Arthur Sellers Bulletin Archive
Dear Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club Member:
The 8,000 members of the Ontario Public Service Employees’ Union (OPSEU) have threatened to walk out on the LCBO on Monday, June 26, conveniently just before the Canada Day long weekend. As a result, the LCBO has suspended store deliveries of on-line orders, but will take orders delivered by Canada Post (an extra $12) till tomorrow, Monday, June 19. So, if you are in a hurry to get your Champagne Forget-Brimont, order now.
I will advise when the strike (threat) is over and orders can be placed in the usual way. The 2015 ‘La Soif’ Rosé will also be available then.
Tips – LCBO.com Ordering
Some of you have expressed frustration when trying to complete an order via LCBO.com. I sympathise. The major sticking point seems to come after selecting the wines … how to check out? A grey ‘Check Out’ tab appears briefly in the upper right corner after selecting a wine. But it quickly disappears. You will then notice a little shopping cart icon replacing it, also in the upper right corner. Just click on it and all becomes clear. The rest of the process should then go smoothly. And, once you have completed the first order, subsequent ones become much easier.
Should problems persist, I’ll be pleased to place your orders for you.
Currently available on LCBO.com:
Champagne Forget-Brimont Brut 1er Cru – 12.0% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product # 926617 $47.70/$286.20 for 6
Here’s what Alison Napjus said about it in the December 31, 2012 edition of the ‘Wine Spectator’ – “Firm and focused by racy acidity, this is lightly chalky in texture, offering tightly knit flavors of ripe Gala apple, anise, black currant candy, fresh ginger and biscuit. Fine balance. $63 (wow, note the price – US$!!) – 91/100”. Robert Parker rated it a 90!
And, it costs much less than you would pay for regular mass-marketed Champagne. Here are some examples of the prices of ordinary Champagne currently available at the LCBO (not a 1er Cru in the bunch, let alone one with Grand Cru juice as well):
Ain’t it wonderful when you don’t have to support all those expensive advertising campaigns?
Champagne Forget-Brimont Rosé Brut 1er Cru - 12.0% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product # 926633 $52.80/$316.80 for 6
Alison Napjus had this to say about it in the November 15, 2012 edition of the ‘Wine Spectator’ – “This offers lovely balance, a finely detailed texture and delicate acidity that focuses the subtle flavors of ripe plum, wild strawberries, and melon fruit. A hint of almond-tinged financier and mineral notes add complexity. $67 (note the price in US$!!) - 91/100”
At least $25 less than anything comparable at the LCBO!
LCBO.com
Here’s how LCBO.com works. We will supply the LCBO with selected wines and you or anyone else in Ontario can order and pay for them on-line via the ‘LCBO.com’ site. The major benefit to you is that the wines will already be here at the LCBO warehouse and will be delivered in a short amount of time. By paying a $12 delivery fee, they will ship it (regardless of quantity as long as the order is for $50 or more) by way Canada Post to any address in Ontario and it will be delivered within four business days. Or, you can avoid the shipping fee by having the wine sent to any LCBO store you designate. The store will call you once it is ready to be picked up. This process will take from one to two weeks (possibly up to four weeks in remote areas). Another benefit is that you will no longer have to provide us with the LCBO Lab Waiver email.
Please get in touch with me if you have any questions, would like additional information or would like my help ordering your wine. The LCBO will assist with any post-ordering issues. Contact them at ‘helloLCBO’.
These superb, well-priced Champagnes are just perfect for weddings and other special occasions or for any time one feels like a treat. Know anybody planning a big event or who is a Champagne fancier? If you do, please pass this note on to them.
Many thanks and cheers!
Jim, Hélène and Kate jaswalker@arthursellers.com www.arthursellers.com hbuisson@arthursellers.com kwalker@arthursellers.com
PS: Follow our vinous adventures at Gentleman’s Portion.
