Two 2000 S. Rhones I found in a local store -- thoughts?

Simple question, hopefully. If you saw either of these wines in a store for $30 would you be inclined to try either? Maybe even excited about either? I know the vintage is great, but I don't know much of anything about the bottles other than the areas they come from and that I believe both are from big negociantes.

Les Reinages 2000 - Gigondas - Delas

Domaine Des Beates - 2000 - Coteaux D'aix en Provence - Chapoutier - I have seen references on the net to versions of this wine that include the text Terra D'Or but I don't see that on my bottle.

Bryan

Simple question, hopefully. If you saw either of these wines in a store for $30 would you be inclined to try either? Maybe even excited about either? I know the vintage is great, but I don't know much of anything about the bottles other than the areas they come from and that I believe both are from big negociantes.

Les Reinages 2000 - Gigondas - Delas

Domaine Des Beates - 2000 - Coteaux D'aix en Provence - Chapoutier - I have seen references on the net to versions of this wine that include the text Terra D'Or but I don't see that on my bottle.

Bryan

Bryan,
You must remember that I am a majority of one, but let me say up front that I have never had a Delas wine that I liked. Of maybe a dozen, I have never liked one. And about Chapoutier, I have lieed some, but probably not more than 5 out of ten, and for $30 I would like better odds.

Bryan,
You must remember that I am a majority of one, but let me say up front that I have never had a Delas wine that I liked. Of maybe a dozen, I have never liked one. And about Chapoutier, I have lieed some, but probably not more than 5 out of ten, and for $30 I would like better odds.

Thanks for the feedback, Bob. I am not surprised by your reply because the store is pretty much an average large grocery store chain that sells lots of super sweet Oz juice and I just can't imagine they would happen to have a couple of really good 2000 S Rhone wines on the shelves that people would die for. And what types of wine is a store like this going to have on hand for an older vintage? Delas, Chapoutier of course. And I wonder/worry about their storage conditions or the warehouse its been in for 5 years. I might crack open that Prov. Chapt though because from what I have read it might give me a bit of a Bandol kick in an excellent vintage with some age and in probably in a good drinking window right now. Just might be worth keeping and drinking. Thanks for your candor, it's what I wanted to hear.

Bryan

the store is pretty much an average large grocery store chain

Bryan

Sobeys or Superstore? I haven't found much worthwhile at any of the grocery store liquor outlets here in Edmonton, either. There's the occasional find at the Superstore (where at least the prices are really good), but it's slim pickings.

We have a Costco liquor store just outside Edmonton in Sherwood Park. They often have some excellent wines at great prices (for Canada, natch). The '98 Dom Perignon was $140 a bottle, compared to about $210 just about everywhere else.

Where do you normally buy wine in Calgary? I've only been to the Cellar on Stephen Ave, but it was quite impressive.

the store is pretty much an average large grocery store chain

Bryan

Sobeys or Superstore? I haven't found much worthwhile at any of the grocery store liquor outlets here in Edmonton, either. There's the occasional find at the Superstore (where at least the prices are really good), but it's slim pickings.

We have a Costco liquor store just outside Edmonton in Sherwood Park. They often have some excellent wines at great prices (for Canada, natch). The '98 Dom Perignon was $140 a bottle, compared to about $210 just about everywhere else.

Where do you normally buy wine in Calgary? I've only been to the Cellar on Stephen Ave, but it was quite impressive.

Hi Mike. This was a Co-op store actually. In the "high end" section. I haven't seen much selection in Calgary Superstore here either.

There is an incredible selection of wine merchants in Calgary and I've come to the conclusion that a persons top 2 or 3 stores are going to depend on which store focuses on the wines you prefer as most merchants tend to have a sweet spot focus. A good example of this is my fave merchant being J Webb Glenmore because they have 15 selections of under $25 Rhones, and at great prices. No other store has near that selection of QPR Rhones. And my 2nd fave store is very small and boutique and has the best, rarest and most desirable Rhones at all price points. If you want my rec's for merchants in Calgary, you should let me know what types of wines you prefer and then I can recommend the best stores. If you want a good idea of the best Calgary wine merchants regardless of preference, they are below, ranked by my own preferences:

Metrovino
J Webb (Glenmore, and Market)
Center Street North
Richmond Hill
Brittania
The Wine Cellar (same as the one in Edmonton)
The Wine Store
Bin 905
Cellar (which you know, but I don't like this store)

I was going to visit Edmonton this upcoming weekend, and see member Bob Parsons, but I might not make it up there after all. But if I was I'd be checking out the Wine cellar (for their Bandols) and maybe pay a tourist visit to Devine. If I was going there, and meeting Bob, maybe you'd like to join us.

Bryan

Bryan, that sounds like a good idea. PM me when you know for sure. Bob and I know each other well.

Yeah, I`m game. Mike is certainly very knowledgeable and is keen to take part in any wine-related activity!!!?

Mike, don`t forget you are still in for those German wines.

Yeah, I`m game. Mike is certainly very knowledgeable and is keen to take part in any wine-related activity!!!?

Mike, don`t forget you are still in for those German wines.

Guys, I'm coming up this weekend. Not sure what all my plans are and there will be lots to juggle. Just wondering if you might want to hook up at a wine bar that has decent juice by the glass. Or possibly meet at a store that is guaranteed to have tasting on weekends. I really won't have much time. I thinking either Friday (holiday) or Saturday mid to late afternoon.

Bryan