Mixed Blessing

I patted myself on the back last year when, after a substantial waiting period, I was fortunate enough to make the Williams-Selyem "list".

I got an allocation last year and dutifully went down the W-S provided tasting notes, etc. to select from what was offered. Not all releases were available to the new kid on the block. I strategized that I should take as much of my allocation as I reasonably could afford so as not to jeopardize my position in the group, be found wanting and then be black-balled as inadequately financed or possibly taste-challenged.

Just got the offering-allocation for this year. Now, I'm stunned and maybe intimidated by the number of offerings from W-S and (drum-roll here) by the pricing. I know it's premium wine, and I know it's in short supply, and I know I should be honored, but in fact I'm in need of help.

Anybody in the group got experience or opinion or QPR judgement on the following:

All are Williams-Selyem 2004 vintage (I know you haven't tasted, but based on previous knowledge...):

Bucher Vineyard PN (Russian River Valley) $49 Vista Verde PN (San Benito County) $49 Peay Vineyard PN (Sonoma Coast) $49 Flax Vineyard PN (Russian River Valley) $54 Weir Vineyard PN (Yorkville Highlands) $54 Ferrington Vineyards (Anderson Valley) $59 Hirsch Vineyards (Sonoma Coast) $68 plus 1 Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard PN (Russian River Valley) $72 Allen Vineyard PN (Russian River Valley) $75

Ed Rasimus Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret) "When Thunder Rolled" www.thunderchief.org www.thundertales.blogspot.com