Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

For those who have access to Northern California Raleys/Bel Air/Nob Hill grocery stores, some locations might have the

2005 Coutet for $33.50. That's a 750 ml, not a split.

Need to buy six of anything to get that price, but they have lots of stuff if the store is in good neighborhood.

Neil Martin just did his 2005 Sauternes/Barsac reprise, and was quite positive on Coutet.

Even though that is the stated price, its possible that when you get rung up, you might see an even lower price.

I can't tell if that's because its my wife's loyalty card at work, or the clearance discount, which seems to stack with their six pack discount.

They don't ship. Maybe there are lurkers in areas where they have stores who might benefit.

K&L has the 2001 Larcis Ducasse for $37, only 5 left.

I've never had anything from this estate, so can't opine on its quality.

Professionals did not care for it.

More recent vintages, reflecting the new approach, cost much more.

To get that price, sign up for Insider Advantage, and then sign in.

K&L has the 88 Lanessan for $30. It has some favorable comments. I'm pretty sure I had that a long time ago, but no specific memories of it.

Also K&L has the 85 Bernadotte for $30. This was from the era before the Pichon Lalande team took over so I would not have enthusiastic expectations. Later on, when P-L was great, Bernadotte tended to also catch a little tailwind. I loved the 96, 00, and 03 versions. Still have yet to try 09 and 10 though, due to at least a partial warehouse screw up.

WinEx has the 01 Marsau on pre-arrival, for $18 with a 3 pack as a minimum order. (I'm still drinking through the 00's and they are brilliant) Also interestingly they have in stock the 85 Bel Air Lagrave, a Moulis which I don't recognize for $40. If it was less, I might take a flyer on it, but who knows maybe someone is willing to take a shot.

2009 Produttori de Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja for $40 at the Chicago Wine Co. Pre-arrival, coming in Sept they tell me. Usually this cuvée is $50+.

Blanquito - From a different vendor I ordered an 07 'Pora' for about the same price. No word on whether I'll get filled after they clean up their ordering process. I doubt it in fact. EDIT: this morning I woke up to an email confirm saying I did indeed get it, 12 days after the order went in.

I noticed on Grand Vin Merchants up in the PNW that they have 2004 Beausejour Duffau for $47

While its not a highly regarded St Emilion vintage, one generally cannot find that estate at the price point at all.

It's also a small production one too. And wildly different than her neighbor Beau Sejour Becot. We've tasted them side by side a few times, amazing how elevage/terroir can make such different yet wonderful outcomes.

Also they have the 2000 Domaine de l'A for $30 another seldom seen wine. Made by the same team responsible for Canon la Gaffeliere among others.

K&L has a couple of older interesting Sauternes/Barsac's (very few of each)

splits of 86 Daisy Dubroca for $20
full btls of 88 d'Arche for $30

I seem to remember having the 86 d'Arche a very long time ago, and it was solid.

Among the reds, maybe someone will take a shot on

81 Belgrave $30
01 Clos St Martin $50 (maybe 500-1000 cs production a year, hard to find)
86 Meyney $60 (price may feel high for the estate, but to me this this is the greatest wine they ever made, or more precisely, that I tasted between 66-03)

I wasn't particularly enthralled with this (maybe 10-15 years ago) but maybe others will feel differently:

1989 de Fieuzal (rouge) $30

Benchmark wines. They seem to have a bunch.

AKR wrote:I wasn't particularly enthralled with this (maybe 10-15 years ago) but maybe others will feel differently:

1989 de Fieuzal (rouge) $30

Benchmark wines. They seem to have a bunch.

I could be wrong but this vintage may have a quality issue.

I was not wowed but that was a long time ago.

The estate in general doesn't excite me, but not a large sample set.

Price is about 30% lower than expected though.

de Fieuzal (blanc) is usually wonderful.
1989 de Fieuzal (rouge) was an absolute dud. Worst 1989 purchase I made.

2010 chapoutier st. joseph....killer stuff....$7.50 per bottle...I grabbed 4 cases

Is that the rouge? where is that?

I've put away a few random 09 Northern Rhones.

Rouge...all gone...grabbed a case for orlando bobby also...he posted a note on berserkers ...they had about 10 cases...I should if went all in...it drinks fantastic....crunchy cool red fruits...crisp acidity...leather...funk....wonderful

Nice thread idea.

Gary's Annual August Inventory Reduction Sale Is Online Now!
Every 750ml Wine in Stock On Sale for at Least 25% Off!

Reduced Prices are Now Live on garyswine.com!
Shop Now Before Your Favorite Wines Sell Out!

jckba wrote:Nice thread idea.

Gary's Annual August Inventory Reduction Sale Is Online Now!
Every 750ml Wine in Stock On Sale for at Least 25% Off!

Reduced Prices are Now Live on garyswine.com!
Shop Now Before Your Favorite Wines Sell Out!

Definitely lots of good deals. I noticed in the bdx section that splits seemed to be a very good deal in general.

It has always seemed to me that the NJ wine markets were some of the most competitive nationwide.

I've used Gary's several times. Excellent prices and customer service.

The Wine Buyer (aka Bottle King) has the 2011 Fleur Cardinale (93WA) for $29.99/btl and is offering free shipping on six or more bottles when using Promo Code: FLEUR during checkout. Figured there may be some interest in this at this price.

www.thewinebuyer.com/sku60376.html

jckba wrote:The Wine Buyer (aka Bottle King) has the 2011 Fleur Cardinale (93WA) for $29.99/btl and is offering free shipping on six or more bottles when using Promo Code: FLEUR during checkout. Figured there may be some interest in this at this price.

http://www.thewinebuyer.com/sku60376.html

Thanks. That's a great way to share a deal. (store/wine/price/code/link)

Between corkage (usually free in that state) and the wine deals, it's an ok state for wine enthusiasts.

Only 1 of these left (there were 2 an hour ago)

But K&L has a mag of the 1990 Haut Marbuzet for $150

Reputed to be the best one they ever made, although the times I had it, it didn't seem that way to me.

https://www.klwines.com/p/i?i=1035837

Need to sign in with your account, and subscribe to insider advantage to see that price.

They also have (lots of) splits of the 2010 Raymond Lafon for $14. Same thing with signing in.

Yes NJ is wine consumer and diner friendly.

Having sold on the wholesale level there I am aware of the challenges of getting new placements in the highly competiive market. Between trip and other incentive giveaways to retailers it was a difficult up hill battle with most of the big stores.

If you think there is stereotypical corruption in NJ you are correct!

FWIW, PC has 04 Plo Roger BdB for 40 bucks as pre-arrival...

https://www.premiercru.net/premier/wine ... c-de-blanc

FWIW, PC has 04 Plo Roger BdB for 40 bucks as pre-arrival...

https://www.premiercru.net/premier/wine ... c-de-blanc

I know Jim, how you feel...

Their sales model is high-low. So just grabbed few vintage bottles of the same under 40 bucks! Now I noticed the price went up to usual price of 80 bucks...

Without devolving into a PC thread/rant, let's just keep the PC pre arrivals offers off this thread.

I get their emails.

I'm just giving you the business CV, I'm sure you'll get them.

Arv how you perused Grocery Outlet stores? 98% crap 2% deals. The store near Bill can have a few goodies.

PJ Wine's Massive Summer Clearance Continues, Day 2 10% off all 2009/2010 Bordeaux! Yep, for the next 24 hours (Tuesday August 25th 12 pm noon - Wednesday August 26th 12 pm noon) go ahead and take 10% off all, yes all, 2009/2010 Bordeaux. Just use the code 10OFFBORDEAUX when you check out and check back here again tomorrow for even more savings.

http://www.pjwine.com/store/advsearch.a ... -181173189

jckba wrote:PJ Wine's Massive Summer Clearance Continues, Day 2 10% off all 2009/2010 Bordeaux! Yep, for the next 24 hours (Tuesday August 25th 12 pm noon - Wednesday August 26th 12 pm noon) go ahead and take 10% off all, yes all, 2009/2010 Bordeaux. Just use the code 10OFFBORDEAUX when you check out and check back here again tomorrow for even more savings.

http://www.pjwine.com/store/advsearch.a ... -181173189

Any deals in there?

not really

Wines that stuck out for me were:

2009 Pape Clement - $139.97 (-10% = $125.97)
2010 Clos Fourtet - $124.97 (-10% = $112.47)
2010 Giscours - $81.97 (-10%= $73.77)
2010 Gruaud Larose - $85.97 (-10% = $77.37)
2010 Lynch Bages - $179.97 (-10% = $161.97)

Zachys is also doing their 17th Annual The Boss Is Gone Sale with 20% off French & Italian Wines now through Sunday 8/30.

jckba wrote:Wines that stuck out for me were:

2009 Pape Clement - $139.97 (-10% = $125.97)
2010 Clos Fourtet - $124.97 (-10% = $112.47)
2010 Giscours - $81.97 (-10%= $73.77)
2010 Gruaud Larose - $85.97 (-10% = $77.37)
2010 Lynch Bages - $179.97 (-10% = $161.97)

I think I better stick to the coach class free sodas.

Here's a wacky deal for maybe a handful of you.

I was at Whole Foods today picking up some sides for supper (grilling some flat iron steaks to go with a 95 Branaire Ducru) and wandered into the wine section while waiting for counter service. I almost never go to either the store or the wine dept. But their wine specialist was in top form today and pointed out that Northern California WF's are having their 30% off sale on Sep 4, one day only, if you buy 6 btls or more. (22% off for 1-5 btls)

And apparently, they will let people pre-order or set aside wines now; apparently everything over $15 is included in the sale. I queried her on that pt a few times, since that means Champagne is likely being sold below wholesale cost, which she confirmed. I won't be around on Sep 4, but they apparently have some complicated process for people who can't purchase that day: you get connected with a personal shopper who literally rings it up that day. I'll try it, and set aside my six pack today. Lots of strange terms & conditions overall.

Most of their selections are unlikely to really be of interest to this board, but if you are near one, it's worth a look.* I mostly went with NV sparklies. If you like biodyanmic/sulfite free stuff, or have family members who are allergic etc., they also have a spectrum of those. For the varsity division of coupon crazies, one can sometimes get WF gift cards at an economic discount. (I'm not going to mess around with that layer today)

* if you like producers like Caymus or Silver Oak those probably are probably $60ish, and $40ish after discounts.

EDIT: added later, there is another of these events on Nov 6, for northern CA WF's. Btls have to $19.99 or higher. Champagne is still allowed. They sell VC for $50 before discount as an example. Unfortunately, at least my outpost, there has been no change in inventory, which is fairly limited to begin with.

2012 Chateau Secret de Cardinale from MacArthur Beverages for $29.99/per with a 6 btl limit per person

#65895 List: 39.99 Sale: 29.99 Add to Cart
“This is a tiny gem of an estate, just three acres sitting on rich clay and limestone soils and planted with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Owned by the Decoster family (justifiably famous for their fabulous wine Fleur Cardinale), this 2012 is a super-concentrated, layered, opulent wine with luxurious fruit largely concealing some serious tannin. This blockbuster displays plenty of mocha, black cherry and cassis fruit. It has an incredibly dense, opaque purple color and a full-bodied mouthfeel. This is a stunner but very limited in availability.”
93+ points Robert Parker

How to Order:
Email: wine@bassins.com
Phone: 202 - 338 - 1433
Stop by: 4877 MacArthur Blvd NW
Online: Add to Cart add to cart

Calvert-Woodley has the 2011 Ridge Santa Cruz Mtn Cab on sale for $36.99. 2011 was not Napa in this area. This cab is generally lots of bang for the buck but needs time.

Grand Cru Wine Merchants End of Summer Sale

It's hard to believe it's September 10th already, where has the summer gone! In an effort to clear some space on the shelves for new fall releases I'm having an end of summer sale today and today only from now until 7pm. Every bottle of wine is marked down a whopping 15% in store, or online at
www.gcwines.net (use coupon code endofsummer).

Stock up on all your favorite bargain buys, and age-worthy collectibles from France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Don't delay, shop online, in store, or give us a call at 847-295-9463.

(valid for in stock items only, not valid for any pre-arrival wines, offer can not be combined with any additional offers)

AKR wrote:Here's a wacky deal for maybe a handful of you.

I was at Whole Foods today picking up some sides for supper (grilling some flat iron steaks to go with a 95 Branaire Ducru) and wandered into the wine section while waiting for counter service. I almost never go to either the store or the wine dept. But their wine specialist was in top form today and pointed out that Northern California WF's are having their 30% off sale on Sep 4, one day only, if you buy 6 btls or more. (22% off for 1-5 btls)

And apparently, they will let people pre-order or set aside wines now; apparently everything over $15 is included in the sale. I queried her on that pt a few times, since that means Champagne is likely being sold below wholesale cost, which she confirmed. I won't be around on Sep 4, but they apparently have some complicated process for people who can't purchase that day: you get connected with a personal shopper who literally rings it up that day. I'll try it, and set aside my six pack today. Lots of strange terms & conditions overall.

Most of their selections are unlikely to really be of interest to this board, but if you are near one, it's worth a look.* I mostly went with NV sparklies. If you like biodyanmic/sulfite free stuff, or have family members who are allergic etc., they also have a spectrum of those. For the varsity division of coupon crazies, one can sometimes get WF gift cards at an economic discount. (I'm not going to mess around with that layer today)

* if you like producers like Caymus or Silver Oak those probably are probably $60ish, and $40ish after discounts.

The whole thing worked as it was supposed to. Quite surprised. Might be useful going forward, esp. for sparkling and whites.

K&L has a couple of 80 Climens for $56/per

I do not think I've had anything from that vintage, red/white/sweet.

Barsac/Sauternes was the one commune that produced good wines in 1980, an otherwise crap year for Bordeaux. That said, a 1980 might be pretty long in the tooth.

I realize there is little appetite for sweet Bordeaux nowadays, however Hart Davis in Chicago has 750mls of the 2011 Doisy Vedrines for $20, as well as the 2012 for $25. I think I saw that they were ex-negociant, but I'm not sure if that means anything really. They appear to have plenty of both. I got a few of the 2011, as its well regarded. Considering that I 'paid' $75 for a magnum of the 2009 a few weeks ago, those are attractive prices. Sure it's not Doisy Daene, but its no slouch either.

That being said, I won't be surprised -- and won't squawk -- if I get contacted later saying those are mistakes, and HDH really meant those prices were for 375ml's.

We'll take a shot.

I can see how/why Y'quem is struggling with their 'repositioning' post 2005, i.e. jacking up their prices, when deals like this occasionally pop up. Hard to believe that Yquem is 20x better than a 2nd growth Barsac.

PS: after getting my order confirmed I checked with HDH. Those really are full bottles according to their salespeople. And they say its a great price, but no one cares about the category. There has been an astonishing glut of great Sauternes vintages - pretty much every other year for a decade. Unlike the 90's where really only 1997 was worth cellaring between 1990 and 2001. And even then, 1997 was no where near as glorious as the next decades vintages.