The Wine Thread [Archive] - Cigar Asylum Cigar Forum

mmblz

10-23-2008, 03:02 PM

more blogs (format is hard to read but easy to import)...

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<outline text="Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog" description="A wine insider&#39;s view of that place where culture, politics, wine and I mingle." title="Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://fermentation.typepad.com/fermentation/" xmlUrl="http://fermentation.typepad.com/fermentation/atom.xml"/>
<outline text="la gramiere" description="A small two person farm and winery in the southern Rhône. Farming organically, vinifying naturally and living the good life in Southern France." title="la gramiere" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://www.lagramiere.com/blog/" xmlUrl="http://lagramiere.typepad.com/blog/atom.xml"/>
<outline text="Viticulteur>" description="La vie du Domaine" title="Viticulteur>" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="" xmlUrl="http://www.vincentdancer.com/atom.php"/>
<outline text="Vinography: a wine blog" description="Wine and food adventures in San Francisco and around the world" title="Vinography: a wine blog" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://www.vinography.com/" xmlUrl="http://www.vinography.com/atom.xml"/>
<outline text="Uncorked" description="Mark Fisher is the author of Uncorked and a writer for the Dayton Daily News.

Find things to do

In a hurry? ActiveDayton.com's twice-a-week e-mail newsletter lets you know the top five things to do in the area twice a week.

Sign up" title="Uncorked" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/wine/" xmlUrl="http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs//dayton/wine//index.xml"/>
<outline text="VinoFictions" description="the blog that proves "in vino veritas"" title="VinoFictions" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://vinofictions.blogspot.com/" xmlUrl="http://vinofictions.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default"/>
<outline text="The Cork Board" description="The premiere blog of the Napa Valley" title="The Cork Board" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://www.uncork29.com/blog" xmlUrl="http://www.uncork29.com/blog/feed/"/>
<outline text="Cheap Fun Wines" description="Cheap Fun Wines.com is on a mission to find the most luscious wines on the planet for under $20." title="Cheap Fun Wines" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://www.cheapfunwines.com/" xmlUrl="http://feeds.feedburner.com/CheapFunWines"/>
<outline text="Anomaly Vineyards" description="" title="Anomaly Vineyards" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://anomalyvineyards.blogspot.com/" xmlUrl="http://anomalyvineyards.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default"/>
<outline text="Wine Blog" description="Juicy Tales by Jo Diaz" title="Wine Blog" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://wine-blog.org" xmlUrl="http://www.wine-blog.org/?feed=rss2"/>
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<outline text="Good Wine Under $20" description="An award-winning wine blog dedicated to celebrating everyday wine culture and helping you find delicious, varied wines from all over the world that are good value, interesting to drink, pair well with food, and are (mostly) under $20. Looking for something particular, like a Cabernet that won't break the bank or sparkling wine from Spain? Scroll down to the Topic Index in the left sidebar to locate wines by variety, region, or price." title="Good Wine Under $20" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://goodwineunder20.blogspot.com/" xmlUrl="http://goodwineunder20.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default"/>
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<outline text="Wine Reviews at Chateau Petrogasm" description="The Wine Blog of Tasting Notes Through Images" title="Wine Reviews at Chateau Petrogasm" type="rss" version="RSS" htmlUrl="http://chateaupetrogasm.com" xmlUrl="http://chateaupetrogasm.com/feed/atom/"/>
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Scottw

10-23-2008, 03:07 PM

Questions about wine? Enjoy a bottle recently? Looking for something expensive/cheap for dinner tonight? Discuss here.

Maybe we could start a wine club? Like a book club- someone picks a region for the week and we all compare tasting notes.

I had a Cesari Mara Ripasso last night that I got for $22. It's on sale every Tuesday for $17 if you buy a case. It was like a baby Amarone and was quite good. I would recommend it for a full, smooth, red wine experience without a huge price tag .

Mark C

10-23-2008, 03:55 PM

A few of the wine blogs I read daily:

http://www.vinography.com/
http://www.drvino.com/
http://thepour.blogs.nytimes.com/
http://750ml.blogspot.com/
http://www.ft.com/arts/columnists/robinson - weekends
http://online.wsj.com/article/tastings.html - fridays

My boss is going to hate you. :ss

mmblz

10-23-2008, 04:18 PM

same as my other post, just links

http://fermentation.typepad.com/fermentation/
http://www.lagramiere.com/blog/
http://www.vincentdancer.com/atom.php
http://www.vinography.com/
http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/wine/
http://vinofictions.blogspot.com/
http://www.uncork29.com/blog
http://www.cheapfunwines.com/
http://anomalyvineyards.blogspot.com/
http://wine-blog.org
http://www.winemag.com/blogs/
http://goodwineunder20.blogspot.com/
http://www.wineterroirs.com/
http://chateaupetrogasm.com
http://winebroad.typepad.com/my_weblog/
http://biggerthanyourhead.net
http://wine-scamp.com
http://www.fantesca.com/blog/
http://cimacollina.com/WordPress

aldukes

10-29-2008, 12:47 PM

Anyone else here use cellartracker? Ive been paying attention to it a lot more and was wondering about membership perks.

Also- great article last weekend about How to Taste.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/005c4c2a-a161-11dd-82fd-000077b07658.html
(sign-up its free)

One of the things they stressed at the class I took recently is the fact you can only taste 5 things, but smell over 10,000.

SmokinApe

10-29-2008, 05:46 PM

I like wine but don;t really know jack about it... what should I read first?

tsolomon

10-29-2008, 06:15 PM

I have been using Cellar Tracker for a couple of years. Being online, it's accessible from just about anywhere. It really does help to keep track of what you have and where it's stored in your cellar. You can print out different reports depending on your needs. :D Anyone else here use cellartracker? Ive been paying attention to it a lot more and was wondering about membership perks.

Also- great article last weekend about How to Taste.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/005c4c2a-a161-11dd-82fd-000077b07658.html
(sign-up its free)

One of the things they stressed at the class I took recently is the fact you can only taste 5 things, but smell over 10,000.

mosesbotbol

10-30-2008, 05:09 AM

Anyone else here use cellartracker? Ive been paying attention to it a lot more and was wondering about membership perks.

I was using Excel, but stopped. Cellar tracker is good, especially if you use off site storage of your cellar. I recommend neck tags unless you keep your wine in their OWC's.

I prefer to look at my collection rose colored glasses. :cool2: Case counts sound larger than bottle counts. :dance:

As much as I love wine, most are not good pairings with cigars.

leasingthisspace

10-30-2008, 06:21 AM

I hope to try and get to Temecula again when I get back stateside and on leave. Lots of great wines to be had out there. I had a great time last time in San Diego when I was on leave before coming here. My wife is a wine lover big time. I found a great place in SD called Winesteals if your ever out there. It is a little winebar. It even has some outdoor seating. I though everything was well priced and the staff was very helpful.

aldukes

10-30-2008, 08:18 AM

I was using Excel, but stopped. Cellar tracker is good, especially if you use off site storage of your cellar. I recommend neck tags unless you keep your wine in their OWC's.

I prefer to look at my collection rose colored glasses. :cool2: Case counts sound larger than bottle counts. :dance:

As much as I love wine, most are not good pairings with cigars.

case counts? You obviously dont live in a tiny apt.:D

I have a 18 bottle fridge with 25 bottles in it right now- i have to put a pillow down when i open it because I cant catch the overflow that falls out.

Ive been looking into off site storage but I only have a few bottles that would make it worth it.

aldukes

10-30-2008, 08:24 AM

I like wine but don;t really know jack about it... what should I read first?

I would suggest learning about what you like first. Get some reference books like Oxford Companion to Wine or Window's on the World Wine Course.

What have you been drinking?

aldukes

10-31-2008, 01:18 PM

say what you want about winelibrary.tv- but this is a cant miss:

http://tv.winelibrary.com/2008/10/30/a-wine-tasting-with-jancis-robinson-episode-568/

Jancis F'ing Robinson. Great talk about sherry towards the end- very interesting.

ucla695

10-31-2008, 08:02 PM

Great info here. Thanks! :tu

BC-Axeman

10-31-2008, 08:47 PM

I've been into California wines since I live here. I have developed my taste over the years by going on tasting tours to local regions and tasting bars. I tend to like wines that some connoisseurs turn their noses up at because I like flavorful fruity strong alcohol wines like Paso Robles Zins and Pitit Sirahs and our Cab Sauvs from around here. They call them "jammy" or "porty" like that's a bad thing.
In my travels I have tasted great Bordeauxs, Spanish, German, Italian and Portuguese wines but I cant seem to find those wines locally as good as the ones I've had abroad.
Why is that? I am now wary of wines I haven't tasted or if I don't feel good about the vintage.
Also, I've noticed that sometimes a bottle doesn't taste as good when opened later then as it did when it was tasted.
On the other hand I just had a bottle of 2000 David Bruce Russian River Pinot Noir from the Windsor Garden vineyard that was soooo much better than I remembered it when I tasted it.
Some wines go through a "dead period" when they taste bad like some flavor is overpowering it. I leave other bottles of it alone for a few more years and usually they come back around better.

100 bottles of wine in a cellar at an average of say $22 a bottle is $2200. 200 = $4400. Throw in those special $50+ bottles here and there plus a few bottles of Port and Madiera and it can get worse than a cigar habit quickly.

Scottw

10-31-2008, 08:57 PM

www.vinfolio.com is a nice site for hard to find or very good vintages. I've seen Chateau Yquems from the early 1900's (Not Rodenstock ones so don't worry) and rare lafittes there. I went recently and the site was down. Anyone know anything about this?

BC-Axeman

10-31-2008, 09:04 PM

www.vinfolio.com (http://www.vinfolio.com) is a nice site for hard to find or very good vintages. I've seen Chateau Yquems from the early 1900's (Not Rodenstock ones so don't worry) and rare lafittes there. I went recently and the site was down. Anyone know anything about this?
The site works for me. A little slow loading. Hey if money is no object, they have a lot of $3000+ wines you can take a chance on.:D

Scottw

10-31-2008, 09:07 PM

The site works for me. A little slow loading. Hey if money is no object, they have a lot of $3000+ wines you can take a chance on.:D

I love looking at the vintages and just wondering what they are like. If you have read The Billionaires Vinegar, I think scepticism will accompany any of those purchases. I do have a friend who is opening an 82 Lafitte on his 50th in May. His father was a wine importer and left a few bottles behind when he died. He is inviting 4 friends to his birthday party for the uncorking..............I happen to be one of them. It was a very generous invite.

SmokinApe

11-01-2008, 06:04 AM

I would suggest learning about what you like first. Get some reference books like Oxford Companion to Wine or Window's on the World Wine Course.

What have you been drinking?

Thanks for the tip... I haven't been drinking anyone brand in particular... I like full bodied reds; Cab Sav, Merlot, and a Malbec... Probably around 2005... I know that Boogle is a brand that I usually pick up but no others stand out in my mind...

aldukes

11-01-2008, 07:17 AM

The site works for me. A little slow loading. Hey if money is no object, they have a lot of $3000+ wines you can take a chance on.:D

sign up for the monthly email- they send out the entire catalog via email. its awesome bathroom material.

aldukes

11-01-2008, 07:31 AM

Thanks for the tip... I haven't been drinking anyone brand in particular... I like full bodied reds; Cab Sav, Merlot, and a Malbec... Probably around 2005... I know that Boogle is a brand that I usually pick up but no others stand out in my mind...

bogle makes a very good petite sirah.

malbec- i usually stick to Mendoza region in Argentina. Ask your wine shop if they have any wines from Cahors, France. The same grape, but made in an
'old-world" style.

try some Bordeaux- for under $15 you can still get some pretty good wines.

Vitis

11-02-2008, 12:33 PM

malbec- i usually stick to Mendoza region in Argentina.

Ill second Argentine Malbecs. Spent some time in Mendoza this year visiting some of the wineries I carry here in Wa. very high quality to price ratio. I would say for the money, most of the varietals from Argentina are pretty fine compared to their american counterparts at the same price. For whites, try some Torrontes. Its the main grape of Argentina and very specific to their region. Zippy foral flavors with great acid. Think Sauv Blanc at a great price point.

~Vitis

SmokinApe

11-03-2008, 01:43 PM

Can you guys recommend any Argentine brands?

aldukes

11-03-2008, 02:07 PM

Can you guys recommend any Argentine brands?

Punto Final Malbec Reserva 2005- had this about a month ago- thought it was pretty good- a little heavy on the oak- but at about 12 dollars- totally worth it.

Michel Rolland is involved in Val de Flores and Clos de los Siete. I havent had from either vineyard- I'm going to track down a bottle of 06 Clos this week- I'll post tasting notes.

AdamC

11-03-2008, 02:15 PM

aldukes

11-03-2008, 02:25 PM

Punto Final Malbec Reserva 2005- had this about a month ago- thought it was pretty good- a little heavy on the oak- but at about 12 dollars- totally worth it.

Michel Rolland is involved in Val de Flores and Clos de los Siete. I havent had from either vineyard- I'm going to track down a bottle of 06 Clos this week- I'll post tasting notes.

two more:

Layer Cake '07- not bad for about 17 a bottle- black fruit , chocolate- good with a steak.

Urban Uco- puts out a decent product for under 12 a bottle. Heavy oak- but pretty decent fruit- not as good as the two above.

Mugen910

11-03-2008, 03:01 PM

Finally...I can start learning about wines...:tu

Vitis

11-03-2008, 04:18 PM

Can you guys recommend any Argentine brands?

For entry level stuff, i love Zolo, which should be around $10-$12 depending on where you are located. Great Malbec, Bonarda, Cab, Merlot and Torrontes.

For a Step up check out Melipal Malbec. (around $20) Hector durigutti makes this one and he is basicaly the Rock Star of Argentinian wine making.. The wines are very rich w/ black fruit and sweet oak. Made for the American palate, and loved by a lot of the reviewers. Very impressive for the $$.

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

11-04-2008, 05:58 AM

Michel Rolland is involved in Val de Flores and Clos de los Siete. I havent had from either vineyard- I'm going to track down a bottle of 06 Clos this week- I'll post tasting notes.

I've had Close de los Siete a couple of times. If you are a fan of new world wines, you may like this. To me, it has too much alcohol and seems too "worked" to my likes. Many critics and consumers are fans, so I say go for it. At 14.5% and some decent concentration, the wine has good aging potential.

I am hardly an expert or regular consumer of S. American wines, so I can't offer you much advice.

mosesbotbol

11-04-2008, 06:01 AM

I don't know much, but my girlfriend has gotten me into a lot of the whites, Riesling, Vino Verde (good cheap bottle from Trader Joes). I'm a fan of Ice wines as well from Canada, and some excellent Muscato's out there as well. it's like drinking juice.

Vinho Verde is a great stuff. Try the Aveleda brand. VV is a hidden gem, don't tell anyone!

You'll probably love Sauternes, which is a late harvest white Bordeaux like an Ice Wine. Chateau d'Arche is a good one for under $25 for 375 ml.

SmokinApe

11-04-2008, 10:23 AM

Thanks for the tips!

SmokinApe

11-06-2008, 08:23 AM

I drank a few glasses of this last night, it was pretty good...

http://wineenabler.com/just-wines/marquis-phillips-2006-roogle-red/

http://www.winecanine.com/blogart/roogle-red.jpg

aldukes

11-06-2008, 09:40 AM

I drank a few glasses of this last night, it was pretty good...

http://wineenabler.com/just-wines/marquis-phillips-2006-roogle-red/

Marquis Phillips makes some pretty good Shiraz based blends. I'll keep an eye out for this.

aldukes

11-07-2008, 02:18 PM

SmokinApe

11-07-2008, 06:36 PM

I am about 1/2 way through a bottle of this Cab Sav, pretty decent stuff... From a local vineyard in NOVA, Tarara...

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-54422420605888_2024_2902962

LasciviousXXX

11-07-2008, 10:30 PM

I love good wine but generally can't afford to drink it on a regular basis so I stick to the mid level stuff mostly. Anything from the Monterey Valley area is a fave of mine and recently I've been into Norther Rhone's but they can sometimes get pricey.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy some truly fantastic wines thanks to some of our bro's here.... so thanks guys.

Last bottle I had was mid-level 2003 Coppola Diamond Claret. Great rich wine with deep color and aroma. Good stuff

CoventryCat86

11-07-2008, 11:18 PM

I'm on a late fall white wine kick lately so I'm pushing back the Clos de los Siete.
I'm really into Vouvray right now- Vouvray is always 100% Chenin Blanc.

Producer: Domaine de Vaufuget
Vintage: 2007
Region: Taurine ,Loire, France
Price: $11

Sight: Clear, bright straw color
Nose: Apple, pear, lime, charcoal, white flowers
Palate: Apple, citrus, lots of chalk, slight almond sweetness,touch of copper on the finish (in a good way)

Very simple wine with great fruit flavors and enough acid to cut through the Mexican food I had it with. Touch of sweetness, even a little salty too.

NICE!!:salute:

Not that I'm a huge wine expert but the subject certainly does interest me and I could talk about it for a long time but I'll try and keep this relatively short:

Vouvray is a very nice and little known fairly dry white. My ex-wife/fiance (don't ask, LMAO!) Kathleen, is the Tasting Room Manager at Hopkins Vineyard (http://www.hopkinsvineyard.com/index.asp) in western Connecticut. She know a lot about wine (from drinking A LOT of it, LOL!) and likes Vouvray (as you said, made from Chenin Blanc grapes) and she also likes Pinot Grigio. We both like drier wines.

Hopkins Vineyard is the largest of the 30 or so vineyards in Connecticut and by largest, I say by the number of acres of grapes they grow (~35 acres). Sharpe Hill in Pomfret, CT claims they are the "largest" based on total number of cases sold per year because they import quite a few of their grapes and juices. Almost all of Hopkins' wines are "estate grown" meaning they grow the grapes there in Warren, CT on their property.

Kathleen played a big part in designing a new European-style Rose (drier than what most people think of when you talk about Rose), it's called "Lady Rose" but you can't find it on their website because it's new this year. Since it was an experiment, they only made 130 cases and it sold out in ten weeks. They hope to make quite a bit more for next year so be sure to watch for it on their site. I'll post back here when it's available.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are damn near impossible to grow in Connecticut so a few of the vineyards here grow Cabernet Franc grapes which is sometimes called the "grandfather" of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Cab Francs tend to be drier than most Cabernet Sauvignons and are not quite as full bodied as your average Cabernet Sauvignon. Hopkins' Cab Franc is IMO the BEST one you'll find from CT vineyards. The 2005 was fantastic but it just sold out last weekend (I got one of the last cases!). And yes, it noticeably varies from year to year. The 2002 was a great one and the 2003 was "not good" when it first came out but as the year went on, it seemed to markedly improve in the bottle. 2004 was a bad growing year here in CT so what little Cab Franc grapes they grew all went into the Red Barn Red blend so there was no Cabernet Franc from Hopkins in 2004.

Hopkins also makes two very good sparkling wines, Gold Label and Silver Label and I love them both.

I'm also a huge Bordeaux fan along with Cabernet Sauvignon. Bordeauxs are blends with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, along with a little Merlot and sometimes a little Cabernet Franc thrown in along with Petit Verdot. I've never had a first growth label Bordeaux (since most are high three figures per bottle) but I've had a second growth one and it was wonderful (Chateau Lascombes Margaux 2003). Check out the "Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855" to see what I'm talking about.

I'm still trying to figure out the difference between a "grape" (Cabernet Franc) and a "region" (ie "Bordeaux"). One of these days, I hope to "get it", LOL!

The world of wine is very similar to cigars, drink what you like and like what you drink. Fancy, expensive wines are nice but there are some great wines out there for $10.00 to $15.00 a bottle.

By the way, GREAT THREAD!:D

CoventryCat86

11-07-2008, 11:28 PM

For any of you guys in the Sonoma/Napa region in California, you live in what many consider the best area in the WORLD for wine!

I'd love to make a trip out there some day! I'd also really enjoy a trip to France at some point in my life. I'd definitely make the Bordeaux region my #1 priority.

CoventryCat86

11-07-2008, 11:32 PM

Vinho Verde is a great stuff. Try the Aveleda brand. VV is a hidden gem, don't tell anyone!

You'll probably love Sauternes, which is a late harvest white Bordeaux like an Ice Wine. Chateau d'Arche is a good one for under $25 for 375 ml.

Hopkins makes an AWESOME Ice Wine. It's expensive stuff but if you're into 'Ice Wine" then you really ought to try it. It's a very heavy, very sweet dessert wine.

aldukes

11-12-2008, 08:53 AM

there are some great wines out there for $10.00 to $15.00 a bottle.

Now we're talking. I agree with the statement, but I think its a little more complex than that. There are some great values if you look for the right things.

Good Napa Chardonnay for under $15- not happening-instead try some Albarino or Vinho Verde or some Sav blanc from NZ (although this is becoming harder to find at this price point). Because of marketing budgets, taxes, inflation-good wine from CA at this price are very hard to find.

aldukes

11-13-2008, 08:59 AM

So, I bought a bottle of '06 Clos de los Siete last night.

Sight: Medium Clear/medium purple/ stained tears
Nose: Black Cherry, sweet plum / chocolate, burnt caramel
Palate: Black Cherry, blueberry / chocolate, green forest (fern), lots of wood coming through

This wine is a powerhouse at 15% alcohol, lots of tannin. My mouth was purple and my tongue was beat up after 2 glasses. I don't think this wine is ready yet- after 45 min decanting, it was still extremely tight- a struggle to get aroma and tastes out of the wine. I would suggest buying 2 bottles, opening one in 6-8 months then again this time in '09.

SmokinApe

11-14-2008, 09:04 AM

I was sippin' on the Pinot Noir last night and enjoyed it quite a bit... I was gifted this bottle last x-mas and just decided to open it... It's probably cheap swill...

mosesbotbol

11-14-2008, 09:11 AM

So, I bought a bottle of '06 Clos de los Siete last night.

Sight: Medium Clear/medium purple/ stained tears
Nose: Black Cherry, sweet plum / chocolate, burnt caramel
Palate: Black Cherry, blueberry / chocolate, green forest (fern), lots of wood coming through

This wine is a powerhouse at 15% alcohol, lots of tannin.

Not a fan of this wine, too much alcohol and manipulation to make it taste like something. Certainly, for new world wines it is good, but not my style of wine. This wine should sit anothe 5+ years before drinking again. I remember the wood and alcohol...

It seems to be the way of new world wines, raise the alcohol in fermentation to mask the lack of concentration or whatever else they are masking...

mosesbotbol

11-14-2008, 09:17 AM

Good Napa Chardonnay for under $15- not happening

Washington State is making some decent Chard's for around $15

The problem with some CA Chard's is they can be too oaky. It's fine balance to add depth, but not make it too toasty/buttery.

Chard's from France can be had around $15; don't laugh, but I have bought several Chablis at that price point... Last year, I found some Mersault's under $20 too! A local B&M was dumping William Fevre White Burgundy like it was a fire sale. Took advantage of that one!

cbsmokin

11-14-2008, 09:27 AM

I enjoyed some 2002 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon the other night. It's difficult to find under $50. Anyone had it before? If you have can you recommend something as an alternative?

mosesbotbol

11-14-2008, 09:39 AM

I enjoyed some 2002 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon the other night. It's difficult to find under $50. Anyone had it before? If you have can you recommend something as an alternative?

Have not had this wine, but Wine Spectator says, "Not a big wine, almost elegant in structure, with dark cherry, pepper and dusky herb flavors that persist on the chewy, smoky finish. Needs time to flesh out. Best after 2008. 3,059 cases made - 88 points" Washington St. wine.

That fits the bill of a ton of CA Cab's. I am not too up on CA wines, but try Ridge or Diamond Creek (a little expensive but worth it).

Something a little more affordable, Beringer's Knights Valley is tempting at under $30.00.

Vitis

11-14-2008, 10:12 AM

I enjoyed some 2002 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon the other night. It's difficult to find under $50. Anyone had it before? If you have can you recommend something as an alternative?

Pepper Bridge is a little expensive IMHO for what it is, but has a very distinct Walla Walla flavor profile. You could try other wines from the same vineyards (pepperbridge and 7 hills). For that style I very much like Beresan which should be about $30-$35. The owner Tom Waliser is the vineyard manager for both of the above vineyards, and his estate vineyards are pretty excellent.

Others somewhat similar and a little less expensive than pepper Bridge are Basel Cab Pheasant Run Vineyard, Hightower Pepperbridge vineyard, Fidelitas Walla Walla cab and Dusted Valley Walla Walla cab. There are a ton more but those come to mind quickly.

~Vitis

King James

11-14-2008, 10:15 AM

My neighbor really enjoys red wine. I think she will drink just about any wine, so she isn't very picky and will drink cheaper bottles... but I was wondering what a nice mid-range bottle would be to get for Christmas?

Vitis

11-14-2008, 10:39 AM

... I was wondering what a nice mid-range bottle would be to get for Christmas?

Not knowing what is available where you live (or what price range we're really talking about) I would find a reputable wine shop in the area and speak with the staff about what you are looking for. Those guys will know what is tasting good that they have in stock and give you more guidance. Even though Ive been cellaring wine for years, I always still speak with the sommelier at restaurants to find out what they have that is drinking well for the money. A reputable shop will have tasted most of the stuff they have and give good advice.

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

11-14-2008, 11:34 AM

My neighbor really enjoys red wine.

I was wondering what a nice mid-range bottle would be to get for Christmas?

Ask what her favorites of current are and go from there. If she drinks alot of Italian wines, get her a nicer bottle of Italian wine than she is drinking... Same for any style. You have to know what she likes before you can do anything.

It just sucks to spend some good money on wine and then the person does not enjoy that style. One of my friends is big into wine, but does not like Pinot Noir, so giving him a Burgundy is waste of money.

King James

11-14-2008, 11:39 AM

I will try to ask her... I think she enjoys all kinds but I'm not certain. As far as I know if it is red and wine she will drink it haha.... but I will try to get more information. I may add that I know absolutely nothing about wine.

rizzle

11-14-2008, 11:51 AM

Awesome thread. I'm hoping to learn a little bit over time, similar to my cigar journey.

I typically prefer reds and my wife has been a Chardonnay only drinker for years. I've recently been able to get her to join me in a glass of red, don't know if it is due to her pregnancy or what, but I'm not complaining.

We had a friend turn us on to Bogle Phantom recently and we've really been enjoying it. Its a mix of 55% Petite Sirah, 42% Zinfandel, and 3% Mourvedre.
About $18 or so a bottle. Maybe not a classic--don't know, don't care. But we like it. And it is a red that I can enjoy with my wife. That alone makes it good to me.

Any of you guys had that one?

aldukes

11-14-2008, 11:55 AM

Maybe not a classic--don't know, don't care. But we like it.

Thats all that matters.

Just dont drink yellow tail :ss

mosesbotbol

11-14-2008, 12:49 PM

I typically prefer reds and my wife has been a Chardonnay only drinker for years. I've recently been able to get her to join me in a glass of red, don't know if it is due to her pregnancy or what, but I'm not complaining.

Try the 2005 Louis Jadot Burgundy. It's around $12 a bottle and you both may enjoy that one. Serve it very slightly chilled.

rizzle

11-14-2008, 02:00 PM

Try the 2005 Louis Jadot Burgundy. It's around $12 a bottle and you both may enjoy that one. Serve it very slightly chilled.

Will do. Thanks moses. :tu:

Rockestone

11-14-2008, 02:21 PM

My favorite wine at the moment is the Estancia Merlot. Affordable and absolutely drinkable!!

SmokinApe

11-14-2008, 03:56 PM

what's the deal with yellow tail?

Thats all that matters.

Just dont drink yellow tail :ss

Vitis

11-14-2008, 04:10 PM

what's the deal with yellow tail?

:pu Nuff Said

~Vitis

SmokinApe

11-14-2008, 07:06 PM

Doesn't it get positive reviews? People recommend it all the time...

:pu Nuff Said

~Vitis

SmokinApe

11-14-2008, 07:07 PM

Maybe it is the Macanudo of wine?

Vitis

11-14-2008, 11:31 PM

Doesn't it get positive reviews? People recommend it all the time...

I have tried it a few times and always find it very sweet while red wine is usualy fermented dry. Made for the coca cola crowd. I think you can find a lot better and more interesting wine for the $$ or a few $$ more. On the other hand, taste is subjective and you should always drink what you like.

~Vitis

SmokinApe

11-15-2008, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the perspective....

I have tried it a few times and always find it very sweet while red wine is usualy fermented dry. Made for the coca cola crowd. I think you can find a lot better and more interesting wine for the $$ or a few $$ more. On the other hand, taste is subjective and you should always drink what you like.

~Vitis

aldukes

11-15-2008, 10:55 AM

I have tried it a few times and always find it very sweet while red wine is usualy fermented dry. Made for the coca cola crowd. I think you can find a lot better and more interesting wine for the $$ or a few $$ more. On the other hand, taste is subjective and you should always drink what you like.

~Vitis

well put.

Mark C

11-16-2008, 06:41 AM

Doesn't it [yellowtail] get positive reviews? People recommend it all the time...

I recommend it all the time to people who think they don't like wine. I find it's an easy introduction to wine and have never found anyone who 'doesn't like wine' who didn't enjoy Yellowtail. And that opens the door to everything else.

My theory is a lot of people are hesitant to try wine for mental reasons, rather than taste, and Yellowtail helps them to think 'hey, not all wine is bad, maybe I should try some more'.

I think the Macanudo reference is a good one. Yellowtail ain't a great wine, but it ain't a bad wine. Same with Mac, it ain't a great cigar, but it ain't bad either. It's not very interesting, but it may get a person started down the slope.

I still think Yellowtail is fairly representative of New World Shiraz, but I'll admit I haven't tried many. For those of you who hate Yellowtail, can you give me a few ideas of other New World Shiraz that you DO like? I need to restock my wine fridge anyway and I'd love some advice.

mosesbotbol

11-16-2008, 08:51 AM

For those of you who hate Yellowtail, can you give me a few ideas of other New World Shiraz that you DO like? I need to restock my wine fridge anyway and I'd love some advice.

Torbreck "Woodcutters" Shiraz Barossa Valley is an excellent choice for under $20. They also make other Shiraz at different price points up to $150+.

aldukes

11-16-2008, 09:21 AM

I usually stick to shiraz from Marquis Philips D'arenberg and The Winners Tank.
Marquis Philips #9 Shiraz is about 30 a bottle, but well worth it.
Woop Woop actually puts out a decent product for about 10 bucks.

aldukes

11-18-2008, 09:39 AM

Thanksgiving wine- what is everyone drinking?

Only 4 of this year with my sister going to her in-laws. My dad doesn't drink wine so 2-3 bottles will be more than enough this year. As of right now we'll be having:

2007 August Briggs Russian River Chardonnay
2006 Melville Clone 115 Indigine Pinot Noir
or
2006 Whetstone Wine Cellars Pleasant Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

My mom leans towards just-sweet German Gewurztraminer and Riesling, I think she'll enjoy the change of pace.

Vitis

11-18-2008, 10:00 AM

It's such a pain in the a$$ to travel with wine these days, so will buy a mixed case when I hit the ground. Sucks. :mad: Pre 9/11 I always brought a couple of heavy hitters with me. On the upside, my cousin collects and cellars european beers, so I always get to try interesting stuff that I know very litte about. :)

~Vitis

aldukes

11-18-2008, 10:08 AM

Vitis

11-18-2008, 10:30 AM

rumor has it- this will be lifted in early '09.

Cheers to that! :chr

aldukes

11-24-2008, 09:31 AM

Picked up some bottles this weekend. 3 for drinking and 2 put away.

To drink:

2006 Bogle Petite Sirah- North Coast, CA
2005 Chateau Larrivaux- Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, France
2005 Hugel Pinot Blanc Cuvee Les Amours - Alsace, France

To put away:

2006 Whetstone JonBoat Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA
2005 Volta Cabernet Sauvignon -Napa Valley, CA

SmokinApe

11-24-2008, 11:22 AM

"2006 Bogle Petite Sirah- North Coast, CA " I had a bottle of this in my hand today... I went with a Malbec instead...

SmokinApe

11-24-2008, 12:29 PM

I have tried a few more wines over the last few days...

The port and the Salvestrin were pretty good, the Folio seemed like run of the mill swill...

aldukes

11-24-2008, 12:44 PM

"2006 Bogle Petite Sirah- North Coast, CA " I had a bottle of this in my hand today... I went with a Malbec instead...

why not get both? :ss

For the price I try to keep a bottle or two for spur of the moment drinking. Its very easy to drink and really food friendly.

SmokinApe

11-24-2008, 02:15 PM

I almost got both but the cart was pretty full...

mosesbotbol

11-24-2008, 02:15 PM

Typically, I like either a mature Burgundy or Madeira with turkey. No idea on which ones I am going to open.

Vitis

11-24-2008, 04:19 PM

Agreed with the Burgundy Moses. Pinot and turkey is a great match.

~Vitis

novasurf

11-25-2008, 04:30 PM

2004 Stolpman Vineyards Syrah, grilled ribeye, gouda mashed potatoes

novasurf

11-27-2008, 05:45 AM

T-Day is 05 Williamette Pinot Noir (Oregon)

Cigary

11-27-2008, 02:45 PM

On a trip to Italy recently the wife and I picked up some great wine from the Varrimista Winery,,this is the link http://en.spazioitalia.com/fine-food-and-wine/italian-wines/red-wines/sangiovese-tuscan-red-wine-varramista-ottopioppi-2005.html

Simply incredible and the tour was amazing!

mosesbotbol

11-27-2008, 06:52 PM

Agreed with the Burgundy Moses. Pinot and turkey is a great match.

Tonight's wine line up was pretty good this year!

Patrick LeSec Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2000
Dominque Laurent Latricieres-Chambertin Grand Cru 2000
Patrick LeSec Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2004
Ramos Pinto Vintage Port 1985

Cigar line up was an LGC MdO #2

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/photo-24.jpg

Vitis

11-27-2008, 07:16 PM

BOOM! Nice lineup Moses. A Latricieres and 2 Clos de Beze. Thats a lot to be thankful for.

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

11-27-2008, 08:17 PM

BOOM! Nice lineup Moses. A Latricieres and 2 Clos de Beze. Thats a lot to be thankful for.

~Vitis

You'd fall off your chair if you knew what I got them for :r

Thanks, I do (and we all) have alot to be thankful for. The grass is not often greener. Having family, friends, health, and smile can go long way. Some Chambertin does hurt either, lol...

Scottw

11-27-2008, 08:26 PM

You'd fall off your chair if you knew what I got them for :r

Thanks, I do (and we all) have alot to be thankful for. The grass is not often greener. Having family, friends, health, and smile can go long way. Some Chambertin does hurt either, lol...

Well Stated Brother!!!

rizzle

11-28-2008, 08:44 AM

Try the 2005 Louis Jadot Burgundy. It's around $12 a bottle and you both may enjoy that one. Serve it very slightly chilled.
moses, this one?

http://bp0.blogger.com/_z0MJ0ofU-Pk/RyuiYHyfrXI/AAAAAAAAAiU/lrov6_AwOEk/s320/2007+10+dave+and+janine+parties+050.jpg

mosesbotbol

11-28-2008, 09:19 AM

moses, this one?

http://bp0.blogger.com/_z0MJ0ofU-Pk/RyuiYHyfrXI/AAAAAAAAAiU/lrov6_AwOEk/s320/2007+10+dave+and+janine+parties+050.jpg

Yes, that looks like it. Make sure to let it breathe for a couple of hours if possible.

rizzle

11-28-2008, 10:21 AM

Thanks brother.

aldukes

11-28-2008, 11:21 AM

mosesbotbol

11-28-2008, 12:51 PM

Where is this magicial wine shop? Moses, you must give up these sources.

You mean for the $50 Grand Cru's?

Scottw

11-28-2008, 01:15 PM

You mean for the $50 Grand Cru's?
$50????? Holy Sh*t what a price!

aldukes

11-28-2008, 02:24 PM

You mean for the $50 Grand Cru's?

:fl:fl:fl

RichardW

11-28-2008, 05:25 PM

Tonight's wine line up was pretty good this year!

Patrick LeSec Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2000
Dominque Laurent Latricieres-Chambertin Grand Cru 2000
Patrick LeSec Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2004
Ramos Pinto Vintage Port 1985

Cigar line up was an LGC MdO #2

[snip of a great photo]

Nice selection, Moses :salute:

Bruzee

11-28-2008, 08:51 PM

I love wine, and I am very partial to California wine, and specifically Paso Robles or Napa Valley. I am, however, no connoisseur by any means. I took some photos of my favorite California wines, and all are vere reasonably priced. Blackstone is carried in most grocery store around here, and can be had at about $8-$15 per bottle.

Blackstone Winery - Napa Valley - One of my all time favorite winerys
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3571.jpg

Another Blackstone - Sonoma County
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3572.jpg

J. Lohr - Paso Robles
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3573.jpg

Wild Horse - Paso Robles
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3574.jpg

Eagle Castle - Paso Robles
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3575.jpg

Matchbook - Dunnigan Hills
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3577.jpg

Firestone - Paso Robles
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3580.jpg

Crosspoint - Monterry County
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3581.jpg

Bargetto - Santa Cruz
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee250/dbruzee/IMG_3584.jpg

Bruzee

12-02-2008, 03:56 AM

Man.... I think I killed this thread....

aldukes

12-02-2008, 11:26 AM

Just purchased 2 bottles:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/3077908894_cdb1051c74.jpg?v=0

2006 Bodegas El Nido Clio- paid less than $40 per bottle.

novasurf

12-04-2008, 06:59 PM

05 Montevina Terra D'Oro (Amador County) Zinfandel

Vitis

12-05-2008, 10:46 PM

Drinking an 05 DaMa Cab from Columbia Valley tonight matched with a ribeye and then a dip5. Delicious as expected.

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

12-06-2008, 10:18 AM

We had a birthday party at my place last night and had the following:

1975 Taylor Vintage Port
1996 Clos de Brusquieres CdP
1987 Ch. Pichon Longueville
1985 Ramos Pinto Vintage Port

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/photo-25.jpg

Great night and inbetween the wine to port, we to a latino restaurant and ate like chazers. No cigars, but am getting ready to light up a Monarch right now.

Mark C

12-06-2008, 11:25 AM

I've seen you post those 'chopped top' port bottles before (can't remember the lingo), why do that for the bottle on the left, and not the one on the right?

Vitis

12-06-2008, 11:52 AM

Moses, how was the Pichon Lalande holdng up? Rough year for bdx but i have had a few good bottles back in the 90s.

mosesbotbol

12-06-2008, 12:14 PM

I've seen you post those 'chopped top' port bottles before (can't remember the lingo), why do that for the bottle on the left, and not the one on the right?

I used the port tongs on Taylor as I usually do on all Vintage or LBV's that have a driven cork. I did not do it on the Ramos as I knew I could get away with a cork screw and opened it a day before. I was planning on drinking the Ramos over a couple of days, but that did not happen. I have several cases of the Ramos, so I knew the corkscrew would work on them. Usually I do the tongs as you don't know what the cork is going to do.

mosesbotbol

12-06-2008, 12:19 PM

Moses, how was the Pichon Lalande holdng up? Rough year for bdx but i have had a few good bottles back in the 90s.

It was OK, little faded as one may expect, but certainly good for the price. I had bought a few of them a couple years ago for like $35 a bottle so I guess I can say it was fabulous if you look at from QPR perspective.

I find there's good value in buying big names in off years. I'd avoid 70's stuff, but 80's is still fair game for bdx when priced right. Some wines like Burgundy of CdP, age is everything so I'd take an average mature bottle over a better recent bottle of the same price point.

jonharky

12-06-2008, 12:36 PM

I enjoyed a very nice cabernet last night. It is called Casillero Del Diablo. I picked it up for 10 bucks (michigan). I highly recommend especially with a good cigar.

Vitis

12-06-2008, 12:56 PM

Some wines like Burgundy of CdP, age is everything so I'd take an average mature bottle over a better recent bottle of the same price point.

Yup, that price is nice :D I still buy some 70s Bdx, obviously 70, some carefuly chosen 75's and am loving well stored 78s right now. CdP I buy in almost any year depending on house. Burgundy to me, in most vintages (excepting 05 and 90) its all House. There, great houses make great wines, or they sit out the vintage or declassify. Never had a bad DRC, even in years that lots of folks made lean wines.

Nice line up brother. Someday will get a chance to drink a few bottles together.

~Vitis

aldukes

12-06-2008, 03:25 PM

It was OK, little faded as one may expect, but certainly good for the price. I had bought a few of them a couple years ago for like $35 a bottle so I guess I can say it was fabulous if you look at from QPR perspective.

I find there's good value in buying big names in off years. I'd avoid 70's stuff, but 80's is still fair game for bdx when priced right. Some wines like Burgundy of CdP, age is everything so I'd take an average mature bottle over a better recent bottle of the same price point.

Good call Moses- I'm in the process of picking up some 04 Bordeaux- prices are going to be friendly after the holiday season.
On the list : 04 leoville las cases
04 ducru beacalliou
And maybe an 04 mission haut brion.
I know I spelt beaucalliou wrong - thanks for no cut and paste on the iPhone, Apple!

aldukes

12-06-2008, 03:30 PM

Yup, that price is nice :D I still buy some 70s Bdx, obviously 70, some carefuly chosen 75's and am loving well stored 78s right now. CdP I buy in almost any year depending on house. Burgundy to me, in most vintages (excepting 05 and 90) its all House. There, great houses make great wines, or they sit out the vintage or declassify. Never had a bad DRC, even in years that lots of folks made lean wines.

Nice line up brother. Someday will get a chance to drink a few bottles together.

~Vitis

Never had a bad DRC?

Keep bragging.

Vitis

12-06-2008, 04:52 PM

You know what I meant :D Great house, great wines, often regardless of vintage. (Petrus comes to mind in Bdx). Nice on the Bdx. 04 St Jullians have been great so far. Id take the LLC but cant go wrong with the Ducru which is also very fine. My vote would be to pass on the LaMiss for this vintage and buy more LLC! :dr

mosesbotbol

12-06-2008, 08:27 PM

Never had a bad DRC, even in years that lots of folks made lean wines.

Can't say I am drinking much DRC :( Had a '62 La Tache once and that sublime indeed. Unless I get at least a 1/3 the bottle, I don't consider a glass as really having that wine. It takes the whole bottle to pass final judgement. It's like rating a cigar from just 2 puff's.

Picked up a case of 2006 Giordano Toscana (Super Tuscan) at Costco for $13 a bottle. Worth getting for sure (hint hint). I see 5-7+ years aging and should be a fun daily drinker. Comes in wooden case too! Picked up '05 Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cab. Double Magnum for $79. Compared to regular B&M's, the double magnum comes out to regular bottle pricing. Another 5-10 year aging drinker.

I have something for large format bottles.

aldukes

12-08-2008, 08:46 AM

My vote would be to pass on the LaMiss for this vintage and buy more LLC! :dr

what about a CdP for around the same price? Any suggestions?

Vitis

12-08-2008, 10:27 AM

Should be able to get most CdPs at considerably lower prices than LaMiss unless you are shooting for hard to get stuff like Henri Bonneau or La Nerth's Cadetes etc. Haven't had a chance to taste too many 06s yet, but have bought Clos Saint Jean which to me is like Cali Grenache on steroids and Charvin which is my favorite. To me it's the most elegant CdP there is when aged.

~Vitis

aldukes

12-08-2008, 07:34 PM

Picked up a bottle of CdP this evening:

2003 Chateau des Fines Roches
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
$21- local (crappy) wine shop

Sight: Clear, garnet color, light brick rim variation
Nose: awesome nose- choc covered strawberries, plum, cherry, violet candy,
grape soda, light chalk
Taste: raspberries, ground pepper, light carmel, chalk/white stones

This is SMOOTH. Barley notice the 14% alcohol and tannins.

I'll be tasting the second half of the bottle tomorrow.

KidRock

12-08-2008, 07:41 PM

aldukes

12-08-2008, 08:23 PM

Hello Guys and Gals,

I'm new to the wine section. I really like a smooth pair flavor wine. I love white wines. As a newbie are there any goodwebsites just for white wine lovers. No thanks to boonesfarm or arbormist.

try some Vouvray, Albarino from Spain, Chenin Blanc from South Africa and some New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc- you can get really good wines for less than $15.

Ask all the questions you want- there are some really smart people that hang out here!

cherrybomb

12-08-2008, 11:25 PM

i'd try some pinot gris from oregon, I believe them to have great acidity whuch lends very nicely to food!

mosesbotbol

12-09-2008, 04:59 AM

The pear flavor would be a drier Riesling. My favorite white wines are from Mersault (Burgundy), but finding them under $30 is difficult.

BC-Axeman

12-09-2008, 07:11 AM

I had a Pitit Sirah, '06, from Lost Angel, Paso Robles CA last night that was pretty impressive. It had a lot of berry flavor with a little bit of chocolate and just enough tannins to smooth it out. Drank it with a pork chop dinner. :dr

BC-Axeman

12-09-2008, 08:39 PM

I just found out that the Lost Angel Petite Sirah is only $14. From Eos vineyards. I have paid twice as much for wines that were not as drinkable. I will have to stock up. I hope it cellars well.

aldukes

12-10-2008, 08:40 AM

one of my favorite Petite Sirah is from Concannon (http://www.concannonvineyard.com/). When I first started getting serious about wine, I drank a lot of this. Try the Limited Release- about 15 bucks.

rizzle

12-10-2008, 09:43 AM

try some Vouvray, Albarino from Spain, Chenin Blanc from South Africa and some New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc- you can get really good wines for less than $15.

Ask all the questions you want- there are some really smart people that hang out here!
Yep, and I just happen to not be one of them. Most of the stuff you guys are talking is way over my head. It's like Greek to me. But I'm reading.:)

aldukes

12-10-2008, 10:38 AM

aldukes

12-12-2008, 09:05 AM

Received a decent allocation for Red Car if any one is interested:

6 x 2007 Cuvee 22 Syrah 750ml, $50.00 ea.
6 x 2007 Heaven & Earth Pinot Noir 750ml, $54.00 ea.
6 x 2007 The Aphorist Pinot Noir 750ml, $54.00 ea.
6 x 2007 Cuvee 22 Syrah 1.5L, $126.00 ea.
1 x 2007 The Aphorist Pinot Noir 1.5L, $135.00 ea.
1 x 2007 Heaven & Earth Pinot Noir 1.5L, $135.00 ea.

I'm probably ordering a mag of The Aphorist.

PM me if you're interested.

Vitis

12-12-2008, 10:08 AM

Nice haul Aldukes. The Aphorist is excellent. Haven't yet had the H&E so would love to hear your thoughts.

~Vitis

aldukes

12-12-2008, 10:55 AM

Nice haul Aldukes. The Aphorist is excellent. Haven't yet had the H&E so would love to hear your thoughts.

~Vitis

I have a few bottles of last years Speakeasy sitting down for another year or two.

I think I'm only ordering a mag of the Aphorist.

Im on a lot of mailing lists- I'll keep posting offers as they come in. If you want anything PM me.

The Dakotan

12-13-2008, 08:50 AM

Ill second Argentine Malbecs.

I'll third Malbecs. I 've been drinking a lot of these lately.

Layer Cake '07- not bad for about 17 a bottle- black fruit , chocolate- good with a steak.

Layer Cake Malbecs are interesting but I've recently discovered Kaiken Malbec (2006). For four bucks more this is the best Malbec I've had. But I need to try the Malpin (due to the recommendation earlier by Vitis, I believe).

I just found this thread and am looking forward to learning more about wine. On a side note, I'm looking for a decent book that would give an indication about how different wines are made. Basically, I'm looking for a book about the process and if it could give a sense of wine-making in different parts of the world, that would be an added bonus. Suggestions?

aldukes

12-13-2008, 10:15 AM

I just found this thread and am looking forward to learning more about wine. On a side note, I'm looking for a decent book that would give an indication about how different wines are made. Basically, I'm looking for a book about the process and if it could give a sense of wine-making in different parts of the world, that would be an added bonus. Suggestions?

Might want to contact Mark C- he's in the process of making his own wine.

Vitis

12-13-2008, 01:11 PM

Last nights damage hanging out with the GF while eating assorted meats and cheeses.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/IMG_0969.jpg

2000 Vincent Girardin Chassagne Montrachet 1er Clos de la Truffiere
Was given this quid pro for doing a little work several years ago. Wasn't sure what to expect after having too many 2000 WhiteBurgs that have been to flat. This one was no exception. Pretty nose spiced oak, vanilla cream and some saltiness. In the mouth, heavy and fat with meringue and lemmon custard with slightly bitter acidity on the finish. Problem is the mid-palate is simply too heavy and lacking acidity. Interesting sea shell note on the finish. Not bad but not going to get any better.

2005 Abeja Reserve Cabernet
The GF had to frop some stuff off at Abeja the other day and somehow aquired a this bottle and a TBone in the process. Who could complain. Very nice nose of sweet oak and cassis. Rich in the mouth with gobs of red current, vanilla and cola flavors. Heavy finish with light tannins but a crisp acidity. Very Washington, and very young. nice wine that needs a bit of time. A bit left in the bottle to check on later today.

Didn't get a cigar in but still a nice time at home on a rainy night.

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

12-14-2008, 07:49 AM

Suprised the 2000 Vincent Girardin Chassagne Montrachet 1er Clos de la Truffiere wasn't better! Looks like a winner.

JohnnyFlake

12-14-2008, 10:22 AM

I'll third Malbecs. I 've been drinking a lot of these lately.

Layer Cake Malbecs are interesting but I've recently discovered Kaiken Malbec (2006). For four bucks more this is the best Malbec I've had. But I need to try the Malpin (due to the recommendation earlier by Vitis, I believe).

I just found this thread and am looking forward to learning more about wine. On a side note, I'm looking for a decent book that would give an indication about how different wines are made. Basically, I'm looking for a book about the process and if it could give a sense of wine-making in different parts of the world, that would be an added bonus. Suggestions?

I'll have to place a vote in for the Layer Cake Malbec. I really like it! I've never tried the Kaiken 06, so I'll look for a bottle. I'd like to suggest Alamos Malbec Mendoza 2007, as a great Malbec, at about $15 a bottle. Well worthy of trying!

The Dakotan

12-14-2008, 10:38 AM

I'd like to suggest Alamos Malbec Mendoza 2007, as a great Malbec, at about $15 a bottle. Well worthy of trying!

Thanks for the recommendation!

Vitis

12-14-2008, 10:55 AM

Suprised the 2000 Vincent Girardin Chassagne Montrachet 1er Clos de la Truffiere wasn't better! Looks like a winner.

Yup, not terrible but a bit dissapointing. :( I have not had good luck with the 00' CMs or PMs but haven't had any of the real heavy hitters yet. I have had some killlers Chablis from 00' though.

~Vitis

havana_lover

12-14-2008, 11:03 AM

Just opened a bottle of Chateau la Gurgue Margaux from 05.. I am no expert but from what I can tell there are lots of spiced oak very creamy vanilla notes with a very fruity after taste.. very nice oh an not too much acidity I like that.. for 20 euros a great buy..

JohnnyFlake

12-14-2008, 11:40 AM

Is anyone into Shiraz?

My wife and I really like Shiraz style wine, and for this past year, we have been really enjoying a Penfolds Shiraz-Cab, which is amazing, and extremely reasonable, at around $10 a bottle. If your into Shiraz, or maybe have never tried it, give this a try, Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet 2006. It's very intense in both aroma and flavor. Although this is a combo Shiraz/Cab wine, the Shiraz dominates at about 75%. I don't have any bottles left, at the moment, and I can't recall exactly. Dam, I need to go to Lee's today and stock up. I still have a few bottles of Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz 2005, which is a nice wine, with a meal, but it's does not compare to the above, which is a great wine!

Any other suggestions for great Shiraz wines, that will not break the bank, will be appreciated.

Vitis

12-14-2008, 11:56 AM

A cold night heer in the NW with snow in Seattle (??WTF). That being said, another evening in with the GF with a steak and a few bottles of vino.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/IMG_0971.jpg

2005 Colotte Marsannay Clos de Jeu
This is a house I really like, relatively new and unknown, making some great QPR wines. I have not had one of these in about a year. The nose started out very tight, dominated by red fruit. More of the same in the mouth, very tightly wound, ripe cranberry and raspberry. The mouthfeel is very dense and compact, but the flavors are muted and mostly closed down at the moment. This wine has some nice promise with excellent structure and very fine ripe fruit, but it is in an angry youth phase so not ready to drink at the moment. I have high hopes and will wait another year before cracking the next bottle. They make a very fine Chambolle Musigny for the price if you can get your hands on it.

2001 Reserve de la Comtesse Lalande, Pauillac
This is the second wine of Pichon Lalande, and last nights is the 11th bottle I have drank out of a case I bought very cheaply on a deal several years ago. I have always liked this wine, it's about as Bordeaux as you can get. The nose is cedar and black fruit with a noticable green pepper characteristic which I enjoy. Very silky in the mouth, great balance for a second wine, and a medium length finish of cassis, tobacco and more green pepper. Not quite a wine to drink on it's own, but once we started onto the steak a great match. No first growth here, but very tasty for the price and I wish I had another case of this. I would say at it's peak now.

We did open a bottle of 1998 Louis Bernard Chateauneuf du Pape but there were very pronounced oxidized sherry notes on the nose so we did not drink it. Not sure what was up. I have a few left so hopefuly this was an anomaly. :(

~Vitis

BC-Axeman

12-14-2008, 06:31 PM

one of my favorite Petite Sirah is from Concannon (http://www.concannonvineyard.com/). When I first started getting serious about wine, I drank a lot of this. Try the Limited Release- about 15 bucks.
OK, I was in BevMo and found the '05 PS for $9.99 club bev price. I picked up 3 bottles to try. It may be Christmas dinner table wine. I also got a bottle of Bigfoot Zin for cooking. 5 bucks. It has a strong oak taste and is bit bitter. But it has a cranberry like taste with some spiciness. :r Good cooking wine. I'm drinking a glass now.

aldukes

12-14-2008, 06:41 PM

OK, I was in BevMo and found the '05 PS for $9.99 club bev price. I picked up 3 bottles to try. It may be Christmas dinner table wine. I also got a bottle of Bigfoot Zin for cooking. 5 bucks. It has a strong oak taste and is bit bitter. But it has a cranberry like taste with some spiciness. :r Good cooking wine. I'm drinking a glass now.

$9.99 is an awesome price. :tu

Jbailey

12-14-2008, 07:01 PM

sitting at a wine tasting a cigar friendly bar. Tried a bunch of nice wines. So far my fab was a Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet, great with my hoyo.

rizzle

12-15-2008, 10:39 AM

What is the difference in Syrah, Sirah, and Shiraz?

mosesbotbol

12-15-2008, 11:04 AM

What is the difference in Syrah, Sirah, and Shiraz?

Same grape, named different in different wine regions. The end product can be different as soil, climate, and wine making methods can change the end product quite dramatically.

rizzle

12-15-2008, 12:07 PM

Same grape, named different in different wine regions. The end product can be different as soil, climate, and wine making methods can change the end product quite dramatically.

Thanks moses. That is what I thought but 'tis better to ask than to simply assume.

Idea: I like this thread, and I like wine. Problem is I know nothing about it. Reading some of the back and forth conversation a few of you guys have is Greek to me. How about a thread on different types of wine with a general description of each. Like their perceived strengths or bodies or whatever. Or I guess it could be done just as a single post at the beginning of this thread for reference.
Ex:
Red Wines
----------
Pinot Noir--description
Cabernet Savignon--description
etc.

White Wines
------------
Chardonnay--
etc.

Just a thought that would probably be helpful to more than just myself.

goalie204

12-15-2008, 12:12 PM

Pretty ignorant about wine, but anyone ever tried Robert Mondavi Johannesberg reisling? it's my favorite

Lucky_Hippo

12-15-2008, 02:13 PM

Is anyone into Shiraz?

Any other suggestions for great Shiraz wines, that will not break the bank, will be appreciated.

Hey Johnny,

I'd recommend Greg Norman Shiraz. It's a really great Australian wine, you can find for under 15.00 - 20.00 and it's well worth it. I'm not a wine expert by any means, however, my friends who are will immediately back me up on this one. Give it a shot, if you like Shiraz, I'm sure you'll love it.

mosesbotbol

12-15-2008, 06:18 PM

My top pick for a new world shiraz is Torbreck Woodcutter Shiraz. Just under $20. I prefer French syrah, but I am an old world wine fan. You'll like the Woodcutter, no question about it, 100%.

mosesbotbol

12-15-2008, 06:23 PM

Idea: I like this thread, and I like wine. Problem is I know nothing about it. Reading some of the back and forth conversation a few of you guys have is Greek to me. How about a thread on different types of wine with a general description of each. Like their perceived strengths or bodies or whatever. Or I guess it could be done just as a single post at the beginning of this thread for reference.
Ex:
Red Wines
----------
Pinot Noir--description
Cabernet Savignon--description
etc.

White Wines
------------
Chardonnay--
etc.

Sure, which varietal do you want to start with? Chardonnay would be good one. The style and quality is huge, and what people are drinking is equally as big. There's some cheaters for the price both from France and USA, with an occasional S. American mixed.

It would be best to start a new thread for the varietal you'd like to learn about. I would suggest to you, or anyone who plans to follow the thread and learn is to look up the varietal in Wikipedia to verse yourself. It's more concise and direct that anyone on this site could come with on their own.

aldukes

12-15-2008, 06:50 PM

SmokinApe

12-15-2008, 08:08 PM

I've had this idea in my head- but I was going to wait until the New year to post about it, but why not start it now?

I would love to start a "tasting club" here. I think it would introduce people to new wines, help train palettes, most importantly get people thinking and learning about wine.

heres how it would work:

-Every week/ 2 weeks someone picks a varietal and/or region- this can be chosen out of a hat or have a list set up.

Example- Joe_Smith picks- California Syrah
Everyone goes out and buys a bottle off CA syrah and posts tasting notes- we can eventually modify this to CA Syrah under $20 or Dry Creek Valley Syrah, etc.

-We come up with standard tasting guidelines- notes for sight / nose / taste - etc

- You can taste as many wines as you want to during the alloted time period.

What do you guys think? We can add some guidelines along the way.

I like the idea...

rizzle

12-16-2008, 09:21 AM

Sure, which varietal do you want to start with? Chardonnay would be good one. The style and quality is huge, and what people are drinking is equally as big. There's some cheaters for the price both from France and USA, with an occasional S. American mixed.

It would be best to start a new thread for the varietal you'd like to learn about. I would suggest to you, or anyone who plans to follow the thread and learn is to look up the varietal in Wikipedia to verse yourself. It's more concise and direct that anyone on this site could come with on their own.
moses, you're actually taking my idea a step further than I was talking about. Although I understand that there is much difference to each varietal and each is probably worth of its own thread, I was just looking for a basic listing of say red wine varietals and white wine varietals with decriptions as to what is what. For instance, the difference between Cab, Pinot, Merlot, etc. And I know, at least I think I do, that the main difference is the grape used. I'm asking about what should a Cab be versus a Pinot, etc. Does that make sense?

I've had this idea in my head- but I was going to wait until the New year to post about it, but why not start it now?

I would love to start a "tasting club" here. I think it would introduce people to new wines, help train palettes, most importantly get people thinking and learning about wine.

heres how it would work:

-Every week/ 2 weeks someone picks a varietal and/or region- this can be chosen out of a hat or have a list set up.

Example- Joe_Smith picks- California Syrah
Everyone goes out and buys a bottle off CA syrah and posts tasting notes- we can eventually modify this to CA Syrah under $20 or Dry Creek Valley Syrah, etc.

-We come up with standard tasting guidelines- notes for sight / nose / taste - etc

- You can taste as many wines as you want to during the alloted time period.

What do you guys think? We can add some guidelines along the way.
Great idea dukes, except again, way more advanced than what I was looking for.

About all I know when I drink a wine is if I like it or not. I have no idea how each varietal is supposed to taste, much less how different regions should and do taste.

Maybe I'm just barking up the wrong tree and should just stick with box wine or Boone's Farm.:r

BC-Axeman

12-16-2008, 09:43 AM

Al's plan does not fit my buying habits. I find wines I like by tasting them, trying out ones that are recommended and finding regions/varietals that I like and expanding on them. I usually don't buy random bottles of wine. With money getting tighter I am looking at slashing my spending on wine. I have already cut my cigar spending.

aldukes

12-16-2008, 10:18 AM

Great idea dukes, except again, way more advanced than what I was looking for.

About all I know when I drink a wine is if I like it or not. I have no idea how each varietal is supposed to taste, much less how different regions should and do taste.

There is no real answer to how a grape tastes. Pinot Noir from CA differs from Pinot Noir in France and so on. Do they share some characteristics?- of course, but how the grape is grown,fermented,stored,etc changes everything.

I think this would be awesome for newbie drinkers- naming a producer and having someone tell you what is good- isnt the right way to drink wine- finding out what you enjoy is.

Al's plan does not fit my buying habits. I find wines I like by tasting them, trying out ones that are recommended and finding regions/varietals that I like and expanding on them. I usually don't buy random bottles of wine. With money getting tighter I am looking at slashing my spending on wine. I have already cut my cigar spending.

This wouldnt be buying random bottles of wine- this would work exactly the same way you find out about wine- by tasting, then finding regions or varietals that you enjoy.

This is will be as accessible as possible- so everyone can participate. Pick up whatever you can afford.

mosesbotbol

12-16-2008, 12:50 PM

We could start off with Chambertin, and then move to Borolo...

Vitis

12-16-2008, 06:16 PM

We could start off with Chambertin, and then move to Borolo...

:r Moses, you read my mind

I would do this with you folks if we can go by varietal or possibly region.

~Vitis

The Dakotan

12-16-2008, 06:20 PM

I like the idea, especially if we did it every few weeks. I'm up for trying and learning. There will always be obstacles ...

mosesbotbol

12-17-2008, 05:29 AM

:r Moses, you read my mind

I would do this with you folks if we can go by varietal or possibly region.

~Vitis

...Ok folks, everyone buy a bottle of La Tache and we'll share tasting notes the next day. :tu

Vitis

12-17-2008, 08:33 AM

...Ok folks, everyone buy a bottle of La Tache and we'll share tasting notes the next day. :tu

If we did by varietal I could drink the DRC and you could drink a CastleRock Pinot and we could compare notes. Oh you mean I have to BUY the La Tache? Ok, you do drink the DRC, Ill drink the CastleRock. :r:r:r:r:r:r

aldukes

12-17-2008, 09:15 AM

If we did by varietal I could drink the DRC and you could drink a CastleRock Pinot and we could compare notes. Oh you mean I have to BUY the La Tache? Ok, you do drink the DRC, Ill drink the CastleRock. :r:r:r:r:r:r

Exactly!

mosesbotbol

12-17-2008, 09:18 AM

I didn't think I had to buy the La Tache... I thought one you were going to buy an OWC and mail out a bottle to each of us... Schucks...

Vitis

12-17-2008, 09:48 AM

If I had the spare 15gs, I would gladly handle this for us. Untill then, lots of Morey St. Denis village level stuff for me instead. But who am I to complain.

aldukes

12-17-2008, 10:45 AM

You are a generous man Vitis.

Vitis

12-17-2008, 05:52 PM

Got the office today and there were a few wines open on the counter to try. Some quick thoughts:

1988 JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling
Fat and easy with low acidity and tasty Honey flavors. I'm whore for Prum, well Riesling in general. In fact my favorite grape. This is good but not great for a Sonnenuhr.

1999 Georg Breuer Rudesheim Berg Rottland Riesling
Now this is fascinating wine. Nose is dominated by honey, but the mouth is laced with lime, mineral and mint notes. Delicious and interesting with a nice backbone.

1995 Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto BellaVista
Dried fruit, cherry and raisins, medium bodied with drying tannins. Tasty and would go great with some meat. Im thinking a Bolonegese, Mmmmm.

1990 Philip Tongi Estate Cabernet
Love it. Tongi can be very green, but this has great fruit for a 18year old. Cassis with floral notes and silky tannins. What a great wine. I could drink this every day and be pretty happy.

2005 Domaine des Farges Quart du Chaume
Wet Wool and lanolin, seems very far advanced for such a young wine. Missing those fresh fruit notes I would like to see in a QdC at this age. not my cup o tea.

Rough day at the office eh?

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

12-18-2008, 06:20 AM

Vitis

Some interesting picks there. I too love Rieslings, but have very few in my collection. My girlfriend is a big fan of them, so I am leaving to her to start picking them out for auction buys.

I met Dr. Loosen a few years ago. Very interesting guy and we had some wines dating back to the 60's! Wow!

Vitis

12-18-2008, 06:34 AM

mosesbotbol

12-18-2008, 07:25 AM

You're a lucky man and your GF has good taste. :D Wow is right on those older Loosen Rieslings. Ernst has been here quite a few times working on his Eroica project with Chateau St Michelle but I have not yet been fortunate enough to meet him. Hopefuly in the future.

I like Ch. St. Michelle in the value category. I've had some 50's German wines that were incredible as long as the bottle was finished within an hour of opening.

Tokay is my favorite in the sweet whites, but this night pictured below was a fun one (taken at last years Passover).

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/photo-6.jpg

aldukes

12-18-2008, 07:48 AM

just another normal night with a 70 y'quem......

mosesbotbol

12-18-2008, 07:52 AM

just another normal night with a 70 y'quem......

Ya, just another night... Then we retired to the saloon with some port

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/photo-9.jpg

Vitis

12-18-2008, 08:35 AM

I like Ch. St. Michelle in the value category. I've had some 50's German wines that were incredible as long as the bottle was finished within an hour of opening.

Yup, auslese level sugar and tons of sulfur keep these things for a while. I decant very young Prum to try and blow off the sulfur stank. I guess thats the price you pay for whites that can age so well.

Tokay is my favorite in the sweet whites

You and me both brother. When the iron curtain fell and we started getting the 93s in Boston I was blown away. Seems like the quality is getting better every vintage since communism

, but this night pictured below was a fun one (taken at last years Passover).

Nice my friend. As a stranger in a strange land out here in the west without family, I spend Passover with a friend of mine's family each year. he has a very fine cellar, but collects top end small batch Kosher wine all year just for the Seders. Really fun drinking kosher Ch. Giscours and Léoville Poyferré etc. I look forward to it every year.

Cheers all

~Vitis

Vitis

12-18-2008, 08:40 AM

Hey, moses, just noticed the years on the Noval Nacional and Noval. Those are interesting years. Didn't most houses not declare in 82 and 84? I only have 83s and 85s.

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

12-18-2008, 08:47 AM

Hey, moses, just noticed the years on the Noval Nacional and Noval. Those are interesting years. Didn't most houses not declare in 82 and 84? I only have 83s and 85s.

~Vitis

Ya, they are all odd ball years hence us pairing them together that day. I think Nacional also has '83 which I've had a couple of times. The Sandeman was probably the last good year they did until '94. Noval/Nacional beat to their own drummer. If you can find the '80 Sandeman, buy all you can.

mosesbotbol

12-18-2008, 08:49 AM

You and me both brother. When the iron curtain fell and we started getting the 93s in Boston I was blown away. Seems like the quality is getting better every vintage since communism

Tokay is just getting super high premiums at auction. Just out of reach for me. Sauternes is still a buy if you don't buy Y'Quem.

aldukes

12-18-2008, 08:54 AM

One of the shops around here just got a ton of Prum in- thinking about picking up one of each:

2006 Prum, J. J. Riesling Auslese Wehlener Sonnenuhr

2006 Prum, J. J. Riesling Auslese Zeltinger Sonnenuhr

Had the '05s a while back- really enjoyed them

Vitis

12-18-2008, 09:13 AM

Good man Aldukes, very hard to wrong with Prum Auslese. If you're only buying one of each, you better have a lot patiance as these are going to start getting good in like 15years or so. Id think about getting 2of the same so at least you can try one in 5-8 years and know what youve got. These may be very sulfury if you open one now.

That being said, these are cream of the crop. I have had tons of Wehlener Sonnenuhr and it always pretty great. Top vineyard and big dog in the Mosel. I have not had too many Zeltingers and it seems harder to find Prums version. Theoretical could be a little riper and less mineraly but thats a guess. The vineyards are basicaly adjacent (as is Wehelen and Zeltingen)

PS: Sonnenuhr means "sundial" and there is a big clock about halfway down the vineyard slope.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/WehelenerSonnenuhr.jpg

~Vitis

Vitis

12-18-2008, 09:32 AM

All this Riesling talk is making me THIRSTY! (it's only 8:30am :rolleyes:) We're having a rare snowstorm in Seattle and it looks like I may be in for the day. If so, this 375 of 98 Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Auslese will be the afternoon sipper.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/IMG_0989.jpg

Cheers :al

~Vitis

aldukes

12-18-2008, 09:47 AM

Vitis

12-18-2008, 09:48 AM

Looks like I might be able to get these in 375's- 2 of each is a good possibility

!! nice !!, thats a great way to go

dannysguitar

12-18-2008, 09:56 AM

Quick question: Has anyone ever been to one of those franchise wineries where you can buy a batch of wine? Any luck with those? Let me know.

Vitis

12-18-2008, 10:01 AM

I haven't Danny, what are you trying to get though? is it several cases of wine that you buy before it is made?

BTW, nice cigar blog

~Vitis

aldukes

12-18-2008, 10:03 AM

http://www.crushpadwine.com/

They have an adopt a barrel program

Vitis

12-18-2008, 10:12 AM

Hmm, seems like alot of $$ to buy 25cases of wine you haven't tasted yet. At $19-36 a bottle Id rather but something with a bit of a track record. :2

~Vitis

dannysguitar

12-18-2008, 10:20 AM

dannysguitar

12-18-2008, 10:21 AM

I haven't Danny, what are you trying to get though? is it several cases of wine that you buy before it is made?

BTW, nice cigar blog

~Vitis

Thanks for the kind words. I need to update it more often. Holidays are a busy time!

Vitis

12-18-2008, 10:30 AM

Well you get to try the wine you're getting before hand. Once you select the blend you want you spread the yeast over the grape juice and they take care of the rest. It makes about 28-30 bottles of wine. When it is ready for bottling(6-12 weeks) you have a bottling party with your friends and you get to make custom labels. I got this gift for my GF, just wondering is anyone else has ever done this?

Ahh, that sounds much better than a full barrel (25cs) This will be fun bottling with your friends and being involved in the process. A very nice gift from your GF. I go to bottling parties every year and we always have tons of fun .. and wine.

Enjoy

~Vitis

dannysguitar

12-18-2008, 10:41 AM

Well I got it for my GF. I hope she likes it. Any other opinions?

aldukes

12-18-2008, 10:44 AM

Well I got it for my GF. I hope she likes it. Any other opinions?

send me a bottle? :D

dannysguitar

12-18-2008, 11:05 AM

send me a bottle? :D

I've never shipped liquid before, but if it aint to hard then I will. ;)

Mark C

12-18-2008, 03:12 PM

I've never shipped liquid before, but if it aint to hard then I will. ;)

Use lots of bubblewrap and don't tell them you're shipping alcohol. Other than that, same as shipping anything else.

Vitis

12-18-2008, 04:18 PM

use a styrofoam wine shipper. It'll make your life easier.

http://www.uline.com/BL_5450/Styrofoam-Wine-Shippers

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

12-19-2008, 05:10 AM

I have tons of shippers in my basement from 6 bottle ones to double magnums. I go by the liquour stores and take them if they have them. The come in handy!

goalie204

12-19-2008, 05:12 AM

Just picked up some mouton cadet Bordeaux for a work xmas party. It's not a specialty wine, but for 13 bux a bottle, i figured it was better than the 2 buck chuck stuff :p

mosesbotbol

12-19-2008, 06:45 AM

I really like the Louis Jadot Burgundy Village, especially 2005 for party drinker. At around $12 or under it is solid buy and shows nice fruit for money. Just about anyone is going to like it and it's better than manipulated crap from the New World...

Vitis

12-21-2008, 11:42 AM

Cold and snowy here and I have the weekend to myself, so time to do a little cooking and drink some wine. Heres the weekend VanDamage so far.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/Wine/DunhamBastideBlanche.jpg

2005 Dunham Cabernet XI, Columbia Valley
Enjoyed this on Friday night with steak and frites. So Im a little bias on this one. We distribute the Dunham wines and I know the winemaker/owner very well. Due to this I have had the cab 40+ times in various vintages and done full verticals several times. That being said, I was very impressed with this bottle. Extremely clean aromatics of dark cassis and oak, rich and dense in the mouth with more black fruit, a touch of sweet oak and a light herbal note. The oak and the tannins are already well integrated and the acidity is very fine. This was a realy great bottle of wine and I feel like one of the best Dunham cabs to date. Showing great compared to my last tasting 3mos ago. If you want to know what Washington tastes like, this would be a great bottle to try.

1998 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Cuvee Fonteneau
Drank with ground buffalo burgers. What could be better than 10yr old Bandol? Well, lots of things but this is still pretty good. The importer offered us 10cs of this aged stock earlier this year, and after we opened a bottle, well lets just say, very little of it made it into the marketplace. Owned by the Bronzo brothers who also have Chateau des Baumelles in their stable, the Cuvee Fonteneau is usualy 100% Mourvedre but im not exactly sure on this vintage. Initialy the nose was a touch tight, with red cherry and raspberry aromas with a touch of medicinal cough drop scent. Medium weight in the mouth, more red fruit with anticeptic or bandaid notes on the back end. The tannin structure here is just massive, you dont feel it on the midpalate but after you swallow your mouth completely dries out and puckers up. This is not overwhelming but i cannot image that there will be any fruit left by the time the tannins are completly resolved on this wine. Still, very nice. I have six bottles left and will be interested to see how this wine is over the next five or so years.

Cheers
~Vitis

RichardW

12-21-2008, 02:21 PM

Cold and snowy here and I have the weekend to myself, so time to do a little cooking and drink some wine. Heres the weekend VanDamage so far.

[snip]

Cheers
~Vitis

Thanks for the review, Marc. Glad to see you're holding up in the storm

;)

aldukes

12-21-2008, 02:51 PM

I'm still recovering from the office Holiday party Thursday night. I have lots of tasting notes- post coming tomorrow.

mosesbotbol

12-22-2008, 05:50 AM

On Friday, we had:

1963 Warre - A little thin and not one of Warre's best
1963 Dow - The best '63 Dow I have had in years. Rich, full of fruit great body
1970 Sandeman - One of Sandeman's better vintages, solid all around.
1977 Offley - Cake dough tastes, good body.
1977 Taylor - What else has to be said about this one.
2000 Dom Perignon - Pretty good, not one of the Champagne's ever, but would never ever turn it down.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/photo-26.jpg

Vitis

12-22-2008, 08:19 AM

Nice lineup Moses. A perfect way to celebrate a winter storm. I love the 77 taylor, an unbelievable Port.

Cheers
~Vitis

mosesbotbol

12-22-2008, 09:05 AM

Nice lineup Moses. A perfect way to celebrate a winter storm. I love the 77 taylor, an unbelievable Port.

Cheers
~Vitis

Yup, '77 Taylor is a 95 point port all day long. It really needs 12+ hours decanting and we only had about 4 hours on the ones above.

My friend has about 4-5 double mag's of '77 Taylor, but we have never drank one.

We are in the works of importing double mag's of Colheitas (for sale); just bottled- back to 1937.

Vitis

12-22-2008, 10:13 AM

Keep us in the loop on the Colheitas. Might be something I need in the cellar

RichardW

12-22-2008, 09:59 PM

Cold and snowy here and I have the weekend to myself, so time to do a little cooking and drink some wine. Heres the weekend VanDamage so far.

----<snip of a nice photo>----

2005 Dunham Cabernet XI, Columbia Valley
Enjoyed this on Friday night with steak and frites. So Im a little bias on this one. We distribute the Dunham wines and I know the winemaker/owner very well. Due to this I have had the cab 40+ times in various vintages and done full verticals several times. That being said, I was very impressed with this bottle. Extremely clean aromatics of dark cassis and oak, rich and dense in the mouth with more black fruit, a touch of sweet oak and a light herbal note. The oak and the tannins are already well integrated and the acidity is very fine. This was a realy great bottle of wine and I feel like one of the best Dunham cabs to date. Showing great compared to my last tasting 3mos ago. If you want to know what Washington tastes like, this would be a great bottle to try.

Cheers
~Vitis

I see the Dunham 2005 syrah made one of the top 100 Washington wines (No. 18) -- I assume you've tasted this one as well ......your thoughts?

Vitis

12-23-2008, 08:10 AM

I see the Dunham 2005 syrah made one of the top 100 Washington wines (No. 18) -- I assume you've tasted this one as well ......your thoughts?

The Syrah is a nice wine. Wont age as long as the Cab will but a few years will make it even better. If you are looking at Gregutts top 100 list (Seattle times), its not the regular Columbia Valley Syrah he has listed. Its the Lewis Vineyard Reserve Syrah. A big heavy hitter wine. The winemakers seem to love this vineyard as it has interesting cola notes and realy bright fruit which can be more akin to Australia than Washington in alot of ways. Erics Lewis vineyard wines can be epic and age very well. ME LIKEY :D

~Vitis

Vitis

12-23-2008, 09:00 AM

Another snowy day here in the NW on Monday. Had to work late, and then couldn't get my car up the driveway in the ice and snow. :mad: What better way to unwind than Pinot! This was enjoyed over a few brisket sandwiches and the final episode of The Shield on my DVR.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/Wine/Chezeau.jpg

2006 Chevillon-Chezeaux Nuit-Saint-Georges Les Saint-Julian
This is a house that has only been in our local market for two vintages so my experiences are only with the 05's and 06's. They are based NSG, and have parcels in 5 premier cru vineyards that I know of. Their wines use less than one quarter new oak. This wine initialy had a nose of black cherry with a light smoke component and a touch of sweet spices. Medium weight in the mouth with lots of slightly tart red and black cherry flavors. The acid is quite crisp, and the wine had more tannin than I had expected. Not complex at the current state, but a very tasty wine with great balance so Im betting some aging will not be a problem and this could make a very nice mature wine. Im really starting to like the 06's. They dont have the intensity of the 05s but the acid it terrific. I will be grabbing a few more of these for the cellar for a five year nap.

Cheers
~Vitis

aldukes

12-23-2008, 09:26 AM

Last weeks office party:

2006 Bethel Heights Eola- Amity Hills Cuvee Pinot Noir
Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Lots of cherry and vanilla on the nose and even more in the glass- raspberries, light charcoal, I would recommend this. Had it with everything from Tuna Tartare and crab cakes to ribeye- etc.

2005 Hardin Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, CA

According to the interweb this retails for about $23. It tastes more like a $40 bottle. A little sweet, but went very well with steak and all the tasty steakhouse sides. Really high quality for the price, but a tad too sweet for me.

1994 Niepoort
Porto, Portugal

Now were talkin'- really good for a newish port- chocolate, black pepper, perfect raisin. I will be buying a bottle of this soon- if I can find one. Awesome.

1977 D'Oliveria Terrantez Madeira

Lots of raisin, lots of plum- drank way too much of this. Very good.

Had a quick sip of '85 Dow's too- but I wasn't in any conditions to remember note taking.

JohnnyFlake

12-23-2008, 10:06 AM

I am really loving the great information and reviews posted here by many, especially Vitis, Aldukes, Mosesbotbol and Richardw.

If it's possible, I would love it, if you guys and others, would mention the approximate prices of the wines you list and review. This will help me decide, if it's worth it for me, to search out a particular offering or not, when one peaks my interest. It would probably help many others as well.

Johnny

aldukes

12-23-2008, 10:32 AM

Vitis

12-23-2008, 10:35 AM

good idea JohnnyFlake, will do from now on, although alot of the wines reviewed so far are older so hard to pin a price on.

recent stuff from me that you can find, with approx retail:

2006 Chevillon-Chezeaux Nuit-Saint-Georges Les Saint-Julian $40
2005 Dunham Cabernet XI, Columbia Valley $45

~Vitis

JohnnyFlake

12-23-2008, 10:41 AM

Try www.wine-searcher.com (http://www.wine-searcher.com/)wine prices vary state to state so this would give you a better representation on how much it will cost you locally.

Thanks for the link!

Vitis

12-26-2008, 09:13 PM

Had a few wines on Weds and Thursday nights while relaxing at home and having some great food. My type of holiday. :D

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/Wine/CavaMillotHuber.jpg

Capdevila Pujol Cava Reserva Especial
I had picked up some paddlefish caviar on the spur of the moment while I was at Whole Foods and when I got home I realized that I did not have any Champagne in the apt. I had figured i was stick drinking chard with caviar and crème fraîche (not a good mix) but after fishing around in some boxes of samples I had in the spare room I found this Cava thats prpbably been there for over a year. This wine is made by Blancher Cava and is made of Xarel-lo, Macabeu and Parellada. Anyways.. The nose is clean with yeasty bready notes. Much less bubbles than Champagne with a fatter style mousse, and flavors of nuts and more yeast. Nice crispness on the finish. A pleasant surprise. I don’t usually drink Cava but for $$ this is decent. Approximate retail $15

2006 Jean-Marc Millot Côte de Nuits Villages "Aux Faulques"
Paired this Pinot with a dry aged ribeye. I have been a fan of this house for many years and this entry level 06 is a great example of why. Very intense wide open nose of dark fruit, mixed berries and sweet spice. Medium to heavy weight in the mouth, fruit punch style berry flavors, very ripe, nice acidity and more tannin than expected. This wine is delicious, the fruit is extremely clean and vibrant, and the follow through is excellent. Very fine for a CdN Villages, and I would buy more of this in a heartbeat. In past vintages this has been called "Clos des Faulques", but I’m not sure why it was changed in 06'. Approximate retail $35

2006 Huber-Verdereau Volnay
Drank with a nice rare piece of prime rib on Christmas night. This Domaine was founded in 1994 and Thiébault Huber has made some great wines so far. Unfortunately this was not one of them. The nose started out extremely tight, showing almost nothing, eventually giving way to animale and wet earth aromatics. Light to medium weight in the mouth with more similar flavors, and some black fruit. The wine is not very balanced and has a shrillness to it in which the acid outweighs the fruit. Disappointing as I have had some wonderful 05's from this producer. I did have a glass today and it had gained a little weight but was still not what one would hope for. Approximate retail $45

Cheers
~Vitis

aldukes

12-27-2008, 11:36 PM

I've had these on Xmas and Xmas eve in no particular order:

2006 August Briggs Zinfandel
Napa, CA
Varietal: Zinfandel
Cost: $32
Nose- cherry, alcohol, raspberry
Taste- cherry, touch of vanilla, touch of mocha
Points: 86 - Very disappointing- way too fruity, tasted like a $10 bottle. ugh-next.....

2006 August Briggs Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA
Varietal: Chardonnay
Cost: $32
Nose- tropical fruits, lemon peel, ripe oranges
Taste- honey, lemon,lime,orange,vanilla
Points: 89 I liked this actually, nothing special but it wasn't overly buttery (thats a good thing) went well with broiled lobster and shrimp w/ oil and garlic

2006 Domaine Thibert Pouilly-Fuissé Les Vignes Blanches
Maconnais, Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Cost: $34
Nose- white flowers, violets, apples, melon
Taste: lots of citrus, those little violet candies, honey, minerals
Points: 90+ loved this, no food, just sipped

2007 Frederic Gueguen Chablis Les Grandes Vignes
Chablis,Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Cost: $28
Nose: lemon, grey stones (chalkboard), petrol, slight white flowers
Taste: lemon, grey stones, petrol
Points: 86- Drank over 2 days- first day got nothin' so I tried again the next night- same thing. Usually I love those tastes but this just didn't do it for me.

I had the Pouilly-Fuisse before I had the Chablis- its amazing how different these wines are. Its a great example of tasting the same grape from different terroir. Chablis and Pouilly-Fuisse are in the same region but these wines couldn't be more different.

Vitis

12-28-2008, 10:29 AM

Thanks for the notes Aldukes. Shame about the Gueguen. I have not tasted it yet, but I know that Alan Meadows felt it was so backward when he tasted it in October that her wouldn't even give it a score. He thought that the fermentation aromatics were too dominant to get a good feel for it. I loved the Grandes Vignes in 05' and 06' so perhaps this one will come around in a year or so.

~Vitis

aldukes

12-28-2008, 01:18 PM

Backward is a great way to describe it- I wanted to like this so badly, but there was just nothing there.

I'm thinking about dropping off the August Briggs mailer. The past two shipments have been really disappointing. The Pinots and Cabs are good but the other offerings have been blah at best.

Vitis

12-28-2008, 01:33 PM

Never had the August Briggs stuff but after your review of the Zin it's not making my "need to try" list. :D

beamish

12-28-2008, 01:38 PM

aldukes

12-28-2008, 05:50 PM

the mrs. and I have really taken a liking to pinot noir,can you recommend a few cheaper bottles that you could drink everyday?or how about another type ?we tend to shy away from the really dry wines..thanx

I've heard good things about Castle Rock- retails around 10 bucks. I've had Sebastani in the past and it wasn't bad- retails around 13 bucks, same for the Coppola diamond series.

Do you like white wines?

Vitis

12-28-2008, 08:41 PM

If you can find Steel Creek Pinot from California give it a shot. Should be around $15. Tastes like Pinot and not syrah wich a lot of inexpensive pinots can taste like. Another one I like is Fleur de California which will run you around $16-$17

~Vitis

beamish

12-29-2008, 06:48 AM

I've heard good things about Castle Rock- retails around 10 bucks. I've had Sebastani in the past and it wasn't bad- retails around 13 bucks, same for the Coppola diamond series.

Do you like white wines?

have not gotten into the whites as of yet,the wife drinks pinot grigio in the summer,but thanks will definately give them a try

aldukes

12-30-2008, 02:35 PM

A very good friend of mine came for dinner last night:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/3150905929_edb0149029.jpg?v=0

Where to start? Drank in order from left to right.

1999 Veuve Clicquot Gold Label
Champagne, France
Varietal: Blend- Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
Cost: $65-80 according to the internet
Nose- lemon peel, baked bread,
Taste- brioche, lemon
Points: 88- not a huge fan, but it wasn't terrible

2001 Dominus Napanook
Napa Valley, CA
Champagne, France
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend- 71% Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Cabernet Franc 7% Merlot 3% Petit Verdot 1% Malbec
Cost: $45 at purchase around $80 now
Nose- At opening this filled the room with raspberries, after decanting it mellowed out with a great nose of ripe cherries, leather, tobacco, black tea
Taste- Super smooth, great finish, lots of red fruits, some black tea, tobacco
Points: 90- I bought this in 04 as my first "collectable" bottle, well worth the wait- Decanted for 4 hours

2005 Caldwell Rocket Science
Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, CA
Varietal: Red Blend-33% Syrah 33% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot 9% Cabernet Franc 9% Petit Verdot 9% Tannat
Cost: $45
Nose- dark chocolate , cola, cherries, coffee
Taste- This is a HUGE wine- lots of dark chocolate and cherries, really long finish (45 seconds?)
Points: 93- Huge CA cab- if you like the style you will love this-friends Wine of the night- opened about an hour before, no decant

2004 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, CA
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Cost: $115
Nose- Lots of eucalyptus, barnyard, cherry
Taste- Tannic -but smooth at the same time, cherry, menthol, red meat- this tasted similar to a newer Bordeaux
Points: 93- Decanted for an hour- if this had another 2 hours to open up this would be a 95, really interesting wine- tons of sediment left in the decanter

2005 Volta Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, CA
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Cost: $60
Nose: huge fruit, black cherry,raspberry, little vanilla
Taste: black cherry, dark chocolate, black tea, raspberry
Points: 93- I can't wait to see how this ages, awesome wine- my wine of the night, popped and poured If anyone wants a bottle of this let me know ASAP- Im leaning towards ordering a few more (i'll cover the shipping)

An awesome night, the Seavey was served with Grilled lamb, roasted potatoes with rosemary butter, and mushrooms baked in garlic and butter. Last glass and a half of Volta was paired with a CAO Lx2- it stood up quite well. I usually don't enjoy cigars with wine- but they went well together.

Paint

12-30-2008, 03:04 PM

My all time fav is a Mondavi Special Reserve 2000 Cabernet Savignon Got a wooded box (case)of this wine,100$ a bottle and i have had no other wine that compares with this!!!

aldukes

12-31-2008, 12:05 PM

What's everyone drinking tonight?

My friends are picking up a few different bottles of Prosecco.

JohnnyFlake

12-31-2008, 02:51 PM

There will be only four of us tonight, and only three of us will be drinking. We have one none drinker! I plan to start out, pre-meal, with a bottle of Grand Vin De Graves "Pessac-Leognan" 1994 Chateau La Louviere that I purchased in 1998 while still living in Illinois, at $20 a bottle back then. After this bottle, I'll still have three left. During the meal, we'll enjoy a bottle or two, if needed (I have six), of Barossa Valley- South Australia 2006 Layer Cake Shiraz (about $15). Later, with dessert, we'll open a bottle of Graham's "Six Grapes" Reserve Porto (About $24).

mosesbotbol

01-02-2009, 05:25 AM

Grand Vin De Graves "Pessac-Leognan" 1994 Chateau La Louviere that I purchased in 1998 while still living in Illinois, at $20 a bottle back then.

That was the best $20 spent ever... How was the bottle?

JohnnyFlake

01-02-2009, 06:03 PM

That was the best $20 spent ever... How was the bottle?

I decanted this bottle about an two hours before pouring. I'm not sure how well it opened up in that amount of time. For me, it was more medium bodied, than full bodied, as I expected it to be. There were rich hints of blackberry, hints of currant and a distinct earthiness, with a touch of smokiness as well. My one guest and I really enjoyed it. My wife didn't care for very much.

Does anyone know what a bottle of this might sell for now days?

aldukes

01-02-2009, 06:16 PM

I decanted this bottle about an two hours before pouring. I'm not sure how well it opened up in that amount of time. For me, it was more medium bodied, than full bodied, as I expected it to be. There were rich hints of blackberry, hints of currant and a distinct earthiness, with a touch of smokiness as well. My one guest and I really enjoyed it. My wife didn't care for very much.

Does anyone know what a bottle of this might sell for now days?

Probably around $35-50 not too many bottles of this around anymore- let me know if you're willing to part with one. :ss

aldukes

01-07-2009, 12:02 AM

can't wait for friday......pic to come.........

robofan

01-07-2009, 12:53 AM

Does anyone know what a bottle of this might sell for now days?

According to Vinfolio.com the average retail price for the Chateau La Louviere1994 is $47.06. Keep in mind that aged wine prices actually peaked in 2007 and have been coming down lately due to the economy.

BC-Axeman

01-07-2009, 10:02 AM

aldukes

01-07-2009, 09:52 PM

How can a wine be "too fruity"? It starts out as a rich, sweet, luscious fruit. It has to be turned into wine gently so as not to ruin it along the process. I would think the more of the original flavor that can be retained, the better. I love a strongly fruity wine with just enough tannins to smooth it out and give it staying power. Some people describe this as "jammy" or "porty". Mmmmm.

quality, quality, quality. Of course there are always exceptions. I love fruit forward new world wines- when they're done right. Quality doesn't necessarily mean price.

Vitis

01-08-2009, 09:13 AM

2006 Dugat-Py Bourgogne

Drank a few glasses of this at the office yesterday while meeting with our landlord. Bernard Dugat-Py is one of the greatest houses in all of Burgundy, but you certainly pay for it. This is entry level Bourgogne which is "wallet stretching" for this level of wine, and the micro-produced Gran Crus get extremely expensive. That said, these wines can be ethereal. The family has been growing in Gevery for a ridiculously long time and the caves they use were originally built by monks in 1075! Very cool.

This wine opened with the most aromatics of any 06' burg I’ve tried so far, super heavy spices, with deep scents of dark fruit, and intense focus framed by light wood and earth. There are indescribable aromas that I had no idea what they were. Very intense. Medium to full bodied in the mouth, black cherry, sour tart notes, and watermelon? Crisp throughout, heavy but elegantly balanced with an intensely long finish for a Bourgogne. The finish has a wild lozenge effect where your tongue gets a little numb. Pretty damn wild for a pinot. A very very fine wine for this level, which needs several years to start, and I can see it flowering in a decade. Estimated retail in this market is $55 but easily as good as Premier Crus that you could buy at this price. Compared to Oregon or California Pinot at this price, well…. no comparison. Buy this instead. Can't wait to try the heavier hitters from this house.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/Wine/DugatBourgogne.jpg

~Vitis

mosesbotbol

01-08-2009, 10:45 AM

2006 Dugat-Py Bourgogne

Drank a few glasses of this at the office yesterday while meeting with our landlord. Bernard Dugat-Py is one of the greatest houses in all of Burgundy, but you certainly pay for it.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/Wine/DugatBourgogne.jpg

Nice.

Certainly a big name in Burgundy. Still a baby I bet. Looking at scoring some '95 Burg's this weekend at auction. Call me Mr. Lowballer, I probably won't win any, but I do, yeah for me.

Vitis

01-08-2009, 05:48 PM

Cool, Moses, what auction are you going to?

mosesbotbol

01-09-2009, 05:18 AM

Cool, Moses, what auction are you going to?

Online auction, and I don't want to post which one it is. You can PM me if you want, but most wine collectors know which one I am talking about...

Vitis

01-09-2009, 08:07 AM

Yep, I was just curious if you were going to one, you know, paddle and all. Good luck in your hunting. May the baccus smile upon you. :D

~Vitis

aldukes

01-09-2009, 09:35 AM

Online auction, and I don't want to post which one it is. You can PM me if you want, but most wine collectors know which one I am talking about...

If we're talking about the same one- there are some awesome deals going right now.

aldukes

01-11-2009, 05:41 PM

I treated myself to a winebid purchase two weeks ago:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3188681699_dc8b0199c2.jpg?v=0

see you when I turn 30.

mosesbotbol

01-12-2009, 05:28 AM

Missed out on Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon - Vintage 1995 - 6 Bottles for $60.00 :mad:

and Chateau Lascombes - Vintage 1995 case of 12 OWC for $350 :mad:

Looked like a lot of action on the lots I had bookmarked... Where's the recession? Port lots that did sell, sold for too much money and everything else there was no bids on... I think we'll see some changes in Feb an March; they will be the times to start bidding.

rizzle

01-12-2009, 02:17 PM

Few suggestions for a $10-12 Syrah, please.

landhoney

01-12-2009, 02:41 PM

Got some Bordeaux futures in the other day; '04 Pontet Canet (finally!) and '05 Clos du Jaugueyron (Margaux), a few bottles of each. I had one of my bottles of '01 Jaugueyron not too long ago and it tasted like it was pressed yesterday, amazingly fresh. Won't open any more for a long while, but it was an excellent wine. Pontet is a good value, try to pick up a few every vintage unless its a bad year for them.

aldukes

01-12-2009, 08:07 PM

Few suggestions for a $10-12 Syrah, please.

try Powers from Washington State. Penfolds from Australia puts out some good stuff in that range too. Ask your wineshop if they have anything from the Northern rhone- you would be pleasantly surprised.

rizzle

01-13-2009, 10:06 AM

try Powers from Washington State. Penfolds from Australia puts out some good stuff in that range too. Ask your wineshop if they have anything from the Northern rhone- you would be pleasantly surprised.
Powers...will do.

Penfolds...I've had a couple of those. Do you know the difference in their bin #'s? Seems I can't remember what I've had or what I should be buying.:D

Northern rhone...will do.

Thanks

aldukes

01-14-2009, 08:54 AM

Powers...will do.

Penfolds...I've had a couple of those. Do you know the difference in their bin #'s? Seems I can't remember what I've had or what I should be buying.:D

Northern rhone...will do.

Thanks

http://www.penfolds.com/wines/bin/default.asp (http://www.penfolds.com/wines/bin/default.asp)

let us know what you pick up!

tedski

01-14-2009, 10:30 AM

Few suggestions for a $10-12 Syrah, please.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates

Vitis

01-16-2009, 09:39 AM

A quick note. We cracked this at the office a few days ago. I do not have that much experience with this house (I have a few bottles of 83' but they are pretty far gone at this point) but in general they are considered to have underperformed for many years (80's & 90's) Therefore, I wasn't expecting much, which often leads to pleasant surprises. Schonborn is the largest privately owned winery in the Rheingau and some of the estate vineyard sites have been in the family since 1349!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m254/pearlatyahoo/Wine/SSNuss2.jpg

1990 Schloss Schönborn Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Auslese
Strong aromatics right from the onset, huge petrol nose, with mixed citrus fruits and honey in the background. Medium weight with lime zest and meyer lemon, oily viscosity and surprisingly some tight acidity as a backbone. The finish continues on with citrus and a lively grapefruit note. Much better than anticipated. By no means a heavy hitter, but a lovely wine that would match nicely with foods as the sugar levels are in check. 1990 was an epic year for Germany (and most places in Europe) and it would appear Schonborn benefited from this with the Nussbrubben bottling. No clue on the current cost but Id pay in the $40s for this if available.

Cheers
~Vitis

RichardW

01-17-2009, 07:42 PM

Vitis

01-18-2009, 08:53 AM

They're drinkable, but 83 being such a great vintage you hope for more. The 83 JJ Prums (especialy the gold capsule and LGKs) are unf*@#ingbelievable at this point. Sublime.

~Vitis

aldukes

01-27-2009, 10:56 AM

Went to UGC Bordeaux Grand Tasting last night-

I didn't take great notes, but here are some of my favorites:

05/06 Grand Puy Ducasse
05 Smith Haut Lafitte
05 Chateau Cantelys- a STEAL at $30
05 Pape Clement
06 Chateau Figeac
05 Angelus
06 Brane Cantenac
06 Chateau Guiraud

mosesbotbol

01-27-2009, 11:39 AM

aldukes

01-27-2009, 12:21 PM

I heard the '05 Smith Haut Lafitte is suppose to quite the deal as well

It is- for less than 100 is really nice and will age for a long time. Same producer as Cantelys. Spent a few min talking to the owner of the Chateau.

BC-Axeman

01-27-2009, 08:48 PM

I picked up a bottle of cheap wine at Costco called Bogle Vinyards Old Vine Zinfandel.
I only bought one bottle to try at about $8. I an pleasantly surprised at how good it is.
Maybe it's the over 14% alcohol but it is a well balanced wine with nice flavor, smoothness, finish, color. Bottle looks nice. I think I will get some more for a table wine to drink often. It reminds me of some home made wine an old fashioned family I knew used to make. Did I mention the 14.8% alcohol? Mmmmmm!

mosesbotbol

01-28-2009, 05:06 AM

I picked up a bottle of cheap wine at Costco called Bogle Vinyards Old Vine Zinfandel.
I only bought one bottle to try at about $8. I an pleasantly surprised at how good it is.
Maybe it's the over 14% alcohol but it is a well balanced wine with nice flavor, smoothness, finish, color.

Yes, it's the alcohol that is making this wine taste "pleasant". Higher alcohol gives the impression of more extract in flavor. Very common wine making method in new world wines.

BC-Axeman

01-28-2009, 09:30 AM

I didn't say the wine tasted "pleasant". I said it tasted surprisingly good. Everyone liked it and it all got drank up quickly. For that price it's worth getting a case or two for a common table wine, when you don't want to be drinking money.

aldukes

01-28-2009, 12:08 PM

For that price it's worth getting a case or two for a common table wine, when you don't want to be drinking money.

Try the Petite Sirah from Bogle- very good for the price point.

mosesbotbol

01-28-2009, 12:55 PM

TheRiddick

01-28-2009, 04:12 PM

Yes, it's the alcohol that is making this wine taste "pleasant". Higher alcohol gives the impression of more extract in flavor. Very common wine making method in new world wines.

Moses,

Please don't go there! Alcohol has nothing to do with much, I've had low alcohol wines where the first thing you smell and then taste is alcohol and I've had high alcohol wines, in the 16-17% range, where you didn't really notice alcohol until you looked at the label. Wine balance is key and when all components are in balance (fruit, acidity, alcohol, oak, tannins), alcohol plays a secondary fiddle.

Higher alcohol creates an impression of bigger wine BODY, not flavor. The only way to create great flavor is to use great fruit, there is no substitute. IMHO, of course. At least I haven't found one yet :D

Besides, do you really believe the numbers on European wines' labels? Many of them are false, have no idea why ATF is not paying closer attention.

For example, one very famous French wine always lists 13.9% content on its label, yet a number of lab reports peg it at mid to high 15%. The importer confirmed this fact as well. I am sure if more are tested, you'll see a significant number of highly touted wines actually come in in similar alcohol ranges to USA made wines'. From my own tasting experience, although limited due to cost, almost every 1st and 2nd Bord you can name is at least at 14% and some are in the 15% range. LLC is proudly using RO to concentrate the juice, almost all firsts and many seconds use the technology as well, ask yourself why.

Just yesterday there were news about 50+ French vintners being sued by the French authorities for using sugar to beef up alc levels, and this is not an isolated case, trust me, these were just careless enough to get caught (although I am not sure how they got caught, their competitors snitching?).

I stopped paying attention to stated alc numbers a while ago and only want to know how well is alc integrated in the overall taste profile of a wine. If it sticks out enough for you to notice, then sure, its out of balance.

So, how do drink Porto with all that alcohol in it? :D
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Bogle is one of the best QPR labels around, pretty much everything they make is solid and some wines, such as their Petite (already mentioned above) is a great deal, IMO, year in and year out.

Jewel is another well priced and well made label, should be in the $10-14 range. Central Cost fruit.