supposed to be a mystery, take the labels off
@davirom Yeah. I’m tired of these “half-mystery” posers like @winedavid49 leaving the labels on.
@davirom @wardad
@davirom nah looking up the price is half the fun
@davirom. See: de Negoce?
Sad, I missed it. Is there no more cases we could shake loose?
On the plus side of missing out on this offer, for the first time in nearly 3 1/2 years, I finally have evidence that I’m not the only casemater in my county. Not that I keep super close track, but this is the first time I’ve even seen a sale in my county on an offer I didn’t buy.
@xandersherry Yeah I once learned that I could click on the map for a close-up view, and I was impressed. And then I forgot. But yes, that’s a really cool feature.
@xandersherry omg! I totally missed the zoom in feature! Thanks guys!
@xandersherry Wow, I didn’t know about that feature…something else I can check, haven’t been able to have a casemate, maybe there is one, then again, maybe not.
@winecaseaholic @xandersherry I’ve been using the map all along to help me gauge how good the wines are. It’s hard to say no when half the country already said yes. Dagnabit! They really got it figured out
@winedavid49
The temperature here has gone up 25 degrees since I placed this order. Is anything going to be done to protect it from the super hot weather?
@Rstoker That is always my concern here in Texas as well. I know they switched to 2 day mail which helps some. I wonder what it would cost to box it in an insulated container with a little ice? That would help my anxiety about it.
@mikepav @Rstoker I don’t think this qualifies for 2 day shipping. That started with the 5/31 offer, I believe. @winedavid49 correct me if I’m wrong. Just hope this ships soon before it gets any hotter.
@mikepav @Rstoker no two day on this one. I wish it was based on ship date but it’s based on offer date. Gonna have to take a gamble (I’m in Texas also)
@deadlyapp @mikepav @Rstoker we are upgrading this offer to two day.
@mikepav @Rstoker @Winedavid49
Hilariously enough, my winesmith and Gard cases shipped this week via normal ground and only look like they’ll be in transit about 3-4 days. Sometimes they slip through the weekend which is really the only time I get worried.
@deadlyapp @mikepav @Rstoker @Winedavid49 I’m very happy to hear that this offer will be shipped via two day – temperatures here in mid-Missouri are running around 90 at this time. Hopefully the last leg will not come until this coming Wednesday when the high is supposed to in the lower 80s.
@Winedavid49
Yay - thank you! Hit 100 degrees F today at my home in Denver…but it’s a dry heat (humidity: 6% this afternoon at the high temp)
@Rstoker I really appreciate the 2 day upgrade! Thank you.
@deadlyapp @mikepav @Rstoker @Winedavid49
Thank you for the upgrade. Winesmith arrived today with 9 of 12 bottles leaking. Ty and Brunello didn’t appear to leak but we were 20 degrees above our norm this week and reached 100 today so every bottle was burning up when it arrived. I’m afraid all three may be goners, but definitely the Winesmith. Heartbreaking.
UPS seems to be indicating this will be delivered Monday, 6/14. I say appears, because they have “upgraded” their software so you can’t see the “Reference Number” anymore, the only thing that actually tells you what it is. Winesmith got here yesterday with no problems. Temps in the low 80s.
Still ‘processing’ for SoCal delivery, suggesting delivery will be next week. With temps well into the 30’s, hoping the styro helps, AM delivery and there are no delays.
@rjquillin
Better turn your heater on
In the Riverside area it’s going to be 100+ all week…
@rjquillin I believe I’m the last stop Brown makes before hopping back on the freeway. I’m much better off shipping directly to the customer center and having it stay in the warehouse.
@rjquillin The AM delivery is great. Mine is scheduled for Wednesday at 1145 to 1215 here in Texas
@mikepav @winedavid49
Hoping for the best, but this is the worst week of the year to ship to SoCal. Temps forecast to be high 30’s (100+F) the next couple of days…
Sigh.
@rjquillin yeah… and the Tercero mixed just started moving too.
but… ehhh… guess i’ll need to pop one quickly to see what happened.
@radiolysis @rjquillin
Just an FYI- I was talking with my driver on Friday when my wine arrived leaking (Doug has been my driver for 19 years-great guy) and he said the warehouse is not air conditioned. The customer pick-up area is cooled, but storage is not. I thought everything was temp controlled until it made its way into the final destination truck, but he said no. You may want to ask your driver about conditions in your neck of the woods.
@chefjess @rjquillin Yeah. I’ve had to go into the back to get a few cases and it’s not air conditioned, but the big empty warehouses around here tend to stay a little cool. Packages arrive middle of the night and i try to get it when they open at 10am. I just fear the un-A/Ced trip in a semi-trailer down California.
@chefjess @radiolysis
If they’re moving at night, I’m less concerned, especially for a 750 in styro as it will take a lot longer than a 375 to heat up. It’s that last leg that gives me the willies, again, especially for something that may cellar for any time (which for me is most things actually…)
@radiolysis @rjquillin
I have to believe that the warehouse here is warm. With 90s/100+ and humidity in the mid 90s, it’s miserable in the summer. Doug said it was hot in the warehouse. I’m sure the ride to Stl through the heat of the country that we all experienced last week didn’t help. The winesmith, Ty, and Brunelllo rode around 6a-630p after the warehouse. I’m one of the last deliveries now that the routes have been extended with COVID. Lost every bottle of winesmith. I thought it was 9 of 12 since they had wine-soaked labels, but I ended up pulling the foil and it was all 12. The Ty and Brunello have no wine on the corks, but I have yet to try. That will be over the next few days. I really wish the summer shipping started with ship dates vs offer dates. I cellar as well but I don’t have hope for these.
Great to hear this offer was upgraded to 2 day. Just got my shipment notification should be in SC by 6/16.
Same here to GA.
Also got my notice for here in mid-Missouri. What I’m not so excited about is the predicted highs of 91 and 97 for Wednesday and Thursday.
With tomorrow’s temperature predicted at 92 (and 100+ for Thursday and Friday), I decided to bite the bullet and pay to have my shipment redirected to the UPS store.
Argh, was supposed to come tomorrow and now UPS pushed it to Thursday. Seems like it spent an extra day in Oakland,
@lehigh you might want to double check. I got an email saying mine was being delivered on the 17th instead of the 16th, but the latest tracking shows it arriving on the 16th. I guess I’ll find out which one is true.
@warpedrotors Right you are! Back to the 16th, though it has to get from Louisville to central Ohio in 12 hours…
@lehigh mine showed up today, despite UPS sending me another notification that it was coming tomorrow. At least it’s not FedEx. Then it would’ve been delivered in 7 weeks to a random house, and just be a wet box of broken glass.
@warpedrotors mine is here as well… will post shortly
Receiving two shipments tomorrow, thankful it’s not more humid here…crosses fingers
2 Punte de Flechas 2015 Corte
2 Caliterra Cab Sauv2014
2 Crianza, Ribera del Duero 2015
2 Chateau Roubine, Cru Classic
2 finca Torrea, Rioja 2016
2 Aimery sparklers that are wedged so tightly in the styro that it’ll be awhile until I know those details.
@apathy0 Had to cut my sparklers out with a knife. Free the bubbles!
@apathy0 +1 Identical case received today.
@apathy0 I got the same case and had to destroy the styrofoam to get the Aimery out.
@apathy0 This is the mix I got as well. 2x each.
@apathy0 @KingKoopa I say this every Sunday!
@apathy0 Pro tip: Don’t try to twist the bottle, instead lift it more or less straight up, rocking it from side to side as you go.
@apathy0 @revmem got this excerpt that far left bottle was a everyday rose boujolaise
@apathy0 This is what I received as well. Wish I had a few more reds but overall pretty pleased.
For once big brown got here early.
First three the same as above, and the Aimery, which you will have to destroy the styro to get out.
Aimery 1531 Cremant de Limoux Brut
Altue 2015 Merlot (Chile)
Rose all Day, Beaujolais 2017
Seems like a decent box.
Two identical cases with two of each of the following in each.
2015 Altue Merlot
2014 Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
2019 Duca Carlo Guarini Burdi Negroamaro
2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2017 Rosé all day Beaujolais Rosé
2013 Les Vins de Vienne Reméage Rouge
@drhellknow We received a single case identical to this one…
@sndg My wife decided to break open the Merlot and regretted it two sips later and it is now stewing as sangria. Sadly, the CS is similar grade. I hope I don’t regret the balance of the wines in my case as much as these two.
@drhellknow oh my! My quick search of these wines doesn’t yield much hope. If this was going to be an IRK/Bandolier of Carrots, it should’ve been priced like one…
@drhellknow Same. And was sorry to see your early reviews… don’t think there’s an upgrade in here. But still excited to try…
@drhellknow @lehigh So got same case… the Caliterra Cab…was first we opened not enjoyable. Have to say once bitten twice shy…probably not going to bit on on the next mystery case
@drhellknow Popped the Altue merlot tonight and besides being sweeter than expected, it was also vaguely carbonated. My worst Casemates wine so far
@lehigh Our experience was the same. Thankfully the Rose All Day and the Corte are decently good and the Reméage just on the edge of better than not.
My half-case showed up today. More sparkling wine than I would want, but still not a bad selection.
Jean Babou Élégance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
Jean Babou Élégance Cremante de Limoux Brut
2014 Tommasone Per’e’Palummo Ischia Rosso
2015 Flechas de Los Andes ‘Punta De Flechas’ Corte Mendoza
2016 Mauvais Garcon Vin de Garage Bordeaux
2018 Bodega Polo Herencia Trabajo Chardonnay Valle de Uco Mendoza
1 Cremant De Limoux Rose Brut
2 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
1 2011 Pago de Vallegarcia Petit Hipperia
1 2016 Mauvis Garcon Recolte
1 2014 Per’e’ Palummo Ischia
[1]:
I have two cases that were supposed to arrive today between 1145 and 1245. It is 130 now and going to get to 98 degrees. The delivery time has been changed to 630 now. I know that Casemates did their job and upgraded this to 2 day delivery. UPS not so much. I wonder if UPS will pay for the damage?
@mikepav
@mikepav I received 2 cases as mentioned above. Case 1 was not in styrofoam. Every bottle was over 90 degrees (most 92 degrees) according to my heat gun. The other case was this “mystery case”. It was in styrofoam and all every bottle was under 80 degrees. Is there any chance that my 92 degree wine is drinkable? I videoed opening it and taking the temps. Anyone know if any of these are decent?
@mikepav I think at 90 you’re probably OK as long as you don’t see any leakage. I wouldn’t hold for 5-10 yrs
@mikepav
Remove the foil and see if there is leakage on the corks. Contact CS if there are issues. They will be able to assist.
@mikepav A brought a bottle to a gathering and everyone liked it. The heat didn’t ruin it. So I am happy and you guys don’t have to hear my whining anymore lol.
@deadlyapp Thanks. You were right. It is ok
Womp Womp. Pretty disappointed in this haul just on its face.
x2 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
x2 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
x2 2013 Remeage Rouge (Syrah)
x2 2017 Chateau Bonnet Saint-Amour
x2 Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux Elegance
x2 Jean Babou Cremant de Limoux Elegance
The only wine that seems to be worth anything is the Cheateau Bonnet. The rest is probably well past it’s drinking window.
@deadlyapp I am really bummed too. My wine looks like it was at the bottom of the bargain bin at grocery outlet
@danidani12 @deadlyapp Third! If I did math, and I don’t, I’m quite sure I paid more per bottle for these than the average pricing of Casemates’ previous offers.
@deadlyapp @ovad2 I don’t do math either. Even with basic rough math, I paid waaaaaay more per bottle than the $11ish dollars that was advertised. It’s my birthday today too and I was really looking forward to this delivery.
I’m not sure I even want to cook with some of the wine. The Corte has a 2.8 rating on Vivino and the average cost is $2 dollars. I didn’t even know ratings went that low.
@danidani12 @ovad2 The punta de flechas was previously offered here for $15 ea bottle, the Caliterra I don’t see offered here previously but I see it around $10 out on the interwebs.
@deadlyapp on Vivino, I get around $5 for this one. I mixed up my wines. one of my others was $2. sorry about that.
@danidani12 The value on Vivino for the Punta seems very off, but agree overall the value for price point isn’t what I’ve come to expect from CM.
@deadlyapp Another really bummed here. Street value of my haul is certainly less value than what I paid for here…took a roll of the dice and fell on my face for this one. Lesson learned I guess…at least when I am disappointed with an IRK, that disappointment only cost $5.
@danidani12 @deadlyapp the Caliterra was last months offer and it’s pretty good
I think I’m going to email support. 4 of my bottles have an average price of $4 dollars on vivino. Big disappointment. Anyone else run into this?
@danidani12 I’m not sure where you’re getting the $2. I see the punta de Flechas listed most places around $16-18 a bottle.
@danidani12 I bought a case, 4 of my bottles are in the $5 range, 2 in the $9 range, 4 in the $12 range and 2 in the $17 range on Vivino - total value is under what I paid.
@cbilyak @danidani12 Where do you folks live that sells 750ml bottles from actual vineyards for 4-5 dollars a bottle?!?! Even Barefoot costs $5.50.
@char2na @danidani12 I was getting prices from Vivino, which is typically in line with what I find in my local liquor stores here in Indiana most of the time.
I’m glad that some folks came back to post results, and I like the idea of checking average case values against an index. That said I have no idea what to expect from any of these. If the promise for the higher tier offerings in some cases materialized, that would be good to know. I recieved:
2015 de Restia Crianza Ribera del Duero, Spain
2014 Caliterra Reserva Cab, Chile
(undated?) Aimery 1531, France
2017 Chateau Roubine Rose, France
2016 Maques de Riscal Rioja, Spain
2015 Puenta de Flechas Corte, Argentina
@smtcapecod fwiw, your order is significantly better than mine!
@danidani12 Thank you for the reassurance! I should clarify I received two of each, it was a case order. Apologies for typos and/or mixing up the nomenclature. Seems like the 2016 Rioja has some appreciation out there. Looks to be same as apathy0, above.
@smtcapecod If yours is like mine, you’ll find that the Caliterra Reserva is dated 2014 on the back label. It’s a bit old if it’s a 1531.
@SelfGovern @smtcapecod The 1531 is a bubbler, so it’s a non-vintage. Typical.
@smtcapecod I’m a big fan of that Rioja. Costco sells it for around $15, I believe!
Disappointed as well. Got a couple ~$25 bottles and a couple $2 bottles. Roughly the same price as I would have in a local store. Probably didn’t overpay, but that’s not why I buy full cases here (especially for the ratings on the bottles I received). Won’t do this again.
Case got delivered today.
• x2 Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux Elegance
• x2 Jean Babou Crement de Limoux Elegance
• x2 Punta de Flechas Corte
• x2 Chatea Bonnet Saint-Amour
• x2 Altue Chardonnay
• x2 Altue Carmenere
First case got delivered today. Second one not until tomorrow. Im happy with what I got!
2 Punte de Flechas 2015 Corte
2 Caliterra Cab Sauv2014
2 Crianza, Ribera del Duero 2015
2 Chateau Roubine, Cru Classic
2 finca Torrea, Rioja 2016
2 Aimery 1531 Cremant de Limoux Brut
@StingingJ
I got two of the exact same cases. Gotta be honest that I’m a little disappointed in that I not only got the exact same things as most everyone else, but that most of it looks like stuff that wouldn’t have sold on here for under $10 a bottle. I’ll reserve final judgment until I try them, but I doubt I want 4 of most of them, and from my vantage point I was expecting more variety, better wines, and not a clearance sale at not quite clearance prices.
2x 2015 de Restia Crianza Ribera del Duero, ~16 (webz)
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cab, $8.75
2x NV Aimery 1531, $10.42
2x 2017 Rosé all day Beaujolais, $15 (WE)
2x 2016 Marques de Riscal Rioja, $13.33
2x 2015 Puenta de Flechas Corte, $11.67
Mystery offer per bottle: $11.67
Previous offer/webz average bottle price: $12.53
Shrugs
@ovad2 Thanks for posting reasonable look-up values, I got similar except not the Rioja. I don’t know where people are getting $2 prices. yes that’s a bit silly. But many of these that do look like ones I’d be accustomed to seeing at $8-10 at discount stores (Grocery Outlet(west), ALDI(east)) or TJs.
I did try the Aimery and was pleased with it; it does seem a bit better to me than the TJ’s Cremant de Limoux which I think is around $9.
@Vince247 I received the same case.
VAN GOGH! MANGO! TANGO! AWESOME!
@char2na I’m honestly looking forward to trying most of them. Nice to see some variety in my wine cellar too. How many bottles of Wellington can one person have?
@char2na @Vince247 wow - this is a great mix. I got a case of the Rioja and really enjoyed it. Hope you do too.
@Vince247 This is the exact same set I got in my box.
@Vince247 I hear you on the variety. That being said, I’ll gladly take some wellington off your hands if you’d like.
@char2na I like you. But no.
/giphy white-anal-hell
@Vince247 I brought a bottle of Victory to my wife’s extended family’s house for Thanksgiving one year. The guy I was trying to impress with it never opened or really looked at it. Probably in some corner of his cellar somewhere. I found out a few days later that Peter was done making wine.
Then a couple years later that same guy brought his own wine to drink at my wedding. It wasn’t even an expensive bottle. The rest of my guests were served a Casemates trifecta of Gruet Sparkling, Casino Mine Ranch Vermentino, and Wine Smith Pinot Noir. The next time I go to his house I’m bringing yellowtail.
@char2na hi. You said the Caliterra was enjoyable with the right meal - what are your recommendations for the right meal? Alone it was not so good, would love to enjoy it more with a meal.
@cbilyak This was from my rat report:
My pregnant wife put a frozen meat lasagna in the oven at like 4pm, so I didn’t have much chance to consider pairing. Or so I thought. One of the perks of having a pregnant wife is that when you are finished with a meal that she cooked you, you can offer to prepare a whole 2nd meal without offending her and she is all for it. Dinner #2 was skirt steak with grilled green peppers and Spanish rice.
The wine was not great for lasagna. Too much plumb came forward. The skirt steak on the other hand was perfect for it. It was a pretty fatty cut, so the astringent tannin was welcomed. The smokey green peppers and the pinches of cumin, annatto, paprika, and black pepper used on the steak brought out some vegetal notes and worked well with the pepper and tobacco in the wine.
It is possible that I was experiencing some rat selection bias. Everything tastes soooo complex when you’re ratting. That and the second meal was
paired with the second half of the bottle. I guess we’ll see.
@char2na THANK YOU - I remember reading this now.
@Vince247 I also got the same exact case. I am actually happy with it!
@Drez143 Did that just make us casemates? I drink with you and toast to the future. Casemates4life.
Took a roll of the dice and came up empty - worth less than I paid - received a compilation of bits and pieces from what everyone else already posted. On the upside, 10 of my 12 bottles are reds, so YAY, silver lining. The other 2 are rose, which as much I as do not drink that, on a really hot day I can stomach that chilled more than a white wine. Victim of Casemates IRK here I guess. Hope someone out there gets a real Unicorn and shares so we can all live vicariously!
My 1/2 case arrived today:
1x 2017 Malacara Malbec
2x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
1x 2015 Rebera del Duero Crianza
1x Jean Babou Élégance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
1x 2003 Monti Barolo (!)
@brechin wow, a barolo, hope i get one in my second case!
@brechin You are the current winner so far I think. Congrats!!
Like many others have stated, I too am disappointed. Not only that, I also feel misled due to the following quote…
Most case orders? It doesn’t appear that way based on what everyone has been posting here.
This is what I received in my case:
2x 2015 Altue Merlot
2x 2015 Punta de flechas corte
2x 2013 Secco-Bertani vintage edition
2x 2013 Les Vins De Vienne Remeage Rouge
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
1x NV Elegance blanquette de limoux brut
1x Aimery 1531 cremant de limoux brut
@sknight20 agreed. So far it appears the best bottle was actually given to someone that ordered a half case - that is great for them, but ultra disappointing to those of us that bought the case with the hopes of the random upgrade!
@sknight20
It would be interesting to know the total cases sold vs upgraded cases sent…
>>>“Most” is an imprecise term, which means, an amount more than 50% and less than 100%.
@PLSemenza @sknight20 It appears to be far less than 50%. The clue would be, I’m assuming, a single bottle in a case, (well, 2 singles, of which one would be “special”). So far almost all cases listed are 6x2, most in the arguable $8-15, or $2 if you take some peoples comments seriously. (which I don’t, but I do think the $8-15 is valid and probably generous.)
Exactly the same as @adross9
• x2 Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux Elegance
• x2 Jean Babou Crement de Limoux Elegance
• x2 Punta de Flechas Corte
• x2 Chateau Bonnet Saint-Amour
• x2 Altue Chardonnay
• x2 Altue Carmenere
2x 2013 secco-bertani vintage edition
2x 2015 altue merlot
2x 2013 Les vins de vienne remeage
2x 2014 caliterra reserva cabernet sauvignon
2x 2015 Punta de flechas Corte
2x elegance blanquette de limoux brut
Overall we are happy with it. The idea was to get to try new things so I am happy with 6 new wines to try (and mostly reds - bonus!)
So
Left to right
$14, $11, ($5 to $15), rose ($14-$38), $28, ($12-$16)
So $168-$244.
It all depends on who’s price you trust and what I can buy it for right now.
@jml326 looks like mine! To quote @jackinga
“2 Aimery 1531 Crémant de Limoux Brut $39.98
2 Caliterra Reserva 2014 $28.00
2 Crianza Ribera del Duero 2015 $64.00
2 Finca Torrea Rioja 2016 $54.00
2 Punta De Flechas Corte 2015 $34.00
2 Rosé all Day Beaujolais 2017 $32.00”
@jml326 got this as well
@jml326 I got this too!
2 Aimery 1531 Crémant de Limoux Brut $39.98
2 Caliterra Reserva 2014 $28.00
2 Crianza Ribera del Duero 2015 $64.00
2 Finca Torrea Rioja 2016 $54.00
2 Punta De Flechas Corte 2015 $34.00
2 Rosé all Day Beaujolais 2017 $32.00
12 $251.98
I paid $139.99
Fair enough, even though some of the pricing, which I looked up on-line may be wonky.
But, hey, it was a mystery case; a blind buy gamble. So I didn’t have high expectations. I’m surprised that so many others did. I sort of expected to get odd lots of wine from Argentina and Chile, that were older, but maybe not in sufficient quantity to sell as a Casemates offer.
I sometimes buy such wines from the Manager’s Shelf at my local Kroger, for much the same pricing as here. These are usually wines that have been sitting on the shelf for a while and are discounted for quick sale, which brings them to about the same price as this lot on average.
It was fun. I have no regrets, even if a bottle or two ends up not the best.
@Jackinga I picked one bottle at random from those I received yesterday. It was the Finca Torrea Rioja 2016. Damn! That’s a good wine. Very, very dark red, almost black. Good acidity, not too much tannin, some cherry notes, berry, good finish. I would gladly take a case of this one. I’ll see how it tastes again in about 12-18 hours.
I was able to pull out the Amery with a bit of effort. OK, a lot of effort. But no styrofoam destruction.
@revmem Same. Just keep working it slowly, slight twisting. Then, suddenly, it just gives way and releases.
@revmem @Vince247 mine was fully engaged, actually both of my cases of wine were so jammed in the package locker I had to break the boxes open and trash the whole boxes/styrofoam to get stuff out. Will check my WS delivery on Friday night. Looks like no more city deliveries till we go back to cardboard again…
In my case was,
2x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2x 2015 Altue Merlot
2x 2017 Rosé all day Beaujolais
2x 2013 Remeage Les Vins de Vienne Syrah
2x 2019 Burdi Negroamaro
I was almost out of daily drinkers which is why I ordered this so I’m not terribly disappointed.
Mine just arrived…
My guess…
4 Challenging reds (But who knows?)
2 Chardonnay (Great for guests.)
2 Sparkling (Great for brunch.)
4 Lovely reds (For me. All mine.)
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($12.49)
2x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte ($4.96)
2x 2015 Altue Chardonnay Gran Reserve (???)
2x NV Elegance Blanquette de Limoux Brut ($12.99)
2x 2013 Les Vins De Vienne Remeage Rouge ($14.99)
2x 2013 Secco-Bertani Vintage ($29.99)
@halwarning I got this exact mix as well
Reading the comments is like reading the comments for an IRK reveal, but way more pissed off.
You guys just need to buy more mystery cases in the future, so you know ahead of time that you likely aren’t winning the “high-value item” lottery and revel in your mediocrity.
Also, all mystery wine should be encased in bubble wrap instead of styrofoam to really make it feel meh.
Also, a children’s pair of Clawz just for fun.
@vandemusser
I miss BoCs, so this was at least a little fun to hope to receive something awesome (although much more spendy to get the same results).
2x 2019 Burdi Negroamaro
2x 2015 Altue Merlot
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2x 2017 Rosé all day Beaujolais
2x NV Aimery 1531 Crémant de Limoux Brut
PANS! GLANDS! CRAYONS! AWESOME!
/giphy pans-glands-crayons
@Vince247 Is this image subtitled
“how to feel better after opening your mystery box of wine?”
@pmarin This is actually an artists interpretation of what it feels like to vote in the USA. True story.
No bubbly in my box
but the rest is like all of the above. Still a savings and was a fun little game. Hopeful for some bubbles on Friday or Sat offers!
Somebody finds it interesting. Maybe it’s the picture of the birdy, or the word “chat” (ok, chateau, but she doesn’t read French so well)
@revmem stupid rotation
@revmem I believe I got an identical case to yours.
@revmem a rather large feline
@revmem @ttboy23 large felines are the best kind. Can eat the mouses in one bite.
We got a slight variation on sknight20:
2x 2015 Altue Chardonnay
2x 2015 Punta de flechas corte
2x 2013 Secco-Bertani vintage edition
2x 2013 Les Vins De Vienne Remeage Rouge
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2x NV Elegance blanquette de limoux brut
I was not able to pin a price on the Chardonnay, but Vivino says comparable (2.9 stars) Chilean chardonnays go for $5.24/bottle. The CS got a vicious review on Cellar Tracker. The range is $5.24 for the chard to $27 for the Secco-Bertani. Several new grapes for us, so there is an adventure aspect. No random upgrade, but approximately $160 value based on mid-range internet pricing, so maybe close to what I paid for? If the mystery case game comes up again, not sure we’ll play.
In my box:
2x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2x 2015 Altue Merlot
2x 2013 Remeage Les Vins de Vienne Syrah
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2x 2013 secco-bertani vintage edition
2x Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux Elegance
Should be fun, biased on the estimated prices above, I’m fine, but no random upgrade
@PLSemenza
I got the exact same case
@PLSemenza @SippinSantiagos
Reply hazy try again
/8ball Did anyone get upgraded?
@PLSemenza @SippinSantiagos So that’s a no, right?
Mine arrived today, as well - similar to everyone else, and don’t see an upgraded bottle (but happy with the bubbly!)…2 each of these:
Jean Babou Elegance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
Secco-Bertani Vintage (2013)
Remeage Les Vins de Vienne Syrah (2013)
Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (2014)
Punta de Flechas Corte (2015)
Altue Chardonnay Gran Reserva (2015)
@CObrent missed the delivery today. Going to cook in this CO heat another day
@CObrent Exactly the same as what I got. Nothing special.
After 30 or so case results in this discussion, I’m guessing the “$50 bottle upgrade for most” was either a typo or a mistake was made in packaging.
@halwarning Yup. While the value isn’t bad, and getting it delivered to the door is convenient, I was hoping to get 1-2 “interesting” items, but it seems most of us got the same thing, priced at pretty much exactly what we paid.
But this kind of defeats the “mystery box” aspect of the sale, because we take on the risk of getting stuff we’re not interested in just for the sake of the company being able to unload some stock. That should be rewarded, otherwise it’s a better idea to simply go for a 12-pack of something you’re truly interested in when it comes up for sale.
@halwarning @ShotgunX pretty similar here, thought maybe at least one interesting thing would be in the mix, alas more like the leftovers from a budget wedding reception. All quaffable I’m sure, but from what I’m seeing seems little reason to buy in on the mystery in the future.
@halwarning maybe they were talking about the rioja that has a MSP above 50…
@halwarning I’m willing to go along with maybe a mistake in packing, but not the typo idea. They said most and meant most, but someone in charge of putting bottles in boxes just grabbed two of whatever and jammed them in. I don’t think there was any active effort to include upgrades in case orders, and definitely not for “most” of them.
@halwarning @warpedrotors And that’s another point I wanted to make - the “two of each” thing.
Why?
They could’ve made it a “one of each” thing with an occasional double of something thrown in if necessary. That way everyone could’ve had the opportunity to try many different new things, which increases the odds of finding new favorites for the future.
Mix of some above. Meh
@jaybird aka the @drhellknow
An interesting collection consisting of some likely plonk and some hopefully nice bottles. Couldn’t figure out a way to export CT values
1 2013 Altue Carménère Gran Reserva Altue Carménère
2 2013 Bertani Secco-Bertani Original Vintage Edition Bertani Corvina Blend
2 2014 Viña Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Viña Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon
2 1001 Les Caves du Sieur d’Arques Crémant de Limoux Aimery 1531 Cremant Brut Les Caves du Sieur d’Arques Chardonnay Blend
2 2015 Bodega Flechas de Los Andes Punta de Flechas Corte Bodega Flechas de Los Andes Malbec Blend
2 1001 Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux …lÈgance Jean Babou Mauzac Blend
1 1001 Jean Babou Crémant de Limoux …lÈgance Jean Babou Mauzac Blend
2 2016 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Finca Torrea Marqués de Riscal Tempranillo Blend
1 2016 Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy) Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy) Red Bordeaux Blend
1 2011 Pago de Vallegarcía Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Petit Hipperia Pago de Vallegarcía Red Blend
1 2018 Polo Bodega y Viñedos Chardonnay Herencia Trabajo Polo Bodega y Viñedos Chardonnay
2 2015 Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel Ribera del Duero Crianza Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel Tempranillo
2 2017 Château Roubine Côtes de Provence Cru Classé Premium Château Roubine Rosé Blend
1 2016 Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Côtes du Roussillon Villages Cuvée Constance Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Grenache Blend
1 2014 Tommasone Ischia Per’e Palummo Tommasone Piedirosso
1 2018 Vinhas Altas Vinho Verde Vinhas Altas White Blend
@rjquillin wow, thats quite the variation!! Really hoping my second case is different than the first…but have to wait until tomorrow
@StingingJ One case was 2x six different, while the other only had two dupes. Seeing what others got, I’ll not b!tc#.
@rjquillin thanks for the info! My first case had six pairs, so i hope my second is something like yours. I wish UPS wasn’t keeping me waiting like this!!! Also hoping for the barolo that one person got…
@rjquillin great variety!! Hope for great quality for you as well
@rjquillin
This is far more what I was expecting, and my disappointment would have been severely lessened by receiving something like this, rather than 2 cases with the exact same 6 wines.
@groz24 @rjquillin I have to agree.
I should add, the bottles arrived at a quite reasonable temperature.
No upgrade case and only one pair of a real clunker, Caliterra Cab 2014. I hope it drinks better than the reviews. I had to destroy the styrofoam to get the 2 Aimery Brut out. LOL. I estimate the value to be at CS case prices and about what we paid. I’m looking forward to trying a couple of the selections!
@irenegade I tried my Caliterra Cab tonight, not very good at all…hoping maybe tomorrow it will be better.
@cbilyak please update with day 2!
@cbilyak @irenegade
Agree, shipping (bottle) shock is to be expected with most if not all of the reds.
@cbilyak @rjquillin RjQ, It looks like you received a nice varied selection! The reviews on the web also weren’t very encouraging for the Caliterra Cab.
@irenegade day 2 I had it with some brisket and mashed potatoes. It was a bit more palatable but still not what I would call Good. Only had 1/2 a glass…will probably give away my 2nd bottle.
@cbilyak Thanks for the update! Much appreciated! Perhaps sangria material for my 2 bottles! Cheers!
@irenegade tonight I had it with Swiss cheese and it was pretty damn good with the Swiss.
@cbilyak thanks for the day by day! I’ll give it a try and let it breathe for a while!
I got two Barolo. The rest in line with everyone else, but I’ll take it!
@jrbw3 So you’re the “Most” guy! Meaning more than zero.
No ice packs included (in my experience the norm from casemates this time of year). At over 95° it’s pre-cooked & a couple of bottles have some leakage. Bummer!
Glad I resisted this offer!
Elegance Blanquette De Limoux Brut Year? Maybe it’s from the future here to warn us not to expect Opus One in these (Vivino $12.99)
Remëage 2013 LesVinsDeVienne French (Vivino $16.99)
Punta De Flecha 2015 Corte Argentina (Vivino $2.48)
Secco-Bertani 2013 Vintage Edition Cav.Gio/Batta Bertani wrapped in paper so you KNOW it’s worth over $11 per bottle, right?
" you KNOW it’s worth over $11 per bottle, RIGHT?” Padmay Meme (Vivino $19.97)
Altue Gran Reserva 2015 Chardonnay from Chile (didn’t see it on Vivino so imma guessssss it’s worth 15 schrute bucks)
8 bottles of Caliterra.
@pupator Two identical cases; hard to see anything I’d call an upgrade on that table too. Ouch!
@pupator my sympathies for the 8 of Caliterra.
@pupator Big hug.
WoW! I didn’t know Casemates was selling Instant Regret Kits, but that’s exactly what I got. Case full o’ Meh
2 x 2015 Altue Merlot
2 x 2014 Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
2 x 2019 Duca Carlo Guarini Burdi Negroamaro
2 x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2 x 2017 Rosé all day Beaujolais Rosé
2 x 2013 Les Vins de Vienne Reméage Rouge
Someone please point out the “numerous 90+ rated” wine in the bottles above. No $50+ a bottle wine, that’s for sure. I don’t mind taking $5 flyers on a box of crap, but this beyond disappointing. I encouraged some friends to get cases, god I hope they didn’t…
@knotworking Another @drhellknow case (see above)
@knotworking I received the exact same selection. Lesson learned. A whole box of garbage I wouldn’t buy. Oh well.
Taking a step back here and have to say that I have been one of the naysayers about value compared to price paid. Did a little more digging and the prices are crazy all over the board. In my Vivino price search, I see $15 for one of my bottles, but when I go to the vinyard’s site it sells for $50 for the 2016 Thunevin-Calvet “Cuvée Constance” Côtes du Roussillon-Villages . So I guess it is all about perspective. I will now shut up until I try them and see if I like them…that truly is where the value lies anyway. And I did get 10 out of 12 reds, which is where my preference lies.
@cbilyak I can probably dig up some bloke on the internet who gives some of the bottles I received a 90+ rating, too. I didn’t expect I’d have to read the fine-print on this offer.
@cbilyak If you’re price-shopping, you go with the cheapest price you find, not the most expensive one. MSRPs are entirely meaningless.
Lesson learned. Don’t buy misery cases!!!
I’m thinking of contacting support. There were only 12 bottles in my case and not a singe one is Made in America. I looked them all up in Beckett and they aren’t even worth anything. Didn’t receive a silver slugger in the pack either. The Aimery bottle was so big it cracked the concrete on my front porch.
@char2na I got 2 Ken Griffey Jr rookie cards.
I got 2 boxes. I was lucky in the variety department as one was 6x2 similar to several above, the other was a lot of singles with just a couple repeats.
I too was a little disappointed with the apparent value of what was included, at first. I certainly agree with some comments above that mystery cases are expected to be even better values. Mystery offers are not a feature, but a price we pay to get an even better deal.
Also, there’s several places where I can get a good deal on foreign wines (wtso, garagiste, wine.com with coupons). I come to casemates for great deals, and I would rather @winedavid49 not even do foreign wines unless he can get his usual awesome discount.
However, I suspect this deal will end up being better than it first appears. If you look at the CT comments out there for many of our favorites (Pedroncelli, Winesmith, etc.), the CT comments/scores out there are not great. I trust winedavid’s judgement and curation more than CT scores, certainly. Why should this be different?
So curious was I about this shipment, and worried about some being over the hill, last night we popped our single 2011 Pago de Vallegarcía Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Petit Hipperia. CT scores are low, and comments indicated this was likely over the hill. Might as well starting seeing if some of these old ones might be heading for stew or drain. It turned out to be fantastic. We don’t normally like bordeaux blends, but we loved this. The first “bordeaux” my wife has liked. Judging by the CT info, this should have been crap. I probably won’t keep getting this lucky; but if I do, this will be a great wine purchase. If winedavid did anything like his normal curation, this stuff should be better than CT would indicate, with the older stuff still in good shape.
LEGOS! EGGOS! STRATEGO! AWESOME!
@wardad I’d don’t doubt (most) these will be decent. The issue is the offer stated there would be multiple 90+ rated bottles in each case. I don’t put this on @winedavid49, IMO it’s whomever was doing the pulls and packing.
I’ve been buying since the earliest days of WW, more than a few mystery cases have made their way to me over the years. They’ve always matched or exceeded what was stated in the offering. Something is amiss in what was promised v. what shipped on this one.
/giphy legos-eggos-stratego
In my box:
2x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
2x 2015 Altue Merlot
2x 2013 Remeage Les Vins de Vienne Syrah
2x 2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2x 2013 secco-bertani vintage edition
2x Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux Elegance.
No golden ticket here…
Just opened my box and came to the site to see how I did relative to everyone else. I only got a 6 pack since the cases were “sold out” when I ordered. At first I was kicking myself for not checking the comments back then, but after reading all the comments about the unveilings, i’m not sure I would have wanted a case. On the plus side, I got five reds. On the negative, three of them are the Punta de Flechas Corte…In my box:
3 x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte
1 x 2014 Chateau de Bel-Air Lalande de Pomerol
1 x 2019 Cazzaro Rossa (with a 98 point sticker)
1 x Elegance Cremand de Limoux Brut
Total meh, but then again…could have been worse?!
@phatbob01 That Chateau de Bel-Air Lalande de Pomerol should be tasty.
@phatbob01 You might have paid less overall, but with that selection and with the 6-pack costing more per bottle, your overall QPR is considerably lower than the 12-pack people with the decent Riojas.
@ShotgunX fair point!
@phatbob01 @ShotgunX Actually the Corte was generally OK, not great, but those other 3, well the 2 Reds + the bubbly, I’d glady trade at least 6 of my bargain bin Chile/Argentina reds for those 3.
I mean, Chile and Argentina have been great places to find cheap fairly good wines, but I expect to find quite a bit in the $6-9 range. Less for some quite drinkable white wines. It’s just that this deal, for some reason the way it was described, I assumed it was primarily French, Italian, maybe some Spain or Portugal. I think it’s because there were some deals on older vintage European wines lately and a theory that there was some old stock discovered and I (incorrectly) assumed this might have been a way to liquidate some of that stock, which would have made it more fun and educational for me. And the whole 6x2 thing really diluted the variety that I think many of us hoped for. Especially when 4*2 of those were Chile/Argentina bargain wines. Honestly unless there’s some more clarification in the future, and regarding what “most will receive a premium $50 wine” really meant, I think I’ll pass on any future mystery case deals. Life is too short to drink cheap wine, unless you buy it really cheap. Which this wasn’t.
Second case arrived today, no aged barrolo, but very happy with the variation! Second Set:
1 2013 Altue Carménère Gran Reserva Altue Carménère
2 2013 Bertani Secco-Bertani Original Vintage Edition Bertani Corvina Blend
1 2016 Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy) Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy) Red Bordeaux Blend
2 2018 Polo Bodega y Viñedos Chardonnay Herencia Trabajo Polo Bodega y Viñedos Chardonnay
1 1001 Jean Babou Crémant de Limoux …lÈgance Jean Babou Mauzac Blend
1 2011 Pago de Vallegarcía Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Petit Hipperia Pago de Vallegarcía Red Blend
2 2014 Tommasone Ischia Per’e Palummo Tommasone Piedirosso
1 2018 Vinhas Altas Vinho Verde Vinhas Altas White Blend
1 2016 Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Côtes du Roussillon Villages Cuvée Constance Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Grenache Blend
@StingingJ lmao looks like you got every single upgrade bottle that was in the offer
@StingingJ That’s ridiculous! That’s an amazing mix. I really do now wonder if this was the one case of “premium” bottles they were supposed to mix in randomly to the cases, and then after a day of packing, someone said “what’s this box over here in the corner?” “Oh well, just ship it!”
EDIT notably, those generally don’t show up in other cases people have posted.
@pmarin @StingingJ
Other than a different quantity mix, identical bottles to my second case as well.
Mine was delivered to the UPS Store yesterday and I retrieved it this afternoon. Identical mix as a number of other cases reported earlier:
2 x 2017 Chateau Bonnet Saint-Amour
2 x 2013 Altue Gran Reserva Carménère
2 x 2015 Altue Gran Reserva Chardonnay
2 x 2015 Punta De Flecha Corte
2 x Jean Babou Élégance Cremante de Limoux Brut
2 x Jean Babou Élégance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
I appreciate the earlier hint about wiggling the sparkling bottles to get them out without tearing apart the styrofoam.
@winedavid49
I received:
2 x 2015 Punta De Flecha Corte
Jean Babou Élégance Cremante de Limoux Brut
Jean Babou Élégance Blanquette de Limoux Brut
Villages Cuvée Constance Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Grenache Blend
2016 Mauvais Garçon (Bad Boy)
I’m not disappointed. I know nothing about these wines but my SO loves French wine so he’s probably happy and I love sparkling so I’m excited to try something new. Hoping the Argentine wine is decent. I don’t think it was a great value purchase but I love a mystery!
Thank you to whomever packed my box!
@lynnrae1 I love the Garçon. Our local wine shop carries it.
I’m looking forward to trying it! What food have you found it goes best with?
@lynnrae1 Weirdly enough, a meaty pizza.
I’ll give it a try! Thanks
Ok gang can you guys let me know which of these (if any) are decent? I’m a wine lover but I don’t know this stuff that well. Here’s what I got:
2017 Rose All Day Beaujolais x 2
2019 Burdi Negroamaro, Duca Carlo Guarini x 2
2015 Punta de Flechas Corte x 2
2015 Altue Merlot x 2
2013 Les Vins de Vienne Remeage x 2
2014 Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sav x 2
Thanks for any input here!
Same mix as @jml326 and @jackinga in my case. I had previously gotten a case of the Rioja and liked it, so happy to have a couple more bottles. The rose arrived conveniently right before the heat wave. As for the rest, haven’t tried them yet. Even if they turn out to be clunkers, no regrets. I knew what I was getting into.
Two 2015 Punta De Flechas Corte
Two 2014 Caliterra Reserva
Two 2015 Crianza Ribera del Duero
Two 2016 Marqués de Riscal Finca Torrea Rioja
Two Aimery 1531 Crémant de Limoux Brut
Two Chateau Roubine Cru Classé Rosé
I’m not sure of the value of this case, because I’m unfamiliar with most of them. I did get a case of the Rioja when it was offered in December, and liked both vintages from that case, so I guess that’s a positive.
I’m neutral on the bubbly — at least it’s Brut. But I’ve only liked one Rosé ever (a dry one from Paso Robles — Clautiere, I think) and I don’t know anything about the other reds.
I was going to tell you I liked the Rose’, because I did, but now I realize I had the one called Rose’ all day Beaujolais. It is dry and very pleasant; it is a Rose of Gamay Noir which is common in that region. You got a different one but give it a try; I would recommend chilled a bit but not super-refrigerated, maybe 50-55.
I also did like the Crémant de Limoux Brut quite a bit.
So despite that I was disappointed with the “reds” that I got in the mix (which I haven’t tried yet, but comments aren’t promising), both the Sparkling and the Rose’ were actually very good. Oh and you got the Finca Torrea Rioja which is supposed to be one of the better ones.
@pmarin Yeah, the Finca Torrea Rioja is the only wine in my mystery case I was familiar with, as I bought a case of it back in December. But I’m unfamiliar with everything else, and many of the comments above express disappointment with this (or similar) mixes… so I guess I’ll just have to dig in and find out.
@pmarin make a sangria to survive this heat wave
We were having a lighter meal today consisting of leftover broth (and some beef) from last night’s short ribs, some roasted veggies, and salad. Thought I would try the Chateau Bonnet Saint-Amour with it. Fairly simple, not objectionable, but nothing special.
@Mark_L but the name sounds so fancy!
My case, like almost everyone else’s here, was meh. A few decent bottles, some offered here before, some not. Nothing extravagant and the ones that were for sale here prior had a better qpr than the mystery case. I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed. This could have set the stage for something fun and exciting, but now it will just be something everyone avoids when it comes up again. It wouldn’t have taken much effort to make this mystery case at least appear worth it. Shit, even a casemates bottle opener would have made enough people happy enough to at least want to try this thing again in the future.
@cs85b03 My sentiments exactly! In a word - meh!
My half case - not as impressive as any of my previous mystery deals, but in fairness I haven’t tried them yet. Based on price lookups it wasn’t much of a deal.
1 x 2011 Petit Hipperia $12
1 x 2016 Mauvais Garcon $18
1 x Maison Centenaire Elegeance Cremant de Limoux Brut $13
1 x 2014 Ischia Per’ e’ Palummo $27
2 x 2015 Punta de Flechas Corte $5
@DebRVA Well, that Ischia at least looks interesting.
Cracked my first bottle today. The Caliterra Reserva. Hopefully, this one is not representative of the rest. Ran it through an aerator. Initial aroma is burning rubber with a touch of something else. Initial taste is about the same. I was thinking about dumping it, but decided to “take one for the team.”
I let the glass sit while I poured the rest through the aerator into a decanter, and went back to the glass. Burnt rubber smell is mostly gone. the funky something else seems to be resolving itself into something I have heard of in wine, but never smelled or tasted. Aged beef.
The taste is hard to describe. Still getting a a bit of rubber, something else, and a lingering bitterness after you swallow. Half an hour in the decanter didn’t help. I get the feeling that no amount of air will.
So, is it drinkable? Barely. Is it enjoyable? Not at all. I’d save this one for unwanted or uninvited guests.
@Springbank The burning rubber thing is often reduction. You might be surprised at what a few hours or even a day of air can do for it.
On the other hand, you might not be.
@klezman @Springbank good to be aware of. Definitely leery of this bottle on my end.
@klezman @Springbank If it became drinkable, yes, I would be surprised.
@klezman @pmarin
A few hours did no good. I poured it back in the bottle, and will re check tonight. After brushing my teeth twice, and a good dose of Listerine, (the original one, not the puny new flavored stuff,) I still seem to be tasting the rubber/bitter note.
@Springbank I’m drinking one of my Caliterra Reserva bottles now. You clearly got an off bottle.
@SelfGovern @Springbank @klezman @pmarin
Twisted a top yesterday on one of mine; pretty rough. Overnight in the fridge showed some improvement, but none of the rubber thing. This one will remain for awhile, if only so I can decide what to do with the remains.
First bottle of the batch to sample, so far. Others gifted with disclaimers with no reports yet.
@klezman @pmarin @rjquillin @SelfGovern
I hope that’s the case with this one. I looked at Cellar Tracker and there was a review, I think from 2016, that mentioned rubber and petrol, so it might effect more than just my botte. I was going to crack a different one tonight, but maybe try the second bottle against what’s left in the first one.
@klezman @pmarin @rjquillin @Springbank Wow, that’s pretty rough. I wonder what foods are recommended for a wine with nuances of rubber and petrol?
@klezman @pmarin @rjquillin @SelfGovern @Springbank Brings to mind the Pinotage burnt rubber flavor (someone I know described as the “Curad Bandage” flavor in reference to the original medicated pads).
@klezman @Mark_L @pmarin @rjquillin @SelfGovern
Not Curad. The only thing that comes close was as part of a coffee roasting/tasting education where I had some really cheap Vietnamese Robusta that had the same tire fire smell and taste.
I did try the Altue Merlot last night. Not sure if it’s from the shipping, but it was really hazy to the point of being opaque. Seemed to show a little bricking, but that might have been because the rim was the only place that was transparent. First impression was cherries, and maybe plum. A decent wine, I thought, with a bit more acidity than I’ve seen in most Merlot. My wife on the other hand, described it as “turning into vinegar.”
@klezman @Mark_L @pmarin @rjquillin @SelfGovern for what it’s worth, opened the second bottle. Totally different. A decent drinkable cab.
The rioja and every day rose are so far the best of what I ended up with. The Corte was passable and the Ribera del Duero was disappointing. Haven’t cracked the Caliterrra cab sav yet.
@LJeAYsy4LoqxEC slow cooker Chuck Roast. (not as a wine pairing – as an ingredient to the broth for overnight cooking.) About 187ml (1/4 btl) per batch, depending on size of your slow cooker and roast.
@LJeAYsy4LoqxEC Good luck! Hope your Caliterra Cab is better than ours…we poured it down the drain
Missed another IRK on the Irk-a-thon. Why bother, I don’t know. But these questions were meaningful, relating to the mystery case. #2 and #3 were true. #1 sadly, not.
got my half case:
1 - 2017 Malacara malbec
2 - Punta de flechas corte
1 - Crianza Ribera del duero
1 - Corte Medicea Erastos (didn’t see anyone else get this - vivino says $10)
1 - Monti ‘Bussia’ Barolo
Finally getting around to reporting in. 2 of each-
Marqués de Riscal Spanish Rioja --Too tannic for my tastes.
Punta de Flechas Corte Argentinian Blend- Saving til it cools down this fall.
Caliterra Chilean Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon- Saving til it cools down this fall, sounds like it’ll be pretty astringent
Chateau Roubine Cru Classe’ Rose ’17 --Popped one of these, loved it, would happily buy more!!
de Restia Crianza Ribera del Duero-Saving til the fall too
Les Caves du Sieur d’Arques Crémant de Limoux Aimery 1531 Cremant Brut- pretty good, a bit softer than my go to Gruet, which is a nice change.
Would have loved some whites in there, but eh, would grab a random case again. It’s actually a good solution for my household as we’re not big red wine drinkers, so it’s nice to have a few different options.
Checking in on the caliterra. Definitely get the tire and gasoline. Going down the drain. I don’t even think I’d want to try to make a sangria from it.
@deadlyapp My second bottle was decent , not great but drinkable
Punta de Flechas isn’t bad. It’s not special and I wouldn’t put it over a box of malbec but it’s at least tolerable.