Red Wine

13

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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,714
    edited December 2007
    The Loire wines weren't off the beaten track when I was a budding oenophile (early 1980s). They used to be good, crisp, cheap fun. Not cheap no mo', tho'.

    I didn't realize at first that the original poster was talkin' whites! Mea culpa!

    I have also had some nice light, crisp hybrids from vinyards in the "mid-Atlantic" region (VA/MD). I've always had a soft spot for Boordy Vineyards' Seyval Blancs, 'specially the ones made Sur Lie.

    Any of y'all who live anywhere near Baltimore and haven't visited Boordy... you should. Beautiful place in the beautiful Hydes Valley.
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited October 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I'm a big wine fan but not hugely interested in keeping a roster, just by sight. I'm big on Merlot and Shiraz. A couple standouts for me are Greg Norman, Rabbits Foot, Ravenswood, Charles Krug and Penfolds. You can often find them at decent prices and they have always been solid for me in the rack.

    I've drank all kinds of expensive wine and I think the magic is in the $25 range in my travels. The rest is beyond my level of distinction.

    There are dozens of low priced wines that are not too shabby, but at that point you also get into some rough versions. Merlot vs Cabernet...etc. One might be ok, and another horrible.





    Just picked up a bottle of Ravenswood....


    Might have a glass here in a bit..


    I read through this thread earlier today. And Ravenswood is the only one that came to mind when I was at the store. So... Thats what I got, and I will give it a try in a bit...



    Nick
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,714
    edited October 2008
    Ravenswood's Zinfandels never fail to please (me, anyway). Took a bottle to the Central Mass audiokarma fete last weekend in Lancaster, MA (as a matter o' fact).

    Perfect fall weather in MA this weekend (as it should be); peak leaf-peeping season just a bit north of here...
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  • 66chevyIISS
    66chevyIISS Posts: 857
    edited October 2008
    Today must be dead thread revival day haha. I will drink wine, but I prefer a nice craft brew any day.
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,154
    edited October 2008
    Wine is the only thing keeping me calm these days (market pressure). Trader Joe's is a great place to buy here in SoCal, but just the cheaper stuff ($10 or less).

    Some of my favorites are a $2.99 wine with the Trader Joe's brand on it, "Vinas Chilenas" they are calling it. It's much better than two buck chuck and better value in real terms IMO. The only wine under $5 that I will drink rather than use to clean toilets and a very good choice for those of us lamenting the performance of Wall Street this week.

    Another is Santa Rita, about $7.99. The Cabernet is better than the Merlot, I think. Also from Chile.

    I really prefer wines in the $15-20 range though. If you know what to get, there is a significant upgrade in quality, sophistication of taste and enjoyment. To be truthful, though, there is nothing really stunning for less than $25 these days IMO.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • Disc Jockey
    Disc Jockey Posts: 1,013
    edited October 2008
    For those who love cabs and big reds in general, give Malbec a try. Argentinian grape very reminiscent of a big cab. One of my favorites these days is the Mendoza from Achaval Ferrer. At $20 or so a bottle, will rival cabs costing much, much more.
    "The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage." Thucydides
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,154
    edited October 2008
    Disc Jockey wrote: »
    For those who love cabs and big reds in general, give Malbec a try. Argentinian grape very reminiscent of a big cab. ...
    Agreed! Malbec is a great varietal, very meaty! Some of the Argentinian Malbecs are quite excellent, but it's not Argentinian originally, it's French! Mostly used in the Cahors area, southeast of Bordeaux, but the Argentinian versions are a lot easier to find in the U.S. unless you go to a fairly upscale store.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited October 2008
    I'm a fan of the reds from the Montepulchiano region of Italy that you can find at Trader Joes. Terrific flavor for pasta and steaks. Also, the Nero de Avila's from Sicily are a great value. Both groups may only be $5-7, but I thoroughly enjoy them.

    As for US wines, Barefoot's red cab is a smooth performer. But for steak, my favorite (though pricey for me) is Kendall Jacksons Cabernet Savignon Reserve.
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  • Disc Jockey
    Disc Jockey Posts: 1,013
    edited October 2008
    Kex wrote: »
    Agreed! Malbec is a great varietal, very meaty! Some of the Argentinian Malbecs are quite excellent, but it's not Argentinian originally, it's French! Mostly used in the Cahors area, southeast of Bordeaux, but the Argentinian versions are a lot easier to find in the U.S. unless you go to a fairly upscale store.


    My wife tells me Malbec just showed up on the cover of Wine Enthusiast Mag so buy now before prices skyrocket...:eek:
    "The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage." Thucydides
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited October 2008
    I never got to the Ravenswood.

    But I did get to the Meridian. Its not all that good... Not bad. But not good.

    If I'm not making sense it because of the sour **** and sausage I ate.

    It has absolutely nothing to do with the wine:D


    Peace.


    <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7sei-eEjy4g&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7sei-eEjy4g&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,238
    edited October 2008
    I really wish Pinotage would make a push like Malbec and others from S. America. Pinotage is as or better with a steak than a big cab or zin.

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

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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited October 2008
    I-SIG wrote: »
    I really wish Pinotage would make a push like Malbec and others from S. America. Pinotage is as or better with a steak than a big cab or zin.

    Wes


    I don't understand your post and it has nothing to do with my video.:mad:





    Nick
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,238
    edited October 2008
    nikolas812 wrote: »
    I don't understand your post and it has nothing to do with my video.:mad:

    Nick

    Ummm....yeah....whatever :confused:

    The thread is about red wine, last time I checked, and you're not the original poster, so why do you care? :rolleyes:

    I'm sure any of the red wine drinkers on CP that have had a good Pinotage will echo my sentiments.

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

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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited October 2008
    I-SIG wrote: »
    Ummm....yeah....whatever :confused:

    The thread is about red wine, last time I checked, and you're not the original poster, so why do you care? :rolleyes:

    I'm sure any of the red wine drinkers on CP that have had a good Pinotage will echo my sentiments.

    Wes


    It wasn't personeel...


    Just kidding around.....



    But on a serious note.. Is Monday a holiday??



    Nick
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,238
    edited October 2008
    No problem.

    Monday is Columbus Day, so if you are a gubmint worker or a banker, you may have the day off.

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

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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited October 2008
    Just had a nice Merlot with an exquistely cooked pork roast on the grill. :p

    Souverain, Alexander Valley, 2005.

    Slight notes of chocolate and spices, big bouquet.

    Yummy.....

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,154
    edited October 2008
    markmarc wrote: »
    I'm a fan of the reds from the Montepulchiano region of Italy that you can find at Trader Joes. Terrific flavor for pasta and steaks. Also, the Nero de Avila's from Sicily are a great value. Both groups may only be $5-7, but I thoroughly enjoy them. ...
    Good tip, I'll try those if I get the chance. I've never tasted anything form Sicily, oddly enough, but Italian wines can be excellent if you can find them at the right price (and anything under $10 is very cheap, like I said before, if it's at all good).
    Alea jacta est!
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  • kgingras
    kgingras Posts: 113
    edited October 2008
    I tend to look a bit more at regions rather than labels.

    I do think that this is a great time to be a wine consumer though. Especially with wines at the sub $25 price point. I stay away from the regional/national chain grocery stores as there are much better wines & values available at your local independent wine store, not to mention Costco & Cost Plus.

    A few favorites:

    Argentina: if you are paying over $20.00 for an Argentinean wine you are an idiot. Malbec & Torrantes are the way to go, and look for either Mendoza or San Juan for regions. Lots of choices here, but the importers Vine Connections have a very, very strong portfolio. Grocery stores usually carry Norton, which isn't bad.

    Spain: anything from the portfolio of Jorge Ordonea is going to be pretty solid. For sub $10 wines, it is almost impossible to beat Spain, and the recent financial crisis has helped our dollar against the Euro for the first time in four + years. Chain grocery stores suck for Spanish wines. Any good independent can help you here.

    Australia: All shiraz, all the time. Look for Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, or South Australia. Avoid SEA (South East Australia). While Penfolds, Yalumba & Rosemont are the choice to go after at the grocery store (if you must), brands such as Razor's Edge, Rolf Binder & Fetish (all mine), R Wines, Yard Dog, Slipstream, and Winner's Tank are where the value & action are. Costco & Cost Plus will have most of the above. In this day & age, almost no reason to pay over $20.00 for a bottle of Aussie wine, and at $10-15 they rule the market.

    California: generalities here, but Zin from Lodi or Paso Robles, Syrah & Cabs from Paso, and Chard from Sonoma or Mendocino County are the ways to go. For grocery wines it is really tough to beat J. Lohr's Cab & Syrah.

    Germany & Austria: tough with the Euro, but stick with Rieslings recommended by your reputable local shop. Anything in a grocery store from Germany/Austria is going to suck & likely be loaded with sugar.

    Italy: unless you like Pinot Gris, I couldn't tell you what to look for in the grocery stores at this price.
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  • fatchowmein
    fatchowmein Posts: 2,637
    edited September 2009
    Bump. Any new recommendations? I just picked up Oyster Bay Merlot, McManis Family Vintage Petite Shirah, and a McManis Zinfandel along with a Razor's Edge Chardonnay but haven't tried them yet. I'm mostly interested in below $20 stuff right now since I merely dabble and I only drink a glass at dinner so these wines have to survive several days on the table. However, if there's something exceptional and beyond $20 I'm willing to give it a try since we're approaching the holiday season and many dinner parties.

    There's also this thread: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37488
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited September 2009
    Try Pillar Box Red I like it but I also drink Budweiser so maybe you should not take my word. However, reviews for it have been great for a bottle under $20.00

    http://winecask.blogspot.com/2007/02/pillar-box-red-2005-wine-review-by-pb.html
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  • messiah
    messiah Posts: 1,790
    edited September 2009
    I've written the wine lists for several restaurants I've worked at and I'm certified as level 3 through the Court of Master Sommeliers. If anyone has specificic questions, I'll be happy to help, but drink what tastes good to you! Is a 1982 Chateau Petrus going to taste better than a 2005 chilean merlot..... uh yeah, but the price difference is 2000 bucks. Seriously though, if anyone has any wine questions, or needs food/ wine pairing ideas, just PM me, I'm always happy to help.
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    messiah, November 23rd, 2010
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  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited September 2009
    +1 on what willow says about canadian wines. I actually prefer Jackson Triggs (canadian)to neuf-du-pape. I especially like the price difference. I do like the packaging of the neuf-du-pape. Another interesting and good wine is the fat **** (Australian wine).



    Tim
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 10,997
    edited September 2009
    messiah wrote: »
    I've written the wine lists for several restaurants I've worked at and I'm certified as level 3 through the Court of Master Sommeliers. If anyone has specificic questions, I'll be happy to help, but drink what tastes good to you! Is a 1982 Chateau Petrus going to taste better than a 2005 chilean merlot..... uh yeah, but the price difference is 2000 bucks. Seriously though, if anyone has any wine questions, or needs food/ wine pairing ideas, just PM me, I'm always happy to help.

    Saturday, we are going to a friends place for dinner. We are having steak, fresh corn and a potato/dill salad. What do you recommend we bring over?
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,154
    edited September 2009
    I've been having a lot of luck recently with Paso Robles Zinfandel for your "daily drinker", or "weekday" category. Trader Joe's has a couple for for $5 and $7 that are both worth a try. Nothing to take with you to a nice dinner, obviously, but fine for a weekday dinner at home, or a weekend barbecue. One is called Novella. Not sure about the other one, but it'll be in the same section. The Novella brand also sells other wines, but I don't think they're as good as the Zinfandel they produce.
    renowilliams wrote: »
    ... Another interesting and good wine is the fat **** (Australian wine).
    Tim, if you're talking about the wine in the link below, the Fat **** is actually from the Languedoc region, in southern France. I've tried it a few times, and used to get some quite frequently, but I find it a little expensive for what it is these days here in the U.S. Pricing will be different in Canada, of course.

    http://www.fatbastard.com/

    It's an interesting wine, with a funny story on the label, but it's a bit misleading since it's anything but a "fat" wine, if you ask me: just more of the same light picnic & barbecue style that's common from that region.

    There were a lot of really well kept stores in Qu
    Alea jacta est!
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited September 2009
    Willow wrote: »
    Saturday, we are going to a friends place for dinner. We are having steak, fresh corn and a potato/dill salad. What do you recommend we bring over?

    Not that I'm a wine expert or play one on tv, but I do read alot, try alot of wines, and keep some notes.

    Lots of advice from 'experts' would recommend a zinfandel with grilled foods.

    I would second the advice.

    Some zinfandels that rate high in my book are(all from BevMo):
    * Rendwood, Fiddletown 2005 $16.99
    * Limerick Lane, Collins Vineyard, Russian Valley 2005 $22.99
    * Harding Estates, Napa Valley 2005 $8.99
    * Four Vines, Biker, Paso Robles 2007 $19.99

    Cheers

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 10,997
    edited September 2009
    Erik Tracy wrote: »
    Not that I'm a wine expert or play one on tv, but I do read alot, try alot of wines, and keep some notes.

    Lots of advice from 'experts' would recommend a zinfandel with grilled foods.

    I would second the advice.

    Some zinfandels that rate high in my book are(all from BevMo):
    * Rendwood, Fiddletown 2005 $16.99
    * Limerick Lane, Collins Vineyard, Russian Valley 2005 $22.99
    * Harding Estates, Napa Valley 2005 $8.99
    * Four Vines, Biker, Paso Robles 2007 $19.99

    Cheers

    I shall check them out. Thanks
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited September 2009
    Willow wrote: »
    I shall check them out. Thanks

    I made a typo on the first wine - it should be Renwood not Rendwood.

    Part of the fun and enjoyment of wine is exploring and finding your own - buy a couple of bottles that capture your attention! :D

    Another good one and highly recommended is Seghesio Sonoma County Zin - but this is more than $20 a bottle. I had a 2006 and it was VERY good.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 10,997
    edited September 2009
    Our average price for bottles is 18-30. At lunch I'm off to the liquor store
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  • messiah
    messiah Posts: 1,790
    edited September 2009
    Willow wrote: »
    Saturday, we are going to a friends place for dinner. We are having steak, fresh corn and a potato/dill salad. What do you recommend we bring over?

    Either: Rosenblum Petite Sirah, heritage clones, or Kick Ranch (harder to find)

    Or Ridge Zinfandel, Geyserville.

    Christopher.
    "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
    Benjamin Franklin, February 17th, 1775.

    "The day that I have to give up my constitutional rights AND let some dude rub my junk...well, let's just say that it's gonna be a real bad day for the dude trying to rub my junk!!"
    messiah, November 23rd, 2010
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited September 2009
    I enjoy a good Ausbruch once in awhile. A little on the sweet side but very tasty.
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