What's your favorite wine?

[zoobabe]

Since I'm sometimes imbibing while blogging, I'd like to know. My favorite is any Australian shiraz or shiraz blend. Moderately priced like Yellowtail, Black Swan, Peace Wine (how groovy), Lindeman's., or Little Penguin, Or Thirsty Lizard, or...:p

I've heard that red wine is good for you.

[copygodd]

beer.

[derder]

Shiraz is my fav, too, Zoobabe.

Red: Shiraz- Rosemount Estate (Cheap, too- only $12. a bottle)

White: Kendall Jackson- Chardonay

[zoobabe]

Shiraz is my fav, too, Zoobabe.

Red: Shiraz- Rosemount Estate (Cheap, too- only $12. a bottle)

White: Kendall Jackson- Chardonay

Rosemount Estate is cheaper here derder. Only 8-10 dollars a bottle.:)

My favorite white is chardonnay too, but Thirsty Lizard makes a white shiraz that is very good!

[deltoro]

As an everyday, inexpensive wine at home I like to sip a glass of Barefoot Chardonny. They make an all right champagne, too.

I also belong to the Cuvaison wine club in Napa Valley. Every few months they ship three to four bottles of their featured wines .... it's like Christmas. The downside is you can't ship wine directly to PA. Thankfully, I still have friends in VA.

At a restaurant I'll try different, more expensive wines, especially if someone else is buying.

[whawha]

My favorite:

"I don't wanna go. Do I hafta go? Pleeeeeeaaasssseee don't make me go!"

[deltoro]

My favorite:

"I don't wanna go. Do I hafta go? Pleeeeeeaaasssseee don't make me go!"

hahahahaha ... that was bad, but in a good way.

[lbs30]

Riesling - it's not so dry, like chardonnay, but a little bit sweeter than Pinot Grigio
Chateau Ste. Michelle and Colombia Crest are my 2 favs.

[zoobabe]

At a restaurant I'll try different, more expensive wines, especially if someone else is buying.

yeah deltoro- I agree with you. there's a red blend by the Banfi wineries called Centine that I really like. They have it at the Macaroni Grill- so if someone else is buying I get that one. If not, I just drink the house wine 'cuz it's good. I've had the Barefoot chanpagne too and I liked that as well. Lots of times I buy the wines with funny names or interesting looking bottles just to try something new like Big Ass, Fat Bastard, or Old Fart.:p It's cool that you're in a wine club, and now I know not to send my sister a bottle for her birthday since she's in PA too!

[deltoro]

yeah deltoro- I agree with you. there's a red blend by the Banfi wineries called Centine that I really like. They have it at the Macaroni Grill- so if someone else is buying I get that one. If not, I just drink the house wine 'cuz it's good. I've had the Barefoot chanpagne too and I liked that as well. Lots of times I buy the wines with funny names or interesting looking bottles just to try something new like Big Ass, Fat Bastard, or Old Fart.:p It's cool that you're in a wine club, and now I know not to send my sister a bottle for her birthday since she's in PA too!

Zoobabe, I love the fact that sometimes you buy wine for the interesting looking bottles. I do that, too!!!! If it turns out to be good wine, I drink it. If it turns out to be a not so good wine, I still drink it, but I don't feel so bad about it 'cause I reuse the wine bottles to hold cooking oils and specialty vinegars -- Williams Sonoma carries these great little spouts that measure out exactly one ounce (they're ~$7).

The wineries/retailers have to follow a strict protocol. But, I've successfully mailed a bottle of wine here and there to friends (lots of bubble wrap). UPS didn't say a thing. Good luck and happy b-day to your sis!

[zoobabe]

yeah d- I bought this one called "Grateful Red" once b/c it had a cool name and bottle, but it was REALLY bad. That's a good idea to reuse the bottles though. I save the corks b/c I decorate with them. I corked my kitchen clock, and I'm going to cork my picture fames when I get motivated too b/c I have a whole Italian theme going on in my kitchen.

[jennilicious]

Your kitchen sounds totally cute, zoobabe :)
I love Riesling too-it is a dessert wine, I think, but I just like the sweetness of it and the taste. Someone upthread mentioned Chateau St Michelle, and that is one of the best, and moderately priced.
I also looooove Riunite Lambrusco. My favorite Italian restaurant here in Dallas (Pietro's) serves it as their house wine. Yeah, it's cheap and it's Riunite, but you can't beat it with a big plate of spaghetti.

[jelliepair]

When I read the heading of this Thread, I instantly thought of one of my favorite jokes (I'll spare you)...

but seriously I am a red wine fanatic - my favorite wines that wont send you to bankruptcy court just because you want a nice bottle at the end of a hard day: Smoking Loon - Merlot or Shiraz, Dancing Bull Red Zinfandel, Hardy Cabernet, Rosemont Estates 1/2 Cab/1/2 Merlot, Black Opal 1/2 Cab/1/2 Shiraz. These are all under $12 a bottle. Then there is always $3 Buck Chuck for the second bottle - cause by then you just dont care what it tastes like!

I cant stomach white wine - at all - i have no tolerance for it or for most alcohol for that matter. I have to content myself with reds, a good margarita or a beer here and again.

[zoobabe]

sometimes a nice cold chardonnay is good after work when I've been out in the heat all day, even though reds are what I like best.

jenni- you're right, You can't beat good old Riunite Lambrusco for good cheap wine. No corkscrew required either!:)

[tvaholic]

Being from Wisconsin I'm a beer drinker at heart, but I've really been getting into wine these past few years. Love Pinot Grigio when in the mood for white, but have really been getting into reds like Merlot, Chiante, & now heading into Cab's & ports. My absolute favorites are Coppola's Merlot & Zinfadel-mmm, mouth watering...But for something a little less expensive (Coppola's usually around $15-$19) Blackstone has a great Merlot, can usually get it for about $8-$9.

[deltoro]

zoobabe, your cork clock sounds inspiring. Did you create the design yourself or use a kit? The reason I ask is that Wine Enthusiast sells various DIY cork kits online -- message boards (my personal fav), trivets, trays and more. Here's the link:

http://www.wineenthusiast.com/E/results.asp?Ntt=cork+kit&N=0&Ntk=Product&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Nty=1&sl=1&uid=D66A2E11-8C32-4C8A-8A10-A5E2EA62918A

It will take you straight to the kits without having to sort through all the other wine paraphernalia.

Ciao

[zoobabe]

zoobabe, your cork clock sounds inspiring. Did you create the design yourself or use a kit? The reason I ask is that Wine Enthusiast sells various DIY cork kits online -- message boards (my personal fav), trivets, trays and more. Here's the link:



I created the design myself d. It was a cheap clock from Kmart that I wanted to spruce up a bit.

[Hardly@Work]

Reisling for me- the blue bottle withthe sun- a german name I can't remember.

Now what is Shiraz like? I've seen it but never tried it. Ahhh Riunite...the extra large bottles are very convenient.

Barefoot wine is cheap and really good. I can't decide what to celebrate the Lost finale with.

[EdHill]

My brother is a wine distributor so I get exposed to a lot of good wine. Barefoot is a good cheap wine. My favorite is Compaccio, a red blend, but its 30 bucks a bottle (wholesale from my brother) so I save it for special occasions.

And 3 buck chuck will do in a pinch.

[zoobabe]

QUOTE=zoobabe]I created the design myself d. It was a cheap clock from Kmart that I wanted to spruce up a bit.[/QUOTE]


Here's a picture of my clock.

3

[Madam Pomfrey]

zoobabe, the clock is cool! Are you a craft freak like me? Do we need a craft forum? We need a craft swap!! How many times can I put Craft in this post?! I have to be making stuff to feel alive.

I'm a red wine person. I used to drink white, but once I had a taste of some good red, there was no going back. Rosemount is awesome. My most recent open bottle is Ravenswood Vintners Blend Cab Sauvignon and its good. Dry, full bodied.

Chianti Classico has been a winner in our home, also Celler #9.

[southernbelle]

Since it's summertime I tend to prefer a cold white of some type (i love pinot grigio) but I havent been drinking much of that lately, because it's so unseasonably cold in DC right now. Argh. So, I have to chime in on the Shiraz love. It's generally pretty cheap, but doesn't *taste* cheap. Yum!

[zoobabe]

zoobabe, the clock is cool! Are you a craft freak like me? Do we need a craft forum? We need a craft swap!! How many times can I put Craft in this post?! I have to be making stuff to feel alive.


Thanks Madame. No- I'm not a craft freak. I'm a wine freak so I have lots of corks to play with.:)

It is f'ing hot here in TX. In the mid nineties every day so I've been drinking more chardonnay lately b/c it's COLD!

EdHill- I'm jealous about your bro's job. Ask him if he'd like to barter some wine for a personal tour of the zoo.:D

[HoneyBunny]

I am not well versed in wine but I saw that Lauren Bracco has a line of wines (it was on Top Chef). I was wondering if anyone has tried them and could recommend any.

Thank you ~

[HoneyBunny]

Ooops - Lorraine Bracco. Wonder what Dr. Melfi would make of that mistake.

[zoobabe]

I have to revive this thread for a bit to note that I just came back from the liquor store where they had one of my fave wines on clearance for $4/bottle. I bought all 4 that were left! Combined with the fact that I'm making ribs in the slow cooker for tonight- I should have more friends 'cuz I have all the makings for a good party now!:p

[hannahthehun]

Zoobabe - LOVE the clock.

Most of my favs have already been mentioned but I need to add Markham Cab and Cakebread Chard. My brother is also in the wine biz so he gives me the good stuff.

You guys have totally put me in the mood for some sushi and Pinot Grigio.

[Bauer's Sweetheart]

I just had a great glass of wine a couple of weekends ago, it was Moon Mountain Reserve Cabernet (2002) from Sonoma. Sadly, it was only a glass, and not even a full one at that because I'm pregnant. I checked and it runs about $45 a bottle - I think I'll get a bottle for my husband's Father's Day gift and see if I can persuade him to give me a few more sips.

[Redhead]

I tend to drink white wine solely during the summer, and one of my favorite truly inexpensive wines is Ironstone's Symphony Obsession. You can pick it up for about $5 at Trader Joe's or Cost Plus, and it's the perfect compliment to any picnic outing.

[zoobabe]

I'm bumping my wine thread so roob can read it.;)

btw- tonight it's plain old Yellowtail shiraz BUT I got it at a discount at my convienience store b/c the clerk was flirting with me. Works for me!

[ScotyUtah]

but seriously I am a red wine fanatic - my favorite wines that wont send you to bankruptcy court just because you want a nice bottle at the end of a hard day: Smoking Loon - Merlot or Shiraz, Dancing Bull Red Zinfandel, Hardy Cabernet, Rosemont Estates 1/2 Cab/1/2 Merlot, Black Opal 1/2 Cab/1/2 Shiraz. These are all under $12 a bottle. Then there is always $3 Buck Chuck for the second bottle - cause by then you just dont care what it tastes like!

I cant stomach white wine - at all - i have no tolerance for it or for most alcohol for that matter. I have to content myself with reds, a good margarita or a beer here and again.

Jellie, I like your taste in wine. I'm a huge fan of Smoking Loon as well. The Shiraz is the best but the Cab is right there too. I really like when Chataeu St. Michelle is on sale; all of their reds are delicious. I don't mind trying out cheap bottles of red and losing once in a while. I use it for a pick me up in spaghetti sauce.

[roob]

Another brand to try that is generally good for all varietals, but at reasonable prices, is Bogle. They fall into that $10-$12 range for reds, and are consistently good from year to year.

Right now I really like Zinfandels, but I've finally figured out (after 13 flipping years in the business - it's about time) how to appreciate most everything...it really depends on what I'm eating, the weather, who I'm with, when I'm drinking it (stay away from Shiraz for breakfast - it doesn't work with eggs;) )

Also, about the direct shipping to Pennsylvania thing...I'm in Direct Marketing and Sales, so that's my area. And generally, things are opening up, but each state makes up their own rules, so it's hard to know which states allow it, and which don't. This http://wi.shipcompliant.com/Home.aspx is generally what I use for a guideline.

But honestly, those rules are difficult to enforce, and nearly impossible if you are shipping from an address that isn't a winery.

And no, Bogle isn't the winery I work for...:D

[zoobabe]

roob- It's a free-for-all type festival I think. I always wanted to go, but never had a weekend off to do it before this year. here's the link:

http://www.tourtexas.com/grapevine/grapefest/info.html#info

[jenny10girl]

When it comes to wine, all I seem to drink is white zin. Can't get into anything else...

[ObstinantGirl]

zoobabe, your clock's fabulous! I'm a creative person, but not a 'crafty' person...and I'm amazed by people who come up with crafty things that don't LOOK overtly crafty (which to me is rarely a good look!).

I have trouble with wines, because I seem to have an allergic reaction to them. If I still drank them, I'd go for sweet ones, like zinfandel's or blushes.

However, I've pretty much given up on them altogether and on the rare occasion that I drink, it's Kahlua Sombrero's for me! Or Toasted Almond's. I used to love a drink called a Frozen B-52 that a local restaurant offered, I don't know if it was their concoction or if it's known elsewhere?

[jenny10girl]

However, I've pretty much given up on them altogether and on the rare occasion that I drink, it's Kahlua Sombrero's for me! Or Toasted Almond's. I used to love a drink called a Frozen B-52 that a local restaurant offered, I don't know if it was their concoction or if it's known elsewhere?

Hmm...sounds interesting...do you know what was in it? If not, what did it taste like?

[zoobabe]

zoobabe, your clock's fabulous! I'm a creative person, but not a 'crafty' person...and I'm amazed by people who come up with crafty things that don't LOOK overtly crafty (which to me is rarely a good look!).

I have trouble with wines, because I seem to have an allergic reaction to them. If I still drank them, I'd go for sweet ones, like zinfandel's or blushes.

However, I've pretty much given up on them altogether and on the rare occasion that I drink, it's Kahlua Sombrero's for me! Or Toasted Almond's. I used to love a drink called a Frozen B-52 that a local restaurant offered, I don't know if it was their concoction or if it's known elsewhere?


thanks OG! the B-52 is a common drink. i don't think I've ever had one frozen though. If you like the sweet drinks, you should try a Buttery Nipple. I don't like the sweet drinks, except for daquiris.:) I do like red wine and dark chocolate together though. I hear it's good for your heart!:p

[ObstinantGirl]

I know that B52s are common, but I'd only seen these Frozen ones in one particular restaurant chain (Jacob Marley's...they don't, as far as I know, exist any more).

I just googled to see what would come up & here's one version that appeared that seems like it might fit what I had:
Frozen B52: Kahlua, grand marnier and baileys blended with vanilla or chocolate ice cream and cream topped with chocolate.

I'll have to try it and see!

[zoobabe]

here's another q- the 3 Buck chuck you guys speak of must not be available here b/c I've never heard of it. I saw an interview on TV with the winery owner though, and I liked what he had to say so I'd like to try it. I also have an affinity for trying wines with animals on the label (go figure!:p ) so i've tried Papio(monkeys), Funky Llama, Little Penguin, Thirsty Lizard, and one kind from S. Africa with a giraffe on it.

[zoobabe]

I know that B52s are common, but I'd only seen these Frozen ones in one particular restaurant chain (Jacob Marley's...they don't, as far as I know, exist any more).

I just googled to see what would come up & here's one version that appeared that seems like it might fit what I had:


I'll have to try it and see!

ice cream in a drink is not my thing, but... when I worked at a bar my boss made me a blended drink (when we were experimenting with new liquors) with vanilla ice cream, 99 Bananas (a liqeour), and Godiva chocolate liqeour and it was yummy!:D

[jenny10girl]

I know that B52s are common, but I'd only seen these Frozen ones in one particular restaurant chain (Jacob Marley's...they don't, as far as I know, exist any more).

I just googled to see what would come up & here's one version that appeared that seems like it might fit what I had:


I'll have to try it and see!

YUM now that sounds gooood....!!!

[Pyper]

Wow.. I am surprised nobody has mentioned Boone's Farm :lol:
Just had a flash back to high school days

My favorite, which someone has mentioned previously is
Fat Bastard- yummy both the chard and Shiraz are wonderful

I also like Zeller Schwartz Katz ( The Black Cat ) its a German wine
that you can get at Trader Joe's.

[roob]

roob- It's a free-for-all type festival I think. I always wanted to go, but never had a weekend off to do it before this year. here's the link:

http://www.tourtexas.com/grapevine/grapefest/info.html#info

When I go to these kinds of things, I generally pick one (or two, max) varietals that I am going to try, and stick with that. If you try Chardonnay here, Zinfandel there, Pinot Noir early, Cab late, you end up lit up with a completely numb palate, and you really haven't narrowed it down. If you stick to just Cab (for example) then you can taste more, and figure out what you like.

[roob]

here's another q- the 3 Buck chuck you guys speak of must not be available here b/c I've never heard of it. I saw an interview on TV with the winery owner though, and I liked what he had to say so I'd like to try it.

Something to remember about Charles Shaw (that's the real name for what started as Two Buck Chuck) is that it is produced in such volume, that the Merlot you had last month may not be the same as this month's (even if it is the same vintage).

The reason they are able to sell it cheap is that they use bulk juice that isn't being used elsewhere. But because the volume is so high, those grapes don't come from any specific, consistent source - they take what they can get when they can get it. Hence the massive variance.

[zoobabe]

When I go to these kinds of things, I generally pick one (or two, max) varietals that I am going to try, and stick with that. If you try Chardonnay here, Zinfandel there, Pinot Noir early, Cab late, you end up lit up with a completely numb palate, and you really haven't narrowed it down. If you stick to just Cab (for example) then you can taste more, and figure out what you like.

good tip-thanks! I like Shiraz the best, so I'll try and stick to that mostly. At least I don't have to worry about driving afterwards b/c my date is not a big drinker. It was one of the things I was first attracted to about him b/c he's a reliable designated driver and doesn't care how much I drink as long as I'm a happy/horny drunk (which I am).:tongue_smilie:

[zoobabe]

Something to remember about Charles Shaw (that's the real name for what started as Two Buck Chuck) is that it is produced in such volume, that the Merlot you had last month may not be the same as this month's (even if it is the same vintage).

The reason they are able to sell it cheap is that they use bulk juice that isn't being used elsewhere. But because the volume is so high, those grapes don't come from any specific, consistent source - they take what they can get when they can get it. Hence the massive variance.

he said in the interview though that he doesn't have the overhead in marketing or fancy labels and that it helps him keeps the cost low. I thought the winery was in the Napa Valley (also according to the interview)?

[ScotyUtah]

When it comes to wine, all I seem to drink is white zin. Can't get into anything else...

Say it ain't so!!!! Roob, help this woman out.:D

[roob]

he said in the interview though that he doesn't have the overhead in marketing or fancy labels and that it helps him keeps the cost low. I thought the winery was in the Napa Valley (also according to the interview)?

That's true (the marketing and label part), to some extent, but the main reason he's able to keep the price low is that he buys inexpensive, surplus juice - the grapes are already crushed - so he also doesn't have the production costs of harvesting and crushing the fruit. And the price would be impossible to maintain with any kind of Napa Valley juice, which is way too expensive to be in any $2-3 bottle of wine.

There really isn't a winery. It's just a big warehouse in Napa, where bottling takes place.

Fred Franzia (the owner) had a knock-down, drag-out court battle with Napa Valley Vintners about a label he owns called Napa Creek. It's a cheap brand that uses Central Valley fruit (that's "jug wine" country), but with the Napa name on the label, it was deemed misleading for the consumer.

[zoobabe]

That's true (the marketing and label part), to some extent, but the main reason he's able to keep the price low is that he buys inexpensive, surplus juice - the grapes are already crushed - so he also doesn't have the production costs of harvesting and crushing the fruit. And the price would be impossible to maintain with any kind of Napa Valley juice, which is way too expensive to be in any $2-3 bottle of wine.

There really isn't a winery. It's just a big warehouse in Napa, where bottling takes place.

Fred Franzia (the owner) had a knock-down, drag-out court battle with Napa Valley Vintners about a label he owns called Napa Creek. It's a cheap brand that uses Central Valley fruit (that's "jug wine" country), but with the Napa name on the label, it was deemed misleading for the consumer.

aha! Thanks for clearing that up for me. Is Fred Franzia the same man that makes the boxed FRANZIA wine? That stuff is hard to drink.

[roob]

Say it ain't so!!!! Roob, help this woman out.:D

Funny story about White Zin. When I first started in the business (it was a tasting room job), that was all I liked. But I quickly realized that if I was going to survive behind the counter, I needed to at least sound like I knew what I was talking about when it came to wines the winery produced (as opposed to just mimicing my co-workers, especially when they purposely told people whacko stuff just to hear me copy them later:o ).

So I started going to a lot of local wine tastings, and I forced myself to taste all Cabs at one, all Merlot at another. And at some point, I began enjoying those wines and developing a taste for it.

So for me, red wine (especially) was an acquired taste.

[roob]

aha! Thanks for clearing that up for me. Is Fred Franzia the same man that makes the boxed FRANZIA wine? That stuff is hard to drink.


That's the guy. He's a Gallo nephew, and he owns Bronco Wine Co., which is a huge land owner. They produce primarily low end wines, but they have so much fruit that they can shift around from brand to brand. Which was another plus when Two Buck Chuck took off.

[zoobabe]

I can drink Gallo chardonnay when it's a hot summer day b/c it's so cheap ($7.99 for a HUGE bottle), but I found that if I add cranberry juice to it- it tastes better.:tongue_smilie:

[susanarosa]

Hi all!

Well, I've been kind of AWOL lately, especially since most of my favorite tv shows are on hiatus and I'm catching up on all that I've missed!

Holy Shit you guys have been busy!

But as anyone of you (Tink, derder?) may remember I was getting sloshed on wine and typing in the chat room during the Apprentice finale (before I started in with my Tucker Carlson obsession...) So I had to put my two cents into this convo...

My all-time favorite wine is Rancho Zabaco Red Zin
I also love a good crisp white Pinot Grigio
Yellowtail Shiraz or any of their blends are super yummy
And I also love a good California Red Zin or Pinot Noir in the wintertime
I refuse to pay over $15 for a bottle of wine...

But when I'm out, I usually end up drinking miller lite. :)

[plethLaura]

How the heck did I miss this thread?

When it comes to wine I'm a total snob. The red I drink most is La Crema. It's a very mellow pinot noir from Sonoma. Can get it here for 20ish. As for white, I like Puligny Montrachet. Also 20ish.

I can't do the cheap stuff. I get nasty headaches from cheap wine.
I'd rather settle for a nice lager than a cheap wine.

I can eat all kinds of fast food garbage but I'm very particular about wine. Did I mention that? :)

[tvaholic]

susanarosa-I just had Yellowtail Shiraz over the weekend & was pleasantly surprised. I don't like their Chardonnay so I wasn't expecting much, but I'd definitely get the Shiraz again.

[roob]

How the heck did I miss this thread?

When it comes to wine I'm a total snob. The red I drink most is La Crema. It's a very mellow pinot noir from Sonoma. Can get it here for 20ish. As for white, I like Puligny Montrachet. Also 20ish.

I can't do the cheap stuff. I get nasty headaches from cheap wine.
I'd rather settle for a nice lager than a cheap wine.

I can eat all kinds of fast food garbage but I'm very particular about wine. Did I mention that? :)


Would it surprise you to know that La Crema is owned by a guy, you may have heard of, last name of Jackson? As in, Kendall-Jackson? La Crema makes an excellent Chardonnay, as well, but I agree, the Pinot Noir is top notch (esp. at that price point).

I have to admit, I don't drink cheap wine, either. But I'm lucky enough to have had easy access to mid-to-high end stuff for over a long time - which has left me basically ruined for anything under $10 a bottle. I'll be completely screwed if I ever choose to leave this line of work.

[ScotyUtah]

I'm going to hit some Ravenswood Zin tonight. It won't be the same without the caterwauling Zayra though. And once again Roob, you're friggin' killing me!!

[msCCRN]

Would it surprise you to know that La Crema is owned by a guy, you may have heard of, last name of Jackson? As in, Kendall-Jackson? La Crema makes an excellent Chardonnay, as well, but I agree, the Pinot Noir is top notch (esp. at that price point).


I think most people who like wine start with whites and then drift to the reds. I am not much of a white wine drinker, but the La Crema Chardonnay is my fave right now. My favorite red is a full bodied Cabernet, but I like some of the red blends. Chateau Montelena 1999 Saint Vincent comes to mind as a recent favorite. :drool:

[roob]

I'm going to hit some Ravenswood Zin tonight. It won't be the same without the caterwauling Zayra though. And once again Roob, you're friggin' killing me!!

Sorry, mate. Ravenswood doesn't suck, though!

I hate to say it, but I won't be able to watch Rockstar tonight, with wine or otherwise. The horrendous 2006 San Francisco Giants await...so it's Anchor Steam and baseball for me, and TVgasm for the reviews of Supernova tomorrow.

[zoobabe]

I'm going to hit some Ravenswood Zin tonight. It won't be the same without the caterwauling Zayra though. And once again Roob, you're friggin' killing me!!

I'm going to hit some Banrock Station shiraz tonight, and it will be even better w/out the caterwauling Zayra. this wine was on sale for cheap ($3.50/bottle) and it's good so I'll just have to be inspired by a cheap imitator on Rockstar (Storm? Patrice?):tongue_smilie:

[ScotyUtah]

Sorry, mate. Ravenswood doesn't suck, though!

I hate to say it, but I won't be able to watch Rockstar tonight, with wine or otherwise. The horrendous 2006 San Francisco Giants await...so it's Anchor Steam and baseball for me, and TVgasm for the reviews of Supernova tomorrow.

Now you're killing me some more. I'm going to start another thread in sports to address this further. I love Anchor Steam and I'm a big time Giants fan. The Ravenswood was WAY better than I thought it would be...

[HoneyBunny]

As of last night my new favorite whine is:

"Janey assulted me."


hb (i know - off topic...the devil (Will) made me do it)

[Bauer's Sweetheart]

Now you're killing me some more. I'm going to start another thread in sports to address this further. I love Anchor Steam and I'm a big time Giants fan. The Ravenswood was WAY better than I thought it would be...

I think a better combination would be Anchor Steam and the DODGERS.

[roob]

I think a better combination would be Anchor Steam and the DODGERS.

Sorry, but I'm afraid I can't allow an excellent SF beer to be paired with a Dodger Dog in the house that Fat Ass Lasorda made famous.

I hate the Dodgers.

[zoobabe]

As of last night my new favorite whine is:

"Janey assulted me."


hb (i know - off topic...the devil (Will) made me do it)

I bet that bottle would go nice with a big hunk of "cheese". Where's Boogie?:D

[ScotyUtah]

I think a better combination would be Anchor Steam and the DODGERS.

No, no, that's not accurate. A better combination is a shit sandwich and the Dodgers. :glare:

[roob]

susanarosa-I just had Yellowtail Shiraz over the weekend & was pleasantly surprised. I don't like their Chardonnay so I wasn't expecting much, but I'd definitely get the Shiraz again.

Back to the topic at hand...

Yellowtail is one of those brands that rode the Two Buck Chuck wave to success. They blew up, case production wise, just a few years ago, and didn't even exist 6 years ago. But everything I've read says that the quality is consistently there for wines in this price category. I'm amazed that they can maintain that kind of consistency at 10 million+ cases.

Most larger wine companies have followed this model and created their own "value" brands, taking advantage of internal grape surplus to carve out an additional niche. And they are usually "fun" type brands - Twin Fin is an example. They usually try to bury the ownership identification...

You'd be surprised how many wineries are part of a larger wine company.

[zoobabe]

I found the coolest bottle today at the World Market. it's called "Pinot Evil" and it has a picture of the three (hear no, see no, speak no) chimps on the front which is right up my alley! It wasn't very expensive, so hopefully it tastes good!

[jenny10girl]

I found the coolest bottle today at the World Market. it's called "Pinot Evil" and it has a picture of the three (hear no, see no, speak no) chimps on the front which is right up my alley! It wasn't very expensive, so hopefully it tastes good!

Oh I've seen that...the bottle made me laugh! Let me know how it is...!!

[zoobabe]

Oh I've seen that...the bottle made me laugh! Let me know how it is...!!

then I founf THIS in an online review:

Pinot Evil Pinot Noir
$7

Wine label said:
Didn’t say much. It just had the three wise monkeys (See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil) pictured. Hence the name, Pinot Evil. Get it? Oh, and it is a French wine.

Rabbi Tuchman says:
Knowing WebWino’s enjoyment of fun labels, we bought this bottle purely for the clever name. We figured we had had treated ourselves to the innocent, so we should encourage balance and indulge in the evil as well.

However it is important to note that France does not grow too many pinot grapes, and that should give you a big hint about the fate of this bottle.

Sad to say, true was the label. EVIL! This Pinot had a very sharp bite and was compared to red mouthwash. The bottle was promptly dumped down the drain. My advice: Laugh at the label in the store and move on.

HA!- I guess I'll try it anyway.:tongue_smilie:

[ScotyUtah]

However it is important to note that France does not grow too many pinot grapes, and that should give you a big hint about the fate of this bottle.

Sad to say, true was the label. EVIL! This Pinot had a very sharp bite and was compared to red mouthwash. The bottle was promptly dumped down the drain. My advice: Laugh at the label in the store and move on.

HA!- I guess I'll try it anyway.:tongue_smilie:

I'm tellin' ya, whenever you get a cheap bottle that doesn't taste that good to drink, use it in spaghetti sauce! When it's all mixed in, cooked up and simmered down it'll taste great.

[jenny10girl]

I'm tellin' ya, whenever you get a cheap bottle that doesn't taste that good to drink, use it in spaghetti sauce! When it's all mixed in, cooked up and simmered down it'll taste great.

Thanks for the tip I'll have to try it!

[ScotyUtah]

Thanks for the tip I'll have to try it!

Of course if you have to resort to this you STILL NEED to crack open a bottle of good wine to enjoy the meal with. :D

[jenny10girl]

Of course if you have to resort to this you STILL NEED to crack open a bottle of good wine to enjoy the meal with. :D

LOL I'll keep that in mind....!:lol:

[ScotyUtah]

I think I'm going to try more Syrah's. Can't remember the bottle we had at dinner Saturday night but if Roob has any suggestions, I'm all ears. That was some good stuff!!

[zoobabe]

I'm tellin' ya, whenever you get a cheap bottle that doesn't taste that good to drink, use it in spaghetti sauce! When it's all mixed in, cooked up and simmered down it'll taste great.


it wasn't THAT bad. I drank it, but I wouldn't buy it again.

[roob]

I found the coolest bottle today at the World Market. it's called "Pinot Evil" and it has a picture of the three (hear no, see no, speak no) chimps on the front which is right up my alley! It wasn't very expensive, so hopefully it tastes good!

That is so weird. I worked for a wine company a while back that was launching a new Zinfandel-only brand, and that was one of their concepts. It was going to be called 3 Monkeys. Of course, it was presented in a very high-brow, marketing sort of way. And the concept didn't end up winning out in the end. Sounds like it made its way somewhere else.

[roob]

I think I'm going to try more Syrah's. Can't remember the bottle we had at dinner Saturday night but if Roob has any suggestions, I'm all ears. That was some good stuff!!

Syrah/Shiraz (same grape, but differences stylistically) is hard to pin down, because it is usually not a wineries primary red wine. So it's produced in smaller amounts, generally.

However, I will say that really good Syrahs are coming out of the Central Coast region lately - Paso Robles, Monterey, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara.

There are some producers in No. Cal worth checking out as well - Ridge, Rosenblum, Geyser Peak.

[ScotyUtah]

Syrah/Shiraz (same grape, but differences stylistically) is hard to pin down, because it is usually not a wineries primary red wine. So it's produced in smaller amounts, generally.

However, I will say that really good Syrahs are coming out of the Central Coast region lately - Paso Robles, Monterey, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara.

There are some producers in No. Cal worth checking out as well - Ridge, Rosenblum, Geyser Peak.

Thanks Roob! I just found out that there is a state run liquor store up in Salt Lake City that carries far more wine than the other stores. I'm gonna head up with these notes and get some bottles.

[roob]

Thanks Roob! I just found out that there is a state run liquor store up in Salt Lake City that carries far more wine than the other stores. I'm gonna head up with these notes and get some bottles.


No worries...hope you enjoy. And thanks for the inspiration. I opened a bottle of Syrah I've been holding for a while, and it is excellent!

[zoobabe]

I opened a bottle of Syrah I've been holding for a while, and it is excellent!



:confused: I have no idea what this means. You have wine and don't drink it?:tongue:

[Bauer's Sweetheart]

Thanks Roob! I just found out that there is a state run liquor store up in Salt Lake City that carries far more wine than the other stores. I'm gonna head up with these notes and get some bottles.

A state-run liquor store in Utah? Pack your bags, it must be the end of days!

[ScotyUtah]

A state-run liquor store in Utah? Pack your bags, it must be the end of days!

Yeah, they're all state run. The wine and liquor deals are about the same as everywhere else; the beer, not so much. I wish they sold wine in the grocery stores like they do in Cali and other states. I mean really, it's a staple of my diet so it ought to be a grocery.

[zoobabe]

you would have loved the store I went to the other day Scoty. In Central Market and World Market you are surrounded by wine bottles. It makes it hard to choose when you're financially burdened.

[ScotyUtah]

I hear that Zoobabe. In Virginia I went to World Market and Total Wines for all my jesus juice needs. The thing that sucks is there is a World Market near where I live in Utah but there is no awesome wine section. Totally sucks.

[zoobabe]

that does suck. You need to move.:scooter:

[roob]

:confused: I have no idea what this means. You have wine and don't drink it?:tongue:

Sorry. One of the perks of the bidness. Kinda like you and your easy access to animal feces.:D

Of course, if you ask people in the wine business, most of them will tell you they drink beer with a much greater degree of frequency - which is another reason I'm able to hold on to certain wines for a while.

[zoobabe]

Sorry. One of the perks of the bidness. Kinda like you and your easy access to animal feces.:D

Of course, if you ask people in the wine business, most of them will tell you they drink beer with a much greater degree of frequency - which is another reason I'm able to hold on to certain wines for a while.

let's trade roob. Wine for feces.:rolleyes2:

[ScotyUtah]

Zoobabe, you drank to much wine on Emmy night, didn't you? Helped bring out all those emotions and tears.

[zoobabe]

yeah- I thought I said that already. Maybe it was in my comments on the blog.

[jenny10girl]

I saw on the news that all the rain out here is going to cause a really good wine season....;)

[roob]

I saw on the news that all the rain out here is going to cause a really good wine season....;)

That's different than in California - any kind of rain once May starts (beyond a light misting) is cause for widespread panic.

We had a really wet March and April - like record-setting rain. And what that does for us is basically push things back. We'd normally be starting harvest about now, but we're still 2-3weeks out. They just started harvesting sparkling wine fruit last week, and they usually start first, sometimes at the end of July (we don't make bubbles).

What we need for quality is slow, even ripening. Which you get with temps in the high 70s to low 80s, which we have basically had since the beginning of May (except for a two week heat wave in July). So as long as we get everything off the vine before the November rains hit, we'll be good to go.

[zoobabe]

I went to the wine festival yesterday and had a blast! They had a free shuttle that took you to the local wineries, so I tried some White Merlot and Sangiovese, and also a Mexican Shiraz that I didn't like. I had a pretty good buzz by the time I left, but it was really hot and I got sunburned so I think the heat was a factor. Thankfully I had a sober driver, so I napped on the way home. He got me a really cool silver (heavy) wine stopper from the Saturn booth. I wanna go back on my own some time just to visit the wineries. Thanks roob, for your tip about sticking with the same kind of wines.:)

[roob]

Thanks roob, for your tip about sticking with the same kind of wines.:)

My pleasure.:D

[Karo]

Zoobabe, I've been to the Grapevine wine festival. I've always found it way to hot to drink...and I love my wine. Luckily there are other things to do out there. Do they do tours of the wineries at other times? It does sound like fun.

[angiemarie]

Speaking of tips, I need one from you "wine" people. I know nothing about wine, I like the booze, baby.

Anyway, some friends are having an engagement party, I would like to buy a bottle of wine. I'm looking for something nice in $25-40 range. Any suggestions? Also, I'm looking for something easy to find, nothing to obscure. And if it could have just a hint of pretentiousness with a soupcon of insolence that would be great. :euro:

[zoobabe]

Zoobabe, I've been to the Grapevine wine festival. I've always found it way to hot to drink...and I love my wine. Luckily there are other things to do out there. Do they do tours of the wineries at other times? It does sound like fun.

I don't know Karo, but it's probably on their website. The 3 that we went to were within a 5 mile radius of downtown though and two of them were right off Main St so a walking tour is possible. One of the volunteers told me that they have 8 wineries there now so I'm sure that they must do tours. Did you notice that I called it a wine festival even though it's actually called "Grapefest"? I guess they use that name to make it family friendly, but it's all about the wine to me!:D

[pearlblackdragon]

I don't buy wine. My parents make wine at home and they share:D
Their best is a dandelion wine, it's so good that by the end of the
first bottle there is no reason for the second:surrender:


pbd

[roob]

Speaking of tips, I need one from you "wine" people. I know nothing about wine, I like the booze, baby.

Anyway, some friends are having an engagement party, I would like to buy a bottle of wine. I'm looking for something nice in $25-40 range. Any suggestions? Also, I'm looking for something easy to find, nothing to obscure. And if it could have just a hint of pretentiousness with a soupcon of insolence that would be great. :euro:

You want red or white? Here are a couple of producers that are good on both ends. Matanzas Creek. La Crema (Pinot Noir or Chardonnay). Franciscan (reds). Chateau Montelena (cab). Gary Farrell (again with the Pinot Noir). Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Any of those should be reasonably easy to find, and will fall in your price range.

[tvaholic]

roob (& any of the other wine lovers out there)-while I am in LOVE with Coppola's Merlot, I have heard a lot about Greg Norman's wines too. Not that I only drink celeb wines, but when they generate a lot of interest it makes you want to give it a try. Coppola's are a little more my price range while Norman's are a bit more expensive-would you recommend any of his? BTW, did anyone see that Vince Neil has got into the winemaking biz?

[Madam Pomfrey]

tvaholic, I've had the Coppola's Merlot also and it was delicious!

I had some French red a few weeks ago and even in my beer induced buzz, the wine was wonderful. I think my hubby knows the name of it. I'll have to ask. It was seriously like the best wine I've ever had.

[roob]

roob (& any of the other wine lovers out there)-while I am in LOVE with Coppola's Merlot, I have heard a lot about Greg Norman's wines too. Not that I only drink celeb wines, but when they generate a lot of interest it makes you want to give it a try. Coppola's are a little more my price range while Norman's are a bit more expensive-would you recommend any of his? BTW, did anyone see that Vince Neil has got into the winemaking biz?

I've heard mostly positive things about Greg Norman's wines, though I've never tried them myself. I know that Vince Neil is making wine under the name Vince Vineyards (clever!), and the price range is in the hight teens. Don't know much more than that.

As far as Coppola is concerned - I've heard mixed reviews on his wines. Some people love them, others not so much.

[angiemarie]

You want red or white? Here are a couple of producers that are good on both ends. Matanzas Creek. La Crema (Pinot Noir or Chardonnay). Franciscan (reds). Chateau Montelena (cab). Gary Farrell (again with the Pinot Noir). Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Any of those should be reasonably easy to find, and will fall in your price range.


Thanks very much, Roob! I had a great time at the state (liquor/wine) store with your suggestions. The salesman told me that you had excellent taste when I showed them your suggestions.

[roob]

Thanks very much, Roob! I had a great time at the state (liquor/wine) store with your suggestions. The salesman told me that you had excellent taste when I showed them your suggestions.

Anytime. There are just so many wineries to choose from nowadays, it's hard to narrow it down. Even walking down the aisles in Safeway in CA can be totally intimidating.