Critique my FirstBottle cart, please?

WINE TALK
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(Yes, I’m cheap LOL) three each ATM. Not finding much via Google so decided to ask here

LOMBARDO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2018
$19.95 each - 750mL

CA’ERTO SOAVE SUPERIORE CLASSICO BASSANO 2018
$17.95 each - 750mL

CA’ERTO RIPASSO DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2018
$15.95 each - 750mL

DOMAINE LAPORTE SANCERRE ROSÉ LES GRANDMONTAINS 2020
$21.95 each - 750mL

GINGLINGER-FIX PINOT GRIS ALSACE 2019
$17.95 each - 750mL

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Not sure what kind of a critique you’re searching for. Don’t worry about the price. Wine is about enjoying and loving life. So if the wine fits your palette and brings joy to you and your guests, then it’s the perfect wine.

There will always been incredible value wines in the $15-20 range that definitely punch way above their weight. Personally I have not tried any of the bottles you have listed, but I definitely enjoy a great value valpolicella, so I hope you enjoy the one you selected!

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If you’re happy w your purchases, I’m happy for you.
Tell us why you bought each of them. I’m not familiar w some of them.

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I haven’t bought them yet, I wanted some feedback from folks here who might be familiar with the bottles/producers

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Are these types of wines you typically drink or branching out?

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Gotcha. I thought you’d already purchased.
The Lombardo is well thought of, good value. I would love to try that Domaine laPorte Sancerre Rose, never had it but want to. Don’t know the others.

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Three of each allows for some observation of how the wines change over time - though it’s often a problem to keep our hands off them! If that’s the reason for buying in 3s, then it might make sense to have 3-4 of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, but only 2 each of the other 4 wines, as I’m assuming they’re all for short term drinking.

That might clear some space for a couple of odd bottles to make up a dozen. I’ve browsed for stuff under $30 and found:

  • BODEGAS Y VINEDOS LUNA BEBERIDE ART BIERZO 2018 I don’t know the producer, but I very much like the crunchy freshness usually found in the reds of Bierzo
  • DEYREM VALENTIN MARGAUX 2018 if you fancy exploring Bordeaux on a sensible budget. You’ll get some classic leafiness in it.
  • DAMIEN PINON LE BRUT DE BRUT VOUVRAY NV The name caught my eye, as Francois Pinon makes some very good value Vouvray in still, sparkling and dessert wines form. Is this a relative? I’d be tempted to try it. It should be fizzy and more appley than champagne.
  • CLINE SMALL BERRY MOURVÉDRE CONTRA COSTA 2019 this piqued my interest, as I really like the richness with tannins of Mourvedre. Hopefully others have tried it and can say whether this is an interesting example, or not.
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I’ve never had any of these, but it’s a great time to load up on daily drinkers as they currently have 12% off a case. If you haven’t already used a referral code for $10 off your first purchase, you can get it here Sign Up - First Bottle

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Dipping a toe into different varietals

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The Damien does look interesting, but am the only drinker in the house, so wary of second-day bubblers :frowning:

The Cline is intriguing…

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I might go 1-2 on some of them as well and expand a little more. The balance of rose and white vs red is :ok_hand:t3:.

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I’d trade one of the reds for this:

I haven’t had the 2020-but the '18 was great.

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Very good tip. And that’s a wine still selling for what it cost 15 years ago

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+2 from me.

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Love this thread. Been lurking First Bottle for a month or so trying to use my AMEX $60 off $200, plus a $30 credit for a bad experience we had with 1st bottle. Almost bought a few times and glad I waited for the sale. Can’t say I’ve tried any on your list but I too would second the recommendation of the Deyrem Valentin and the Vouvray Brut. I think both these wines are going to deliver above their price and I’m hoping a great example of a good entry Margaux and also a good sparkling alternative to expensive champagne.

I just bought

3 Domaine Marc Colin Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Montceau 2018
$59.95 each (about $43 after my discounts)

3 Deyrem Valentin Margaux 2018
$29.95 each (about $20 after discounts)

2 Tassi Brunello di Montalcino 2015
$79.95 each (about $58 after discounts)

3 Damien Pinon Le Brut de Brut Vouvray NV
$17.95 each (about $12 after discounts)

1 Xavier Vins Lirac Rouge 2016 (Magnum 1.5L)
$34.95 each (about $24 after discounts)

Really excited for all of them, but bought the Margeaux since I’ve also got a '15 magnum of the Deyrem and wanted to try another vintage before opening it. Don’t really have any white Burg’s so was eager to try something nice, the Saint-Aubin, to see if we’ll enjoy a few more. I’ve always loved sparkling wines and last time we were in France I had a few Vouvray that I just loved, C. Greffe Vouvray brut excellence.

Either way great time to buy with the sale and if you have an Amex with the offer makes it even better.

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I placed my order, added 3 of the CLINE SMALL BERRY MOURVÉDRE, thanks Ian Sutton

Total of 18 bottles

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+3 for the Fleurie, if you make another order

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Only thank me if you like it, or at least find it interesting [cheers.gif] :smiley:

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I started working my way through these FirstBottle blindbuys (prices reflect 12% off promo) so far these 3:

LOMBARDO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2018
$19.95 // so far the best of the bunch. A bit more tannins than I’m used to, but it has depth and length on Day 1. Will see tomorrow’s profile in day 3 in the fridge. Likely on my “rebuy” list

CA’ERTO SOAVE SUPERIORE CLASSICO BASSANO 2018
$17.95 // this wasn’t as dry as I expected, has a touch of sweetness. It’s ok but wouldn’t repurchase

CA’ERTO RIPASSO DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2018
$15.95 // nothing special, a good pizza wine. Ok at this pricepoint but wouldn’t repurchase

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Thanks for coming back and sharing your experiences. This is a great thread.

BTW Vino Nobile de Montepulciano is a great category to find value Tuscan wines. I haven’t had the Lombardo but there are many fine producers in this price range.