We were pleased to see so many of our VINsiders on Sunday, December 7th, for our annual futures tasting of the estate's two top red wines from the blockbuster 2007 vintage: the 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel and 2007 Cotes de Tablas. The reactions we received just reinforced our opinions that this 2007 vintage may be the best we've ever seen. VINsiders alone have the opportunity to order futures on these wines, guaranteeing them availability on these highly allocated and scarce wines. All futures orders are placed at a 30% discount off expected retail prices, and customers who order futures will receive their wines up to 6 months before their general release.

The deadline for VINsiders to place futures orders was Wednesday, December 10th. However, we may be able to squeeze an extra order in if we receive it soon. If you have questions, you can call us at 805.237.1231 x39, email us at vinsider@tablascreek.com, or by fax us at 805.237.1314. We have a replacement (faxable) order form, with details on prices and quantities, online.

We’re really excited about this fall shipment! It features early releases of our signature Esprit de Beaucastel wines as well as three small-production single-varietal treats.

The fall 2008 VINsider shipment includes:

• 2 bottles of Esprit de Beaucastel 2006 (Our signature red wine from the powerful, elegant 2006 vintage; 91-93 from Robert Parker)
• 1 bottle of Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2007 (Just 2100 cases of our signature Roussanne-based blend; 6 months before national release; 92-94 from Parker)
• 1 bottle of Syrah 2006 (A limited 750-case bottling of our lush, spicy Syrah; 89-91 from Robert Parker)
• 1 bottle of Counoise 2006 (Only our third-ever bottling of this traditional Rhone blending grape: bright and vibrantly fruity for drinking young)
• 1 bottle of Vermentino 2007 (The pure, citrusy fruit of this perennial favorite is great for summer; just 450 cases produced; Robert Parker 90 points: "exquisite")

You can also read details of past VINsider shipments.

The shipments left the winery on Tuesday, October 21. VINsiders should have received the wine Wednesday, October 21st or Thursday, October 22nd. Will-call customers are now able to pick up their shipments at the winery.

The shipment's cost of $181.60, plus applicable shipping and taxes, reflects as always a 20% VINsider discount off the retail prices of the wines in the shipment.

Reorders are now available on the wines in the shipment. Some of the wines are in very limited quantities, and most wines have maximum re-order quantities. You can re-order, or view pricing and limitations, on our online order form. We're thrilled that Georgia and Washington, DC have permitted the direct shipment of wine into their states. Residents of these states are now eligible to order wine or sign up for VINsider Wine Club membership.

Georgia and the District of Columnia follow follow similar actions by South Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, New York and Florida . Other states, including Connecticut, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, are currently debating shipping legislation. We encourage you to get involved. Details are available on our page dedicated to updates on direct shipping policies.

Our wine club is open to anyone with an address in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.