My QC mailer came Saturday for the 2001 Cab. They say that Rovani of Wine Advocate rated a barrel sample at 96-99. The mailer says "The 2001 vintage produced the finest raw material we had ever seen at Quilceda." The 2001 is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged 22 months in 100% new French Oak.

The mailer also included a 4-year comparison of QC scores and prices versus California cults, and 1st Growth Bordeaux, using scores from the Advocate, Spectator, and International Wine Cellar. QC's 4-year average scores were very comparable to the other wines, at about 1/3 to 1/2 the retail. The best showing was a 96.4 average score for QC in the Advocate, which was higher than every other wine in the comparison other than Chateau Lafite at 96.5. The Calif. cults were Harlan, Araujo, Dalla Valle Maya, Bryant, and Colgin.

The case price for the 2001 Cab is $864.00 ($72.00 per bottle), which is up $4 per bottle over the 2000. The half-case price is $78 per bottle. They will ship in April, or the release weekend at the new winery building is May 15th - 16th.

Interestingly, they decided not to release a 2001 Merlot because in didn't meet their "ever increasing standards."

Well, it's taken over two years, but I've finally made it into the not-very-exclusive "100 Posts Club". I should make it to 1000 in about 2022!

"Bringing Fine Wines to Maple Valley for almost two years."

Got mine, too. may 15 may merit a get-together.

We had a nice walk around your burg yesterday, including the museum, & dinner at Arnie's. I told Wife too bad we don't have your phone # (at least not that I know of.)

I'm hesitant to buy directly as the market has been flooded with the 2000s, some at discounted prices. I want to buy some, but I'm not convinced I want a half a case at those prices.

I too was shocked to see QC '00 being offloaded at a discount. Sam's Wine in Chicago was selling it for $61!

Is there a glut of this wine, or did the market not bear the price?

Plus, I haven't gotten my mailer -- as I've moved in the past year and it probably hasn't found me yet.

RRV

So, brocolli, Mother says you're very good for me. Well, I'm afraid I'm no good for you!

imo, if you wait for the 01 to be discounted at retail you may well be shut out alltogether.

Once ... in the wilds of Afghanistan, I lost my corkscrew, and we were forced to live on nothing but food and water for days. - W. C. Fields

I got my e-mail from them yesterday, too. So, does anyone who lives in a reciprocal state and gets up to Toronto with any degree of regularity want to split some with me?

Hey, it's worth a shot!

I have an associate who has family in Toronto. He may be willing to transport some wine for you if we make him the right offer. What did you have in mind?

I think the 2000 didn't sell as well for a couple of reasons.. 1) It was overshadowed by the 98 and 99 (especially the 99 IMO). 2) People, believe it or not, think there is some sort of correlation between the California and Washington vintages. 2000 was a sub-par vintage in california. 3) anticipation of the 2001 (#2 also plays into this factor.

2000 is an excellent wine and people would be wise to snap it up at the bargain prices.

**********
When will I learn?
The answers to life's problems aren't at
the bottom of a bottle! They're on TV!
- Homer Simpson

smaug, I think you are absolutely right about people correlating vintages between California and Washington. Not long ago my local Beverages and More had a huge "1998 Blowout" sale - they lumped everything together, California, Washington, and France! I picked up some nice 98 Col Solare for a song

Once ... in the wilds of Afghanistan, I lost my corkscrew, and we were forced to live on nothing but food and water for days. - W. C. Fields

If anybody wants to get their hands on 00 Quilceda at retail, let me know, my retailer has some 00 he can move at good prices.

in fact, contact him directly @ Johnnpetes@aol.com and tell him that Ryan sent ya and hopefully, everything will work out.

FYI, I'm not in the business nor am I affiliated with the store. Just trying to help out those looking sice I was there the other day and saw the bottles discounted.

Ouch! I signed up for the list recently, but was under the impression it was closed. Really, I just wanted my name in there so I might get on in the next year or two. I was very surprised yesterday when the mailer showed up at my house. Only problem is, I hadn't expected to have the opportunity to purchase until at least next year, and at ~$500/6 pack I'm not sure I'm able to take the plunge.

What to do, what to do...