I kind of get it...but silly is not the word I would use in this case. Much to my wallet's dismay, I think staying in line with comparable bottles is perfectly acceptable, especially since this was such a small batch and a lot of personal attention went in to it (as most small batch producers do). Will had mentioned that Sinegal, Nickel & Nickel, Pride, Revana, Blackbird pick there, and his grapes are in a better spot in the vineyard.
and while i know this comparison is not apples to apples (or grape to grape!), but would it be silly if a new ToKalon bottling sold at $100? What about a good block at Crane? I personally think MacDonald could double their price and sell out and they still sell at the original release price of $150 (God, I hope they dont see this!).
On the flip side, I think some new guys coming out with a new bottle of Pritchard Hill at $500 when an equally good bottle can be bought for $200 is silly. Same for any other wine where, all else being equal, the quality is the same.
But let's look at the other variable here...the winemaker/process/knowledge. It's tough to buy an unknown, especially at $100+. And while I know Will is a friend and I'd "defend" him regardless, I don't think I have to here. He has a good pedigree...similar of that to Mike Smith. Both learned from Thomas Brown, and he ain't too shabby. Mike's first Crane's were $90...and that is almost a decade ago. Granted his Napa cab was $50 but that wasn't a single vineyard source.
Anyways, these are just my thoughts. I'll gladly open a bottle with you when they arrive and we can see if you agree!
and like Cecil said...that's just Napa!
and while i know this comparison is not apples to apples (or grape to grape!), but would it be silly if a new ToKalon bottling sold at $100? What about a good block at Crane? I personally think MacDonald could double their price and sell out and they still sell at the original release price of $150 (God, I hope they dont see this!).
On the flip side, I think some new guys coming out with a new bottle of Pritchard Hill at $500 when an equally good bottle can be bought for $200 is silly. Same for any other wine where, all else being equal, the quality is the same.
But let's look at the other variable here...the winemaker/process/knowledge. It's tough to buy an unknown, especially at $100+. And while I know Will is a friend and I'd "defend" him regardless, I don't think I have to here. He has a good pedigree...similar of that to Mike Smith. Both learned from Thomas Brown, and he ain't too shabby. Mike's first Crane's were $90...and that is almost a decade ago. Granted his Napa cab was $50 but that wasn't a single vineyard source.
Anyways, these are just my thoughts. I'll gladly open a bottle with you when they arrive and we can see if you agree!
and like Cecil said...that's just Napa!
