2025 Buying Op

[Roy Hersh]

Before I go ahead and begin discussions this year, I'd love to hear what you'd like to have included in the next buying op. Obviously things that are possible, would be appreciated.

[Mike J. W.]

I already put in my vote previously, but I'll put it out there again. Andresen Colheitas, VP's and LBV's please (especially if they have a limited release of their 1970 Colheita and it's not too dear). Absent that, Kopke Colheitas, Pocas or some other excellent tawny (and whites) house. Backing the truck up on the Vista Allegre 1985 Colheita wouldn't be bad either.

[Lucas S]

Crusteds, and unusual unfiltered LBVs and VPs. Magnums and Half bottles are also interesting because they can be hard to come by.

If they're aged, found in some dusty cellar over there in Gaia or the Douro, even better! I'm sure aged ones would sell better to the older crowd.

A Quinado Port would also be cool to try, those might as well be unicorns this side of the pond.

[Roy Hersh]

I'm paying attention. I hope others will also chime in, but thanks to those of you who had voiced your opinion!

[Glenn E.]

(especially if they have a limited release of their 1970 Colheita and it's not too dear)

After many visits where Carlos told us that they were never going to sell the 1970 Colheita, the last time I talked to him he said that they were considering creating a limited run of 2-packs alongside the 1963 Colheita. If it happens, and there's no guarantee it will because it was just an idea that he had, I'm sure it would be very dear indeed.

I did my best to encourage it, though!

As far as Roy's question, my preference would be for something we can't get in the US and that is from a smaller producer. The Enologo buying op was a great example, though I didn't buy in as heavily as I have bought into other buying ops because it came up at just the wrong time for my budget.

[Andy Velebil]

Open to many things. But prefer not at the end of the year during the holidays. And would prefer something that ships more immediately. By end of year snow issues for many states are problematic. And by March/April pretty much everyone else is reaching the end of cool weather shipping.

[Roy Hersh]

Please Andy, there is plenty of the USA with snow on the ground in March and April. Your view from the desert in LA is not quite what goes on in many parts of the USA. Oh yeah, Eric in Vegas might have the same point of view.

That said, end of year is likely the most effective from the time needed to make this happen. Unless everyone wants a mid-year, (in addition) to end of year. In that case, I'd likely put together something everyone knows and loves. Maybe even DR again.

But end of year, would likely be 1st time ever in USA. I have one in mind for that already. So, unless someone comes up with something more compelling for end of year, Buying Op ... I may proceed in that direction.

I guess a mid-year, easy to arrange in the midst of all tour planning, and other stuff ... like a DR that already has labels approved, could easily work. I even have a way to do that for EU subscribers. I am not opposed to doing two in a year.

[Mike J. W.]

(especially if they have a limited release of their 1970 Colheita and it's not too dear)

After many visits where Carlos told us that they were never going to sell the 1970 Colheita, the last time I talked to him he said that they were considering creating a limited run of 2-packs alongside the 1963 Colheita. If it happens, and there's no guarantee it will because it was just an idea that he had, I'm sure it would be very dear indeed.

I did my best to encourage it, though!

As far as Roy's question, my preference would be for something we can't get in the US and that is from a smaller producer. The Enologo buying op was a great example, though I didn't buy in as heavily as I have bought into other buying ops because it came up at just the wrong time for my budget.

I remember you strongly encouraging Carlos, lol. The 1963 was very good as well. Not as good as the 1970, but close.

What smaller producers did you have in mind, Glenn?

[Mike J. W.]

Please Andy, there is plenty of the USA with snow on the ground in March and April. Your view from the desert in LA is not quite what goes on in many parts of the USA. Oh yeah, Eric in Vegas might have the same point of view.

That said, end of year is likely the most effective from the time needed to make this happen. Unless everyone wants a mid-year, (in addition) to end of year. In that case, I'd likely put together something everyone knows and loves. Maybe even DR again.

But end of year, would likely be 1st time ever in USA. I have one in mind for that already. So, unless someone comes up with something more compelling for end of year, Buying Op ... I may proceed in that direction.

I guess a mid-year, easy to arrange in the midst of all tour planning, and other stuff ... like a DR that already has labels approved, could easily work. I even have a way to do that for EU subscribers. I am not opposed to doing two in a year.

I don't think anyone would say no to a mid-year DR (or Andresen) opportunity, but maybe minimum purchase on that could be 6 bottles since they're a little pricier? If not, I'd probably group buy with John M, Lucas and some others.

[Glenn E.]

What smaller producers did you have in mind, Glenn?

I don't have anything specific in mind... I enjoy when Roy finds something new and interesting, and I was thinking along those lines.

[Andy Velebil]

Please Andy, there is plenty of the USA with snow on the ground in March and April. Your view from the desert in LA is not quite what goes on in many parts of the USA. Oh yeah, Eric in Vegas might have the same point of view.

That said, end of year is likely the most effective from the time needed to make this happen. Unless everyone wants a mid-year, (in addition) to end of year. In that case, I'd likely put together something everyone knows and loves. Maybe even DR again.

But end of year, would likely be 1st time ever in USA. I have one in mind for that already. So, unless someone comes up with something more compelling for end of year, Buying Op ... I may proceed in that direction.

I guess a mid-year, easy to arrange in the midst of all tour planning, and other stuff ... like a DR that already has labels approved, could easily work. I even have a way to do that for EU subscribers. I am not opposed to doing two in a year.

You asked a question. Answer given.

By roughly the end of April over 1/2 the USA has effectively reached the end of safe weather shipping. If a producer can hold for better ship weather, awesome. If not, about 1/2 your potential buyers may not buy. Food for thought.

[Michael R]

Justino's 50yo Terrantez

[Mike K.]

I don't think anyone would say no to a mid-year DR opportunity, but maybe minimum purchase on that could be 6 bottles since they're a little pricier?

Yes. The last time I took 6 to keep for myself and 6 to host a tasting, in order to get to the case minimum.

Justino's 50yo Terrantez

Oooo, interesting. Justino's produces a range of excellent aged wines that are either hard to get in the U.S., or seriously overpriced through the distributor on special order. I recall the pricing in Portugal was extremely attractive for the quality.