On Chards: They always recommend a 3-4 hour decant if you drink them young. 7 sounds like the right sweet spot. They still are very good with a lot of age on them. I think of them as an inexpensive Grand Cru burg.
Never liked the pinots; Meh and expensive is not a good combo.
The minimum order is 6, I believe–not necessarily forcing you to get both varietals. I got Pinot and Chard last year, just because it was my first, but I prefer a bit leaner/lighter Pinot. Not to say it isn’t high quality, because it is–just not my preferred style. I really like their Chard, and plan to take what I’m allocated there.
I’ve never ordered (nor even tasted) one of their pinots, and I remain on the list (though that may play into why I am on the next week release rather than this week…).
Hmm, I have always been able to get in before the official email went out as you did, but for some reason cannot get in today. I guess I will stand by…
I know I have always been able to get in early (and obviously you and many others were this time as well…), but technically the offer opens at 9AM PT. I will have them on speed-dial if I cannot get in by 9:01AM PT…