What kind of WINE did you drink last night? (3 Viewers)

[ditka311]

The only Rosenblum I have tried was the San Francisco Bay. Carlas Vineyard. IMO it was highly tannic and kind of "meh". I will give the Vintners Cuvee a try since I know we have that around here. I do have a Rosenblum North Coast but I haven't opened it yet.

The other one that I was thinking about but couldn't remember was Seghesio. Their "Old Vines" is much better than the more pricy Home Ranch, IMO. Very good stuff.

 

[jamny]

Thanks for the zin recs.

It's probably another case of bad press from the past but I wasn't really looking at a zin yet. It just seemed to have a cheesy rep. Now it'll top my list in the next batch.

I'm trying to try the widest variety of grapes before I settle in and find the ones I like the best from each.

Haven't opened my Reisling yet. And looking for a Gewurztraiminer and Ice Wine

and I haven't even started on French wines. Trying to get a grip on Italians regions first.

Lots of fun.

 

[ditka311]

Thanks for the zin recs.It's probably another case of bad press from the past but I wasn't really looking at a zin yet. It just seemed to have a cheesy rep. Now it'll top my list in the next batch. I'm trying to try the widest variety of grapes before I settle in and find the ones I like the best from each.Haven't opened my Reisling yet. And looking for a Gewurztraiminer and Ice Wineand I haven't even started on French wines. Trying to get a grip on Italians regions first. Lots of fun.

This is what I was doing too and basically trying as many wines as I could. I have kind of steered clear of pinot noirs because of their recent popularity and the corresponding price. I did have a Benton Lane from Oregon the other day that was $20 and really good. Eventually I will branch out into French and Italian wines, which I have dabbled here and there. Ie, right now I have a 2001 Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape and a 1999 Le Potazzine brunello just sitting around. I might open the Guigal on Xmas because I know I can get more of them. The brunello is going to sit for awhile. I also have a couple of very young single vineyard Buehlers that will sit for too. The one thing that I have noticed is that as my tastes in wine have grown, so has the price range that I look at. Last year I was looking for value only. I mean, i won't be buying first growth futures anytime soon but I think most bottles I buy are in the $15 - 20 range when on average it was $10. So, for now I am looking at the New World wines in South America and Australia/NZ for pretty good wines for a damn good price. IMO, Cali cabs are great but come on....the price is ridiculous.

 

[jamny]

what does a single vineyard mean?

and are first growth futures buying a hopefully great vintage and cellaring it?

I'd like to get into buying a few and putting them away for a good occasion a few years down the road.

 

[ditka311]

what does a single vineyard mean?and are first growth futures buying a hopefully great vintage and cellaring it?I'd like to get into buying a few and putting them away for a good occasion a few years down the road.

Single vineyard means the wine is made from grapes from one vineyard. For example, To Kalon is a very prestigious cabernet vineyard in Napa Valley. If you were to buy a say, Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the grapes would come from the To Kalon vineyard. I am not sure what % of the grapes need to come from that vineyard but IIRC, 75% of the grapes have to come from Napa Valley to be considered a Napa Valley wine. Same thing with Sonoma, Paso Robles, etc. Someone here can help me out with this. First growth is a French designation given to certain chateaus in Bordeaux (Ie Latour, Petrus, etc). There are also second growths, etc. Again, someone else can help me out with this.

 

[jamny]

Don't most better vineyards make wines from their own grapes? I could see if you're making a blend, but with a pure varietal I'd think they are all grown on site.

 

[ditka311]

Don't most better vineyards make wines from their own grapes? I could see if you're making a blend, but with a pure varietal I'd think they are all grown on site.

Nope, it will say "estate grown" or something to that nature on the label. It doesn't necessarily mean that the vineyard is on the property that the winery is on but a vineyard that they either own or hold a long term lease for grapes.

 

[jamny]

Don't most better vineyards make wines from their own grapes? I could see if you're making a blend, but with a pure varietal I'd think they are all grown on site.

Nope, it will say "estate grown" or something to that nature on the label. It doesn't necessarily mean that the vineyard is on the property that the winery is on but a vineyard that they either own or hold a long term lease for grapes.

interesting...thanks!much to learn.

 

[Loomba]

Hi Jamny,

Back to your question regarding Zin recommendations. There are a lot of good Zin's out there. Just about any Zin from Seghesio will be very nice. Seghesio specializes in making quality Zinfandel. They are probably a few bucks a bottle more than other Zins, but generally worth it.

Lytton Springs is another winery that has produced some nice Zins over the last few years.

 

[Loomba]

why does the beer thread ask what you're drinking tonight and the wine thread what you drank last night?

I must admit that this was purely coincidental on my part. But now that you point this out, I think you have stumbled upon the very essence between enjoying beer versus enjoying wine. Beer is instant gratification and is drank and enjoyed differently than a wine. A good wine stays with you for a while. It is sipped, not drank (or chugged...). If you have a really good one, you will remember it for a long time. For example, the other night, I opened a 2002 Cab Franc from Imagery (Sonoma) that I had tasted in their wine room two years ago. When my wife asked whether to open this one or the Imagery Zinfandel we also brought back, I immediately said the Cab Franc. I remembered how big this wine was in the tasting room and actually remember telling her that it was going to go nice with some steaks, which is what I was BBQing that night. Also, I may have subconsciously thought that it was better to describe and rate a wine the day after trying it, instead of with a glass of it in your hand -- to get a more honest review.

 

[Genedoc]

I went nuts at the wine store today. I bought ....

4 bottle Elizabeth Spencer Caberent (2 2002 & 2 2004)

A case of various Kilianoons - Covenant, Oracle, and a Syrah/Grenache.

A couple of Frech whites that I know nothing about, but the guy at the wine store talked me into.

2 bottle Madrigal Pettite Syrah.

Also have a 3 pack of Chappellet's Pritchard Hills Estate wine and a 3 pack of Barnett's Rattlesnake Hill. The Rattlesnake Hill is $$$, but it may just be the best wine I've ever had.

Cracked open a Shafer 2004 Cabernet last night. Good, but not great yet. I think it will drink better in a couple of years.

 

[ditka311]

Somone here posted that they got the 2004 Benton Lane pinot noir. I had that for Xmas and it was excellent.

Tonight I have some cheapies:

Marques de Caceres Rioja (2003)

Greg Norman 2003 Shiraz, Limestone Coast

 

[phrozen]

Ate at Ruth Chris last night and I had a bottle of 2004 Alamos, Mendoza, Argentina Malbec.

The bottle was fantastic and paired nicely with the steak.

Malbec is quickly moving up the charts for my favorite red, malbec is awesome.

 

[ditka311]

I agree phrozen, me likey the malbec. I was looking for one for tonight but I was at the grocery store and they have basically no Argentine wines.

 

[bentley]

why does the beer thread ask what you're drinking tonight and the wine thread what you drank last night?

I must admit that this was purely coincidental on my part. But now that you point this out, I think you have stumbled upon the very essence between enjoying beer versus enjoying wine. Beer is instant gratification and is drank and enjoyed differently than a wine. A good wine stays with you for a while. It is sipped, not drank (or chugged...). If you have a really good one, you will remember it for a long time. For example, the other night, I opened a 2002 Cab Franc from Imagery (Sonoma) that I had tasted in their wine room two years ago. When my wife asked whether to open this one or the Imagery Zinfandel we also brought back, I immediately said the Cab Franc. I remembered how big this wine was in the tasting room and actually remember telling her that it was going to go nice with some steaks, which is what I was BBQing that night. Also, I may have subconsciously thought that it was better to describe and rate a wine the day after trying it, instead of with a glass of it in your hand -- to get a more honest review.

This is complete bullplop, BTW. For example, I'll never forget where I was the day I first tired a Brooklyn Brewing Double Chocolate Stout or a Stone Vertical Epic.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I haven't posted in this thread but good red wine is the only alcohol I consume, and very little at that, generally with food. I haven't been drunk since my 7 year old was born, nttiawwt or getting drunk either.

So, tonight a situation arose that made a glass or three appealing but I was left digging through my 80 year old mom's pantry. Voila, a 12 year old bottle of...

Turning Leaf Merlot. I'm assuming this was a very moderately priced Sonoma merlot back in the day. It was stored on it's side, probably not at ideal temps, and the first pour revealed a slight tannin/sediment mark just below the bottle neck. I took a tasting class at university in the early 80s and have enjoyed the fruit of a little education happily over the years, but this bottle is the second over the past week that's left me near speechless. If you can find it, give it a go and let me know where to get some more (1994). The color has gone deep inky and you see hints of brown and black in the glass. I knew from that this would be a trick or treat. There's a tale in the vapors of fogged earth and cold black cherries that conjurs up visions of fall in a Sonoma vineyard so clearly I could use the scent alone to explain terroir. It's as if one big whif of aged air beholds the exact distance from fermented grape to mother ocean. A marvelous wine to smell. A hearty swig revealed a balance of mineral, oak and sooo complex... smoked blueberry, fresh tobacco, buttered plum, sweet olives and mystery herb muted by soft almond, a lack of spice rendering the speechlessness, and a double finish... one alarmingly quick and astoundingly smooth... the next lingering behind your teeth with oak, earl grey and a dot of cinnamon. I'm a huge fan of California 97 Merlots and this 94 is right there. Lovely wine. I continue to enjoy as I type.

Christmas Eve the wealthy sister supplied dinner beverages as usual. She wanders through one of LA's huge wine depots and asks other customers for recommendations. It's been a solid approach in the past. She spends about $300 and puts nine bottles out on three different tables. The star of this show was an 01 ZD Napa Cabernet. The same lack of spice leaves me speechless, and some of the same qualities reveal my preferences. Theres more plum and black cherry, that dot of cinnamon, a touch of smoke and oak, but instead of all the complexity a bold tannic vanilla delivers a long finish. Mmmmm, sultry. I need to emphasize the finish. I joked hours later that I could still taste it and it tasted good. I was just barely joking. Sear some red meat rare and pull the cork out. Give it ten minutes or so. Nice.

 

[jamny]

Tried my first Riesling (Leitz). It was ok, but it might be a while before I try another one. Maybe when the weather warms up. Although it will be 65 tomorrow here in NY. Tasted somewhat like Champagne without the fizz. I asked the guy at the store for one that wasn't too sweet. I doubt I'll like the sweeter ones.

Anyway, due to the recent discussions here, I bought two new varieties that I haven't tried yet. I probably had a Zin before but didn't know it.

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel (should I have taken the Bogle?)

and

Trapiche Malbec

also picked up a Willamette Valley Pinot Gris and a Rex Hill Pinot Noir

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Tried my first Riesling (Leitz). It was ok, but it might be a while before I try another one. Maybe when the weather warms up. Although it will be 65 tomorrow here in NY. Tasted somewhat like Champagne without the fizz. I asked the guy at the store for one that wasn't too sweet. I doubt I'll like the sweeter ones.Anyway, due to the recent discussions here, I bought two new varieties that I haven't tried yet. I probably had a Zin before but didn't know it. Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel (should I have taken the Bogle?)andTrapiche Malbec also picked up a Willamette Valley Pinot Gris and a Rex Hill Pinot Noir

Ravenswood zins are generally pretty good. The Vintner's blend is kind of bottom of the barrel, but not bad given you can get it for like $7.50 at Costco. It would be worth getting the Lodi for just a few dollars more next time.

 

[jamny]

Tried my first Riesling (Leitz). It was ok, but it might be a while before I try another one. Maybe when the weather warms up. Although it will be 65 tomorrow here in NY. Tasted somewhat like Champagne without the fizz. I asked the guy at the store for one that wasn't too sweet. I doubt I'll like the sweeter ones.Anyway, due to the recent discussions here, I bought two new varieties that I haven't tried yet. I probably had a Zin before but didn't know it. Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel (should I have taken the Bogle?)andTrapiche Malbec also picked up a Willamette Valley Pinot Gris and a Rex Hill Pinot Noir

Ravenswood zins are generally pretty good. The Vintner's blend is kind of bottom of the barrel, but not bad given you can get it for like $7.50 at Costco. It would be worth getting the Lodi for just a few dollars more next time.

I was actually looking for the Lodi at the store but they didn't have it. I read good things about it. I wasn't sure where this one stood in their product line. I figured I'd buy a cheaper bottle first to see how we like it.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Tried my first Riesling (Leitz). It was ok, but it might be a while before I try another one. Maybe when the weather warms up. Although it will be 65 tomorrow here in NY. Tasted somewhat like Champagne without the fizz. I asked the guy at the store for one that wasn't too sweet. I doubt I'll like the sweeter ones.Anyway, due to the recent discussions here, I bought two new varieties that I haven't tried yet. I probably had a Zin before but didn't know it. Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel (should I have taken the Bogle?)andTrapiche Malbec also picked up a Willamette Valley Pinot Gris and a Rex Hill Pinot Noir

Ravenswood zins are generally pretty good. The Vintner's blend is kind of bottom of the barrel, but not bad given you can get it for like $7.50 at Costco. It would be worth getting the Lodi for just a few dollars more next time.

I was actually looking for the Lodi at the store but they didn't have it. I read good things about it. I wasn't sure where this one stood in their product line. I figured I'd buy a cheaper bottle first to see how we like it.

It's their cheapest. But for the price you could do worse.

 

[jamny]

Probably obvious answer, but do you follow standard serving temps with red and white zins as you do with other red and white wines?

 

[jamny]

Finished the Zin, red, slightly chilled (20 min.)

Very good, I can see myself getting into these more. Seemed very much like Shiraz, which have become my new favorites.

 

[Loomba]

Probably obvious answer, but do you follow standard serving temps with red and white zins as you do with other red and white wines?

Yes, I believe so.

 

[ditka311]

For the record, there is no such thing as a white zinfandel grape.

Tonight I picked up:

2003 Pascual Toso malbec

2002 Stepping Stone Howell Mountain zinfandel (had it before, it was great)

2004 Greg Norman Limestone Coast cabernet - merlot

For the price, the Norman cab merlot and shiraz are fantastic. There is one cab merlot bottle left (at $11.98/btl) and no more shiraz.

The gf picked up a couple of NZ sauv blancs. I want to try the Tohu.

 

[phrozen]

enjoying a bottle of 2003 R Collection Merlot

hadn't had a good merlot in a while and this is a very nice easy drinking wine.

much lighter bodied than the wine I usually drink but a nice change.

 

[jamny]

For the record, there is no such thing as a white zinfandel grape.

That opens up a discussion:So is the only difference between white and red wine is that reds use the skin and stems? The color of the grape (on the outside) isn't necessarily the color of the wine it produces.

 

[bentley]

For the record, there is no such thing as a white zinfandel grape.

That opens up a discussion:So is the only difference between white and red wine is that reds use the skin and stems? The color of the grape (on the outside) isn't necessarily the color of the wine it produces.

I've only been on a couple winery tours (and was pretty hammered both times by the end), but that's what I remember.

 

[jamny]

For the record, there is no such thing as a white zinfandel grape.

That opens up a discussion:So is the only difference between white and red wine is that reds use the skin and stems? The color of the grape (on the outside) isn't necessarily the color of the wine it produces.

I've only been on a couple winery tours (and was pretty hammered both times by the end), but that's what I remember.

Yeah but isn't a red grape red inside?And how can you get red wine from a green grape even if you use the skin and stem?

 

[bentley]

For the record, there is no such thing as a white zinfandel grape.

That opens up a discussion:So is the only difference between white and red wine is that reds use the skin and stems? The color of the grape (on the outside) isn't necessarily the color of the wine it produces.

I've only been on a couple winery tours (and was pretty hammered both times by the end), but that's what I remember.

Yeah but isn't a red grape red inside?And how can you get red wine from a green grape even if you use the skin and stem?

I guess that's not exactly the case. Here's what Wikipedia sez:

Red wine is made from red (or black) grapes, but its red colour is bestowed by a process called maceration, whereby the skin is left in contact with the juice during fermentation. White wine can be made from any colour of grape as the skin is separated from the juice during fermentation.

 

[jamny]

Had my first Malbec tonight. Again, a varietal I tried because of this thread.

Trapiche Malbec 04

The strongest actual grape flavor I've tasted so far, with a pepper taste similar to a Cab.

I liked it and look forward to exploring Malbec further.

also picked up a Seghesio Zinfandel.

So far, in my limited experience, I think I like the Piedmont (Barbera)reds the most.

 

[17seconds]

I'm drinking Pillar Box Red, which is an insane value at $9.99 and 91 pts Robert Parker.

I have 15 bottles... well, 14 after tonight.

 

[matuski]

Malbec - Try Navarro Correas

Syrah - anything chilean right now is super - Santa Rita, Mont Gras

Italy - get on the Feudi di San Gregorio train! ALL ABOARD for Southern Italy!

 

[jamny]

I hear a lot of bashing of Santa Margarita, apparently not for it's quality but for it's price tag.

I've now tried multiple Pinot Grigio's and the only one that surpasses it has been a Livio Fellugia which costs more.

Is it just the popularity of Santa Margarita that draws the ire?

Which Pinot Grigio's offer a better value?

Granted I've only tried 3 cheaper ones but none have tasted better.

I can get Santa Margarita for $18.99

 

[ditka311]

I hear a lot of bashing of Santa Margarita, apparently not for it's quality but for it's price tag.I've now tried multiple Pinot Grigio's and the only one that surpasses it has been a Livio Fellugia which costs more.Is it just the popularity of Santa Margarita that draws the ire?Which Pinot Grigio's offer a better value?Granted I've only tried 3 cheaper ones but none have tasted better. I can get Santa Margarita for $18.99

I would say you should try Chateau Ste. Michelle pinot gris which is probably just as good or better and about $12 a bottle at the most. Tonight I bought:2001 Valentin Bianchi malbec2004 Little Stone Vineyard cabernet sauvYesterday I had a Little Penguin shiraz that was really good for $6. For another value, IMO, try Coppola Rosso.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

what up all?

it's been a while since i posted in this thread. but i went to a sweet ### wine tasting yesterday. some pretty serious hitters were on the menu. here are some highlights. i threw in links to the wineries because some of them are fairly small/not very well known.

beaux freres--05 willamette valley oregon pinots. i liked 'the vineyard' the best.link

blackbird vinyard--04 pomerol inspired 95% merlot, 5% cab. sarah gott(insignia, quintessa previously) is the winemaker. link

crocker & starr-- 04 95% cab franc, 5% old vine merlot. i liked this a lot. deep rich wine. link

diamond creek --04 red rock terrace, volcanic hill, & gravelly meadows(my favorite) cabs. this is a consistently great winery in my opinion. link

ehlers estate-- the merlot & the reserve cab were quite good with exceptional finishes. link

etude--the 04 'deer camp' pinot was awesome. 470 cases link

gemstone--facets link bordeaux blend wow!

grgich hills--miljenko's old vine zin was the stand out for me. link

la sirena winery--this is heidi barrett's winery. she of screaming eagle fame. i liked the syrah & the muscat. i got to speak with her at length a really nice, down to earth lady. link

levendi--i wasn't overly impressed with any of their selections. i liked the 'cold creek' chard the best. no ML link

mayacamus--they had a 92 cab open that was delicious. the current vintages were good but not great. link

meyer family cellars--i only tasted the port which was only so so. link

napa wine co--nothing overwhelming link

paradigm winery--another heidi barrett as winemaker. really nice cab with incredible balance link

pride mountain-- the merlot was my favorite of the bunch & i also liked the viogner quite a bit. link

silver oak-- predictable good juice with the napa cab stealing the show as usual link

twomey cellars--this is a silver oak spin off. nice big merlot. they also had a pinot that had only been in the bottle 2 weeks, hot as hell but it seemed to have promise. link

 

[pigskinliquors]

We went with an Alexander Valley Sin Zin this evening. Quite Yummy as usual

 

[ditka311]

We went with an Alexander Valley Sin Zin this evening. Quite Yummy as usual

Never had the Sin Zin, mostly because I see it everywhere and figure I can try it whenever. I need to give it a try. Tonight:2005 Dona Paula malbec2003 E. Guigal Cotes du RhoneDrinking the Guigal right now. Great wine for the the $13 price tag.

 

[jamny]

where can you get a good wine rack at a B&M store? We've looked at Crate and Barrel, Macy's etc. but all they have is like 10-12 bottle racks. Looking for a good selection of 20-30 racks.

Any chain stores?

only online?

 

[ditka311]

where can you get a good wine rack at a B&M store? We've looked at Crate and Barrel, Macy's etc. but all they have is like 10-12 bottle racks. Looking for a good selection of 20-30 racks.Any chain stores?only online?

I was looking for those too but ended up just letting the gf buy one. It wasn't that nice but it worked. You can find them all over online. I suggest that you just get a decent wine fridge.

 

[jamny]

where can you get a good wine rack at a B&M store? We've looked at Crate and Barrel, Macy's etc. but all they have is like 10-12 bottle racks. Looking for a good selection of 20-30 racks.Any chain stores?only online?

I suggest that you just get a decent wine fridge.

I might look into that.Once again after tonight, I can't recommend the Benton Lane Pinot Noir enough.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

what up all?

it's been a while since i posted in this thread. but i went to a sweet ### wine tasting yesterday. some pretty serious hitters were on the menu. here are some highlights. i threw in links to the wineries because some of them are fairly small/not very well known.

beaux freres--05 willamette valley oregon pinots. i liked 'the vineyard' the best.link

blackbird vinyard--04 pomerol inspired 95% merlot, 5% cab. sarah gott(insignia, quintessa previously) is the winemaker. link

crocker & starr-- 04 95% cab franc, 5% old vine merlot. i liked this a lot. deep rich wine. link

diamond creek --04 red rock terrace, volcanic hill, & gravelly meadows(my favorite) cabs. this is a consistently great winery in my opinion. link

ehlers estate-- the merlot & the reserve cab were quite good with exceptional finishes. link

etude--the 04 'deer camp' pinot was awesome. 470 cases link

gemstone--facets link bordeaux blend wow!

grgich hills--miljenko's old vine zin was the stand out for me. link

la sirena winery--this is heidi barrett's winery. she of screaming eagle fame. i liked the syrah & the muscat. i got to speak with her at length a really nice, down to earth lady. link

levendi--i wasn't overly impressed with any of their selections. i liked the 'cold creek' chard the best. no ML link

mayacamus--they had a 92 cab open that was delicious. the current vintages were good but not great. link

meyer family cellars--i only tasted the port which was only so so. link

napa wine co--nothing overwhelming link

paradigm winery--another heidi barrett as winemaker. really nice cab with incredible balance link

pride mountain-- the merlot was my favorite of the bunch & i also liked the viogner quite a bit. link

silver oak-- predictable good juice with the napa cab stealing the show as usual link

twomey cellars--this is a silver oak spin off. nice big merlot. they also had a pinot that had only been in the bottle 2 weeks, hot as hell but it seemed to have promise. link

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.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

what up all?

it's been a while since i posted in this thread. but i went to a sweet ### wine tasting yesterday. some pretty serious hitters were on the menu. here are some highlights. i threw in links to the wineries because some of them are fairly small/not very well known.

beaux freres--05 willamette valley oregon pinots. i liked 'the vineyard' the best.link

blackbird vinyard--04 pomerol inspired 95% merlot, 5% cab. sarah gott(insignia, quintessa previously) is the winemaker. link

crocker & starr-- 04 95% cab franc, 5% old vine merlot. i liked this a lot. deep rich wine. link

diamond creek --04 red rock terrace, volcanic hill, & gravelly meadows(my favorite) cabs. this is a consistently great winery in my opinion. link

ehlers estate-- the merlot & the reserve cab were quite good with exceptional finishes. link

etude--the 04 'deer camp' pinot was awesome. 470 cases link

gemstone--facets link bordeaux blend wow!

grgich hills--miljenko's old vine zin was the stand out for me. link

la sirena winery--this is heidi barrett's winery. she of screaming eagle fame. i liked the syrah & the muscat. i got to speak with her at length a really nice, down to earth lady. link

levendi--i wasn't overly impressed with any of their selections. i liked the 'cold creek' chard the best. no ML link

mayacamus--they had a 92 cab open that was delicious. the current vintages were good but not great. link

meyer family cellars--i only tasted the port which was only so so. link

napa wine co--nothing overwhelming link

paradigm winery--another heidi barrett as winemaker. really nice cab with incredible balance link

pride mountain-- the merlot was my favorite of the bunch & i also liked the viogner quite a bit. link

silver oak-- predictable good juice with the napa cab stealing the show as usual link

twomey cellars--this is a silver oak spin off. nice big merlot. they also had a pinot that had only been in the bottle 2 weeks, hot as hell but it seemed to have promise. link

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.

save yourself & the restauant some $$ & get 00 or 03's. both are exceptional bordeaux vintages. 05 is going to be awesome but hella pricey.

 

[plymkr]

Ca' del Sol Big House Red - my favorite table wine.

My favorite by far. wist off be damned!

 

[plymkr]

Had a Rosemount Estate Cab/Shiraz Blend the other day. Very good and only $13.

Very good, and I only pay about 7. Just bought 3 for 5.99 each.Drinking one right now.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Any of you guys know of a good place in the Healdsburg area to stay? I'm headed to Sonoma in March, and I'd like to stay towards the north instead of driving down to Santa Rosa half-crocked.

 

[bentley]

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin.

 

[jamny]

a couple of recent recommendations:

Shiraz - quickly becoming a favorite. Are they just affordable because they aren't as well known?

Oxford Landing and Jacob’s Creek. Giving Woop Woop a shot soon.

Di Majo Norante Ramitello - 80% Prugnolo and 20% Aglianico $10

Awesome. This will be a regular buy.

Had a Ridge Geyserville Zin at Sparks Steakhouse the other day. Top notch. Zin and Shiraz are my two favorite varietals.

and had my first Petite Sirah (Averill Lake) Very interesting. Look forward to exploring this further. Any recommendations?

 

[17seconds]

Shiraz - quickly becoming a favorite. Are they just affordable because they aren't as well known?Oxford Landing and Jacob’s Creek. Giving Woop Woop a shot soon.

Not a fan of Woop Woop. Jacob's Creek Reserve is decent. The regular Shiraz is pretty bad.Still nursing a hangover last night from drinking portions of the following bottles at a home poker game:Justin Isoceles Cab Sauv 2003The Hess Collection Cab Sauv 2002Stag's Leap Artemis 2004Ercavio Temperanillo 2004Henry's Drive Pillar Box Red 2005

 

[jamny]

Yeah, the Jacob's Creek was an 04 Reserve. Still only $8.99. I'm finding in my limited experience so far that most popular varietals have poor quality below $10. Not horrible, just not worth repeated buying. Quality Shiraz seems to still be available under $10.

And good wines can still be had on the cheap from places like South Africa and Chile, etc.

The Petite Sirah also seems to come cheap.

I guess it's all just supply and demand. I've given up looking for great Chars, Cabs, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Zins, etc. under $10. Seems like the 10-20 range is next. Hopefully my new addiction doesn't force me too much higher.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

OliverHill Shiraz. Jimmy Section. $34 Worth every penny.