Ch. de Lisse St Emilion Grand Cru 2000

[hotwine]

Stopped by Costco this morning to see if they had finally received any of the 2000 Bordeaux, and this was the only bottling on hand. Seems awfully cheap at $12.49. Anyone have TN's?

[Innkeeper]

Hotsie, have no TNs, but do you have any information on senior rates for Costco membership? Saw some info on Weekend Today on Saturday, along with a pile of premiums for getting it. However, their website had no info on senior rates. My closest ones are in Nashua, NH and Danvers, MA; so we're not too keen on getting a regular membership.

[Georgie]

Hi IK! I happened to have the Costco 800 number which I called on your behalf. Sorry to report that Costco does not have any such thing as a senior membership rate. That's a shame.

[Thomas]

IK, I know you are a senior, but isn't your bride about forty years younger than you?

[NorCalGirl]

Might try getting in through a company or association-type membership. I think for instance American Express card holders can get Costco cards at a discount. All of us here at my company go together for a business membership and I think it costs us each $11 a year which is pretty reasonable considering the discounts. Check any organizations you might belong to also (auto club, professional assns etc) they often times have discounts as well. Good luck!

[Innkeeper]

She's six weeks older, and I love her

[hotwine]

When the first local store opened about a year ago, they ran a special deal to attract new members - no affiliations required, just pay the membership fee. I think it was about $35.

[hotwine]

I couldn't stand it, letting a cheap Bordeaux sleep without sampling. Worked up some BEEF brisket and cutlets, along with venison sausage, while sweating out back, and popped one of these with the smoked cutlets (don't recommend it; they come out pretty tough). The wine is a bit thin; Merlot is not as prominent as I expected from a St Emilion. Good nose, but tannins are a bit harsh at this point. Blend isn't specified; expected maybe 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, but the C.F. seems more robust, probably at the expense of the Merlot. Will Vacuvin half the bottle and sample again tomorrow night.

[This message has been edited by hotwine (edited 05-12-2003).]

[Innkeeper]

Some St Emilions will run close to 50% each merlot and cabernet franc with just a splash of cabernet sauvignon.

[winoweenie]

So far Hotsie some of the early arriving 2000s on the shelves have been less than stellar. Most are simple wines ,made by less than stellar winemakers who are riding the coattails of the hype on the vintage. I posted on one that I tried about a month or so ago. 'twere a bit gangly. Will start tasting some of the better stuff shortly. Lettin' them dudes catch their breath afore they get attacked. WW

[hotwine]

The overnight rest wasn't kind to the Lisse. Pretty much a dead wine. Decanting for up to two hours after opening might have given it a better chance. Practice, practice.

[winoweenie]

'Twere back in Feb I posted on the Armand Roux Verdillac, a 2000 that was like a twin to the slop you had. Thru the years I've found that bad wine isn't limited to bad years but bad winemakers. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/frown.gif[/img]

[Thomas]

..which is why I dislike vintage hype.

True, all wine is made in the vineyard--every year. Also true, the winemaker can take advantage of or ruin a crop--in any year.