07-30-2008, 08:55 AM | #1 (permalink) |
Asshole
Administrator
Location: Chicago
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Share Your Favorite Wines Here
There's a 5-year old thread kind-of, sort-of on the same topic, but rather than bump it, I'm starting new. Call it a cleansing of the palate.
In the past 10 years, I've realized that wine can actually be fun. It's no longer the passtime of wine snobs, and anyone with a mouth and a nose is qualified to render a judgement. I thought I would share a few of my favorites that I've discovered over the years and ask for opinions or other suggestions - sort of like some of our music threads. Castellano di Amoroso Pinot Grigio - I am really into this one right now. You can only buy it directly from the winery (which means that they can ship it to you regardless of where you are, provided that's not Utah). I am not a fan of sweet or buttery wines, and this one is very crisp, especially when it's served cold. Cakebreak Cabernet - I admit it's dropped in value as the price has risen, but it's still a damn good cab. It used to be a great buy when you could get it for $15/bottle in a store, but it was "discovered" and now everyone wants it. Nice mellow finish. Overture - Opus One's off-brand. Basically these are the extras that they have left over. And it's about half the price and it's pretty much the same taste. Fortitude Cabernet - this may actually be a meritage - I don't have a bottle with me here - but's shockingly affordable and quite good. So what are your favorites? Why? Are they easily available or do you need to know someone to get a bottle or two? And please, no wine coolers. I know you're a high school sophomore girl at heart, but that's out of bounds.
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07-30-2008, 09:27 AM | #2 (permalink) |
... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.
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Spenker Zinfandel, 2002. I've still got several bottles, and it is by leaps and bounds the best full-bodied, true zinfandel in the world. Take that, France. (Try it with chocolate, seriously)
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, 2005. I'll admit I opened the first one a bit early, back in October '07, but I could tell immediately that it was the best Sav Blanc I've ever had. I have several more bottles I plan on opening early '09. I've got a few more bottles at home, but those stuck out in my memory. |
07-30-2008, 09:38 AM | #3 (permalink) | |
You had me at hello
Location: DC/Coastal VA
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Blackstone Merlot, it's inexpensive, easy to find, and tastes rich. Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Very low acidity, dark, slightly musky taste, but in a good way. De Bouef's Beajolais Noveau. We get it every year, and every year a sniffy guy tells us that it's not a mature wine and not worth tasting. It's just a tradition with us. And it usually is pretty decent. If you want something that makes you feel like an old world fuedal lord, eating your people's offering of nearly bloody mutton, and washing it down with gulps of in-your-face red wine, Bully Hill Meat Market Red. I'm not thinking refined experience here, more like if you would be the type to use peasants as foot stools. it's a gluttony thing. Kind of off the subject but related, a friend gave us a bottle of Dom Perignon in return for a favor. We chilled it properly, got out the flutes, and found out that it tastes pretty much like champaign at half the price. Maybe we just have trailer park palates. One wine I warn against: Papio. It has a monkey on the label. It tastes like monkey piss.
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I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet Last edited by Poppinjay; 07-30-2008 at 09:45 AM.. |
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07-30-2008, 09:50 AM | #4 (permalink) | |
... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.
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07-30-2008, 10:30 AM | #5 (permalink) |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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I developed a taste for Yellow Tail wines a few years ago when my mom got 4 leftover cases of it after a fundraiser for the museum where she works. It's not something that wine snobs are going to rave about, but it's under $15 for a magnum at BJ's liquor, and it goes well with everyday food and nice dinners at home. The Cabernet is complex and fruity, but not overwhelmingly so. Merlot is similarly good but less complex, pretty much what you'd expect from a decent Merlot. I go back and forth on their chardonnay -- 2005 was too smoky, 2006 was pretty good, and 2007 was a bit to acidic and dry for my taste.
For super cheap in bulk, I'll probably be looked down on for saying this, but Franzia (yes, the stuff in boxes) Chianti is as good as anything you'll get in a cheap bottle, and goes perfectly well with a simple pasta dinner (especially if you're serving a lot of people in an informal setting; put out some decanters at a buffet and nobody will ever know.) Not very complex, on the sweet side, tastes good and gets you drunk. |
07-30-2008, 12:44 PM | #6 (permalink) |
Registered User
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I have no real clue when it comes to wine. I just drink what's there usually.
However, I'm not a fan of Grigio's, or Cabernet's. I pretty much stick to Merlot's or blushes. I think the one my wife buys all the time is Duplin Carolina Red. It's cheap. $10/bottle maybe. I usually just stick to the vodka so yeah.. my tastes and experiences are few. |
07-30-2008, 01:24 PM | #7 (permalink) |
will always be an Alyson Hanniganite
Location: In the dust of the archives
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"But Daaaad, I don't waaannna go to school today."
Oh...wines. I thought...never mind. Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill. Seriously, I tend to stick to the Merlots and Cabernets. I'm not a huge fan of white wines, and find zinfandel to be rather...Kool Aidish in it's sweetness.
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"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt. |
07-30-2008, 01:24 PM | #8 (permalink) |
Crazy
Location: Ohio
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I have been a wine and beer salesman for the past 2 years. Before working here, my experience with wine was pretty minimal. I have definitely come to appreciate wine a lot more and have gotten to try some really nice wines (and beers) over the past couple years. My budget for wine these days is next to nothing, but it's nice to get some free samples through work every now and then
I think my favorite wine that I have had is Franciscan Magnificat. It goes for around 50 dollars here, so it's not something I'll be buying everyday, but for a special occasion I'd indulge in a bottle. Another perk of my job is getting to try some wines I wouldn't normally try on my own. I've found a couple Pinot Grigio's that I really enjoyed..one sticking out in my mind is Houghton.
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07-30-2008, 01:49 PM | #9 (permalink) | |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
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The problem with me trying to list off all of the wines I like is that you will probably be hard-pressed to find some of them in other parts of the country, and vice-versa. You see, I live in Oregon, which has become wine country. Given the vast array of local wines available from small producers, they often dominate the shelves here. If it's from California, Australia, Washington, or Oregon, I might have a chance of finding it to try. Oregon is becoming well-known for its pinot noir, and I've got to say I've really enjoyed Sweet Cheeks Winery's pinot noir. I can't afford a bottle myself, it's too spendy, but my future mother-in-law likes to serve it at parties. She is a good source of wine for me to try, otherwise I will keep on buying the same bottles of Aussie shiraz over and over again (damn I love that shiraz). I don't believe you have to spend a lot of money to get a good bottle of wine. Most blind taste tests I read about comparing cheap wines to pricier bottles illustrates that people cannot tell the difference between the two. Furthermore, I'm constrained budget-wise. Therefore, I am a big fan of two cheap but good wine producers--namely Two-Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw) and Barefoot. I also really like Pepperwood Grove, which is at only a slightly higher price point that the other two. Typically...I buy the shiraz (are we noticing a theme yet?) but sometimes will purchase the Pepperwood cabernet. If people could note which bottles they like that are under $10, I would appreciate that--it helps me know which recommendations to take seriously.
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07-30-2008, 01:51 PM | #10 (permalink) |
Super Moderator
Location: essex ma
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i like red wines from burgundy.
there are some lovely malbecs as well, but it's also the case that many taste like parker-wines, so like crappy california reds. like burgundies that are a little earthy and that have a long flavor to them---one that changes as it moves through your mouth and that has a bit of an aftertaste--cali wines tend to go HI THERE and disappear. thin and overpriced. though i'm willing to do fieldwork and be proven wrong. i'm not sure that i'm smart enough for good bordeaux yet. i'm working my way toward them. o yeah---i like la veuve cliquot for champagne. i've had their millésimé and it's tremendous. but it's kinda a pain to find and it's alot of money. a regular bottle of the widow is about 40.00 you want to drink enough so that the old lady smiles.
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07-30-2008, 02:56 PM | #11 (permalink) | |
... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.
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If you ever get the opportunity, give the 2002 Spenker Zin a shot. I happen to know the family which is why I was able to purchase such a decent collection from them (I drove up there to buy it on the vineyard and take the tour). |
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07-30-2008, 04:34 PM | #12 (permalink) |
Getting it.
Super Moderator
Location: Lion City
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Any alcohol in this is city is expensive. What would be a $10 bottle of wine in Toronto is typically $25 here. As a result, I've started to buy whatever's cheap. I couldn't tell you what's on my shelf at home.
When I am willing to spend, I have to admit that I not enough of a connoisseur be able to tell you vintage, or labels, etc. with any accuracy. I know I've had some nice Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (alone or blended) from Wolf Blass. There are some whites that I like Viognier and I will even drink a nice Rose, but I prefer the Roses from Bandol which I can only find while I am in France (I know that sounds pretentious but it's an occupational thing).
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07-31-2008, 04:04 AM | #13 (permalink) | |
You had me at hello
Location: DC/Coastal VA
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I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet |
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07-31-2008, 08:21 AM | #14 (permalink) | |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
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I picked up a bottle of Two Vines Red Wine from Columbia Crest that is a blend of syrah, sangiovese, and cabernet sauvignon. I'll be trying it this weekend and let you all know how it goes. It was a nice bargain at $6.99 on sale.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau |
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07-31-2008, 08:48 AM | #15 (permalink) |
Friend
Location: New Mexico
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I'm not really a good wine connoisseur, mostly because I've become more of a beer geek but I went to a wine festival and bought a bottle of a plum wine from Anasazi Fields Winery and it was really delicious. I found out that the winery is based in my home state too which is cool.
Other than that I really enjoy dry, red wines. I really want to try getting into wines more so I will definitely be looking up some of these in the coming weeks.
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07-31-2008, 10:35 AM | #16 (permalink) |
Tilted
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I cook with Barefoot Chardonnay and Merlot, they're both under $10.00 a bottle and are really nice in recipes that call for wine. I use the Chardonnay to make chicken/shrimp scampi and the Merlot for beef stew and pot roast.
I never really found a wine that I really enjoyed drinking. I enjoy beer more. |
07-31-2008, 10:46 AM | #17 (permalink) |
She's Actual Size
Location: Central Republic of Where-in-the-Hell
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I really love Black Swan Shiraz... it's very cheap, and very good. I'll admit to not knowing a whole lot about wine, though, so this thread has given me some ideas for future purchases.
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07-31-2008, 10:50 AM | #18 (permalink) |
Asshole
Administrator
Location: Chicago
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Does anyone know of a nice crisp white for a hot summer's day? I've had some really good ones from South Africa and New Zealand that are quite affordable, but I can't remember the names. I'm hoping someone jars something lose in my head.
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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo |
07-31-2008, 11:03 AM | #19 (permalink) |
Super Moderator
Location: essex ma
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on a hot summer day, i generally opt for a few bottles from the chateau red stripe.
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a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear it make you sick. -kamau brathwaite |
07-31-2008, 01:38 PM | #20 (permalink) |
Drifting
Administrator
Location: Windy City
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Actually Jazz... my sommelier recommended a White Merlot, and tec and I took that on our vacation - it was delicious, and the first time I had ever heard of such a thing. For someone who wants Merlot drinkable chilled without having the bitter flavor that comes with doing so, it was quite enjoyable. I'm racking my brain to remember the name.
One of my favorites is Innocent Bystander. Mmm Mmmm Mmmm. I often have to wait a couple months at a time, as at $15 a bottle I normally only buy what I will drink, and it is very hard to get, making it run out quickly in my area of the country. I think I will have to stock up next time.
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07-31-2008, 02:02 PM | #21 (permalink) |
Leaning against the -Sun-
Super Moderator
Location: on the other side
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The best white wine I have ever had comes from Spain. From Barcelona, in Cataluńa to be exact.
It is called Gessami and is pretty wonderful. It's really fruity but not overly sweet, and it's crisp. This is a little secret imparted to me by a friend from this region. Whenever I go there now I always buy a bottle to bring back. Here is a rather good review: Gessami wine review
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07-31-2008, 06:40 PM | #23 (permalink) |
Sauce Puppet
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Sokol Blosser Winery (Oregon) - Evolution Wine - I really enjoy this Reisling. I know it's lame to come out and say I enjoy a Reisling, but watching the sunset and enjoying this crisp wine is an all time favorite of mine. I first found this at a small winery when the owner hugged it while showing me white wines to go well with sushi. It used to be hard to find, but I can find it all over nowadays.
Garfield Estates Winery (Colorado) - S2 - I am not sure on the distribution of this wine. But, if you're ever driving I-70 through western Colorado, veering off at Palisade to find this winery. The S2 is great. Carlson Vineyards (even further off the track) is great also. Van Der Heyden Winery (Napa) - Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon - Is my favorite vineyard in Napa. Just a little hole in the wall place (not super fancy, owned by a Dutch man who just likes to make wine). I enjoyed all his reds, but his late harvest was particularly great. I have not been able to find it outside of Napa (wish I could).
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07-31-2008, 06:55 PM | #24 (permalink) | |
has all her shots.
Location: Florida
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Oh, yeah...wines....I don't know the names, eh-heh, I pick them up by recognizing the labels... I prefer pinot noirs or pinot grigios. Crispness is what I like.
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07-31-2008, 08:17 PM | #25 (permalink) | |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
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Someone here might be interested to know that one of Sokol Blosser's new releases is named Meditrina--it's a blend of pinot noir, syrah, and zinfandel. Haven't tried it yet, but hopefully it will show up on the fall wine walk here. They make good wines.
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07-31-2008, 08:46 PM | #26 (permalink) |
Human
Administrator
Location: Chicago
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Forgive me for being slightly off topic, but I don't really have a favorite wine at this point. That said, I'd like to let you know about a really great internet TV show called winelibrary.tv. There is also winelibrary.tv reserve, which consists of 5 minute abridged versions of past episodes. I highly recommend checking it out, especially if you're interested in trying new wines.
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07-31-2008, 09:17 PM | #27 (permalink) | |
Addict
Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
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Some of my favourite Southern Hemisphere wines:
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08-01-2008, 03:13 AM | #28 (permalink) | |
You had me at hello
Location: DC/Coastal VA
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__________________
I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet |
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08-01-2008, 11:08 AM | #29 (permalink) | ||
Sauce Puppet
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Now I'm just jealous! Let me know how the Meditrina is when it comes out. After a year without alcohol (well almost) I'll need a nice sipper to enjoy. I can't wait to either try wines in Italy or South Africa. After that vacation I'll share my favorites from whichever region I find myself in. Quote:
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In the Absence of Information People Make Things Up. |
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08-05-2008, 01:09 PM | #32 (permalink) |
Please touch this.
Owner/Admin
Location: Manhattan
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3 wines stand out to me
Finca Sandoval (Spain) Achaval Ferrer Malbec (Argentina) Nec-otium Pinot Grigio (Spain)
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08-06-2008, 01:38 PM | #33 (permalink) |
Twisted
Location: UK
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I'm heading to Napa Valley in a couple of weeks for a 3 month internship at a winery as part of my BSc in Oenology... looking forward to trying all the local wines! Coming from South Africa originally (now in UK) I know how all the best wines never leave the area... a bit of a shame, but also what makes visiting a place so special.
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08-09-2008, 07:53 AM | #34 (permalink) | |
Psycho
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08-09-2008, 07:05 PM | #35 (permalink) |
The Worst Influence
Location: Arizona
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My friends and I tried a bottle of a Pacific Rim wine recently which I really liked. It was the Sweet Riesling and it was very sweet which is how I like my rieslings. I'm told Pacific Rim's Chenin Blanc is also very good.
When I was in Vienna I had a very good peach wine but for the life of me I can't remember the name. Even if I could it's unlikely I'd be able to find it in the US as it was from a small vineyard but I will let you know if I do. As far as red wines go my experience is limited so it's a learning process.
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08-10-2008, 05:39 PM | #36 (permalink) |
Mine is an evil laugh
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Favourite stuff for me is Sauvignon Blanc - there are three (somewhat local) regions I'd buy from:
Marlborough in NZ Tasmania or Orange (in New South Wales). All three are cold climate areas which, IMO, makes the best of these. There are lots of other wine regions planting this stuff in Oz, but you've gotta get it from where the grapes are best grown. Reds I mostly prefer Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon - for this Barossa Valley in South Oz is the best of it.
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