Aromas of summer berries and hulled almonds greet your nose while a medley of blackberry and plum fruit entertain your palate. Smoothly textured, with fine soft tannins create an appreciable framework. A focused and unforgettable finish this wine is perfect for anything…BBQ, summer, party or your next band practice.
Specifications
Sold By: Little Vineyards Family Winery
Appellation: Sonoma Valley, Estate Grown
Varietal: 40% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, 9% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Barbera
Winery: Little Vineyards Family Winery
Owners: Joan and Rich Little
Founded: 2002
Location: Glen Ellen, CA
Joan and Rich Little aspired to live in Sonoma Valley, raise a family, grow grapes and one day produce premium red wines. This dream was one step closer to reality in 1996 when they purchased a 25 acre property from the Hanford Family in Glen Ellen. Since that time, they have raised four children, restored the property’s century old farmhouse, planted 17.5 acres of grapes and Rich even found time to make a little music with his bands.
Eventually, Joan and Rich decided to blend their wine-growing knowledge with the winemaking expertise of Joan’s brother, Ted Coleman. In the beginning, they experimented with small lots of wine, which received great praise from their family and friends.
In 2002, Joan and Rich began their efforts to establish Little Vineyards as a small bonded winery producing no more than 2500 cases a year. They were approved to crush their first vintage and Ted crafted two award- winning wines from their estate grown fruit: 2002 Zinfandel and 2002 Resonance, a Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
Corker Review (Or whatever we’re calling these!)
When I started to really discover wine back in 2006, Little Vineyards’ Band Blend was actually one of those first wines that made me say “Wow”. Literally. Looking back at my review of the 2006 vintage of their original Band Blend on CellarTracker, you’ll see me say, “Wow, quite impressive!” And at the time I honestly didn’t really know how to articulate it any better than that.
Fast forward over 11 years later, there’s no question that I know more about wine and I’ve consumed a lot of wine since then. (It’s the scary part of having an inventory, you can see what you buy/drink over time! Cellartracker.com rocks!!!) While I can do a better job of deciphering a wine now, I’m definitely no expert…and usually my first sniff, look, taste will give me that gut response of Yum or not Yum. And in this case, I’m saying Yum Yum Yum!
Track 9 of Band Blend seems different than the previous versions. I remember the original Band Blend (and Track 2) was pretty good wine, no doubt, but I recall it being a little astringent. And while I haven’t had any Band Blend since their Track 2, this one seems much more sophisticated. Like it has moved up to the top shelf.
I went to a friend’s house to give the bottle a twisty-twist. Without looking up the blend, we started to throw out our thoughts on what the blend was made of. Surprisingly, two of us zeroed in on Syrah being prominent. The peppery flavor that slid across the tongue seemed to stand out. We also thought, could it be a Zin? We dismissed the idea, “It isn’t a fruit bomb, can’t be a zin!” I declared. Of course, we then looked it up. Wow. Surprise! 40% Zin? I love a good Zin, but so many Zins are almost too much to handle. Too fruity, too heavy, too much alcohol, etc. The fact that this had so much Zin, but fooled us all is an indication at just how well this wine is balanced.
The overall breakdown of the blend makes me happy. It is: 40% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, 9% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Barbera
The combination of the first three varietals alone would have had me sold. Throwing in some Cab Franc and Cab Sauv to round out the top 91% of the wine makes this just a super approachable, and super good wine.
Enough of me blabbing…For those looking for a more formal review…Here it is. Again, I’m no pro, but this is what I’m getting:
Nose:
Sticking my nose in the glass…ahh…ya know how you can smell a good wine and know it’ll taste good? Yeah. This is it. I get some dark berries, some vanilla, and a nice dusting as well. Something I love. If I push my nose harder, I feel like I’m getting some cocoa powder, maybe dark chocolate…(This will pair well with chocolate!). I also feel like I’m getting some black currant as well.
Color:
I like opaque wines, dark, heavy, beautiful. This wine fits the bill. When I hold some printed paper behind it, it disappears. Dark. Awesome! And it’s a beautiful dark deep red, mahogany…sensational to look at in the glass.
Flavor:
Like I said, this tastes like Yum. When I close my eyes and try to imagine what I’m tasting, I feel compelled to use words like cocoa/dark chocolate, vanilla, black currant again here as well and like a “dark” raspberry if that makes sense. It tastes splendid.
Finish:
There are those wines that you drink, and they taste good at first, but have an odd finish. Like you want to drink more wine, but you don’t want to stop drinking it because it’ll taste funky. For me, Band Blend Track 9 is a wine that is best sipped and thoroughly enjoyed. Like a nice scotch. Savor it. When thinking about the finish words jump out at me like silky, creamy, smooth. It’s well balanced and not astringent. It is tannic, which I adore. That said, it’s not as tannic as a 100% Petite Sirah, but definitely has some tannins in there. Personally, I’d call it medium to medium+ on the tannic scale if such a thing existed. Not so much to make it unapproachable to those that don’t like tannins, but highly desirable to those that do like tannins.
Aging:
It’s a screw top, so you aren’t going to be laying this down and expecting massive aging, but frankly this is drinking so well for me right now that I wouldn’t be able to age it much anyway.
Overall Score:
For those that might be looking for a rating, I’d probably throw something around an 89 or 90 at this. It’s good folks.
Will I buy?:
Oh, hell yeah. I mean, yes, it’s the launch so I was pretty much going to buy no matter what, but I’m in for a case…easy peasy.
@jml326 Negative. I posted that way before they sent it to me. I literally had no idea, but Little Vineyards is a small vineyard I love so it was just wishful thinking!
@vaaccess sounds like you don’t really see this as a ‘food’ wine; more of a wine to have by itself, perhaps with a little (no pun intended) cheese or chocolate?
@rpm This would probably over power a lot of foods, yeah, but honestly I usually don’t let that stop me from drinking something like this while eating. I do think it’s probably best with chocolate or cheese, if you were looking for the maximum experience.
@vaaccess I’ve found the Band Blend to go well with lots of meals though mostly pasta, pizza, burgers, etc. When I want a full bodied red that wasn’t too expensive, or don’t think we will finish, I have grabbed these. The bottles don’t last long. I grabbed a case at this price.
@vaaccess Nice review! Sounds delicious. My credit card and storage facilities are still recovering from December, so I am hoping you might bring one of these to our remote launch party, whenever that will be (hint-hint). Meanwhile, I will be consuming my Wellington to make room for future offerings…
@vaaccess Thanks for the great review - Also great selection for first offer. It has been quite a while - and they are great folks - super nice to us on our first tour and our first musical accompaniment to a tasting (and lunch)!
@vaaccess Excellent notes, thank you! My palette isn’t as refined as yours, so your notes were very helpful in identifying the flavors.
I will agree with you on aging, I’ll be hard pressed to save one of these 12 bottles til my BD in July…
@grantunderland does that mean you got yours today and opened one up??? Hope you like it! As nice as my notes may sound, I’m never 100% sure others would agree or feel the same.
@vaaccess yes I did, I let it sit about 30 minutes it while I finished up some work but couldn’t help myself. I didn’t taste everything you mentioned, but I probably wouldn’t have noticed the vanilla, amongst others, without the notes posted here
@vaaccess I just opened my first bottle tonight. I did not wait 30 minutes but that’s because I like to compare right out of the bottle and experience it opening up. All I can say is that i’m sad I didn’t buy a case. Nothing overly exciting about it necessarily but it was a solid wine that you could pull out and most folks would like which is always a win as far as i’m concerned.
History lesson: Back in the old days when Snapster first started Woot! (before he sold it to the Octopus), you’d have people asking if the new offer worked on a Mac.
When Wine.Woot launched, this was a standard joke for us!
@markgm We will have to do a Casemates get together. I held a couple with the wooters over the years and had a great time. And good way to transfer wine with the sales format here.
@rlmanzo I have a Connecticut Casemates thread too under ‘gatherings’. Without PM, I don’t know the easiest way to exchange more detailed info. I created a secret group on Facebook, Connecticut Casemates, if we want to go that route. I admittedly don’t use Facebook very much.
@tiger7610 Yeah-- I’ve never quite figured that out… There are a bunch of folks that have eachother’s contact info somehow since they mail things around on meh, but I’m not quite sure how sharing a case is going to work either!
@tiger7610 We have a section of the forums called gatherings. Start there and find your locals, then go from there?
We prioritized getting wine up for sale as quickly as possible. A messaging system, or something like it is on the planning board.
@annwat Gotta admit, I looked for the meh button. @pseudogourmet98 On the meh.com site, there’s a button you can click to say that you think the deal is ‘meh’.
Most people (me!) click it even if they buy the item, getting consecutive clicks is a big deal.
(Darn trips into northern Canada w/o wifi or mobile service always screw me up!)
Hopefully Casemates’ first deal being unavailable in my state isn’t a sign of things to come. I was holding a hope that the first offering would be available to all the states listed in the kickstarter.
@andrd my guess is that if the winery is doing the shipping and not casemates then that winery must have a license to ship/sell to that state.
I live in NH and they post every ship to winery that has a license. Not that it helps you of course.
Then again I’m also like WTF is this sales tax, since we don’t have sales tax…but I guess it’s purchased in the state the wine is made so it’s CA sales tax.??
@Winedavid49 Indiana. I also have a few liquor permits (i help run a few family bars), if it ever becomes a thing that we keep being left out, but it could be sent through a distributor to a bar with carryout/liquor retailer for someone to hand out locally…
@andrd I was getting ready to hit the buy button and then looked at the list… Indiana is in the no ship zone.
So many things about this state irritate me and now this gets added to the list…
@eric_w and @IcedCorn I am also seeing the tax for NH, but not MA. It is a pain in the butt to have wine shipped to me at work, but if I can save a little might be worth the hassle.
@melrod333 and @IcedCorn I’ve shipped to the fedex location near work in MA a couple of times for wineries that wouldn’t ship to NH, but it’s definitely more of a hassle than home delivery
@eric_w I always ship to a Fedex location in NH instead of home, since no one is available to sign for it most days. It is right up the street, so is super convenient for me, and no worries about missing the delivery. I work in MA, so will have it shipped to the office if necessary, but then I have to deal with the office manager, and I make it a point to never have to deal with the office manager
@melrod333 Yeah I don’t ship to work because I don’t want to have to deal with our shipping/receiving folks. They’d probably loose it or it would sit somewhere for a month. If no one is going to be home I’ll re-route it to the shaws or walgreens that I pass by on the way home which is super convenient for me.
@vaaccess pretty much, if Janice in accounting was a teetotaler. I can’t even slip her the occasional bottle to try and win favor. Just have to grin and bear it when she complains about having to sign for my wine. C’est la vie
@transplant Such is life in our backwards state. Maybe this will be the year that we are allowed to buy beer & alcohol on Sundays! Or maybe they won’t regulate the temperature that a store can sell beer, depending on what type of store it is!
But, it could be worse. Up until 3 or so years ago, we had pretty much zero option for alcohol delivery. Some bill in 2015 opened things up a little bit.
@corrado I have kept the Zin and Syrah for 5-6 years and found it still to be wonderful. I keep the PS even longer. I would think that it would hold for 4-5 years. I have not kept this blend that long. Only get a couple of bottles and find it a “go with anything” red, and with a screw top, I use them quickly. So I did go with a case.
@rjquillin I don’t know how much longer the screw top will let Band Blend stay well. Never kept my hands off long enough. May see with a case coming my way. But I love screw tips when I won’t finish the bottle. And with SWMBO not able to drink for four more months, I will like screw tops.
In for 4 bottles of the first offering. I remember our visit to Little Vineyards during the first RPM tour. Nice wines made nicer with Rich playing his chapman stick for us. Good times!
@mike808 I don’t know how to PM here, but I’m in stl and would be happy to casemate. In for the first launch although my wallet is also hurting. Received 10 boxes on Friday and the Wellington is still on its way.
@chefjess there is no PM ability here (yet). Not sure what they have in mind to support casemating long term.
Maybe post on the Casemates STL thread (or start a new one) when it arrives or PM me back at the old gourmet.woot site (same username).
Are you wanting to split @~$20/btl or trade from my cellar? Dont have to decide until it actually gets here anyway. I would like just one bottle to try it. If its anything like Ty Caton Ty’s Red blend, it’s da shiznit.
@f00l@jeffyedwards@trent@pentiumjen@RoamingRotarian anyone going in on this? Would like to try a bottle or two. Anyone else in Dallas/ Fort Worth
We would all like to work together to take advantage of offerings.
@f00l Mississippi State I’ll shoot you a PM there for future reference. Anyone who wants to find me on woot, PM me at MichaelWB. Really hope casemates add PM, would prefer not to drop contact info in the public.
LABRAT REPORT
The excitement started with an e-mail that I had wine coming my way. Checked the tracking number and the identifiers showed “BandBlend”. Now I was really excited. I’ve been a member of Little Vineyards wine club since 2007. And this is a favorite wine.
Sure enough, when the package arrived, it was a bottle of Little Vineyards Band Blend, Track 9 to be specific. Since I was urged to taste that weekend, I set it aside to open that evening with dinner. I recall having the first “track” of Band Blend and several since, but not all. Even with the club discount, the shipping usually means I pay more than retail for this wine.
When you pour a glass of this wine, you can tell from the deep dark color that this is a serious wine. You can smell the dark fruits and some chocolate/cocoa.
As I drink the wine, the dark berry and black cherry from the Zinfandel and Syrah come through nicely, supported by the tannins and some blueberry from the Petite Sirah. This is a nice full-bodied blend, from the entry to mid-palate to finish. The tannins are smooth. I expect the residual sugar on this wine is low, but could not find a figure.
These are three of my favorite varietals from Little Vineyards on their own and they come together quite well in this blend.
I had two glasses the first night. And then just put the screw cap back on, no special effort to reseal for the second night. On night two, there was very little difference. It remained a great blend. This is a very easy drinking wine. It went well with food, and is equally enjoyable on its own.
I am greatly anticipating the launch of Casemates since they are kicking off with this wine.
@Polarbear22 It’s actually easier than I thought it’d be to post links and photos, etc…Once you use the menu below the text, it should go pretty well for ya!
A visit to Little Vineyards and their tasting room should be top of your list when in Sonoma. They have a great lineup of wines at reasonable prices, beautiful grounds and it seems pretty easy to get Rich Little to demonstrate the Chapman Stick. He is a very good musician, and this in an unusual instrument.
@RedOak was looking for an excuse to see if my K-survey response had kicked in since I answered it after Friday. It did, K there. Nicely maintained, Mediocre folks!
Yay! So glad to see this here. I didn’t get in on the Kickstarter… I was tempted, but already have too much wine being delivered. But I will keep watching and will definitel6 be a customer this year. If Tank Garage winery is ever an option, I’m in for sure!
@rjquillin I was not a huge fan of the wines when I tried them at the winery a few years ago. Who knows what difference 5+ years makes, though…I’d be willing to try a bottle or two.
@mcomb look closely: the “with shipping” price is higher if you do the math. VMP price is indeed lower.
Hey, my Kickstarter badge is there, but there’s no VMP badge. Is that because we’re a sooper-sekrit cabal? (Did I just break the first rule of Casemates VMP Club?)
Hey, my Kickstarter badge is there, but there’s no VMP badge.
You’re VMP. No double badges. If you’re on a device with a mouse/touchpad/cursor, hovering the cursor over your username exposes the VMP status in a popup bubble.
I’m assuming the $10 coupons aren’t available/distributed yet to use one on this first offer? Thanks! Also for splitting cases purposes, I am in DC. Probably just gonna get 4 this first go around.
@kray05 Were you VMP prior to the launch? (No VMP start date on your VMP bubble popup hints perhaps not.) The coupon codes only go to folks who were already VMP prior to launch - as a reward for stubborn suckerness.
My coupon code arrived within a few hours after my K-survey response confirmation email.
(It is a single code that can be used 3 or 4 times depending on whether the early bird $50 level was open when you pledged. If you pledged $60 when the $50 level was open, apparently you got a 4 use code.)
@RedOak Interesting. IIRC, my pledge was before the $50 ran out, but my email said just three uses. It was confusing to see the “$50 VMP” or “add $60 to your remote launch party to continue VMP” stuff. Live and learn; die and forget it all.
@RedOak I was not a VMP but I got an email saying as a Wine Country Connect Insider I would get them: “P.S. As WCC insiders, when you back the campaign for $60 — the “1-year Free Shipping” reward level — you’ll get half that value back in the form of three $10 coupons valid through the end of 2018 on Casemates. (You can also use the coupon at Mediocre’s other sites Meh.com and MorningSave, and VMPs get free shipping at all three).”
@uncleop If you pledged $60 whilst the $50 early bird offer was still open and did not get a 4-use code, then I’d contact Customer Service. Don’t recall who, but they posted they got a 4 use code in that scenario. @Thumperchick.
(Emphasizing again for others, you were pre-Casemates launch legacy VMP per the date next to your username VMP popup bubble, and therefore, code eligible in the first place.)
@kray05 I got that same e-mail, and also haven’t received my coupon codes yet. I was not VMP prior to launch, but had signed up for the WCC updates back in November. I’m sure it’ll take time to process it all and based on this first offer I reckon there’ll be lots of opportunities to use them.
@kray05 So I was looking for my coupons as well, but after thinking about it, I think you had to do either the $50 or $60 backing to get them. I did the remote with the $60 kicker, but looks like I should have created two kickstarter ids and done the $50/$60 to get the coupons and then the remote party with the other id. Live and learn I suppose (I was part of the WCC email list that mentioned 3 coupons for doing the $60 backing)
@RedOak No coupons here either (originally pledged at $50, changed to $60 to ensure coupon availability). Backer 110. I wrote to customer service, so will see what they say. In for 4 of the launch offer, in the meantime!
@jvo I also did the remote and addon $60 for VMP, and my coupons came in. So definitely contact support, they’re really good at fixing when they screw up. (Like one time I ordered a bundle, it was supposed to be a 3 item thing, they sent 1 by accident, and they sent me a coupon before the box even got to me, letting me know about the mixup and giving me a coupon.)
Yippie on first day offering… This looks interesting…
In for 1 case. I figure I have enough friends I help enable, who will want a few bottles of this.
I’m in in Maine. totally-equal-lager, which is amusing since in general my first choice is beer (though not lager unless it’s wicked hot outside).
Here’s a plug for Maine-based Sweet Grass Winery and Distillery. They do a nice job…
I’m willing to try 4 bottles. I am a little confused about the “gatherings” threads for splitting cases with my fellow winos/binge drinkers. Anyone else confused?
The new option (at least I never noticed it on the site that shall not be named) of drilling into the states and seeing the counties where people are buying from is cool. Hoping this might be part of the future options to help find folks to share/split cases.
@melrod333 Thanks for pointing that out! Interesting to note that all the purchases in Ohio are in counties corresponding to the major metropolitan areas - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, and Cleveland/Akron/Canton.
@PapaPerry attempted to be subtle since this is wine site and thought it was clear - substance abuse counselors. Certainly did not mean to imply you required the test since I don’t know you.
I have done it for years since most of my relatives are drunks and alcoholics. I believe it is all about self control. If I find I do not have enough control to take off a month or year or whatever then I shouldn’t be drinking.
I have been to rehab once because the family asked me to. They asked me a week after I had stopped drinking with a year commitment to myself.
After being to a rehab, I believe it is a racket and most do not really want to help people, they just want the insurance money they have.
@PapaPerry I also take a month off from drinking once a year or so, for similar reasons. I’m generally a daily drinker and for the last 20 years or so I’ve taken a month off periodically just to make sure that I can do it with no signs of physical withdrawal.
@SmilingBoognish Right on. For some reason I do not go through physical withdrawal. I was drinking a gallon of jack every day to day and a half and stopped cold turkey with no issues. I don’t drink that much any longer…
I am thinking that CaseRats might be a good name for the reviewers. Based on the KISS principle. Although there is the obvious carry over, Lab Rats is so last website. Think of the t-shirt possibilities!
Nice review VA.
@Sonorguy Sounds good. That’s enough of a split for me to bite the bullet and get the case. I don’t need the whole remaining half dozen though, so if someone else wants a couple-few and is willing to come out to get them, they’re welcome to do so.
@Sonorguy FedEx says this should be delivered tomorrow (which probably really means I’ll have to head over to the distribution center this weekend). You can email me at ariellt87@gmail.com to coordinate.
Got my coupon code right before I ordered! Sadly I didn’t check my email until after I ordered… bah! Do you think my coupon code will become a collectible if I keep it NIB?
Howdy, from Tunes4u, out here the High Lonesome Plains of Wyoming! Glad to see things are up and running again. Although my bank account isn’t exactly happy. I justified all that wine in December by telling myself there will be time to recuperate before the deals started flowing again. But…had to get in on this first offer. Especially beings how there is a Strat on the label. Who cares what it tastes like? Was a member of that “other place” since 2006…I was 6 orders short of having 300 woots. So…starting over, here is to the next attempt to get to 300! Cheers…and good luck!
@corrado So THAT is what I have been doing wrong all these years! Always did have a bit of trouble tuning my wine bottle…burp I buy , sell, and trade mostly. I have a outside repair guy I can call now…I used to do repairs, but just got burned out on it. Besides…I needed more time in order to fondle my wine bottles…
Welcome back everyone from Wine.Woot! Just ordered a case even though my basement is already overflowing with beer and wine. Figured since I backed the Kickstarter and most of the wine in the basement is from Wine.Woot, I might as well go for the full case on the first offering.
In for 4, my first internet wine purchase ever. That popping sound was probably not a cork.
Here’s hoping it arrives safe from FedEx… it’s -15F today. Supposed to be warming up a little in the next week, but still - it’s winter in Minnesota. I should put a cooler in the garage or something. Wonder how big the 4-pack shipping box is?
Alternatively, maybe I can catch this early, via tracking number, and have them hold it at FedEx? Anyone have advice for dealing with winter temps and wine shipments?
@bluevulpine was it your knees? Mine do that, it’s hell being old. Pro Tip, they mean that shit about being drunk when they drop off the package. As in, you should not be, when they do so. They won’t consent. This is going off the rails.
@rjquillin Good to know, thanks. I kind of wish carrier was a definable option - the closest FedEx pickup place is an hour away, but UPS has a depot in town. I don’t know that I can get away with delivering alcohol to work, depends on how obvious the shipping box is.
@InFrom Nope. Fedex is an hour west. Closest Walgreens is an hour and a half east.
Having a heck of a time with this shipment so far - I didn’t realize one could not do a ‘request to hold at a location’ with these, was hoping I could get them to stop trying to deliver it. I’ve missed them twice so far. Dang it.
@mike808 Yea… I had backed off WW before the last month because I love beer more now because it’s just so hard to want to buy even 4 bottles of something unknown at a cost of over $50. I think this platform will be wonderful for me if I can get some other DFW people to work together as this is intended.
@MSUMike In the early days of WW, an offer lasted a week. I think that greatly contributed to the community gelling together as folks had time to think and get into lots of discussion.
@MSUMike I like fewer offers, better deals. Woot was cool early on. Offerings would sell out and we’d stare at a sell out for a day or two, created some urgency and excitement on the good offerings.
OK I have no idea how any of this works because I can’t figure out how to respond to a comment or do anything but figured I have to post on the first offer. I also just went over to Meh to look for the t shirt and can’t find it but apparently it wouldn’t matter because they don’t come in big guy sizes.
@littlevinyards I’m so psyched to see you guys back in “the house!” My wife & I visited (and purchased… and clubbed) in the fall of 2008 and LV was one of our favorite wineries of that trip. I’m looking forward to “getting the band back together” (which, if @WineDavid49 and @Snapster didn’t intend as launch pun, please claim it before I do)!
I still have a bottle of '07 Petite Sirah from that trip. At this point, assuming proper storage, would you expect that to still be drinking well or in a dumb phase?
For the San Diego group, I snagged a 4-pack.
Only need a single, so three are up for grabs.
you can PM me with interest/info over at ww with the same username. Or, find some other creative way to contact me.
I am not a tannic red wine person, so I was a bit hesitant on this one. Given as this was the first offering, I had to get it, though, so in for the 4 pack, which got here today.
Popped one open almost as soon as I got home, and let it sit for ~30 while I got some housework done and changed into pajamas. Poured some into my glass, and sniffed. I expected a bit sharper from the smell than the first sip proved, but it wasn’t overpowering. Smoother than a cabernet sauvingon, not quite as smooth as a petit syrah. Definitely a good red for drinking with Italian food, I think. Too bad I didn’t have any tonight, but it was nice to sip on alongside my homemade beef tacos anyway. The spice brought out a slightly more acidic note, but nothing offputting.
I’d consider this a safe red wine for people who aren’t big red wine fans. My boyfriend, Owen, likes mostly sweet and light wines, but I conned him into drinking a bit. Slightly too tannic for his tastes, but not enough so that he handed me the glass to dump into mine, which means he liked it, for a red. Most get handed to me after a few sips.
Hm. Might have to grab a case next time if I can carve out more wine storage around here before that.
My super refined and educated opinion is: tasty but not very exciting. This is definitely the wine for serving your “I don’t really like reds” friends when you feel the overwhelming urge to serve them red wine anyway.
@vaaccess I opened one on Tuesday, and tonight was the best night of the three. There’s one night left (I drink wine slowly, what can I say), and I’m curious what it will be like.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of summer berries and hulled almonds greet your nose while a medley of blackberry and plum fruit entertain your palate. Smoothly textured, with fine soft tannins create an appreciable framework. A focused and unforgettable finish this wine is perfect for anything…BBQ, summer, party or your next band practice.
Specifications
Price Comparison
$355.40/case at Little Vineyards Family Winery (including shipping)
About The Winery
Winery: Little Vineyards Family Winery
Owners: Joan and Rich Little
Founded: 2002
Location: Glen Ellen, CA
Joan and Rich Little aspired to live in Sonoma Valley, raise a family, grow grapes and one day produce premium red wines. This dream was one step closer to reality in 1996 when they purchased a 25 acre property from the Hanford Family in Glen Ellen. Since that time, they have raised four children, restored the property’s century old farmhouse, planted 17.5 acres of grapes and Rich even found time to make a little music with his bands.
Eventually, Joan and Rich decided to blend their wine-growing knowledge with the winemaking expertise of Joan’s brother, Ted Coleman. In the beginning, they experimented with small lots of wine, which received great praise from their family and friends.
In 2002, Joan and Rich began their efforts to establish Little Vineyards as a small bonded winery producing no more than 2500 cases a year. They were approved to crush their first vintage and Ted crafted two award- winning wines from their estate grown fruit: 2002 Zinfandel and 2002 Resonance, a Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
Little Vineyards Bottling
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jan 22 - Thursday, Jan 25
@vaaccess Has our first review!
@dave Let everyone know there’s a Launch Shirt for sale over on meh.
@Polarbear22 Brings us a detailed review.
CT link
NV Little Vineyards Band Blend Track 9
Happy to be back!
@ilCesare Happy to see you putting up CT links once again!
@ilCesare long live ilCesare !
@ilCesare He lives!!!
@ilCesare Dooooood! So happy to see you!
@ilCesare awesome. Starting to feel more like home again!
@ilCesare I come to praise ilCesare, not to bury him!
@ilCesare almost feels familiar
@chipgreen Beware Yond Cassius - he has a lean and hungry look, He thinks too much; such men are dangerous.
@ilCesare Thank you for sharing!
Hail @ilCesare !
Yee haw, it’s on like donkey kong!
@bsevern woohoo!
Corker Review (Or whatever we’re calling these!)
When I started to really discover wine back in 2006, Little Vineyards’ Band Blend was actually one of those first wines that made me say “Wow”. Literally. Looking back at my review of the 2006 vintage of their original Band Blend on CellarTracker, you’ll see me say, “Wow, quite impressive!” And at the time I honestly didn’t really know how to articulate it any better than that.
Fast forward over 11 years later, there’s no question that I know more about wine and I’ve consumed a lot of wine since then. (It’s the scary part of having an inventory, you can see what you buy/drink over time! Cellartracker.com rocks!!!) While I can do a better job of deciphering a wine now, I’m definitely no expert…and usually my first sniff, look, taste will give me that gut response of Yum or not Yum. And in this case, I’m saying Yum Yum Yum!
Track 9 of Band Blend seems different than the previous versions. I remember the original Band Blend (and Track 2) was pretty good wine, no doubt, but I recall it being a little astringent. And while I haven’t had any Band Blend since their Track 2, this one seems much more sophisticated. Like it has moved up to the top shelf.
I went to a friend’s house to give the bottle a twisty-twist. Without looking up the blend, we started to throw out our thoughts on what the blend was made of. Surprisingly, two of us zeroed in on Syrah being prominent. The peppery flavor that slid across the tongue seemed to stand out. We also thought, could it be a Zin? We dismissed the idea, “It isn’t a fruit bomb, can’t be a zin!” I declared. Of course, we then looked it up. Wow. Surprise! 40% Zin? I love a good Zin, but so many Zins are almost too much to handle. Too fruity, too heavy, too much alcohol, etc. The fact that this had so much Zin, but fooled us all is an indication at just how well this wine is balanced.
The overall breakdown of the blend makes me happy. It is: 40% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, 9% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Barbera
The combination of the first three varietals alone would have had me sold. Throwing in some Cab Franc and Cab Sauv to round out the top 91% of the wine makes this just a super approachable, and super good wine.
Enough of me blabbing…For those looking for a more formal review…Here it is. Again, I’m no pro, but this is what I’m getting:
Nose:
Sticking my nose in the glass…ahh…ya know how you can smell a good wine and know it’ll taste good? Yeah. This is it. I get some dark berries, some vanilla, and a nice dusting as well. Something I love. If I push my nose harder, I feel like I’m getting some cocoa powder, maybe dark chocolate…(This will pair well with chocolate!). I also feel like I’m getting some black currant as well.
Color:
I like opaque wines, dark, heavy, beautiful. This wine fits the bill. When I hold some printed paper behind it, it disappears. Dark. Awesome! And it’s a beautiful dark deep red, mahogany…sensational to look at in the glass.
Flavor:
Like I said, this tastes like Yum. When I close my eyes and try to imagine what I’m tasting, I feel compelled to use words like cocoa/dark chocolate, vanilla, black currant again here as well and like a “dark” raspberry if that makes sense. It tastes splendid.
Finish:
There are those wines that you drink, and they taste good at first, but have an odd finish. Like you want to drink more wine, but you don’t want to stop drinking it because it’ll taste funky. For me, Band Blend Track 9 is a wine that is best sipped and thoroughly enjoyed. Like a nice scotch. Savor it. When thinking about the finish words jump out at me like silky, creamy, smooth. It’s well balanced and not astringent. It is tannic, which I adore. That said, it’s not as tannic as a 100% Petite Sirah, but definitely has some tannins in there. Personally, I’d call it medium to medium+ on the tannic scale if such a thing existed. Not so much to make it unapproachable to those that don’t like tannins, but highly desirable to those that do like tannins.
Aging:
It’s a screw top, so you aren’t going to be laying this down and expecting massive aging, but frankly this is drinking so well for me right now that I wouldn’t be able to age it much anyway.
Overall Score:
For those that might be looking for a rating, I’d probably throw something around an 89 or 90 at this. It’s good folks.
Will I buy?:
Oh, hell yeah. I mean, yes, it’s the launch so I was pretty much going to buy no matter what, but I’m in for a case…easy peasy.
PS:
Did I call it or what? https://casemates.com/forum/topics/so-whats-your-guess-for-the-first-wine-here
@vaaccess that was fast?
@takedownchris Yep. They sent it to me earlier this week so I could have the review ready!
@vaaccess well then your calling it was insider…
@jml326 Negative. I posted that way before they sent it to me. I literally had no idea, but Little Vineyards is a small vineyard I love so it was just wishful thinking!
@vaaccess nice photo, too!
@vaaccess sounds like you don’t really see this as a ‘food’ wine; more of a wine to have by itself, perhaps with a little (no pun intended) cheese or chocolate?
@rpm This would probably over power a lot of foods, yeah, but honestly I usually don’t let that stop me from drinking something like this while eating. I do think it’s probably best with chocolate or cheese, if you were looking for the maximum experience.
@vaaccess I’ve found the Band Blend to go well with lots of meals though mostly pasta, pizza, burgers, etc. When I want a full bodied red that wasn’t too expensive, or don’t think we will finish, I have grabbed these. The bottles don’t last long. I grabbed a case at this price.
@Polarbear22 Food won’t ruin the experience of this wine, no doubt!
@vaaccess Nice review! Sounds delicious. My credit card and storage facilities are still recovering from December, so I am hoping you might bring one of these to our remote launch party, whenever that will be (hint-hint). Meanwhile, I will be consuming my Wellington to make room for future offerings…
@vaaccess thank you for your detailed review! Ted has nailed the blend. We are happy you enjoy!!!
@vaaccess
@vaaccess Thanks for the great review - Also great selection for first offer. It has been quite a while - and they are great folks - super nice to us on our first tour and our first musical accompaniment to a tasting (and lunch)!
@vaaccess Excellent notes, thank you! My palette isn’t as refined as yours, so your notes were very helpful in identifying the flavors.
I will agree with you on aging, I’ll be hard pressed to save one of these 12 bottles til my BD in July…
@grantunderland does that mean you got yours today and opened one up??? Hope you like it! As nice as my notes may sound, I’m never 100% sure others would agree or feel the same.
@vaaccess yes I did, I let it sit about 30 minutes it while I finished up some work but couldn’t help myself. I didn’t taste everything you mentioned, but I probably wouldn’t have noticed the vanilla, amongst others, without the notes posted here
@vaaccess I just opened my first bottle tonight. I did not wait 30 minutes but that’s because I like to compare right out of the bottle and experience it opening up. All I can say is that i’m sad I didn’t buy a case. Nothing overly exciting about it necessarily but it was a solid wine that you could pull out and most folks would like which is always a win as far as i’m concerned.
@rainybank I just opened one tonight, too! Glad you liked it.
And thus it begins!
I’m in! Is there a first sucker?
@chipgreen I resemble that remark…
@FirstSucker Username checks out…
@FirstSucker well played
/giphy nice-audible-smell
Does this work on a Mac? I’ve been having real compatibility problems recently.
@CorTot Try updating to the latest version of WineOS.
@CorTot It’s been working fine on my Mac, as far as I can tell.
@Thumperchick Available here: https://www.winehq.org/
@CorTot Actually it is only runs on Linux.
@CorTot Too funny!
History lesson: Back in the old days when Snapster first started Woot! (before he sold it to the Octopus), you’d have people asking if the new offer worked on a Mac.
When Wine.Woot launched, this was a standard joke for us!
Anybody else in CT (Connecticut, not CellarTracker)
@datruandi I am in CT. Farmington Valley area.
@Polarbear22 nice, New Haven here. (Before that in MN)
@datruandi Too funny. I am from MN originally as well. 30+ years ago.
@datruandi Is there a private message option here? If you want more info use same user name on Comcast.net.
@datruandi Plymouth here.
@markgm We will have to do a Casemates get together. I held a couple with the wooters over the years and had a great time. And good way to transfer wine with the sales format here.
@Polarbear22 I am in the Waterbury area
@rlmanzo Looks like you’re close enough if there’s something we want to split.
@markgm Sure. I’m game. I also like the idea of a CT area gathering as Polarbear22 suggested.
@rlmanzo I have a Connecticut Casemates thread too under ‘gatherings’. Without PM, I don’t know the easiest way to exchange more detailed info. I created a secret group on Facebook, Connecticut Casemates, if we want to go that route. I admittedly don’t use Facebook very much.
So i do wonder how it will help us find people to split with? I’m guessing currently its just the boards?
@tiger7610 Yeah-- I’ve never quite figured that out… There are a bunch of folks that have eachother’s contact info somehow since they mail things around on meh, but I’m not quite sure how sharing a case is going to work either!
@tiger7610 We have a section of the forums called gatherings. Start there and find your locals, then go from there?
We prioritized getting wine up for sale as quickly as possible. A messaging system, or something like it is on the planning board.
@Thumperchick is there way to move a thread from the general to the gatherings section? I didn’t realize it was there.
@hscottk we’ll work on that. It might not happen today, but we’ll get it moved where it needs to be.
Day 1!
How did they get the tasting notes out there
I tried hard to be first but bought the t-shirt on meh.com first - lol
@datruandi Love that the shirt continues the octopus theme that started with the final Wine.Woot offering!
And my descent into wine-mediated bankruptcy begins, with a cry of “buttoned-zealous-toad”!
@Foobarski So how much did you acquire, fellow SW OHer? I’d be willing to be your case’s mate.
And for the record, yes I realize that sounds borderline inappropriate.
@sdilullo how can it be wrong when it feels so right?
@bhodilee
@sdilullo I went for a full case, even without consideration of potential, ah, mating …
(Gotta make that VMP pull its weight, don’t’cha know!)
@Foobarski Ha. Fair enough. I may grab four. But I did hope to let the CCs rest for at least a few weeks…
Anyone know if this stuff’s vegan?
@dj_m
/giphy exemplary-tremendous-burrito
@dj_m The /giphy thing has to be the first thing on the line:
/giphy exemplary-tremendous-burrito
@dj_m FTFY
what, no meh button? not that this item is meh; i just miss the button.
@annwat I agree…It’s bothering me like I’m forgetting to do something…
@medz meh
@medz I keep going to the main page to see if maybe I missed it. We definitely need a Case face to click.
@annwat I’m kind of glad. Two meh buttons would have been too much pressure. I still feel a little empty inside…
@annwat meh to the meh buttons! i searched 5 minutes for the meh button!
@annwat For those of us who have migrated from WW, and are new to Meh, please explain what you are talking about.
@annwat Gotta admit, I looked for the meh button.
@pseudogourmet98 On the meh.com site, there’s a button you can click to say that you think the deal is ‘meh’.
Most people (me!) click it even if they buy the item, getting consecutive clicks is a big deal.
(Darn trips into northern Canada w/o wifi or mobile service always screw me up!)
@annwat We really need a button to click here. Maybe I’ll just click the Meh button a few more times.
Game on! I bought without even reading anything. Figured it was pretty much required to buy the launch juice, no? (Nassau County (south shore, LI)
@jimmydc Thank you! You wont be disappointed!
Why isn’t there a button you can click to keep a streak going?
@IcedCorn You could use the purchase button for that…
@Thumperchick done. But no streak lol
Hopefully Casemates’ first deal being unavailable in my state isn’t a sign of things to come. I was holding a hope that the first offering would be available to all the states listed in the kickstarter.
@andrd what state?
@andrd my guess is that if the winery is doing the shipping and not casemates then that winery must have a license to ship/sell to that state.
I live in NH and they post every ship to winery that has a license. Not that it helps you of course.
Then again I’m also like WTF is this sales tax, since we don’t have sales tax…but I guess it’s purchased in the state the wine is made so it’s CA sales tax.??
@Winedavid49 Indiana. I also have a few liquor permits (i help run a few family bars), if it ever becomes a thing that we keep being left out, but it could be sent through a distributor to a bar with carryout/liquor retailer for someone to hand out locally…
@IcedCorn NH is listed as an Available State for this offer.
@IcedCorn the tax is dependent on the state you are shipping to. I dont know what the rules are, but im guessing it is an alcohol specific tax.
@andrd I was getting ready to hit the buy button and then looked at the list… Indiana is in the no ship zone.
So many things about this state irritate me and now this gets added to the list…
@IcedCorn I noticed this too for NH. This is new, was never collected from wine.woot.
@eric_w and @IcedCorn I am also seeing the tax for NH, but not MA. It is a pain in the butt to have wine shipped to me at work, but if I can save a little might be worth the hassle.
@melrod333 and @IcedCorn I’ve shipped to the fedex location near work in MA a couple of times for wineries that wouldn’t ship to NH, but it’s definitely more of a hassle than home delivery
@eric_w I always ship to a Fedex location in NH instead of home, since no one is available to sign for it most days. It is right up the street, so is super convenient for me, and no worries about missing the delivery. I work in MA, so will have it shipped to the office if necessary, but then I have to deal with the office manager, and I make it a point to never have to deal with the office manager
@melrod333 Is your office manager your equivalent to Janice in accounting?
@melrod333 Yeah I don’t ship to work because I don’t want to have to deal with our shipping/receiving folks. They’d probably loose it or it would sit somewhere for a month. If no one is going to be home I’ll re-route it to the shaws or walgreens that I pass by on the way home which is super convenient for me.
@vaaccess pretty much, if Janice in accounting was a teetotaler. I can’t even slip her the occasional bottle to try and win favor. Just have to grin and bear it when she complains about having to sign for my wine. C’est la vie
@transplant Such is life in our backwards state. Maybe this will be the year that we are allowed to buy beer & alcohol on Sundays! Or maybe they won’t regulate the temperature that a store can sell beer, depending on what type of store it is!
But, it could be worse. Up until 3 or so years ago, we had pretty much zero option for alcohol delivery. Some bill in 2015 opened things up a little bit.
childlike-tolerable-jackrabbit
i convinced myself that the launch-juice is compulsory
I’m just glad this launched this weekend as the Mrs couldn’t say no so close to my birthday.
@drhellknow happy early birthday!
@littlevineyards All the happier when this arrives! (c=
Oh, btw, if you want a Casemates launch t-shirt, we’re selling those over on meh.com
@dave No men’s 3X? That stinks!
@dave 100% you need bigger shirts
@dave I love the corkscrew middle finger. I don’t care if it was intentional or not. That’s totally what I’m calling it.
@dave
Can’t believe you don’t have larger shirts!
@dave Definitely disappointed in the shirt sizes
@dave noooooo I missed the shirt
http://www.barnivore.com/products/38431-little-vineyards-wines
Will give it a try. Does the buy command work over hear yet?
/giphy boorish-dreadful-barley
Lowest offering $71.99. Welp, I won’t be able to purchase this first offering. I’ll trust you guys word on how good it is.
@Enigma I’m sure that there will be more affordable offerings soon. But they had to do something special for the Grande Premiere.
@NightGhost Thanks, I hope so.
First wine is a no go in Indiana :’(
Ruht-roo, looks like my Kickstarter badge hasn’t kicked in yet.
@Enigma Did you answer the survey?
@Enigma Have you answered your kickstarter survey? (beat me to it.)
@dave Yes, I just did
Amazingly enough, this is my first Little Vineyards. Only 4 though. I have a marriage to maintain.
@bhodilee That is surprising…I hope you enjoy it!
@bhodilee i respect that.
@bhodilee A drunk wife is a happy wife.
…unless she’s an angry drunk.
…in which case you should buy more wine to keep yourself drunk to tolerate her rage.
@corrado she’s the worst Irish ever, all the temper none of the alcoholism
@bhodilee Then she isn’t really Irish. Get the DNA check, my friend.
@bhodilee Good call. I predict you will be sorry you didn’t get more, but that’s better than buying a case and wishing you had less.
@Polarbear22 Any idea what the longevity is likely to be? I’d expect it to hold for 2-3 years at least.
@corrado I have kept the Zin and Syrah for 5-6 years and found it still to be wonderful. I keep the PS even longer. I would think that it would hold for 4-5 years. I have not kept this blend that long. Only get a couple of bottles and find it a “go with anything” red, and with a screw top, I use them quickly. So I did go with a case.
@Polarbear22 I’ve got some '07 Buena Vista Syrah under screw top that seems nearly as fresh as when released. Minimal OTR, minimal aging.
@rjquillin I don’t know how much longer the screw top will let Band Blend stay well. Never kept my hands off long enough. May see with a case coming my way. But I love screw tips when I won’t finish the bottle. And with SWMBO not able to drink for four more months, I will like screw tops.
@bhodilee we hope you enjoy! The band blend is a family favorite.
Gotta say hi! I think I’ll sit this one out, but I’m damn glad casemates is a go!!
In for 4 bottles of the first offering. I remember our visit to Little Vineyards during the first RPM tour. Nice wines made nicer with Rich playing his chapman stick for us. Good times!
@javadrinker Hope you can come back soon!
Looks like a solid PnP offering. I’m for a Case in the AM. If anyone in the Tampa area wants to split, I’m game
@grantunderland Case ordered. Still open to split with anyone in the Tampa area.
Wallet still hurting from buying all the Wellington and Corison at the old site wind down.
Would have loved to try out the /buy.
Up to buy or trade for a bottle from the cellar if any STL casemates are in.
My CT
@mike808 I don’t know how to PM here, but I’m in stl and would be happy to casemate. In for the first launch although my wallet is also hurting. Received 10 boxes on Friday and the Wellington is still on its way.
@chefjess there is no PM ability here (yet). Not sure what they have in mind to support casemating long term.
Maybe post on the Casemates STL thread (or start a new one) when it arrives or PM me back at the old gourmet.woot site (same username).
Are you wanting to split @~$20/btl or trade from my cellar? Dont have to decide until it actually gets here anyway. I would like just one bottle to try it. If its anything like Ty Caton Ty’s Red blend, it’s da shiznit.
@mike808 I will PM you on gourmet. I also have the same username
Anyone in NJ looking to split an order, check out this thread.
/giphy best-upset-eye
Looking forward to trying it out. In for 4.
how did I miss the kickstarter?? oh well, at least I still have a bottle left of Humbug!
@f00l @jeffyedwards @trent @pentiumjen @RoamingRotarian anyone going in on this? Would like to try a bottle or two. Anyone else in Dallas/ Fort Worth
We would all like to work together to take advantage of offerings.
Be sure to join us in this thread if you havent already
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/looking-for-fort-worth-folk
@MSUMike Yes I am in.
@jeffyedwards I’m down for taking 1 or 2 of your hands. Can discuss payment meeting options and where to meet up.
New gatherings thread for Dallas (DFW) https://casemates.com/forum/topics/dallas
@jeffyedwards
@MSUMike
I could do one bottle. I shouldn’t. Got too much.
But damn. Initial offering.
Has it already been ordered? Where is the likely pickup point? At this early stage in CaseMates existence, do we settle up among ourselves?
Hey @MSUMike? What’s the “MSU”? Mich State?
PS if someone wants contact info, PM me at Woot. Same username.
@f00l Mississippi State I’ll shoot you a PM there for future reference. Anyone who wants to find me on woot, PM me at MichaelWB. Really hope casemates add PM, would prefer not to drop contact info in the public.
@jeffyedwards
@MSUMike
If my bottle will “fit” into the order, then I’ll be happy to take one.
If it won’t, then no harm, no foul. I’ll be fine without.
But I can’t justify more than 1 bottle right now.
I’m trying to go much more minimalist in my life.
This minimalist project is slow going for me. But I don’t want to backslide too badly just yet. .
“Review order” seems so much more adult than “Oh god, what did I just do?”
Best of luck!!
@slipperyp But considering what WD caused us all to do to our credit cards over the past couple months, the latter is probably more appropriate.
LABRAT REPORT
The excitement started with an e-mail that I had wine coming my way. Checked the tracking number and the identifiers showed “BandBlend”. Now I was really excited. I’ve been a member of Little Vineyards wine club since 2007. And this is a favorite wine.
Sure enough, when the package arrived, it was a bottle of Little Vineyards Band Blend, Track 9 to be specific. Since I was urged to taste that weekend, I set it aside to open that evening with dinner. I recall having the first “track” of Band Blend and several since, but not all. Even with the club discount, the shipping usually means I pay more than retail for this wine.
When you pour a glass of this wine, you can tell from the deep dark color that this is a serious wine. You can smell the dark fruits and some chocolate/cocoa.
As I drink the wine, the dark berry and black cherry from the Zinfandel and Syrah come through nicely, supported by the tannins and some blueberry from the Petite Sirah. This is a nice full-bodied blend, from the entry to mid-palate to finish. The tannins are smooth. I expect the residual sugar on this wine is low, but could not find a figure.
These are three of my favorite varietals from Little Vineyards on their own and they come together quite well in this blend.
I had two glasses the first night. And then just put the screw cap back on, no special effort to reseal for the second night. On night two, there was very little difference. It remained a great blend. This is a very easy drinking wine. It went well with food, and is equally enjoyable on its own.
I am greatly anticipating the launch of Casemates since they are kicking off with this wine.
@Polarbear22 Thanks to vaacess for a photo. I wasn’t sure I could figure out how to post here, and forgot to shoot one last week.
@Polarbear22 It’s actually easier than I thought it’d be to post links and photos, etc…Once you use the menu below the text, it should go pretty well for ya!
@Polarbear22 You can post photos by directly uploading, or by pasting in the direct link. Thanks for the review!
@Thumperchick Yes, a lot easier than another site!
A visit to Little Vineyards and their tasting room should be top of your list when in Sonoma. They have a great lineup of wines at reasonable prices, beautiful grounds and it seems pretty easy to get Rich Little to demonstrate the Chapman Stick. He is a very good musician, and this in an unusual instrument.
Rich Little on Chapman Stick
@Polarbear22 I agree. My wife and I loved our visit to their tasting room!
@Polarbear22 Thank you! When are you able to come back out? We look forward to your next visit!
I read this pretty carefully, but I didn’t see any mention of the vintage. Did I miss something?
@rtjhnstn Band Blend is non-vintage. Track number gives an idea of when it was bottled. Track 9 is the most recent.
Looks like I lit up Illinois on the map.
I find it interesting there is no tally of how many bottles sold. Guess I’m used to meh.
Wondering if the map should have a sorry we can’t ship this there hatching on it or something.
@Cerridwyn that map idea actually makes some sense.
@RedOak was looking for an excuse to see if my K-survey response had kicked in since I answered it after Friday. It did, K there. Nicely maintained, Mediocre folks!
Looks like a solid wine to kick this thing off!
Looking forward to future offerings.
I’m a sucker for anything with Zin… And it’s the launch offering… In for 4 and Casemates is off to a great start!
@otisskavier Same here!
I am in Indiana…cannot buy on day 1 for that reason. Damnit.
Gotta get the first offer! Sounds like a great wine too! Anyone know when abouts this thing was bottled?
@Twich22 Hi there! We bottled our band blend track 9 last spring in March! Let us know if you have any other questions.
How does this pair with, say, live streaming a Phish concert?
@mikegberg I’d say this is more of Umphrey’s wine given @vaaccess 's review. Much too “dark” for a Phish show.
@jwill1981 “Dark Underbelly” means Panic for sure!
@jhkey Nailed it!
@mikegberg I think the pairing depends on whether or not you’re also into Phish pins.
@jhkey Definitely not Blue Oyster Cult, then (raise your hand if you get the reference).
@NightGhost Over my head, but Google helped me out. I learn something new everyday!
@mikegberg Just heard the DWD from the NYE run on the way to work this morning. This should work with that!
Yay! So glad to see this here. I didn’t get in on the Kickstarter… I was tempted, but already have too much wine being delivered. But I will keep watching and will definitel6 be a customer this year. If Tank Garage winery is ever an option, I’m in for sure!
Ok SoCal, (you know who you are) we gonna split a case?
This would be my first band bottle(s) as well.
Up to three.
@rjquillin get a four-pack and split the extra!
@rjquillin I’m willing to pick up 2 or 3
@rjquillin I could be persuaded to go in for 3 or 4. Do we have enough for a case yet?
@VogonPoet @cortot, @klezman, @merbill, ?lost, who else is missing…
We there yet?
@rjquillin I was not a huge fan of the wines when I tried them at the winery a few years ago. Who knows what difference 5+ years makes, though…I’d be willing to try a bottle or two.
@rjquillin Its a pass for me.
@rjquillin I’m in for 2 or 3, located in SGV if that matters.
@rjquillin A pass on this one for me.
So the main VMP perk is supposed to be free shipping, but this wine already seems to have shipping included. What’s up with that?
Oh, and congrats on the launch!
@mcomb look closely: the “with shipping” price is higher if you do the math. VMP price is indeed lower.
Hey, my Kickstarter badge is there, but there’s no VMP badge. Is that because we’re a sooper-sekrit cabal? (Did I just break the first rule of Casemates VMP Club?)
@mcomb shipping is $8 for normals on this deal
Little Vineyards Band Blend Track 94-bottles
$71.99
Shipping
$8
free for vmp
@uncleop thanks, got it. I can’t believe they expect us suckers to be able to do math.
@uncleop
You’re VMP. No double badges. If you’re on a device with a mouse/touchpad/cursor, hovering the cursor over your username exposes the VMP status in a popup bubble.
@uncleop I thought it was 1 badge per customer?
Anyone in Atlanta want to split a case?
I’m assuming the $10 coupons aren’t available/distributed yet to use one on this first offer? Thanks! Also for splitting cases purposes, I am in DC. Probably just gonna get 4 this first go around.
@kray05 I got my coupon in an email, yesterday. Check yer spam folder, just in case?
@vaaccess Just looked; no emails since 01/12. Maybe they are going through the list still
@kray05 Were you VMP prior to the launch? (No VMP start date on your VMP bubble popup hints perhaps not.) The coupon codes only go to folks who were already VMP prior to launch - as a reward for stubborn suckerness.
My coupon code arrived within a few hours after my K-survey response confirmation email.
(It is a single code that can be used 3 or 4 times depending on whether the early bird $50 level was open when you pledged. If you pledged $60 when the $50 level was open, apparently you got a 4 use code.)
@RedOak Got my survey response acknowledgment 3 days ago. Still no coupon code…
@RedOak Interesting. IIRC, my pledge was before the $50 ran out, but my email said just three uses. It was confusing to see the “$50 VMP” or “add $60 to your remote launch party to continue VMP” stuff. Live and learn; die and forget it all.
@chipgreen were you legacy VMP at Mediocre? I don’t see a VMP date next to your VMP popup over your username. Codes only go to existing legacy VMP’rs.
@RedOak I was not a VMP but I got an email saying as a Wine Country Connect Insider I would get them: “P.S. As WCC insiders, when you back the campaign for $60 — the “1-year Free Shipping” reward level — you’ll get half that value back in the form of three $10 coupons valid through the end of 2018 on Casemates. (You can also use the coupon at Mediocre’s other sites Meh.com and MorningSave, and VMPs get free shipping at all three).”
@uncleop If you pledged $60 whilst the $50 early bird offer was still open and did not get a 4-use code, then I’d contact Customer Service. Don’t recall who, but they posted they got a 4 use code in that scenario. @Thumperchick.
(Emphasizing again for others, you were pre-Casemates launch legacy VMP per the date next to your username VMP popup bubble, and therefore, code eligible in the first place.)
@RedOak I prefer the term “OG” to “legacy”. Or even better, “old vine” VMP.
@kray05 I got that same e-mail, and also haven’t received my coupon codes yet. I was not VMP prior to launch, but had signed up for the WCC updates back in November. I’m sure it’ll take time to process it all and based on this first offer I reckon there’ll be lots of opportunities to use them.
@kray05 So I was looking for my coupons as well, but after thinking about it, I think you had to do either the $50 or $60 backing to get them. I did the remote with the $60 kicker, but looks like I should have created two kickstarter ids and done the $50/$60 to get the coupons and then the remote party with the other id. Live and learn I suppose
(I was part of the WCC email list that mentioned 3 coupons for doing the $60 backing)
@jvo We will see how they decide to do it. It could go either way IMO.
@RedOak No coupons here either (originally pledged at $50, changed to $60 to ensure coupon availability). Backer 110. I wrote to customer service, so will see what they say. In for 4 of the launch offer, in the meantime!
@CObrent I got a reply from cs earlier that wcc coupons were still in process. I’m in no hurry, as I’m sure this won’t be my only order
@jvo I also did the remote and addon $60 for VMP, and my coupons came in. So definitely contact support, they’re really good at fixing when they screw up. (Like one time I ordered a bundle, it was supposed to be a 3 item thing, they sent 1 by accident, and they sent me a coupon before the box even got to me, letting me know about the mixup and giving me a coupon.)
@RedOak what kray05 said…
@marla25 CS told me the same thing. So, they’re coming.
Yippie on first day offering… This looks interesting…
In for 1 case. I figure I have enough friends I help enable, who will want a few bottles of this.
I’m in in Maine. totally-equal-lager, which is amusing since in general my first choice is beer (though not lager unless it’s wicked hot outside).
Here’s a plug for Maine-based Sweet Grass Winery and Distillery. They do a nice job…
Will there be a blinking button or some other indicator that the deal is close to selling out like wine.woot had?
I’m willing to try 4 bottles. I am a little confused about the “gatherings” threads for splitting cases with my fellow winos/binge drinkers. Anyone else confused?
@bramby2 One trusting soul buys a case. Other people show up and give the trusting soul monies in exchange for Yum Juice.
@bramby2 Gatherings aren’t necessarily only for getting your wines, but enjoying other Wineaux company.
Although it does seem lately that those of us in the SoCal area have basically become the northern storage facilities for @rjquillin!
The new option (at least I never noticed it on the site that shall not be named) of drilling into the states and seeing the counties where people are buying from is cool. Hoping this might be part of the future options to help find folks to share/split cases.
@melrod333 That is cool. Doesn’t look like it got my county right, but it’s still cool.
@melrod333 I see me! Pretty neat.
@melrod333 Thanks for pointing that out! Interesting to note that all the purchases in Ohio are in counties corresponding to the major metropolitan areas - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, and Cleveland/Akron/Canton.
Where are the Ship To states listed? Thanks!
@jcarmi04 first post on this thread look up
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@communist Thanks!! Was suppressed, but now know for future cases, mate
Any chance I can get my VMP status applied today so I can get this? Sorry I was late on the survey…
Space is tight, especially after end of WW binge, but have to start this off right. In for a case!
Glad to see everyone! Anyone in Baltimore care to split?
In for 4. I’ll have a lot of wine to taste when I finish my break from drinking alcohol Feb 1st.
@PapaPerry Whole30 by chance?
@sosptuba Not at all. I just take minimum 1 month off a year. Just to check myself. I took Dec-Jan off this time.
@PapaPerry perhaps you’re aware - that is one of the tests counselors recommend.
@RedOak what counselors?
@PapaPerry attempted to be subtle since this is wine site and thought it was clear - substance abuse counselors. Certainly did not mean to imply you required the test since I don’t know you.
@RedOak Hahaha
I have done it for years since most of my relatives are drunks and alcoholics. I believe it is all about self control. If I find I do not have enough control to take off a month or year or whatever then I shouldn’t be drinking.
I have been to rehab once because the family asked me to. They asked me a week after I had stopped drinking with a year commitment to myself.
After being to a rehab, I believe it is a racket and most do not really want to help people, they just want the insurance money they have.
Cheers!
@PapaPerry I also take a month off from drinking once a year or so, for similar reasons. I’m generally a daily drinker and for the last 20 years or so I’ve taken a month off periodically just to make sure that I can do it with no signs of physical withdrawal.
@SmilingBoognish Right on. For some reason I do not go through physical withdrawal. I was drinking a gallon of jack every day to day and a half and stopped cold turkey with no issues. I don’t drink that much any longer…
I am thinking that CaseRats might be a good name for the reviewers. Based on the KISS principle. Although there is the obvious carry over, Lab Rats is so last website. Think of the t-shirt possibilities!
Nice review VA.
@edlada Thanks!
If you haven’t seen it, this thread has a discussion about naming the reviewers: https://casemates.com/forum/topics/does-casemates-get-its-own-goat
@vaaccess Thanks, I cross posted my suggestion over there.
@edlada Based on this, I’d like to put in my official entry as “Case Studies”.
In for 4 as I’m doing keto, but not forever. Thanks, WD/Caesare/snapster!
If anyone is in the Denver/Boulder area, a couple of us are looking at splitting a case. Anyone want in for 3+ bottles?
@arielleslie
I’ll mention this here as well, but count me in for 3!
@arielleslie
I’m in Denver and I’ll take 3 if you’re still taking people!
@Sonorguy Sounds good. That’s enough of a split for me to bite the bullet and get the case. I don’t need the whole remaining half dozen though, so if someone else wants a couple-few and is willing to come out to get them, they’re welcome to do so.
@arielleslie There are a couple of us in the Denver thread who have said we would be in for 1 or 2 as well … me being one of them
@jvo Cool. Guess we’re full up then.
@Sonorguy FedEx says this should be delivered tomorrow (which probably really means I’ll have to head over to the distribution center this weekend). You can email me at ariellt87@gmail.com to coordinate.
Are we getting order confirmation emails from Casemates, like we do from Meh orders?
Haven’t seen one yet.
@MarkDaSpark I got a confirmation a few seconds after ordering.
@MarkDaSpark Got one almost instantly.
My bad. Forgot to check Spam folder. Doh!
But why it would go there in the first place was surprising!
@MarkDaSpark Just tell Alexa to tell OK, Google to fix your gmail spam folder.
@MarkDaSpark Did you do the deed and grab a case?
@MarkDaSpark since its hitting your spam, you should add the from address to your contacts so it doesnt happen again
@rjquillin, nah, just the 4.
Got my coupon code right before I ordered! Sadly I didn’t check my email until after I ordered… bah! Do you think my coupon code will become a collectible if I keep it NIB?
/giphy wireless-sleek-finch
/giphy sliced-elated-buckeye
/giphy exciting-bawling squid
@swmbo the excitement is real!!
@littlevineyards Yes it is! I feel like I got the perfect order number
Howdy, from Tunes4u, out here the High Lonesome Plains of Wyoming! Glad to see things are up and running again. Although my bank account isn’t exactly happy. I justified all that wine in December by telling myself there will be time to recuperate before the deals started flowing again. But…had to get in on this first offer. Especially beings how there is a Strat on the label. Who cares what it tastes like?
Was a member of that “other place” since 2006…I was 6 orders short of having 300 woots. So…starting over, here is to the next attempt to get to 300! Cheers…and good luck!
@Tunes4u so so glad you are here!
@Tunes4u Rich Little’s strat! The band really appreciates the label
@Winedavid49 Thank you Sir!
@littlevineyards I have owned my guitar shop for 21 years now…I have a few nice older Strats myself…
Will be fun to drink one, while playing one!
@Tunes4u I’m trying to picture someone playing a wine bottle while trying to drink a guitar.
Do you sell, repair, create, or some combination of the above?
@corrado So THAT is what I have been doing wrong all these years! Always did have a bit of trouble tuning my wine bottle…burp I buy , sell, and trade mostly. I have a outside repair guy I can call now…I used to do repairs, but just got burned out on it. Besides…I needed more time in order to fondle my wine bottles…
@corrado When I started to read this post, I was sure the poster was going to be @bhodilee.
Welcome back everyone from Wine.Woot! Just ordered a case even though my basement is already overflowing with beer and wine. Figured since I backed the Kickstarter and most of the wine in the basement is from Wine.Woot, I might as well go for the full case on the first offering.
I absolutely do not need to be ordering wine right now, but since it’s the first offer AND the rattage was intriguing, I’m in for 4 bottles.
@airynne awesome! If you love a good blend, you will love our band blend track 9!
I take it we’re back to weekly wine deals?
@bsevern Mon, Wed, Fri.
@rjquillin Danke!
In for 4, my first internet wine purchase ever. That popping sound was probably not a cork.
Here’s hoping it arrives safe from FedEx… it’s -15F today. Supposed to be warming up a little in the next week, but still - it’s winter in Minnesota. I should put a cooler in the garage or something. Wonder how big the 4-pack shipping box is?
Alternatively, maybe I can catch this early, via tracking number, and have them hold it at FedEx? Anyone have advice for dealing with winter temps and wine shipments?
@bluevulpine Standard practice for many is to default ship to a FedEx office where they HAL till you drop by within a week.
@bluevulpine was it your knees? Mine do that, it’s hell being old. Pro Tip, they mean that shit about being drunk when they drop off the package. As in, you should not be, when they do so. They won’t consent. This is going off the rails.
@rjquillin Good to know, thanks. I kind of wish carrier was a definable option - the closest FedEx pickup place is an hour away, but UPS has a depot in town. I don’t know that I can get away with delivering alcohol to work, depends on how obvious the shipping box is.
@bluevulpine There is a label on the box saying it contains alcohol.
@bluevulpine No Walgreen’s option closer to you for FedEx hold?
@InFrom Nope. Fedex is an hour west. Closest Walgreens is an hour and a half east.
Having a heck of a time with this shipment so far - I didn’t realize one could not do a ‘request to hold at a location’ with these, was hoping I could get them to stop trying to deliver it. I’ve missed them twice so far.
Dang it.
@bluevulpine What a pain, hope you and the package catch up to each other soon.
Who all refreshed looking for a new deal at midnight… still stuck in WW mode. thankfully we won’t have amazing offers every day trutfully.
@MSUMike Your wallet will thank you. As will SWMBO and your SICBI.
@mike808 Yea… I had backed off WW before the last month because I love beer more now because it’s just so hard to want to buy even 4 bottles of something unknown at a cost of over $50. I think this platform will be wonderful for me if I can get some other DFW people to work together as this is intended.
@MSUMike Yeah, I think I actually prefer only having 3 offers per week. I imagine that’ll also give WCC more time to find quality deals for us.
@MSUMike In the early days of WW, an offer lasted a week. I think that greatly contributed to the community gelling together as folks had time to think and get into lots of discussion.
@MSUMike I like fewer offers, better deals. Woot was cool early on. Offerings would sell out and we’d stare at a sell out for a day or two, created some urgency and excitement on the good offerings.
OK I have no idea how any of this works because I can’t figure out how to respond to a comment or do anything but figured I have to post on the first offer. I also just went over to Meh to look for the t shirt and can’t find it but apparently it wouldn’t matter because they don’t come in big guy sizes.
@time2testit only a one day offer but it’s extended till 6am.
@MSUMike, Only if you have VMP
In for 4, thanks to @vaaccess 's review. And of course this being the first offering.
@g0lf you wont be disappointed! Cheers!
@jesslittle2 Kinda hoping for a bit more winery participation with the inaugural release. Assuming, perhaps incorrectly, you’re connected that is…
@rjquillin jesslittle2 is a family member, @littlevineyards is our account that is handling all blog responses
Cheers!
@rjquillin, I think it was Rich’s birthday yesterday, so they might have been a bit busy.
Just gonna look at my badge…
@canonizer BADGES! you know the rest…
@littlevinyards I’m so psyched to see you guys back in “the house!” My wife & I visited (and purchased… and clubbed) in the fall of 2008 and LV was one of our favorite wineries of that trip. I’m looking forward to “getting the band back together” (which, if @WineDavid49 and @Snapster didn’t intend as launch pun, please claim it before I do)!
I still have a bottle of '07 Petite Sirah from that trip. At this point, assuming proper storage, would you expect that to still be drinking well or in a dumb phase?
Where should I put the clue for the next wine? presumably here. I ain’t no saint, but i’ll try to do these clues before every offer.
@Winedavid49
WineSmith Saint Laurent or Pinot Noir
@Winedavid49 Better not be St. Supery, I just ordered the Little Vineyards!! Be nice!
In for 4 bottles. First offer, had to!!!
In for four.
/giphy omnivorous-reclusive-pipe
not sure if having wine delivered right to my door is such a good idea, but in for four anyway!
/giphy concerned-racy-bait
For the San Diego group, I snagged a 4-pack.
Only need a single, so three are up for grabs.
you can PM me with interest/info over at ww with the same username. Or, find some other creative way to contact me.
Last sucker? Had to be about 11:59:57ish
Love all the comments, hope it keeps up!
/giphy frosted-powdery-station
/giphy quickest-raging-bard
waiting by the mailbox
Mine arrived today. Impressed with the FedEx driver who made it all the way up my skating rink pretending to be a driveway.
My first order delivered by FedEx today.
They really can deliver to Virginia.
Hallelujah!
Mine is waiting at a Walgreens!
Mine just arrived, twisting the first bottle in a few minutes!
Mine arrived yesterday but I got home too late to open a bottle, so looking forward to trying it out tonight.
But this isn’t woot anymore.
@jml326
/giphy gasp
I am not a tannic red wine person, so I was a bit hesitant on this one. Given as this was the first offering, I had to get it, though, so in for the 4 pack, which got here today.
Popped one open almost as soon as I got home, and let it sit for ~30 while I got some housework done and changed into pajamas. Poured some into my glass, and sniffed. I expected a bit sharper from the smell than the first sip proved, but it wasn’t overpowering. Smoother than a cabernet sauvingon, not quite as smooth as a petit syrah. Definitely a good red for drinking with Italian food, I think. Too bad I didn’t have any tonight, but it was nice to sip on alongside my homemade beef tacos anyway. The spice brought out a slightly more acidic note, but nothing offputting.
I’d consider this a safe red wine for people who aren’t big red wine fans. My boyfriend, Owen, likes mostly sweet and light wines, but I conned him into drinking a bit. Slightly too tannic for his tastes, but not enough so that he handed me the glass to dump into mine, which means he liked it, for a red. Most get handed to me after a few sips.
Hm. Might have to grab a case next time if I can carve out more wine storage around here before that.
My super refined and educated opinion is: tasty but not very exciting. This is definitely the wine for serving your “I don’t really like reds” friends when you feel the overwhelming urge to serve them red wine anyway.
@arielleslie “Cellar Saver”
Opened a bottle last night, finishing it off tonight. I think it’s better today than yesterday…
@vaaccess I opened one on Tuesday, and tonight was the best night of the three. There’s one night left (I drink wine slowly, what can I say), and I’m curious what it will be like.