The Auswine Forum

While I have read the Red Bigot's informative piece on purchasing wine, that's just not how they do it in Ontario. Three or four times a year, the LCBO comes out with a Classics Catalogue of higher end/ more limited wine. Based on the descriptions*, you enter a lottery for what you want and a week or two later, they phone you up to inform you of the wines that you'll receive. In fairness, after you try a wine, you can return any remaining bottles that you don't want. I have just learned that my Classics Catalogue order has been filled including the above wines, but since I only got 2 bottles of each - I am reluctant to open one now and try it. Any thoughts on these two wines and their optimal drinking time would be appreciated.

Vinojoe





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*There is a tasting, but it costs $95Cdn to attend and only some of the wines are made available.

vinojoe wrote:While I have read the Red Bigot's informative piece on purchasing wine, that's just not how they do it in Ontario. Three or four times a year, the LCBO comes out with a Classics Catalogue of higher end/ more limited wine. Based on the descriptions*, you enter a lottery for what you want and a week or two later, they phone you up to inform you of the wines that you'll receive. In fairness, after you try a wine, you can return any remaining bottles that you don't want. I have just learned that my Classics Catalogue order has been filled including the above wines, but since I only got 2 bottles of each - I am reluctant to open one now and try it. Any thoughts on these two wines and their optimal drinking time would be appreciated.

Vinojoe

Hello

I really like the 2001 Oracle, and think you've got a good one there. Great balance with intensity. They can be enjoyed anytime but should improve for 3-5 years I think.

Not had the Ebenezer.

vinojoe wrote:While I have read the Red Bigot's informative piece on purchasing wine, that's just not how they do it in Ontario. Three or four times a year, the LCBO comes out with a Classics Catalogue of higher end/ more limited wine. Based on the descriptions*, you enter a lottery for what you want and a week or two later, they phone you up to inform you of the wines that you'll receive.

Yeah, the RB wine-buying strategy might have to change a little in Canada! They don't call Australia the lucky country for nothing..

I haven't tried either of these, but was thinking of getting some Oracle based on past experience with this one and reviews, just about all gone from good-price retailers here though, so I'll wait for the 2002. The Ebenezer is from a lesser vintage, generally a 5-7 year wine, though I had my last 94 recently that was still in good shape, pretty oaky usually.

VinoJoe
The Ebenezer is at best a 5-8 year proposition. The Oracle on the otherhand is good for 10-15. I'd try the BVE Ebenzer now and then schedule the 2nd bottle based on what you find. For the Oracle I'd leave it till 2006 at the earliest, and go from there.
John