I had a wonderful wine in my bag today, the St. Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2010.  The wine is deep violet in color, and exhibits aromas of smoked meats and black fruits.  I tasted the wine with several customers, and almost everyone loved and/or bought the wine.  The last customer of the day, however, is where the humor (or sarcasm in my case), came into play.

Me:  (Pouring the wine)  This is a new wine that we just received from the Cotes du Rhone.  It is almost 100% Syrah.

Customer:  Wow, look at that color!

Me: Exactly!  It is gorgeous!

Customer:  It has a very meaty, smoky nose.  The wine is rich and full; very easy to drink.

Me:  I agree – it is from one of the top producers in Gigondas, and a steal at this price.

At this point, a customer pipes up and asks for a taste.  She loves it and wants to buy some, but, of course, it is yet to be on the shelf at the store.  I tell her that it will be in stock next week.

Me: (to the buyer) So what wines do you need (of course NEED- they need all of my wines) for this week?

Customer:  California PN, Napa Cab etc. blah blah blah

Me:  But what about the Cotes du Rhone?  You loved it and you so did your customer!

Customer:  I just don’t have much demand for Cotes du Rhone at my store.

Me: OK. Well, how about a new Syrah that I just picked up that has 90 points from Wine Spectator and will retail around $15.00?

Customer: Great!  I’ll take a case!

Me: Fantastic!  I will send you a case of this Cotes du Rhone tomorrow! (I guess I will be printing a shelf talker to help the buyer out!)