Jules Winnfield
Footballguy
The "Halliwell" Shiraz Grenache is very good.The "Hanisch" Barossa Shiraz is incredible!The "Hubris" Shiraz Mataro is excellent!Rolf Binder- Barossa Valley line is quite nice. All of it!
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What kind of WINE did you drink last night? (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Loomba
- Start date
bostonfred
Footballguy
had my first malbec recently and was very impressed. i see others in here doing the same. will post if i find good ones, and will check back here for ideas.
also a big fan of kunde merlot right now, after my local wine store stopped carrying the 2001 BV merlot.
also a big fan of kunde merlot right now, after my local wine store stopped carrying the 2001 BV merlot.
jamny
Footballguy
Good call!
This was as close as I've tasted to Santa Margarita. and @10.99We plan on doing a taste test sometime in the summer to compare.Any opinions on good bottles in the $50 range? We're looking to stock up on some better wines for special occasions. For now or years down the road. I just picked up a 2004 Stag's Leap Artemis Cab. We're particularly into Zin, Pinot Noir and Shiraz at the moment. Also, if you had to buy one bottle for $100, which would it be?
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
search my posts in this thread. i touch on a lot of high end stuff. i had an 03 girard zin, that was awesome! it's what a zin should be in my opinion. great dark fruits, big but not tannic, & not over alcoholized like most CA zins are, i highly highly reccomend this wine!jamny said:Good call!This was as close as I've tasted to Santa Margarita. and @10.99We plan on doing a taste test sometime in the summer to compare.Any opinions on good bottles in the $50 range? We're looking to stock up on some better wines for special occasions. For now or years down the road. I just picked up a 2004 Stag's Leap Artemis Cab. We're particularly into Zin, Pinot Noir and Shiraz at the moment. Also, if you had to buy one bottle for $100, which would it be?
The Dreaded Marco
Footballguy
Wine club last night---syrah/shiraz night. The highlights:
Dunham Cellars syrah
Dead Arm Shiraz
Elyse syrah
To finish off the night, our generous host broke out a bottle of the '98 Penfolds Grange---great wine.
For the money though, the Elyse syrah was my favorite. $33, 1/10th the cost of the Penfolds, and very, very good.
Dunham Cellars syrah
Dead Arm Shiraz
Elyse syrah
To finish off the night, our generous host broke out a bottle of the '98 Penfolds Grange---great wine.
For the money though, the Elyse syrah was my favorite. $33, 1/10th the cost of the Penfolds, and very, very good.
phrozen
Footballguy
picked up three new reds over the weekend:
#1 2004 Juan Gil Jumilla Red. It is made of 100% monastrell grapes (read about it here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mourvedre)
The wine had a high level of tannin which I like but overall I wasn't impressed with it. In doing some research on the spanish monastrell grape I learned that making wine with the grape is still being perfected so the wines will be lacking a bit. It is not a horrible wine but I wouldn't serve it to guests. After the wine producers get the kinks out it may be a great wine.
#2: Sabato 2004 Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina: I haven't opened the wine yet but when I do I'll let you all know about it. As I have stated in prior posts, Malbec is my #2 red wine after zin. I am looking forward to this one.
#3: 7 Deadly Zins 2004 Zinfandel: Looking forward to this one as well. The higher end wine shop I go to really recommended this zin to me. It is an old vine zin which gives it more fruity notes. I haven't opened this one either but will check back.
#1 2004 Juan Gil Jumilla Red. It is made of 100% monastrell grapes (read about it here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mourvedre)
The wine had a high level of tannin which I like but overall I wasn't impressed with it. In doing some research on the spanish monastrell grape I learned that making wine with the grape is still being perfected so the wines will be lacking a bit. It is not a horrible wine but I wouldn't serve it to guests. After the wine producers get the kinks out it may be a great wine.
#2: Sabato 2004 Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina: I haven't opened the wine yet but when I do I'll let you all know about it. As I have stated in prior posts, Malbec is my #2 red wine after zin. I am looking forward to this one.
#3: 7 Deadly Zins 2004 Zinfandel: Looking forward to this one as well. The higher end wine shop I go to really recommended this zin to me. It is an old vine zin which gives it more fruity notes. I haven't opened this one either but will check back.
tipsy mcstagger
Footballguy
Ancien Pinot Noir
Carneros, CA
Toyon
$28 Wholesale
Rating:9.5
Just added this bad boy to my list. Fantastic Finish, old world style without losing its typically good carneros fruit. Very little is made, so good luck in finding it. Buy it if you do.
Carneros, CA
Toyon
$28 Wholesale
Rating:9.5
Just added this bad boy to my list. Fantastic Finish, old world style without losing its typically good carneros fruit. Very little is made, so good luck in finding it. Buy it if you do.
tipsy mcstagger
Footballguy
That stuff is all gone here since 9/10ths of the cities wine supply was under water.save yourself & the restauant some $$ & get 00 or 03's. both are exceptional bordeaux vintages. 05 is going to be awesome but hella pricey.I'm in process of changing my list again. Get any & all 2005 Bordeaux's that you can afford. One of the best years ever....seriously.
I did just pick up my first of the 2005...chateau roland.....first press...needs some time, but the year is going to be as advertised. 
TheFanatic
Footballguy
I had a nice little French Red. Cotes de Nuits-Villages 2003.....Red Burgundy. Fantastic.
Been awhile since I checked in since I have been on the road for the past month. Still, I have had the following that I have liked and would recommend to others:
Dona Paula malbec 2001 and 2005- I really like this malbec, especially the 2001. The 2005 was not as good.
Catena malbec 2005 - very good as well
Buehler 2005 zinfandel - had this last night since I am a member of their wine club. I was really impressed with it and plan on buying a case of it. Lots of alcohol.
Pillar Box Red - big and bold. had this after the Buehler zin last night. Need to pick up another bottle sicne I was half in the bag when i opened it. I liked it a lot...especially at $11 a bottle
Rosenblum Heritage Clones petite sirah 2004 - awesome. go out and get this one if you can. However, expect your teeth to turn a nice dark purple. Probably around $20 or so.
Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Howell Mountain zin 2002 - i have posted about this one before. i love this wine.
Mt Veeder 2002 cabernet sauv - I really liked this one too. IMO, Napa cabs have a certain nose to them and this one did not disappoint. Need to go get some more of this before they sell out. about $27.
I know I have had a lot more than this. The wines I also recommend are Greg Norman shiraz or cabernet merlot, Kim Crawford sauv blanc, Monkey Bay sauv blanc, Terrazas de los Andes malbec, Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha cabernet, and E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone. All of these are recent vintages and less than $20 a bottle.
I had a 2006 Bodega Norton malbec last night and it was terrible. Pretty flat.
Dona Paula malbec 2001 and 2005- I really like this malbec, especially the 2001. The 2005 was not as good.
Catena malbec 2005 - very good as well
Buehler 2005 zinfandel - had this last night since I am a member of their wine club. I was really impressed with it and plan on buying a case of it. Lots of alcohol.
Pillar Box Red - big and bold. had this after the Buehler zin last night. Need to pick up another bottle sicne I was half in the bag when i opened it. I liked it a lot...especially at $11 a bottle
Rosenblum Heritage Clones petite sirah 2004 - awesome. go out and get this one if you can. However, expect your teeth to turn a nice dark purple. Probably around $20 or so.
Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Howell Mountain zin 2002 - i have posted about this one before. i love this wine.
Mt Veeder 2002 cabernet sauv - I really liked this one too. IMO, Napa cabs have a certain nose to them and this one did not disappoint. Need to go get some more of this before they sell out. about $27.
I know I have had a lot more than this. The wines I also recommend are Greg Norman shiraz or cabernet merlot, Kim Crawford sauv blanc, Monkey Bay sauv blanc, Terrazas de los Andes malbec, Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha cabernet, and E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone. All of these are recent vintages and less than $20 a bottle.
I had a 2006 Bodega Norton malbec last night and it was terrible. Pretty flat.
Jules Winnfield
Footballguy
silver oak-- predictable good juice with the napa cab stealing the show as usual
I will have to disagree
I prefer the Alexander Valley over the Napa
I will have to disagree
I prefer the Alexander Valley over the Napa
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
This is generally one of my favorite zins. I don't get much of it because 1) It's tough to come by and 2) I have a hard time spending that kind of money on a zinfandel. But if you love zins and if you're looking to drop around $50 on some bottles of wine, you could do a lot worse. Actually, I'm a fan of most of the Zahtila wines. Their Beckstoffer vineyards Cab is usually excellent, as well, for around $50 per.jamny said:
M
MelvinTScupper
Guest
kbreaker
Footballguy
Their Fume Blanc is very very tasty.
M
MelvinTScupper
Guest
$50 rangeShafer Cab Sauv (not the Hillside Select, which will be much more)Jordan CabPride Cab Sauv$100 rangeNoah CabQuintessa (my wife's favorite, without question) (they only make a cab)jamny said:
DolphinsPhan
Footballguy
Had a bottle of Joseph Phelps Insignia 2003 over the weekend. Very good, but at $125/bottle at the liquor store I don't think I will be drinking it too often.
kbreaker
Footballguy
I've got a couple bottles of this.
phrozen
Footballguy
I bought a bottle of Insignia a couple of months ago to celebrate my most recent promotion. It was an excellent wine. When I buy a house a few years down the road and start my wine cellar I will have a couple of bottles of this on hand.
DolphinsPhan
Footballguy
the 2002 Insignia is supposed to be the best, but I can't find it in the stores. They have it at restaurants still but it is usually $200+ a bottle.Stag's Leap Merlot is another one that is really good, but much cheaper, usually in the $40-50 range.
M
MelvinTScupper
Guest
You sure it wasn't 2001?eta: I find Insignia TERRIBLY overrated, compared to other's in it's price range. When the "Wine of the Year" vintage came out, it was probably worth the money. No longer, and it's not even CLOSE.the 2002 Insignia is supposed to be the best, but I can't find it in the stores. They have it at restaurants still but it is usually $200+ a bottle.Stag's Leap Merlot is another one that is really good, but much cheaper, usually in the $40-50 range.
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Jules Winnfield
Footballguy
At $35-40 a bottle, Ehlers Estate is a very good Cabernet.I was impressed by a $12 bottle called Sawbuck Cabernet. For an easy drinking bottle to keep around the house for guests, it was a decent CabI also had a $12-14 bottle of Angeline Pinot Noir that was another one to keep around the house for guests.
Jules Winnfield
Footballguy
If you can find it, try this Zinfandel:
Gravity Hills Tumbling Tractor Zinfandel
I had the '04 and it was a wonderful Zin for the $14 I payed for it.
Gravity Hills Tumbling Tractor Zinfandel
I had the '04 and it was a wonderful Zin for the $14 I payed for it.
phrozen
Footballguy
I opened it up tonight. It is a very nice old vine zin. It has a lot of fruit notes which is common for old vine zin. The wine has little tannin in it but still has decent legs as it makes it way back down the glass.I traditionally drink the drier zins but this is a refreshing switch. The sommelier at the fine wine store made the recommendation and I can see why. I recommend the wine.I've got a couple bottles of this.
phrozen
Footballguy
phrozen
Footballguy
After reading over my post, I can tell I really enjoyed the wine. I drank the whole bottle last night and was feeling pretty good. Sorry for the repitition in the post.It is an excellent wine kbreaker, I think you will enjoy it.I opened it up tonight. It is a very nice old vine zin. It has a lot of fruit notes which is common for old vine zin. The wine has little tannin in it but still has decent legs as it makes it way back down the glass.I traditionally drink the drier zins but this is a refreshing switch. The sommelier at the fine wine store made the recommendation and I can see why. I recommend the wine.I've got a couple bottles of this.
jamny
Footballguy
Picked up a bottle of this and a Pillar Box Red (among others) thanks to this thread.Will report back.After reading over my post, I can tell I really enjoyed the wine. I drank the whole bottle last night and was feeling pretty good. Sorry for the repitition in the post.It is an excellent wine kbreaker, I think you will enjoy it.I opened it up tonight. It is a very nice old vine zin. It has a lot of fruit notes which is common for old vine zin. The wine has little tannin in it but still has decent legs as it makes it way back down the glass.I traditionally drink the drier zins but this is a refreshing switch. The sommelier at the fine wine store made the recommendation and I can see why. I recommend the wine.I've got a couple bottles of this.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
Drank a lot of good wine this past weekend at the barrel tasting in Sonoma.
Of everything we drank, I thought the best value was the 2003 Simi Landslide Vineyard Cab. At $40/bottle it's an absolute steal. Huge fan. As good as their (And most wineries') reserves at twice the cost.
Of everything we drank, I thought the best value was the 2003 Simi Landslide Vineyard Cab. At $40/bottle it's an absolute steal. Huge fan. As good as their (And most wineries') reserves at twice the cost.
M
MelvinTScupper
Guest
Simi = Value
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
We went there based on your recommendation in the other thread. Spot on. Plus, they had their chef pair killer food with the wines. We barrel tasted their '04 Landslide with fried mushroom risotto balls and could have stayed on their deck partaking of that pairing all day (Yes, I was satisfied after the risotto).We missed a lot of other places we would have liked to hit, simply because the barrel tasting kept us in Sonoma pretty much all day Saturday and Sunday. Aside from Simi, the highlights to me were Talty and Ridge's zins, along with the people and wines we encountered at Sausal and Hanna. Barrel tasting weekend doesn't lend itself to finding out a lot about the wineries, but we got to taste some wines they ordinarily wouldn't pour. Anybody in the area or with the means, they're doing it all again this coming weekend. It's crowded, but well worth braving the people.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
Speaking of value wines, I almost forgot. We joined one wine club while we were there. On the way out of town we decided to head south down 12 and stop at a couple of places we'd been wanting to hit.
We ended up having Loxton all to ourselves while everyone was tasting up north. We sat and talked with Chris Loxton for about 1.5 hours, while drinking some excellent Syrah and Zin.
He does an interesting wine club, in that they ship 6 bottles twice a year, and when he sends out notice of the next shipment, you can reply and modify your shipment to fit your tastes (e.g., "I don't like port; send me an extra bottle of zin instead").
He was a great guy, good story, good wines, all under $30/bottle, and I love the idea of customizing your club shipment. I highly recommend this place.
We ended up having Loxton all to ourselves while everyone was tasting up north. We sat and talked with Chris Loxton for about 1.5 hours, while drinking some excellent Syrah and Zin.
He does an interesting wine club, in that they ship 6 bottles twice a year, and when he sends out notice of the next shipment, you can reply and modify your shipment to fit your tastes (e.g., "I don't like port; send me an extra bottle of zin instead").
He was a great guy, good story, good wines, all under $30/bottle, and I love the idea of customizing your club shipment. I highly recommend this place.
Figured this was the right place to ask this.
We're planning a 10 day trip to the bay area in late May
We've been to SF before, and to wine country before as well. The other time we did wine tours/tastings, we spent 4 days in Napa and hit some exceptional wine makers and tastings - Chappellet, Barnett, Sherwin Family, Shafer, Plumpjack, Far Niente.
This time, 5 days in Healdsburg/Sonoma are on the schedule. Wineries we're planning on hitting: Hanzell, Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Mayo, Jordan, Ferrari-Carano, Mauritson, and Bella. We've room for a couple of more on the schedule, and I thought I'd turn my fellow FBG lushes wine fans for suggestions. The tastings we enjoy the most are the more personal ones where you meet the wine maker or the vineyard manager or the owner, and chat about their wine over a bottle or two. I'm much less of a fan of the Silver Oak style of get em in and get em out. Smaller up and coming outfits are good, too.
Suggestions, especially in and around Sonoma?
We're planning a 10 day trip to the bay area in late May
We've been to SF before, and to wine country before as well. The other time we did wine tours/tastings, we spent 4 days in Napa and hit some exceptional wine makers and tastings - Chappellet, Barnett, Sherwin Family, Shafer, Plumpjack, Far Niente.This time, 5 days in Healdsburg/Sonoma are on the schedule. Wineries we're planning on hitting: Hanzell, Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Mayo, Jordan, Ferrari-Carano, Mauritson, and Bella. We've room for a couple of more on the schedule, and I thought I'd turn my fellow FBG lushes wine fans for suggestions. The tastings we enjoy the most are the more personal ones where you meet the wine maker or the vineyard manager or the owner, and chat about their wine over a bottle or two. I'm much less of a fan of the Silver Oak style of get em in and get em out. Smaller up and coming outfits are good, too.
Suggestions, especially in and around Sonoma?
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
Melly had some notes that I used when we were there last weekend. The two that were on your list:Figured this was the right place to ask this.
We're planning a 10 day trip to the bay area in late MayWe've been to SF before, and to wine country before as well. The other time we did wine tours/tastings, we spent 4 days in Napa and hit some exceptional wine makers and tastings - Chappellet, Barnett, Sherwin Family, Shafer, Plumpjack, Far Niente.
This time, 5 days in Healdsburg/Sonoma are on the schedule. Wineries we're planning on hitting: Hanzell, Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Mayo, Jordan, Ferrari-Carano, Mauritson, and Bella. We've room for a couple of more on the schedule, and I thought I'd turn my fellow FBG lushes wine fans for suggestions. The tastings we enjoy the most are the more personal ones where you meet the wine maker or the vineyard manager or the owner, and chat about their wine over a bottle or two. I'm much less of a fan of the Silver Oak style of get em in and get em out. Smaller up and coming outfits are good, too.
Suggestions, especially in and around Sonoma?
I could not recommend Simi (Good everything) or Loxton (If you like Syrah and Zin) more strongly. Read my last 4-5 posts in this thread or drop me a PM if you want more info.
Love Syrah and Zin. Simi and Loxton added to list of potentials.Melly had some notes that I used when we were there last weekend. The two that were on your list:Figured this was the right place to ask this.
We're planning a 10 day trip to the bay area in late MayWe've been to SF before, and to wine country before as well. The other time we did wine tours/tastings, we spent 4 days in Napa and hit some exceptional wine makers and tastings - Chappellet, Barnett, Sherwin Family, Shafer, Plumpjack, Far Niente.
This time, 5 days in Healdsburg/Sonoma are on the schedule. Wineries we're planning on hitting: Hanzell, Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Mayo, Jordan, Ferrari-Carano, Mauritson, and Bella. We've room for a couple of more on the schedule, and I thought I'd turn my fellow FBG lushes wine fans for suggestions. The tastings we enjoy the most are the more personal ones where you meet the wine maker or the vineyard manager or the owner, and chat about their wine over a bottle or two. I'm much less of a fan of the Silver Oak style of get em in and get em out. Smaller up and coming outfits are good, too.
Suggestions, especially in and around Sonoma?I could not recommend Simi (Good everything) or Loxton (If you like Syrah and Zin) more strongly. Read my last 4-5 posts in this thread or drop me a PM if you want more info.
Jules Winnfield
Footballguy
Inspiration VineyardsI have their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and ZinfandelFigured this was the right place to ask this.
We're planning a 10 day trip to the bay area in late May
This time, 5 days in Healdsburg/Sonoma are on the schedule. Wineries we're planning on hitting: Hanzell, Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Mayo, Jordan, Ferrari-Carano, Mauritson, and Bella. We've room for a couple of more on the schedule, and I thought I'd turn my fellow FBG lushes wine fans for suggestions. The tastings we enjoy the most are the more personal ones where you meet the wine maker or the vineyard manager or the owner, and chat about their wine over a bottle or two. I'm much less of a fan of the Silver Oak style of get em in and get em out. Smaller up and coming outfits are good, too.
Suggestions, especially in and around Sonoma?
Very small production of the Estate Zin is between 25 and 50 cases. The '02, '03, and '04 are all sold out. Luckily I have them all!
Their Estate Chard is about a 150 case production and the '02 and '03 are both sold out. They have the '04 still.
Los Carneros Pinot Noir is a 200 case production. This baby is a real drinker. Medium bodied and earthy with layers of black cherry, strawberry and tobacco flavors. Love it!
They also have a Dry Creek Cabernet which I have never had. They are selling the '03 right now.
They also have an Alexander Vally Zin which I haven't had.
Let me know. I know their wine rep here in Minnesota who told me to let them know when I wanted to go so I should just tell them a buddy of mine will be out there.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Stopped drinking beer almost all together...lot less downside to red wine. I am no expert wine person but I know what I like. I have a lot of bottles I like in the $8-$15 range...
I opened a bottle of BV Pinot Noir tonight...nothing fancy but I got it for about $8 over at Albertsons...they had a sale. Very drinkable and very tasty.
I saw someone talking about Jordan a few posts up. You can get it for about $38 a bottle right now at Von's/Pavillions and I think it might be cheaper if you buy a case...maybe under $35 a bottle. They have some set wine prices on sale right now till May 2.
I thought I got a good deal on some Kenwood Cabernet for $10.99 at Albertson's...found the same 2003 Kenwood CS at Von's/Pavillions for $8.99 a bottle. That bottle sells for as much as $20 at a lot of places. It is not a terrific wine but very very good at that price.
I also like Marquis Phillips with the half Eagle/Kangaroo I think it is on the label.
And just one more thing. A friend of mine is a traveling salesman for pots and pans, travels all over the country. Is in Burligton VT this weekend. He picks up his supplies at Costco..he called me because they had Rothchild by the bottle for $300. They had some upper end wines for $380 as well. Lots os $100-200 bottles, not sure of the names but he really called to tell me that it seemed like there was money flowing in the area...I agreed. I have never seen that high of an end wine at Costco.
I opened a bottle of BV Pinot Noir tonight...nothing fancy but I got it for about $8 over at Albertsons...they had a sale. Very drinkable and very tasty.
I saw someone talking about Jordan a few posts up. You can get it for about $38 a bottle right now at Von's/Pavillions and I think it might be cheaper if you buy a case...maybe under $35 a bottle. They have some set wine prices on sale right now till May 2.
I thought I got a good deal on some Kenwood Cabernet for $10.99 at Albertson's...found the same 2003 Kenwood CS at Von's/Pavillions for $8.99 a bottle. That bottle sells for as much as $20 at a lot of places. It is not a terrific wine but very very good at that price.
I also like Marquis Phillips with the half Eagle/Kangaroo I think it is on the label.
And just one more thing. A friend of mine is a traveling salesman for pots and pans, travels all over the country. Is in Burligton VT this weekend. He picks up his supplies at Costco..he called me because they had Rothchild by the bottle for $300. They had some upper end wines for $380 as well. Lots os $100-200 bottles, not sure of the names but he really called to tell me that it seemed like there was money flowing in the area...I agreed. I have never seen that high of an end wine at Costco.
Jules Winnfield
Footballguy
Marquis Phillips "Roogle Red"The roogle is a combination of the Australian red kangaroo and the American bald eagle. Marquis Philips wines began as a joint venture between American importer Dan Philips and the Australian wife-and-husband winemaking team of Sarah and Sparky Marquis, giving inspiration to the roogle mark. Roogle Red came about a few years into the venture when a decision had to be made on what should be done with the wines that didn't fit into the blend for the winery's more upmarket wines. Each year the blend varies according to what wines are available. If all the wine is used for the first-tier bottlings then no Roogle Red is made that year.
The '04 is an 80/20 blend of Shiraz/Cab
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
we blind tasted 13 cabs in the $10-20 range. all were in the 02-04 range. the results surprised me. we chose the raymond 03 reserve as the top choice.
here were some of the candidates:
victor hugo, paso robles--just not much to it
gordon brothers, wash--nice acidity, a touch hot.
penfolds 407, aus--very bland, tasted the alcohol mostly.
conn creek, napa--no finish, light, light, light
cape menterre, aus--great dark rich fruit, blackberry jam through out--top 4 pick
chateau st jean, sonoma--i couldn't stand this & was surprised once i saw the label. flabby, weak, useless wine.
i forgot to write down the names of #7 & #8
eos, paso robles--great balance & structure. excellent. top 4. i was surprised.
forth, sonoma--again, great balance all the way through the wine, pretty big, bad boy. nice tannins with great fruit. top 4. i had never heard of it & will be getting some.
raymond reserve, napa--interesting hint of earth, best structure & easily the most complex of the group. 6/7 had it as their #1, including me.
trefethen, napa--good wine, straight forward, simple, napa cab
j lohr, hill top select, monterey--big friut, round, supple, with a lighter finish.
here were some of the candidates:
victor hugo, paso robles--just not much to it
gordon brothers, wash--nice acidity, a touch hot.
penfolds 407, aus--very bland, tasted the alcohol mostly.
conn creek, napa--no finish, light, light, light
cape menterre, aus--great dark rich fruit, blackberry jam through out--top 4 pick
chateau st jean, sonoma--i couldn't stand this & was surprised once i saw the label. flabby, weak, useless wine.
i forgot to write down the names of #7 & #8
eos, paso robles--great balance & structure. excellent. top 4. i was surprised.
forth, sonoma--again, great balance all the way through the wine, pretty big, bad boy. nice tannins with great fruit. top 4. i had never heard of it & will be getting some.
raymond reserve, napa--interesting hint of earth, best structure & easily the most complex of the group. 6/7 had it as their #1, including me.
trefethen, napa--good wine, straight forward, simple, napa cab
j lohr, hill top select, monterey--big friut, round, supple, with a lighter finish.
Dash
Road Monkey
McManis Petite Sirah $12 - deep blackberry berry, intense almost bleeding purple color, not too much alcohol, moderate tannins. All together a good bottle for the price. I've enjoyed it with a chicken, mushroom sandwich and fries. Tried some of the other red McManis wines and, while they are good for the price, this is the one to try first.
M
MelvinTScupper
Guest
listen to Bob (listening to me)Simi was a fantastic visit, with great value.Melly had some notes that I used when we were there last weekend. The two that were on your list:Figured this was the right place to ask this.
We're planning a 10 day trip to the bay area in late MayWe've been to SF before, and to wine country before as well. The other time we did wine tours/tastings, we spent 4 days in Napa and hit some exceptional wine makers and tastings - Chappellet, Barnett, Sherwin Family, Shafer, Plumpjack, Far Niente.
This time, 5 days in Healdsburg/Sonoma are on the schedule. Wineries we're planning on hitting: Hanzell, Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Mayo, Jordan, Ferrari-Carano, Mauritson, and Bella. We've room for a couple of more on the schedule, and I thought I'd turn my fellow FBG lushes wine fans for suggestions. The tastings we enjoy the most are the more personal ones where you meet the wine maker or the vineyard manager or the owner, and chat about their wine over a bottle or two. I'm much less of a fan of the Silver Oak style of get em in and get em out. Smaller up and coming outfits are good, too.
Suggestions, especially in and around Sonoma?I could not recommend Simi (Good everything) or Loxton (If you like Syrah and Zin) more strongly. Read my last 4-5 posts in this thread or drop me a PM if you want more info.
If you don't go to Jordan, you're crazy. If you're going to Ferrari Carrano, Silver Oak is only 2 mins away, and would be a shame to not go there, if only because it's excellent wine. I definitely prefer the Alexander Valley version of their Cab to the Napa.
If you want SERIOUS variety, go to the Benzinger family vineyards in southern Sonoma, Benzinger and Imagery. Not all great, but great value, and more varietals than any other vineyard in the area. Imagery has a cool tradition of featuring original art on each and every vintage/variety. Nice art gallery and gift shop there as well. They are within 5 mins of each other and well worth a stop.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
I found the 2003 Simi Landslide Vineyard Cab at a local wine shop for $29. Unbelievable.listen to Bob (listening to me)Simi was a fantastic visit, with great value.Melly had some notes that I used when we were there last weekend. The two that were on your list:Figured this was the right place to ask this.
We're planning a 10 day trip to the bay area in late MayWe've been to SF before, and to wine country before as well. The other time we did wine tours/tastings, we spent 4 days in Napa and hit some exceptional wine makers and tastings - Chappellet, Barnett, Sherwin Family, Shafer, Plumpjack, Far Niente.
This time, 5 days in Healdsburg/Sonoma are on the schedule. Wineries we're planning on hitting: Hanzell, Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Mayo, Jordan, Ferrari-Carano, Mauritson, and Bella. We've room for a couple of more on the schedule, and I thought I'd turn my fellow FBG lushes wine fans for suggestions. The tastings we enjoy the most are the more personal ones where you meet the wine maker or the vineyard manager or the owner, and chat about their wine over a bottle or two. I'm much less of a fan of the Silver Oak style of get em in and get em out. Smaller up and coming outfits are good, too.
Suggestions, especially in and around Sonoma?I could not recommend Simi (Good everything) or Loxton (If you like Syrah and Zin) more strongly. Read my last 4-5 posts in this thread or drop me a PM if you want more info.
If you don't go to Jordan, you're crazy. If you're going to Ferrari Carrano, Silver Oak is only 2 mins away, and would be a shame to not go there, if only because it's excellent wine. I definitely prefer the Alexander Valley version of their Cab to the Napa.
If you want SERIOUS variety, go to the Benzinger family vineyards in southern Sonoma, Benzinger and Imagery. Not all great, but great value, and more varietals than any other vineyard in the area. Imagery has a cool tradition of featuring original art on each and every vintage/variety. Nice art gallery and gift shop there as well. They are within 5 mins of each other and well worth a stop.
I thought so too. Read about it on some other message boards. Tonight we bought:2001 Fontanafredda barolo - open and decanting right now. It was $20 off for a price of $20 a btl. My first barolo that I have opened. 2005 Hitching Post Santa Barbera pinot noir - of Sideways fame. They don't make many cases of the stuff so I thought I would give it a whirl. We will see how good it is or even if it is 'tighter than a nun's ###" or whatever the quote is2000 Mas du Boislauzon Chateuneuf du Pape - looking forward to this!bunch of sauv blancs that my girlfriend picked out:Mulderbosch Stellenbosch 2006 from S. AfricaOyster Bay 2005 from NZWither Hills 2005 from NZ
Jules Winnfield
Footballguy
Drank a Crios Cabernet and a Crios Malbec tonight.
They are is Susana Balbo wines and they are the type of wine drinkers would call "bang for the buck" Find them and buy them. Very inexpensive, less then $13 a bottle, and you will find a beautiful wine for very little $$$.
They are is Susana Balbo wines and they are the type of wine drinkers would call "bang for the buck" Find them and buy them. Very inexpensive, less then $13 a bottle, and you will find a beautiful wine for very little $$$.
The Dreaded Marco
Footballguy
Drank an '01 Ravenswood Bordeaux blend last night. Pretty good, but not worth the $$.
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