Bell Canyon was a fun second label for us. It had a fox on the label and was therefore an "animal wine" too! I recall some people telling us that's why they bought it. Circa 1985 recollection.
I really enjoyed the Bell Canyon wines. I think the tactic of using a second label actually has tremendous value because it creates loyal buyers at a lower price point without compromising the image of the primary brand. It also may create new friends who were not previously aware of the quality of the primary brand.
We have a collection of late 70s Diamond Creeks in the cellar . . . it's time to get some out and try them. Thanks for reminding me of Al and Boots, they loved their treasured property and I always enjoyed visiting.
I was a huge fan of all of the Diamond Creek Cabernets, and I remember the day that Al increased his prices from $7.50 to $8.50 -- and I raced to buy some wines at the lower price!
Dan: Don't forget the 1984 vintage - that one was also panned by several people. I was working with a winery that was holding back their "star" Cabernet for 5 years so we tried to sell the 1984 when everyone else was selling 1985.... We ended up selling most of the production to Trader Joe's!!
Interesting to read the history here, especially the constant upward pricing trend.
Can't afford to have "brand loyalty" today given the way prices are going. The one wine club that we joined a few years ago literally doubled in price over the course of two years, going from $150 a shipment to $300. Just can't afford that.
At this point, happy to take whatever's on sale or a good deal at Costco, Bottle Barn, LastBottle, etc.
Bell Canyon was a fun second label for us. It had a fox on the label and was therefore an "animal wine" too! I recall some people telling us that's why they bought it. Circa 1985 recollection.
Steven:
I really enjoyed the Bell Canyon wines. I think the tactic of using a second label actually has tremendous value because it creates loyal buyers at a lower price point without compromising the image of the primary brand. It also may create new friends who were not previously aware of the quality of the primary brand.
Dan
We have a collection of late 70s Diamond Creeks in the cellar . . . it's time to get some out and try them. Thanks for reminding me of Al and Boots, they loved their treasured property and I always enjoyed visiting.
Jerry:
I was a huge fan of all of the Diamond Creek Cabernets, and I remember the day that Al increased his prices from $7.50 to $8.50 -- and I raced to buy some wines at the lower price!
Dan
Dan: Don't forget the 1984 vintage - that one was also panned by several people. I was working with a winery that was holding back their "star" Cabernet for 5 years so we tried to sell the 1984 when everyone else was selling 1985.... We ended up selling most of the production to Trader Joe's!!
Interesting to read the history here, especially the constant upward pricing trend.
Can't afford to have "brand loyalty" today given the way prices are going. The one wine club that we joined a few years ago literally doubled in price over the course of two years, going from $150 a shipment to $300. Just can't afford that.
At this point, happy to take whatever's on sale or a good deal at Costco, Bottle Barn, LastBottle, etc.