Ethics and wine critics

[JimHow]

Squires keeps deleting threads that are challenging his censorship of the WSJ issue. Pretty hilarious, it just confirms my suspicions about this guy. What a dink.

[JEP_62]

I think the big difference is we have a Benevolent Dictator on this board. They have an RD (Repressive Dictator).

Dan Posner did indeed get locked out of the Squires Board, per his comments on another board. Why he was locked out is really anyone's guess because he was not told or notified. After that thread, he just couldn't post anymore. I supposed It could be a coincidence or a technical fluke.

Andy

[jwertlieb]

Josh Wertlieb is the perfect example to me. He used to be this nice kid from Boston, humble, self-deprecating, funny, etc. Now he's become a monster over there on the Squires site, nasty, he knows it all, etc.

Really Jim????

I believe we met 7 years ago or so, when both of us were RELATIVE wine novices. I've dedicated the last 7 years to learning about wine and the wine market...sure there are people who have been around longer, but I know my niche as well as anyone. Do I know know everything about wine? No way, but I'm not shy to speak on the specific areas that I specialize in.

Furthermore, I just looked up my account on the Squires Board and I have posted a total of 42 times in 2009...I'm really hardly active over there and am surprised that I somehow seem to be a "monster."

Why you would single someone out in this manner is beyond me and frankly embarrassing and small of you, especially as I doubt you expected me to read it....

-Josh the Monster

[JimHow]

LOL
So squires.com-like....

[hm$]

JIm:

this pot-shot at Josh was not only unwarranted but beneath you. i thought we prided ourselves on civil discourse here?
if there is a way to apologize to him, you shoudl figure it out.

hm$

[JimHow]

Sorry hm$, I stand by it.

i thought we prided ourselves on civil discourse here?

This is an attack on the censorship and hypocrisy of squires.com.
If you'd like me to pull the comments I'm talking about, I've located them from the Squires site, I'll be happy to post them here.

[ChrisW]

It is a bit painful to see that this forum seems to have quickly overtaken the Squires forum as far as aggressive posting is concerned.

However, I'm quickly adapting to this lowest level of internet communication and was really looking forward to reading the lowest level internet garbage of all: the postings by Josh Wertlieb on the Squires forum which has earned him the qualification "Monster" by our BD.

I must say that I was very disappointed. His postings are not rude at all. I haven't found a single offensive post when looking through his last 50-100 posts on the Squires forum (I used copy/paste to insert them into this message at the bottom). In fact, I found them to be very informative given the topics that were discussed. The qualification "monster" seems totally unfitting given these posts.

I can therefore only conclude that the job of being Moderator on a wine-related internet forum must have some sort of extraordinary negative influence on people, bringing out the dark side of moderators. I've also read comments from some people that even Squires is actually a nice guy when you meet him in person, i.e. not sitting behind his computer in his moderating function.

Therefore:

Jim: you are bewitched!!! Let me pull you over from the dark side!

Alex: you were still a very nice person when I had lunch with you two weeks ago. Watch out that your assistant-moderating powers do not change you!!

ChrisW

Underneath you will find recent posts from yosh wertlieb, taken from the Squires forum.

Forum: Wine Talk 05-19-2009, 11:14 AM
Replies: 2,480 Primeurs' prices of the vintage 2008 are coming out Merged
Views: 132,285 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Primeurs' prices of the vintage 2008 are coming out Merged

Huh? Zivko posted here and I missed it?

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 04-28-2009, 03:15 PM
Replies: 4 TNR: 1991 Jadot Chambertin
Views: 108 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TNR: 1991 Jadot Chambertin

I found the 91 Beze and Bonnes Mares underwhelming...
Forum: Wine Talk 04-26-2009, 02:14 AM
Replies: 8 TNR: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1976
Views: 170 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TNR: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1976

Had it many times. Assuming storage was good it is a great bottle at peak now.

Color should NOT look dark through the glass.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 04-25-2009, 06:50 PM
Replies: 25 ChampagneHunter (Mass only)
Views: 680 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: ChampagneHunter (Mass only)

Thanks for the kind words above.

I'm not really one to shamelessly self promote, but if anyone has specific or general questions, I'll do my best to answer them via PM or email.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 04-22-2009, 09:56 AM
Replies: 47 Leroy -- Problems
Views: 1,596 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Leroy -- Problems

I have had many bottles of Leroy that have seeped at some point but have not had any that have demonstrated any signs of heat damage.

The worst is the wax on the 1990's - the top always chips off to...
Forum: Wine Talk 04-20-2009, 01:45 PM
Replies: 108 Still waiting on '03 PC pre-arrivals
Views: 4,311 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Still waiting on '03 PC pre-arrivals

Allow me to put on the record here that at the end of the day on BOTH buy and sell sides PC has eventually come through for me. Not always in a timely manner and sometimes its taken a lot of kicking...
Forum: Wine Talk 04-20-2009, 01:33 PM
Replies: 108 Still waiting on '03 PC pre-arrivals
Views: 4,311 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Still waiting on '03 PC pre-arrivals

They are constantly buying wine to fill shorts - this is part of their model. Offer wine at a price where they can cover the order and buy the wine later. Its not a "bad" thing - I do it on occasion...
Forum: Wine Talk 04-20-2009, 11:00 AM
Replies: 108 Still waiting on '03 PC pre-arrivals
Views: 4,311 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Still waiting on '03 PC pre-arrivals

Thomas-

I have first hand experience with both situations you talk about. I don't want air the details on a public forum but I can name dozens of specific instances where PC has sold stock that...
Forum: Wine Talk 04-19-2009, 01:03 PM
Replies: 108 Still waiting on '03 PC pre-arrivals
Views: 4,311 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Still waiting on '03 PC pre-arrivals

They do not own the wine. Its that simple. They are waiting to purchase it at as low as possible a price and/or using the capital for as long as possible.
Forum: Wine Talk 04-16-2009, 12:44 PM
Replies: 42 NY Instituting Floor Tax on Wine & Spirits at Both Wholesale and Retail Level
Views: 1,041 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: NY Instituting Floor Tax on Wine & Spirits at Both Wholesale and Retail Level

Max- both of us have mixed up gallons and liters....9L/cs...not 9 Gallons!
Forum: Wine Talk 04-16-2009, 11:20 AM
Replies: 42 NY Instituting Floor Tax on Wine & Spirits at Both Wholesale and Retail Level
Views: 1,041 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: NY Instituting Floor Tax on Wine & Spirits at Both Wholesale and Retail Level

Wow...that's just terrible. $3/cs for stuff already owned and paid for? Thats going to cost retailers an extra $15k-30k right off the bat...seeing as how much the retail biz is already suffering...
Forum: Wine Talk 03-31-2009, 11:00 PM
Replies: 161 2006 DRC Watch
Views: 8,335 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Watch

Correct.

Sorry if it was unclear to others.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 03-31-2009, 10:56 PM
Replies: 161 2006 DRC Watch
Views: 8,335 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Watch

David-

You lost me here. All I have done here is post information on pricing. No agenda.

My point in response to Daniel was that it is possible for a US buyer (either ITB or not) to pay LESS in...
Forum: Wine Talk 03-31-2009, 01:14 PM
Replies: 161 2006 DRC Watch
Views: 8,335 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Watch

Not really because no VAT on exports...Could have paid about $550 landed in the US....

Not likely, but possible.
Forum: Wine Talk 03-31-2009, 10:51 AM
Replies: 161 2006 DRC Watch
Views: 8,335 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Watch

So in approximate USD after VAT:

Echézeaux : ~$220
Grands Echézeaux : ~$360
Romannée-Saint-Vivant: ~$560
Richebourg: ~$545
La Tâche : ~$625
Romanée-Conti: ~$2050
Montrachet: ~$1380
Forum: Wine Talk 03-27-2009, 10:19 AM
Replies: 161 2006 DRC Watch
Views: 8,335 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Watch

Phillip-

With DRC I only play in the secondary market - I do not get anything designated to me from Wilson Daniels. However, last spring I sold ~$850k worth of 2005 DRC's, so while I'm not a market...
Forum: Wine Talk 03-25-2009, 03:02 PM
Replies: 161 2006 DRC Watch
Views: 8,335 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Watch

FWIW Wholesale price in the US are:

$156- VR
$240 - Echez
$400 - GE
$586 - RB
$600 - RSV
$686 - LT
$2283 - RC
Forum: Wine Talk 03-25-2009, 12:51 PM
Replies: 161 2006 DRC Watch
Views: 8,335 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Watch

That is ridiculous. Are you allowed to display prices in your store? How about email out an offer?

Fred-

I don't think that WD/DRC will lower prices, but secondary market prices are still...
Forum: Wine Talk 03-25-2009, 08:47 AM
Replies: 161 2006 DRC Watch
Views: 8,335 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Watch

I'm finding the opposite.

There is not much demand for 2006 DRC at the moment and 2005 DRC prices are still dropping.

I agree that 06's may me a good deal given their quality and price compared to...
Forum: Wine Talk 03-20-2009, 03:37 PM
Replies: 67 WINEHUNTER: '96 Salon for $209
Views: 2,321 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: WINEHUNTER: '96 Salon for $209

My records show that I bought some at ~$183/135EU about 24 months ago. The exchange rate at that time was within a percent or two of today's.

$209 is a good price, but less than 10% off the...
Forum: Wine Talk 03-12-2009, 02:52 PM
Replies: 28 2006 DRC Prices
Views: 2,084 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Prices

I believe PC is offering it for less.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 03-12-2009, 02:36 PM
Replies: 28 2006 DRC Prices
Views: 2,084 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Prices

Tom-

I have offered a few medium sized parcels (45 and 99 bottles respectively) of 2006 DRC to a client who bought ~$800k worth of 05 DRC from me and he has had no luck shifting the stock. ...
Forum: Wine Talk 03-12-2009, 01:48 PM
Replies: 28 2006 DRC Prices
Views: 2,084 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Prices

Well...what are people seeing out there?
Forum: Wine Talk 03-10-2009, 01:37 PM
Replies: 127 Wine Merchants: YOUR HISTORICAL COST IS IRRELEVANT
Views: 4,890 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Wine Merchants: YOUR HISTORICAL COST IS IRRELEVANT

Few are.
Forum: Wine Talk 02-28-2009, 03:19 PM
Replies: 39 Morrell Wine Auctions - is this dodgy or normal? (long)
Views: 1,231 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Morrell Wine Auctions - is this dodgy or normal? (long)

Brad-

I won't argue with your direct experience here, but I don;t believe any auctioneer would do this intentionally. If you are in the book for $100 the only way someone else would win the lost at...
Forum: Wine Talk 02-27-2009, 02:33 PM
Replies: 7 Case of 1945 Mouton
Views: 590 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Case of 1945 Mouton

David-

True, but why consign now if you are not needing cash? this sort of testing was common a tear or two ago, but seems odd today.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 02-27-2009, 02:24 PM
Replies: 7 Case of 1945 Mouton
Views: 590 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Case of 1945 Mouton

i guess the consignor was a hard-ass....if there was actually a bid at $110k the consignor is nuts not to take it.
Forum: Wine Talk 02-24-2009, 06:51 AM
Replies: 28 2006 DRC Prices
Views: 2,084 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Prices

Not true...Pricing is out.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 02-23-2009, 11:37 PM
Replies: 28 2006 DRC Prices
Views: 2,084 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Prices

The prices usually are within about 5%. Wholesale of 2006 LT is $4120/6pk AFAIK. 2005 was less. I think the difference in cost of 05 RC 3pks between MA and CA was under $300.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 02-23-2009, 08:46 PM
Replies: 28 2006 DRC Prices
Views: 2,084 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Prices

Alex- Likewise.

Alan- Wholesale prices have been out for 2 weeks or so. The wine ships in 4 weeks depending on the state. I believe the UK agency prices have been out for 3+ weeks.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 02-23-2009, 03:45 PM
Replies: 28 2006 DRC Prices
Views: 2,084 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2006 DRC Prices

FWIW, the lows quoted here are roughly 35% above US Wholesale prices. The few realistic offers I have seen have been ~20-25% above wholesale, but other than the Tache and RC, I can;t really see...
Forum: Wine Talk 02-23-2009, 01:31 PM
Replies: 1,012 Wine Market Correction merged
Views: 60,057 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Wine Market Correction merged

Jeff-

I've put a few minutes of thought into it and cannot actually think of a single person who would hit $200M and only 1 that might be at $100M, however that cellar has been built over 4+...
Forum: Wine Talk 02-23-2009, 12:26 PM
Replies: 1,012 Wine Market Correction merged
Views: 60,057 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Wine Market Correction merged

The more I think about it, the more I doubt that there are more than a handful of cellars worth $200M. Look at all the "named cellars" that have been sold over the last decade at auction. Rudy's...
Forum: Wine Talk 02-23-2009, 11:11 AM
Replies: 1,012 Wine Market Correction merged
Views: 60,057 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Wine Market Correction merged

Jeff can you clarify this? I think you are saying that $200M worth of wine isn't that much???

The global wine auction market is only ~$300M and I would bet that BBR, BI, Farr, F&R, Wilkinson,...
Forum: Wine Talk 02-11-2009, 10:36 AM
Replies: 87 La Paulee MERGED
Views: 5,288 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: La Paulee

I went last time in NY, had a good time but also would not opt to go again.

I still cannot figure out how a BYO dinner is $1400.....

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 02-02-2009, 06:54 PM
Replies: 82 My serious problem with Knightsbridge Wine
Views: 3,539 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: My serious problem with Knightsbridge Wine

Really?

Kevin seems more than willing to discuss more than I find appropriate. While on the phone with Leve, his response really should have been "Thanks for the heads up, I'll get in touch with...
Forum: Wine Talk 02-02-2009, 06:27 PM
Replies: 82 My serious problem with Knightsbridge Wine
Views: 3,539 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: My serious problem with Knightsbridge Wine

Strangely, my one purchase from these guys was discussed with a third party...
Forum: Wine Talk 01-27-2009, 03:22 PM
Replies: 12 Winehunter: 2005 LMHB $399
Views: 594 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Winehunter: 2005 LMHB $399

I see this wine at $3200/cs in the very near future....

Its totally dead in the water at $4800/cs...
Forum: Wine Talk 01-15-2009, 10:33 AM
Replies: 34 Question Re Buying Wine in UK
Views: 486 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Question Re Buying Wine in UK

Ummm...you are either missing a 0 or quoting per bottle...

Figure about $200/cs wrap around for a private consumer.

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 01-10-2009, 09:18 AM
Replies: 3 TNR '79 Veuve Clicquot Rose
Views: 82 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TNR '79 Veuve Clicquot Rose

Rob-

There were a number of releases of this wine. I've probably had it a half dozen times in the past 2 years. Ones that have been in the US since the mid 80's are generally much more advanced...
Forum: Wine Talk 01-05-2009, 10:44 AM
Replies: 191 Cellarbrokers...MIA again!
Views: 11,898 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Cellarbrokers...MIA again!

Got it.

Did you take delivery on the 1945 RC jero's yet?

Josh
Forum: Wine Talk 01-05-2009, 10:35 AM
Replies: 191 Cellarbrokers...MIA again!
Views: 11,898 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Cellarbrokers...MIA again!

Posner-

Its looking good for me on the under.....

Maybe it was Marcos and crew that hijacked my email yesterday in a last ditch effort to raise money.

Josh
Forum: Social Hall 12-29-2008, 09:27 AM
Replies: 32 Is anyone out there healthy?
Views: 495 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Is anyone out there healthy?

Well...you know what they say - "drown a cold, drown a flu."

Seems to work.
Forum: Social Hall 12-21-2008, 12:26 PM
Replies: 20 Happy Hanukkah to all
Views: 230 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Happy Hanukkah to all

More info here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc_Oeu3b ... h_response
Forum: Wine Talk 12-18-2008, 10:39 PM
Replies: 2,437 Garagiste Blog, aka the Great Enabler
Views: 129,625 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Garagiste Blog, aka the Great Enabler

$840/cs is right about current UK retail right now. Based on the gigantic lack of interest in 2005's right now in the marketplace, I would be surprised if this wine isn't widely available at or below...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-17-2008, 09:43 AM
Replies: 16 WineHunting: Pavie 2003, under $150
Views: 616 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: WineHunting: Pavie 2003, under $150

Hard to say as I generally avoid dealing in the stuff...I would fully expect 2003 to be in the $125 range and 2000/2005 to sell in the mid/high $200's.

I can't speak at all on 99/01/02/04/06.

Josh
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-17-2008, 08:49 AM
Replies: 16 WineHunting: Pavie 2003, under $150
Views: 616 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: WineHunting: Pavie 2003, under $150

Not to beat a dead horse, but Pavie is always a good deal for those that like to drink the wine. It is an absolute dog to sell and VERY hard to make money on within the trade.

If you like Pavie, be...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-12-2008, 03:46 PM
Replies: 9 Pricing Help, Please.
Views: 447 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Pricing Help, Please.

http://www.wineauctionprices.com
Forum: Wine Talk 12-10-2008, 11:02 AM
Replies: 191 Cellarbrokers...MIA again!
Views: 11,898 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Cellarbrokers...MIA again!

Got the Amex chargeback for roughly $60k processed through this week....
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-09-2008, 02:19 PM
Replies: 11 Counterfeit Wines...A Question.
Views: 620 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Counterfeit Wines...A Question.

Plenty of fake Ramonet Montrachet and Yquem out there...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-08-2008, 04:18 PM
Replies: 16 Winehunter? 1998 Lafite @ $375
Views: 643 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Winehunter? 1998 Lafite @ $375

look for this at $299 in a few months...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-06-2008, 08:39 AM
Replies: 38 Zachys Holiday Auction
Views: 1,890 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Zachys Holiday Auction

Jeff-

Were you in the room?

Introduce yourself next time....

Josh
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-06-2008, 01:26 AM
Replies: 38 Zachys Holiday Auction
Views: 1,890 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Zachys Holiday Auction

The best deals were at christies.... Bought 12x83 Margaux in good condition for $2800 hammer...2000 LLC for $1800 hammer...98 HB $2000 hammer....88 Yquem $2000 hammer...55 Taylor @ $200/bot....

I...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-04-2008, 01:32 PM
Replies: 38 Zachys Holiday Auction
Views: 1,890 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Zachys Holiday Auction

I'm sitting in the room...

Prices seem pretty firm relative to the market at large...I've hardly been buying.
Forum: Social Hall 12-02-2008, 11:03 PM
Replies: 16 Cape Cod or Boston in May?
Views: 143 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Cape Cod or Boston in May?

Stephan-

I'll echo what everyone else said and say that May in Boston is great. June and September are nice on the Islands, but May is really too early. I can't speak on the Cape.

As hinted at...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-02-2008, 11:20 AM
Replies: 13 ROMANEE - CONTI 1952 (advice needed)
Views: 696 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: ROMANEE - CONTI 1952 (advice needed)

Haven't had the RC, but 52 La Tache is great.

How is the overall condition? What do you know about the provenance?

The price is fair.

Josh
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-02-2008, 09:42 AM
Replies: 84 2005 Bordeaux Deliveries MERGED
Views: 2,688 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 2005 Bordeaux Deliveries

Almost all wines were released from the respective estates nearly a year ago.

With a few exceptions, not having the wine now means that someone somewhere in the supply chain owes someone money and...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 12-01-2008, 03:57 PM
Replies: 37 I've given up on Wine Commune
Views: 1,414 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: I've given up on Wine Commune

There are a number of people on WC who function under multiple usernames, shill bidding and driving up prices and then buy in their own lots when they can't get the prices high enough.

People also...
Forum: Wine Talk 11-24-2008, 02:51 PM
Replies: 191 Cellarbrokers...MIA again!
Views: 11,898 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Cellarbrokers...MIA again!

That's a nice touch...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-24-2008, 02:03 PM
Replies: 96 Vintages of Krug
Views: 2,628 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Vintages of Krug

Maybe she saw you dance into Acker a few weeks ago with the shades and frilly cravat and got confused???
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-24-2008, 09:02 AM
Replies: 96 Vintages of Krug
Views: 2,628 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Vintages of Krug

$300 or so from Farr Vintners. I would trust their provenanve a great deal more than most US retailers listing this wine.

Josh
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-23-2008, 01:07 PM
Replies: 96 Vintages of Krug
Views: 2,628 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Vintages of Krug

88
96
90
82
89
85
81
95

Two caveats here:
Forum: Social Hall 11-21-2008, 04:09 PM
Replies: 23 New ebay selling rules: Forced acceptance of paypal for sellers! ARRRGH!
Views: 308 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: New ebay selling rules: Forced acceptance of paypal for sellers! ARRRGH!

What about transactions over $10k?
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-20-2008, 09:23 AM
Replies: 1,042 Poll: Pricing, pricing, economic turmoil merged
Views: 24,562 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Pricing, pricing, economic turmoil merged

They probably didn't pay the bill....

In the last 3-4 months, I have had more deals renegged on and orders cancelled than in the last 3-4 years. Pricing are changing so fast that deals that look...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-19-2008, 09:59 PM
Replies: 6 TN: 1998 Krug Vintage Champagne
Views: 389 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TN: 1998 Krug Vintage Champagne

Its currently available at ~$200/bot.

-Josh
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-19-2008, 09:56 PM
Replies: 6 TN: 1998 Krug Vintage Champagne
Views: 389 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TN: 1998 Krug Vintage Champagne

By any chance did you get to see his cell phone?


-Josh
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-19-2008, 10:04 AM
Replies: 4 1993 Clos De La Roche Vielles Vignes - Ponsot
Views: 227 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: 1993 Clos De La Roche Vielles Vignes - Ponsot

1993's from Ponsot are generally showing very well right now. Along with Dujac I think these are the two strongest sets of 1993's for drinking over the next 10 years. I'm hopeful that Rousseau,...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-18-2008, 02:48 PM
Replies: 40 MOST EXPENSIVE WINE ON RELEASE
Views: 1,577 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: MOST EXPENSIVE WINE ON RELEASE

I was offered quantity at ~$25000/cs just recently. I sold some about 6 months ago, into the trade for $40,000/cs. That means that they sold it on for about $48,000/cs.

I'd guess that if 1995...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-18-2008, 01:53 PM
Replies: 40 MOST EXPENSIVE WINE ON RELEASE
Views: 1,577 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: MOST EXPENSIVE WINE ON RELEASE

I believe wholesale through C&E was about $1250/bot.
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-18-2008, 01:30 PM
Replies: 40 MOST EXPENSIVE WINE ON RELEASE
Views: 1,577 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: MOST EXPENSIVE WINE ON RELEASE

Wholesale on Krug Ambonnay was roughly twice the price of 2005 RC on release ~$2200 vs $1300 . No 2005 Leroys were over $1000 wholesale.

Ambonnay is the current "winner."

Josh
Forum: Food....and Wine 11-16-2008, 11:09 PM
Replies: 207 Worms in Cod/Scrod - first experience
Views: 3,557 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: Worms in Cod/Scrod - first experience

One of my first jobs was at the fish market at Legal Seafoods in Chestnut Hill MA. After that summer I didn't eat swordfish for years.

-Josh
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-16-2008, 10:01 PM
Replies: 65 TN:Krug '88
Views: 1,298 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TN:Krug '88

I guess it was only a matter of time until eRP's Shemp and Joe Besser showed up...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-16-2008, 07:55 PM
Replies: 65 TN:Krug '88
Views: 1,298 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TN:Krug '88

I'm not Ray, but based on your TN on my bottle of 73 Taittinger CdC here: http://dat.erobertparker.com/bboard/sho ... p?t=177241 , I would say it's your palate that is off. That bottle was on...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-16-2008, 05:27 PM
Replies: 65 TN:Krug '88
Views: 1,298 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TN:Krug '88

Perhaps some hyperbole on my part, but compared to surrounding vintages it has shown soft, flabby and overly mature. I've only had it a handful of times in the past year or two, but it has never...
Forum: Bulk Archive 2005-2008 11-16-2008, 04:38 PM
Replies: 65 TN:Krug '88
Views: 1,298 Posted By Josh Wertlιeb
Re: TN:Krug '88

What I don't get it why the 85 Collection is SO good and the 85 regular is so flat.

[jwertlieb]

Chris-

I'm sure if one goes through my 1840 posts over the last 7 years on eBob you can concoct some sort of evidence that demonstrates the monster I am. Jim is a lawyer and former politician...it shouldn't be that hard!!!

Jim-

Despite the shortcomings in Squire's moderation style, he has yet to attack anyone behind their back by name or start a thread on his board calling another internet moderator a liar (which happens to be the 4th most active thread on the new BWE to date - kind of sad really). Before throwing stones you should really take a look at yourself if you want to know about hypocrisy. If I recall correctly, you have attempted many times to reach out to RP and and get some sort of approval/attention from him.... this certainly looks like a bit of petty jealousy on your part. I kind of feel sorry for you that you need to lash out at me in this way and hope you can resolve whatever issue is causing this because I certainly did nothing to provoke it.

-Josh

[JimHow]

Hit me again Josh, it doesn't hurt me.
I just don't take this stuff as seriously as you do. I just can't get too filled with indignation over mere words concerning the subject of wine.
You're not a "monster", Josh, there are no monsters.
I think you've written some pretty arrogant stuff over on the Squires site, which I consider an arrogant site. Different than the non-arrogant messages you used to post on BWE. That's just my opinion. Deal with it. It's going to be okay, you're not going to die.
As for Squires, I was fascinated by how he was deleting posts from people questioning the issues raised by the WSJ.
Squires posters, for example, raised questions about his trip to Portugal paid by a trade association. I didn't see any answers to the questions, but rather deletions of the posts. So I posted a thread here mocking him, because, obviously, nobody could mock him over on his site.
If you want to mock or insult me here, feel free to do it, I won't censor you.

[SteveH]

Jim,

I am absolutely stunned by your assault on Josh. Your "monster" label, "know-it-all, and "written yucky stuff," comments are deplorable and semantically puerile. I haven't viewed the Squires board in at least a year, so please tell us what are you talking about. Explain your attack.

Have you had a bad commercial experience with Josh?
Not I. Last year he and I completed a high value wine transaction which was sealed simply by a telephonic handshake.

Is the substantive depth of his wine knowledge that he's acquired in less than a decade based on bluster and misinformation? No. He's a proven source who has developed a high level of respect within the trade.

I recall several years ago, when Francois stepped away from this site, you also launched a personal attack on him. This was blatant, cruel, and based solely on your perception of his betrayal. Are you upset that Josh has 'left the (BWE) reservation' in his personal quest for developing a successful worldwide wine trading business?

You are a respected member of the bar, and a former elected official in the State of Maine. I am surprised and disappointed that you have launched such personal insults on Josh.

[JimHow]

I'm sorry you are so insulted, Steve. I hope you don't have a stroke.
I don't think calling someone a "monster" is an "assault."
But, you are entitled to your opinion, and I promise I won't censor you.

[hm$]

I fail to see how discussion of Squire's censorship (which I think got out of hand when Lyle and Alice were banned from eBob) was furthered by taking a cheap pot-shot at Josh on this forum. Even if your post reflects your opinion, it added nothing to the discussion. It was just a mean-spirited gratuitous insult.

hm$

[Rieslingfan]

If I have discovered one thing across the wine web these past weeks, it is that the Parker controversy has made us all rather intemperate.

I think we should all take a step back, and forget the words of the last 3-4 weeks.

[JimHow]

I think that's a good idea, David. I guess the lesson learned is that calling someone a "monster" can be upsetting. Myself, I would get a perverse thrill out of it, but not everyone is as insensitive and uncaring as me.

I was going to just post the threads from Josh to which I was referring and we could pick them apart for the next couple weeks, but that would just perpetuate the bad will for another couple weeks. It is certainly not my intent to have the likes of HMS and SteveH so shocked and angry at me. I am sorry to have upset you, Josh.

So you are right, I'll just let the issue die, I think I've made my point. I'm not going to delete further commentary here, though, even if the comments are as low and mean-spirited as calling me a "lawyer" and "politician"-- far worse than "monster", in my humble opinion....

[rjsussex]

Have just caught up with this and the 'liar' thread.

From my outside perspective (in UK and have never subscribed to any wine publication) it all seems to me to flow directly from the absolutely unprecedented power wielded by one man in one specific market where seemingly small decisions (giving 08 Lafite two more points than 08 Latour, for instance) lead instananeously to frankly astonishing and globally enormous financial effects. It's no longer the power of a critic; it's the power of what exists nowhere else in the capitalist world - the power, say, of one man to hike the price of oil or of grain with one word, over night, and permanently. It's very far from the case that the scores of a Tanzer or a Meadows can ever have anything remotely like the same effect.

Such power goes to the head of the person who wields it (Jim won't censor me if I say that, following his 08 scores, the UK trade think RP has in effect gone mad) and of course attracts acolytes and camp-followers who effectively internalise their role as policemen to their boss' reputation as their rationale for benefiting from his racket - some doubtless with scant regard for ethics.

As I and many others have said, we all have Parker to thank for raising the standard overall in the complacent world that was pre-Parker Bordeaux, but that was long ago and from where we've got to now the only fair judgment on his effect on the world of fine Bordeaux, its style of wine-making and its prices is - disastrous and a terrible warning about dictatorship and its effects.

Richard

[stefan]

Hey, Josh, take the BD's comment as a compliment. All my professional life I have wanted my students to consider me a monster, but they keep calling me "Sweet Ole Bill" (usually using just the initials).

Now if Jim said that you cannot distinguish a St. Julien from a St. Emilion---those would be fightin' words.

stefan

[Jay Winton]

I've had one business dealing with Josh a few years ago. There was an issue with shipping and he went out of his way to make sure I received my wine in a timely manner. I enjoyed quaffing with him and I hope he attends another BWE dinner one of these days but, understandably, he may not . Let's move on everyone as this kind of discourse is not why I am a loyal BWE.

[JimHow]

I think you are a goblin, Jay.
I'm amused by the emails I'm getting from people who have picked up on the immediate vitriole of Josh's response and that of his supporters.
Josh is pissed off only at me, Jay, if you can convince him to go to Chicago '10 I'll skip that convention.

[Harry C.]

So Jim is in the Dark Side? THAT explains him naming the 2005 "village" Burgs at WOTY 2008. And as someone who could not be present at the convention, I could only read the tasting notes and live vicariously. But I couldn't help but notice the relative silence concerning the 2005 "village" tasting. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=456

[JimHow]

You poltergeist you, Harry!

Well, I must agree, my 2005 Burgs were not in peak form, certainly compared to the Bordeaux we drank over the weekend.

I think they're going to age into beauties, but my first love remains Bordeaux....