At Twisted Oak, we donât give a cluck whether youâre bi-coastal, bisected, or strapped to a bi-plane. Whatâs so freakinâ Cockamamie about that? You may think weâve flown the coop or crossed the road for the last time, but we are the winemakers here, and this Twisted chick is a true ace! So grab a bottle, strap yourself in, and hold on for the ride!
With this blend you might expect a similarity with our *%#&@! - but the Petite Sirah is in the house and demands a seat at the table. So youâll pick up similar aromas of strawberries and flavors of cherries, but PS: thereâs blueberries too!
Varietal: 30% Monastrell (aka Mourvedre), 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 10% Petite Sirah
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 14.2%
2016 Twisted Oak Graciano
Tasting Notes
It may be Graciano but itâs not a boxer and it ainât Italian either. Still, youâll find punchy aromas of plums, blackberries, and jam with a wallop of dried spicy characters. Then a powerful jab of deep sweet blackberries and a one-two finish with dried herbs and spices. Come to think of it, this Twisted Freak is quite the knockout, isnât it?
Duck Duck Goose! Or pair with ham, Manchego, anchovies, roast pork, and all sorts of hearty, legume filled stews. And of course, slooooow-roasted lamb shoulder.
Vineyard/Vintage Notes
Rarezitas Torcidos (rah-ruh-ZEE-tas tor-SEE-dos), [SP] n pl., 1. literally, Twisted Little Freaks. Youâre holding one of those Freaks in your hand. A Freakish wine so Freakishly rare, only a few dozen Freakish cases were made.
This chewy Graciano partly comes from our own Estate vineyard on Red Hill at the winery in Vallecito. The Willow block also grows the Graciano used for our Spaniard program, but we are always thrilled to have a little leftover. The logical thing to do is bottle a small amount for the wine club so we developed the Twisted Freaks club just for occasions like this!
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Varietal: 75% Graciano from Metate Vineyard, 25% Graciano from the Willow Block, at Twisted Oak Winery.
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 15.2%
2016 Twisted Oak Murgatroyd
Tasting Notes
Donât Exit! Our animated blend is at the Stage where it is drinkable now or maybe Left for a few years. Either way, its aromas of raspberries and blackberries, and flavors of currants and nutmeg will Snaggle your Puss any time. Heavens to MURGATROYD!!
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 13.9%
2016 Twisted Oak Tempranillo, Sierra Foothills, Calaveras County
Tasting Notes
Tempranillo! The grape that made Calaveras County famous! (OK, along with frogs, Mark Twain, and an infamous archeological hoax⊠Iâm looking at you, Clampers!)
Tempranillo! Ten years ago you couldnât even say âTem-prah-NEE-yohâ and now, you - ladies and gentlemen - from what was only an inarticulate mass of Cab-swirling tissue, I give you a Cultured, Sophisticated Tempranillo lover about town!
Now get out there and put on that ritz!
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Varietal: Tempranillo
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 14.9%
2015 Twisted Oak âTorcidoâ Garnacha, Calaveras County
Tasting Notes
You remember when you were a little kid, and there was this little store around the corner that had a nice man behind the counter who would sell you a big bag of the best candy for a nickel? We donât either, no one is that old! But if we were that old, this wine might just remind us a little of those days, with floral aromas of raspberry and cherry; and spicy flavors of tart strong fruit maybe even that funny pepper candy you used to think was yucky - finishing with impressions of 10W30 oil. Whoops, I guess we wandered into the hardware department, but I think you get the ideaâŠ
Pairings? Tapas! spicy sausages and salamis - ham - game - pot roast - linguica, sweet fruit sauces - even lamb and goat!
Vineyard/Vintage Notes
Torcido (Tor-SEE-doh), [SP] adj., 1. Twisted,
2. Just like this gnarly Spanish clone GarnachaâŠ
The Twisted Oath: I, state your name, do solemnly swear that I am allowed to cross the street, that I can blow my very own nose, and I clean up my own messes (mostly). I promise to be Twisted in thought, word, and deed without regard to race, religion, or personal hygiene, or hairstyle.
100% Grenache from the Colina Roja block, Twisted Oak Winery - baby!
Specs
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: Grenache
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 15.5%
2015 Twisted Oak The Spaniard
Tasting Notes
A wine that will leave you mostly dead? Inconceivable! A Rioja-style blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha.
Made at Twisted Oak by Winemakers of Unusual Size, this swashbuckling Calaveras blend is so big youâll need six fingers to hold the bottle. Itâs inconceivable that one could resist these aromas and flavors as big as Fezzik himself. Share it with your special Buttercup, a Gentle Giant, or the entire Kingdom⊠as you wish.
Finished with 30% new French, American, and Hungarian oak; 70% neutral oak.
Pair this with Meat! If you donât ever drink this with lamb, youâre not livinâ right!! Well-marbled beef by itself, or lean cuts of beef with rich sauces. How about a smoked Spanish Paprika rubbed Ribeye topped with thick applewood smoked bacon and Cabrale Spanish Blue? How about it?
We have quite a hodgepodge of tasting notes for The Spaniard, so rather than wrap a narrative of questionable cleverness around them, weâre just going to throw them right at you: âCherry Black Currant bombâ âCedar cherry tobackyâ âGreat gamsâ (gams?) âFruitaliciousâ âWay better than beerâ âA great [Italian] redâ (that was one confused taster, and we wonât repeat the inappropriate ethnic characterization that rhymes with Winnebago.) Our favorite: âItâs turtles all the way down!â OK, so that last one is maybe too hip for the room (you can read about it on Wikipedia) - weâre pretty sure he was referring to the long finish⊠or as a once-famous wine video star once exclaimed, âItâs like the Marlboro Man in your mouth!â
Specs
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: All Twisted Oak Vineyards! 50% Tempranillo, Spaniard block; 38% Graciano, Willow block; 12% Garnacha, Colina Roja block.
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Alcohol: 14.5%
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
1x Twisted Oak Cockamamie California Red Wine
1x 2016 Twisted Oak Graciano
1x 2016 Twisted Oak Murgatroyd
1x 2016 Twisted Oak Tempranillo, Sierra Foothills, Calaveras County
1x 2015 Twisted Oak âTorcidoâ Garnacha, Calaveras County
1x 2015 Twisted Oak The Spaniard
Case:
2x Twisted Oak Cockamamie California Red Wine
2x 2016 Twisted Oak Graciano
2x 2016 Twisted Oak Murgatroyd
2x 2016 Twisted Oak Tempranillo, Sierra Foothills, Calaveras County
2x 2015 Twisted Oak âTorcidoâ Garnacha, Calaveras County
Winery: Twisted Oak Winery
Owners: Jeff and Mary Stai
Location: Murphys, CA
Twisted Oak Winery was founded at the turn of the century, as the culmination of a long string of momentous decisions, including leaving a successful technical career, leaving the city life to move to a town of barely 2000 people, buying some really cool vacant land nearby, ripping our children out of high school, and deciding that starting a winery would be a really cool and fun thing to do.
That vacant land with amazing views at 2000 feet in the Sierra Nevada Foothills turned out to be just the ticket for planting the Mediterranean varieties that we love: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and most recently, Touriga Naçional***. And just for good measure, we built a state-of-the-art, no-pumpover, four-level gravity-flow winery, with an open tank, stainless steel fermenters along with our own 300-foot barrel cave. So while we love to have fun, when it comes to wines, we mean business!
The name? That comes from a real 350-year-old California Blue Oak tree next to the crush pad. You canât miss it!
I will leave it to you to choose which decisions were good and which were poor!
Itâs not just for Port any more!
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, ID, IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NY, NC, OH, OR, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2015-16 Twisted Oak Assorted Reds - $15 = 7.49%
@CruelMelody Are you in for any? I was thinking of a six pack. Iâve been wanting to try their wines for a while. My wife and I get a lot of good vibes from anything Spanish. Iâve never gone for it though because Iâm not sure weâre into wines that are quite as bold as they advertise, although this looks a good way to test the waters!
Had the opportunity to taste the Twisted Oak 2015 âTorcidoâ.
Thank you!
Received this on Saturday, the 1st, so had some time for it to sit. Had a lot going on this weekend- and by that I mean kids to entertain and some house projects to do, so decided to save it for Monday to give it my full attention. Pulled it out of the wine fridge and let it sit at room temp. for about an hour before popping and pouring. Color is a nice dark ruby red. Right from the get go seems very closed and muted, not a lot of nose, just a bit of plum. Makes me pucker big time! Long legs on the glass.
![enter image description here][1]
Not a long of depth or flavors coming through for me just a hint o berry, going to let it sit and see how it opens up. After an hour it has warmed up a bit. Some tobacco and chocolate, and dark fruit. Hit of spice and pepper. It is getting âhotterâ as it warms up and starting to get the alcohol.
This is screaming for food. Pairs well this the short rib bolognese lasagna we had previously planned for the night. Had the wife try it. She is a white drinker, likes more tart and straightforwardly whites, but also likes easy drinking reds. She does not like this one. For me it isnât my go to type of wine, it I keep wanting to drink it!
The wine stands up to the richness of the beef, and pairs well with the acid in the sauce of the meal. As well as the blue cheese in the salad. Added some chocolate for dessert and that really brings out the fruit and berry/dark cherry notes.
Going to cork and see how it pairs with âtaco Tuesdayâ as seems appropriate.
Next day- wow! The 15.5% is showing its colors. Lots of heat. Carnitas tacos donât do a lot to tame it, and the homemade chipotle salsa doesnât stand up to it. The nose seems one note of plum, and while the tannins have dissipated the only flavor I get is tobacco. The day of sitting hasnât added to its finesse, and I wish I had kept drinking it last night!
This isnât a wine for me. But I feel if you like big bodied wines that pack a punch and pair well with food this could be a good buy. For my pallet it needed a bit more structure and I needed some heavy food to pair with it. Looking at the deal, now, I am certainly tempted though! For the price point I feel like it is a steal!
@jshaver Good review, I understand what youâre saying that this might be for some sort of planned consumption with pairings, not just an everyday sipping kind of wine. What I appreciate (thanks @eljefetwisted and @winedavid49) is that this mixed offering (1 or 2 bottles of each) is a great way to experience new things. And if thereâs one that doesnât really work for you, youâve still learned a bit more about the amazing variations (mostly good and sometimes not to your liking) that winemakers can produce. I actually love going into a âmystery bottleâ of something Iâve never had before, just to experience it. But at the same time I might regret if I had 11 more bottles of the same item. The mixed cases like this are always more likely to be getting my attention and buy-button-click. However I think lately my buy-button-finger has been acting on its own and clicking much often than would normally be advisable. But these are not normal times and wine delivery from UPS guy (or lady) is always nice. Cheers!
Hey El Jefe! First a question: I note that the alcohols on several of these have gone north of 15%, which I donât recall being a thing with your wines in the past. Is this just weather/climate change, or have you changed any of your growing or winemaking practices over the last few years thatâs leading to the higher alcohol? If I recall, you got a new winemaker a few years ago, too? Did she or he make any changes?
Second, a thank you. We just popped a 2008 Tanner Syrah the other night and it was *%#&@!ing amazing. Black tea, nice structure and acidity, long finish, perfect balance, and did I mention *%#&@!ing amazing?
@klezman
Makes me wish I still had some 2008 Tanner! (I donât!) 2008 was a very challenging year - April 23rd 2008 was the worst frost weâve ever had - and the wines took longer to come into niceness.
I always breathe easier on April 24th!
As far as the alcohol this is vintage variation. For single varietals one year can be very different from the next. In blends we can balance that out. In 2015 the high Torcido Garnacha got balanced out by the lower ABV Graciano. But 2016 was also a challenging year for keeping the alcohols managed. Thatâs farming for you.
Since it seems to be the thing to do, I plan to hop onto a Zoom call some time tomorrow. Maybe/probably more than once. Stay tuned for that. Iâve been on many many a Zoom but never as the host. Should be entertaining!
@smtcapecod Regulations. Sales are handled by Casemates, but the winery is the actual seller. As such, the individual wineries need to be registered with each state that they want to do business with. Apparently, the cost of doing so can be prohibitive in some states. If youâre in such a buzz-kill state, talk to your legislators.
@smtcapecod Iâll take 'em. I grew up in the nawth, but I was born in Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, and I grew up on grits and grillades (and, of course, red beans and rice).
@eljefetwisted Is the Murgatroyd really a Bordeaux blend? Cab Sauv/Franc / Merlot / PV etc? Any GSM stuff or Tempranillo snuck in there, to twist is up?
@winedavid49âŠno summer shipping to OH is needed! We keep getting these Artic air flows and we either get a ton of rain or a little snow from them. In fact, looks like we may get a little white stuff Friday. Been in the mid to upper 30âs at night this week after a teaser weekend of 60s and 70s. Day time in the 50s again! But weather doesnât matter since most of us are hunkered down inside because of CV19!
So yâall have the honor of being invited to my first ever hosting of a Zoom. Iâve arbitrarily set it for 1pm PDT. Info below. I have no real agenda, so come with your questions (and quarantine hair!) and I might even have answers!
I know itâs short notice. I wonât mind scheduling another one.
Topic: Casemates fun 1
Time: May 6, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
@eljefetwisted
Nice! I have been in zoom meetings for the past month. If someone on my MS Teams sees that I have a zoom meeting, they will assume that itâs work.
@eljefetwisted
Yes, it was fun. Thank you for hosting the first Casemates Zoom. We should have Casemates zoom more often. Perhaps @Winedavid49 can get other winemakers to participate.
We opened this Twisted Oak Cockamamie California red blend
and tried it right out of the bottle. It was bold and the palate immediately got a mouthfeel of tart cherry and raspberry that was a bit under-ripe, the acid causing my mouth to contract.
The bottle was left for about an hour before having a glass while prepping dinner. It opened up some more leaving a more relaxed feeling. This paired well with the chicken tacos.
At this price point it is a definite winner for summer quarantine
I was super excited when a small package requiring a signature suddenly showed up at my door over the weekend. I knew immediately that I was being given another opportunity to be a Lab Rat.
I have had one other chance, but it was for the Gruet sparkling wines which is definitely not in my wheelhouse.
I have to say I was stoked to open the package and see a bottle of Twisted Oak Temparillo. I immediately recalled seeing this particular bottle up for a sale a few months ago but there was no shipping to Pennsylvania, so I missed out.
We held off for a few days but with Tuesday being Cinco de Mayo I knew it was the perfect opportunity to pair this with some steak fajitas.
I screwed off the top and poured a glass. Color is a deep rich purple.
On the nose I got bright berries, tobacco, and leather.
Took a sip and got a little tartness, berries and some great spice.
It paired phenomenally with the fajitas and I think it would work wonderful with BBQ. There was a great, silky mouthfeel associated with this wine and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I knew the price in advance, but my wife did not. She estimated $25-$30 retail and $12-$18 for a Casemates sale.
My wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed it and was absolutely planning on purchasing, but there is still no shipping to PA, so I guess weâre missing out againâŠ. unless someone in Eastern Ohio is up for a split?
@eljefetwisted@jwill1981
Opened a bottle of this for the zoom call this afternoon, then finished this evening with leftovers. Good call on pairing with Cinco de Mayo fajitas. Ours were flank steak.
Meaningless trivia department. The tradition of celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the US (or anywhere else for that matter) began in the town of Columbia CA in 1862, when Mexican gold miners received news of the Mexican victory over the French at Puebla. Columbia is right across the river from Twisted Oak.
In honor of Twisted Oak day @ casemates, we popped a 2014 Torcido from our dwindling Mystery Case offer. The timing on this couldnât be better. The 2014 now leaves behind its lone 2011 sibling. Tonightâs Torcido absolutely confirmed the wise move to purchase the latest offer. Not sure how much longer I can delay opening the Skull, Chumbucket or *%#&@!.
Buy now and enjoy the COVID hunker at home being at one with the universe.
@rjquillin We had some discussion as to which vintage to offer and we sent samples of both vintages to Casemates⊠my bad. The 16 is very very similar to the 15, sans one year of age. I had a 16 tonight with our tacos. I love this wine with Mexican food.
@eljefetwisted@jrbw3 are allowed to ship wine directly to a UPS store here in ohio? Anybody done it? I get a wishy washy answer from the girls at my closest UPS store.
@eljefetwisted@jrbw3@scott0210 that might be an idea. Iâve shipped to my local UPS store a few times (10 miles) because my driver was destroying the packages and complaining about me buying wine. Toledo is an hour driveâŠmaybe 45 min. if I take the Challenger, lol but itâs closer than shipping to friends in Columbus!
@scott0210 if you decide to do this, Iâll split with you. I think Tommy wants some too, if youâre up for two cases, Iâd certainly take 8 bottles.
@jrbw3@scott0210 OK I understand that Casemates is using UPS. You use the UPS store address. You put the name as the person who will pick up (they will probably check ID and if a spouse or someone else might pick up put their name on too). Also add âhold for pickupâ just in case.
I am a long time fan of this wine but since I no longer work in DC, I cannot have it sent to my home in MD. Please work on getting whatever paper work you need to do to ship to Md so I can purchase lots of your wine.
thank you
@CorTot
No problem, not that I donât already have too much.
Still watching a UPS truck wander about the 90+ neighborhood with some cheese from WD.
Wasnât this âwarmâ when ordered.
@CorTot@rjquillin we had a cheese shipment get stalled in LA over the weekend. Needless to say the Pot de Creme was Pot de Chunk by the time it arrived. The dairy reshipped without a problem, but heat does kill.
@CorTot@radiolysis
That cheese is heading back to the distro center.
Guess theyâll try again tomorrowâŠ
Looks like a CS contact may be in the future.
This from the old site.
@djy2g33 Shrug. MA is expensive to set up and I havenât seen the demand (until now). If NY or NH is practical for you I can help find an address. (Going direct has the same issue. Itâs me not Casemates.)
@eljefetwisted ah too bad⊠i got the mystery cases back in 2018, via wine country connect and woot, so i figured the licensing wasnât a problem. Iâll just have to savor that mystery case that i did get!
Iâm a Twisted Few member and Iâm still talking @hitanykey42 into buying this pack, because itâs better than club pricing. Everything here is delicious and the price is unbeatable.
Iâve already got almost three times as many Twisted Oak bottles in my collection as any other producer ⊠and yet âŠ
/giphy pastel-ghoulish-trouble
At least the weather isnât supposed to be as hot, but Iâve never had a case get shipped Thursday. Is this happening for any particular reason? Socially distance the in-flight cases from the get go?
@klezman for the case that is getting delivered, it looks like Saturday is in play. For the one thatâs being held at the Customer Center, itâll sit there over the weekend.
Did anyone else get their order returned to the shipper without a notice that the item actually arrived? (I elected to held at my local UPS location, which I have done for CM orders in the past, but never got a notice for pick-up.)
Twisted Oak Cockamamie California Red Wine
Tasting Notes
Specs
2016 Twisted Oak Graciano
Tasting Notes
Vineyard/Vintage Notes
Specs
2016 Twisted Oak Murgatroyd
Tasting Notes
Specs
2016 Twisted Oak Tempranillo, Sierra Foothills, Calaveras County
Tasting Notes
Specs
2015 Twisted Oak âTorcidoâ Garnacha, Calaveras County
Tasting Notes
Vineyard/Vintage Notes
Specs
2015 Twisted Oak The Spaniard
Tasting Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
$504.47 for a Case of 2x Twisted Oak Cockamamie,2x 2016 Twisted Oak Graciano,2x 2016 Twisted Oak Murgatroyd,2x 2016 Twisted Oak Tempranillo,2x 2015 Twisted Oak âTorcidoâ,2x 2015 Twisted Oak The Spaniard at Twisted Oak Winery
About The Winery
Winery: Twisted Oak Winery
Owners: Jeff and Mary Stai
Location: Murphys, CA
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, ID, IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NY, NC, OH, OR, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Friday, May 29th - Tuesday, June 2nd
Twisted Oak Assorted Reds
6 bottles for $99.99 $16.66/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $184.99 $15.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
NV Cockamamie
2016 Graciano
2016 Murgatroyd
2016 Tempranillo
2015 Torcido
2015 Spaniard
First! For a change
@eljefetwisted
Youâre thinking of the old siteâŠ
No first suckers here.
@eljefetwisted @rjquillin But I miss those days⊠You know, when I could do things like leave my home (and not just buy case after case of wine).
@rjquillin I know. I was just delighted to make the first comment and decided to get nostalgic.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2015-16 Twisted Oak Assorted Reds - $15 = 7.49%
Wow, this is awesome
POPSOCKETS! ROAD ROCKETS! SONNY CROCKETT! AWESOME!
@CruelMelody Are you in for any? I was thinking of a six pack. Iâve been wanting to try their wines for a while. My wife and I get a lot of good vibes from anything Spanish. Iâve never gone for it though because Iâm not sure weâre into wines that are quite as bold as they advertise, although this looks a good way to test the waters!
@CruelMelody Oh, I just saw that you ordered! Nevermind!
So many wines! Wow! Very very tempting with the Murgatroyd in there. Not to mention Spaniard. Perhaps some SoCal folk want to arrange a few trades?
Rats!
Rats that got these should be quite pleased.
Gonna make highlights, errr, interesting.
TemptingâŠ
@karenhynes Very!
/giphy eclectic-standing-attraction
Had the opportunity to taste the
Twisted Oak 2015 âTorcidoâ.
Thank you!
Received this on Saturday, the 1st, so had some time for it to sit. Had a lot going on this weekend- and by that I mean kids to entertain and some house projects to do, so decided to save it for Monday to give it my full attention. Pulled it out of the wine fridge and let it sit at room temp. for about an hour before popping and pouring. Color is a nice dark ruby red. Right from the get go seems very closed and muted, not a lot of nose, just a bit of plum. Makes me pucker big time! Long legs on the glass.
![enter image description here][1]
Not a long of depth or flavors coming through for me just a hint o berry, going to let it sit and see how it opens up. After an hour it has warmed up a bit. Some tobacco and chocolate, and dark fruit. Hit of spice and pepper. It is getting âhotterâ as it warms up and starting to get the alcohol.
This is screaming for food. Pairs well this the short rib bolognese lasagna we had previously planned for the night. Had the wife try it. She is a white drinker, likes more tart and straightforwardly whites, but also likes easy drinking reds. She does not like this one. For me it isnât my go to type of wine, it I keep wanting to drink it!
The wine stands up to the richness of the beef, and pairs well with the acid in the sauce of the meal. As well as the blue cheese in the salad. Added some chocolate for dessert and that really brings out the fruit and berry/dark cherry notes.
Going to cork and see how it pairs with âtaco Tuesdayâ as seems appropriate.
Next day- wow! The 15.5% is showing its colors. Lots of heat. Carnitas tacos donât do a lot to tame it, and the homemade chipotle salsa doesnât stand up to it. The nose seems one note of plum, and while the tannins have dissipated the only flavor I get is tobacco. The day of sitting hasnât added to its finesse, and I wish I had kept drinking it last night!
This isnât a wine for me. But I feel if you like big bodied wines that pack a punch and pair well with food this could be a good buy. For my pallet it needed a bit more structure and I needed some heavy food to pair with it. Looking at the deal, now, I am certainly tempted though! For the price point I feel like it is a steal!
Thanks for the opportunity!
@jshaver Good review, I understand what youâre saying that this might be for some sort of planned consumption with pairings, not just an everyday sipping kind of wine. What I appreciate (thanks @eljefetwisted and @winedavid49) is that this mixed offering (1 or 2 bottles of each) is a great way to experience new things. And if thereâs one that doesnât really work for you, youâve still learned a bit more about the amazing variations (mostly good and sometimes not to your liking) that winemakers can produce. I actually love going into a âmystery bottleâ of something Iâve never had before, just to experience it. But at the same time I might regret if I had 11 more bottles of the same item. The mixed cases like this are always more likely to be getting my attention and buy-button-click. However I think lately my buy-button-finger has been acting on its own and clicking much often than would normally be advisable. But these are not normal times and wine delivery from UPS guy (or lady) is always nice. Cheers!
@jshaver @pmarin @Winedavid49 Thanks for the insight! Iâll keep that in mind for future offerings
/giphy qualified-dapper-oatmeal
Hey El Jefe! First a question: I note that the alcohols on several of these have gone north of 15%, which I donât recall being a thing with your wines in the past. Is this just weather/climate change, or have you changed any of your growing or winemaking practices over the last few years thatâs leading to the higher alcohol? If I recall, you got a new winemaker a few years ago, too? Did she or he make any changes?
Second, a thank you. We just popped a 2008 Tanner Syrah the other night and it was *%#&@!ing amazing. Black tea, nice structure and acidity, long finish, perfect balance, and did I mention *%#&@!ing amazing?
@klezman
Makes me wish I still had some 2008 Tanner! (I donât!) 2008 was a very challenging year - April 23rd 2008 was the worst frost weâve ever had - and the wines took longer to come into niceness.
I always breathe easier on April 24th!
As far as the alcohol this is vintage variation. For single varietals one year can be very different from the next. In blends we can balance that out. In 2015 the high Torcido Garnacha got balanced out by the lower ABV Graciano. But 2016 was also a challenging year for keeping the alcohols managed. Thatâs farming for you.
mustâŠnotâŠbuyâŠ
/giphy talkative-retro-desire
crap
Any SoCal people want to split a case?
@davirom Maybe an uneven split - Iâm most interested in Murgatroyd and a couple others. Happy to discuss.
@klezman I am looking at it as a sampler, so that doesnât work for me. I guess Iâll just do the six pack.
@davirom @klezman
Dave if you want a 50/50 split Iâm game.
@CorTot Sorry, Twisted Oak sells well so I went ahead and took the 6.
Since it seems to be the thing to do, I plan to hop onto a Zoom call some time tomorrow. Maybe/probably more than once. Stay tuned for that. Iâve been on many many a Zoom but never as the host. Should be entertaining!
@eljefetwisted Always love when we get winemaker participation here. No pressure, though, I already ordered!
No SC:(. Sad.
@jenludwig Donât you know enough people all over the place that you can wootleg?
Would have jumped on this, but, alas, no MIâŠ
@kasandrae @jrbw3 I know,right? Must be the new year or the varieties. We all know have purchased a mix of these before
@kasandrae Urgh agreed. Their site says they ship to MIâŠ
@a5meiser @kasandrae Why not ask @eljefetwisted if thereâs anything to be done?
@a5meiser @InFrom @kasandrae My MI permit is in limbo. Sorry.
@a5meiser @eljefetwisted @InFrom @kasandrae also terribly sad about this
Being both bicoastal and bisected (not very sensible or practical to get to the other coast right now), gotta stock up the East wine cellar.
/giphy coarse-petty-bison
No GA :â(
@malex_vt Where in Georgia? I can bring it from Florida if you are close to Atlanta
/giphy predictable-abstract-wall
Go for VA and DC, no MD.
Iâm new here, are state restrictions based on regulations, or demand management, or magic eight ball?
@smtcapecod Regulations. Sales are handled by Casemates, but the winery is the actual seller. As such, the individual wineries need to be registered with each state that they want to do business with. Apparently, the cost of doing so can be prohibitive in some states. If youâre in such a buzz-kill state, talk to your legislators.
@rpstrong OK, Iâll stand pat. FWIW, mixed cases are appealing here, too.
Thank you!
@smtcapecod Well, if youâre out, I guess Iâll have to buy âyourâ case:
/giphy windy-passe-shrimp
@rpstrong. Fair enough. You can have my pirtion of grits, too.
@smtcapecod Iâll take 'em. I grew up in the nawth, but I was born in Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, and I grew up on grits and grillades (and, of course, red beans and rice).
Major No-Brainer!
/giphy capricious-rhetorical-thunder
WD is killing my wine budget!! Another I have to consider buying, even if I did get 4 bottles of Jefeâs wine from a friends club shipment.
/giphy approachable-teachable-armadillo
@eljefetwisted Is the Murgatroyd really a Bordeaux blend? Cab Sauv/Franc / Merlot / PV etc? Any GSM stuff or Tempranillo snuck in there, to twist is up?
@PatrickKarcher The Murgy is Petit Verdot, Cab Sauv, and⊠Petite Sirah. So, yes!
@Wine David. Love this selection, BUT must ask,
âSUMMER SHIPPING OPTION?â please.
@louas Iâm in SoCal and Iâve been getting the foam packaging since early April.
@winedavid. Love this selection, BUT must ask,
âSUMMER SHIPPING OPTION?â please.
@louas
I think you mean @WineDavid49
/giphy modern-decorative-camel
Yeah, summer shipping is a must now, at least for the southwest.
@winedavid49âŠno summer shipping to OH is needed! We keep getting these Artic air flows and we either get a ton of rain or a little snow from them. In fact, looks like we may get a little white stuff Friday. Been in the mid to upper 30âs at night this week after a teaser weekend of 60s and 70s. Day time in the 50s again! But weather doesnât matter since most of us are hunkered down inside because of CV19!
So yâall have the honor of being invited to my first ever hosting of a Zoom. Iâve arbitrarily set it for 1pm PDT. Info below. I have no real agenda, so come with your questions (and quarantine hair!) and I might even have answers!
I know itâs short notice. I wonât mind scheduling another one.
Topic: Casemates fun 1
Time: May 6, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79505593002?pwd=bEpndkhqRVpCaVFVU3o4ZXlxbTdVUT09
Meeting ID: 795 0559 3002
Password: 4Trmrh
@eljefetwisted
Sweet.
This will be a CM first.
@eljefetwisted
Nice! I have been in zoom meetings for the past month. If someone on my MS Teams sees that I have a zoom meeting, they will assume that itâs work.
/giphy unanswered-waning-pain
Well, that Zoom was fun! Thanks to Doug, Anita & hubby, Helen, Stephen, and briefly David for making it so.
@eljefetwisted dang I just missed it
@eljefetwisted @Twich22 So did I!
@eljefetwisted
Yes, it was fun. Thank you for hosting the first Casemates Zoom. We should have Casemates zoom more often. Perhaps @Winedavid49 can get other winemakers to participate.
@klezman @Twich22 I can do another. 3pm PDT? (I have another one I need to jump on at 4.)
@eljefetwisted
Yeah, work got in the way of this oneâŠ
@Twich22 @klezman and all - hereâs a slot for 3:30pm PDT
Topic: Casematerati Part Deux
Time: May 6, 2020 03:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79211499140?pwd=N1hrTEhOcVRnYUNveFB5aDJidjV6dz09
Meeting ID: 792 1149 9140
Password: 8W0Mpd
OK tomorrow I can do something after say 1130am PDT - vote on a time if you are interested in chatting!
We opened this
Twisted Oak Cockamamie California red blend
and tried it right out of the bottle. It was bold and the palate immediately got a mouthfeel of tart cherry and raspberry that was a bit under-ripe, the acid causing my mouth to contract.
The bottle was left for about an hour before having a glass while prepping dinner. It opened up some more leaving a more relaxed feeling. This paired well with the chicken tacos.
At this price point it is a definite winner for summer quarantine
2016 Twisted Oak Tempranillo
I was super excited when a small package requiring a signature suddenly showed up at my door over the weekend. I knew immediately that I was being given another opportunity to be a Lab Rat.
I have had one other chance, but it was for the Gruet sparkling wines which is definitely not in my wheelhouse.
I have to say I was stoked to open the package and see a bottle of Twisted Oak Temparillo. I immediately recalled seeing this particular bottle up for a sale a few months ago but there was no shipping to Pennsylvania, so I missed out.
We held off for a few days but with Tuesday being Cinco de Mayo I knew it was the perfect opportunity to pair this with some steak fajitas.
I screwed off the top and poured a glass. Color is a deep rich purple.
On the nose I got bright berries, tobacco, and leather.
Took a sip and got a little tartness, berries and some great spice.
It paired phenomenally with the fajitas and I think it would work wonderful with BBQ. There was a great, silky mouthfeel associated with this wine and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I knew the price in advance, but my wife did not. She estimated $25-$30 retail and $12-$18 for a Casemates sale.
My wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed it and was absolutely planning on purchasing, but there is still no shipping to PA, so I guess weâre missing out againâŠ. unless someone in Eastern Ohio is up for a split?
@Barney loves purple.
@jwill1981 Sorry about no PA. I can help you find a UPS location in eastern OH if that works. Shoot me a zip code here or tastingroom@twistedoak.com
@eljefetwisted @jwill1981
Opened a bottle of this for the zoom call this afternoon, then finished this evening with leftovers. Good call on pairing with Cinco de Mayo fajitas. Ours were flank steak.
Meaningless trivia department. The tradition of celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the US (or anywhere else for that matter) began in the town of Columbia CA in 1862, when Mexican gold miners received news of the Mexican victory over the French at Puebla. Columbia is right across the river from Twisted Oak.
(Cue the More You Know music)
In honor of Twisted Oak day @ casemates, we popped a 2014 Torcido from our dwindling Mystery Case offer. The timing on this couldnât be better. The 2014 now leaves behind its lone 2011 sibling. Tonightâs Torcido absolutely confirmed the wise move to purchase the latest offer. Not sure how much longer I can delay opening the Skull, Chumbucket or *%#&@!.
Buy now and enjoy the COVID hunker at home being at one with the universe.
/giphy elite-boorish-tulip
@eljefetwisted @WineDavid49
Which is being offered?
the '15 or '16 Tempranillo?
Seems to be some confusion with a Rat bottle shot of the '15 and the listing for the '16âŠ
Wrong vintage sent for the Rat, or a fubar in the listing?
@rjquillin We had some discussion as to which vintage to offer and we sent samples of both vintages to Casemates⊠my bad. The 16 is very very similar to the 15, sans one year of age. I had a 16 tonight with our tacos. I love this wine with Mexican food.
Anyone in NW Ohio (Toledo-ey) interested in splitting with a SE Michigander?
@jrbw3 Thereâs a UPS Store here:
THE UPS STORE
3550 EXECUTIVE PKWY,7, TOLEDO, OH, 43606-1339
Tel: 4195780700
FedEx here:
Walgreens
FedEx OnSite
4580 Monroe St
Toledo, OH 43613
tel:8004633339
@eljefetwisted @jrbw3 are allowed to ship wine directly to a UPS store here in ohio? Anybody done it? I get a wishy washy answer from the girls at my closest UPS store.
@eljefetwisted @jrbw3 @scott0210 that might be an idea. Iâve shipped to my local UPS store a few times (10 miles) because my driver was destroying the packages and complaining about me buying wine. Toledo is an hour driveâŠmaybe 45 min. if I take the Challenger, lol but itâs closer than shipping to friends in Columbus!
@scott0210 if you decide to do this, Iâll split with you. I think Tommy wants some too, if youâre up for two cases, Iâd certainly take 8 bottles.
@jrbw3 @scott0210 OK I understand that Casemates is using UPS. You use the UPS store address. You put the name as the person who will pick up (they will probably check ID and if a spouse or someone else might pick up put their name on too). Also add âhold for pickupâ just in case.
@jrbw3 I am actually in Canton so probably not of any help to you Michiganders. Pretty long drive.
@jrbw3 @scott0210 ok Rob, if youâre buying, Iâm flying, work out the details later
I am a long time fan of this wine but since I no longer work in DC, I cannot have it sent to my home in MD.
Please work on getting whatever paper work you need to do to ship to Md so I can purchase lots of your wine.
thank you
Dammit still no PA!?!
Resistance is futile⊠docile-trusting-cloud
Cheers!
/giphy mushy-sober-mamba
my first actual order since November.
Nice job el Jefe and WD! you got my money!
@CorTot full case?
@rjquillin no, i used the coupon to get the 1/2 case price down.
@CorTot @rjquillin What coupon? The UPS switch one from some time ago or a different one?
@CorTot This is one where Iâd have split with you.
With the head and UPS delivery issues, just canât order for SD delivery.
@rjquillin sorry, I assumed due to the high variety you would just order a case for yourself.
Oh wellâŠ
@djy2g33 @rjquillin same one, I just never used it.
@rjquillin yeah, hereâs hoping my Ped cases and the TO case come through the heat unscathed
@CorTot
No problem, not that I donât already have too much.
Still watching a UPS truck wander about the 90+ neighborhood with some cheese from WD.
Wasnât this âwarmâ when ordered.
@CorTot @rjquillin quesadillas anyone?
@CorTot @rjquillin we had a cheese shipment get stalled in LA over the weekend. Needless to say the Pot de Creme was Pot de Chunk by the time it arrived. The dairy reshipped without a problem, but heat does kill.
@CorTot @losthighwayz @rjquillin
Lol just have a tortilla in your hand when you open the box.
@rjquillin Did you want to split a case?
@merrybill Just asked Klez, but yes.
Just canât receive down here.
You have FS?
whisper me your address and Iâll do the deed.
@CorTot @radiolysis
That cheese is heading back to the distro center.
Guess theyâll try again tomorrowâŠ
Looks like a CS contact may be in the future.
This from the old site.
@rjquillin Iâll buy and ship to me, if you donât mind.
@rjquillin
/giphy appetizing-resounding-feast
@merrybill delivered $$$?
@rjquillin fix my giphy, first
@winedavid49 Lets talk summer shipping!
Anyone have the coupon code offered when the switch was made to UPS? I never got one. Thanks
@losthighwayz That code was CHANGEISHARD
Boo - no shipping to MA? Thatâs a rarity these days!
@eljefetwisted any way to order directly through you to get this deal?
@djy2g33 Shrug. MA is expensive to set up and I havenât seen the demand (until now). If NY or NH is practical for you I can help find an address. (Going direct has the same issue. Itâs me not Casemates.)
@eljefetwisted ah too bad⊠i got the mystery cases back in 2018, via wine country connect and woot, so i figured the licensing wasnât a problem. Iâll just have to savor that mystery case that i did get!
Iâm a Twisted Few member and Iâm still talking @hitanykey42 into buying this pack, because itâs better than club pricing. Everything here is delicious and the price is unbeatable.
@cheron98
@cheron98 A cheron98 sighting! Hi! Itâs been so long!
And somehow a case seems to have somehow been ordered by someoneâŠ
/giphy fictional-moldy-chalk
@cheron98 ! Long time. You are no longer in MI, correct?
@jrbw3 correct. VA now
@cheron98 My home state. Very nice. Iâm from the mountains of VA. Enjoy. Hope youâre well.
Had to do it, shipping to Toledo.
/giphy burgundy-brawny-barley
@jrbw3 Nice, my daughter hates? that movie
Couldnât hold out - Iâm being enabled!
/giphy endurable-catastrophic-building
@klezman
split a case?
Iâve already got almost three times as many Twisted Oak bottles in my collection as any other producer ⊠and yet âŠ
/giphy pastel-ghoulish-trouble
@Foobarski We actually had a bottle of the 2015 Spaniard tonight ⊠and dang, it was nice.
At least the weather isnât supposed to be as hot, but Iâve never had a case get shipped Thursday. Is this happening for any particular reason? Socially distance the in-flight cases from the get go?
@radiolysis Will UPS deliver Saturday, maybe, like FedEx Home?
@klezman for the case that is getting delivered, it looks like Saturday is in play. For the one thatâs being held at the Customer Center, itâll sit there over the weekend.
Did anyone else get their order returned to the shipper without a notice that the item actually arrived? (I elected to held at my local UPS location, which I have done for CM orders in the past, but never got a notice for pick-up.)