I have been astonished at the sudden popularity of
half bottles. I had no idea there was this kind of pent up demand for
the 375s. Only after the 03 Fonbadet
Paulliac sold out in 750 ml., and we sold over
400 of the 375 mls., were my eyes opened to the value of these little
guys. Ten more cases are on there way from Southern California to
arrive next Friday (still
$14.50 a bottle - WS 91 points) so
reserve ASAP. If you don't know what I am talking about go to the
newsletter archive at the website and click on "Great Bordeaux For a
Pittance" - November 22nd.
NOW I am keeping an eagle's eye out for other
standout half bottles that seem to be flying
under the radar. Please see my latest find at the end of this
newsletter. In the meantime......perhaps these reasons and
observations below are why the 375 ml. bottle is becoming the hottest little
ticket for the wine consumer/collector......and not just for restaurants
anymore:
- Is that a 375 ml.
in your pocket or are you just happy to see me??!!
May be less wine, but it
is more affordable at this price.
- You can always open another bottle or two,
if one is not enough.
- The wife is pregnant and not
drinking.
- Perfect adult stocking
stuffer!
- Fits nicely in a first-aid kit.
- Easier to smuggle into movies. Why
can't we drink a nice glass of wine at the movies?
- Stows conveniently inside your
parka. Perfect for a nip while on the ski lift.
- Nice addition for the angler's tackle
box.
- Looks cool hanging from your tool
belt!
- Lunch time moderation when you need to go
back to work.
- Empties can be reused to store half
consumed 750 ml. bottles.
- Facilitates pairing more than one wine
with dinner.
- Same great taste with half the calories.
- Less wait time until maturity!
- Won't explode at the
opera!
- They just look oh so
cute!
Just recently a customer asked me to look for some
04 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon from
Napa Valley. During my search I came across last April's
issue of Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine. It had rated the 04 Turnbull at 95 points (the coveted and highest 3
"puffs" designation) No wonder the 750 ml. bottles were already sold out from the winery and distributor.
CG is a
very conservative rating guide and rarely gives out high reviews..... Since last December the only other Cabs....all from
Napa Valley.... to receive such high accolades were the
......
04 Phelps Backus ($200)
04 Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadows
($175)
04 Diamond Creek Red Rock
Terrace ($175)
04 Dominus ($115)
04 Von Strasser Reserve ($100)
04 Darioush ($75)
04 Turnbull
($45)
Here is how CG's review read - "Real expectation and
excitement are raised by this well-made youngster's concentrated aromas of
cassis, smoke, mint, dark soils and dried cherries, and its expansive,
deeply-filled flavors fully live up to promise. Already praiseworthy both for
its real range of character, its luscious fruit and for the way its many pieces
fit together, the wine is solidly structured and shows no shortage of youthfully
gruff tannin. It is built to get better for a number of years, and it comes with
a recommendation for five to eight years of cellaring." - 95 points,
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
And then from the Wine Spectator -
"Dark, rich and fleshy, with ripe, supple black cherry, wild berry and currant
flavors that are tight and focused. Firms up on the finish, where the tannins
show more backbone and density. Ends with a long burst of fruit. Decant. Best
from 2008 through 2014". - 92 points, Wine Spectator
(July 31st, 07)
GUESS WHAT?!?
I just found a stash of the 2004 Turnbull Cabernet
Sauvignon. 240 - 375 mls. of this little morsel. Yes, it is
upcharged slightly to $26.75 a "split", but if
you order six I will make it an even $25,
or a "full case" for $23.96. PROCESSED IN THE ORDER
RECEIVED!
In the midst of our foraging,
I stumble on to EIGHT forgotten cases of the 2005 Patassy
Pinot Noir from Green Valley in the Russian River Valley. Long time
customers will appreciate what a discovery value this gem is......$24.95 a bottle or order six or more for a ten percent discount to
$22.46 a bottle. For more information and my tasting notes go to
the webstore's archive newsletter page and click on "I Doubt He Can Make a
Better Wine" - February 7, 2007 - PROCESSED IN THE ORDER RECEIVED!
Hope you remember us when it comes time for your
holiday entertaining and gift ideas! We courier locally and ship via UPS
daily!!
Eric Stumpf
The
Wine Consultant
8039 Greenback Lane
Citrus Heights, CA
95610
(916) 721-WINE (9463)
You can find us on the
web at
TheWineConsultant.com
