SATURDAY MAY 28, 2011 TASTING
VULTURE WINES - HUGE VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY
These recessionary days, lots of "vulture wines" are hitting the market. Vulture wines are what we call surplus wines of high-end renowned producers that won't sell at their normal prices in today's marketplace. The vultures buy these surplus supplies for pennies-on-the-dollar cash prices, then sell them under their private labels for a song. Great for consumers, great for the vultures who have found a niche opportunity, and great even for the primary wine producer who is able to match supply with demand and thus protect its price and image.
This Saturday, we'll be tasting the wines of the latest vulture firm. They call themselves "90+", so-named because the wines sold under that brand must have a pedigree of "90 or higher rating, best buy or gold medal accolades from a respected wine authority or publication." Check out the article from CNBC for more information on this fascinating series of wines: http://www.cnbc.com/id/42990546 As the article points out, some of the wines under the 90+ label are $25 wines that typically sell for more than $100 under their normal label.
What wines are really in the bottle? We don't know because of the confidentiality agreement between the producer and 90+. Come taste these utterly fantastic wines and see if you can tell.
90+ Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand, $19.99).
90+ Cellars 2010 Rosé (Languedoc, France, $19.99).
90+ Cellars 2008 Meritage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot (Sonoma, California, $20.99).
90+ 2008 Cellars Shiraz/Viognier (8%) (McLaren Vale, Australia, $20.99).
Paid taste for Avery County Hunane Society.
Tastes of the foregoing wines are complimentary (but if you don't buy some wines, you have to wash your glass). Our special $5 paid tasting wine, with proceeds supporting the Avery County Humane Society, is:
2005 Gallet Côte Rôtie (Rhône Valley, $64.99). From Steve Tanzer (90 points): "Bright ruby. Explosive floral and red berry aromas are deepened by notes of cocoa, cola and tobacco. Supple and sweet but well-focused, with pure raspberry and strawberry flavors framed by dusty tannins. Finishes with bright red fruits and impressive energy."
