Bargain Bank Bordeaux Buy

[DavidT]

The Bargain Bank (Polk, between Calif/Sacto, SF) has really increased their wine inventory over the past 6-12 months.

A most interesting wine currently in stock is a Lalande-Couturier 2005 Bordeaux selling for $6.99. Based on what I have read on the web, this wine is made by Jean-Luc Thunevin, one of the leading new wave winmakers in Bordeaux, from the private vineyard of the cellarmaster at Chateau Valandraud. This wine appears to usually sell in the $10-$15 range and I know 2005 is being hailed as a great Bordeaux vintage. It is mostly Merlot.

Another wine of interest is a Chateau De Nages 2003 Reserve Costieres De Nimes also selling for $6.99. This wine is quoted for sale elsewhere on the web for at least $10.

[Debra Stuart]

I was there at the weekend. They have a marvellous Spanish organic red wine for $4.99 right now and have apparently just bought an Australian wine importer. There will be a big selection of Aussie wine in the next couple of weeks at bargain prices.

[DavidT]

I think the Spanish wine you are writing about is the Castano Monastrell 2006 Yecla, selling for $4.99. I did buy a bottle of that one as well. It appears the regular retail price on that one is in the $7-$9 range.

[Debra Stuart]

That's the one. I'm enjoying a glass right now.

[Robert Lauriston]

Did you taste these yet?

[DavidT]

Not yet!

[Robert Lauriston]

Please report back. My experience with Grocery Outlet, which is the same kind of place, is that the wines usually taste like they should have been drunk up a year or three earlier.

[DavidT]

Some of the wines at the Bargain Bank are older vintages, but much of what is in stock is rather current. Unless the 2005 Bordeaux is in some way flawed or was baked in its shipping container (which is certainly possible), it is hard to imagine this wine being over the hill in terms of age.

I will be happy to taste and offer my opinion at some point in the not too distant future. However, for $6.99, I would encourage anyone curious to buy a bottle and make up their own mind.

[baron45]

I bought the 2001 Richardson Syrah for $1.99 @ BB and it was cooked beyond recognition. Luckily, it was not a huge financial loss.

[DavidT]

Did you buy that wine recently? Buying a wine 6+ years old and at that price makes it likely you will be disappointed. I think you can find some nice wines there if you stick to the more current vintages. I know I have.

[Robert Lauriston]

2003's a bit long in the tooth for a Costieres de Nimes!

[DavidT]

Valid point, but I am hoping that, since it is a "Reserve" bottling, there might still be something worthwhile in the bottle.

[DavidT]

I did open the 2003 Costieres de Nimes Reserve last nite. I tend to like my red wines with a bit of age on them and I thought this one was pretty nice. By my standards, it would certainly drink well for at least the next 6-12 months.

[baron45]

Bought it some time a year or two ago, but I knew the consequences. However, for $2, I gambled but didn't lose much.