Wine & Spirits Bargains at the PLCB (Part 2)

[Jeff L]

Check the code on this one again. I just tried to search on the lcb site and got nothing for this code or for the vintner.

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Hi Jeff,

It is the right code as it's both on my receipt and on the upcoming selections page:

"d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz/Viognier, South Australia 2004

92 Points by Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate, October 2005

Suggested Retail $34.99... Now $17.99... Save $17.00

ETA next delivery late August Code 27447"

The reason you're not getting any "hit" must be because they are out of it for now.

I might even start checking the code in mid August so I can swoop some up. While WS has not yet rated this vintage, the past three years have all been given 91 and I can taste why. Very yummy, indeed. I know I'll be squirreling away some ducats so I can stock up when the magpie returns to PA.

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Thanks, I'll check back in August. I too love big reds from down under

[KatieLoeb]

The very latest updates for Chairman's Selections:

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

93 Points in Wine Spectator, June 15, 2003

Quoted at $100.00... Now $59.99... Save $40.01

ETA next delivery late August

Code 11238

Bodegas Norton Privada, Argentina 2004

Quoted at $21.00... Now $12.99... Save $8.01

ETA early July

Code 28888

Ca' del Bosco Brut Sparkling Blend, Franciacorta, Italy

91 Points in Wine Enthusiast, June 1, 2006

Quoted at $44.00... Now $17.99... Save $26.01

ETA early July

Code 29619

Chateau du Tracy Pouilly Fume, Loire, France 2004

87 Points in Wine Spectator, October 31, 2005

Quoted at $35.00... Now $14.99... Save $20.01

ETA early August

Code 21700

Clos Pegase Merlot, Mitsuko's Vineyard, Carneros 2001

87 Points in Wine Enthusiast, December 15, 2005

Quoted at $25.00... Now $12.99... Save $12.01

ETA late August

Code 12197

Crichton Hall Chardonnay, Nappa Valley 2004

Quoted at $28.00... Now $17.99... Save $10.01

ETA late July

Code 16299

Crichton Hall Truchard Vineyard Pinot Noir, Carneros 2003

89 Points in Wine Enthusiast, March 1, 2006

Quoted at $32.00... Now $21.99... Save $10.01

ETA late July

Code 13046

d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz/Viognier, South Australia 2004

92 Points by Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate, October 2005

Suggested Retail $34.99... Now $17.99... Save $17.00

ETA next delivery late August

Code 27447

Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss "Domaine des Perrieres" Costieres de Nimes Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2001

Suggested Retail $13.99... Now $9.99... Save $4.00

ETA mid August

Code 27707

Domaine Rouge Garance Cotes du Rhone Villages 2001

Quoted at $19.00... Now $10.99... Save $8.01

ETA early August

Code 19577

Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2003

Regularly $17.59... Now $9.89... Save $7.70

ETA early August

Code 11226

Feudo Maccari Renoto, Sicily 2005

Suggested Retail $17.99... Now $9.99... Save $8.00

ETA early July

Code 23551

Feudo Maccari Saia Nero d'Avola Sicilia 2003

91 Points in Wine Enthusiast, September 2005

90 Points in Wine Spectator, May 31, 2006

Quoted at $33.00... Now $18.99... Save $14.01

ETA next delivery early July

Code 24999

Geyser Peak Chardonnay Russian River 2004

90 Points in Wine & Spirits Magazine, February 1, 2006

Quoted at $19.00... Now $10.99... Save $8.01

ETA late July

Code 16369

Grant Burge Chairman's Selection Shiraz Barossa, Australia 2004

87 Points in Wine Spectator, December 31, 2005

Suggested Retail $19.00... Now $7.99... Save $11.01

ETA mid August

Code 19211

Kaiken Malbec Ultra, Argentina 2003

91 Points in Wine Enthusiast, July 1, 2005

Quoted at $23.00... Now $12.99... Save $10.01

ETA late August

Code 28711

Montes Alpha "M" Chile 2003

94 Points and Highly Recommeded in Wine Spectator, November 30, 2005

Quoted at $82.00... Now $49.89... Save $32.11

ETA next delivery early August

Code 29003

Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2005

88 Points in Wine Spectator, November 30, 2005

Quoted at $16.00... Now $9.99... Save $6.01

ETA late August

Code 28660

Murphy-Goode Fume Blanc Reserve "The Deuce" Alexander Valley 2003

Suggested Retail $23.99... Now $11.99... Save $12.00

ETA mid August

Code 17556

Murphy-Goode/Pedroncelli "Friends" Zinfandel, Sonoma County 2001

Suggested Retail $18.99... Now $8.99... Save $10.00

ETA mid August

Code 13757

Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon "Fay Vineyards" Alexander Valley 2003

Quoted at $21.99... Now $10.99... Save $11.00

ETA mid August

Code 11188

Pedroncelli Merlot "Bench Vineyard" Dry Creek Valley 2003

Quoted at $14.00... Now $7.99... Save $6.01

ETA mid August

Code 12199

Pedroncelli Sangiovese "Alto Vineyards" Dry Creek Valley 2003

Quoted at $14.00... Now $7.99... Save $6.01

ETA mid August

Code 14577

Penfolds "Winemaker's Reserve" (Bin 28 Shiraz), South Australia 2001

92 Points in Wine & Spirits Magazine, June 1, 2004

Suggested Retail $25.00... Now $12.99... Save $12.01

ETA early July

Code 27326

Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Altero IGT 1998

90 Points by Daniel Thomases in The Wine Advocate, June 2003

91 Points in Wine Spectator, May 31, 2003

Quoted at $62.00... Now $29.99... Save $32.01

ETA mid July

Code 24333

Richard Hamilton Burton's Vineyard (54% Grenache/46% Shiraz) South Australia 2002

93 Points by Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate, October 2004

Quoted at $38.00... Now $19.99... Save $18.01

ETA early July

Code 27644

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1996

91 Points in Wine Enthusiast, October 1, 1999

89 Points in Wine Spectator, September 15, 1999

Suggested Retail $49.99... Now $17.99... Save $32.00

ETA mid August

Code 11265

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap 1997

91 Points by Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate, January 2000

92 Points in Wine Spectator, October 31, 2000

Suggested Retail $79.99... Now $39.99... Save $40.00

ETA mid August

Code 11316

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap 1999

92 Points in Wine Spectator, September 15, 2003

Suggested Retail $79.99... Now $24.99... Save $55.00

ETA mid August

Code 11366

Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Carneros 2002

Suggested Retail $31.99... Now $14.99... Save $17.00

ETA mid August

Code 13022

Rosemount Estate Traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot 2003

Quoted at $28.00... Now $8.99... Save $19.01

ETA early July

Code 27479

Swanson "Cygnet" Merlot Oakville Napa 2004

Quoted at $32.00... Now $12.99... Save $19.01

ETA September

Code 12191

Swanson "Cygnet" Syrah Oakville Napa 2004

Quoted at $36.00... Now $14.99... Save $21.01

ETA September

Code 14601

Torres Gran Coronas Mas La Plana Gran Reserva "Black Label" 1989

Suggested Retail $75.00... Now $19.99... Save $55.01

ETA next delivery mid August

Code 27002

Vionta Albarino 2005

Regularly $18.99... Now $11.99... Save $7.00

ETA next delivery late August

Code 25981

Whitehall Lane "Chairman's Selection" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2005

Suggested Retail $45.00... Now $14.99... Save $30.01

ETA late September

Code 11420

Whitehall Lane "Chairman's Selection" Merlot, Napa Valley 2005

Suggested Retail $35.00... Now $12.99... Save $22.01

ETA late September

Code 12202

William Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley, Silverado Bench 2002

91 Points in Wine Enthusiast, November 15, 2005

Suggested Retail $50.00... Now $19.99... Save $30.01

ETA late July

Code 11202

Some really great values coming down the pipeline, folks! Thanks Jonathan!

[glepore]

FWIW, I have the '96 Mondavi in my cellar from when it was originally released, and its drinking perfectly now.

[KatieLoeb]

Not sure if this is an actual Chairman's Selection or not, but I broke open a bottle of Yalumba "Y" Series Viognier 2005 this evening. I purchased this earlier this week at the Delaware Avenue store for $10.99. A very pleasant and refreshing summer white. Lovely honeysuckle floral hints in the nose as well as some tropical fruits and good dose of citrus to it. Great mouthfeel and a luciousness and weight that I wouldn't expect at that price point. Nice acidity too. I had a glass with some leftover roast chicken for dinner and it was quite nice. I suspect it would be delicious with fish and seafood as well. A great example of Australian Viognier.

This will join the rotation of go to summer whites.

[percyn]

2003 Bordeaux are in.

Your Premium store probably has an allocation of a case of the First growths.

Left bank scored 95-100 (WS) in barrel tasting.

[mrbigjas]

2003 Bordeaux are in.

Your Premium store probably has an allocation of a case of the First growths.

Left bank scored 95-100 (WS) in barrel tasting.

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sweet. now, i can't remember--is 2003 the vintage of the decade, century, millennium, or since christ's birth?

[KatieLoeb]

Needed to drown my sorrows this evening after a stressful day with some sad news. I picked up a bottle of Richard Hamilton "Burton's Vineyard" 2002 Grenache/Shiraz from McLaren Vale at the 12th & Chestnut store. Shared said bottle with a good friend and was pleasantly impressed with the depth of flavor and silky lusciousness of this wine. Deep dark fruitiness and a finish that went on forever. A bargain at $19.99 since it drank like a wine at thrice the price. Really soft tannins and seriously concentrated flavors. There's a bit to be had all over, but I suspect this won't last long.

[jwjon1]

Needed to drown my sorrows this evening after a stressful day with some sad news. 

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Nothing like sharing fine wine with friends to run away the blues!

I'm just impressed that you still found the time to share this useful info with us after such a rough day. So thanks, Katie. Hope your weekend shapes up to be a great one, lord knows you deserve it!

[KatieLoeb]

Needed to drown my sorrows this evening after a stressful day with some sad news. 

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Nothing like sharing fine wine with friends to run away the blues!

I'm just impressed that you still found the time to share this useful info with us after such a rough day. So thanks, Katie. Hope your weekend shapes up to be a great one, lord knows you deserve it!

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Thanks jwjon1. The wine definitely helped. One of my kitties is quite ill so it's been a lot to absorb.

[Jeff L]

Needed to drown my sorrows this evening after a stressful day with some sad news. 

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Nothing like sharing fine wine with friends to run away the blues!

I'm just impressed that you still found the time to share this useful info with us after such a rough day. So thanks, Katie. Hope your weekend shapes up to be a great one, lord knows you deserve it!

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Thanks jwjon1. The wine definitely helped. One of my kitties is quite ill so it's been a lot to absorb.

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Katie, good luck with the kittie. I know what it's like when a pet gets ill.

[KatieLoeb]

Thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts. I really appreciate it. Please PM me if you have any further questions or comments about my sweet and very Off Topic kitty cat.

Returning to topic (and continuing in my quest to drink myself less stressed) I'm having a glass of 2003 Valley of the Moon Syrah this evening. Picked this up at the 12th & Chestnut store and am quite enjoying it. Very deep dark blueberry/plummy flavors and that unmistakeable aroma of bloody raw meat that permeates Syrah. Or at least the ones that I like. The wine spent some time in wood, and is softened and tinged with vanilla as a result. Really quite luscious. And another fabulous bargain at $11.99.

My thanks to the Chairman for providing some soothing relief for me of late.

[Capaneus]

Katie, I'll be praying to... well Bast, I guess. Good luck and fast recovery to kitty.

On wine, had the Tenuta di Nozzole 2000 chianti classico riserva "La Forra", another of the Chairman's offerings, at $17.99. It was quite a surprise, since I was expecting a classic sangiovese, you know: light coloring, relatively light body, good acidity, that stuff. Instead, the wine looked inky-purple in the glass, had massive body, fierce extraction, and a very dense mouthfeel. Still recognizably sangiovese, but the kind of iteration I'd expect from California, not Chianti. Still, I'll go against my usual inclination and recommend it very highly. It went beautifully with Pumpkin's pork loin, its sharp acids and good, soft tannin moderating what could otherwise have been excesses. A steal at twice the price - which it originally was.

Edited July 23, 2006 by Capaneus (log)

[doviakw]

We had a bottle of the Cabreo Il Borgo 2000 (70% sangiovese, 30% cabernet sauv.) over the weekend. This is a very rich blend with lots of black fruit and a nice, long finish. The cabernet sauv. really shows through in the fruit but does not overpower. Pronounced tannins that soften with time in the glass.

To me, this is a keeper. A quick web search shows it selling for $40+ at multiple outlets. At $20 in PA, it seems like a good deal.

[glepore]

We had a bottle of the Cabreo Il Borgo 2000 (70% sangiovese, 30% cabernet sauv.) over the weekend. This is a very rich blend with lots of black fruit and a nice, long finish. The cabernet sauv. really shows through in the fruit but does not overpower. Pronounced tannins that soften with time in the glass.

To me, this is a keeper. A quick web search shows it selling for $40+ at multiple outlets. At $20 in PA, it seems like a good deal.

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+1

[glepore]

Had the 2000 "Quarum" Barbera d'Asti tonight with a simple pasta. Had trouble envisioning why this wine originally retailed for $100 prior to opening it, but it is a steal at 20. Big, but very balanced. Drinking nicely now, has enough structure to age for a bit.

Seems like Jon got some deals on some very "big" wines from a generally good year, refreshing bargains given the run up in prices over the last few years.

[Dennis]

I've been following the link for quite awhile but this is my first post, so bear with me. I had the Nozzle Chianti Classico ($15.99) last Saturday and enjoyed it very much with the fresh pasta (Tartula's) and bread (Sarcone's) that I picked up at the Italian Market earlier in the day along with a nice assortment of meats & cheeses.

I also finally had the bottle of Modus that I bought awhile back which was even better, but unfortunately, long gone.

Now, I'm looking forward to the Australian Shiraz wines that are due in over the next couple of months. In particular the Grant Burge.

In closing, I have to say that the Provenance Merlot that was on sale a few years ago is still my favorite CS to date.

[mrbigjas]

welcome to the forum, dennis--thanks for the reports!

[KatieLoeb]

Hi Dennis! Let me add a warm welcome to eGullet and to the PA forum. Looking forward to hearing more from you...

[percyn]

Just returned from the state store in Exton and Jonnathan was there interviewing Elin McCoy, author of "The Emperor of Wine", a book on Robert Parker. I didn't know the event was planned, just popped in for my weekly visit and had an opportunity to try some great wines and get Elin to sign a copy of my book.

Not sure if there are other similar events planned in other premium stores. The book officially goes on sale Aug 1, 2006.

[Neil Gilmour]

I keep reading how France is awash in unsold wine and that all but the top flight bordeaux producers are having a hard time. Will the PLCB be helping any of them out by buying some great bordeaux at discounted prices?

[dagordon]

I also finally had the bottle of Modus that I bought awhile back which was even better, but unfortunately, long gone.

Brought a botlte of the Modus to Pif recently, turns out it was pretty badly corked. Does anyone know the PLCB's policy about this? Can one get at least a partial refund? Unfortunately I forgot to bring the bottle with us when we left, but it'd be good to know for future reference.

I guess I'll have to start bringing a backup bottle, in case this should happen. I have to say I'm a big fan of the screw tops. Nearly pulled a muscle last night trying to remove a synthetic cork.

[Dennis]

I also finally had the bottle of Modus that I bought awhile back which was even better, but unfortunately, long gone.

Brought a botlte of the Modus to Pif recently, turns out it was pretty badly corked. Does anyone know the PLCB's policy about this? Can one get at least a partial refund? Unfortunately I forgot to bring the bottle with us when we left, but it'd be good to know for future reference.

I guess I'll have to start bringing a backup bottle, in case this should happen. I have to say I'm a big fan of the screw tops. Nearly pulled a muscle last night trying to remove a synthetic cork.

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[Dennis]

I also finally had the bottle of Modus that I bought awhile back which was even better, but unfortunately, long gone.

Brought a botlte of the Modus to Pif recently, turns out it was pretty badly corked. Does anyone know the PLCB's policy about this? Can one get at least a partial refund? Unfortunately I forgot to bring the bottle with us when we left, but it'd be good to know for future reference.

I guess I'll have to start bringing a backup bottle, in case this should happen. I have to say I'm a big fan of the screw tops. Nearly pulled a muscle last night trying to remove a synthetic cork.

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The state store is very good regarding returns. If you have your receipt they'll refund or replace the bottle. If you don't have a receipt, they'll replace it for you. At least that's what I've experiencde at the Jenkintown store.

[Misha]

Like the swallows to Capistrano, the Laughing Magpie has returned to PAWS. It's a steal at $17.99. Might want to collect a few for the nest a la gazza ladra.

[KatieLoeb]

Dennis was kind enough to forward this link to me. The article isn't new news (MAy 2005), but it is quite interesting.

CA Wines Cost Less Back East