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LCBO Price Alert

otwotwMember
As of earlier this afternoon, the Laird & Eglinton Vintages still had a bunch of 07 Lamaione marked down to $48, and 04 Luciani Brunello @ $31. There's also a white Rully (don't remember producer) that I thought was a good value.

They also had a case of 07 Grilli Testamatta @$24 and 05 Illatraia @$48 until I got there. The Illatraia was delicious with steak frites, BTW.
V vijayMember
quote:
Yeah I noticed that too. Not much of great interest, though

Yeah, I posted that before I'd gone through the list. I grabbed some Baumard QdC and Rocca di Montegrossi CC San Marcellino (huge gap between JS and AG on this one). Outside of those two, I agree with you. Also, the prices were only reduced from outrageous to normal. Razz

Actually Darcy, the list was quite short as of a couple weeks ago. Max 3-5 wines on the list, certainly less than one page, so there were a lot of additions. The Spanish white was one of the old ones.
W winecanuckMember
I had high hopes for this VSO sale, quite disappointed though. I thought they might throw the Leoville Poyferre 2006 on this and knock it down a little. I agree the Rocca di Montegrossi is tempting and I was also scouting the Reinhold Haart Riesling Spatlese. Nothing purchased yet. I might hold off entirely due to other recent purchases and a few upcoming BDX 2010 purchases.
otwotwMember
quote:
Originally posted by on the wine:
As of earlier this afternoon, the Laird & Eglinton Vintages still had a bunch of 07 Lamaione marked down to $48, and 04 Luciani Brunello @ $31. There's also a white Rully (don't remember producer) that I thought was a good value.

They also had a case of 07 Grilli Testamatta @$24 and 05 Illatraia @$48 until I got there. The Illatraia was delicious with steak frites, BTW.

It's probably too late, but I meant to mention that they had Penfolds St Henri reduced by 25%. My mind's not on shiraz these days, but St Henri is a bit of an exception.
G greghMember
Not quite a price reduction - but confused as this wine shows NO RELEASE DATE - but shows up now ...

http://www.vintages.com/lcbo-e...EN&itemNumber=181693

The best Burgundy ( stinky Pinot ) I have seen from Calif in a while ... a touch excess alcohol but blows off nicely with some decant time . And the price is $5.00 less than the street price in USA .... all the ones in the Round House (WIndsor) are gone ....sorry ....

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=583646

Greg
vintvintMember
Judging from the website (where province-wide discounts are usually noted) it looks like your LOW-castel was a one-store promotion to clear out remaining inventory.

Now, can someone convince my local store to do the same? Or perhaps theweb or aml could grab 4 bottles for me and we'll settle at the upcoming TWC offline?? If not - no biggie.

p.s. theweb I have some Ricochet for you...let me know if you want syrah, cab or both...
vintvintMember
quote:
Originally posted by theweb:
Unfortunatley (or fortunately for us) we cleaned the Wonderland store out. Too bad they didn't have a deeper inventory. But....I'd keep my eyes open for other stores to follow suit.


An LCBO Product Consultant once told me they have authority to reduce a price by 20% as long as it's been a certain length of time since the product release (6 mos I think) and the store had less that 24 bottles left in inventory. True or not, I have never been able to convince any other PC to pull off this magic reduction on a wine I wanted.

Maybe Nicos can confirm or deny that policy??
vintvintMember
quote:
Originally posted by theweb:

Have you tried any yet? How much per bottle? Regardless, I'll take a couple of each. I love to support (and drink) wine made from WS Forumites.


I have not tried any yet.
Ricochet charged me $12.50 per bottle and then there were some border-crossing shenanigans...so call it $15 per bottle. See you at the offline.
A amlMember
quote:
Originally posted by theweb:
Unfortunatley (or fortunately for us) we cleaned the Wonderland store out. Too bad they didn't have a deeper inventory. But....I'd keep my eyes open for other stores to follow suit.


I agree -- They had an official hang tag for the sale, but still had to manually enter it in to the cash register. It is possible that they just posted it early.
vintvintMember
Here's the deal on one-off discounts at LCBO stores:

With the store manager's approval, the PC is able to discount up to 20%, providing it has been at least three months since the product was released and the store has 12 bottles or less in stock. If the product is still there after three weeks, they can discount a further 10%.

The PC I spoke to today had not received any information about a chainwide discount on Beau.
vintvintMember
quote:
Originally posted by Greg H:
Not quite a price reduction - but confused as this wine shows NO RELEASE DATE - but shows up now ...

http://www.vintages.com/lcbo-e...EN&itemNumber=181693

The best Burgundy ( stinky Pinot ) I have seen from Calif in a while ... a touch excess alcohol but blows off nicely with some decant time . And the price is $5.00 less than the street price in USA .... all the ones in the Round House (WIndsor) are gone ....sorry ....

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=583646

Greg


Wow! Great call, Greg. Tried this tonight and it does indeed have a healthy dose of schtank. IMO, this could easily hold its own against many Burgs twice the price. I can see why you snagged two cases.
vintvintMember
That's odd because when I got my Van Der Kamp yesterday from the Woodchester store in Mississauga, they had plenty left on the shelf. I suspect other stores still have it, too. Hmmm...incorrect web inventory, no release date listed...sounds like someone messed up when loading this product into the database. I suspect if you keep checking the website, province-wide inventory will magically reappear in a day or two.

If you really want some, it might be worthwhile to call a couple of nearby stores and have someone do a physical stock check. Or let me know and I'll get some from Woodchester. In fact I will probably be there today or tomorrow stocking up because it was so darn good.
G greghMember
Into bottle #3 of 26 on Tandem - quite a colour variation - first bottle was very bright red and took some time for the alcohol to blow off --the others are pop & pour and more aged (this is a 2006 vintage anyways - think they sold the 'clearout' to LCBO as this is $5 less than average USA cellartrack price --anyways if you like smelly pinot - see if you can find some ... as mentioned in first post --I don;t think it had an official release or at least no release date shown on the web page back then.

Greg
S steveyMember
Thanks VinToronto, maybe I'll pop into a couple of more stores to see if they have the VDK.

Greg H, your suspicion of a clearout seems right. When I got the Sangiakomo from the Leaside store, I asked the PC about it and he said that Tandem was sold earlier this year and LCBO bought their remaining inventory at a discount. I checked and, indeed, Tandem was sold in Jan to Pete Kight (who owns Quivira Vineyards & Winery), and Tandem ceased and became La Follette Winery, named after Greg La Follette, the former owner of Tandem who is now the winemaker of this new venture.
V vijayMember
Not a price alert but there's a new batch on VSO and the Gigondas looks like a screamer of a wine. The 2007 is going for $50+ on wine searcher and a CT avg of $41. 2005 to 2007 vintages have received on avg 92 points from IWC and almost identical scores from JM/WS. Given the apparent successful 2009 vintage in Rhone, I grabbed a bunch.
vintvintMember
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:
Found the Tandem Van Der Kamp at Bayview Village store in the 20% off bin. Grabbed a few for $24. I think there may be 2-3 bottles left in the bin.


A good example of a one-store delist. I'd help empty that bin but Bayview Village is too far to save $6 on a bottle. There are 10 bottles left at the Woodchester store, but they're still full price. I was unable to convince Nicos to discount them. Yet.
W winecanuckMember
Something I thought a few of you might be interested in. Yesterday the NV Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Grand Cru went on sale for $42.55 LCBO wide, down about $10. If you follow David Lawrason or John Szabo they each gave it a 93, stating great value at it's original $53 price tag. I thought I'd pass along the word now that I've stocked up myself. 368 left in the province, happy hunting.
B brucehayesMember
quote:
Originally posted by Wine Canuck:
Something I thought a few of you might be interested in. Yesterday the NV Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Grand Cru went on sale for $42.55 LCBO wide, down about $10. If you follow David Lawrason or John Szabo they each gave it a 93, stating great value at it's original $53 price tag. I thought I'd pass along the word now that I've stocked up myself. 368 left in the province, happy hunting.


One less in the province after yesterday. Smile
otwotwMember
quote:
Originally posted by Wine Canuck:
Something I thought a few of you might be interested in. Yesterday the NV Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Grand Cru went on sale for $42.55 LCBO wide, down about $10. If you follow David Lawrason or John Szabo they each gave it a 93, stating great value at it's original $53 price tag. I thought I'd pass along the word now that I've stocked up myself. 368 left in the province, happy hunting.

Good one!
H hortonMember
quote:
Originally posted by Wine Canuck:
Something I thought a few of you might be interested in. Yesterday the NV Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Grand Cru went on sale for $42.55 LCBO wide, down about $10. If you follow David Lawrason or John Szabo they each gave it a 93, stating great value at it's original $53 price tag. I thought I'd pass along the word now that I've stocked up myself. 368 left in the province, happy hunting.


I picked up a couple of bottles of this when it was released, and popped one open this past weekend after I noticed that it would be going on sale. I don't have detailed reflections on it as company was over at the time, but wouldn't say it was quite at the 93-point level. My impression was that it couldn't decide whether to be powerful or whether to be truly elegant/delicate. That said, it is nice bubbly: I'd put it at 91 points, and I've bought 2 more bottles at the new price.
S steveyMember
Thanks Wine Canuck, this is a very helpful heads up.

Can anyone comment on the Quebrada Cab from Chile? Looks like an interesting buy at $30.

Looking at the Bordeaux, the '06 Pichon Longueville Lalande on sale from $189 to $149. You can get this right now at PJ Wines for $115 US! Same with the '05 Lynsolence where the "sale" price of $89 (from $115) is still $30 above what you can get in the US. Just shows how ridiculously overpriced these wines were to begin with.

Also like how the Hagafen Zin is only $2 off from $30 to $28. Roll Eyes
D davecanadaMember
quote:
Originally posted by Horton:
quote:
Originally posted by Wine Canuck:
Something I thought a few of you might be interested in. Yesterday the NV Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Grand Cru went on sale for $42.55 LCBO wide, down about $10. If you follow David Lawrason or John Szabo they each gave it a 93, stating great value at it's original $53 price tag. I thought I'd pass along the word now that I've stocked up myself. 368 left in the province, happy hunting.


I picked up a couple of bottles of this when it was released, and popped one open this past weekend after I noticed that it would be going on sale. I don't have detailed reflections on it as company was over at the time, but wouldn't say it was quite at the 93-point level. My impression was that it couldn't decide whether to be powerful or whether to be truly elegant/delicate. That said, it is nice bubbly: I'd put it at 91 points, and I've bought 2 more bottles at the new price.


Thanks........I grabbed three as well.
bmanbmanMember
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:

Can anyone comment on the Quebrada Cab from Chile? Looks like an interesting buy at $30.


I've had several vintages and think this is one of the most unique, in a good way, cabs I've ever had. I defy you to try it blind and guess that it's a South American cab. Frankly I've bought it at a higher price and thought it a good QPR.
H hortonMember
quote:
Originally posted by bman:
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:

Can anyone comment on the Quebrada Cab from Chile? Looks like an interesting buy at $30.


I've had several vintages and think this is one of the most unique, in a good way, cabs I've ever had. I defy you to try it blind and guess that it's a South American cab. Frankly I've bought it at a higher price and thought it a good QPR.


I agree 100%. The Domus Aurea is the only thing I'll chase down from this otherwise snoozeworthy list.
A amlMember
quote:
Originally posted by Horton:
quote:
Originally posted by bman:
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:

Can anyone comment on the Quebrada Cab from Chile? Looks like an interesting buy at $30.


I've had several vintages and think this is one of the most unique, in a good way, cabs I've ever had. I defy you to try it blind and guess that it's a South American cab. Frankly I've bought it at a higher price and thought it a good QPR.


I agree 100%. The Domus Aurea is the only thing I'll chase down from this otherwise snoozeworthy list.


Well, that was quick...all gone already?
S steveyMember
quote:
Originally posted by bman:
Website seems have deleted all references to the Domus Aurea. Too bad, it is one of mrs. bman's all-time favourites Frown


LCBO inventory system is as trustworthy as a Hyundai Pony (and probably as just as old). There were few to begin with accessible to GTA folks. I took the last bottles at Ave Rd/Lawrence and Summerhill.
vintvintMember
quote:
Originally posted by steve8:
quote:
Originally posted by VinToronto:
The Sadie Family Columella 2007 looks interesting. Anybody ever tried it or know anything about it?


I've tried a couple of previous vintages of the Columella and it was outstanding. Best red wine I've ever had from South Africa. Worth $70 imo.


Thanks for the feedback, steve8.
Trying hard not to be a sco ho here but this wine received IWC94, WS95, ST94, and Tim Atkin from Decanter magazine gave it 19/20 and called it the best red coming out of South Africa in a 2009 article.
steve8steve8Member
quote:
Originally posted by VinToronto:
Thanks for the feedback, steve8.
Trying hard not to be a sco ho here but this wine received IWC94, WS95, ST94, and Tim Atkin from Decanter magazine gave it 19/20 and called it the best red coming out of South Africa in a 2009 article.


Just ignore all of that and take my word for it. Wink

I looked at Vintages Online last night and could not find the Columella, even though it was clearly on their sale list. Has it already sold out?
vintvintMember
The scores just prove how right you were... Smile

Yes, the Columella seems to have joined the Domus Aurea in the netherworld of LCBO cyberspace. But I'll bet there are stores that still have it. I think the PC's have access to a more reliable inventory snapshot at the store. I'll check with Nicos over lunch. He's now at the Woodchester store in Mississauga. Smile
A amlMember
The Domus is still available at the Bloor and Royal York location. They had 20 bottles. I scooped 4 and there was another order packaged up of three at the cash. Call first.

The Columella is available at the Promenade location. Supposedly 12 bottles left.

There may be other stores that still have stock. Your best bet is to call vintages because they can give you the stock info that is not showing up on the website.
A amlMember
quote:
Originally posted by futronic:
Generally speaking, the LCBO removes references to bin-end sale inventory on the website. Apparently people have the time and/or ability to visit 40 different stores on the off chance there's stock.


It boggles my mind that they remove this information. If it is a sale and you are looking to clear out your inventory, why would you take away the easiest way for your customer to find the product?
S steveyMember
If anyone's near the main Queens Quay store, I noticed some 2007 Diadema D'Amare on the shelves for $22.50. This is an excellent price for this wine and I left 2 bottles on the shelf. Apparently they "found" a box out in the back just sitting there and decided to put it out.

Also on the shelf at QQ is about 8 bottles of Diadema Bianco in a beautiful golden bottle. It's on sale for about $44 down from $58.

None of these are in LCBO's inventory system so don't bother checking.
M machineMember
quote:
Originally posted by tannic bastard:
Quinta do Vallado Touriga Nacional 2008 in todays VSO for $32
https://www.vintagesshoponline...?lang=en&item=137018
US release for this was $50+. Currently on "sale" at Wine Library for $50.


Big wine. Opened with sawdust and black bitter fruit balanced by some richness. Wood and tannin seemed to calm down after maybe 15 minutes in the glass to leave a big wine, with a little port-like medicinal quality on the finish that could have been better balanced with a bit more flesh in the middle (maybe just closed, and the nose was fairly faint after the initial pour). A few unexpected hints of red fruits (i.e. raspberries) here and there on the nose and palate. Will give the rest of the bottle another go tonight. I like wines like this, but might not be everyone's cup of tea.
D davecanadaMember
quote:
Originally posted by Machine:
quote:
Originally posted by tannic bastard:
Quinta do Vallado Touriga Nacional 2008 in todays VSO for $32
https://www.vintagesshoponline...?lang=en&item=137018
US release for this was $50+. Currently on "sale" at Wine Library for $50.


Big wine. Opened with sawdust and black bitter fruit balanced by some richness. Wood and tannin seemed to calm down after maybe 15 minutes in the glass to leave a big wine, with a little port-like medicinal quality on the finish that could have been better balanced with a bit more flesh in the middle (maybe just closed, and the nose was fairly faint after the initial pour). A few unexpected hints of red fruits (i.e. raspberries) here and there on the nose and palate. Will give the rest of the bottle another go tonight. I like wines like this, but might not be everyone's cup of tea.


As per usual Machine...thanks for taking one for the team....I am still on the fence on this one and will wait to see your final impressions tonight. Thanks again
M machineMember
More of the same tonight. Drank from burgundy glass over probably 6 hours. Muted nose of maraschino cherry. Black and tannic, black cherry and plum, and some red fruits on the nose and palate. Yesterday's port-like medicinal qualities are nowhere to be found (they were reminiscent of tawny port that had been opened for several days I think...all gone now, which is fine with me). If tasted blind i would swear this was CDP with maybe 40% or less grenache, maybe a mix between 2005 and 2007 CDP. As I near the bottom of the glass I am getting a little more candied cherry. I like tannin and bitter plus fruit in the mix, and although I don't find anything I dislike here, it just seems closed to me. Enjoyable for what it is now, but closed. Balance was fine except maybe the bitterness, and did not get any of the mocha, spice, or iron that WS got, but I'm fine with this one.
A amlMember
Took a chance and grabbed 3 of the 2009 Dauvergne-Ranvier Vacqueyras Vin Rare - $25.95

A candidate for wine of the vintage, the 2009 Vacqueyras Vin Rare, a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged in both tank and small oak, is one of the most spectacular, concentrated and ageworthy wines I tasted from the 2009 vintage. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by full-bodied, massive flavor concentration. This highly textured, layered wine has plenty of blackberry and kirsch fruit intermixed with licorice, camphor, graphite and forest floor. Complex as well as youthful and primary, this sensational Vacqueyras should drink well for 10-12+ years. 93 Points (Robert Parker)
A amlMember
quote:
Originally posted by Wine Canuck:
quote:
Originally posted by aml:
Took a chance and grabbed 3 of the 2009 Dauvergne-Ranvier Vacqueyras Vin Rare - $25.95

+1

I assume you got the RP review on eRP. I'm not a subscriber and I don't see that posted anywhere else on the net, must be pretty new...


Had this on Thursday night...not overly impressive at this point. No formal notes, but I would rate it about an 88. Heavy kirsch and licorice notes, but I wasn't getting a lot of graphite or forest floor. I found this to be a bit hot on the finish. I'll hold my other two and see where it goes, but I'm not expecting much.
V vincentricMember
quote:
Originally posted by Bigprovolone:
It must be leftovers from a special order or something because Summerhill also had the 06 Dominus too, seems like someone dug out a stash!


As you are probably aware, the older bottles we find here and there have a high probability of being returns. With the unusually old items that aren't easily associated with classics program, I check with the PC. LCBO policy on returns (even with bottles accompanied by a product complaint - dump it down the drain brown) is to stick it right back on the shelf for the next unsuspecting customer.
A amlMember
quote:
Originally posted by VinCentric:
quote:
Originally posted by Bigprovolone:
It must be leftovers from a special order or something because Summerhill also had the 06 Dominus too, seems like someone dug out a stash!


As you are probably aware, the older bottles we find here and there have a high probability of being returns. With the unusually old items that aren't easily associated with classics program, I check with the PC. LCBO policy on returns (even with bottles accompanied by a product complaint - dump it down the drain brown) is to stick it right back on the shelf for the next unsuspecting customer.


I wouldn't be concerned with the products mentioned. The 2006 Dominus is available via VSO right now, so it's not like it is something that has been out of the supply chain for a number of years. The older Beaucastel are leftovers from the Vintages Beaucastel Dinner last year, that were initially offered via Direct Sales, but then shipped out to Queens Quay.

With other older products, I can certainly agree with you. I've returned product that I believe to be defective, and as long as it is unopened, I'll see it back on the shelf the next day.
D darcyMember
quote:
Originally posted by imwithid:
These didn't seem to go so quickly at first. I bought two on Thursday with 27 still in stock. Someone must have grabbed a bunch. I'll be picking them up later this week to try over the weekend. I hope I don't end up regretting that I had not bought more.

I think that "someone" calls himself tannic bastard. Just a wild guess Wink
A amlMember
quote:
Originally posted by imwithid:
These didn't seem to go so quickly at first. I bought two on Thursday with 27 still in stock. Someone must have grabbed a bunch. I'll be picking them up later this week to try over the weekend. I hope I don't end up regretting that I had not bought more.


Overall, they did go quite quickly. There was well over 300 units when it was originally posted here. It dwindled down to just over 30 after about 48 hours and then stayed there until this announcement.
vintvintMember
quote:
Originally posted by Bigprovolone:
quote:
Originally posted by vijay:
Large format 2009 Beaucastel on VSO as of this morning.


Grabbed myself a mag and double mag this morning!


Looking forward to the offline in 2045 when that baby will be ready to open. Wheel me into the restaurant, pour some down my feeding tube and let's party!
B bigprovoloneMember
quote:
Originally posted by VinToronto:
quote:
Originally posted by Bigprovolone:
quote:
Originally posted by vijay:
Large format 2009 Beaucastel on VSO as of this morning.


Grabbed myself a mag and double mag this morning!


Looking forward to the offline in 2045 when that baby will be ready to open. Wheel me into the restaurant, pour some down my feeding tube and let's party!


Im sure we can all get a taste interveinusly (spelling challenged) Lol
mimikmimikMember
quote:
Originally posted by imwithid:
quote:
2009 Beaucastel


So the 1500 mL goes for $179 and the 3000 mL for $409? Did I miss something at the 3000 mL mark? I take it the $49 premium is the showcase value?


Larger formats are often more than twice the price, usually due to their scarcity and collector's demands. If you are buying just to drink, then buy 2 bottles of the 750ml.
K ksc02Member
quote:
Originally posted by Mimik:
quote:
Originally posted by imwithid:
quote:
2009 Beaucastel

So the 1500 mL goes for $179 and the 3000 mL for $409? Did I miss something at the 3000 mL mark? I take it the $49 premium is the showcase value?

Larger formats are often more than twice the price, usually due to their scarcity and collector's demands. If you are buying just to drink, then buy 2 bottles of the 750ml.

As Mimik states, Magnums typically cost more than just twice the price (reflecting 2 bottles content). This is due to more than 'collector demand' and scarcity, however. Fewer bottlings in this format typically make production costs higher (shorter runs, unique bottle & label requirements, etc).

These formats are sometimes considered 'collectable' for a couple of reasons and 'showcasing' is not typically the first for a serious collector. Wine worth aging will age better, over a longer period of time, in this format. Many owners & wine makers will tell you that this is the 'preferred format' for cellaring long term. So if this is your intention than this format is certainly something to consider if given the option. How much of a cost premium this is worth is up to you. For some wines you will find the cost demanded to be quite substantial.

Larger formats can be cosidered as well. However, above the magnum format size you are dealing with hand-cut corks and waxing. The potential of leakage/seeping issues is typically higher and the 'loss' of a corked or otherwise damaged wine greater. All things to consider with larger formats.
vintvintMember
quote:
Originally posted by KSC02:
quote:
Originally posted by Mimik:
quote:
Originally posted by imwithid:
quote:
2009 Beaucastel

So the 1500 mL goes for $179 and the 3000 mL for $409? Did I miss something at the 3000 mL mark? I take it the $49 premium is the showcase value?

Larger formats are often more than twice the price, usually due to their scarcity and collector's demands. If you are buying just to drink, then buy 2 bottles of the 750ml.

As Mimik states, Magnums typically cost more than just twice the price (reflecting 2 bottles content). This is due to more than 'collector demand' and scarcity, however. Fewer bottlings in this format typically make production costs higher (shorter runs, unique bottle & label requirements, etc).

These formats are sometimes considered 'collectable' for a couple of reasons and 'showcasing' is not typically the first for a serious collector. Wine worth aging will age better, over a longer period of time, in this format. Many owners & wine makers will tell you that this is the 'preferred format' for cellaring long term. So if this is your intention than this format is certainly something to consider if given the option. How much of a cost premium this is worth is up to you. For some wines you will find the cost demanded to be quite substantial.

Larger formats can be cosidered as well. However, above the magnum format size you are dealing with hand-cut corks and waxing. The potential of leakage/seeping issues is typically higher and the 'loss' of a corked or otherwise damaged wine greater. All things to consider with larger formats.


Great post, KSC. I learn something new every time I check these boards. Thanks. Smile
V vijayMember
Muga Rioja Reserva is $4 off (down from $24) this week. I believe they are currently on the 2007 vintage. This might not be a great vintage for Rioja but given that this was the only wine to be made by Muga in 2007 it stands to reason that there is some excellent fruit that was diverted into their base blend. IWC gave it a 91.
W winecanuckMember
quote:
Originally posted by vijay:
Muga Rioja Reserva is $4 off (down from $24) this week. I believe they are currently on the 2007 vintage. This might not be a great vintage for Rioja but given that this was the only wine to be made by Muga in 2007 it stands to reason that there is some excellent fruit that was diverted into their base blend. IWC gave it a 91.


I too was eyeing that up but most reviewers I follow indicated the 2007 is a significant downgrade over the 2006.
D darcyMember
I don't buy Muga anymore. After a few blind Rioja tastings, Muga entries (with others at the same price points, across Crianza through Gran Reserva) were consistently last (or lowest quartile) across selections. I find the Muga wines less fruit and terroir complex (than, say, Lan) and overly oaked as compared with other Rioja. At the same time, on a pure price basis, at $20, it's still decent QPR.
Last edited by darcy
S steveyMember
OK, so there's one bottle left (because I took 2!) so act quickly!... but was perusing the Bayview store for any surprises and found something. In their temperature controlled units is a 2001 Jean Raphet Clos Vougeot Grand Cru for $111 (this is a store-specific sale). You won't find many 10+ years old Clos Vougeot Grand Crus for this price.

This was a Sept 2008 Classics release for $175 that went on bin sale for $139. Tasting notes from WS board members HERE.
A amlMember
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:
OK, so there's one bottle left (because I took 2!) so act quickly!... but was perusing the Bayview store for any surprises and found something. In their temperature controlled units is a 2001 Jean Raphet Clos Vougeot Grand Cru for $111 (this is a store-specific sale). You won't find many 10+ years old Clos Vougeot Grand Crus for this price.

This was a Sept 2008 Classics release for $175 that went on bin sale for $139. Tasting notes from WS board members HERE.


I had this wine a few months back. Bought 2, drank one, returned the other. Either I had a bad bottle, or this wine was not very good. The experience rated about 88 points for me, which is not usually the goal when I'm spending $111. Huge disappointment. Hopefully yours shows better than mine did.
board-oboard-oMember
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:
quote:
Originally posted by Board-O:
Stevey, you don't mean Gerard Raphet, do you? Gerard's Clos Vougeots are wonderful.


Other's can verify but Gerard is Jean's son I believe. Back in 2001, it was Jean's winery before Gerard later took over and changed to his name.


I didn't know that. Gerard's no youngster and we had a great visit with him this past August. It's probably the best winery visit we've ever had in Burgundy. Virtually everything we tasted was wonderful.

I've found a number of Burgundy wineries where the son has taken over the winemaking from the father, but in the others, the winery name didn't change.
S steveyMember
Board-O, did a quick search and found THIS excerpt from Parker's book that verifies it. Agree that it's unique situation that the son would change to his name.

aml, I popped one of the bottles of the Clos Vougeot and thought it was quite good, especially after some time and with decanting. It's still "young" for Burgundy so will store away the other bottle. To each his own.
A amlMember
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:
aml, I popped one of the bottles of the Clos Vougeot and thought it was quite good, especially after some time and with decanting. It's still "young" for Burgundy so will store away the other bottle. To each his own.


I guess my bottle was off then. I popped and poured a few small glasses and was disappointed. I let the rest essentially slow ox in the bottle for about 3 hours and I did not notice much improvement. My bottle did not seem young, as it was quite tertiary and the acidity was way out of balance, even for Burgundy.
vintvintMember
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:
quote:
Originally posted by VinToronto:
FWIW, HAWKES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 is $29.95, down from its original $31.95 back in December 2009. Oddly, it seems to be selling in the US for about $40. The Can/US price differential caught my eye - not often seen on LCBO shelves.


Saw this on the shelf at one of the satellite stores and recalled your posting. Definitely needs air; dranked over 2 days and was clearly better on day 2 - dense blackcurrent with hard but well integrated tannins, as good as other California cabs at twice it's price at least. Good structure and weight, this can be stored for another 5 years easy.

Excellent for $40 nevermind $30 at LCBO. Went back and cleaned the store of its remaining bottles. Thanks for the tip VinToronto!


Oddly, Hawkes Cab is back on the shelves. Oddly because the price has gone up ($30 to $40) and the vintage has gone down (2004 to 2003). I doubt it's worth $40 but I got one to test drive.
BP Beta PMember
Trolling one of my local stores recently, I saw markdowns on '07 Stolpman Hillside Sryrah (down to $40 from an original release price of $64), and '05 Yacochuya, (reduced to $40 from $49.95), among other wines.

As indicated by others, you can periodically find unofficial markdowns ( i.e. not listed on the website) where a specific store is trying to unload stock from old releases.
BP Beta PMember
quote:
Originally posted by Stevey:
Beta, if you're going to report a price alert of item(s) from a specific store, it would help if you name the store.


Point taken Stevey. Woodview store in Burlington, Thursday. I bought a few. There was one of the Yakochuya left, and a handful of the Stolpman. However, I have seen similar markdowns elsewhere in Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton, so the situation is not unique to that store. These were released months ago and I would expect markdowns in any store with remaining quantity.
K ksc02Member
quote:
Originally posted by vijay:
Ugly price alert:
I was wondering when the 2009 vintage ports would start rolling through, and there are some in today's VSO all in the $130 range. Wasn't 2007 Dow and Warre for $90? Checking wine searcher these bottles seem to be going for $90 in the US. #wtflcbo

Interesting that LCBO is charging so much for Port in this market. I had a Port discussion with the SAQ not so long ago and they were remarking how the Port market has been in a steady decline for some years now. It's quite predictably cyclical, in fact, according to them.

Why should the LCBO be shoring up pricing if the market overall is in decline?
K ksc02Member
No bubble, w+a. According to the person I spoke with (who is in a position to know in detail), Port is quite cyclic. Through the years it developed a pretty consistant pattern. Since 2000, the market has slowly, steadily, declined. SAQ is fully confident it will cycle back, but not in the near term. In fact, this pertains to many of the sweet wines in general. I believe you'll find similar with Sauternes and other 'stickies'. Even, dare I say, the Reisling family of wines in a similar, albeit lesser, degree. But the trend is there.

I had an email from HDH a few days back. Of many items they were offering, one was '77 Taylor. A great Port from a great vintage. $130. Just a few years ago, if you could find under $155 you thought you'd found a screaming deal.

This should be sweet music to the ears of g-man and bman Smile
W wine+artMember
A 12 year ( and counting) downturn, wow.

I'm wondering if there may be more to it. Of all the major Port people I know, most are over 60, and I know very few Port buyers/lovers under 35. The under 35 crowd I see at work and at trade tastings are major wine buys, but not Port.

I wonder if the U.K. still consumes a lot of Port?

I have been to six European countries in the last 18 months. I have noticed a lot less young people drinking wine in general than I did 10, 15 or 25 years ago.

I know shops here in Dallas had major Port inventory 10 - 25 years ago. Now it is hard to even find a shop that has serious inventories.

Got me...
V vincentricMember
quote:
Originally posted by KSC02:
quote:
Originally posted by vijay:
Ugly price alert:
I was wondering when the 2009 vintage ports would start rolling through, and there are some in today's VSO all in the $130 range. Wasn't 2007 Dow and Warre for $90? Checking wine searcher these bottles seem to be going for $90 in the US. #wtflcbo

Interesting that LCBO is charging so much for Port in this market. I had a Port discussion with the SAQ not so long ago and they were remarking how the Port market has been in a steady decline for some years now. It's quite predictably cyclical, in fact, according to them.

Why should the LCBO be shoring up pricing if the market overall is in decline?


The lcbo's mission is to make money for the provincial government, not to provide competitive service or pricing. http://www.thestar.com/news/ca...gambling-for-funding

It is nothing new that the Ontario government is using the LCBO as a cash cow. The only thing that seems to have changed is in degree. As actual government services continue to take cuts, McGuilty pushes for more money from the LCBO. The only comfort seems to be that, as some have pointed out here, pricing on some Italians and high demand are priced ok vis U.S. pricing. However - I recently picked up 2007 Renato Ratti Barolo Conca for $35 USD ($70 LCBO) and 2008 Saffredi for $45 USD (2007 is $100 at LCBO), 2006 Saffredi was $109 at LCBO, $60 at TCWC.
otwotwMember
Some markdowns at the Laird St Vintages...

2008 Frescobaldi Lamaione $63.95 - 15.95 = $47.80
2008 Ch D'Aiguilhe $39.00 - 9.70 = $29.30

1999 Les Ormes de Pez $65.00 - 16.20 = $48.80
2007 Les ormes de Pez $44.00 - 10.95 = $33.05
2008 Ch de Pez $44.00 - 10.95 = $33.05

2007 Langoa Barton $72.00 - 15.80 = $56.20
2008 Les Hauts de Smith $36.95 - 6.85 = $30.10

2007 Ch Guiraud (375ml) $39.00 - 8.55 = $30.45
2007 Ch Rieussec (375ml) $66.00 - 14.50 = $51.50

There's also the 08 Frescobaldi Mormoreto which has been marked down to $50 system-wide.
otwotwMember
quote:
Originally posted by 7smcb:
Thanks very much for the heads up on the Laird discounts. There seemed a lot marked down. Is this a store that regularly marks down on its own? Is there any sort of pattern to when they delist?

No pattern. They just happen every so often, so you have to keep your eye out.
S steveyMember
quote:
Originally posted by on the wine:
quote:
Originally posted by 7smcb:
Thanks very much for the heads up on the Laird discounts. There seemed a lot marked down. Is this a store that regularly marks down on its own? Is there any sort of pattern to when they delist?

No pattern. They just happen every so often, so you have to keep your eye out.


It happens when they run out of shelf space which happens not infrequently at the Laird store due to its small size relative to sales volume. The other store in similar circumstance where you might find such local clearance prices is the Dupont/Spadina store. BOth serve higher end neighbourhoods, so there are frequently good (but slowly moving) wines to be had.
V vijayMember
I was actually just at the Weston and 401 store last night. In addition to carrying numerous items from system wide markdowns, they had a few private label products on consignment nothing to really get you guys running over there though. To give an example:

I bought two bottles of 2009 Craggy Range Syrah for $23.75 each.
CT is a bit of a mess with this wine, so here are two entries for it:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1191298
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1277148
I'm pretty sure they are the same wine.

I am assuming that the wine came from Lifford although the "Block 14" is missing from the label.
http://www.liffordwine.com/our_wines/wine.php?id=2451

Anyway, they have about 3-4 cases of the stuff.
vintvintMember
Not a price alert, but something I pass along when I find it: a decent pinot noir for under $25. MACROSTIE PINOT NOIR 2007
VINTAGES 674911. IMO one of thoise rare new world pinots with typical bright cherry fruit and a nice food-friendly zing of acidity but also possessing that hint of shtank that might fool one into thinking it was a villages from Burgundy.
Added bonus: also available in half bottles which I find handy to have around for those (admittedly rare) nights when you just know you're not going through 750ml.
BP Beta PMember
quote:
Originally posted by VinT:
Not a price alert, but something I pass along when I find it: a decent pinot noir for under $25. MACROSTIE PINOT NOIR 2007
VINTAGES 674911. IMO one of thoise rare new world pinots with typical bright cherry fruit and a nice food-friendly zing of acidity but also possessing that hint of shtank that might fool one into thinking it was a villages from Burgundy.
Added bonus: also available in half bottles which I find handy to have around for those (admittedly rare) nights when you just know you're not going through 750ml.


..or one of those (even less rare) nights when you know 750 ml. won't be quite enough. Big Grin

Thanks for the heads up on this.
otwotwMember
There has been another round of 25% markdowns yesterday at the Laird St store. Products on the shelf as of earlier this afternoon were:

NV Heidsieck Blue Top Brut Champagne $37.50
2004 San Filippo Le Lucere Brunello $37.50
2009 Vincent Girardin Santenay Les Gravieres $24.00
2009 Guigal Gigondas $22.30
2009 Pascal Marchand Gevrey-Chambertin $39.50
2006 Sociondo Mallet $48.75
2008 La Dominique $48.00
otwotwMember
+1 Save me a seat on that campaign bus!

I assume by now everyone is aware that there is an unadvertised Vintages delist going on. It started on Oct 1 and got more seriously ramped up on the 15th.

My purchases have been:

1 x 2007 Paul Hobbs Cuvee Augustina Richard Dinner Chardonnay
1 x 2009 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille
1 x 2009 Peter Chardonnay La Carriere
2 x 2008 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon (double markdown)
2 x 2006 Clarendon Hills Grenache Onkaparinga
2 x 2007 Saffredi
2 x 1994 Warre's VP
B brucehayesMember
quote:
Originally posted by on the wine:
+1 Save me a seat on that campaign bus!

I assume by now everyone is aware that there is an unadvertised Vintages delist going on. It started on Oct 1 and got more seriously ramped up on the 15th.

My purchases have been:

1 x 2007 Paul Hobbs Cuvee Augustina Richard Dinner Chardonnay
1 x 2009 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille
1 x 2009 Peter Chardonnay La Carriere
2 x 2008 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon (double markdown)
2 x 2006 Clarendon Hills Grenache Onkaparinga
2 x 2007 Saffredi
2 x 1994 Warre's VP


And, naturally, there is no mention of this sale on the Vintages web site!