Wine find of the week

tonyb

Wine being one of my passions, I'm always trying new stuff, different price classes, etc. More misses than hits really but you have to try different stuff to discover new and better, just like audio.

Walking around my local Binny's, the wife wanted a Chianti for some pasta we were cooking up. Now, most like the Ruffino tans and Golds when it comes to Chianti, I think they are average and overpriced. Anyway, picked up a bottle of unknown to me Chianti to try out.

Isole Olena......Italian of course 2010 vintage. Rated a 96 by wine spectator, and the beauty part......20 bucks.

This is a straight up bad **** Chianti kids, best I've had in a very long time. Drinks incredibly well, a crowd pleaser to boot. Worth way more than a Ruffino Gold which sells for 50 bucks. Went back today and bought what ever they had in the bins, 6 more bottles. Another good Chianti is Felsina, but you'll pay double the price to get close to the quality of the Olena.

Run...don't walk, go pick some up.
That's my wine pick of the week kids.

Erik Tracy

Thanks for the tip - I'll look for this one at Bevmo and our local market.

And - great idea for an on-going thread!

Guess I have to go do some 'research' so I can contribute! :cheesygrin:

JimKellyfan

I like Elmo Pio brand, found in PA that I know of, frequented some Finger Lake and other WNY wineries and their goods. Love a strong dark dry red, but also some whites on occasion. Bully Hill on occasion, the blacklisted Taylor brother. A find for me was Rex Goliath, some award winners, 3.87 a bottle at Walmart. Merlot is pretty good, Cabernet ok, white ok...

Malbec

Thanks Tony I'll look for this on my next run.

http://www.chamberswines.com/producer.php?prodid=ISO

I would prefer a Barolo from the Piedmont region over any Chianti I've had, but we're talking different price points I guess.

JimKellyFan, if you like the bold reds, visit Belhurst Castle in Geneva at the top of Seneca Lake. They have a Cab Franc worth the trip.

cnh

Thanks for the info, Tony. But I'm not much of a Chianti man, although I can understand how it can "add' something extra to the right Italian meal. Actually, come to think of it, I have had a fine Chianti with a dinner made by my friend below. Quite enjoyable!

An Italian friend of mine does all of the wine recommendations, but I usually only drink the finer wines when I'm with him. Can't bring myself to spend much money on wine since I don't drink that much.

But I relish the occasional shot or two or... of a fine Cognac. Will occasionally (not often) buy myself a nice bottle and sit on it as something special. I actually have to "remember" when the last time I've had a drink was. lol

Though I do have a discerning palate and can tell a good wine from a lesser wine. It's not a taste that I thirst for...much?

cnh

headrott

Sounds good Tony! Thanks very much for the recommendation. Hopefully I can find it 'round these parts.........

mantis

Cool man thanks for the tip.

tonyb

Malbec wrote: »

Thanks Tony I'll look for this on my next run.

http://www.chamberswines.com/producer.php?prodid=ISO

I would prefer a Barolo from the Piedmont region over any Chianti I've had, but we're talking different price points I guess.

.

You,me, and the rest of the world.

I can recommend 100 buck bottles all day, but I'd rather keep recommendations to wines, daily drivers, most can find locally and won't kill the wallet. Just like audio, good wine can be had in all price classes just takes some trial and error is all.

Borolo is one of my favorites....haven't found one yet under 50 bucks worth a glass. Thing is, it can get costly trying 50-100 buck bottles blind....so I don't venture into Borolo unless I've had it before or a recommendation comes from a noted wine fanatic. You come across a 1998 Pio Cesare Borolo, let me know bro. Brunelo and Cabs are my other 2 favs followed by Zinfandel.

In any event, lets keep this thread for wines that are reasonably priced. Wines you can find just about anywhere. Probably should have started this earlier as the Holidays are here and people are looking for reasonably priced wines to give as gifts or bring to a party.

Malbec

You are the consummate bargain hound Tony. I can order the 2010 Isole e Olena for $28+ a bottle.
I'll grab two bottles afer the holidays. There's a 2011 vintage available also. Maybe compare the two.

Among other things I got two bottles of Albarino to pair with some seafood.
For a daily driver, try the 2010 Burgans Albarino $14.99 a bottle.

Erik Tracy

I'd recommend Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2010.

I've gotten some bottles at my local Von's and it is reasonably priced under $20 a bottle. A nice zesty zin - goes great with anything from the grill - even fish (gasp! yes)

tonyb

Earthquake is also a decent Zin for 18-20 bucks a bottle.

I'll give the Albarino a whirl next time I'm at the store. I dig Spanish wines.

headrott

Tony, you should give the Rombauer Zinfandel a try. The best year I had was the 2007 and was the combination of the pure Napa grapes. Absolutely one of the best Zins I have had. Period. Can be had for around $28 to $35. It's a bargin! I have not tried the 2011 harvested Zin yet though........

Also, the Chardonnay is phenominal!

A link is below:

http://www.rombauer.com/index.cfm?method=storeproducts.showlist&productcategoryid=a80ade9d-97ab-63f2-9dc5-d1ad1e0d561a

tonyb

Thanks man, I think you mentioned that one before but I have yet to find it. It's locked in my brain, which is a cluster f@ck of weird stuff.

headrott

Go to the link above Tony. There is a link on the bottom of their page ("Find our wines") that allows you to do a search in your zip code to find each particular wine. Choose the wine, then input your zip code and it will tell you where you can find it closest to you.

mantis

My wine of the week and maybe the entire month is The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon. For the price it's by far the very best I've had. It's on par with some of Napa Valley's 20-30 dollar bottles. I was very impressed.
Go check them out
http://www.dreamingtreewines.com/Wine?gclid=CMONiMPxxLsCFS4aOgodVFsATw

tonyb

Ok, doing a face palm on myself....have to rescind my suggestion on the Olena Chianti. Pretty pissed off about it too. Remember I said I went back and bought all 6 bottles they had in the bin ? Yeah....well only 2 of those bottles where good. Cracked open the others and it was as if there was a different wine inside. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was going bad. Lots of cuss words came out of my mouth, believe me. I rarely have this happen and can only think of 2 other times in the last 25 years it did.

So, risk is high you may not get a good bottle and I can no longer recommend this wine. Just curious, whats the worlds record for how many times you can say MF'er in 60 seconds ?

pitdogg2

I've never been able to drink wine something about the sulfites...

I'll stick to the Tanqueray.....

headrott

tonyb wrote: »

Ok, doing a face palm on myself....have to rescind my suggestion on the Olena Chianti. Pretty pissed off about it too. Remember I said I went back and bought all 6 bottles they had in the bin ? Yeah....well only 2 of those bottles where good. Cracked open the others and it was as if there was a different wine inside. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was going bad. Lots of cuss words came out of my mouth, believe me. I rarely have this happen and can only think of 2 other times in the last 25 years it did.

So, risk is high you may not get a good bottle and I can no longer recommend this wine. Just curious, whats the worlds record for how many times you can say MF'er in 60 seconds ?

Have you seen Goodfellas or Casino Tony?

Thanks for the update. Now use the feature on Rombauer's site and find a place near you you to get one of their wines (2007 of the Napa Zin is phenominal!!!)

Erik Tracy

Las Vertientes, Cab, 2011, Argentina:


Had this the other day - really benefits from about 30 minutes in the decanter to make it blossom into a bold, rich, deep cabernet indulgence.

At the 5cent Bevmo sale, this is $20/bottle.

dee1949

Back in college days (late 60's) we thought the Italian Chianti's in the web shells were the better wines. They cost a premium back then ($3.00). The new Chianti's are not in the same class. They have come a LONG way. and are way under valued for their taste. Try out a lot of NEW Chianti's and create your own opinion.

Still get a gallon of Pisano every once and awhile for ole time sake. The good ole days. Beer 25 cents, cigarettes 25 cents and HEALTH care was cheap.