Wine & Spirits Bargains at the PLCB (Part 2)

[KatieLoeb]

Thanks to a last minute invitation to a "themed" blind tasting held by some of my professional colleagues here in town, I had the remarkable opportunity to try some really excellent Washington State reds last night. The one that impressed me most was a 1998 Kiona Merlot that costs a startling $13.99/bottle. There's a wee bit of it left at 12th & Chestnut and a little out in Pittsburgh if anyone's feeling ambitious enough to request a transfer of it. Very delicious and abundant with black and blue fruit. Drinks like a bottle that's at least twice the price if not more.

[shacke]

[Edited as I just realized Shacke beat me to the punch] As Shacke pointed out, the 2003 Setti Ponti Crognolo are in few select stores now.   

http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/WebApp/Product_...sp?cdeNo=023545

No word on the Oreno, but I'm looking forward to cracking open its little brother this weekend.

←

I did and if you, like me, are a fan of quality sangiovese (only a token of merlot in there), it's a winner. Great drinking now, it will certainly soften some of its tannic grip in the next year or so. I too am itching to try the Oreno.

[Gruzia]

did anyone try the Flora Springs Soliloquy 2003 ? i opened a bottle last night and while it smelled lovely and tasted good, it had a bitter, mediciney aftertaste so bad I ended up pouring the bottle out after two sips! That bitter taste is not a normal thing, right? it was reminiscent of the taste of aspirin if you chew it up

[Neuronix]

Free shipping through 4/16/06 for any purchases from the PLCB Website.

Giddyup!  Time to do some shopping for that which eludes you at your local store!

←

Wow, thanks for the tip! I've been looking for new Chairman's Selections periodically over the past week and noticed the Kaiken Malbec was added back to the list tonight while it hadn't been there all week. I tried to buy 4 bottles for store delivery and the site would only let me order 3. The last bottle was listed as "unavailable" and had to be removed from my cart as it couldn't be backordered. Did I get the last 3 bottles? If so, I really lucked out as I didn't get a bottle when they were in stock. Anything under $10 that's a good value flies off the shelves at the 12th and Chestnut store...

Edited April 7, 2006 by Neuronix (log)

[KatieLoeb]

did anyone try the Flora Springs Soliloquy 2003 ?  i opened a bottle last night and while it smelled lovely and tasted good, it had a bitter, mediciney aftertaste so bad I ended up pouring the bottle out after two sips!  That bitter taste  is not a normal thing, right?  it was reminiscent of the taste of aspirin if you chew it up 

←

That's odd. I had a bottle of this a couple of weeks ago and it was just fine - aromatic and refreshing. Is it possible you just got a bad bottle? Did you try it with food or just by itself? Often a wine can seem "off" when consumed by itself but will soften dramatically when consumed with the salt/fat/acid in food.

[mrbigjas]

Free shipping through 4/16/06 for any purchases from the PLCB Website.

Giddyup!  Time to do some shopping for that which eludes you at your local store!

←

Wow, thanks for the tip! I've been looking for new Chairman's Selections periodically over the past week and noticed the Kaiken Malbec was added back to the list tonight while it hadn't been there all week. I tried to buy 4 bottles for store delivery and the site would only let me order 3. The last bottle was listed as "unavailable" and had to be removed from my cart as it couldn't be backordered. Did I get the last 3 bottles? If so, I really lucked out as I didn't get a bottle when they were in stock. Anything under $10 that's a good value flies off the shelves at the 12th and Chestnut store...

←

true--it tends to fly off the shelves noticeably slower at the delaware & snyder store, if that's any help.

[mike volker]

FWIW I got some of the '01 Oreno when it was in two years ago and you won't be disappointed.

Best,

Mike

[phungi]

had 2 very good wines recently and cannot find them retail in PA... any suggestions:

7 Deadly Zins - 2003 Zinfindel

Silverado - 2002 Sangiovese

[Kevin Porter]

phungi - are you familiar with the PLCB product search page and the Special Liquor Order (SLO) process? The Silverado Sangio is available by SLO, and the Zin maybe in stores (can't tell vintage from the search page).

Here's the Search page link - http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/webapp/Product_...plcbNav=|32369| - or google "plcb product search".

Once on the page, search for 'silverado' and '7 deadly'. SLO is also explained on the page.

I would guess that you could also find regional retailers with this juice by using wineaccess.com or winesearcher.com...but i'm not advocating circumventing the legal market!

[jwjon1]

Depending on which side of the state you are on, State Line Liquors in Elkton MD carries the 7 Deadly Zins for 15.99 after discount (using the "club" card, just like in grocers). Total Wines also had the Zin for about $18, I believe. Its a pretty popular wine, mostly due to clever marketing.

I picked up a few bottles of the 7 last year, but found the final notes a bit medicinal. I gave it a shot on the basis of the Earthquake Zin produced by Michael David (who also produce the 7), which I had at Domaine Hudson in Wilmington and absolutely loved. Unfortunately, I cannot find the Earthquake line for sale anywhere around this area. If you enjoyed the 7 and see the Earthquakes around, give 'em a shot. The price point is about the same for both. And if we're lucky, Chairman Newman will make a trip out to Lodi and strike a deal!

[edited for spelling]

Edited April 7, 2006 by jwjon1 (log)

[Kevin Porter]

jwjon1 - found the Michael David Earthquake Zin '03 all over PA according to that same search page. However, price is $25.99

http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/webapp/Product_...sp?cdeNo=014041

Of course, i don't know where you are in the State...

Edited April 7, 2006 by Kevin Porter (log)

[Gruzia]

did anyone try the Flora Springs Soliloquy 2003 ?  i opened a bottle last night and while it smelled lovely and tasted good, it had a bitter, mediciney aftertaste so bad I ended up pouring the bottle out after two sips!  That bitter taste  is not a normal thing, right?  it was reminiscent of the taste of aspirin if you chew it up 

←

That's odd. I had a bottle of this a couple of weeks ago and it was just fine - aromatic and refreshing. Is it possible you just got a bad bottle? Did you try it with food or just by itself? Often a wine can seem "off" when consumed by itself but will soften dramatically when consumed with the salt/fat/acid in food.

←

i was so put off with the aftertaste (flashback to childhood of horrible tasting medicine!) that i didn't even think of trying it with food! but thank you for the suggestion, i will try it out next time something like this happens.

[doviakw]

Quite a few new items have been added to the Upcoming Chairman's Select list (alas, the kaiken Malbec has disappeared).

My excitement: Taylor-Fladgate 2003 Vintage Port at aboutn $68! My tastebuds may be dead in 30 years but my kids should appreciate it!

[sorry for any duplicate posts ... I'll figure this out after awhile]

[mike volker]

The kaiken malbec is coming back. just ordered a case from the collegeville store.

BTW, the truckers are on strike who supply the stores so everything is delayed.

Best,

Mike

[jwjon1]

the truckers are on strike who supply the stores so everything is delayed.

←

Let's hope they are keeping the stock in temperature controlled facilities in the meanwhile. Anyone know if this is the case or not?

[Capaneus]

the truckers are on strike who supply the stores so everything is delayed.

←

Let's hope they are keeping the stock in temperature controlled facilities in the meanwhile. Anyone know if this is the case or not?

←

The warehousing is temperature controlled. The stores are not, except for the ones that have been fitted with a temperature-controlled space to display their high-end wines. I think all new Premium Selection stores have them, and the old ones are getting retrofitted at leisure.

So the strike should actually help overall, in terms of storage conditions.

[shacke]

What's up with this strike? City ave store looks like the acme the day before a blizzard. Where's my stuff?!

Evan

[doviakw]

What's up with this strike?  City ave store looks like the acme the day before a blizzard.  Where's my stuff?! 

Evan

←

I have noticed that new stock has been arriving at various stores so there must be some backup distribution plan.

On another topic, since my stock Campillo Rioja Reserva 1996 has been depleted, I have been looking for another good Rioja for a reasonable price (under $20). Faustino V Reserva is currently on sale at $14.99. My wife and I had some with dinner last night: A bit fruity with light tannins although pleasant with the meal (a Creole concoction). Any opinions or recomendations?

[shacke]

I have noticed that new stock has been arriving at various stores so there must be some backup distribution plan.

Not where I was. The strike apparently affects delivery from the "warehouse" whatever that means (according to a store manager) and whether that is a local phenomenon or not I just don't know. I was curious that only one store in the state had the 03 Oreno for a while and it never expanded out from there. Maybe this is the reason? I assume if it is affecting online orders, then the website would have said something. All I know is that when I asked when a certain selection was coming in, the woman at the store said that nothing has arrived at all tp the store for some time now.

Yoohoo... Deidre?

Evan

[mike volker]

Evan,

When the '01 Oreno was in, I got to the store about 11:30 and tried to order some. Every time we found a store that had inventory we'd call and find out that someone had just bought all they had. Someone was buying all the inventory across the state. Luckily they missed one of the stores in center city, so I managed to get 5 bottles. Don't know how much we're getting this time so I'd track it down quick if you want any.

Best,

Mike

[shacke]

Evan,

When the '01 Oreno was in, I got to the store about 11:30 and tried to order some. Every time we found a store that had inventory we'd call and find out that someone had just bought all they had. Someone was buying all the inventory across the state. Luckily they missed one of the stores in center city, so I managed to get 5 bottles. Don't know how much we're getting this time so I'd track it down quick if you want any.

Best,

Mike

←

Good advice. Another good question for Deidre as to how many the state is getting. I will keep a watchful eye out.

Evan

Spoke to PLCB rep today - very helpful. Philadelphia is hung up with the teamster strike so new orders not getting to the stores. Philly to get bulk of Oreno shipment.

Edited April 14, 2006 by shacke (log)

[KatieLoeb]

For those of you too lazy to check the website (and you know who you are ), I received this e-mail today and thought I'd paste the news here. Looks like the Chairman made lots of new friends in Italy. Woo hoo!

Upcoming Chairman’s Selections

Abadia Retuerta Selecion Especial Ribera Del Duero, Castilla Leon, Spain 2000

91 points by Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate, February 2003

Quoted at $24.00...Now $12.99...Save $11.01

ETA next delivery early June code 25928

Artesa Merlot Napa Valley 2002

Suggested Retail $20.00...Now $9.99...Save $10.01

ETA mid May code 12188

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 mid May code 11238

Cabreo Il Borgo 2000

92 points in Wine Spectator, October 15, 2003

Quoted at $40.00...Now $19.99...Save $20.01

ETA early May code 23461

Campo al Mare Bolgheri DOC, Super Tuscan 2004

Quoted at $30.00...Now $19.99...Save $10.01

ETA early May code 23489

Castello del Terriccio Tassinaia, Super Tuscan 1999

90 points in Wine Enthusiast, October 1, 2004

Regularly $45.99...Now $19.99...Save $26.00

ETA early May code 23446

Chateau Mont Redon, L'Aire du Rossignol Rose, Provence France 2005

Suggested Retail $14.99...Now $8.99...Save $6.00

ETA early June code 21360

Chateau Taillefer, Pomerol 2001

90 points in Wine and Sprits, December 2004

Regularly $44.99...Now $19.99...Save $21.00

ETA next delivery early June code 27479

Conti d'Arco Pinot Grigio Trentino, Italy 2005

Suggested Retail $21.99...Now $12.99...Save $9.00

ETA mid June code 25227

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

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

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

ETA early June code 27447

Domaine Louis Latour Batard Montrachet Grand Cru, Burgundy, France 2001

89-92 points by Pierre Rovani in The Wine Advocate, April 2003

Suggested Retail $249.99...Now $104.99...Save $145.00

ETA late June code 21537

Domaine Louis Latour Puligny Montrachet Sout les Puits 2001

Suggested Retail $44.99...Now $21.99...Save $23.00

ETA late June code 21544

Feudo Maccari Renoto, Sicily 2004

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

ETA late May code 23551

Fra Guerau Montsant Tinto 2003

Suggested Retail $14.00...Now $7.99...Save $6.01

ETA next delivery early May code 25901

Freemark Abbey "Lineage" Merlot 2002

Suggested Retail $25.00...Now $9.99...Save $15.01

ETA mid June code 12183

Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir Carneros 2002 (375ml)

88 points in Wine and Spirits Magazine, February 1, 2006

88 points in Wine News, June 2005

Suggested Retail $18.99...Now $9.99...Save $9.00

ETA late May code 13011

Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee 1997

Suggested Retail $29.99...Now $17.99...Save $12.00

ETA late May code 29201

Henri Abele Brut Champagne 1996

92 points in Wine Spectator, August 31, 2005

Quoted at $55.00...Now $24.99...Save $30.01

ETA next delivery late May code 29435

Highlands Zinfandel Napa Valley, Black Sears Vineyard 2001

Quoted at $32.00...Now $17.99...Save $14.01

ETA early June code 13711

Louis Jadot Morgon Cote du Py Chateau des Lumieres 2003

94 points in Wine & Spirits Magazine, December 1, 2005

Quoted at $30.00...Now $14.99...Save $15.01

ETA early June code 19189

Louis Latour Beaune Rouge 1999

Regularly $34.99...Now $14.99...Save $20.00

ETA next delivery early May code 19634

Louis Latour Montagny 1er cru la Grande Roche 2002

87-88 points by Pierre Rovani in The Wine Advocate, February 2004

Quoted at $28.00...Now $12.99...Save $15.01

ETA next delivery late June code 21392

Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco Asili 2001

Suggested Retail $70.00...Now $29.99...Save $40.01

ETA mid May code 23296

Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco Riserva 2000

Suggested Retail $65.00...Now $24.99...Save $40.01

ETA mid May code 23291

Michele Chiarlo Barolo Brunate 2000

91 points in Wine Spectator, July 31, 2004

Quoted at $85.00...Now $39.99...Save $45.01

ETA mid May code 23290

Michele Chairlo Barolo Tortoniano Riserva 1999

Suggested Retail $65.00...Now $34.99...Save $30.01

ETA mid May code 23288

Michele Chiarlo Gavi 2005

Suggested Retail $17.99...Now $10.99...Save $7.00

ETA mid May code 25211

Michele Chiarlo Monferrato Montemareto Countacc (Super Piedmonte) 2000

90 points in Wine Spectator, November 30, 2003

Suggested Retail $46.99...Now $19.99...Save $27.00

ETA mid May code 23304

Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva la Forra 2000

88 points by Daniel Thomases in The Wine Advocate, April 2004

Quoted at $38.00...Now $15.99...Save $22.01

ETA mid May code 23465

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 mid May code 27326

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 mid June code 27644

Rosemount Estate Traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot 2003

Suggested Retail $28.00...Now $8.99...Save $19.01

ETA early June code 27479

Rutherford Hill Chardonnay 2004

Suggested Retail $18.99...Now $10.99...Save 8.00

ETA late June code 17340

Sequoia Grove Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2002

93 points and a "Cellar Selection" in Wine Enthusiast, December 31, 2005

Quoted at $57.00...Now $24.99...Save $32.01

ETA early June code 11191

Sette Ponti Crognolo 2003

92 points in Wine Spectator, October 31, 2005

Quoted at $35.00...Now $19.99...Save $15.01

ETA next delivery early May code 23545

Sette Ponti Oreno 2003

95 points and Highly Recommended in Wine Spectator, October 31, 2005

#5 in WINE SPECTATOR Top 100 Wines of 2005

Quoted at $95.00...Now $44.99...Save $50.01

ETA early May code 23567

Sette Ponti Vigna di Pallino 2004

Suggested Retail $29.99...Now $9.99...Save $20.00

ETA early May code 23540

Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 1997

91 points in Wine Spectator, June 30, 2002

Quoted at $59.00...Now $29.99...Save $29.01

ETA early May code 23382

Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Vigneto Manachiara 2001

95 points at Wine Spectator Online, January 30, 2006

Quoted at $86.00...Now $49.99...Save $36.01

ETA early May code 23262

Taittinger's Bouvet Brut Rose Vin de Table Francais Excellence NV

88 points in Wine Spectator, November 15, 2005

Quoted at $14.00...Now $8.89...Save...$5.11

ETA mid May code 29606

Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2003

98 points in The Wine Advocate, October 2005

Quoted at $100.00...Now $67.99...Save $32.01

ETA mid May code 10110

Tenuta La Fuga Brunello di Montalcino 2000

88 points in Wine Spectator, May 31, 2005

Quoted at $56.00...Now $24.99...Save $31.01

ETA early May code 23478

Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2004

Quoted at $53.69...Now $29.99...Save $23.70

ETA early May code 23439

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

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

ETA early May code 27002

Valdubon Consecha Ribera del Duero, Spain 2004

Regularly $15.99...Now $8.99...Save $7.00

ETA next delivery early May code 26882

Vionta Albarino 2005

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

ETA late May code 25981

[doviakw]

For those of you too lazy to check the website (and you know who you are ), I received this e-mail today and thought I'd paste the news here.  Looks like the Chairman made lots of new friends in Italy.  Woo hoo!

Upcoming Chairman’s Selections

......

←

Some of these are already in stores. In fact, I picked up some of the Taylor VP a couple of weeks ago to savor in my declining years.

On another subject, the Omaka Springs Sauv. Blanc is abundant but nowhere in stores near me (Phila. area). It's available for purchase on the Web site but I have never tasted it. Is there anyone who may have an opinion before I stock up on SB for the summer?

[Meanderer]

For those of you too lazy to check the website (and you know who you are ), I received this e-mail today and thought I'd paste the news here.  Looks like the Chairman made lots of new friends in Italy.  Woo hoo!

Upcoming Chairman’s Selections

......

←

Some of these are already in stores. In fact, I picked up some of the Taylor VP a couple of weeks ago to savor in my declining years.

On another subject, the Omaka Springs Sauv. Blanc is abundant but nowhere in stores near me (Phila. area). It's available for purchase on the Web site but I have never tasted it. Is there anyone who may have an opinion before I stock up on SB for the summer?

←

I haven't had the current vintage, but I've enjoyed it in the past. Just don't drink it immediately after drinking the Kim Crawford version. The Omaka Springs would seem diminished by a close comparison, I think.

[I_call_the_duck]

Thanks, Katie.

We actually picked up a bottle of the Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 1997 a week or two ago. This needs A LOT of decanting time. We thought an hour would suffice but I'd give it two, maybe more. (Not only are we novice wine drinkers, we're also impatient ones to boot.)