Renés Points

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Just as promised – but a little bit slow to ship.

I thought I would follow up on a post from a few weeks back with my AMEX SYNC offer for 15 bottles of red wine at a really good price. My only mistake was not registering this offer for ALL the cards I had the option to but at least I did a few of them.

This really also ties in to Wednesday’s post about value. So many AMEX cards come with huge fees but thanks to all these options to save it can offset some, if not all, of the cost you have incurred each year.

I did ahead of time look up each label from all the choices that were included to really compare the value but now that they are here why not take a look at what I got and see what you think:

Ascencion @ $12.99 retail

The Ascencion Malbec is one I am really pleased with as I have had it before (just not this year). I remember the rich berry flavors of this and wish I could have got more than 3 of these in the order.

Alambrando @ $13.64 retail

The Alambrando Malbec I have never tried but looks “complex”. Interesting. Reviews are good and looks like a solid choice I will enjoy. They say it has a “long finish”. Interesting.

J Opi Malbec @ $11.78 retail

The J Opi Malbec I have never even seen before (most others I have at least seen in stores). If the label is to be believed I will be thrilled as melt water from the Andes (oh my what a sell) sounds perfect. No really, the rest sounds good, that is, blackberry, plum, Vanilla & smoke sounds really pleasant. Even though this seems to be the cheapest of the bunch it may be my favorite! Can’t wait.

San Lucas @ $13.74 retail

Next up we have San Lucas Malbec. I am looking forward to this one and there are, for those who know, big differences between aging a wine in an American Oak vs. say a French Oak barrel. Blackberry, licorice and spice vanilla sounds intriguing. Num!

Black Stump Durif Shiraz @ $12.99 retail

Lastly we have one I am not overly thrilled with as I tend to dislike a Shiraz but needed something to fill out the order. However, it is a blend with just 40% Shiraz and the chocolate and spice sounds intriguing. I look forward to being either impressed or reminded why Shiraz is not my favorite.

My only complaint about all of this was how SLOW it was to be delivered and that it was delivered by delivery that had to be scheduled in a 3 hour window. I like UPS or such that just leaves it at my door but since this is alcohol  delivery to the state of Indiana you need to sign. A minor gripe but worth mentioning.

Anyway we are talking over $195 in “retail” value for these 15 wines when I paid about 50% of that, including shipping & tax, just works. Sure this deal is not for everyone but the point is using the right point card, starting at the right shopping portal, using AMEX SYNC deals when they come along that appeal to you, you can really squeeze value from your travel cards even before you use them for their intended purpose, that is, TRAVEL! – René