WTN: What do you say when a $16 bottle blows you away?

2003 Yering Station 'Yarrabank Cuvée (Yarra Valley, Victoria, Aus)

A sparkling Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend. When visiting the Yarra Valley a couple of years ago, I had been really impressed by the quality of sparkling wines being produced here, particularly the Yarrabank Cuvée from Yering Station and most of the wines at the new Domaine Chandon cellar/tasting room in the valley. When Garagiste offered this wine at a little less than $16 last year, this was a no-brainer.
Opened one bottle tonight (still have another remaining), and it was superb. Probably the best <$20 wine I've had so far this year! Light yellow colour with lots of fine bubbles at first; intense aromatics of melon, pear and citrus fruits with softer hazelnut and toasty notes underneath. Elegant and medium bodied in the mouth with bright pear and citrus fruit flavours mingled with minerals and faint nutty elements and a spine of good acidity underneath. Medium-long finish, unbelievable value at $16.

You say, "I wish I'd bought more".

What do you say when a $10 bottle blows you away?

Opened last night - the 2001 Thunder Mountain Cabernet Old Vines from De Rose Vineyard. This was a Trader Joe blow out following the dissolution of Milan's estate. This is easily the equivalent of a $40-50 cab.

You say, "I wish I'd bought more".

The great thing is that I did. Have another bottle I'm looking forward to opening in the fall.

Bernard - nice! Unfortunately the TJ I visit in Hartford doesn't have much at all in the way of wine...

You say "thank you" to the nice winemaker/company that is reasonable and considerate of the wonderful customers.. then you tell all your pals
L

[David M. Bueker]

Salil - have some respect for yourself. Get an extra 0 on the end of that price. Kids...no idea that cheap wine is inherently bad.

You say "This can only be made from good basic material!" Then you start searching out other wines from the same area.
I've been astounded by the pinots from Geelong (in particular) and the Mornington Peninsula - and found other good examples from Yarra Valley.
Give them a try.

[Jenise]

You say Oh I'm so glad I have five more bottles of this one! (I do. The first bottle was tart, tight and stridently lemony, so I left the remainders to rest. Really appreciate your news that the time has come to try another!)

I say, I'm sorry I missed this offer... but it does make me want to try the only other Yering Station I have.. a Rose.

I say "back up the trucK".