I signed up for 4 Seasons a while back and cancelled after the first case. I think there were maybe four out of the twelve wines I got that were drinkable at all. Did a lot of cooking with most of it.

froboy419 wrote:This Wednesday's (5/11) American Express Daily Wish deal is a case of "World Class Reds" from Laithwaites wine for $89.99 (regular price $175.99) plus $19.99 shipping.

https://dailywish.amexnetwork.com/default.aspx?ct=2&

Only 20 cases are available and you have to use an American Express card. The wine is described:

•1 x Sumptuous 2009 Bordeaux - the region’s “best ever” (Decanter) vintage
•2 x Cherry-packed Chianti crafted at our favorite Tuscan estate
•2 x Full-flavored California Cabernet from the Golden State’s oldest vineyards
•1 x Seriously smooth, vanilla-oaky Rioja - Spain’s great red
•2 x Award-winning Argentinean red - A HUGE hit with customers
•2 x Single Vineyards Chilean Cabernet - amazing black currant purity
•1 x Deep, dark Australian blockbuster - the ultimate barbecue wine
•1 x Chocolaty Sonoma Merlot - so much flavor in every glass

Perhaps someone can look at the (small) picture and give us some more information on the wines included.

Alternately, you can also purchase a discounted membership in the Laithwaites 4 Seasons Wine club for $79.99 (regularly $176.99) with free shipping (at least on the first shipment). According to the site, "The 4 Seasons Wine Club has no obligations - with advance notice of each case, you can accept, decline, delay delivery, change wines or cancel at any time."

I'm not endorsing either deal - I have no experience with Laithwaites - just thought I'd share in case anyone is interested!

Entry-level wines. Not a fantastic deal, but it's wine of some sort.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/jul/13/foodanddrink

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews108274.html

2001 Oriel "Falerne" Cahors (French OW Malbec), is their Bin Ends sale item through May 13. $29 (usually $50).

Use promocode FALERNE01 for free shipping on six. You may need it to get the promo price, too.

iByron

Mumm Napa DVX sparkling rose on WTSO for $29.99, buy 3 for free shipping.

Hooray for bubbles!

Just curious how many of us got this:

lot18 email wrote:
We've just secured a small quantity of a Cabernet produced by a winery that we at Lot18 know well and love - Hunt Cellars. Hunt Cellars' success and resounding presence in the industry comes mainly from its cult-like wine club members who serendipitously stumbled upon their Paso Robles tasting room and instantly became obsessed. The highly coveted "Cab-Ovation" was so popular the first time we offered it that it quickly sold out. We've fought hard to secure some more for just a fraction of its retail price. With such limited quantity, we are only offering this wine to a select group of members via the phone.

As a valued member, you have been chosen to participate in this offer. We'll be taking phone orders through Friday, 5/13/2011. If you are interested in learning more, please reply to this email with your phone number and the best day and time to reach you (please include your time zone and a few times when you may be reached), and someone from Lot18 Member Services will call you as soon as possible with details. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Cheers,
Lot18 Member Services

joelsisk wrote:Just curious how many of us got this:

I received as well, similar to the previous "phone only" wine that didn't even sell out once offered on their site (can't recall the specific Napa Cab). Marketing at its best - create demand by pretending there is a limited supply which is only available to select individuals.

joelsisk wrote:Just curious how many of us got this:

I received, as well. I ran a quick search and you can purchase past vintages (2000 - 2005) from the Hunt Cellars website for $75. Assuming typical Lot18 discounting, this is probably going for $40 - $50...

Did anyone call in? I figured it likely wasn't worth it for a ~90 point cab, even if it is a "cult" bottle (that anyone can purchase from the winery...)

froboy419 wrote:I received, as well. I ran a quick search and you can purchase past vintages (2000 - 2005) from the Hunt Cellars website for $75. Assuming typical Lot18 discounting, this is probably going for $40 - $50...

Did anyone call in? I figured it likely wasn't worth it for a ~90 point cab, even if it is a "cult" bottle (that anyone can purchase from the winery...)

90 points can be very subjective! 90 points to Parker could be 95 points to a traditionalist, or 85 points, and vice-versa...

joelsisk wrote:Just curious how many of us got this:

I got it too, as well as this from Pedroncelli, some nice deals w/ $5 shipping:

A Snappy Little SB

Have you ever noticed that when the sun comes out Sauvignon Blanc just seems to find its way into your glass more often? Lighter fare--warmer days they just seem to lend themselves to a bright, crisp, clean glass of wine. We are preparing to bottle the 2010 vintage, and need to make room so I am making a special offer to my closest friends (that's you, right?) 2009 Eastside Sauvignon Blanc $7/bottle in six packs with $5 shipping.
A Half Dozen Rosés For Mother

We have been making (and drinking!) Rosé in this family for 55 consecutive years! And springtime is a great time to enjoy this light, easy-drinking, dry Rosé. I know you are going to love it, and so will the "mom's" in your life. Just to motivate you a little, I've worked up a deal that makes it more "cost effective" to buy a dozen Rosés than it is to buy a dozen roses. If you really want to impress her, pick up some fresh oysters to serve along side-It is a wine and food match made for spring! 2009 Dry Rosé of Zinfandel $7/bottle in six packs with $5 shipping.
It's PDT!

We are nearing the end of the vintage on the 2007 Ridge Ranch Syrah and it is PDT as we say around here (pretty darn tasty!). But we are also facing a new bottling season and need to make some space. So we are offering a S-WEEEET deal: $8/bottle in six packs with $5 shipping.

That rosé is tempting...

InFrom wrote:That rosé is tempting...

Have you had it before? It's really good stuff, a bit deeper color than most rosés, and no hiding the zin flavor. I love it. Now how to resist, especially at that price?

InFrom wrote:That rosé is tempting...

Is this a Pedroncelli wine club deal, or is it open to anyone?

ddeuddeg wrote:Have you had it before? It's really good stuff, a bit deeper color than most rosés, and no hiding the zin flavor. I love it. Now how to resist, especially at that price?

Not to mention, how to justify during a woot-off! :0

I haven't had it before, but I know their rosé is popular around these parts, and I do love a good, dry rosé.

I am not a club member, just an email subscriber.

w00t-off! let's see if lot18 will drop any specials or free shipping to compete...

Invino has a vintage porto 3-pack. I've just barely dabbled in ports- any comments on this deal from the porto drinkers?

adams828 wrote:w00t-off! let's see if lot18 will drop any specials or free shipping to compete...

Maybe they have WTSO more in their crosshairs than Woot?

wnance wrote:Is this a Pedroncelli wine club deal, or is it open to anyone?

Yes, I'd like to know this as well. $5 shipping and cheap bottle prices is a really nice deal.

froboy419 wrote:I received, as well. I ran a quick search and you can purchase past vintages (2000 - 2005) from the Hunt Cellars website for $75. Assuming typical Lot18 discounting, this is probably going for $40 - $50...

Did anyone call in? I figured it likely wasn't worth it for a ~90 point cab, even if it is a "cult" bottle (that anyone can purchase from the winery...)

Any news on this one? Did anyone buy and/or try the 2001 cab that was offered a few weeks ago?

redwinefan wrote:Yes, I'd like to know this as well. $5 shipping and cheap bottle prices is a really nice deal.

Oh, sorry, I thought it was understood from my reply to ddeuddeg -- these deals are not limited to club members. They're listed on the winery's site.

InFrom wrote:Oh, sorry, I thought it was understood from my reply to ddeuddeg -- these deals are not limited to club members. They're listed on the winery's site.

Cool, sorry, I missed your reply.

anyone know anything about the RM Botrytis on lot18? (2 x 375ml for $55)

RRichmo wrote:Invino has a vintage porto 3-pack. I've just barely dabbled in ports- any comments on this deal from the porto drinkers?

I just had the Ferreira 2000 2 days ago. Nice, but nothing special. The 2003 retails locally for 3 times the price ($64.99), so I'd expect a lot more. I can't get the others locally, but wine-searcher turns up prices in the $60+ neighborhood for all three. I really like Port, so if I were in a buying mood, I'd definitely jump on these at that price. Actually, even though I'm trying to live with a SIWBM, I may jump on this deal anyway.

ddeuddeg wrote:I just had the Ferreira 2000 2 days ago. Nice, but nothing special. The 2003 retails locally for 3 times the price ($64.99), so I'd expect a lot more. I can't get the others locally, but wine-searcher turns up prices in the $60+ neighborhood for all three. I really like Port, so if I were in a buying mood, I'd definitely jump on these at that price. Actually, even though I'm trying to live with a SIWBM, I may jump on this deal anyway.

Right- I'm trying my best to hold to some semblance of a SIWBM, but I'm a sucker for a good deal.

I also admit to waking up at 1:30 AM, checking the new listing on Woot and seeing a Woot-off, making a purchase (it was a Petite Syrah!), and going back to sleep. So it goes!

Friends of Muscardini Cellars,

We are writing today to tell you that there has been a wine heist at MUSCARDINI CELLARS. They've got our 2009 Muscardini Cellars Barbera, Pauli Ranch (EXCEPTIONAL - A mouth-watering, elegant wine). Over the next couple of days, beginning on Tuesday morning May 10th, WineHeist.com will feature a small quantity of this wine at a one-time only price of $27, 30% OFF per bottle, Save $132 on a case! A limited number of bottles are available, so be sure to take advantage of this special offer early. To order, CLICK HERE...

As an added incentive, WineHeist will Pay for Shipping on orders of six (6) or more bottles (AK, HI excluded). Get some before it's gone! Finally, be sure to sign up for their Insiders List to learn about what's next.

2009 Muscardini Cellars Barbera, Pauli Ranch
"The 2009 Muscardini Pauli Ranch Barbera, sourced from the Ukiah Valley in Mendocino County, is light purple in color, with a ruby rim. The nose shows exotic aromas of candied fruit and baked apple, and the palate is similar, showing cherry, ripe berries, and floral notes. Great acidity and lively fresh fruit flavors make this an ideal summer wine, pairing beautifully with a wide range of food, and even having the ability to be served slightly chilled. Alternatively, this could age for 3+ years in the cellar, where it would develop depth and complexity. Barbera is rare in California, and good Barbera even more so, so don't miss out on the chance to stock up on this exquisite example at a great discount. Your next Italian meal won't be the same without it!"

Cheers,
Muscardini Cellars

random122 wrote:Any news on this one? Did anyone buy and/or try the 2001 cab that was offered a few weeks ago?

I bought 4 of the 2001 Cab that was offered with my Lot18 vouchers. I drank one bottle. I thought it was quite good, and didn't seem to be fading at all after 10 years. We drank it over 3 nights, stored each night in the fridge after sealing with a vacuvin, and every night it got better, so it seems to need a lot of air still.

Here's what I wrote down, sorry for the lack of more in depth notes: "Still nice acid and structure, some lilac, cherry, tobacco, etc., nice! Take more detailed notes with the next bottle"

I thought the 2001 was quite good. I don't know what the phone offer is for, though. . .

RRichmo wrote:Invino has a vintage porto 3-pack. I've just barely dabbled in ports- any comments on this deal from the porto drinkers?

I'm tempted to order that one as well. Check out this review of the 2003 Quinta do Carasto. They suggest that it is a bargain at the retail of $90.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pnSw8C_fXU

wnance wrote:I bought 4 of the 2001 Cab that was offered with my Lot18 vouchers. I drank one bottle. I thought it was quite good, and didn't seem to be fading at all after 10 years. We drank it over 3 nights, stored each night in the fridge after sealing with a vacuvin, and every night it got better, so it seems to need a lot of air still.

Here's what I wrote down, sorry for the lack of more in depth notes: "Still nice acid and structure, some lilac, cherry, tobacco, etc., nice! Take more detailed notes with the next bottle"

I thought the 2001 was quite good. I don't know what the phone offer is for, though. . .

The lot18 phone offer was for four bottles for $120, plus tax, free shupping.

davisryan wrote:I'm tempted to order that one as well. Check out this review of the 2003 Quinta do Carasto. They suggest that it is a bargain at the retail of $90.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pnSw8C_fXU

For vintage port it's all in the year and the houses. 03 was a great year, which is excellent. These are middling to low houses / brands, but for the money it's not bad at all I think. Sadly see from closer inspection that the Broadbent is 05, and I've never heard of them, though I might look them up later.
And from the description, the Quinto de Crasto 03 is an LBV, though they may have chosen the wrong blurb, as the bottle seems to say Vintage, not Late Bottled Vintage. There is a huge difference, though.. LBVs tend to be bottles after 4 years, not 2, and from lesser grapes and do not age once bottled. Not as good, though much better than most other kinds of red-style ports!

Actual vintage from a top house like Taylor's 03 probably fetches about £60 at the moment I'd guess, which is about $100. If yo don't want the top level, then this, at $30 a pop is a pretty good deal. I'm tempted.

wnance wrote:I bought 4 of the 2001 Cab that was offered with my Lot18 vouchers. I drank one bottle. I thought it was quite good, and didn't seem to be fading at all after 10 years. We drank it over 3 nights, stored each night in the fridge after sealing with a vacuvin, and every night it got better, so it seems to need a lot of air still.

Here's what I wrote down, sorry for the lack of more in depth notes: "Still nice acid and structure, some lilac, cherry, tobacco, etc., nice! Take more detailed notes with the next bottle"

I thought the 2001 was quite good. I don't know what the phone offer is for, though. . .

Some notes are better than none. Thanks!

richardhod wrote:For vintage port it's all in the year and the houses. 03 was a great year, which is excellent. These are middling to low houses / brands, but for the money it's not bad at all I think. Sadly see from closer inspection that the Broadbent is 05, and I've never heard of them, though I might look them up later.

A local store has the Quintana do Crasto for $74 and the Ferreira for $54. The Broadbent is available online for $63. Looks like this is a good deal.

The photo and the ratings for the Broadbent both match the 2003, so maybe it is really the 2003.
http://www.wine.com/V6/Broadbent-Vintage-Port-2003/wine/87372/detail.aspx

davisryan wrote:A local store has the Quintana do Crasto for $74 and the Ferreira for $54. The Broadbent is available online for $63. Looks like this is a good deal.

The photo and the ratings for the Broadbent both match the 2003, so maybe it is really the 2003.
http://www.wine.com/V6/Broadbent-Vintage-Port-2003/wine/87372/detail.aspx

Yep, I went in for one pack, and I'm kind of thinking I maybe should have picked up two. For the future.

jmdavidson wrote:The lot18 phone offer was for four bottles for $120, plus tax, free shupping.

For the same 2001 "cabovation" Cabernet?

wnance wrote:For the same 2001 "cabovation" Cabernet?

Yeah, the email said they acquired some more of what sold out last time.

Last Bottle Wines site is up. http://www.lastbottlewines.com
Heitz Cellar 2001 Martha's Vineyard for $79. Nothing that I see that sets them apart from any other wine flash site.

hunterjaydog wrote:Last Bottle Wines site is up. http://www.lastbottlewines.com
Heitz Cellar 2001 Martha's Vineyard for $79. Nothing that I see that sets them apart from any other wine flash site.

That's because you didn't win the $4000 instant wine cellar for $1.

ddeuddeg wrote:That's because you didn't win the $4000 instant wine cellar for $1.

for that gloating Don, you get to open at least three VERY expensive bottle next time we see you :D

wnance wrote:I bought 4 of the 2001 Cab that was offered with my Lot18 vouchers. I drank one bottle. I thought it was quite good, and didn't seem to be fading at all after 10 years. We drank it over 3 nights, stored each night in the fridge after sealing with a vacuvin, and every night it got better, so it seems to need a lot of air still.

Just popped open one of these last night. It was good, but not great.

Upon opening: Light maroon color, smells a little funky (not quite earthy, not quite woody, but in that ballpark), mild tannins, some acidity but not overwhelming, sourish fruit taste (definitely cherries, maybe plum? currants?), mild spices.

90 min in glass: Still smells funky (but not as prominent), cherries/raspberries dominate upfront, quickly transitions to cloves, getting kind of a floral finish but can't quite put my finger on it. Seems like there are abrupt transitions between flavors, one thing dominates, then another, then another. Looking forward to seeing how it holds up over the next 2 nights.

Overall: 3/5 (86/100)

Although I enjoyed it, I don't think I'd go in for more. Maybe if it were $25/bottle, but even that'd be pushing it for me. Too many other wines that offer a better QPR.

hunterjaydog wrote:Last Bottle Wines site is up. http://www.lastbottlewines.com
Heitz Cellar 2001 Martha's Vineyard for $79. Nothing that I see that sets them apart from any other wine flash site.

Agreed, isn't this basically WTSO? A few thoughts:

1) If you add the current offer to your cart (Heitz Cellar), there is a 12 bottle limit. Is it a little strange that they're limiting the size of orders?

2) The "invite friends" sign-up bonus is $20 for the inviter and $5 for the invitee upon first purchase. That is at least a little innovative.

3) I both like and don't like the "2% back" gimmick. Yes, getting money back is nice, but I'd rather a further 2% discount was applied to the price of the wine rather than requiring I come back and purchase more wine in order to obtain the benefit.

4) The $25 credit for purchasing the "last bottle" is pretty cool.

ddeuddeg wrote:That's because you didn't win the $4000 instant wine cellar for $1.

haha, I'm also in NYC and my first thought upon seeing "Donald W. of New York" was, "I wonder what UPS truck it will be on...?" Congratulations!

Is there an opportunity to start another spreadsheet, where people can sign up via other's referral links, get $20, and then after 4 referrals you get a free bottle of Martha's Vineyard?

Or would the need to make a purchase to get the referral bonus complicate that? I'm in if its feasible.

Jeff

richardhod wrote:for that gloating Don, you get to open at least three VERY expensive bottle next time we see you :D

In that case, I'll be looking forward to seeing you.

chukon99 wrote:Just popped open one of these last night. It was good, but not great.

Upon opening: Light maroon color, smells a little funky (not quite earthy, not quite woody, but in that ballpark), mild tannins, some acidity but not overwhelming, sourish fruit taste (definitely cherries, maybe plum? currants?), mild spices.

90 min in glass: Still smells funky (but not as prominent), cherries/raspberries dominate upfront, quickly transitions to cloves, getting kind of a floral finish but can't quite put my finger on it. Seems like there are abrupt transitions between flavors, one thing dominates, then another, then another. Looking forward to seeing how it holds up over the next 2 nights.

Overall: 3/5 (86/100)

Although I enjoyed it, I don't think I'd go in for more. Maybe if it were $25/bottle, but even that'd be pushing it for me. Too many other wines that offer a better QPR.

Please post back how the wine did over the next couple of nights. I've got 3 bottles left, and am curious what you taste. To be fair, I didn't really have it with any food. . .