So what have you bought lately?

jckba · Post by **jckba** » Thu Jun 24, 2021 4:13 pm

Picked up another 2 cases of 2014 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses for $26.64/btl + tax from PJ’s after using their 2021 4th of July progressive Special Coupon.

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:40 am

Looks like a good score, JC, but looks like they are sold out, I'm not finding it on their site. Ah well, c'est la vie.

jckba · Post by **jckba** » Fri Jul 02, 2021 2:15 pm

Picked up another case of 2015 Rauzan Segla for $107.40/btl which was more than I paid on the first go round but still attractively priced and therefore worth doubling up on.

Blanquito · Post by **Blanquito** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 10:12 pm

3 bottles of the 2019 Huët Le Haut-Lieu Vouvray Sec for $29.75 (to go with the 5 already in the cellar).

Last vintage of long-time wine maker Jean-Bernard and supposedly ideal for making Sec wines, which are what I usually prefer most from Huet. If this is half as good as a vintage as the critics say, this is a steal in world class, age worthy chenin blanc.

Frederico · Post by **Frederico** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 12:34 pm

Blanquito wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 10:12 pm 3 bottles of the 2019 Huët Le Haut-Lieu Vouvray Sec for $29.75 (to go with the 5 already in the cellar).

Last vintage of long-time wine maker Jean-Bernard and supposedly ideal for making Sec wines, which are what I usually prefer most from Huet. If this is half as good as a vintage as the critics say, this is a steal in world class, age worthy chenin blanc.

I heard Le Mont is the best of the three Cru's for Huet Sec. What are your thoughts on these for Vintage 2019?

Blanquito · Post by **Blanquito** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 3:22 pm

Good question, Fred. I really like all of Huet’s sec wines in the past from all three bottlings. But justified or not Le Haut-Lieu is usually the least popular cuvee amongst wine buyers, and this is reflected in the price (the 19 Le Mont Sec is $7 more at present). I’m not sure the others are worth the premium over Le Haut-Lieu but others clearly are. FWIW, the critics seem very high on all three Sec cuvees in 2019, eg Gilman gave both the Le Mont, Clos du Bourg, and Le Haut-Lieu 95 pts this vintage.

jckba · Post by **jckba** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 4:16 pm

I find this importer link pretty informational;

https://www.rarewineco.com/wholesale/pr ... t-vouvray/

Frederico · Post by **Frederico** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 5:00 pm

Thanks to Blanquito and Jckba.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 5:35 pm

I don’t think you could go wrong with any of the Huets. Buy some of each to compare, they’re not horribly expensive. If you find the Le Mont and Clos de Bourg too closed, put them away and drink the Le Haut Lieu while waiting for them to mature. If limited funds or space, I’d buy the Le Haut Lieu for earlier approachability - it doesn’t give up that much to the others until many years down the road - and cellar one or two bottles of the Le Mont and Clos de Bourg.

For me: Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé NV - $48/750 at Zachys DC today only.

jckba · Post by **jckba** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 5:38 pm

DavidG wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 5:35 pm For me: Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé NV - $48/750 at Zachys DC today only.

Score!

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 6:10 pm

jckba wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 5:38 pm
DavidG wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 5:35 pm For me: Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé NV - $48/750 at Zachys DC today only.
Score!

Oops, this was the Brut Reserve, not the rosé and not a deal at all.

I should have known better than to expect such a great deal at Zachys. Even with their 20% off for July 4 promo, I didn’t find any good deals on wines I want.

Blanquito · Post by **Blanquito** » Sun Jul 04, 2021 6:44 pm

I consider Zachy’s pricing a useful reminder, along the lines of the public service announcement for winos, that there are plenty of other worthwhile things to spend time and money on. If only all wine retailers would be so considerate.

Nicklasss · Post by **Nicklasss** » Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:30 am

3 bottles of 2015 Joguet Chinon les Petites Roches.

Went to Montreal area for the weekend to see my brother, after 19 months of covid restrictions. Will report, we had some good stuff.

jckba · Post by **jckba** » Wed Jul 07, 2021 6:18 pm

Picked up a 6pack of the 2016 Romitorio BdM for $42/btl + tax but with free shipping on a Last Bottle offer.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Fri Jul 09, 2021 1:25 am

3 1989 Domaine de l'Eglise, Pomerol $158 all in

AKR · Post by **AKR** » Fri Jul 09, 2021 4:15 pm

Blanquito wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 6:44 pm I consider Zachy’s pricing a useful reminder, along the lines of the public service announcement for winos, that there are plenty of other worthwhile things to spend time and money on. If only all wine retailers would be so considerate.

A few times a year I get baited into looking at their website. It is still shockingly bad, ineffective. It's strange to me how little investment they have put into that, considering their ambitions to be a national type of retailer.

They should run a gap analysis of what garbage they have vs. K&L website, which I think is best in class. Fixing that and their inventory system would probably let them get away with more of their crummy pricing. One might note that K&L hardly ever has the sharpest pricing anymore, likely supported by the high quality of the site/service.

Blanquito · Post by **Blanquito** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 4:24 am

Arv, I couldn't agree more about K&L. Great, great website in both content and format, usually great service and provenance.

As you note, their (non-auction) prices aren't anything to write home about usually, but I find them quite competitive for new releases/prearrivals and their monthly Insider Advantage sales. They also get heaps of under-the-radar gems (like a bunch of 2018 Pouilly Fuisse, that I've been very impressed with) that are inexpensive and hard to find anywhere else. There seems to be few other wine shops that do under-the-radar so well -- I'd add Chambers St Wines (which is loaded with wines you've never heard of from regions that only recently were outfit with modern amenities like indoor plumbing and electricity), Crush (which is basically only under-the-radar stuff), and a few places in the PNW like Vinopolis (which still can't hold a candle to K&L though).

This added with their auction (which I am on all the time, usually losing, but getting great deals a few times a month) and the ease of selling wine through them (with a 15% store credit), and it's really become a one-stop-shop for me.*

*Making their most recent set of shipping bans a godsent to my cellar reduction efforts...

OrlandoRobert · Post by **OrlandoRobert** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:23 am

Chambers and Crush are my pillars for most of what I drink outside of Bordeaux. They occasionally get some interesting Bordeaux, especially Chambers with their cellar acquisitions, but it is really not their focus. Chambers is always very well priced, Crush rarely is. I buy a few things here and there from Zachy’s, the depth is pretty good, but you gotta wait for the big sales. And the Amex Plat coupons.

jal · Post by **jal** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 12:10 pm

During the pandemic I bought some mixed cases from K&L and had them deliver to my daughter who lives in LA, the selection and prices were good and the service perfect.

For me it's mainly Grapes in North White Plains and Seagrape in Sarasota. Grapes has a daily email (or two) with a special offering.

Seagrape does not do Winesearcher, and speaking of under the radar, this shop definitely qualifies, but I get some great stuff there - grower champagne, Rhones like Levet, Gonon, Clape, Jamet and Faury, as well as Burgundy and Italian gems. Very rarely does he get any Bordeaux though. Full disclaimer: Thomas the owner is a friend, the website is built by his 16 year old son and he sends a weekly email with whatever he has procured, which is the way to shop rather than perusing his shelves (online or in person)

I'll add Chambers, Crush and Seagrapes to the list of the retailers

jal · Post by **jal** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:11 pm

Domaine de Montille Volnay 1er Cru Les Brouillards 2017 750 2 bottles
Domaine de Montille Volnay 1er Cru Les Champans 2017 750 3 bottles
Domaine de Montille Volnay 1er Cru Les Taillepieds 2017 750 3 bottles
Domaine J-F Mugnier Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Marechale 2017 4 bottles

Blanquito · Post by **Blanquito** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:26 pm

5 more of the 2018 Jacques Saumaize St-Véran Poncetys for $25.50. I took a flyer on one as Gilman gave it 92 pts, and for twenty-five bucks, I can’t think of another chardonnay that can touch it.

AKR · Post by **AKR** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 1:29 am

Blanquito wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 4:24 am Arv, I couldn't agree more about K&L. Great, great website in both content and format, usually great service and provenance.

As you note, their (non-auction) prices aren't anything to write home about usually, but I find them quite competitive for new releases/prearrivals and their monthly Insider Advantage sales. They also get heaps of under-the-radar gems (like a bunch of 2018 Pouilly Fuisse, that I've been very impressed with) that are inexpensive and hard to find anywhere else. There seems to be few other wine shops that do under-the-radar so well -- I'd add Chambers St Wines (which is loaded with wines you've never heard of from regions that only recently were outfit with modern amenities like indoor plumbing and electricity), Crush (which is basically only under-the-radar stuff), and a few places in the PNW like Vinopolis (which still can't hold a candle to K&L though).

This added with their auction (which I am on all the time, usually losing, but getting great deals a few times a month) and the ease of selling wine through them (with a 15% store credit), and it's really become a one-stop-shop for me.*

*Making their most recent set of shipping bans a godsent to my cellar reduction efforts...

Chambers Street is amazing. I used to work very near to them and would waddle in if it was a slow trading day.

I still get the emails, since sometimes I run a search on my inbox, and often CSW will have better overviews on obscure estates than a Google search.

K&L's website to me is an example of how a slick site is the modern equivalent of great real estate, and creates a warranted, earned pricing premium for vendors. In some ways, Amazon has gotten relatively worse since their overall UX isn't optimized for any one product category. (Try shopping for clothes on there as example if one wants to prove it to themselves)

Ianjaig · Post by **Ianjaig** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:12 am

1 x 2009 Chasse Spleen bought at auction.

Am quite happy with the purchase although Celler Tracker scores seem low. Was outbid on a 2005 Chasse Spleen and had my eye of some 2008 Poujeaux but they went for crazy money also.

PghMike · Post by **PghMike** » Tue Jul 13, 2021 3:02 pm

Picked one each of the following for a total cost of about $205 from wine.com

2016 Pontet Canet
2016 Smith Haut Lafitte

$50 coupon code (save50nss)
Stewardship free shipping
10% cashback from Rakuten
6% from Raise.com cashback cards
$30 for first purchase on Rakuten via referral
https://www.rakuten.com/r/MICHAE109589

Claudius2 · Post by **Claudius2** » Tue Jul 13, 2021 3:23 pm

I just bought some more Girardin Burgundies- Chassagne Montrachet 1ers Crus - all reds - and Savigny Les Beaune 1ers from the well rated 2019 vintage.

Mike,
I wonder how anyone ever makes any money with all those coupons, discounts and cash backs.
Over here in Singapore, hunting for deals is an art form and the merchants are losing cash by the truckload.

I recently looked into the economics of online shopping platforms such as Lazada, Qoo10 and Shopee. They are platforms for sellers but they are hugely unprofitable to the point where they are becoming zombie companies. Like Uber for example, there is simply no pathway to make money with their existing business model. Too many players get a cut from every transaction.

Cheers
Mark

jckba · Post by **jckba** » Tue Jul 13, 2021 3:52 pm

Claudius2 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 3:23 pm I just bought some more Girardin Burgundies- Chassagne Montrachet 1ers Crus - all reds - and Savigny Les Beaune 1ers from the well rated 2019 vintage.

Vincent or Pierre?

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Wed Jul 14, 2021 7:41 pm

3 unexpected winnings from auction:
5 1989 La Croix de Gay, Pomerol $290
6 1996 Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc $346
3 1989 Domaine de l'Eglise, Pomerol $157.50

I now have a reasonable amount of mature Bordeaux in Oregon, so I need a new excuse to buy more.

6 2018 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Cuvée Louise @ $110

Probably not worth the price. However, including this cuvee in my subscription gives me added discounts on other wines.

OrlandoRobert · Post by **OrlandoRobert** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 12:26 pm

Zachy’s has a decent Bastille Day sale, with some nicely priced items. I just grabbed a few things, including 2014 Roc de Cambes for $40.

jal · Post by **jal** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 4:45 pm

One bottle of the 2011 Domaine de Chevalier. Just to try.

Musigny 151 · Post by **Musigny 151** » Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:06 pm

Some Magdelaines to fill gaps. 1988/1989/1996/2000/2007

jckba · Post by **jckba** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 1:44 pm

Went a little wild over the last week or so but thats only because I had consignment sale proceeds burning a proverbial whole in my pocket which coincided with a bunch of Skurnik white burg pre-orders that I took delivery of.

.1 btl of 2015 Clos Rougeard from Astor @ $149.57 + tax
.case of 2009 Coutet Barsac
.case of 2015 Lynch Bages
.case of 2016 Branaire Ducru
.case of 2019 Saint Prefert Auguste Favier CdP
.6 btls of 2019 Saint Prefert Charles Giraud CdP
.case 2019 Pierre Girardin ‘Eclat de Calcaire’ BB
.case 2019 Pierre Girardin ‘Les Grands Chaillots’ Meursault
.6 btls of 2019 Pierre Girardin ‘Les Tillets’ Meursault
.6 btls of 2019 Pierre Girardin ‘Le Limozin’ Meursault
.6 btls of 2019 Remi Jobard ‘Les Narvaux’ Meursault
.case of 2019 Thivin Cuvee Zaccharie CdB from Zachys @ $19.99/per + tax (thanks Jim)

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 1:57 pm

Well done, JC.... Very well done indeed!

AKR · Post by **AKR** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:48 pm

stefan wrote: ↑Wed Jul 14, 2021 7:41 pm 3 unexpected winnings from auction:
5 1989 La Croix de Gay, Pomerol $290
6 1996 Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc $346
3 1989 Domaine de l'Eglise, Pomerol $157.50

I now have a reasonable amount of mature Bordeaux in Oregon, so I need a new excuse to buy more.

6 2018 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Cuvée Louise @ $110

Probably not worth the price. However, including this cuvee in my subscription gives me added discounts on other wines.

I had some 90 La Croix de Gay some years ago and it was way better than expected. I'd suspect the 89's could be even better.

OrlandoRobert · Post by **OrlandoRobert** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 1:34 am

2011 Vieux Chateau Certan

PghMike · Post by **PghMike** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 12:26 am

2017 Pape clement x 1
2016 Pichon Baron x 1

Total all in $202 at wine.com

15% cashback today on Rakuten
$50 off $200 coupon code

OrlandoRobert · Post by **OrlandoRobert** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 12:40 am

That’s that code, 50 off 200 is great

Haven’t see that one for a while

PghMike · Post by **PghMike** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 1:01 am

OrlandoRobert wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 12:40 am That’s that code, 50 off 200 is great

Haven’t see that one for a while

Here's a list from wine berserkers. Also if you haven't done rakuten the referral link will get us both $30 that stacks on the 15% today.
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stefan · Post by **stefan** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 4:38 am

6 2017 Domaine Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru "Butteaux" @ $44.

Blanquito · Post by **Blanquito** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 5:25 am

stefan wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 4:38 am 6 2017 Domaine Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru "Butteaux" @ $44.

Score! Have you had this before? I’m a fan of the 2017 white burgs and it’s Louis Michel, but I haven’t tried many 2017 Chablis yet. And I’ve not had the Butteaux cuvée before, but I see K&L has lots of the VV version of this wine.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 7:47 pm

No, Patrick, but I believe in Louis Michel. The price is reasonable because most people don't like his style--no butter, no oil, no pomegranates or oranges,...