Crush progressive

They may be mostly out by now, but there are a few good catches at decent prices at the latest Crush sale (50% off today). '05 Prum WS Auslese GKA for $74 (seems like that is probably close to what it originally came out at), '97 Foreau Moelleux for $46, etc.

They had some really amazing deals and I ended up biting on a handful of things earlier this morning (Zilliken Spatlese magnums at $55! ) - I'm trying to at least be glad I showed some restraint on the mags of Donnhoff Spatlese, Trimbachs and the Barolos (though that magnum of '04 Cappellano Barolo in the list is still tempting me, even if it's decades too young).

I was very happy to get the two I noted at such great prices. I have a few of the '05 Prum WS, but this was a nice opportunity to get some more. I don't have any '97 Foreau, and can always use more Chenin Blanc. I thought about getting some '01 Clos Ste Hune, since i've never had it, but I don't think that the discount for it was nearly as exceptional.

I was eyeing the Prum GKA as well (and the Vouvrays you mentioned), then I saw the price on the 04 Chave and grabbed what I think was the last bottle.

Now I just have to tell myself I will not buy wine for a little longer and try and keep away from Crush/Table & Vine for a bit!

I keep saying the same thing. And then I keep buying more each month.

Question -- ever had '88 or '00 Chave? I haven't had much Chave, but I enjoy the Northern Rhones I've had, and both years are noteworthy points in my life (HS graduation and Son's birth respectively), so each would be a good "excuse"...

PS - Keep up the Riesling tasting notes. I find your notes and David's to be very helpful in finding good bottles to try. I picked up some '08 Anrecht a while back and have really enjoyed the bottles I opened.

I have not had either Chave. My only experiences with Chave have been the '91 blanc and the '95 rouge, both of which were amazing and among the most memorable wine experiences I've had. That said, I don't think you can go wrong with Chave (and I have seen Mark Lipton posting some very positive comments on the '88).

Thanks for the kind words re. the TNs - and yes, that Anrecht is a real gem, especially at the price.

I keep saying the same thing. And then I keep buying more each month.

Question -- ever had '88 or '00 Chave?

Jim -- I had an 88 a while back (5 or 6 years ago? Maybe 10?) and it was an okay wine, good Hermitage, but not knock-your-socks-off good. A more austere rendering of Chave. For the price (on release), it is a good wine. How much are you looking to buy at?

Mark, I haven't considered it deeply, but I'm sure I can come-up with an offhand answer, given one clarification first:

Are you referring to quality, price, or both?

Mark, I haven't considered it deeply, but I'm sure I can come-up with an offhand answer, given one clarification first:

Are you referring to quality, price, or both?

Well, I was thinking fundamentally of price. I mean, Chave is Chave, you really can't do better than him in Hermitage, but then there is the price to consider. To me, it was an affordable luxury at $45 or so. Today, at $150-200, not so much, and out of my radar. But if you've got the coin, go for it, just don't expect an epiphany with the 1988.