Category: sommelier’s pick

Savvy Wine Shoppers: Start Your Engines

Exciting online wine deals and steals are really happening.  They are not the typical, over-hyped discounted wines that have been offered over the last year or two.  It strikes me as a new beginning, a fresh start to Spring. 

The real deal door began to swing open around April 1st and by the day of the eclipse, it was no illusion, no April Fool’s prank.

 And the wines that signaled this change  were excellent, time-proven Cabernets, Pinot Noirs,  Chardonnays, a few imports and, well, many others. What was different was the appearance of so many authentic wines from real producers instead of made up private labels and brands. And often, new vintages, newly released wines, not leftovers.

Before getting to the reasons behind this development, let me lists those deals offered online  that caught my attention:

2021 Peju Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, regularly $70, offered at $26 

2021 Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles $65 to $39.99

2018 Whitehall Lane Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley $90 to $59

2020 Beringer Vineyards Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $32 to $23.99

2019 Handley Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, $37 to $19.

2018 Ketcham Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley $45 to $19.95

2022 Long Meadow Ranch Rose of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley $32 to $12

2022 Caymus Vineyards, California Cabernet Sauvignon, $75 to $49

These are top names and the reason the last two are cited is to reinforce the fact that new vintages, not old stuff getting dusty in warehouses, are showing up as real deals! That’s a spanking brand new release from Caymus and I’ve not seen any Peju wine so deeply discounted until now. Clos du Val just released its new Cabernet Sauvignon vintage to an online retailer at 20%, not enough to make my list but good support for the trend.

Just now winespies.com announced a 30% off deal on an absolutely great California Chardonnay, one of the top 3-4 made and never ever discounted, until now. It is the 2021 Wayfarer ‘The Estate’ Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay 30% off. 

Then I’m seeing a few unknowns and  newbies to the Napa Cabernet scene resorting to the online discounters to help their launch. The garigiste.com site announced the sale of  Rockmere Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley from 2018 for $59.71 a bottle, with the winery price being $95.

So why now, you ask? Well, it has to do with supply and demand. Over the last several months, business stories have focused on the global surplus of wine, and here at home, both Napa and Washington State wine folks are trying to deal with the present surplus of wine and the need to start removing vineyards in big numbers for future stability. Talk about pulling up vines let’s you know this is not a blip.

Meanwhile, retailers are staring at big inventories in their stores and warehouses. I’ve noticed much more exciting offerings from vivino.com so far in 2024. This online site works directly with retailer partners across the country. Sales are slow in brick & mortar places across the country.

Who’s to blame? Well, the easy way out is to point fingers (the middle one?) at the Gen Zers.

Apparently, recent surveys indicate a lack of interest in wine. That’s a demographic representing 18% of the population and it is more interested in energy boosting drinks. Is “Liquid Death” an energy drink? Just asking. 

The brains behind Drizly analyzed the alcohol beverage market and came up with this conclusion: “When it comes to trying new bev alc brands, Drizly’s 2023 Consumer Trend Report found that pricing was the top factor that influences Gen Z “

The  high price of wine is a big deal these days. Recent surveys show that the average bottle price of a Napa Valley Cabernet is $108. An article in The Wall Street Journal  surveyed restaurants and came up with the belief that $25 is the new restaurant normal for a glass of wine. And, yes, the prices for many consumer items are now high. But wine is non-essential, a choice, not on the same level of importance as eggs and fuel. 

Driving the prices of wine up and Gen Zers away is that wine is perceived as a luxury enjoyed by those who equate price with quality. Snobs! Yes, those who buy what others can’t afford and those who associate inexpensive wine as “cheap stuff.” And the big corporations have not helped by their push to create so-called “luxury brands.” 

But right now it is the online wine retailers, the flash sale types, that are driving the discount wine deals.  A report from the Silicon Valley Bank made this observation:

“Wholesalers are full up, as far as they can go,”  which is making them “more picky” in what they buy from wine producers. Wholesalers “are more afraid of being stuck with inventory that they may have to discount.” 

It concluded with a prediction that “flash sales and increased discounts” are likely in the offing in the near future.”

5 Real Deal Dealers

That future is now. Flash sales, meaning limited time offerings are leading the way. For those  interested in checking out the best wine deals offered online, here are my top 5 best sites for non-snobbery, savvy shopping wine drinkers:

www.reversewinesnob.com  This site was finding super wines at great prices before the glut, and so far in 2024 has earned my top spot for its selection of wines from California and the Northwest. It works directly with small, family owned wineries. Begin here.

www.winespies.com  Off to a great month of April with exceptional finds such as the 2020 Caymus California Cabernet and the Wayfarer Chardonnay. Also, super price for a Flying Goat Pinot Noir. Special deals on Lake County Cabernets are frequent.

www.lastbottleswines.com

 Still the best flash sale site, and is keeping up by finding wines never offered before the glut. A great offer for Handley Cellars 2019 Pinot Noir at $19. It also has marathon wine sales, and recently offered dozens of wines as “under $26 deals and steals.”    

www.vivino.com 

These are the people who have a huge database and encourage subscribers to offer reviews, But its main strength is its partnerships with retailers around the country. Here I found the 2020 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet at 30% off. The new 2022 Caymus “California” Cabernet was first offered by vivino.

http://www.wtso.com

WTSO was one of the first, if not the first site for flash sales. It offers many wines, but I found it is a great resource for imports, especially Spanish and Italian wines. Here are three examples of excellent deals:

2021 Resalte Ribera del Duero Vendimia Seleccionada for $19.99 (50%)

2018 Famiglia Castellani Chianti Classico Riserva  DOCG $14.99

2019 Luca Bosio Barolo  $24.99

Black Friday & Red WinesThrough Cyber Monday

Red wines & Holiday Discounts: My Favorite Pairing

“Red Friday” was announced by wineexpress.com. 

That’s a cute way to offer a wide range of

Red wines from around the world.

A few are deeply discounted. 

Most are discounted 10% to 30%.

Several of the better deals are decent Bordeaux such as Château Le Grand Verdus and

Chateau Landreau. Not big names. But reliable and authentic.

Here’s one that is also hard to beat for less than $16:Elyse 2017 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Also offered are two of my fav reds reviewed at winereviewonline.com

2018 Marietta Cellars Christo Estate Red at $24.97

2019 Silk & Spice from Portugal ar $14.47

Both of these are excellent values.

Check out the extensive list of red wines at http://www.wineexpress.com

Direct from wineries:

Navarro Vineyards, one of the time proven, excellent family wineries, has a fantastic holiday offer.

Navarro’s six-bottle Black Friday Sampler is only available through Monday, November 29, or until the sampler is sold out. The six bottles of 2017 Méthode à l’Ancienne Pinot Noir in this sampler—three of them unfiltered—are being offered for $108.00, a savings of $108.00! There is a limit of one sampler per household; however, you can also add six bottles of any Navarro wine or non-alcoholic juice of your choice and the twelve bottles will qualify for One-Cent shipping.

Yes, you can buy this Pinot Noir at half-price:

2017 Navarro Pinot Noir, Méthode à l’Ancienne. Double Gold Medal. 93 points.

Half off case sale at Byington Vineyards:

Here’s the pitch:

NO GIMMICKS EVER! Wonderful Wines at INCREDIBLE PRICES!BARBERA Case: $329.94 vs. $659.88 (SAVE $329.94)CHARDONNAY Case: $197.94 vs. $395.88 (SAVE $197.94)BLANC DE BLANCS Case: $419.92 vs. $599.88 (SAVE $179.96)

The 2015 Chardonnay is from Alexander Valley and is a super deal at this case price.

Yes, there’s one little hitch: the sale is direct from the Los Altos winery, so must be picked up.

Testarossa Vineyards (not far from Byington) has a special holiday offer:

Black Friday

10% for non members and Ground Shipping Included

on orders of 3+ bottles

Testarossa is the best kept secret among Pinot Noir lovers and currently offers a full roster of site specific, special vineyard designated Pinots from fabled vineyards.

2. Check out the specials at Tank Garage Winery.

$1 Shipping All Weekend Long

Need to get your hands on cool wines from Tank Garage Winery? Whether you’re shopping gifts for the season or stocking your cellar for days to come, we’ve got you covered with $1 shipping on any order, all weekend long. No code is necessary, this rad deal applies automatically at checkout through midnight on Sunday,  November 28th.

tankgaragewinery.com

also, there’s this fun offer:

Black Friday Garage Giveaway!! 🎉

‘Tis the season! Now through November 28th, enter once per day for a chance to win:

– (1) $250 Virtual Gift Card to Tank Garage Winery

-(4) Stemless Shatterproof Glasses

-(1) 750 mL Decanter

-(1) Fuck Off Gold Wine Key

-(1) Vinyl Record Coaster Set

The winner will be drawn on November 29th and will be contacted via email.

Looking ahead, http://www.wtso.com has a magnum marathon set for Monday, November 29, 8am-9pm Eastern time

Search this blog for my detailed review of wtso and its marathon sales.

Spring Wine Deals

Now that we’ve adjusted to the Spring forward time, let’s check out the best deals on wines to celebrate springtime. Or March Madness. Or whatever!

www.cawineclub.com

The California wine club focuses on small family owned wineries and here are my top 4 choices from its current inventory. All greatly discounted.  It also offers $1 on case shipping and an extra 10% discount to March 31.

2020 Madrona Vineyards Barbera Rose, El Dorado $11.99

2018 Testarossa Pinot Noir Cuvee Los Gatos $17.99

2018 Testarossa Chardonnay, Cuvée Los Gatos $14.99

2013 Retzlaff Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley, $15.99

www.napacabs.com

Napacabs.com offers more than Napa Cabernets. It continues to amaze me. Check out its case specials for yourself. Here are the super deals this week:

2018 Mount  Veeder Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, Napa $26.97 per bottle for a three-bottle purchase.

2017 Aerena Red Hills Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.98

www.winespies.com

Here are two hard to find wines at super savings. Yes, $55 is a heck of a deal for

one of Washinton’ s top producers. One could argue Andrew Will is #1. But for now,

better to act fast, argue later. And the Sauvignon will thrill fans of the varietal.

2015 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills Red, $55.00

2019 Jack Winery ‘Two Old Dogs’ Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc $19.00

www.wine.com

2014 Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva $19.97

You should also check out the “New Arrivals” section here. It includes many once “mailing list” exclusive wines, such as the full lineup of Kosta-Browne Pinots.

3 Reasons Why Old Vine Wines are (well, maybe) Better

My 3 Exhibits: Attention Class

2018 None Such Mourvedre, Enz Vineyard, San Benito County, $38.00 at http://www.nonesuchwines.com

2018 Bedrock Wine Company California Old Vine Zinfandel $27.99 at www. wine.com

2018 Ridge Petite Sirah Lytton Estate, $38 at http://www.invino.com

Are Old Vine wines better than other wines? This question likely ranks as one of the most common raised in wine classes. It is often raised when the subject turns to Zinfandel and indeed, there are arguably more Old Vine Zinfandels now on the market than any other wine type.

Yet, before getting to possible answers, let’s be clear: old vines exist in many other wine regions, especially in Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Chile.

First, “old” is not very well defined in the wine world. So because the average lifespan of a productive vine is 45-50 years, I’m using old for a vine that’s at least 50 years old. That’s 

Pre-1970 in California, but there are vineyards that were planted in the 1880s, 90s.

When a vine ages beyond 50 years, it becomes less and less productive, meaning fewer clusters per vine and often smaller berries. So one attribute of old vines is a concentration brought naturally about by low yields and small berries. Without getting geeky scientific, the ratio of juice to grape skins is different. And the skins yield less tannic wines.

Another thing often pointed out is that old vines have deep roots which makes sense. Deep roots have the vine drawing different nutrients from the soil than young vines. Many winemakers believe that leads to a balanced vine, one that matures the grapes evenly and the maturation process is smooth and normal.

Now one more point to bring up before answering the question and that is old vines are usually tended differently. For starters, most are dry farmed, meaning never irrigated. Then many are own rooted, meaning direct bearers, not grafted onto highly productive, disease re rootstock.  

That they are farmed differently was hammered home when I walked through old Mourvedre vines in Roussillon and through old steep vineyards in Oporto. In both, the vines were not planted in rows, they zigzagged their way along a slope or around a rock because everything was handled by people, not machines. The old vineyards in Oporto and many places are mixed, meaning field blends of several varieties intended to be harvested at the same time and fermented together. Many Old Vine Zinfandels are most likely field blends. 

But are Old Vines better?

  1. Balance

For starters, they are better balanced because the vine was in balance and therefore the wine didn’t need to be adjusted, manipulated, or rocket aged by some nerdy winemaker. The reason why so many pre-1970 California wines were field blends was to prevent a new winemaker from changing the tried and true winemaking regime. I may have heard that from Robin Lail whose family ran Inglenook during its prime years. 

2.Texture

In addition to aromas and flavors, wine has a range of textural possibilities. This is also known as the “mouthfeel,” as in soft, silky, astringent, puckery, harsh and whatever. Helen Turley, aka the “wine goddess” crowned by Robert Parker was not nerdy at all. Once when tasting wines with her, she started  talking about “old vine velvet” and to this day, this attribute stands out to me. Old vines at their best are more concentrated but the tannins are less harsh so the wine might have high alcohol but still come across as velvety smooth.

3. History

There’s something authentic about an Old Vine wine because it captures and showcases a sense of place, not a wine made in the cellars, not a wine that’s a winemaker’s signature. In this era of over blown cult wines and cult winemakers, that’s rare and refreshing. The enjoyment of wine is more about places and peoples, not points.

Your Cheat Sheet

Wine #1

Sommelier Ian Cauble puts it better when talking about the 2018 None Such Winery Mourvedre

Made from Enz Vineyard: 

It is, he explains, made from vines that are “own-rooted, head-trained, dry-farmed, and hidden deep in San Benito County, where it has flourished since the 1800s. The wines which hail from this special place are truly remarkable. To drink Enz is to understand the very fabric of California winemaking, and to be lucky enough to make a wine from Enz is to partake in history.” The winemaker and owner of None Such is Caitlin Quinn. You might want to remember that name.

Wine #2

The 2018 Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah is an old field blend with Zinfandel. The vineyard was established in 1901. Ridge and winemaker Paul Draper need no explanation.

Wine #3

 Bedrock’s 2018 Old Vine Zin is a blend of 85% Zinfandel filled out with Mataro, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Carignan, Petite Sirah and scant amounts of the many other varieties that can be found in California’s older, multifarious vineyards. And BTW, just about every Bedrock wine demonstrates the unique appeal of Old Vine and Heritage Vineyard wines. The winery is part of the Joel Peterson clan, the pioneers of old vine wines.

And yes, I reversed #2 and #3 here just to see if you were paying attention.

2 Best Daily Deals

2018 Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cuvee, Napa Valley, $39.95 (normally ($50)

From www.wineexpress.com

The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 4% Malbec. All mountain grown and Craig has a long history as one of the genuine superstars along with Randy Dunn known to bring out the best in Howell mountain fruit.  Normally impossible to find,  this is a great opportunity to discover why so many of us love Howell Mountain reds.

2018 Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret, Bourgogne Rouge $29.00

From: www.wineaccess.com

Want to experience what authentic French Burgundy is all about without going over budget? This one is made by a proven small family owned estate and from the excellent 2018 vintage. A fairly safe way to taste Pinot Noir from 50 year old vines grown in the heart of Burgundy. This is the entry level wine. But by the time we get to review it, it will certainly be long gone. Cheaper by the case.

Full disclosure: Neither an influencer nor an affiliate, I do this just to share.

You can thank me later.

3 Online Winners: Best Valentine’s Day Wine Offers

Despite the marketing opportunity, most online retailers stuck with the latest cult Cabernet or some under the radar wine from Italy or Spain. A few rose to the occasion and actually put effort into curating.

And the winner is a pleasant surprise, a longshot I wouldn’t have bet on but a great website: 

www.sommselect.com

The special offer was creative and, best of all, consisted of these two excellent wines:

Henriet-Bazin, Grand Cru Brut Rosé, Verzy & Verzenay, Champagne, France 

2018 Pierre-Marie Chermette, Saint-Amour “Les Champs Grillés,” Cru Beaujolais, Burgundy

A beautiful Rose Champagne and a delicious red certain to put the “amour” in the day.

Price for the pack: $95.  

Another winner reflecting solid effort is http://www.wineaccess.com with its “Luxe Valentine” 4 bottle package. 

led by the 2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne and included the 2015 Château Tronquoy-Lalande St.-Estèphe. For these and a 2013 Wade Napa Valley Cab and French Burgundy, the price for this terrific selection was $374.00, probably over budget for many people.

www.wine.com made an effort, albeit a slight 10% discount, on its amazing selection of Champagne and other bubblies. The best to me was the Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose for $79 or the Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose for $69.

For more info about these 3 see my detailed reviews at http://www.winereviewonline.com

As for wineries selling direct, one stood out:

www.clos.com 

While a few wineries offered discount shipping for Valentine’s Day, one winery went out of its way with a special dinner for locals and two special wines. 

Clos LaChance explains it has “two romantic options available now; a case of our brand new 2020 Colibri Rosé and a bottle of our new Sparkling Rosé – both are a perfect way to show your love!”  The case of bubbly was offered at $180. A savings of $84.

Otherwise, it was not much of a marketing show for selling wines direct. Valentine’s Day created as much excitement as Groundhog’s Day. In fact, even the Super Bowl brought out as many special deals. 

Another Mile High Club?

American Airlines’ announcement that it will sell wines through its Flagship Cellars program made the business news circuit. It must have been a slow day, as even CNN andFox Business picked it up as if it were a big deal. 

Well, this is neither big nor all that newsworthy. It is just another subscription box sales pitch. And no, a laid off flight attendant or crew member is not likely to personally deliver the wine to your door.

The Flagship Cellars Wine Program is powered by vinesse which has been in the wine subscription box business since 1993. 

Furthermore, for many years vinesse which is headquartered in Southern California,  has been fulfilling wine clubs for not only American Airlines but also for Delta and United Airlines before this announcement. Indeed, vinesse also goes by the name of American Cellars Wine Club.

The one real bit of news is that the quality level of wines in American’s Flagship Cellars is a big step up from vinesse’s usual selection. I regularly receive teaser offers from vinesse for 6 bottles for $29.99, but once you get past the teaser, the wines are not that exceptional nor are they bargains by any means. Vinesse also powered the NRA’s wine club. Make of that what you will.

The short list from American’s Flagship Cellars consists of real wines, not private brands. It offers Chardonnays from Trefethen and MacRostie and Truchard and a couple of good Oregon Pinot Noirs. There’s a Hall Merlot and the Jaboulet Beaume de Venise is quite unusual. Most  other reds are above average in quality. But the Champagnes are wonderful. Both Deutz and Moutard are among my all-time FAVS.

So the deal is if you subscribe, you get miles as well as wine. A three-bottle monthly subscription costs $100. 

If not a member, you can buy a case and it will ship free. And that’s my strong suggestion.

Go to http://www.vinesse.com/afc

If you see a favorite in the list at a reasonable price,  go for it and buy a case with free shipping.

However, this “news story” does raise a few questions.

 First, does anyone need miles this badly? Maybe these are the best wines served during some flights, but where are the wines being stored since the pandemic reduced flights and drinking during a flight?

Does American Airlines really have a sommelier leading a team that tastes 2000 wines a year? If so that’s not many wines and yes, I’d take the job without the team.

Finally, is pushing a wine club to unload wine really an innovative response to falling revenues? One business report said American estimated this program will add $40,000-$50,000 during the first quarter. Woopie!

If that’s the best you can do, why not donate the wines to some worthy cause or charity wine auction for first responders?

Not that would truly qualify as a breaking news story. 

A Personal Wine Shopper’s One Stop Shopping Plan

 

In this era of online shopping and home deliveries, we all tend to prefer one stop shopping. It is simply easier, less annoying and frustrating. And studying several websites and going over lists will only add a little more stress to daily living. We dont need that.

If you share these beliefs, then allow me to share where I would go online for one-stop wine shopping. Since my choice may surprise you, let me explain my reasoning. 

First, I prefer more than bargain wines, I want wines with some excitement and sizzle. Small production, distinctive wines, not wines or brands owned by giants like Gallo and Treasury which will always be available.

I also look for wines that before discounts, I would normally find way over my budget.

And right now, I am going all out to take advantage of the temporary market which has many restaurants unable to take showcase wines allocated to them. 

For instance today the Flowers 2016 Sonoma Coast, Seaview Ridge Pinot Noir is offered at $55, but it retails for $80 and is usually on wine lists for around $125.

As for timing, I’m looking for more lively, refreshing wines to drink over the summer, not blockbusters or age-worthy monsters.

So, here’s this weekend’s shopping list for one-stop wine shopping. Within a monthly wine budget of $250, I would buy 3 bottles each of the following:

2019 Private Property by Caraccioli, Rosé Santa Lucia Highlands, $14.00

2017 Le P’tit Paysan, Chardonnay Jack’s Hill Monterey, $14.00

2018 Cotes du Rhone, Domaine L’Abbe Dine, $15.00

2018 Brassfield Estate Malbec, Volcanic Ridge $18.00

2018 Tank Garage Winery Fast Machine Red Blend Sierra Foothills $20.00

So, there you have it.

And, yes I expect most have not heard about these wines. These are all limited production wines normally sold direct and/or destined for restaurant wine lists.

The lovely Rose is from a region famous for Pinot noir. The racey Chardonnay is a single vineyard version made by Ian Brand, noted sommelier. The Rhone is made by a famous winemaker. The pure, balanced Malbec is from Lake County which is known for red wines, and Tank Garage in Calistoga was on its way to becoming a hot wine destination for the in crowd. 

You can find these wines at  www.invino.com which is based in Napa County.

Any Disclaimers? 

None. I’m not an influencer auditioning for free samples. I’m not an affiliate working on a commission. I have no personal relationship with anyone at invino.com. 

Next week, new selections.

I drink wines and I know things.