Starting to like wine...the Red version

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

A good general rule (feel free to argue) - Don't buy a red wine over 14.1% alcohol unless it's a CdP. Yes, Zin's are an exception, but don't buy over 14.5%.

To put this in perspective, the world's most expensive and coveted wines are 13.5% and under. Many around 12%

There are exceptions, I'd like to note. For instance, perhaps the smoothest, most refined and "cultured" wines I've ever had is Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz, which is not outrageous at under $30/bottle. Yet it is an outrageous 16% alcohol. Talk about sneaking up on a guy - yowzer!

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by The Poet

There are exceptions, I'd like to note. For instance, perhaps the smoothest, most refined and "cultured" wines I've ever had is Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz, which is not outrageous at under $30/bottle. Yet it is an outrageous 16% alcohol. Talk about sneaking up on a guy - yowzer!

I am not even going to comment on that one... I would not consider it cultured or refined at all, but that is what is fun about wine; there are many opinions and different tastes.

What are your other favorite wines or daily drinkers?

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

I am not even going to comment on that one... I would not consider it cultured or refined at all, but that is what is fun about wine; there are many opinions and different tastes.

What are your other favorite wines or daily drinkers?

Go ahead and comment, as I'd like to hear your opinion, despite the fact that it apparently disagrees not only to my own, but also to every customer to whom I have sold this particular wine . . . to be more specific, the 2007 vintage. Shoot, I'll even sell YOU a case or three, if you like.

As for my other faves . . . well, to be honest, I'll drink dang near anything. Hey, after you get the first glass or three down, what's the freakin' diff?

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by The Poet

Go ahead and comment, as I'd like to hear your opinion, despite the fact that it apparently disagrees not only to my own, but also to every customer to whom I have sold this particular wine . . .

Austrailian wine in general tastes too manipulated either by too much extraction, high alcohol, and almost all lack any terrior. They taste like concocted wine syrup. Mollydooker really typifies this new world style- which I am not a fan of. I am not singling out Mollydooker specifically, but lump it into with other Aussies like Thorne Clarke and Ball Buster…

My favorite Aussie and one I would point customers to is Torbreck’s “Woodcutter’s Reserve” Shiraz. Actually, Torbreck I would put on the top for mass produced Aussie wine.

Is Bud Light more acceptable as a beer just because it is outselling Anchor, Dogfish, and Dale’s? Certainly it is more acceptable to the bottom line of the balance sheet, but not as a fine beer.

You may sell more Wild Irish Rose than Petrus, but it does not legitimate Wild Irish Rose a contender in best wine prize.

[replicant_argent]

Ahem... The op didn't ask for advice on how to be an Amateur Sommelier or quite a bit more of chest puffing and ball busting going on in this thread. As far as the bud light analogy? Some people like it, (not me, but I digress) and it fits their budget, and it makes them happy. No reason to look down your nose at them or pooh pooh how it is produced. I think the advice of trying many different varietals and specific bottle or producer suggestions are what Kirk may have been looking for here, rather than treatises on production values and hackle raising finger pointing.
I give a brother on here crap all the time about his Miller lite fetish, but he knows it comes as good-natured ribbing and gives it back just as well. This thread is not that.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

As far as the bud light analogy? Some people like it, (not me, but I digress) and it fits their budget, and it makes them happy. No reason to look down your nose at them or pooh pooh how it is produced.

Would have to disagree with this. Just because it makes them happy and fits their budget does not mean it's a good wine (or beer). There are plenty of honest wines with real character at every price point.

One does not have to drink "Bud Light" wine just because they have a limited budget.

[Chris.]

Why not try some Madeira or Port wines? I love both!

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Chris.

Why not try some Madeira or Port wines? I love both!

Yum! Make sure the Madeira is over ten years old.

[hornitosmonster]

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Tell you what, since no one is listening.

Start the PIF. Let me know how far you get

I just had two bottles of Westy 12 shipped from the country of origin. Arrived nice and safe. I belong to another board and they have a dedicated section for trading beers.

And I wonder how wine of the months clubs do it

[TheRiddick]

Originally Posted by hornitosmonster

I just had two bottles of Westy 12 shipped from the country of origin. Arrived nice and safe. I belong to another board and they have a dedicated section for trading beers.

And I wonder how wine of the months clubs do it

Clubs are LICENSED retail outlets with no B&M presence. The keyword, for those still not listening, is LICENSED, same as your corner wine shop.

This is getting tiring. With so many doubters and experts, I did recommend someone start a PIF. I meant it. Let me know how far you guys get, that is ALL I AM ASKING.

We'll discuss results at a later date. I'll just give a hint, use cheapest wine available so that you do not lose much in the process.

PS. Ask Bobarian what company he works for, then ask yourself why such a company is in business if wine is easy to ship.

PPS. Start the PIF.

[hornitosmonster]

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Clubs are LICENSED retail outlets with no B&M presence. The keyword, for those still not listening, is LICENSED, same as your corner wine shop.

This is getting tiring. With so many doubters and experts, I did recommend someone start a PIF. I meant it. Let me know how far you guys get, that is ALL I AM ASKING.

We'll discuss results at a later date. I'll just give a hint, use cheapest wine available so that you do not lose much in the process.

PS. Ask Bobarian what company he works for, then ask yourself why such a company is in business if wine is easy to ship.

PPS. Start the PIF.

FYI, we have done a PIF with cigars and hard liquor (old site).

Whatever you do, DON'T use Styrofoam!

[Mugen910]

Originally Posted by BC-Axeman

Whatever you do, DON'T use Styrofoam!

Went to visit a friend in Pitts a few months back and he asked what I wanted to drink since he does not stock anything but beer. I told him port and forgot to bring the glass ware.

[rlmedic]

Ok lets try this again... how about a favorite French wine of mine under $20, pretty easy to find, and 90+ points by Parker if that matters to you

Saint Cosme Côte du Rhône

[Mugen910]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Yes, that's her. My avatar.

Originally Posted by rlmedic

Ok lets try this again... how about a favorite French wine of mine under $20, pretty easy to find, and 90+ points by Parker if that matters to you

Saint Cosme Côte du Rhône

Is there a specific year or does it not matter for newbies?

[rlmedic]

Originally Posted by Mugen910

Is there a specific year or does it not matter for newbies?

The current vintage (2007) is drinking great. Here is nice chart of different vintages and the ratings of each vintage..

http://www.erobertparker.com/newSear...ageChart1.aspx

[rlmedic]

1)Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon
2)St. Francis Old Vine Zinfandel
3)Saint Cosme Côte du Rhône

Plus another great Zin from CA:
seghesio old vine zin

[weak_link]

I'd love to 'out' someone in this thread but I won't. Much more fun this way.

[TheRiddick]

Originally Posted by weak_link

I'd love to 'out' someone in this thread but I won't. Much more fun this way.

Eric, won't matter one way or another, it is clear by now...

[G G]

I realize i am an unsophisticated southerner, but now i have to go and buy a different "special" glass to drink my port out of. The plastic tumbler i have used up to now isn't cutting it.