i received my pride reserve mailer a few days ago. both the 2000 reserve cab and claret for $110 a bottle plus tax plus double shipping = about $125 a bottle. this is a ugly price, but the entrance fee to receive the 2001's. these are usually excellent wines, but i think it has been since 97 that either one received above 95 from parker. for $125 one can buy alot of great wines (2000 leoville barton, etc.). any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Sure does seem like you have answered your own question.

With this and others, my thought is that I can pay secondary market prices for the 2001s, and still come out ahead. Unless you insist on the availablility...

Mike

I don't consider the wine a buy. Parker gave it a 94 so I am sure it is quite good but it doesn't make the cut as far as I am concerned.

Received the same offer. Skipping it. If there are too many takers that ojeffso cannot handle (which I very much doubt), contact me.

I decided to go for it. But then again I really like the wines that Pride makes so that has some influence. I just got six of the reserve cab and we'll see if they give me any of the Claret. I didn't go for any of the magnums although the pricing wasn't too bad on those (typically Pride really jacks up the prices on large format bottles).

I'll be visiting Pride winery on February 20 th.
Which older vintages should I pick up if any are available?

1997 is very good and believe it or not the 1998 Merlot was very nice too. I'm kind of doubting you will be getting any old vintages unless they have some large format (3L and 5L) bottles and those will be pricey.

Thanks SKWID.................If they have large format which would you reccommend ??

The 1997 Cab was fantastic, the bottle we had at the first BAWE tasting took wine of the tasting honors from the group. If you like merlot the 1998 is really good (or shoudl I say has been when I've had it). I've not had anything else so I can't help you there. Many of the large format bottles are etched so they can cost a pretty penny.

Advice: Get on the Mailing List & hope to get some 2001s. The '99s (Cab & Merlot) is recommended.

I never skip Pride. I always enjoy their wines and I can always skip on something else. Must buy for me.

skwid, 97 Pride Cab that you brought was the regular cab (not even the reserve) and it was was an amazing wine.

I was offered 6 Reserve Cabs and 3 Reserve Claret (and could ask for double the amount, but would only get them if there are any left after the Feb 21st cutoff date). As for the magnums, I have to ask to be put into a lottery to get the Reserve Cab or Reserve Claret (both are $265).\

To remain on the reserve list, I have to buy at least 3 bottles of the Reserve Cab. To be allocated a given wine next year, I have to purchase the minimum of that wine this year. I bought the 3 Reseve Cabs to stay on the list. I did not buy the minimum 3 Reserve Clarets, so I will not be offered that wine next year (according to the mailer). The Reserve Clarets are harder to get, but it seems to me that the Reserve Cab is generally the better wine.

Parker Ratings that they provided in the flyer were:
Reserve Cab/ Reserve Claret
1999 94+/ 96
1998 95+ / 93+
1997 97+ / 95
1996 99 / 95
1995 98 / 96