Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
|
axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
Chess I've always liked the Robert Mondavi Woodbridge cabs., the last time we were in their tasting rooms I had their Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, I believe it was a 2002 but I preferred the Woodbridge over the Reserve.
I imagine everyone is aware of the Yellow Tail wines floating around that hit the market with a real bang a few years back. They started in Canada by selling a chardonnay and a shiraz. Both were good for their price. Both were kind of sweet which is likely how they sold so well. Both had somewhat sharp finishes that was masked by the sweetness. Now, in a local wine shop, i came across the Yellow Tail chardonnay Reserve. Two weekends ago we had a blind tasting. I picked out the Reserve quite easily, but the differences between the two were subtle. The Reserve was much more refined, but all that aside, if you want to try a really fat bastard chardonnay, try this Yellow Tail Reserve. Its bouquet alone is just huge.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
|
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
I just want to thank you all again for taking the time to share your experiences here; this is my wine reference page. Any suggestions for readily available Spanish or Italian wines ($50 or under)? My father in law is a fan.
Cheers, friends.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
|
OP
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
That’s a good point Chess. I suspect if I opened another bottle tonight, I’d enjoy it. I know that if I drink too many glasses my pallet gets saturated and it all starts tasting the same. It’s at that point my glass gets water.
Michael,
I think you’ll like the Patz and Hall. Just keep an open mind. It is very different. Not sure if the wine snob relative will appreciate it though. Some wine snobs will even refuse to drink blends, which I find ridiculous. I have not had the N/N cab. I sure like whatever they come out with though. I just wish they weren’t so darn expensive.
A few more good pinots I’ve had lately worth trying….
05 Dutton Goldfields (Napa) < $45 04 Artesa (forgot where this is from) < $25 06 Paraiso (Santa Luca Highlands) < $35 04 Larson Family (Sonoma) < $25
To date, my favorite Pinot is the Nickel and Nickel followed closely by the Patz and Hall, then the Dutton, then the Larson Family with the Artesa and Paraiso in tow.
Last night I had a blend that was pretty darn good. It had a finish that just kept going and going. Well rounded, mild tannin with just a wee bit of fruit on the nose. This one is a good drinker or good with food. I should have decanted this one because it just kept getting better and opening up.
2004 Atrea Old Soul Red (Napa) < $40
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
|
OP
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
Tom,
I tend to not drink wines from Italy or Spain. They're just to tanic for my tastes because they are made to drink with food.
I did happen to see a write up in a cooking magazine recomending some Sicilian wines though. They sound pretty good and I intend to pick some up and give them a whirl. Here's a copy / paste.
--------
2005 Feudo Arancio Ner d’Avola Sicilia, Italy ($9) - A great introduction to Sicilian red wine and a tremendous value, this medium-weight red has pretty violet, black cherry and spice aromas, rich blackberry flavors and great overall balance.
2006 Feudo Arancio Grillo Sicilia, Italy ($9) – A fresh white to drink young, especially with seafood. Fruity and unoaked with melon, jasmine and white peach flavors.
2006 Cusumano Nero d’Avola Sicilia, Italy ($12) – A great example of Nero d’Avola, with Zinfandel-like berry flavors and cardamom and violet notes through the stiff finish.
2006 Cusumano Benuara Nero d’Avola / Syrah Sicilia, Italy ($16) – A hearty red with juicy blueberry and blackberry aromas, cherry jam and berry flavors, with hints of licorice and menthol.
2005 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso, Sicilia, Italy ($28) – Made from the Pinot Noir-like Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on the volcano Etna, this red has pretty berry, cherry, cinnamon and vanilla aromas, juicy red fruit flavors and black tea-like tannins.
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301
connoisseur
|
connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301 |
Tom, I don't drink Italian or Spanish wines often either, but I've bought wine from here Wine.com and they have a good selection, decent prices and a lot of good info.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
|
axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
I just want to thank you all again for taking the time to share your experiences here; this is my wine reference page. Any suggestions for readily available Spanish or Italian wines ($50 or under)? My father in law is a fan.
Cheers, friends. I haven't ventured far into Italian wines as of yet and i've only had one Spanish. The one Italian red that i've really liked is from the north. Banfi Centine Toscana. http://www.wine.com/V6/Banfi-Centine-Toscana-2004/wine/85683/detail.aspx You should be able to find it rather easily. Very chalky tannins.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
|
OP
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
We had a very nice bottle last night that was one from my Brix26 wine club shipment. They ship me a mixed case every three months based on my preferences and not to exceed total case price. I never know what I’m getting, and when I do get them, I don’t know how much they cost unless I look at the invoice. I like to ‘not know’ until after I drink them so there’s no chance of influencing my opinion on them by price.
The bottle was a 2005 Syrah from JC Cellars. I thought it was an inexpensive bottle and logged on to reorder a case. Damn thing’s $50. $50 for a Syrah is too much for me, but if anyone’s really into Syrah’s, this one’s a dandy.
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301
connoisseur
|
connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301 |
The wife wants to have a food and wine get together next month for around 12 people. It will inevitably start as a blind tasting then on to just drinking. I'm thinking of doing some Pinots since we normally do Cabs. The fun part is she asked me to order a mixed case of wine for under $500.00 so I grabbed these. I got 1 cent shipping so I stayed within our budget. Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Catena Alta Malbec 2004 Hartford Court Lands Edge Pinot Noir 2005 Martin Ray Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir 2005 Girard Petite Sirah 2005 Meerlust Rubicon 2001 Luna Sangiovese 2005 Beringer Knights Valley Alluvium Red 2004 Harrison Syrah 2001 Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red 2006 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir 2006 The bottles range from $8.00 to $110.00 so it should be fun time.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
|
axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
The bottle was a 2005 Syrah from JC Cellars. I thought it was an inexpensive bottle and logged on to reorder a case. Damn thing’s $50. $50 for a Syrah is too much for me, but if anyone’s really into Syrah’s, this one’s a dandy.
Yeesh. $50 a bottle is a bit on the upside in our general price range. Those bottles i tend to keep for a few years and relatively special occasions. I think our average bottle cost is probably around the $16-18 range. Call me snobby. I wish it were cheaper.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
|
|
|
Re: the wine thread
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
|
axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
The wife wants to have a food and wine get together next month for around 12 people. It will inevitably start as a blind tasting then on to just drinking. I'm thinking of doing some Pinots since we normally do Cabs. The fun part is she asked me to order a mixed case of wine for under $500.00 so I grabbed these. I got 1 cent shipping so I stayed within our budget. Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Catena Alta Malbec 2004 Hartford Court Lands Edge Pinot Noir 2005 Martin Ray Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir 2005 Girard Petite Sirah 2005 Meerlust Rubicon 2001 Luna Sangiovese 2005 Beringer Knights Valley Alluvium Red 2004 Harrison Syrah 2001 Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red 2006 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir 2006 The bottles range from $8.00 to $110.00 so it should be fun time. Wow. Nice selection. There are a few that i have not tasted, but i have READ about. Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 If this is the Napa Valley version (as opposed to the North Coast), i have tasted it and it is a lovely wine and the second top ranked red in my list since 1998. I've only read about these three but a friend has the Alluvium in our cellar. I have the Knights Valley cab, also chilling for the right occasion. That malbec is outstanding from what i've read and is rather expensive here. Catena Alta Malbec 2004 Beringer Knights Valley Alluvium Red 2004 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir 2006
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics24,945
Posts442,484
Members15,617
|
Most Online2,082 Jan 22nd, 2020
|
|
0 members (),
1,228
guests, and
6
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|