Any wine enthusiasts out there?

Tour2ma

That's the place... I remember sliding down the hill to catch my bus (bit to much vino)...
Just added link to my Fav's.
Thanks...

Tour2ma

First, a Texas winery is producing some nice Italian styles. Texas Hills in Johnson City (SE of Austin) is responsible. A very nice Sangioviesse, and an even better blend they named Tre' Paisainos. Both are a good value.
They also vinted a decent Cab. But the outstanding offering is a Cabernet Franc. Brand new to me and excellent, but also $40 per bottle. They had 10 left when I arrived; nine when I left. I only wish I could have taken more off of their hands.
Their other offerings were so-so.
Unique thing about Texas Hills' approach is that they blend their grapes at crushing, vs. the norm to ferment individually and blend later. Better way? Don't know, but it's definitely gutsier...

Also some Zinfandels to recommend.
- Roshambo, Dry Creek Valley, 2000 - somebody at Dry creek has to be a "South Park" fan. This is a slightly, soft Zin. Very nice.
- Cline, Big Creek, Contra Costa Co., 2001 - this Zin hits like the proverbial Mack truck. Very "big break" that just kind of glides away.
- Spelletick Cellars, Jim& Edie's VYD, Shenandoah Valley, 2000 - Nice full Zin with a great overall pace to each sip. My favorite of the three here.
It's possible you may only see these Zin's in restaurants, or if you live in their neighborhood. Only one I found 'round my way is the Roshambo, and it was a special order w/ a six-bottle minimum.

pensacola

For everyday drinking (and I do drink 1-2 glasses a day),
I've found a very drinkable red that goes well with anything—or by itself.

I buy it by the case, but the single bottle price is $7.49 in these parts.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages

Some may snub their noses at a Beaujolais, but for me, cabernets
and even some merlots and pinots are a little too intense for
everyday drinking. Now if I go out to a steak house, then yeah—give me
a big ol' cabernet, or maybe even a hearty ale or porter.

HBombToo

I'm off the beer and into the Wifes Sutter Home. Merlot is just dry enough to pucker ya up but yet very sweet and it'll bust ya up if your not carefull.

Evil Twin

madmax

I've been trying the Bolla wines lately. Bardolina is my favorite. Valapolitia (?)is next but it is a little strong. Worth a try though!
madmax

PS: I have not even had the urge for a beer since I started tasting wines. !!!

HBombToo

I'll look for Bolla during the next purchase.

HBomb

Tour2ma

Max, I think you're referring to "Valpolicella". I had a little "sulfite headache" issue with both Bolla's, but before it hit I was enjoying.

Riunite makes a very similar line that did not hurt me. Their Lambrusco works with Pizza and makes a hell of a base for a party punch.

If you and HBomb are into Italians, try Brolio Chianti. Should be able to find a 2000 vintage for ~$10.

HBombToo

I drink Wine during dinner and when my beer is gone. The wife has been hooked on a local producer named St. James and her flavor is Velvet Red. Effin Sweet but i catch the effect.

I'll catch up soon enough as i'm filling my crystal.

H

BlueFox

pensacola wrote: »

For everyday drinking (and I do drink 1-2 glasses a day)

I’m with you on that. After the non-stop mental grinding from work, coming home, firing up the 2-channel rig, and having a glass hits the spot. Later while using the HT another glass is appropriate.

I buy it by the case, but the single bottle price is $7.49 in these parts.

Yikes! :eek:

I do not pay that much for a 1.5 liter bottle of Gallo Cabernet Sauvignon, a fine, fine, cabernet, if I do say so myself. :rolleyes:

A year and a half ago I joined this wine club, and they send me 12 reds 4 times a year, and I usually take advantage of their specials throughout the year. I now have a pretty good stash, and need to start reducing it to make room for new arrivals.

https://www.4seasonswine.com/

messiah

Level 3 Court of Master Sommeliers here myself, and I love all varietals. Some producers make great wines, some dont. If you want a food pairing, info on a particular wine or a reccomendation just let me know .

messiah

Tour2ma wrote: »

CIA = Culinary Institute of America .... same as the Greystone?

LOL actually did my culinary training there. Hyde Park.

Lowell_M

Jstas wrote: »

I've been thinking about getting into beer making too. I want to see if I can pull it off. I have to get some equipment though and like always, I'm tight on cash. I did find a brewer's supply store nearby though so that is a bonus! I can ask all kinds of fun questions!

Making good beer is a piece of cake. Making "creative" good beer is a little more difficult. I just try to make good beer. The only secret is to follow the recipe and keep everything extremely sanitized. I mean rediculously clean and sanitized with an Idofor solution or something similar.

I've gotten into wine lately as well, since I travel a lot and have opportunity to sample various wines at good places to eat. Lately, at home I'm on the quest for the perfect $15-$20 Cabernet. I'm still dialing it in, but have some favorites. $15-$20 is a decent sweet spot. You can find some 2 or 3 year bottles that don't have too bad of a new wine acidic nature. If you have a wine store near by, start by asking the manager for some suggestions in that range and then make your own choices.

edit: There are also some really bad wines at $15-$20, which makes that range a fun adventure.

66chevyIISS

welcome to 2003

Lowell_M

Holy crap... I paid no attention to the date of this crap. Darn free Red Carpet Club cocktails.....

BlueFox

Lowell_M wrote: »

Holy crap... I paid no attention to the date of this crap. Darn free Red Carpet Club cocktails.....

Exactly. If it is at the top of the queue it gets read, and a possible response. The real question is how does someone find these old threads.

sTiLlLeArNiNg

Even though i can't drink much i still enjoy a good glass or two of wine with a meal We preffer the selection's from the local wineries, mostly cabernet's, merlot's or shirazz's

tonyb

Wine is like audio,subjective. One thing I have learned over the years is once you have good wine,there's no going back to the cheap stuff. Two different worlds imho. Also some of the better wines need to breath for a few hours before drinking,you'd be surprised at the difference it makes.

Tour2ma......if you dig Chianti,try Felsina,18 bucks a bottle and recently named winery of the year. They have a reserve also but needs to age a few years,still pretty tight. Get their regular Chianti,more flavor,'06 vintage or '05.

I'll second the Staggs Leap, and suggest you try some Floral Springs cab. Some of my other favs are Silver Oak cabs,Pio Cesare Borolo, Brunello's,and some Petite Syrah's from Cali. Exact names and vintages escape my brain right now,too early. Ya know once your over 50,stuff don't work like it used too.;)

dorokusai

No harm in popping an old thread back to life. I like wine, mainly Shiraz and Merlot. As far as brands go I've been pleased with Penfolds, Greg Norman and Ravenswood. I've had very expensive wines and the cheapest stuff on the planet and have found most of my favorites in the $15-25 range, which I think is pretty modest.

Willow

Right now we are hooked on :

DOMAINE DE SAINT-ENNEMOND CLOS REYSSIER BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2007, VINTAGES Item # 128694, $ 14.95.

It's a Vintage, so we are stocking up. Last week I bought 7 bottles...we only have 3 left . I'm off at lunch to go buy more. Our city only has about 100 bottles left, then that's it till next years vintage. :eek:

Face

Favorite white, Conundrum.

Favorite reds, Coppala Rosso Shiraz 2007, Columbia Crest Merlot Two Vines 07, and Vampire Merlot.

xj4094dg

Last night after dinner:

1991 Justin Vineyard Isosceles Reserve

Wow.

messiah

xj4094dg wrote: »

Last night after dinner:

1991 Justin Vineyard Isosceles Reserve

Wow.

Just curious how that was holding up.

xj4094dg

messiah wrote: »

Just curious how that was holding up.

Wow.