Fellow Berserker @David_Patte from Sun Break Wines is recently going through a small rough patch.
He recently posted about his distributor closing down and leaving him with some payments outstanding. By the time he figures out a new one it will still a awhile away from payment as it’s usually 90+ days out.
I was talking to him about how to help. David decided to generously run a limited time ‘distributor discount’ for Berserkers of 40% to help raise some short term cash. That’ll get you the distributor/FOB price for his wines. That’s an insane deal!
The wines and ciders are pretty tasty if I do say so myself. I’ve quite enjoyed his previous vintages. He also makes some vermouth, which I’m very much looking forward to trying alongside David’s 21s.
I know the Berserker community is awesome and hopefully we all can chip in to help David out during this stressful time.
Thanks! They had been a good distributor but suddenly closed without informing the wineries (nor returning calls/texts/emails) and in my case, I am owed $10K+. Sheesh. (Lawyer time)
The discount code via the online VinoShipper site is FOUNDER
Here’s a quick highlight of the wines:
2021 Marie-Paule Reserve, 93 Points/Editors’ Choice, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast: This wine represents the best five barrels of the vintage. Its blackberry-fruit aroma takes a back seat in blackness to a black pepper and resin note that reminded me of India ink. I would be content just to sit and smell this wine. Fortunately, the flavors and texture are just as enticing, with flavors of raspberry and dark plum blending together with lemon drops and a mild banana note that made me hungry for fried plantains. 117 cases made. Retail before discount: $55 Sale: $33
2021 Ariane Pinot Noir, 92 Points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report**:** Fermented with 100% whole cluster and all neutral oak, which gives it a more earthy, structured, and savory style compared to the others in the lineup. Boasting a medium ruby/orange core with a silvery rim in the glass, it offers up aromas of spiced red plum, crushed pink peppercorn, sweet clove, and Blood orange tones. Crunchy sweet tannins, a medium body, and mouthwatering acidity complete this fabulous Pinot Noir that should age nicely in your cellar for the next decade. 233 cases produced. Drink 2023-2033 Retail before discount: $38 Sale: $22.80
2021 Colette Pinot Noir, 91 Points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report: 100% destemmed during fermentation and in neutral French oak barrels for 11 months, the 2021 Colette Pinot Noir from Sun Break is a juicy, fruit-forward, and delicious wine. Boasting notes of macerated red cherry, pomegranate seeds, dried sage, wet earth, and a hint of anise seed. Acidity checks in on the high side, while tannins are crunchy but starting to integrate. Just 215 cases made. Drink 2023-2031 Retail before discount: $38 Sale: $22.80
2021 Marie-Paule Pinot Noir, 92 Points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report: I love the nose on the 2021 Marie-Paule Pinot Noir from Sun Break - it explodes from the glass with aromas of blueberry preserves, crushed cranberries, wet stone, Earl Grey tea, hints of charcuterie, and fresh poultry herbs. Balanced and fresh acidity pairs perfectly with the rounded sweet tannins and lengthy fruit-forward finish. It finishes just a touch more elegant and balanced than its siblings, which makes it my favorite of the lineup. 378 cases were produced. Drink 2023-2031 Retail before discount: $34 Sale: $20.40
Rose Vermouth, 94 Points/Editors’ Choice, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast: This excellent vermouth is made with foraged and certified organic botanicals, a Pinot Noir rosé base wine and a brandy distilled from Pinot Noir. Aromas of elderflower, lavender anise, ginger and candied orange peel lead into weighty flavors of honeycomb, quinine, orange syrup and rose hips. Negroni time!Retail before discount: $27 Sale: $16.20
Red Vermouth, 91 Points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast: Made with 20 organic and no-spray botnaicals ranging from cardamon to wormwood, with a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir base wine and brandy distilled from a Willamette Valley rosé of Pinot Noir. It smells and tastes like a shot of Fireball mixed with cherries, allspice, nutmeg and lavender.Retail before discount: $27 Sale: $16.20
My 2 cents if you’re talking about roughly 10k is to skip the lawyer and file a claim yourself in small claims court. Paying a lawyer will eat up most if not all of what you get back.
Yes, I will gather all the orders from states that VinoShipper doesn’t handle and use the Newberg Mail Room (which goes by Rikkir Wines, just so you know when you get the email for UPS tracking).
Let me know what you would like and I’ll work on the invoice. But let me know if you can do this by check or Venmo, or I can set it up for a Square credit card invoice. Just need your address and date of birth. And do you have any preferences/constraints on when to receive the package?
Thanks again. The response to the fund raiser that Rodrigo started has been great! Really overblown and overjoyed!
Hey Jonathan— and all— for CA and a handful of other States that VinoShipper doesn’t handle, PM me and we can use a local fulfillment house (it’s not my go to because Newberg is a drive and a half for me : )