Red Wine

24

Comments

  • skipf
    skipf Posts: 694
    edited November 2007
    I'm a big fan of the Sterling Vintners Reserve Cab too. Excellent wine and it ages well. Most any of the Oregon Pinot's are very good and moderatly priced. My favorite cheapo wine is Lil Penguin Shiroz. At $6-7 a bottle it's a steal. The Australians have many excellent reds, Penfold as someone mentioned earlier is one of the better wineries and has several different regional varieties. If you want something a bit different, try Australia's Galway Pipe tawny port. It's like velvet on the tongue.
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited November 2007
    I used to drink Forest Glen Merlot regularly. It's great with a good steak. My favorite white wine right now is Covey Run Riesling. Which I order 4 cases a year.

    Bobman, all I can say to your statement is...AMEN!
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,905
    edited November 2007
    I like big, chewy reds: Bordeaux (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends), Burgundy (Pinot Noir), Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Syrah, probably the same as "Shiraz")... but especially Zinfandel. Zinfandel is a peculiarly American grape that produces big, intense (and typically very alcoholic), berry-flavored red wines. Magnificent with good food.

    Many of my favorite Zinfandels come from the Healdsburg, CA/Russian River Valley area. If you find yourself in Northern CA, and have time to go winetasting, skip Napa/Sonoma and drive the extra hour or so from The City -- there's only one City in the SF Bay area; don't let Silicon Valley-ites tell you otherwise :-) -- to Healdsburg.
  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited November 2007
    We had a good cab at dinner the other night, Simi '04. Subtle nuances of elderberry and smokey goat's cheese, infused with a smattering of moldy green peppercorns.


    Actually, I don't think it tasted like any of that crap. I do like and appreciate wine, just hate reading the cards under the bottle on the shelf.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited November 2007
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    I like big, chewy reds: Bordeaux (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends), Burgundy (Pinot Noir), Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Syrah, probably the same as "Shiraz")... but especially Zinfandel. Zinfandel is a peculiarly American grape that produces big, intense (and typically very alcoholic), berry-flavored red wines. Magnificent with good food.

    Many of my favorite Zinfandels come from the Healdsburg, CA/Russian River Valley area. If you find yourself in Northern CA, and have time to go winetasting, skip Napa/Sonoma and drive the extra hour or so from The City -- there's only one City in the SF Bay area; don't let Silicon Valley-ites tell you otherwise :-) -- to Healdsburg.

    I'm becoming a huge fan of Zinfandels. There sure doesn't seem to be a lot of press on them though. :( Excellent with food!

    I also like the South African Pinotage. Merlot is usually too weak and thin for my taste. Cabs are good too, especially the South American stuff, particularly Chile.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,905
    edited November 2007
    Merlot is usually too weak and thin for my taste. Cabs are good too, especially the South American stuff, particularly Chile.
    That's why the Frannnnch blend Cab, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc to make the finest Bordeaux! :-)
    Don't get me wrong, I enjoy California Cabernets, too, but they can be a bit rough around the edges. As for Merlot... well, my reaction is akin to Paul Giamatti's character's in Sideways. My daughter noted that my demeanor (and even my appearance) is eerily similar to that character's :-O

    "No, if anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am NOT drinking any f*&^ing Merlot!"
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited November 2007
    So let me get this right.................

    You have drank two bottles of wine with your wife and now you want to talk on the internet with a bunch of guys about........wine...........................

    dude???

    RT1
  • swerve
    swerve Posts: 1,862
    edited November 2007
    i remember I bought some Red Truck one time b/c the name and label were funny.
    it was awful and found the garbage can.
    cats.vans.bag...
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited November 2007
    I'm a big fan of "Night Train" and "MD 20/20" I prefer wines with an expiration date.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2007
    So let me get this right.................

    You have drank two bottles of wine with your wife and now you want to talk on the internet with a bunch of guys about........wine...........................

    dude???

    RT1
    He has to start somewhere. At least it's better than talking about wine being made in a toilet. :D
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited November 2007
    Federal Offense just started doing Night Train great song.......

    The wine bottles at the Fest just seemed to sit around while the Jug of Hunch Punch disappeared.........oh well.

    IRT1
  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited November 2007
    swerve wrote: »
    i remember I bought some Red Truck one time b/c the name and label were funny.
    it was awful and found the garbage can.

    "Cabzilla" is another one with a funny name. I thought the guy at the wine store was yanking my chain when he suggested it, but it was actually quite good.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
  • POLKOHOLIC
    POLKOHOLIC Posts: 407
    edited November 2007
    i like to indulge in an Amarone every now and then - with human liver and fava beans :P (silence of the lambs)
  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,042
    edited November 2007
    We drink only red. We prefer, Chili, Australia, Spanish and French. I do not like Canadian and American wines. We like a bold, earthy, pepper taste. It was just recent that we experimented with French after discovering good ones at the Annual Wine and Food show. I'll admit we usaully stick with Vintages. I created a buying rule, it's the rule of 2. We buy 2 bottles, one to drink one to store on the wine rack. If we want more wine the next night it's back to the store for you guessed it 2 more bottles.
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited November 2007
    Willow wrote: »
    I created a buying rule, it's the rule of 2. We buy 2 bottles, one to drink one to store on the wine rack. If we want more wine the next night it's back to the store for you guessed it 2 more bottles.

    Great rule, going to implement it myself. a great way to build up a collection! Thanks!
    Testing
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  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited November 2007
    Usually buy the box of red wine from Costco and enjoy every night. I don't really mind the brand and I try different every time. May not be the most expensive wine you could find there but it fits the bill for daily consumers.
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2007
    MKZ wrote: »
    Usually buy the box of red wine from Costco and enjoy every night. I don't really mind the brand and I try different every time. May not be the most expensive wine you could find there but it fits the bill for daily consumers.
    I'd rather drink salad dressing.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,200
    edited November 2007
    Spanish wines can be some of the best bargains on the U.S. market these days. One of my favorite daily drinkers recently (from Bob's Market on Ocean Park in Santa Monica) has been Hoya de Cadenas Reserva, from Bodegas Vicente Gand
    Alea jacta est!
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited November 2007
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I'm a big fan of "Night Train" and "MD 20/20" I prefer wines with an expiration date.

    Don't forget "Thunderbird". It's merlot... except for birds of prey.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2007
    Don't forget "Thunderbird". It's merlot... except for birds of prey.

    Or Boons Farms.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited December 2007
    Wifey and I enjoy a good Ausbruch. A little on the sweet side but damn good IMHO.
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,200
    edited December 2007
    mralpha wrote: »
    ok, so i'm sitting here after 2 bottles of red (with my wife) wondering if anyone out there enjoys the good life w/ red wine. i'm particulary fond of red blends from the US (meritage) or from France (bordeaux). some of my favorites are:
    Justin Isosceles
    Franciscian Oakville Magnificat
    Deerfield Red Rex
    Chateau Beaucastle Cat-Neuf-du-Pape

    I also love big bold cabs, but no merlots...

    anyone got other suggestions?
    You obviously have good taste (or maybe it's the wifey). Ch
    Alea jacta est!
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,905
    edited December 2007
    Yah, I likes them Rhone wines, too...
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,200
    edited December 2007
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Yah, I likes them Rhone wines, too...
    Good bargains can be found if you come accross Louis Bernard wines. They are part of the big (by French standards) Burgundy producer Boisset. Their wines are rarely great IMO, but almost always good and definitely worth the money. The label is quite destinctive so if you find one, you should always be able to find others from the same range. Some of these wines are under $10 and anything under $25 is worth a try. If you like it, my advice is go back and buy a case to have them handy.

    http://www.louis-bernard.com/assets/downloads/ftclassiques/LB-Cotes-du-Luberon-Rouge-ENG.pdf
    Alea jacta est!
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,905
    edited December 2007
    We just did a holiday wine shopping trip this morning. I note with some amusement that wry names for both vintners and specific wines seem to be "in" nowadays. Example: "Goats do Roam".
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,200
    edited December 2007
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    ... I note with some amusement that wry names for both vintners and specific wines seem to be "in" nowadays. Example: "Goats do Roam".
    Now that could be quite funny! We should start a list somewhere.

    On a different note (and probably in the wrong thread!), Alsace white wines can be a bargain too, full of flavor and very very distinctive (nothing even remotely like woody Chardonnay ... although I do love a good Chardonnay). Look for Hugel wines with an easy to find yellow label. Some of these are also under $10 (am I beginning to sound obsessed?!) but anything up to $30 will be well worth it. http://www.hugel.com/images/aai.sized.jpg
    Alea jacta est!
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited December 2007
    i love some of those real "buttery" chardonnays". i like simi, kendall jackson . especially in the summer!
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,905
    edited December 2007
    I like Gewürztraminers, too, but we're definitely off-topic...

    EDIT: and, FWIW, in the summertime, I like wines from the Loire valley. Summer's about the only time of year I'll go out of my way to drink whites. I think I got all chardonnay'd out in the 1980s :-(
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited December 2007
    ooops, thats right. i started this darn thing about "red wine".
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,200
    edited December 2007
    ^^^^ He's allowed to go off topic since he started the thread! So now we have an official go-ahead to derail! I don't mind Chardonnay's being buttery, as long as they have the acidity to balance it so that they avoid becoming heavy and one-sided. I haven't tried Simi or Kendall Jackson. I have tried a Stag's Leap and liked it a lot.

    Loire Valley, mhardy? Now you really do enjoy getting off the beaten track, and there are some excellent Sauvignon Blanc wines from there that will definitely blast away a Chardonnay induced buttery overdose.
    Alea jacta est!