tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405633513402883204.post5223688500649377279..comments2024-03-28T13:58:37.846-04:00Comments on The Passionate Foodie: World Portfolio Tasting-WoburnRichard Auffreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948647697847819742noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405633513402883204.post-12244263141554611882007-09-22T10:28:00.000-04:002007-09-22T10:28:00.000-04:00Thanks for all your comments though please next ti...Thanks for all your comments though please next time leave your name. <BR/><BR/>As for their cheapie rack, there are some real bargains there. On one of my last visits, they had some Hill & Dale Pinotage which I think is a great wine for the price, usually $9-10. At $6, it is a superb vale. <BR/><BR/>I definitely agree that South America has some good bargain wines. From Argentina they have some great value Malbec and Bonarda. Chile has some good Merlot and Carmenere. I like Brazilians wines too.Richard Auffreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03948647697847819742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405633513402883204.post-8928478387230484002007-09-22T10:16:00.000-04:002007-09-22T10:16:00.000-04:00Two other comments, these about Corporate Wines. ...Two other comments, these about Corporate Wines. Their REAL business is internet sales (where they tack on a mere $40 to the wholesale case cost for those cases over $250: a bargain if you buy in bulk). The retail storefront is...okay. The 25% discount brings the price in line with good online bargains (minus the shipping, of course, so it works out). The real value was the try-before-you-buy tasting; otherwise, they are in line with other local wine shops (and Peter is up-front about that: the storefront is totally a retail operations).<BR/><BR/>The other bargain they have is in their cheapie racks ("Crap rack," as the owner calls it, "Stuff I wouldn't drink and want to get out of my shop"). And, yes, it is low end: Rabbit Ridge, Firetruck, Goats do Roam--stuff that is generally $9.99 at other shops. Corpwines charges $6/bottle AND you can get the 25% cash discount for six bottles. So, if you lean toward that end of the spectrum, there are SERIOUS bargains to be had.<BR/><BR/>His other bias--both business and pleasure--is South American wines (which can support a higher mark-up, as they start out cheaper). That doesn't really bother me: South America (as we found--and you yourself gave an Argentinian top marks) can deliver. The complaint was from a competitor, complaining that Peter's prices "weren't REALLY all that great, given what he stocks." I find that stance irrelevant: I care about the wine and the price (ever seeking that sweet spot where quality and value intersect in the pleasure zone!), and not much else.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for all your efforts!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2405633513402883204.post-39702934476814503242007-09-22T10:05:00.000-04:002007-09-22T10:05:00.000-04:00Great tasting: and, I kid you not, my wine list ne...Great tasting: and, I kid you not, my wine list nearly mimics yours. I left with Pinocchio, the Kiona Lemberger (awesome!), the Legon, the Chat Mourgues, and the Opulence. Oh, and two of the 7 Deadly Zin. I also went for the Mas de Gourgonnier red blend--rustic, simple, genuine. I also went in for the Carmel Road Pinot--not usually a Pinot fan but for some reason I really liked this one.<BR/><BR/>Not sure if I got the right Merlot: one of them was described as "chocolatey" (and it was); my notes had plenty of wine spilled on them, but I *thought* that was the Santa Ema.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com