james gang

[Innkeeper]

First off, don't ask questions you can't stand the answer to. I never ask, just order or join as the case may be. Even did that in Maine which is much stricter than New Hampshire.

Having got that out my system, I've belonged to the James Gang for many years with no plans to stop. They ship eight in the spring and eight in the fall. One of the eight in each shipment is a 375 ml dessert wine. There is always a "gift" in each package of a non-wine ultility nature. We have thoroughly enjoyed most of the gifts.

There is usually one white in each shipment. As you say, they are usually ready to go after a shipping rest. Many of the lighter reds can be consumed within a year. We rarely go more than two after receipt. For example this year we are getting mostly '04s and we've programmed just about all of them for '09. WW pops them quicker.

We let all their and most other's Petite Sirahs go seven years from vintage. Once in a while you get a super fantastic reserve Cab or Syrah that will improve a year or two longer than the regular stuff.

Additional TJs that we are planning to pop this year are:

2001 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon

2002 Tobin James, Silver Reserve, Lagrein

2002 Tobin James, Silver Reserve, Syrah

2003 Tobin James, Fatboy, Zinfandel

2001 Tobin James, Silver Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon


[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 07-04-2007).]