The WINE (alcohol) thread

[Vols4us]

Layer Cake Malbec is a good one. And if you go to Brazeiros in Knoxville, they have lots of Malbecs and (and other wines) from South America that you can try.

Been to Brazeiros once, but our friends were non-drinkers so we passed. Will take that into account next time. Thanks!

 

[Vols4us]

Step up from the Meiomi and also a bit better is La Crema. Very good red wine.

I, like many others, first tried Roscato Rosso Dolce at Olive Garden. It's a very smooth, sweet, intro red wine. Still pretty cheap in the liquor stores.

Another great one is Belle Glos Pinot Noir.

I agree, Roscato is good, especially with some desserts. Noted on the Belle Glos PN. Thanks!

 

[Vols4us]

Can't go wrong with Alamos, in my opinion.

Glad to hear since that is one I recently bought that is next up to try!

 

[n_huffhines]

Keep your money, buy something cheap that you like.

Wine-tasting: it's junk science | Life and style | The Guardian

 

[n_huffhines]

The only time I drink wine is if I want to get messed up and there is nothing else to drink...but if you like wine and getting messed up, try Mangria. It's wine-ish and like 19% or something.

 

[Coug]

The only time I drink wine is if I want to get messed up and there is nothing else to drink...but if you like wine and getting messed up, try Mangria. It's wine-ish and like 19% or something.

Lol! I can't stand being wine drunk. It just doesn't feel good at all.

 

[gcbvol]

Keep your money, buy something cheap that you like.

Wine-tasting: it's junk science | Life and style | The Guardian

I generally agree with the premise of the article, however there are discernible differences in wine quality. What I'm referring to is the quality of the fruit and the terroir from which it comes. As an example, most CA wine is made from fruit grown in the central coast and there are plenty of good wines produced. Napa and Sonoma valleys produces much less wine by comparison, but they are generally better. Most of that is due to quality of the fruit; the soil compositions and weather patterns are conducive to growing high quality fruit. I've had a few Napa vintners tell me some years it's difficult to not produce a great wine because the fruit is so good.

Based on this I would use levels when comparing wine. Central coast wines could be grouped into a level and then Napa/Sonoma in another level. I think once in a certain quality level then the article's premise holds - ratings are going to vary from judge to judge from day to day. Comparing a Napa howell mountain cabernet to a central coast cabernet is not likely to be a fair contest, though.

I'd also add that, just as with any spirit or beer, the palate matures and there are certain aspects you favor and look for, and these aspects are typically found in higher quality products.

 

[BigAl]

Keep your money, buy something cheap that you like.

Wine-tasting: it's junk science | Life and style | The Guardian

Ah, the old "just drink what you like" argument, for those who can't be bothered with trying to learn stuff.

 

[orangebloodgmc]

Lol! I can't stand being wine drunk. It just doesn't feel good at all.

That's the worst hangover.

 

[NeylandStadiumBum]

Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and Melville PN are my go-to Reds.

For whites, I like Alban Vineyards Chardonnay (very small production) but at an easier to find level Ramey estates makes a fantastic Chardonnay and it's hard to go wrong with Vogelzang Sauvignon Blanc

 

[Vols4us]

I like Sauvignon Blanc better than Chardonnay. Will try the Vogelzang. Seems to have good ratings and following. Thanks!

 

[Vols4us]

I generally agree with the premise of the article, however there are discernible differences in wine quality. What I'm referring to is the quality of the fruit and the terroir from which it comes. As an example, most CA wine is made from fruit grown in the central coast and there are plenty of good wines produced. Napa and Sonoma valleys produces much less wine by comparison, but they are generally better. Most of that is due to quality of the fruit; the soil compositions and weather patterns are conducive to growing high quality fruit. I've had a few Napa vintners tell me some years it's difficult to not produce a great wine because the fruit is so good.

Based on this I would use levels when comparing wine. Central coast wines could be grouped into a level and then Napa/Sonoma in another level. I think once in a certain quality level then the article's premise holds - ratings are going to vary from judge to judge from day to day. Comparing a Napa howell mountain cabernet to a central coast cabernet is not likely to be a fair contest, though.

I'd also add that, just as with any spirit or beer, the palate matures and there are certain aspects you favor and look for, and these aspects are typically found in higher quality products.

Great post. I agree. As my tasting has become more refined I clearly have developed preferences based on type of wine and region. I really enjoy Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina. The combo of blackberry, black cherry and plum in a fruit forward along with the cocoa makes it happen for me. Add in the sweet tobacco finish and I just savor the entire glass. But I really don't care nearly as much for the original French version. Not fruit forward with more spice, pepper, etc.

FWIW. If you drink for the alcohol forget the wine. The alcohol is an enhancer/agent to wine, not the subject. I may look for trends on reviews and only as a reference, not a decision maker.

 

[gcbvol]

Great post. I agree. As my tasting has become more refined I clearly have developed preferences based on type of wine and region. I really enjoy Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina. The combo of blackberry, black cherry and plum in a fruit forward along with the cocoa makes it happen for me. Add in the sweet tobacco finish and I just savor the entire glass. But I really don't care nearly as much for the original French version. Not fruit forward with more spice, pepper, etc.

FWIW. If you drink for the alcohol forget the wine. The alcohol is an enhancer/agent to wine, not the subject. I may look for trends on reviews and only as a reference, not a decision maker.

I enjoy Mendoza malbecs too. There is some good value to be found as well. Malbecs are so versatile; you can enjoy them with a variety of food.

 

[Vols4us]

I enjoy Mendoza malbecs too. There is some good value to be found as well. Malbecs are so versatile; you can enjoy them with a variety of food.

That is so true.

Any suggestions on Cab's I might like under $25. I have not developed a go-to yet on them.

 

[gcbvol]

That is so true.

Any suggestions on Cab's I might like under $25. I have not developed a go-to yet on them.

I'm partial to Napa or Sonoma when it comes to cabs. A few that I think are good quality and around that price point:

Conn Creek
Ca' Momi
Decoy
Oberon

I'm not sure about availability in your location, but I can usually find 3 of the 4 at Total Wine or other local liquor shops down here in FL. Ca' Momi is tougher to find in distribution but I am a big fan - solid wine for the money.

I'll share others as I can remember.

ETA - Recently picked up a Joel Gott cab at Costco that was under $20 and pretty good.

 

[dreVol]

I generally agree with the premise of the article, however there are discernible differences in wine quality. What I'm referring to is the quality of the fruit and the terroir from which it comes. As an example, most CA wine is made from fruit grown in the central coast and there are plenty of good wines produced. Napa and Sonoma valleys produces much less wine by comparison, but they are generally better. Most of that is due to quality of the fruit; the soil compositions and weather patterns are conducive to growing high quality fruit. I've had a few Napa vintners tell me some years it's difficult to not produce a great wine because the fruit is so good.

Based on this I would use levels when comparing wine. Central coast wines could be grouped into a level and then Napa/Sonoma in another level. I think once in a certain quality level then the article's premise holds - ratings are going to vary from judge to judge from day to day. Comparing a Napa howell mountain cabernet to a central coast cabernet is not likely to be a fair contest, though.

I'd also add that, just as with any spirit or beer, the palate matures and there are certain aspects you favor and look for, and these aspects are typically found in higher quality products.

Have you seen the documentary "One Year in Burgundy" (maybe "A Year in Burgundy")? It's on Netflix. One part of the movie goes into some depth on the importance of terroir. Winemaking is art + science.

 

[Dave1967]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavored_Fortified_wines

 

[gcbvol]

Have you seen the documentary "One Year in Burgundy" (maybe "A Year in Burgundy")? It's on Netflix. One part of the movie goes into some depth on the importance of terroir. Winemaking is art + science.

No, but I'll check it out. I would love to work in viniculture some day; I find it fascinating.

 

[WallyBalls]

Any advice on a small wine cooler/fridge? Somewhere between 8 and 12 bottles (maybe up to 16).

Anybody have anything they like and have had a good experience with?

 

[Vols4us]

I'm partial to Napa or Sonoma when it comes to cabs. A few that I think are good quality and around that price point:

Conn Creek
Ca' Momi
Decoy
Oberon

I'm not sure about availability in your location, but I can usually find 3 of the 4 at Total Wine or other local liquor shops down here in FL. Ca' Momi is tougher to find in distribution but I am a big fan - solid wine for the money.

I'll share others as I can remember.

ETA - Recently picked up a Joel Gott cab at Costco that was under $20 and pretty good.

Thanks - noted to watch for them. When I was in HHI in November saw Decoy everywhere. Should have tried it. Will check at Costco for Joel Gott and others. Chateau St. Jean is the only one I have tried that was in the pretty good category, but not something I would buy again.

 

[BearCat204]

Was helping my GF move into her new house this past weekend and her neighbors (a lesbian couple) brought over a housewarming gift which happened to be a bottle of Crush from Dreamingtree. An excellent red blend and probably my new favorite. Not bad at 15.00 a bottle

 

[kiddiedoc]

Was helping my GF move into her new house this past weekend and her neighbors (a lesbian couple) brought over a housewarming gift which happened to be a bottle of Crush from Dreamingtree. An excellent red blend and probably my new favorite. Not bad at 15.00 a bottle

We both really like Dave's Crush, as well.

 

[Coug]

We both really like Dave's Crush, as well.

That's pretty inexpensive too, I might have to grab a bottle and give it a try.

 

[kiddiedoc]

That's pretty inexpensive too, I might have to grab a bottle and give it a try.

Do. Report back. Don't expect a big robust Bordeaux, but it's a really nice blend, according to my primitive taste buds.

 

[BearCat204]

Do. Report back. Don't expect a big robust Bordeaux, but it's a really nice blend, according to my primitive taste buds.

Tried the Pinot this weekend and it is equally as good. The website says 15.00 per bottle for both Crush and the Pinot, but I got it for 13.50 at my neighborhood wine store and ordered a case of both which ended up being a little over 11.00 per bottle. Cant beat that