Thomas 2018

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#1 Post by **jrozes** » October 9th, 2020, 2:56 pm

Always a great day when this shows up in the mail!

#2 Post by **FMansfield** » October 9th, 2020, 3:05 pm

Never had them. Can you elaborate on them?

October 9th, 2020, 4:48 pm

Haven’t gotten mine yet.

#4 Post by **jrozes** » October 9th, 2020, 5:17 pm

FMansfield wrote: ↑October 9th, 2020, 3:05 pm Never had them. Can you elaborate on them?

Elegant, age worthy pinot noir from estate fruit planted in 1984. The vineyard is in the northwest portion of the Dundee Hills, but unlike most of the AVA, it sits on relatively shallow Willakenzie soil. John Thomas is a one-man show, decidedly old-school, and a really nice guy.

#5 Post by **Scott Watkins** » October 9th, 2020, 5:22 pm

Got mine today

Jim Cowan · #6 Post by **Jim Cowan** » October 9th, 2020, 5:52 pm

FWIW, I had a chance to visit with John many years ago.
He was remarkably humble, reticent, told me about how he searched for land for years before he bought his place and tasted thru most of his stuff in elevage with me. It was a visit I won’t forget - just he and I for maybe two hours.
I have given up buying here (which I regret from time to time) but, if I had a bit more income, this would be first on the list.
I also visited with several neighbors who grew grapes and made wine and, to a person, they said John would do anything for his grapes - no matter the time or difficulty.
The vintages that I had are gone but I recall that magnums at 12 were young and balanced with lots of life left in them. And the ‘94 in 750 at 20 was utterly charming.
Thanks for the post - it takes me back . . .
Best, jim

#7 Post by **A. So** » October 9th, 2020, 6:27 pm

Since you've probably already put on a few pounds this year, the last thing I want to do is tempt you with an appetite enhancer. As luck would have it, the 2018 vintage begs for a bit of cellaring. Just think, three years from now you'll be able to lure dinner guests with the promise of a glass in order to gift them with a jar of your pandemic pickles. Such foresight! Your better half will be impressed.

This being a small berry vintage, the wine is unusually dark and well-structured. It sports a brooding nose, pronounced mid-palate and bright, clean finish. In short, it's that rare vintage featuring both high natural acidity and optimal ripeness. Following a growing season that showcased the nicest spring I've witnessed in fifteen years, the fruit was harvested on October 13th. Four acres yielded 492 cases that were bottled by gravity following 23 months in barrel.

To your continued good health

#8 Post by **Aleks V** » October 9th, 2020, 6:44 pm

Pardon the dumb question, but is this the wine with the mailing / waiting list where you have to be given the secret phone number and call that number to get on?

#9 Post by **John Preston** » October 9th, 2020, 7:40 pm

Jim Cowan wrote: ↑October 9th, 2020, 5:52 pm FWIW, I had a chance to visit with John many years ago.
He was remarkably humble, reticent, told me about how he searched for land for years before he bought his place and tasted thru most of his stuff in elevage with me. It was a visit I won’t forget - just he and I for maybe two hours.
I have given up buying here (which I regret from time to time) but, if I had a bit more income, this would be first on the list.
I also visited with several neighbors who grew grapes and made wine and, to a person, they said John would do anything for his grapes - no matter the time or difficulty.
The vintages that I had are gone but I recall that magnums at 12 were young and balanced with lots of life left in them. And the ‘94 in 750 at 20 was utterly charming.
Thanks for the post - it takes me back . . .
Best, jim

Order in. It was your rec Jim back in the day that got me "hooked." I do have some '05 mags that I must retrieve from the offsite locker...

Cheers,
JP

#10 Post by **Greg Malcolm** » October 9th, 2020, 8:01 pm

Jim Cowan wrote: ↑October 9th, 2020, 5:52 pm And the ‘94 in 750 at 20 was utterly charming.

As it was at 25.

#11 Post by **F.Daner** » October 10th, 2020, 3:38 am

I believe so. I was lucky enough to find the 16 at retail.

Aleks V wrote: ↑October 9th, 2020, 6:44 pm Pardon the dumb question, but is this the wine with the mailing / waiting list where you have to be given the secret phone number and call that number to get on?

#12 Post by **Joe Chanley** » October 10th, 2020, 10:20 am

What’s the tariff this year?

October 10th, 2020, 10:48 am

Joe Chanley wrote: ↑October 10th, 2020, 10:20 am What’s the tariff this year?

Full case - $820
Full Monty (8 bottles + 2 mags) - $840
Half Case - $420
Joe 5Pak (4 bottles + 1 mag) - $430
2 Magnums - $320

#14 Post by **ChrisL** » October 11th, 2020, 9:19 am

Does anyone have any insight on the winemaking? Stems? Cap management?

Had a 2011 last night and it was in great shape. Reminded me a little of Pommard.

Jim Cowan · #15 Post by **Jim Cowan** » October 11th, 2020, 10:26 am

I know his 4 acres is dry farmed and had to be replanted in the mid to late ‘90’s because of virus. He did that a little at a time.
When I visited he talked about not doing too much and letting the wine be what it will be but never spoke of technique.
Based on tasting only, I’d say there is some stem inclusion. No idea about cap management, temps, etc.
Best, Jim

October 11th, 2020, 10:30 am

ChrisL wrote: ↑October 11th, 2020, 9:19 am Does anyone have any insight on the winemaking? Stems? Cap management?

Had a 2011 last night and it was in great shape. Reminded me a little of Pommard.

It is always a vintage driven decision. To give you and idea: Below is a message I received from John when I asked him about what I was tasting in the 2014 vintage wine.

"Michael,
Well, you’re noticing a couple of different things. For starters, the vintage was the warmest we’ve ever had (2015 & 2016 have continued that pattern) so the fruit was opulent to begin with.
Secondly, I took advantage of that ripeness by including a high percentage of whole cluster fruit in the fermentation. One can’t do this every year 2016 was equally warm but the stems remained
unusually bright green & bitter so the vintage was destemmed 100% but it provides a nice counterpoint to the ripeness. Glad to hear that you enjoyed a bottle already. It should be interesting to
see how the wine evolves over the next seven to ten years.

Happy Holidays,
-John"

#17 Post by **ChrisL** » October 11th, 2020, 10:48 am

Thank you, Michael and Jim!

#18 Post by **jrozes** » October 11th, 2020, 11:41 am

JT does not own a press, so it’s all free run juice. He has two large vats that he made from a milk storage tank. I may be misremembering, but I’m pretty sure he uses them for both fermenting and assembling barrels prior to bottling. Everything lives in the small winery he built into the hillside next to the vineyard.

#19 Post by **Len Stevens** » October 11th, 2020, 8:03 pm

I've been traveling and can't wait to return Tue to confirm my offer has arrived. I wrote him last year and have no idea how I got so lucky to be added (perhaps it was the naked begging!), but I ordered the full monty and plan on doing the same this year.

#20 Post by **Len Stevens** » October 12th, 2020, 1:13 pm

Oh boy, got home early and no offer in the mail. I'm hoping maybe tomorrow? Does he send them out in a tiered system?

#21 Post by **Len Stevens** » October 16th, 2020, 5:25 am

Yay! Yesterday I received the postcard with stamped self addressed envelope and am in for the full monty yet again. This is my last mailer this year and am so grateful for the offer! (dN doesn't count!)

October 16th, 2020, 6:41 am

I got my letter too! Anyone not on the receiving end who wants some reach out. Working only part time I can’t take my usual Full Monty.

#23 Post by **Adam Noble** » October 20th, 2020, 2:52 pm

My 2018 Thomas was just delivered by UPS.

#24 Post by **Kris Patten** » October 20th, 2020, 3:05 pm

Adam Noble wrote: ↑October 20th, 2020, 2:52 pm My 2018 Thomas was just delivered by UPS.

Be right over.

#25 Post by **Adam Noble** » October 20th, 2020, 3:25 pm

Kris Patten wrote: ↑October 20th, 2020, 3:05 pm
Adam Noble wrote: ↑October 20th, 2020, 2:52 pm My 2018 Thomas was just delivered by UPS.
Be right over.

20 years from now would probably be more appropriate. At least 10.

#26 Post by **Chris W** » October 22nd, 2020, 11:36 am

Just landed in the Chicago area as well. Should have known right away without looking at the label that an unexpected delivery in the fall is the Thomas order. Well, see you in 2028+.

#27 Post by **John Preston** » October 22nd, 2020, 5:21 pm

Chris W wrote: ↑October 22nd, 2020, 11:36 am Just landed in the Chicago area as well. Should have known right away without looking at the label that an unexpected delivery in the fall is the Thomas order. Well, see you in 2028+.

Received mine as well in the western suburbs. Quick turnaround and I look forward to the wines...but will probably move them all offsite soon. ; )

Cheers,
JP

#28 Post by **Len Stevens** » October 23rd, 2020, 8:26 am

Curious how long it took after your check was cashed? I noticed that mine was cashed yesterday. Not a big deal since I have yet to open any from last year's Full Monty (my first year making the list).

Roy Piper · #29 Post by **Roy Piper** » October 24th, 2020, 4:56 pm

I have something like a 3 hour audio interview with John Thomas I recorded four years ago. I really should find that and release it.

He quietly influenced me, up til now. One man show, one wine, small production, fair (but not low) price, make the wine raw and let time take care of it.

#30 Post by **John Preston** » October 24th, 2020, 7:59 pm

Roy Piper wrote: ↑October 24th, 2020, 4:56 pm I have something like a 3 hour audio interview with John Thomas I recorded four years ago. I really should find that and release it.

He quietly influenced me, up til now. One man show, one wine, small production, fair (but not low) price, make the wine raw and let time take care of it.

That would be awesome!

Cheers,
JP

#31 Post by **ChrisL** » November 21st, 2020, 10:11 am

Has anyone else still not received their allocation? I know this guy marches to the beat of his own drum but I’m starting to wonder if I should try to reach out

Jim Cowan · #32 Post by **Jim Cowan** » November 21st, 2020, 10:30 am

Roy Piper wrote: ↑October 24th, 2020, 4:56 pm “ . . . make the wine raw and let time take care of it.”

That articulates the essence of what I sought to do.
‘Never heard it expressed before.
Best, jim

November 21st, 2020, 10:43 am

ChrisL wrote: ↑November 21st, 2020, 10:11 am Has anyone else still not received their allocation? I know this guy marches to the beat of his own drum but I’m starting to wonder if I should try to reach out

I generally receive mine pretty soon after the check is cashed. Although if shipping to Texas, I could see it being a little later because of weather.

#34 Post by **J.Vizuete** » November 21st, 2020, 11:54 am

T&om c&lement wrote: ↑November 21st, 2020, 10:43 am
ChrisL wrote: ↑November 21st, 2020, 10:11 am Has anyone else still not received their allocation? I know this guy marches to the beat of his own drum but I’m starting to wonder if I should try to reach out
I generally receive mine pretty soon after the check is cashed. Although if shipping to Texas, I could see it being a little later because of weather.

Our Texas shipment arrived on 11/1 -- I would recommend to reach out

Ryan McMahon · November 22nd, 2020, 6:03 pm

I too have not received my shipment yet. I reached out and was told it should be here this week.

#36 Post by **Sean_S** » November 22nd, 2020, 6:57 pm

Got Notice from UPS that mine will be delivered in CA Monday. I ordered maybe 3 weeks ago.

Nick Kra Mar Ski · December 1st, 2020, 12:36 pm

Still waiting on mine. Anyone else as well?

#38 Post by **Robert R** » December 1st, 2020, 4:53 pm

Still waiting here in South FL

A.Altman · #39 Post by **A.Altman** » December 1st, 2020, 6:03 pm

Still waiting on mine too. Texted with John a couple of weeks back and he mentioned having an issue with his shipper so there was a bit of a delay for the east coasters.

#40 Post by **Len Stevens** » December 7th, 2020, 3:54 am

Yeah, he said the same to me via a nice phone call. Said later via text to expect my order today and surprise! I received my "full monty" yesterday! I'm thrilled that the '18 is 13.4% as well!

#41 Post by **Sean_S** » December 7th, 2020, 10:17 pm

Glad to hear all worked out.

#42 Post by **jrozes** » December 16th, 2020, 1:00 pm

Just saw John and he confirmed that there won't be any 2020 Thomas.

December 16th, 2020, 1:26 pm

Jonathan,
Does that mean that the Acme brand is coming back to life? In turn, one of the best buys in Oregon Pinot Noir.

#44 Post by **jrozes** » December 16th, 2020, 7:27 pm

He said it will be a “sabbatical year” for him, so I take that to mean he didn’t harvest anything.

December 16th, 2020, 9:19 pm

Interesting. I always hoped that when the Pinot was off that he would harvest his Nebbiolo for a wine. Something must have been way off.

#46 Post by **James Lyon** » December 17th, 2020, 5:07 am

Travis Fantz wrote: ↑December 16th, 2020, 9:19 pm Interesting. I always hoped that when the Pinot was off that he would harvest his Nebbiolo for a wine. Something must have been way off.

Ahhhh, the Thomas Nebbiolo. If I'm not mistaken John does harvest and bottle the Nebbiolo for personal consumption during most years.

Sorry, many favorites from the forum have already announced that there will be no or very limited Pinot in 2020 due to the fires and smoke taint. Although the Thomas Vineyard is on the back side, it's my understanding that the Dundee Hills were heavily impacted.

December 17th, 2020, 9:08 am

I found it interesting that one of the empty bottles on the shelf behind William Kelly on a recent podcast was a Thomas pinot. Never had this producer on the radar before now. Suppose that is pretty good publicity. Would be interested to try out....sounds old world, sham about the 2020s

#48 Post by **jrozes** » December 17th, 2020, 3:34 pm

I'm pretty sure John replaced all his Nebbiolo vines years ago. I remember him cursing John Paul (with a laugh) for talking him into it. To my knowledge, he never vinified it separately.

His decision to not harvest was indeed because of heavy smoke, mostly from the Bald Peak fire.

#49 Post by **Robert R** » December 17th, 2020, 6:23 pm

[winner.gif]Big Monty has arrived in South FL

Scott Tallman · December 17th, 2020, 7:17 pm

jrozes wrote: ↑December 17th, 2020, 3:34 pm I'm pretty sure John replaced all his Nebbiolo vines years ago. I remember him cursing John Paul (with a laugh) for talking him into it. To my knowledge, he never vinified it separately.

His decision to not harvest was indeed because of heavy smoke, mostly from the Bald Peak fire.

I visited him in spring 2019 and they were still there. And he had the 2018 Nebbiolo in barrel, which we sampled. No discussion of him possibly pulling them.