The Wine Appreciation Thread

Millie · Post by **Millie** » January 17, 2003, 4:13 pm

In the hope that at least a few others out there enjoy a good bottle of wine, I'm starting a wine appreciation thread. List your favorite reds and whites, so others can benefit.

To start, I'll throw out an excellent pair:

White:

Murphy-Goode Chardonnay (Sonoma, CA) - 1999

You can pick up a bottle of Murphy-Goode for around $20 - $25, depending on your local retailer. Considering how nice this wine really is, the price is spectacular. As chardonnays go, this one is medium-bodied and lively, with plenty of fruity and hazelnut undertones -- oh, fuck it. It's a great bottle of white, for a damned good price. Highly recommended. Great with fish or chicken, especially.

Red:

d'Arenburg Ironstone Pressings GSM (Australia) - 1998

Australia has been gaining international prestige as the up-and-coming star of the wine market. D'Arenburg's Ironstone Pressings blend (70% Grenache, 20% Shiraz, 10% Mourvedre) is a perfect case in point. An unforgettable combination of flavors. Bold and hard-hitting, yet elegant enough to melt the panties off a supermodel. Sells for around $40, too.

miir · Post by **miir** » January 17, 2003, 4:19 pm

Just before Christmas, I was able to track down a case of 1993 Masi Toar - Rosso delle colline veronesi.

Can't really describe the nose and taste (except that it's very earthy) but it's similar to the more common (and strangely more expensive) 93 Amarone della Valpolicella calssico.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » January 17, 2003, 4:28 pm

I am not much for white wine, but I do love to buy a nice Merlot or Cabernet when I am cooking for guests or just myself.

Cinnabar - Small CA vinyard, limited vintage, tough to find. I recently was able to find 1 half-size bottle of 2000 Merlot which was excellent.

Opus One - Pricey, but their Cabernet is fantastic! (any year)

If I can't think of anything else, Kendall Jackson is always a safe bet for Merlot and Cabs (have not tried their other brands)

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In college, it was Franzia boxed wine, any jug of wine with a screw-off cap, and something with the image of a fierce dog on it.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · January 17, 2003, 4:36 pm

Pure Deigo Red. Homemade by Nonno(grandfather), my brother and myself.

No additives. Measured at 14-17% alcohol.

mmmm mmmm good.

cid · Post by **cid** » January 17, 2003, 4:44 pm

Well the wife and I have started getting into wines. We are 90 minutes away from Sonoma, so we will take weekend trips up there and visit the wineries and do the wine tasting thing.

Also if you are ever in that neck of the woods I strongly recommend this http://www.winetrain.com/ Was allot of fun.

Burke · Post by **Burke** » January 17, 2003, 4:45 pm

Reds: Stag's Leap, Truchard, Cardinal Zin, Niebaum-Coppola Rosso
Whites: Stag's Leap, Fat Bastard

there's plenty more, but that's off the top of my head, recent wines drunk

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » January 17, 2003, 4:45 pm

i usually don't venture into the $25-40 range, so can't really comment there.

A decent $17+ bottle is Beulieu Vineyards Cabernet - Napa Valley.

In the same range are Frei Brothers. I like the Cabernet and the Pinot.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » January 17, 2003, 4:48 pm

The wife and I usually stick to the ones we know but occasionally, we try something different. The wines we typically go for are

Rosemount Shiraz, usually 2001, sometimes 1999
BV Cabernet and Merlots
Ruffino
various chilean wines

Most we typically spend on a bottle is $25 unless we're out to dinner and go for a special selection. Most are under $12 though. You can pick up the shiraz by me for under $8 and it's a fantastic wine. Woody, peppery, mild tanic, and a cool, swift finish.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » January 17, 2003, 4:49 pm

Boones Farm Strawberry Hill (Chilled)

Acies · Post by **Acies** » January 17, 2003, 4:50 pm

Bettinelli Merlot (1997), Napa Valley

Cedar Mountain Chardonnay (1998), Livermore

Deutz blanc de blanc (1995), Bordeax

/drool

Xyun · Post by **Xyun** » January 17, 2003, 4:52 pm

Firesteed pinot noir is good if you like a light and fruity red wine.

Ravenswood red zinfindel is probably my favorite red.

I'm not a big white wine fan, but Honig Sav. blanc is top notch imo.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » January 17, 2003, 5:02 pm

If you like Ravenswood you'll probably like Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel. Similar pricerange, and in my opinion a little better.

Corona · Post by **Corona** » January 17, 2003, 5:26 pm

I am not a wine connoisseur by any means, but I do have a few favorites. Keep in mind, I am not going for any particular qualities beyond "this tastes good to me."

* Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve, Chardonnay, I believe it was 1997. Had this at an anniversary dinner with my fiancee.

* von Wilhelm Haus, Riesling (Auslese), anything before 2000. I've been told that Rieslings are traditionally dessert wines, but whatever.

* Schmitt Söhne, Leibfraumilch, 2000. I'd never seen this type of wine before, but it was pretty good, and a big hit at my last two parties. Schmitt Söhne also makes several excellent Rieslings.

If anyone has any suggestions for white wines (fiancee can't drink reds) that are somewhat sweet and not too sharp in flavor, please let me know. Would like to try a few more, so we can get a good one for our wedding this Fall.

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » January 17, 2003, 5:32 pm

While in Italy I visited over 50 vineyards with winetasting and every festival I could, and I found a little place not far from Vicenza where I lived called Villa Rinaldi. I loved all their wines identified as Barricaia.
They have a webpage, but alas no ordering information. I have never found a place that imported them to the US.

Barricaia Extra Brut
Rose di Barricaia Brut

cid · Post by **cid** » January 17, 2003, 5:34 pm

Corona wrote: Would like to try a few more, so we can get a good one for our wedding this Fall.

All you need at a wedding is Tequila and Corona

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » January 17, 2003, 5:36 pm

you got to have some good champagne at a wedding.

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » January 17, 2003, 5:37 pm

Merlot > *

Try shopping Trader Joe's for wines. A bottle usually costs around $12 and most of what I've tried there has been delicious.

Disclaimer: Also not a connoisseur, just enjoy a glass now and then.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » January 17, 2003, 5:39 pm

Over the past 8 years, Robert Mondavi has been producing consistently tasty Pino Noirs. I let them sit for an average of three years before drinking, and they turn suprisingly mellow from that extra aging.

Chateu Ste. Michelle (in WA) Johannesburg Reisling is perhaps my favorite white. It's sweet without being cloying, and after just a year or two on the shelf, becomes very balanced. I've broken many n00bs in with this wine.

miir · Post by **miir** » January 17, 2003, 5:47 pm

You hold a reisling?

LOL

Hayley · Post by **Hayley** » January 17, 2003, 5:49 pm

Hess Select Chardonnay has always impressed me through the years. It's not very expensive @ ~ $15

My favorite Merlots so far have been
Pine Ridge and Stags Leap

I recently went to a "wine party" where all the guest were supposed to bring their favorite bottles of wine. A guy from France brought a ton of wine in addition to some "home-made" wine. I was amazed that in the US we'd pay around $40 for their bottles of wine while they only pay a few dollars for it. I also think that their wine, although very mellow, has the best aftertaste and I'd choose to have French wine in my cellar at all times if I could afford that luxury.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » January 17, 2003, 5:56 pm

Miir- Don't know about German reisling, but I wasn't talking about one of those. The stuff I'm talking about has a fair amount of tannin, and does benefit from a bit of extra time.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » January 17, 2003, 6:27 pm

i hold reisling

i hold it opened, pouring it down the sink

Post by **Xouqoa** » January 17, 2003, 6:28 pm

I like that stuff that comes in a box.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » January 17, 2003, 6:40 pm

what is that orange shit that costs like a dollar?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » January 17, 2003, 6:44 pm

Tickled Pink

Skogen · Post by **Skogen** » January 17, 2003, 6:58 pm

It's all about red whine!!!

Cabernet: Guenoc.
Merlot: Blackstone.

That's all i drink!!

masteen · Post by **masteen** » January 17, 2003, 6:58 pm

/agree Voronwe

The reason I like the Chateu Ste. Michelle so much is because it's not like drinking corn syrup.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » January 17, 2003, 7:02 pm

i think i had a red wine from Chateau St. Michelle recently that was great. i may be mixing them up.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » January 17, 2003, 7:15 pm

They make some damn good merlot and cab sauv as well. I just picked my favorite to gush about.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » January 17, 2003, 7:26 pm

Ah yes, Trader Joe's. That French Market Merlot is like 4 bucks and tastes pretty damn good

And then there is:

Purple Passion --- not a wine technically, but how can you say no to purple kool-aid and everclear?

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » January 17, 2003, 7:36 pm

THUNDERBIRD yeah. boone's farm winery 4eva

masteen · Post by **masteen** » January 17, 2003, 7:40 pm

Boone's Farm- "The more she drinks, the better YOU look!"

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » January 17, 2003, 7:46 pm

White: Not a big fan. Actually haven't really had much. I like Santa Margarita's Pinot Grigio though. Usually runs about $23 or so.

Red: Too many to list really. I don't really have just one I stick with since I like trying lot of varieties. Deloach for a Merlot. Maybe Kendall Jackson if you have a few extra bucks. I generally try to stay in the 20-25 range unless I'm out at a nice restaurant. Chianti is always nice too. Pick your region. I'm more of a Classico person.

Oh and if it comes in a box or has a screw-top, it's not wine!

Millie · Post by **Millie** » January 17, 2003, 7:49 pm

To quote The Onion's Wine-Buying Guide, "The quality of a wine is inversely proportional to the ferocity of the animal on its label."

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » January 17, 2003, 7:58 pm

I have The Onion's Wine Buying guide posted in my office for all to see [and learn].

Bigno · Post by **Bigno** » January 17, 2003, 7:58 pm

I sell wine for a living..so here is my professional opinion. It's just an opinion form someone who tastes about 20 or so wines a week and realizes that all tastes are subjective, so if you try them and hate them don't hurt me..heeh.

2000 Rhone reds. Buy them now before they get way too expensive! The Rhone has had three consecutive great years, 98',99' and 2000. The last being the best. Heres a few to look out for..

Guigal Chateneuf du Pape 2000...Great wine..costs about 28-30 depending on where you buy it. Getting MASSIVE press so buy it if you see it since it will begin to be hoarded.

Clos de Pape Chateneuf du Pape 2000. A super buy. About 23-26 dollars on average. I liked this better than the Guigal for drinking now. A great buy.

Vieux Donjon Chateneuf du Pape 2000. Yet another super value from the 2000 vintage. This may be hard to find but it's worth looking for. Again, this ranks up there with the Guigal but should be easier to find once the Guigal catches fire.

So I'm big fan of the 2000 Rhones. PLain old Cotes du Rhone to Hermitage and Cote Rotie are all great in this vintage so dont miss out!

Here's a tip for Champagne lovers. If you are inclined to buy high end...skip the Crystal and Dom P and try either Salon or Krug Clos de Mensil. None are cheap but teh latter two are great Champagnes that are not hyped and better than Dom or Crystal.

If you like cheap Reds(like I do) head straight to the Spanish and Southern France(Languadoc and Mineverois to name two southern french regions) isles for great buys here in the 8-15$ range.

heres a few...From Spain..Tres Picos granacia, Vega Sindoa Cab/Temp, Lan crianza and Mas Collet to name a few. From France's lesser regions Chateu Paraza 2000,Chateau Flaugeres 2000, Chateau Bronzinelle 99' are a few to look for. If you cant find the vingtages I mentioned for these, dont worry about it, they are all well made and only slightly vintage sensative and are meant to be drunk ASAP!

Enjoy!

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » January 17, 2003, 7:59 pm

Distinctly fruity overtones are the mark of a good sommelier.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » January 17, 2003, 8:03 pm

Canelek wrote:I have The Onion's Wine Buying guide posted in my office for all to see [and learn].

link

Millie · Post by **Millie** » January 17, 2003, 8:07 pm

The Onion's Wine Buying Guide is definitely some of their best work in recent memory. I couldn't find the actual archived site, so here is the text:
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1. Most wine experts frown upon serving a peignoir with white meat. This is primarily because a peignoir is a type of lingerie.

2. In Europe, wines are named according to the region from which they come. Among the most popular are wines from the Bordeaux region of France and the Night Train region of Italy.

3. When dining with friends at a restaurant, order the second-least expensive wine on the list. If on a date, order the fourth-least expensive.

4. If you are uncertain whether to select a merlot or beaujolais for a spring breast-of-lamb garden dinner, avoid making a decision until we come down to beat the living crap out of you.

5. Many liquor stores offer a "Try Before You Buy" program, whether they know it or not.

6. When sipping wine at a Catholic eucharist, swallow quickly, before the wine undergoes the miracle of transubstantiation and you get the unpleasant taste of a mouthful of human blood.

7. Distinctly fruity overtones are the mark of a good sommelier.

8. The quality of a wine is inversely proportional to the viciousness of the animal depicted on the label.

9. Aw, man, once in high school, my friends and I got totally ripped on this wine Eric's older brother bought for us. I don't remember the name, but it was all pineapple-flavored. That was the night we got kicked out of Arby's.

10. The proper glass is crucial to wine enjoyment. Before pouring wine, thoroughly rinse out the remnants of your cherry Icee.

11. When throwing a tasting party, never serve more than one category of wine. [This tip courtesy of The Guide To Sucking Every Bit Of Joy And Spontaneity Out Of Living.]

cid · Post by **cid** » January 17, 2003, 8:11 pm

Bigno,

I want to get a bottle of wine from 95, 98 and 2002. Which can be stored for 21 years from the year it was made.

Whats your suggestions?

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » January 17, 2003, 8:14 pm

Thanks Millie, I only have that in hard copy and could not find in the Onion archives

The Onion > ALL.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » January 17, 2003, 8:17 pm

Millie wrote:7. Distinctly fruity overtones are the mark of a good sommelier.

ahahahahahaha

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » January 17, 2003, 9:21 pm

almost any rioja red wine kicks ass, small region in northern spain, best wine in the world expecially faustino1, really expensive tho

Brittney · Post by **Brittney** » January 18, 2003, 8:09 am

A 40 of owd E 800... nuff said!

I still cant fuckin believe that that liquor store across the street from the fan faire didn’t have any Owd E 800, WTF is that shit?!?! They forced me to drink half a 40oz corona and then pour half a bottle of tequila in it and I dont remember much after that cept sumtin bout Hayleys panties...

Forthe · Post by **Forthe** » January 18, 2003, 10:07 am

Wine is for pussies. Only slightly less gay than fruit coolers.

Ahmik · Post by **Ahmik** » January 18, 2003, 3:26 pm

I wish I had an appreciation for fine wines...

I was raised on Hutterite wine... if any of you are from the north-central united states or perhaps lower-central canada you may be familliar with the Hutterite colonies that abound here... I used to trade 2 packs of Camels or Winston cigarettes for a liter of wine...

Each colonie has a dedicated wine-maker. The wines that they make are really quite horrible when viewed on a commercial scale, yet they are insanely strong when compared to commercial wines.

Because my palate has been destroyed by this rot-gut crap, I have found that all (so far) commercially available wines to be nasty in their own right. The only thing that I have found that taste reasonably good is also well known as a commercial version of your basic rot-gut wine, that being Sutter Home White Zinfendel or however you spell it... from what I understand, those with any degree of class or sophistication avoid Sutter Home wines. I may be wrong, as I am not a wine-o.

Beer is my forte.

Bigno · Post by **Bigno** » January 18, 2003, 4:01 pm

Cid...

1995 was a Great year in California and many parts of Europe(Rioja,Southern Rhone and parts of Bordeaux) But I would go California for this vintage. Great Cabernet Sauvignons from 1995 in California include...Hetiz Martha's Vinyard,Dunn,Girgich Hills,Silver Oak,Dominus,Opus One and Duckhorn to name a few that are 21+ years ageworthy. My pick of the bunch would be Dunn or Dominus to guarantee your wine will still be good 21 years from now. None of those are inexpensive but it's tough to buy an ageworthy wine that is cheap.

1998... I would go with Bordeaux here. In particular the appleations of Pomeral and St Emilion. 1998 Cheval Blanc gets my vote for monster wine of the vintage. It could age 25+ years easily, but could cost(if you can find it) 150$ a bottle or more. A cheaper option could be Guigal Brune et Blonde Cote Rotie 45$-ish and a great wine also.

2002..The vintage is still up in the air. Most of the grapes were harvested in fall 2002 and are now resting as wine in barrels in their winery's cellars, so all we have to go on is the grape crop quality. Which dosent look so great for the top regions. Word is it may be best in Burgundy,Alsace and Champagne but time will tell.

Heres a storage tip for ya. Try to keep your wine in a cool and damp place and make sure you store it on it's side to keep the cork from drying out. The perfect conditions are 55degrees nad 70% humidity. This is often a pipe dream! if you cant fulfill these specs dont worry just keep you wine in the most temp CONSTANT place in you house and make sure it's below 70 degrees and not near a source of vibration(like a refrigerator) constant temp fluctuation and vibration will kill a wine faster than FoH could take out Orc 1..heh

hope this helps!

Canoe · Post by **Canoe** » January 18, 2003, 4:06 pm

By far my favorite red if you like full flavored red's with a "touch" of fruitiness and the opposite of dry -

Petite Sirah by Guenoc ....

Although I often find it hard to locate at local stores here in upstate NY - whenever i find a store who sells I buy their inventory (end up spending hundreds of dollars a pop -but damn is it worth it!).

http://www.guenoc.com/wine-f.cfm?WinNum=7

Take a look here for descriptions and reviews - one of the few domestic wines that I TRULY enjoy..

cid · Post by **cid** » January 20, 2003, 11:00 pm

Bigno,

Thank You

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » January 21, 2003, 12:57 am

BV Tapestry, Sterling Merlot and Cabernet, Opus One if someone else is buying.