Lillian Next Week

WINE TALK
1

2012 Lillian Syrah, Gold Series 2011 N o O2 Syrah and 2012 Roussanne

2

Always been interested in these wines. Where do these wines fall stylistically?

3

I just had a 2005 Lillian on Saturday night over dinner with my wife. Really in a good spot now. Clearly a concentrated, modern-style syrah, but at this age at least, it feels balanced and doesn’t show excessive (to me at least) alcohol or oak. Very smooth textured, black fruit, mint/menthol, steady finish. Not especially complex or cerebral, but very strong in the drinkability / enjoyability sense.

Leon, Maggie was the assistant winemaker for SQN before starting Lillian, and the wines are very much in that style (and sourced from some of the same vineyards), if that helps.

4

This release is a lot early than years past. If you haven’t tried one of these you will not be disappointed. Any idea on whether there will be a price increase this year? Todd

5

I know I sound like a broken record, but since I’m not on this list, I’ll ask away - pricing on these for club members? Also, do club members get any kind of ‘discount’ off MSRP? Just curious . . .

Cheers

6

Last year’s release price was $75 for the syrah and most of the others. Looking at wine-searcher, you can buy multiple vintages at that price right now, and you probably won’t have to pay for 2 day air shipping. I have seen them for less at retail. I was able to buy a large amount of the 2009 for substantially less, such that I will probably pass on the mailer for the next couple years at least.

If you want the gold syrah, that may be a different story.

Pricing aside, I have been really impressed with these wines, and they’ve been well-received at the tastings I’ve gone to. I’m curious as to how they age.

7

Last bottle I had, short notes:

5/24/2014 - I LIKE THIS WINE: 97 points (Edit)
Still tannic. Red fruit. Oak. Long finish. Spice. Modern. Light on its feet, gorgeous. Needs years and years

8

What vintage was that, Andrew?

9

Price used to include FedEx 2 day on orders as small as two bottles, believe it is a minimum of 3 bottles now.

10

I always got shipping included. Only bought one last year from StoryTeller @ release price and picked it up with some other wines. I have bought 3 pack from '06 and have enough to last me out. Unfortunately I have experienced palate shift and would rather drink an AFWE pinot now. Aged is better for me, I hope I last long enough to drink them.

11

No discount.

12

Shipping included

13

So Blue Label was in the Fall at $75 and this is the “reserve” Gold Label at $95 or so? Must be old age but I can never keep the Lillian releases straight in my head.

Thanks, Tom

14

This offering will include the 2012 Lillian syrah, 2011 Gold Series nº02 syrah and our 2012 Lillian roussanne.

15

Ok so the 2011 Syrah was offered last Fall and the 2012 Syrah has been moved up to a Spring offering?

Thanks, Tom

16

That’s what it looks like. Also, there was no Blue Label in '11, just the base and the new Gold series.

17

Now live

18

vintage?

19

They dumped the blue label because of confusion with the regular label.
I think the gold is just as confusing.

20

Yes, there is no more Blue Label, but there is the Gold Label. Last year the 2011 Gold Label No. 1 was offered, and this year it is the 2011 Gold Label No. 2. So, same vintage, but different Gold Label wine?

I really wish there was some more detail on these.