It’s impossible to know, but it’s still interesting food for thought about whether we would feel differently about the QPR if we had paid the market price for these wines in the past.
Having paid $29 or $39 for these, does some subconscious part of our brain perceive the experience differently when we taste?
I guess the one piece of evidence we will get is when we serve these blind to experience taster friends. Will their reaction be “would be a good value for $29,” or will it fit in fine with Napa cabs and cab blends near its original price?
Lot’s of shade being thrown for Elivette pricing. Is Elivette’s retail pricing a value? No. But take a look at Napa Bordeaux Blend comparisons = Rubicon @ $275, Opus One @ $500, Dominus @ $450, Hillside Select @ $300, Insignia @ $300, I’ll stick with the Elivette. The winery sale in May and the LB sale were a once in a life time deal okay Twice in a life time deals…IMO.
I cant, i just assumed there would be 75$ BDX blends as good as the $75 cabs Ive had. Though Id say on the secondary market the back vintages from Blackbird Vineyards have all been solid.
And just a heads up for anyone who hasnt been paying attention, some Elivette are starting to show at auction and some even showing an elevated cork. Im avoiding all of those.
Interesting comment re. Retail pricing. I havent had an enourmous amount of high end Napa, but I seem to always think the following:
This is tasty
But I can think of bottles half this price just as good or better; this isnt worth retail
However for what I paid for it (discounted, or someone else was opening) its a good deal
I think its just the way it goes. I have liked the Elivette I’ve had through the sale. If I had paid $60 for the 2013 I would have been pleased with myself and bragging about my discount score. If I had paid $150+? I would probably rather have the money back in my pocket. Thats the cycle
Had a 07 half bottle the other night. Cork fell apart on opening but the wine was delicious and drinking well. Plenty of lush fruits with that nice aged Napa aroma.
I had the same experience last night. The '07 375ml cork seemed fine until I tugged on it and it crumbled immediately. I had to push the remainder into the bottle and strain the wine. That said, it was drinking nicely and had a well balanced profile of freshness and tertiary notes. The '09 I had next to it was definitely better IMO.
I had the 2012 and thought it was really, really good - especially for the $29 I paid for it. There were also hints of spice which surprised me, pleasantly, like it would be a good wine during the Xmas holiday.
Came back to say that the 2005 was wonderful several days later. I put the last of the bottle in an ETO carafe and forgot about it for a few days. Had the last of it last night and boy, did I wish we had more. (Well, actually, we do have more, but I guess I should save it to share with friends.)
Bottom line for me on the 2005: 2-hour decant led to nice wine, good buy at LB Marathon price but not special. Several days later, wonderful wine, should have bought a case instead of just three bottles.
