What's the collective noun for a group of wine tasters?

In the middle of a post Christmas 2013 clean up I just came across a battered old Ginger Meggs cartoon by the late great James Kemsley [aka Skeeter]. Now I have no idea why he thought Ginger would contemplate such a question but "What's the collective noun for a group of wine tasters?"

A SPIT

Charles Melton 2011 La Belle Mere Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

The story is that the Barossa Valley's Charlie Melton didn't think the 2011 juice earmarked for Nine Popes was quite up to scratch. So he created a new label that he probably hopes will be a one off called La Belle Mere.

Nine Popes is a label that's reached iconic status in its nearly 30 year history. It was conceived as a tribute to the wines of Chateauneuf de Pape in south eastern France. Eight hundred years ago the Papacy was relocated to the region and consequently we have the "New Castle of the Popes". But neuf can also mean nine so we have Nine Popes. LOL as they say in the abbreviated world of texting and social media.

As with all French appellations there are strict guidelines. There are thirteen permitted varieties and surprise, surprise Charlie's Nine Popes combination of grenache, shiraz and mataro [aka mourvedre] are three of them.
 Nine Popes retails for around the $60 mark and believe me this is way better than a third of the quality. Most of us think Charlie was a bit hard on himself but a few of you can enjoy one of the premium red bargains of the year. Obviously there's not much as there's never much Nine Popes.

Our Price: $20 per bottle by the mixed or straight dozen

SOLD OUT

Taylors 2011 SA/WA Estate Range Pinot Noir

For this current release one of the Clare Valley's giants have ventured west and combined WA fruit with their locally grown stuff. It works and it's on special all the time!

Our Price: $14 per bottle by the dozen

SOLD OUT

Jacobs Creek Reserve 2012 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

The Jacobs Creek Reserve range has been around for awhile now but my suspicions regarding range extensions remain.
I suspect the people who drink the original Jacobs Creek aren't prepared to experiment and spend a few dollars more while the quality drinkers, who would really enjoy the stuff, look down their nose at the label.
Just a thought. This is very fine pinot noir for the price.

Our Price: $12 per bottle by the dozen

SOLD OUT

Richland 2013 King Valley Pinot Noir

Those crazy Calabrias have done it again with the latest addition to their Richland range. They defined entry level sauvignon blanc, rewrote the record books with their multi award winning pinot grigio and now they have a King Valley Pinot Noir which is quite remarkable for the price.
Just don't tell anyone how little you paid for it.

$9 PINOT NOIR JUST SHOULDN'T TASTE THIS GOOD!!!!!!!
Our Price: $9 per bottle  by the dozen

SOLD OUT

Walnut Block 2010 Marlborough Pinot Noir

Here's another one of those great wines that is riddled with the curse of the geographic name syndrome. The front label doesn't help and the back label is totally devoted to justifying the front label. I kid you not. Nowhere is there any description of the wine.

But fortunately I can assure you that this is another cracker NZ Pinot Noir that easily justifies its regular $30 price tag.

Our Price: $20 per bottle by the dozen

SOLD OUT

De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Grown 2011 Pinot Noir

This was a wine earmarked to sell in the mid $30 realm and offers the quality to justify that.
But a temporary price reduction last year was deemed necessary to clear some stock and we have a small quantity left.
We couldn't buy the wine for this price anymore so grab a bargain while you can.

Our Price: $20 per bottle by the dozen

SOLD OUT