I got one - can’t remember when or why I signed up though honestly. In the back of my mind I’m thinking there’s some relationship to SQN or am I misremembering?
Any thoughts on style or what to expect from this? Someone make the case - I’m a skeptic and want to know why I should spent almost $100/bottle after shipping when Incan get phenomenal New World Syrahs from places like Novy, Campesino, Gemrose and Cabot for 1/3 of the price and can get Levet La Chavaroches for half.
I may still buy it, and I’m definitely not a hater, but I want someone, anyone, to convince me!
I mean, it’s pretty straight-forward… you’re taking a chance on a new release which, if successful, will be otherwise “unattainable” down the road (a la SQN).
The winemaker is the assistant winemaker at SQN, so he’s got some cred.
I feel, given the circumstances, the asking price is pretty fair. If the wine is good, it’ll be impossible to get for some time. If it isn’t any good, you’re out a couple hundred bucks and should be able to unload the wine for right around what you paid for it.
I don’t have any doubt they’ll sell out the first 2 or 3 vintages, given the production (200 cases) and the fact that the entire SQN mailing list likely signed up for this. Unless the wine bombs, this may be your only chance to access the wine for some time.
It’s your call, obviously, but I don’t think there’s much of a case to make. You take a flyer, or not.
Wow - I just got my email today (for a single three pack). I remember signing up about a year ago. After seeing that some of you received letters/email about two months ago I am wondering what methodology they are using. I guess (and hope) that there is still some inventory to be spoken for or I may not have received the email. I have been playing catch up for too long and taking whatever SQN scraps I can find from friends (local and on this board) on release. If this is even a close second I am willing to take the chance and avoid another annual SQN-like “Dear John” postcard…
I love SQN, and loved the first couple of vintages of Lillian. The further Maggie got away from Manfred’s influence, the less I enjoyed the wines. Clearly anecdotal and speculative, but as Jim still works for Manfred, I have high hopes and high expectations for this release.
A lot of winemakers who have gone on to put out their own labels have often disappointed, but I’ve seen some wonderful successes as well such as TRBs RM label.
I would agree with Jorge that ultimately its fairly low risk from a dollar perspective if you really don’t like the wine - given production and link to SQN.
Setting that aside, basically it was a recommendation from my favorite winemaker and his wife - two people whom I respect personally and know more about wine and winemaking in their little fingers than I ever will. I can think of no better source to take a flyer on a new wine. Heck, I have spent more based on recommendations here from people I have never met… And given what is likely (given working with Manfred) very low yields, high cost barrels, tiny production, I doubt this is making Jim a fortune.
I may not end up loving the wine, but if I do I will be vary happy to have been part of Jim and Rachel’s success.
Emailed immediately to sign-up and received a response a few days later. Guessing I didn’t make the cut. If anyone wants to split their allocation, let me know. Thanks.