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Possibly The Best QPR Wines In The World Today?
Today, I want to talk about wine and value. “Value” has an interesting meaning in the world of wine – may be as subjective as the concept of a “good wine” itself. To me, the value is not an absolute amount of money one paid for the bottle of wine – if you paid $3, but poured the bottle down the drain after half-finished first sip because it tasted terribly – was that still a “value”? Or was that a pure waste of money? By the same token, if the $20 bottle of wine gave you lots of pleasure in every tiniest drop (including the one you licked of the table), would that be a “good value”? Talking about the “value” of the wine, I prefer to use a proverbial term QPR, so happily adapted by the wine lovers – a Quality Price Ratio (this is what QPR stands for) conveys the “value” concept of wine a lot better than the sheer price itself.
One of the easiest and most straightforward ways to classify and analyze thousands and thousands of wines produced today in the world is by region, as wines from the same geographic area would typically have some similarities. Thinking about all the different wine producing regions in the world, which region do you think delivers the best QPR today? I’m really asking here to think about the region as a whole, rather then individual wines. Yes, you can find delicious Napa reds for $10, but this is rather an anomaly, as on average, you need to spend at least $25 – $30 for a good bottle, so we are definitely not talking about Napa here. Thus the question stands – what is your best QPR wine region in the world?
This question might be more difficult than it seems. Wine regions don’t stand still – they are constantly evolving. As the region becomes better known and more demanded, the price increase often accompanies this rise in popularity – which obviously affects the QPR. I used to consider Greek wines as a great QPR – but many Greek wines are now pushing the $30 boundary, while not consistent in quality – this immediately drives QPR down. I used to think of Israeli wines as a great value – but same thing is happening there, with lots of better wines moving north of $30, and wines under $20 been more of “hit and miss”. My next “go to” wines were Portuguese – but even here I now have a problem – wines under $20 are often only randomly tasty; wines at around $30 and up are consistently excellent, rivaling $100+ wines from the other regions, so in relative terms, they still offer a great value – but probably not the best QPR?
“Knowing what I know now”, the region which I think consistently delivers the best QPR at the moment (!) is Georgia – not the state down south in the US, of course, but an independent country. I always loved Georgian wines, but what prompted this broad statement about QPR was a recent Georgian Wine tasting I attended a week ago at Chelsea Market in New York. Wine after wine was delicious, and priced under $20 – that is a QPR I’m definitely happy about.
You don’t have to take my word for it – you should find a bottle of Georgian wine and try it for yourself. I really hope you did just that last Sunday, October 4th, as it was a #GeorgianWineDay in the social media – and if you actually had Georgian wine, I’m curious to know what it was. In any case, let me share the notes for the wines I tasted at the “Discover Georgia in New York” event at the colorful Chelsea Market. Below are the notes, using the “+” ratings. Pay attention to the prices and corresponding ratings – don’t know what you think, but I think the “QPR” is spelled very clearly across the full range of wines I tasted.
2013 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Rkatsiteli Kakheti, Georgia ($10.99) – +++, very acidic, requires food
2013 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Mtsvane-Kisi Kondoli Vineyards Kakheti, Georgia ($14.99) – +++, excellent, clean, lemon notes, touch of food
2013 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Saperavi Kakheti, Georgia ($11.99) – +++, excellent, simple, an everyday wine, red fruit, crushed berries
2009 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Red Kvareli Special Vicultural area, Kakheti, Georgia ($15.99) – ++++, beautiful, clean, great depth
2012 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Saperavi Kondoli Vineyards Kakheti, Georgia ($18.99, 18 months in oak, starting from fermentation) – ++++, stunning! round and delicious
2007 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Reserve SAPERAVI block Kondoli vineyards, Kakheti, Georgia ($70) – ++++1/2, off the charts, produced only in the best years, complex, round, delicious. Yes, it is $70, and it might be to expensive for an amazing QPR, but you should taste this wine first…
2006 Wineman Cabernet Sauvignon Kakheti, Georgia ($10.99) – ++++, wow!, pick of maturity, dark notes, concentrated – another wow!
2010 Wineman Ikhalto Red Kakheti, Georgia ($12.99, 50% Saperavi, 50% Cabernet Franc) – ++++, wow!, acidity, beautiful wine
2013 Wineman Kindzmarauli Special Viticultural Area Red Semi-Sweet Kakheti, Georgia (12% ABV, $15.99, 100% Saperavi) – ++++, beautiful, perfectly balanced sweetness
2011 Shalvino Kardenakhi Special Viticultural Area Kakheti, Georgia (18% ABV, $18.99, Blend of Rkatsiteli, Khikhvi, Goruli and Mtsvane) – ++++, made using Solera method, delicious, Pedro Ximenez like with a delicate balance
2013 Telavi Wine Cellar Satrapezo Rkatsiteli Ice Wine Kakheti, Georgia (10% ABV, $29.99 500ml) – +++1/2, beautiful, perfect balance, not overly sweet
2013 Teliani Valley Tsinandali White Kakheti, Georgia ($12.99) – +++, great acidity
2012 Teliani Valley Special Vicultural area Kakheti, Georgia ($17.99) – +++, great acidity, perfect, food friendly
2013 Schuchmann Rkatsiteli White Kakheti, Georgia ($15.99) – +++, touch of sweetness, nice balance
2013 Schuchmann Saperavi Red Kakheti, Georgia ($15.99) – +++, perfect, clean, great balance
2012 Vinoterra Kisi Kakheti, Georgia (13% ABV, $NA, Qvevri fermentation, Oak maturation) – +++, complex, very intense, unusual, thought provoking
What do you think? I understand that QPR is subjective and relative term – first, you have to like the wine, and then everyone’s idea of “value” is different – but I was (once again) blown away by the quality and consistency of what I tasted – I didn’t skip a single wine, those are all the wines which were presented in the tasting. This would make it 16 wines out of 16, which I would gladly drink again. I hope it gives you good frame of reference for my experience.
Thinking about the wines of the world, what would be your top region for the best QPR? And if you tasted any of the Georgian wines, what is your opinion about them? Cheers!
Following Wines Til Sold Out – Anything Goes Marathon, September 2015
It was a while since I posted one of these, but when I saw the announcement for the Wine Til Sold Out “Anything Goes” marathon, somehow I felt inclined to collect the data and create this post. As nobody has time to constantly watch all the wines been offered, the table below presents all (I hope) wines which were included in the marathon, so you can ponder at your own leisure – sorry, that might lead to some regrets too, but I can’t help you with that.
The fact that I didn’t do this in a while shows in the quality of data below, unfortunately – quite a bit of information is missing. I had to recreate the script, and the computer went to sleep right in a middle of a data collection and I lost it all on the wake up. But I hope you will still find it useful as limited as it is. You can see below the prices, the ratings and at what time the wines were offered and for how long they lasted.
Without further ado, here is the table with all the wines offered during marathon (including super-beauty double Barolo package offered right after). If you took part in the marathon, I’m curious to know what you got. And if you missed some wines – well, you can rant in that comments space below. Happy Wine Wednesday and cheers!
Here is the guide to the rating abbreviations (this list is ever inclusive – not all of them are used below): WS – Wine Spectator, WA – Wine Advocate, ST – Steven Tanzer, WE – Wine Enthusiast, WRO – Wine Review Online, W&S – Wine and Spirits, JS – James Suckling, RP – Robert Parker, JHN – Jonathan H. Newman, D – Decanter Magazine, rating goes in stars ( 5 stars is max), JH – James Halliday, TRR – The Rhone Report, BH – Burghound, IWR – International Wine Report, TLC – The Library Collection, PR – Pinot Report, TWN – The Wine News, LM – Luca Maroni, Sn – Snooth.com.
| Time | Wine | Rating | MSRP | Price | %off |
| 12:00a | Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano 2005/2007 2-Pack | WA95, ST95 | $520.00 | $199.99 | 62% |
| 11:45p | Sullivan Vineyards Rutherford Estate 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon | JHN93 | $70.00 | $29.99 | 57% |
| 11:29p | Podere la Regola ‘La Regola’ Super Tuscan IGT Red Blend 2008 | WA93 | $46.00 | $22.99 | 50% |
| 11:13p | Achaval-Ferrer ‘Finca Mirador’ Mendoza Malbec 2008 | WA96, 93WS | $150.00 | $59.99 | 60% |
| 11:00p | Col d’Orcia ‘Il Veltro’ Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 | $50.00 | $23.99 | 52% | |
| 10:44p | Clarendon Hills ‘Liandra Vineyard’ Clarendon Syrah 2007 | JH95 | $85.00 | $33.99 | 60% |
| 10:35p | Casalvento ‘Janus’ Toscana 2011 Half Bottle (375.00ml) | JS93 | $60.00 | $19.99 | 67% |
| 10:20p | Giacomo Borgogno et Figli Barolo Riserva DOCG 2004 Special Edition | JS93 | $110.00 | $39.99 | 64% |
| 10:06p | Chateau Luchey-Halde Pessac-Leognan Red Blend 2009 | IWR92+ | $95.00 | $29.99 | 68% |
| 9:50p | Philippe LeClerc Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champeaux 1er Cru 2011 | JHN92 | $120.00 | $49.99 | 58% |
| 9:36p | Champagne Tendil & Lombardi Cuvee Rose NV | WS90 | $69.00 | $29.99 | 57% |
| 9:30p | Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard 2011 | WS93 | $75.00 | $39.99 | 47% |
| 9:15p | Eagles Trace Winery Estate Grown Napa Valley Merlot 2007 | $45.00 | $22.99 | 49% | |
| 9:00p | Barolo 2009 Single Vineyard Cru Ciabot Berton Roggeri | WRO94, JS93 | $90.00 | $32.99 | 63% |
| 8:45p | Marques del Puerto Bentus Reserva 2005 | WE92 | $60.00 | $19.99 | 67% |
| 8:36p | Rancho Zabaco Monte ‘Toreador’ 2010 Rosso Vineyard Sonoma Valley Zinfandel | WA93 | $60.00 | $26.99 | 55% |
| 8:23p | La Esquina Torrontes 2014 | $22.00 | $9.99 | 55% | |
| 8:09p | Corte Campagnola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Gli Archi 2004 | WE92 | $54.99 | $29.99 | 45% |
| 8:00p | Krutz Family Cellars Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011 | $74.00 | $39.99 | 47% | |
| 7:49p | Lisini 2009 Brunello di Montalcino 93 rating and 53% | IWR93, WS91 | $78.00 | $36.99 | 53% |
| 7:34p | Sancerre 2013 ‘Les 7 Hommes ‘ 100% Sauvignon Blanc By Cherrier Pere & Fils | IWR90+ | $39.00 | $17.99 | 54% |
| 7:26p | Quinta Seara d’Ordens Vintage Port 2011 | WE92 | $90.00 | $37.99 | 58% |
| 7:16p | Colle Lungo Campo Cerchi Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 | $50.00 | $24.99 | 50% | |
| 7:04p | Domaine du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 | WS91, WA91 | $60.00 | $26.99 | 55% |
| 6:52p | Robert Young Estate Winery ‘Red Winery Road’ Chardonnay 2013 | $35.00 | $17.99 | 49% | |
| 6:41p | Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brut Rose Sauvage NV | WRO93, WS92 | $69.99 | $39.99 | 43% |
| 6:31p | Tempranillo ‘Valnuevo’ Toro 2006 Bodegas y Vinedos Tardencuba | WA93+ | $70.00 | $39.99 | 43% |
| 6:23p | Eagles Trace Wines ‘Latitude 38’ Estate Grown Napa Valley Red Blend 2011 | $85.00 | $34.99 | 59% | |
| 6:12p | Gaston and Pierre Ravaut Aloxe-Corton Vieilles Vignes 2009 Cote de Beaune | WS90 | $70.00 | $35.99 | 49% |
| 5:58p | Citille di Sopra ‘Poggio Ronconi’ Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 | JS97 | $95.00 | $46.99 | 51% |
| 5:50p | Encantado Rutherford 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon | $50.00 | $22.99 | 54% | |
| 5:38p | Ernest Meurgey-Perron Meursault Premier Cru White Burgundy 2013 | JHN92 | $100.00 | $39.99 | 60% |
| 5:24p | Champagne Philippe Prie Cuvee Archange NV | WS92 | $95.00 | $34.99 | 63% |
| 5:15p | Mendoza Vineyards Gran Reserva Malbec 2011 | WA92 | $60.00 | $19.99 | 67% |
| 4:58p | Fontanafredda ‘Varej’ Barbera Piedmont DOC 2013 | $17.99 | $9.99 | 44% | |
| 4:48p | Champagne Henri Abele Rose NV | WS91 | $55.00 | $27.99 | 49% |
| 4:42p | Long Meadow Ranch Rutherford 2013 Reserve Red Blend | JHN93 | $100.00 | $29.99 | 70% |
| 4:36p | Antolini ‘Moropio’ Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2010 | WE93 | $79.00 | $27.99 | 65% |
| 4:22p | Domaine Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Prestige 2011 | WS93, WA93 | $80.00 | $39.99 | 50% |
| 4:16p | Sojourn Cellars ‘Campbell Ranch Vineyard’ Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2012 | PR94 | $45.00 | $39.99 | 11% |
| 4:08p | Fattoria Scopone Brunello di Montalcino ‘Olivare’ DOCG 2010 | JS95 | $80.00 | $36.99 | 54% |
| 3:56p | Super Tuscan ‘Marchesale’ Terre del Marchesato Toscana IGT 2007 | WE94 | $80.00 | $33.99 | 58% |
| 3:44p | Ribera del Duero 2009 ‘Antonio Izquierdo’ Vendimia Seleccionada Bodegas Izquiredo | WA93 | $120.00 | $45.99 | 62% |
| 3:28p | Keating Wines ‘Buchignani Vineyard’ Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2012 | WE91 | $35.00 | $19.99 | 43% |
| 3:14p | Burgess Cellars ‘Library Release’ Napa Valley 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon | $150.00 | $89.99 | 40% | |
| 3:11p | Antonin Rodet Macon-Ige ‘Le Chaillou’ Chardonnay 2011 | JHN91 | $35.00 | $14.99 | 57% |
| 2:55p | Domaine Louis Cheze Cuvee ‘Anges’ Saint-Joseph AOC Syrah 2007 | WS93 | $75.00 | $29.99 | 60% |
| 2:42p | Sullivan Vineyards Rutherford Estate 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon | JHN93 | $70.00 | $29.99 | 57% |
| 2:29p | Bodegas Bioenos Gorys Crespiello 2010 91 rating and 72% | WA91 | $100.00 | $27.99 | 72% |
| 2:18p | Fontanafredda ‘Lazzarito’ Vigna La Delizia Barolo DOCG 1999 | WA92 | $170.00 | $49.99 | 71% |
| 2:08p | Guillaume Baptiste ‘L’Evidence’ 2014 Pouilly-Fume | JHN91+ | $35.00 | $15.99 | 54% |
| 1:58p | Pannier Egerie Champagne 2002 | WE92 | $100.00 | $39.99 | 60% |
| 1:52p | Casalvento Vineyards and Winery Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010 | 94 | 47% | ||
| 1:46p | C. Donatiello Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2012 | 92 | 56% | ||
| 1:34p | Eagles Trace ‘Latitude 38’ Estate Grown Napa Valley Red Blend 2009 | 51% | |||
| 1:26p | Chateau Moulin de la Rose Saint-Julien 2008 | WE92 | 59% | ||
| 1:16p | Clarendon Hills ‘Blewitt Springs’ Clarendon Grenache 2007 | 93 | 46% | ||
| 1:08p | Valentina Cubi ‘Morar’ 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella | 93 | 59% | ||
| 1:01p | Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2012 | 94 | 43% | ||
| 12:50p | Tenimenti Soprani Barolo DOCG 2010 | 56% | |||
| 12:37p | Jamieson Ranch Vineyards ‘Reata’ 2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir | 92 | 56% | ||
| 12:24p | Buoncristiani Family Winery ‘O.P.C.’ Napa Valley 2010 Proprietary Red Blend | 92 | 40% | ||
| 12:16p | Loacker Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 | 93 | 59% | ||
| 12:09p | H. Blin Champagne Brut NV | 91 | 59% | ||
| 11:50a | Maroon Winery Spring Mountain District Reserve 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon | 50% | |||
| 11:39a | Prosecco Bosco dei Cirmioli Veneto NV | 50% | |||
| 11:24a | Lisini 2009 Brunello di Montalcino | 93 | 53% | ||
| 11:16a | Vintage Port Wine and Soul ‘Pintas’ 2011 | 96 | 38% | ||
| 11:07a | Gran Reserva Rioja 2001 Bodegas Lar de Paula Gran Baroja | 90 | 47% | ||
| 11:02a | Encantado 2012 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon | 62% | |||
| 10:55a | Joseph Mellot Vigne de la Demoiselle Sancerre Rose 2014 | 44% | |||
| 10:47a | Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco DOCG 2005 | 50% | |||
| 10:41a | Pinot Noir Premier Cru Beaune Perrieres 2007 Maison Louis Latour | 90 | 57% | ||
| 10:26a | Champagne Veuve Doussot Brut Rose NV 100% Pinot Noir | 90 | 63% | ||
| 10:17a | Robert Stemmler Winery Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir 2011 | 91 | 55% | ||
| 10:08a | Groth Vineyards and Winery Reserve 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon | 94 | 36% | ||
| 9:53a | Barolo DOCG Cascina Adelaide ‘Fossati’ 2008 | WS93 | $125.00 | $39.99 | 68% |
| 9:44a | Domaine Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Prestige 2008 | 93 | 63% | ||
| 9:34a | Sancerre 100% Sauvignon Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2012 Domaine Raimbault | 91 | 62% | ||
| 9:29a | Cru du Rhone Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2011 Domaine du Grand Montmirail | 91 | 64% | ||
| 9:22a | Casa Brancaia ‘Ilatraia’ 2009 Maremma Toscana IGT | 94 | 56% | ||
| 9:15a | Beaulieu Vineyard ‘Tapestry’ Napa Valley Reserve Red Blend 2011 | 54% | |||
| 9:00a | Piper-Heidsieck Vintage Brut 2006 | 92 | 33% |
Just When You Least Expect It – Last Bottle Festivus Marathon Madness, December 18th!
In its typical style, when you least expect it (meaning – the day before the event), Last Bottle, a purveyor of the fine wines at the value prices, announced yet another “Madness Marathon”. The promise is to make it the most over the top ever, and considering that at 1 PM Pacific time Last Bottle plans to offer Domaine de la Romanee Conti (yep, the sacred DRC!), that might not be an empty threat.
Here is all you need to know:
The event takes place on Thursday, December 18th, starting at 9 AM Pacific time (Noon Eastern), the wines will be offered at a neck-breaking (hmmm, may be, finger-breaking? ) speed at the Last Bottle web site. No notifications of any sort, not even on twitter – you have to click “refresh” all the time. No minimums, all the wines you will buy will ship free, shortly after the event will be over. The event will last for two days or until all the wine will be sold out.
You will need to have an account with Last Bottle, and I also highly recommend to be logged into your account all the time during the event, with your payment information filled it – if you are not fast enough, you are not getting that amazing wine at an amazing price – there is always someone who clicks faster than you.
As usual, when I mention Last Bottle, in case you don’t have an account with them already, I always offer an opportunity to sign up – if you will sign up using this link, you will get $5 off your first purchase, and yes, I will get $20 after your first purchase. The beauty is that moving forward, you can sign up your friends, and now you will be the one to get $20 after they will buy the wine from the Last Bottle.
Okay, enough reading – go make some room in your cellar – you will need it. And if you will be the one to buy the DRC, can you please at least leave a comment here, so I will be able to envy you?
Happy [great value wine] Hunting!
Last Bottle Wines Earthquake Marathon Madness – Tomorrow Starting at Noon Eastern
Apologies for the second post in a day, but I just got the e-mail and I have to share it with you. Only today I told you about the WTSO marathon event coming in September, and in about 20 minutes after I pressed the “publish” button, the e-mail announcement came in from the Last Bottle Wines, another purveyor of the fine wines at the value prices.
But before I will tell you about the marathon, I want to mention the important initiative by the Last Bottle Wines. As you know, few days ago Napa Valley was affected by the earthquake. Thousands of people were affected, and as it often happens, those in need are affected the most. Last Bottle Wines donated $5,000 to the Napa Valley Food Bank, and if you want to help, you can donate as well by CLICKING HERE.
Now, starting tomorrow at Noon Eastern/ 9 am Pacific, Last Bottle Wines will run their marathon sale event called Earthquake Marathon Madness.
The wines will be offered at a neck-breaking speed – no notifications of any sort – you just have to click “refresh” in your browser. No minimum purchase, and all wines will ship for free (within 48 states) in a few weeks. Of course you need to have an account with Last Bottle Wines, and I suggest you will be logged in with your credit card information set, if you want to catch any of the wines which will be sold. In case you don’t have an account, I will be glad to be your “reference” – you can use this link to sign up, and if you will, you will get $5 credit – yes, I will get $20 credit as well – but next time it will be you, when you will sign up your friends…
Happy Wine Wednesday, Happy Hunting and Cheers!
Following Wines Til Sold Out – Magnum Marathon, April 2014
15 hours. 13,317 bottles. About 70 different wine offers. 3,215 thirsty people logged into the web site at 5 PM. These are some of the statistics of WTSO Magnum Marathon which took place on Tuesday, April 22nd. Another day of lost productivity for many businesses – oops, did I say it out loud? I meant the day of great deals for all wine lovers out there – I’m sure everybody were super productive at their desks.
As this was the Magnum Marathon, most of the wines offered were of 1.5L size, with few exceptions at 3L. Lots of great producers – Ladera, Tablas Creek, Ciabot Berton, Paolo Scavino, even Cristal and Joseph Phelps, and many many more.
Without further ado, I will leave you on with the data. Yes, my collection was somewhat lacking this time, so you will see some missing data as to the pricing and source of ratings – oh well, I hope you will still find it interesting. Note that unless the bottle size is noted as 3.0L, it is the standard magnum size of 1.5L.
Here is the guide to the rating abbreviations (this list is ever inclusive – not all of them are used below): WS – Wine Spectator, WA – Wine Advocate, ST – Steven Tanzer, WE – Wine Enthusiast, WRO – Wine Review Online, W&S – Wine and Spirits, JS – James Suckling, RP – Robert Parker, JHN – Jonathan H. Newman, D – Decanter Magazine, rating goes in stars ( 5 stars is max), JH – James Halliday, TRR – The Rhone Report, BH – Burghound, IWR – International Wine Report, TLC – The Library Collection, PR – Pinot Report, TWN – The Wine News, LM – Luca Maroni, Sn – Snooth.com.
| Time | Wine | Rating | Min. Qty | MSRP | Price | %off |
| 12:00a 04/23 | Mockingbird Hill Reserve Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2012 (750) | JHN91 | 4 | $32.00 | $14.99 | 53% |
| 12:00a | Our Magnum Marathon is officially over! | – | ||||
| 11:31p | Elena Fucci ‘Titolo’ 2010 Aglianico del Vulture | JS91 | 1 | $160.00 | $69.99 | 56% |
| 11:21p | Chateau de Macard Bordeaux Superieur 2010 | IWR90 | 2 | $55.00 | $28.99 | 47% |
| 11:06p | Vellum Napa Valley Cabernet 2011 | – | 1 | $200.00 | $99.99 | 50% |
| 10:44p | Bodegas Penafiel Miros Reserva 2007 | – | 2 | $175.00 | $39.99 | 77% |
| 10:36p | Brut Champagne NV Piper-Heidsieck | WS93 | 2 | $100.00 | $64.99 | 35% |
| 10:15p | Firriato Harmonium Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT 2010 | LM97 | 2 | $115.00 | $59.99 | 48% |
| 10:10p | San Rustico Amarone Classico 2008 | WA92 | 1 | $130.00 | $64.99 | 50% |
| 9:52p | Rocca Family Estate Collinetta Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2009 | WE93 | 1 | $210.00 | $149.99 | 43% |
| 9:32p | Cantina Valenti ‘I Puritani’ Etna Rosso Nerello 2009 | JS92 | 2 | $90.00 | $49.99 | 44% |
| 9:06p | Ribera Del Duero Reserva 2001 Bodegas Balbas | WS93 | 2 | $130.00 | $49.99 | 62% |
| 8:50p | Tenuta dei Setti Cieli ‘Indaco’ 2005 | WA90 | 1 | $100.00 | $59.99 | 40% |
| 8:28p | St. Supery Dollarhide Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 | TWN93 | 1 | $200.00 | $149.99 | 25% |
| 8:10p | Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel Reserva 2005 | WS90 | 1 | $160.00 | $69.99 | 56% |
| 7:50p | Domaine de Fond Croze ‘Cuvée Shyrus’ Cotes du Rhone 2009 | WE91 | 2 | $75.00 | $39.99 | 47% |
| 7:31p | Diadema Super Tuscan Rosso IGT 2009 Swarovski Bottle | WE93 | 1 | $250.00 | $94.99 | 62% |
| 7:12p | Bodegas Tabula Gran Tabula Ribera del Duero 2009 | WS92 | 1 | $200.00 | $89.99 | 55% |
| 7:08p | I Balzini Black Label 2006 Double Magnum (3.0L) | 92 | 51% | |||
| 6:45p | Eagles Trace ‘Latitude 38’ Conn Valley Bordeaux Style Blend 2006 | – | 1 | $175.00 | $99.99 | 43% |
| 6:34p | Ciabot Berton Barolo DOCG 2008 | ST92 | 1 | $190.00 | $79.99 | 58% |
| 6:21p | Rocca Family Vineyards Grigsby Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 | WA90 | 1 | $210.00 | $124.99 | 40% |
| 6:09p | Red Bordeaux Castillon Cote de Bordeaux Chateau Hyot 2010 | WS90 | 2 | $45.00 | $24.99 | 44% |
| 6:04p | Scavino Carobric Barolo 2008 | WA94 | 1 | $250.00 | $159.99 | 36% |
| 5:40p | Eagles Trace Conn Valley Napa Cabernet 2006 | – | 1 | $150.00 | $89.99 | 40% |
| 5:11p | Millet-Roger Sancerre 2013 | IWR92 | 2 | $95.00 | $44.99 | 53% |
| 5:03p | I Balzini Black/White 2000 2-Pack | WE91 | 1 | $250.00 | $99.99 | 60% |
| 4:45p | Resalte Pena Roble Reserva 2004 | WS92 | 2 | $120.00 | $49.99 | 58% |
| 4:40p | Michel-Schlumberger ‘La Cime’ 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon | – | 2 | $80.00 | $39.99 | 50% |
| 4:15p | I Giusti & Zanza Belcore 2009 | JS92 | 2 | $80.00 | $49.99 | 38% |
| 4:09p | Bodegas Tabula Gran Tabula Ribera del Duero 2007 | WA94 | 1 | $200.00 | $89.99 | 55% |
| 4:00p | Canalicchio 2004 Brunello di Montalcino | WA93 | 1 | $225.00 | $99.99 | 56% |
| 3:34p | Champagne Philippe Prie Brut Tradition NV | WS91 | 2 | $125.00 | $49.99 | 60% |
| 3:27p | Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011 | W&S96 | 1 | $190.00 | $139.99 | 26% |
| 3:13p | Ladera Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 | W&S92 | 1 | $250.00 | $149.99 | 40% |
| 2:59p | Barolo Riserva 2004 ‘Roggeri’ Ciabot Berton | WE91 | 1 | $250.00 | $109.99 | 56% |
| 2:37p | Boekenhoutskloof ‘The Chocolate Block’ 2011 | ST90 | 1 | $100.00 | $69.99 | 30% |
| 2:22p | Cotes du Rhone 2011 Domaine de Dionysos ‘La Deveze’ | IWR90 | 2 | $65.00 | $24.99 | 62% |
| 2:09p | Vellum Napa Valley Cabernet 2010 | – | 1 | $200.00 | $99.99 | 50% |
| 1:48p | Bodegas Penafiel Miros Reserva 2007 | – | 2 | $175.00 | $39.99 | 77% |
| 1:42p | Tenuta dei Setti Cieli ‘Indaco’ 2007 | WA92 | 1 | $100.00 | $59.99 | 40% |
| 1:22p | Brut Champagne NV Piper-Heidsieck | WS93 | 2 | $100.00 | $64.99 | 35% |
| 1:19p | Trefethen Oak Knoll Cabernet 2007 | 92 | 40% | |||
| 1:12p | Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 2006 | JS96 | 1 | $249.99 | $149.99 | 40% |
| 12:48p | Ribera Del Duero Reserva 2001 Bodegas Balbas | WS93 | 2 | $130.00 | $49.99 | 62% |
| 12:44p | I Balzini White Label 2006 Double Magnum (3.0L) | WS93 | 1 | $225.00 | $109.99 | 51% |
| 12:24p | St. Supery Dollarhide Cabernet 2003 | – | 1 | $200.00 | $149.99 | 25% |
| 12:07p | Fontanafredda Barolo Riserva ‘Tilson’ 1997 Limited Edition | – | 1 | $450.00 | $119.99 | 73% |
| 11:42a | 92 Pt. Chateau Haut Gravet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010 | JS92 | 2 | $105.00 | $49.99 | 52% |
| 11:38a | Canalicchio Brunello 2007 | 93 | 56% | |||
| 11:17a | Essenciel de Paradis Coteaux D’Aix En Provence Rose 2013 | IWR90 | 2 | $60.00 | $24.99 | 58% |
| 11:03a | I Balzini White Label 1997 | JS92 | 1 | $125.00 | $54.99 | 56% |
| 10:43a | Maroon Cabernet Signature Reserve Napa Valley 2012 | – | 1 | $90.00 | $44.99 | 50% |
| 10:40a | Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc Barolo 2008 | ST96 | 1 | $350.00 | $199.99 | 43% |
| 10:22a | Bodegas Resalte Ribera Del Duero Gran Resalte 2001 | W&S95 | 1 | $250.00 | $89.99 | 64% |
| 10:09a | Rocca Family Estate Grigsby Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2008 | WS93 | 1 | $210.00 | $129.99 | 38% |
| 10:00a | Mario Giribaldi Barbaresco 2006 | WS93 | 2 | $125.00 | $44.99 | 64% |
| 9:48a | Roger & Didier Raimbault-Sancerre 2012 Les Belles Cotes | WE90 | 2 | $95.00 | $49.99 | 47% |
| 9:35a | Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2005 | WE97 | 1 | $750.00 | $499.99 | 33% |
| 9:30a | Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 | JS94 | 1 | $190.00 | $99.99 | 47% |
| 9:12a | Champagne Charles de Cazanove Brut NV | WS92 | 1 | $125.00 | $56.99 | 54% |
| 9:00a | Ladera Napa Cabernet 2008 | WA89 | 1 | $175.00 | $89.99 | 49% |
| 8:46a | Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Tablas Paso Robles 2011 | WA93 | 1 | $250.00 | $99.99 | 60% |
| 8:39a | Vignavecchia Chianti Classico Riserva Odoardo Beccari 2008 (3.0L) | WA92 | 1 | $225.00 | $149.99 | 33% |
| 8:22a | St. Supery Napa Valley Estate Cabernet 2006 | Sn91 | 2 | $75.00 | $49.99 | 33% |
| 8:03a | I Balzini Black/White 2002 2-Pack | 91 | 60% | |||
| 7:52a | Mont-Redon Rouge 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape | 92 | 56% | |||
| 7:39a | Sullivan Napa Valley Cabernet 2007 | 92 | 62% | |||
| 7:34a | Tenuta dei Setti Cieli ‘Indaco’ 2004 | 91 | 40% | |||
| 7:14a | Chateau de Macard Bordeaux Superieur 2010 | 90 | 47% | |||
| 7:07a | Ciabot Berton Barolo 2000 | 93 | 45% | |||
| 7:05a | Phelps Vineyards Insignia 2009 | 96 | 30% | |||
| 7:00a | Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc Barolo 2007 | 96 | 43% | |||
| 12:00a | Champagne Philippe Prie Brut Tradition NV (1.5L) | WS91 | 2 | $125.00 | $49.99 | 60% |
That’s all I have for you for today, folks. Did you get anything during the Magnum marathon? What do you think of the deals?
Cheers!
Another Wine Marathon – Last Bottle Marathon Madness – Starting Today!
Yes, I know – this is a last minute note – but I just got an e-mail about it…
Only yesterday the dust settled after the WTSO Magnum Marathon, yet another one of my favorite [amazing] value wine purveyors is throwing in a challenge to our wallets and our storage spaces (who had been threatened recently by the significant other to go live outside of the house “if you only…” on one or both counts – raise your hand!) – Last Bottle Madness Marathon will be starting today (04/24) at 12 PM Eastern/ 9 AM Pacific time, and continuing for the next 48 hours, or until the Last Bottle cellar will be empty.
All the wines will be offered in the rapid succession, without any notifications – no twitter, no e-mails, no text messages. The only way to follow the madness is by constantly refreshing your browser window. There are no minimum requirements – you can buy 1 bottle at a time, it is fine. All the wines you will buy will be shipped together 2-3 weeks after the event.
You will need to have an account with Last Bottle wines, and I suggest that in that account you will have all the information ready to go – speaking from the experience, the wine you want might be well gone by the time you will finish putting in expiration date for your credit card. In case if you don’t have a Last Bottle account already, I will be glad to be your reference – if you will sign up using this link, you will get $5 credit on your first order (yes, I will get $20 credit after your first purchase – but once you are in, now you will be the one who will tell friends about it). In case the link doesn’t work, feel free to send me an e-mail to talkavino-info (at) yahoo (dot) com.
Happy [amazing wine at great value] hunting!
Don’t Miss Last Bottle Wine Marathon – December 19-20
The Last Bottle, a purveyor of fine wines at a great value, just announced their Chrismukkapalooza Marathon which will take place today and tomorrow. This event is very similar to the WTSO marathons, with few important differences.
For the next two days, Last Bottle will be offering lots of value-priced fine wines at their web site, changing in the rapid succession (some deals might be there only for the seconds). The event will start at 9 AM Pacific time, and will continue for two days or until they will run out of wines. There are no minimums to get free shipping (that is what I like the most – you can try lots of wines). All orders will ship after January 6th.
You should have an account to buy wine at the Last Bottle. If you don’t have one yet, make sure to sign up before the event will start. Better yet, I will be glad to be your referral – you will get $5 credit at your first purchase, and yes, I will make money on you – I will get $20. Send me an email with your email address to (talkavino-info) (at) (yahoo) (dot) (com), and I will be glad to sign you up.
[Added after original post was published]: It also appears that you don’t need to send me an e-mail, but instead you can sign up directly through this referral link:
http://www.lastbottlewines.com/invite/4618917ef4f90628fb70367611992bc630d41515.html
Have fun and happy hunting! Cheers!
Following Wines Til Sold Out – Gift and Magnum Marathons, December 2013
As a self-appointed chronicler of WTSO (Wine Til Sold Out) deals, I want to bring to your attention the details of not one, but two of the events WTSO conducted in December. The first event was done as part of the CyberMonday on December 2nd – it was a Gift Marathon. The event was different from the typical WTSO Marathon – all the wines were offered as gift sets consisting of one bottle of wine and two Riedel varietally correct glasses. There were no minimums, and you could specify multiple shipping addresses, which greatly simplifies wine gift giving. New sets were offered 36 times, from 8 AM Eastern until midnight – there was a lesser number of wines offered, as some of the gift sets were repeated. I was not able, unfortunately, capture all the prices – from the few that I did, I can say that some of the gift sets were great deals, like Sassicaia at $149 – this is much better than the regular price of that wine alone, forget the gift set packaging. Overall, there were quite a few great deals offered.
The second event was Magnum Marathon on Thursday, December 12th, from 8 AM Eastern until the midnight. There were 57 offers, with most of the wines coming as 1.5 liter bottles (magnum), and few of the 3 liter bottles (double magnums). Prices per bottle ranged from $24.99 to $499, and the minimum quantities (to get free shipping) were from 1 to 3. What was interesting is that for the first time that I remember, both marathons featured a 100-point wines. And both events were “no holds barred” type, with some of the best known names being present, such as Cristal, Heitz, Caymus, Joseph Phelps and others.
Without further ado, I will leave you on with the data. Yes, my collection was somewhat lacking this time, so you will see some missing data as to pricing and source of ratings – oh well, I hope you will still find it interesting.
As usual, before I will leave you with the data, here is the guide to the rating abbreviations: WS – Wine Spectator, WA – Wine Advocate, ST – Steven Tanzer, WE – Wine Enthusiast, WRO – Wine Review Online, W&S – Wine and Spirits, JS – James Suckling, RP – Robert Parker, JHN – Jonathan H. Newman, D – Decanter Magazine, rating goes in stars ( 5 stars is max), JH – James Halliday, TRR – The Rhone Report, BH – Burghound, IWR – International Wine Report, TLC – The Library Collection, PR – Pinot Report.
Gift Marathon:
| Time | Wine | Rating | Price |
| 11:30p | Sojourn Cellars Rodger’s Creek Vineyard Sonoma Pinot Noir 2011 Gift Set | PR94 | $59.99 |
| 10:51p | Brunello Conti Costanti 2007 Gift Set | WA96 | $74.99 |
| 10:30p | Silver Oak Cabernet Alexander Valley 2009 Gift Set | $79.99 | |
| 10:00p | Merryvale Merlot Napa Valley Oak Knoll 2007 Gift Set | 92 | |
| 9:33p | Joseph Phelps Insignia 2010 | 95 | |
| 8:42p | Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Champagne N/V Gift Set | 90 | |
| 8:30p | Donna Olga Brunello di Montalcino 2007 Gift Set | JS93 | $49.99 |
| 8:00p | Clarendon Hills Cabernet Hickinbotham 2006 Clarendon, Aus. Gift Set | WA96 | $74.99 |
| 7:30p | White Burgundy 1er Cru Meursault Perrieres 2007 Gift Set | 94 | |
| 6:57p | Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet 2009 Gift Set | WA93 | $99.99 |
| 6:29p | Champagne Veuve Ponsardin Clicquot Brut NV ‘Yellow Label’ Gift Set | 90 | |
| 5:48p | Champagne Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon 2003 Gift Set | 94 | |
| 5:21p | Merryvale Cabernet 2009 Napa Valley Gift Set | 91 | |
| 4:56p | Champagne G.H. Mumm Cuvee R Lalou Prestige 1998 Gift Set | 93 | |
| 4:37p | Silver Oak Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Gift Set | 91 | |
| 4:10p | Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva 2001 Bodegas Balbas Gift Set | 96 | |
| 3:34p | Magie Rouge Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Gift Set | WA94+ | $79.99 |
| 3:15p | Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2010 Gift Set | 92 | |
| 2:46p | Caymus Vineyards Cabernet 2011 Napa Valley Gift Set | $84.99 | |
| 2:30p | Clos du Marquis 2010 Saint-Julien Gift Set | 96 | |
| 2:00p | Silver Oak Cabernet Alexander Valley 2009 Gift Set | $79.99 | |
| 1:30p | Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut N/VGift Set | WS93 | $74.99 |
| 1:08p | Joseph Phelps ‘Insignia’ Proprietary Red 2009 Gift Set | 96 | |
| 12:55p | Sojourn Cellars Rodger’s Creek Vineyard Sonoma Pinot Noir 2011 Gift Set | PR94 | $59.99 |
| 12:38p | Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Reserve 2010 Gift Set | 95 | |
| 12:10p | Champagne Philippe Prie Brut Tradition N/V Gift Set | 91 | |
| 11:50a | Sassicaia Super Tuscan Tenuta San Guido 2010 Gift Set | WA96 | $149.99 |
| 11:28a | Brunello Conti Costanti 2007 Gift Set | WA96 | $74.99 |
| 10:54a | Corton Charlemagne 2006 Grand Cru Chardonnay Domaine Louis Latour Gift | WE95 | $84.99 |
| 10:32a | The Prisoner By Orin Swift 2012 Gift Set | WA90 | $59.99 |
| 10:10a | Bouchard Pere & Fils Le Corton Grand Cru Rouge 2008 Gift Set | WA94 | $74.99 |
| 9:40a | Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet 2009 Gift Set | WA93 | $99.99 |
| 9:19a | Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne Brut Cuvee Belle Epoque 2004 Gift Set | WS92 | $119.00 |
| 9:00a | Chiappini Guado de Gemoli 2009 Super Tuscan By Emiliano Falsini Gift Set | 100 | |
| 8:30a | Cristal Champagne Brut 2005 Louis Roederer Gift Set | 97 | |
| 8:00a | BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Gift Set | 94 |
Magnum Marathon:
| Time | Wine | Rating | MSRP | Price | M.Btls | %off |
| 12:00a | Our 2013 Magnum Marathon is officially over (sad) but what an awesome day! Hoping all of you had a chance to score some “BIG” wine deals! | |||||
| 12:00a | Brunello DOCG MastroJanni Estate 2007 | JS95 | $95.00 | $39.99 | 3 | 58% |
| 11:46p | Eagles Trace 2006 ‘Latitude 38’ Magnum (1.50L) Conn Valley | $300.00 | $199.99 | 1 | 33% | |
| 11:11p | Brut Champagne N/V Piper HeidsieckcMagnum (1.50L) | WS93 | $100.00 | $64.99 | 2 | 35% |
| 10:33p | Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2005 1.50L Magnum | WE97 | $750.00 | $499.99 | 1 | 33% |
| 10:00p | Domaine Du Grand Montmirail Gigondas Cuvee Vieilles Vignes | IWR91 | $150.00 | $54.99 | 2 | 63% |
| 9:38p | Ribera del Duero Clave de Tabula 2008 Bodegas Tabula Magnum (1.50L) | WA95+ | $300.00 | $129.99 | 1 | 57% |
| 9:07p | Chateau de Ribebon Bordeaux Superieur 2010 Magnum (1.50L) | IWR90 | $55.00 | $28.99 | 2 | 47% |
| 8:36p | Fontanafredda Barolo Reserva ‘Tilson’ 1997 Limited Edition (1.50L) | $450.00 | $119.00 | 1 | 73% | |
| 8:06p | Mont-Redon Rouge 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Magnum (1.50L) | ST92 | $150.00 | $54.99 | 1 | 56% |
| 8:01p | Eagle Trace Conn Valley Cabernet 2006 Double Magnum (3.0L) | $300.00 | $199.00 | 1 | 33% | |
| 7:30p | Red Bordeaux Castillon Cote de Bordeaux Chateau Hyot 2010 Magnum (1.50L) | WS90 | $45.00 | $24.99 | 2 | 44% |
| 7:00p | I Giusti & Zanza Dulcamara Super Tuscan 2009 Magnum (1.50L) | $175.00 | $54.99 | 2 | 69% | |
| 6:45p | Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas La Louvee 2008 Magnum (1.50L) | WE93 | $225.00 | $99.99 | 1 | 56% |
| 6:15p | Brunello Magnum (1.50L) La Mannella 2007 | WE95 | $160.00 | $99.99 | 1 | 38% |
| 5:47p | Champagne Philippe Prie Brut Tradition N/V Magnum (1.50L) | WS91 | $125.00 | $49.99 | 2 | 60% |
| 5:27p | Super Tuscan Magnum (1.50L) Cabreo Il Borgo 2010 Tenute del Cabreo | JS91 | $135.00 | $79.99 | 1 | 41% |
| 5:20p | Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet 2005 Magnum (1.50L) | WS93 | $400.00 | $249.99 | 1 | 38% |
| 5:02p | Ribera Del Duero Reserva Miros De Ribera 2004 Bodegas Penafiel Magnum (1.50L) | WS92 | $120.00 | $39.99 | 2 | 67% |
| 4:37p | Domus Vitae Brunello DOCG 2007 By Attilio Pagli Magnum (1.50L) | WA93 | $160.00 | $69.99 | 2 | 56% |
| 4:23p | Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne ‘La Cigalette’ 2011 Domaine de Dionysos Magnum | IWR91 | $80.00 | $29.99 | 3 | 63% |
| 4:19p | Heitz Cellar Trailside Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (1.50L) | 93 | $189.99 | $129.99 | 1 | 32% |
| 4:07p | Paulo Scavino Barolo Bric Fiasc 2006 Magnum (1.50L) | WA95 | $325.00 | $199.99 | 1 | 38% |
| 3:48p | Veuve Clicquot Magnum ‘Yellow Label’ Brut Champagne NV | WS92 | $150.00 | $82.09 | 1 | 45% |
| 3:36p | I Balzini White Label I.G.T. Rosso 2006 Magnum (1.50L) | WS93 | $130.00 | $49.99 | 2 | 62% |
| 3:24p | Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas La Louvee 2007 Magnum (1.50L) | WS93 | $250.00 | $99.99 | 1 | 60% |
| 2:54p | Maroon Cabernet Signature Reserve Napa Valley 2010 Magnum (1.50L) | $90.00 | $44.99 | 2 | 50% | |
| 2:43p | Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione I.G.T. Alta Valle Della Greve 2009 Magnum | WA94+ | $200.00 | $119.00 | 1 | 40% |
| 2:36p | Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut NV Magnum (1.50L) | WS93 | $225.00 | $99.00 | 1 | 56% |
| 2:27p | Domaine Chene Macon Milly-Lamartine 2012 Magnum (1.50L) | JHN91 | $55.00 | $24.99 | 2 | 55% |
| 2:20p | Burgess Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet 2009 (1.50L) Magnum | $128.00 | $59.99 | 1 | 53% | |
| 1:53p | Chateau Haut Gravet St. Emilion Grand Cru 2010 Magnum (1.50L) | JS92 | $105.00 | $54.99 | 2 | 48% |
| 1:32p | Amarone 2007 Magnum Tenuta Lena di Mezzo Monte del Fra (1.50L) | WS93 | $119.00 | $59.99 | 1 | 50% |
| 1:25p | Jarvis Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2004 1.50L Magnum | WE96 | $350.00 | $319.00 | 1 | 9% |
| 12:57p | Mont-Redon Rouge 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Magnum (1.50L) | ST92 | $125.00 | $54.99 | 1 | 56% |
| 12:49p | Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas La Louvee 2006 Magnum (1.50L) | WS93 | $250.00 | $99.99 | 1 | 60% |
| 12:23p | I Giusti & Zanza Perbruno Syrah Toscana 2010 Magnum (1.50L) | WE95 | $110.00 | $59.99 | 1 | 45% |
| 12:16p | Burgess Cabernet 2002 Vintage Selection Napa Valley Magnum (1.50L) | WRO90 | $116.00 | $44.99 | 2 | 61% |
| 11:54a | Champagne Charles de Cazanove Brut NV Magnum (1.5L) | WS92 | $125.00 | $59.99 | 1 | 52% |
| 11:38a | Eagles Trace Conn Valley Napa Cabernet 2006 Magnums (1.50L) | $150.00 | $99.99 | 1 | 33% | |
| 11:30a | I Balzini Black Label 2006 Tuscan Red Wine Dai Colli Della Toscana Magnum (1.5L) | WS92 | $130.00 | $49.99 | 1 | 62% |
| 11:20a | Grand Cru Blanc 2009 Louis Latour Magnum (1.50L) Corton-Charlemagne | IWR98 | $225.00 | $159.99 | 1 | 29% |
| 11:08a | Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (1.50L) Magnum | WS88 | $400.00 | $249.99 | 1 | 38% |
| 11:00a | Brunello Magnum (1.50L) Vertical 3-Pack Scopone 06/07/08 | 94 | 51% | |||
| 10:38a | Chateau de Macard Bordeaux Superieur 2010 Magnum (1.50 L) | IWR90 | $55.00 | $28.99 | 2 | 47% |
| 10:32a | Joseph Phelps Insignia 2010 Magnum (1.50L) | ST94 | $600.00 | $369.99 | 38% | |
| 10:12a | Sette Ponti Oreno 2010 Magnum (1.50L) | JS96 | $225.00 | $134.99 | 1 | 40% |
| 10:04a | St. Supery Napa Valley Cabernet 2005 (1.50L) Magnum | WE90 | $80.00 | $49.99 | 2 | 38% |
| 9:47a | Domaine Du Grand Montmirail Gigondas Cuvee Vieilles Vignes | IWR91 | $150.00 | $54.99 | 2 | 63% |
| 9:35a | Franco Martinetti Barolo Marasco 2008 Magnum (1.50L) | 93 | 40% | |||
| 9:31a | Jordan Cabernet Alexander Valley 2003 Magnums (1.50L) | 34% | ||||
| 9:22a | Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2005 1.50L Magnum | WE97 | $750.00 | $499.99 | 1 | 33% |
| 9:19a | Howell Mountain Cabernet 2007 Ladera Vineyards Magnum (1.5L) | 93 | 20% | |||
| 9:00a | Cotes du Rhone 2011 Domaine de Dionysos ‘La Deveze’ Magnum (1.50L) | 90 | 62% | |||
| 8:41a | Guado De Gemoli 2009 Super Tuscan Magnum (1.50L) | WE100 | 38% | |||
| 8:19a | Corton Grand Cru 2007 Domaine Louis Latour (1.50L) Magnum | 92 | 65% | |||
| 8:16a | Burgess Cellars Napa Cabernet Vintage Selection 2001 Magnum (1.50L) | 89 | 60% | |||
| 8:00a | Super Tuscan (1.50L) La Torre “Esse” 2010 | 95 | 58% | |||
| before | Brut Champagne N/V Piper Heidsieck Magnum (1.50L) | WS93 | $100.00 | $64.99 | 2 | 35% |
That’s all I have for you for today, folks. Did you get anything during either one of the marathons? What do you think of the deals?
Cheers!
Trader Joe’s Wines Update
Few weeks ago, I wrote a post about noteworthy wine discoveries I made at Trader Joe’s store in California. As we visited our close friends in Boston for the Thanksgiving, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the wine shelves at the nearby Trader Joe’s store, looking for great values. Once again, the mission was very successful – I can definitely recommend 3 wines out of 4 that I tried, which is an excellent outcome.
As we are now in the “holiday mood”, I’m trying to focus a bit more on the Sparkling wines of all sorts, so two out of four wines I want to present to you today are sparkling wines.
2012 Cecilia Beretta Brut Millesimato Prosecco Superiore Coneglian Valdobbiadene DOCG, Italy (11% ABV, $9.99) – I mentioned this wine already in my November “Month in Wines” update, so here are the same notes again – tiny refreshing bubbles, notes of fresh apple on the nose, round and roll-of-your-tongue on the palate with more of the fresh apple and yeast notes. Excelllent sparkling wine, and probably one of my very best in that price range. Drinkability: 8-
NV Trader Joe’s Reserve Brut Sparkling Wine, North Coast, California (12.5% ABV, $9.99, 62% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Noir, 12% Semillon) – hint of fresh apples on the nose. Simple and clean on the palate, notes of white apples, good acidity. I would prefer a bit more substance in my glass (a bit heavier in the body and higher intensity of the bubbles), but this is definitely a very good wine for the money. Drinkability: 7+
2010 VINTJS Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast, California (13.5% ABV, $7.99) – I bought this wine based pretty much on the label alone – it looks very grand. Well, the content behind the label was not as grand as I would want it to be. Dark garnet color in the glass, dark fruit notes on the nose, hint of raspberries on the palate, medium to full body, good acidity – but no harmony, all the components where on their own. There are better choices at TJ’s at the same or lesser amount of money. Drinkability: 7-
2012 Marchigüe Carménère Reserva D.O. Colchagua Valley, Chile (13.5% ABV, $8.99) – quite honestly, I was craving Carménère for a past few month (I have none in my fridge), so when I saw this wine at the Trader Joe’s, it was an instant “yesss” decision. This is a very young wine for what it is, so if you want to enjoy it right away, I recommend decanting it – it needs to open up for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Dark ruby color in the glass. Perfect herbaceous hue on the nose – a hint of mint, so characteristic for the good Carménère. Sweet mint on the palate, cassis, a touch a eucalyptus, ripe raspberries, silky smooth texture, full body, excellent acidity and overall very balanced. This wine is definitely highly recommended. Drinkability: 8-
Here are all the wines I presented to you, now in pictures:
Note: the same wines might have different prices in the different states. The prices mentioned above are all from the Trader Joe’s store in Massachusetts.
If you tasted or will taste any of these wines, let me know if you like them! Cheers!
A Bit of Everything for Sunday – Wine Review, a Fun Video and Wine Infographics
It is Sunday, and I have rather a hodge-podge mix for you here. I have a few things a wanted to share, and while they are all not connected (or may be they are), I think it all make sense in the format of Sunday time. Here we go.
The first one belongs to the Daily Glass category, which is intended for the simple daily wines I drink, well, daily – and I’m always looking for value. This time, the search for value lead me to Kirkland Signature Médoc.
I love value wines. Of course we can remove the word “value” from the previous sentence – yes, I’m an oenophile, also often known as a wine snob. At the same time, I think the word “value” is important. “Value wine” means you get disproportional amount of pleasure compare to the amount of money you invest into that bottle of wine. A €1.29 Portuguese red and white are ultimate examples of the value wines. Trader Joe’s carries a lot of outstanding value wines at $5.99 or less. I remember amazing Montepulciano wines at $5 per bottle I was buying by the caseload. Well, La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza at $30 will also perfectly fit the bill, but this is the whole other story. Okay, I’m sure you got my point.
So here comes Costco. Value is a whole premise of huge warehousing operation of Costco’s chain, and of course it extends into the wines. To deliver ultimate value (supposedly, at least), Costco even has its own brand, called Kirkland.
When I visit Costco which has a wine section (not all the warehouses have it – the one I usually go to does not), I always have to explore it. And yes, I’m looking for value. This time around, I decided to extend my quest for value to the ultimate heights, and got a bottle of Kirkland Signature Médoc, which I found for $8.99 at Costco in Massachussets.
Médoc wine for $8.99? How good can that be? Finding palatable wines from Bordeaux (not even talking about good wines) at that price is mostly a mission impossible. And this wine is not even designated as a whole Bordeaux, it is Médoc AOC, which theoretically means the grapes should be better- but again, at under $10? Well, let’s see if Costco can actually do it.
2011 Kirkland Signature Médoc AOC (13.5 ABV, $8.99, 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot) had dark garnet red color in the glass. The nose didn’t exhibit much of the fruit. On the palate, there was a hint of raspberries, and may be a whiff of tobacco, otherwise the wine was rather flat, lacking the mid palate weight and substance. Drinkability: 6. This was the wine without sense of place – you know you are drinking wine, but otherwise it completely fails to solicit an emotional response. Was that the worst wine I ever had? No. Was that the wine I would recommend to someone? No. Was that the wine I would ever buy again? No. Can you buy this wine if you must have Bordeaux on the table? Yes. Would that wine benefit from aging or aggressive decanting? Maybe, but we will need to establish it first. Is it possible that you actually might like this wine? Of course! And I would love to hear from you if you do.
Next up – the Holiday Dinner Party video. No, this is not the wine video, but instead, it is a great video dedicated to all of you cooks out there. This was sent to me by a friend, an avid cook herself (if the recipe doesn’t require at least a stick of butter, she is not making it). With the holidays, and all the festivities, friends and families getting together, I’m sure all of you can relate to what you are about to hear. But enough words – here is the video:
And last, but not least for today – the wine infographics. I’m an information junkie, and I love processing of the lists of all sorts. Continuing the theme of value wines, below is a very interesting infographics presenting 10 great wines for $10. Well, yes, “great” is a very personal characteristic, but it is always fun to align the opinions and see what the other person thinks – definitely a fun for me. To be honest, I don’t remember tasting any of the wines below. So please take a look, and of course, comment away – I’m very curious about your opinion.
That’s all I have for you for today! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and cheers!
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