Re: The Wine Thread
 

Moses, how was the Pichon Lalande holdng up? Rough year for bdx but i have had a few good bottles back in the 90s.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I used the port tongs on Taylor as I usually do on all Vintage or LBV's that have a driven cork. I did not do it on the Ramos as I knew I could get away with a cork screw and opened it a day before. I was planning on drinking the Ramos over a couple of days, but that did not happen. I have several cases of the Ramos, so I knew the corkscrew would work on them. Usually I do the tongs as you don't know what the cork is going to do.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

It was OK, little faded as one may expect, but certainly good for the price. I had bought a few of them a couple years ago for like $35 a bottle so I guess I can say it was fabulous if you look at from QPR perspective.

I find there's good value in buying big names in off years. I'd avoid 70's stuff, but 80's is still fair game for bdx when priced right. Some wines like Burgundy of CdP, age is everything so I'd take an average mature bottle over a better recent bottle of the same price point.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I enjoyed a very nice cabernet last night. It is called Casillero Del Diablo. I picked it up for 10 bucks (michigan). I highly recommend especially with a good cigar.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Yup, that price is nice :D I still buy some 70s Bdx, obviously 70, some carefuly chosen 75's and am loving well stored 78s right now. CdP I buy in almost any year depending on house. Burgundy to me, in most vintages (excepting 05 and 90) its all House. There, great houses make great wines, or they sit out the vintage or declassify. Never had a bad DRC, even in years that lots of folks made lean wines.

Nice line up brother. Someday will get a chance to drink a few bottles together.

~Vitis

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Good call Moses- I'm in the process of picking up some 04 Bordeaux- prices are going to be friendly after the holiday season.
On the list : 04 leoville las cases
04 ducru beacalliou
And maybe an 04 mission haut brion.
I know I spelt beaucalliou wrong - thanks for no cut and paste on the iPhone, Apple!

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Never had a bad DRC?

Keep bragging.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

You know what I meant :D Great house, great wines, often regardless of vintage. (Petrus comes to mind in Bdx). Nice on the Bdx. 04 St Jullians have been great so far. Id take the LLC but cant go wrong with the Ducru which is also very fine. My vote would be to pass on the LaMiss for this vintage and buy more LLC! :dr

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Can't say I am drinking much DRC :( Had a '62 La Tache once and that sublime indeed. Unless I get at least a 1/3 the bottle, I don't consider a glass as really having that wine. It takes the whole bottle to pass final judgement. It's like rating a cigar from just 2 puff's.

Picked up a case of 2006 Giordano Toscana (Super Tuscan) at Costco for $13 a bottle. Worth getting for sure (hint hint). I see 5-7+ years aging and should be a fun daily drinker. Comes in wooden case too! Picked up '05 Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cab. Double Magnum for $79. Compared to regular B&M's, the double magnum comes out to regular bottle pricing. Another 5-10 year aging drinker.

I have something for large format bottles.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

what about a CdP for around the same price? Any suggestions?

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Should be able to get most CdPs at considerably lower prices than LaMiss unless you are shooting for hard to get stuff like Henri Bonneau or La Nerth's Cadetes etc. Haven't had a chance to taste too many 06s yet, but have bought Clos Saint Jean which to me is like Cali Grenache on steroids and Charvin which is my favorite. To me it's the most elegant CdP there is when aged.


~Vitis

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Picked up a bottle of CdP this evening:

2003 Chateau des Fines Roches
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
$21- local (crappy) wine shop

Sight: Clear, garnet color, light brick rim variation
Nose: awesome nose- choc covered strawberries, plum, cherry, violet candy,
grape soda, light chalk
Taste: raspberries, ground pepper, light carmel, chalk/white stones

This is SMOOTH. Barley notice the 14% alcohol and tannins.

I'll be tasting the second half of the bottle tomorrow.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Hello Guys and Gals,


I'm new to the wine section. I really like a smooth pair flavor wine. I love white wines. As a newbie are there any goodwebsites just for white wine lovers. No thanks to boonesfarm or arbormist.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

try some Vouvray, Albarino from Spain, Chenin Blanc from South Africa and some New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc- you can get really good wines for less than $15.

Ask all the questions you want- there are some really smart people that hang out here!

Re: The Wine Thread
 

i'd try some pinot gris from oregon, I believe them to have great acidity whuch lends very nicely to food!

Re: The Wine Thread
 

The pear flavor would be a drier Riesling. My favorite white wines are from Mersault (Burgundy), but finding them under $30 is difficult.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I had a Pitit Sirah, '06, from Lost Angel, Paso Robles CA last night that was pretty impressive. It had a lot of berry flavor with a little bit of chocolate and just enough tannins to smooth it out. Drank it with a pork chop dinner. :dr

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I just found out that the Lost Angel Petite Sirah is only $14. From Eos vineyards. I have paid twice as much for wines that were not as drinkable. I will have to stock up. I hope it cellars well.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

one of my favorite Petite Sirah is from Concannon. When I first started getting serious about wine, I drank a lot of this. Try the Limited Release- about 15 bucks.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Yep, and I just happen to not be one of them. Most of the stuff you guys are talking is way over my head. It's like Greek to me. But I'm reading.:)

Re: The Wine Thread
 

my chick was nice enough to drink the rest of the bottle before I got home last night. There will be no further tasting notes.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Received a decent allocation for Red Car if any one is interested:

6 x 2007 Cuvee 22 Syrah 750ml, $50.00 ea.
6 x 2007 Heaven & Earth Pinot Noir 750ml, $54.00 ea.
6 x 2007 The Aphorist Pinot Noir 750ml, $54.00 ea.
6 x 2007 Cuvee 22 Syrah 1.5L, $126.00 ea.
1 x 2007 The Aphorist Pinot Noir 1.5L, $135.00 ea.
1 x 2007 Heaven & Earth Pinot Noir 1.5L, $135.00 ea.

I'm probably ordering a mag of The Aphorist.

PM me if you're interested.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Nice haul Aldukes. The Aphorist is excellent. Haven't yet had the H&E so would love to hear your thoughts.

~Vitis

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I have a few bottles of last years Speakeasy sitting down for another year or two.

I think I'm only ordering a mag of the Aphorist.

Im on a lot of mailing lists- I'll keep posting offers as they come in. If you want anything PM me.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I'll third Malbecs. I 've been drinking a lot of these lately.

Layer Cake Malbecs are interesting but I've recently discovered Kaiken Malbec (2006). For four bucks more this is the best Malbec I've had. But I need to try the Malpin (due to the recommendation earlier by Vitis, I believe).

I just found this thread and am looking forward to learning more about wine. On a side note, I'm looking for a decent book that would give an indication about how different wines are made. Basically, I'm looking for a book about the process and if it could give a sense of wine-making in different parts of the world, that would be an added bonus. Suggestions?

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Might want to contact Mark C- he's in the process of making his own wine.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Last nights damage hanging out with the GF while eating assorted meats and cheeses.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...o/IMG_0969.jpg

2000 Vincent Girardin Chassagne Montrachet 1er Clos de la Truffiere
Was given this quid pro for doing a little work several years ago. Wasn't sure what to expect after having too many 2000 WhiteBurgs that have been to flat. This one was no exception. Pretty nose spiced oak, vanilla cream and some saltiness. In the mouth, heavy and fat with meringue and lemmon custard with slightly bitter acidity on the finish. Problem is the mid-palate is simply too heavy and lacking acidity. Interesting sea shell note on the finish. Not bad but not going to get any better.


2005 Abeja Reserve Cabernet
The GF had to frop some stuff off at Abeja the other day and somehow aquired a this bottle and a TBone in the process. Who could complain. Very nice nose of sweet oak and cassis. Rich in the mouth with gobs of red current, vanilla and cola flavors. Heavy finish with light tannins but a crisp acidity. Very Washington, and very young. nice wine that needs a bit of time. A bit left in the bottle to check on later today.

Didn't get a cigar in but still a nice time at home on a rainy night.


~Vitis

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Suprised the 2000 Vincent Girardin Chassagne Montrachet 1er Clos de la Truffiere wasn't better! Looks like a winner.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I'll have to place a vote in for the Layer Cake Malbec. I really like it! I've never tried the Kaiken 06, so I'll look for a bottle. I'd like to suggest Alamos Malbec Mendoza 2007, as a great Malbec, at about $15 a bottle. Well worthy of trying!

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Thanks for the recommendation!

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Yup, not terrible but a bit dissapointing. :( I have not had good luck with the 00' CMs or PMs but haven't had any of the real heavy hitters yet. I have had some killlers Chablis from 00' though.

~Vitis

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Just opened a bottle of Chateau la Gurgue Margaux from 05.. I am no expert but from what I can tell there are lots of spiced oak very creamy vanilla notes with a very fruity after taste.. very nice oh an not too much acidity I like that.. for 20 euros a great buy..

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Is anyone into Shiraz?

My wife and I really like Shiraz style wine, and for this past year, we have been really enjoying a Penfolds Shiraz-Cab, which is amazing, and extremely reasonable, at around $10 a bottle. If your into Shiraz, or maybe have never tried it, give this a try, Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet 2006. It's very intense in both aroma and flavor. Although this is a combo Shiraz/Cab wine, the Shiraz dominates at about 75%. I don't have any bottles left, at the moment, and I can't recall exactly. Dam, I need to go to Lee's today and stock up. I still have a few bottles of Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz 2005, which is a nice wine, with a meal, but it's does not compare to the above, which is a great wine!

Any other suggestions for great Shiraz wines, that will not break the bank, will be appreciated.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

A cold night heer in the NW with snow in Seattle (??WTF). That being said, another evening in with the GF with a steak and a few bottles of vino.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...o/IMG_0971.jpg

2005 Colotte Marsannay Clos de Jeu
This is a house I really like, relatively new and unknown, making some great QPR wines. I have not had one of these in about a year. The nose started out very tight, dominated by red fruit. More of the same in the mouth, very tightly wound, ripe cranberry and raspberry. The mouthfeel is very dense and compact, but the flavors are muted and mostly closed down at the moment. This wine has some nice promise with excellent structure and very fine ripe fruit, but it is in an angry youth phase so not ready to drink at the moment. I have high hopes and will wait another year before cracking the next bottle. They make a very fine Chambolle Musigny for the price if you can get your hands on it.

2001 Reserve de la Comtesse Lalande, Pauillac
This is the second wine of Pichon Lalande, and last nights is the 11th bottle I have drank out of a case I bought very cheaply on a deal several years ago. I have always liked this wine, it's about as Bordeaux as you can get. The nose is cedar and black fruit with a noticable green pepper characteristic which I enjoy. Very silky in the mouth, great balance for a second wine, and a medium length finish of cassis, tobacco and more green pepper. Not quite a wine to drink on it's own, but once we started onto the steak a great match. No first growth here, but very tasty for the price and I wish I had another case of this. I would say at it's peak now.

We did open a bottle of 1998 Louis Bernard Chateauneuf du Pape but there were very pronounced oxidized sherry notes on the nose so we did not drink it. Not sure what was up. I have a few left so hopefuly this was an anomaly. :(

~Vitis

Re: The Wine Thread
 

OK, I was in BevMo and found the '05 PS for $9.99 club bev price. I picked up 3 bottles to try. It may be Christmas dinner table wine. I also got a bottle of Bigfoot Zin for cooking. 5 bucks. It has a strong oak taste and is bit bitter. But it has a cranberry like taste with some spiciness. :r Good cooking wine. I'm drinking a glass now.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

$9.99 is an awesome price. :tu

Re: The Wine Thread
 

sitting at a wine tasting a cigar friendly bar. Tried a bunch of nice wines. So far my fab was a Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet, great with my hoyo.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

What is the difference in Syrah, Sirah, and Shiraz?

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Same grape, named different in different wine regions. The end product can be different as soil, climate, and wine making methods can change the end product quite dramatically.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Thanks moses. That is what I thought but 'tis better to ask than to simply assume.

Idea: I like this thread, and I like wine. Problem is I know nothing about it. Reading some of the back and forth conversation a few of you guys have is Greek to me. How about a thread on different types of wine with a general description of each. Like their perceived strengths or bodies or whatever. Or I guess it could be done just as a single post at the beginning of this thread for reference.
Ex:
Red Wines
----------
Pinot Noir--description
Cabernet Savignon--description
etc.

White Wines
------------
Chardonnay--
etc.

Just a thought that would probably be helpful to more than just myself.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Pretty ignorant about wine, but anyone ever tried Robert Mondavi Johannesberg reisling? it's my favorite

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Hey Johnny,

I'd recommend Greg Norman Shiraz. It's a really great Australian wine, you can find for under 15.00 - 20.00 and it's well worth it. I'm not a wine expert by any means, however, my friends who are will immediately back me up on this one. Give it a shot, if you like Shiraz, I'm sure you'll love it.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

My top pick for a new world shiraz is Torbreck Woodcutter Shiraz. Just under $20. I prefer French syrah, but I am an old world wine fan. You'll like the Woodcutter, no question about it, 100%.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Sure, which varietal do you want to start with? Chardonnay would be good one. The style and quality is huge, and what people are drinking is equally as big. There's some cheaters for the price both from France and USA, with an occasional S. American mixed.

It would be best to start a new thread for the varietal you'd like to learn about. I would suggest to you, or anyone who plans to follow the thread and learn is to look up the varietal in Wikipedia to verse yourself. It's more concise and direct that anyone on this site could come with on their own.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I've had this idea in my head- but I was going to wait until the New year to post about it, but why not start it now?

I would love to start a "tasting club" here. I think it would introduce people to new wines, help train palettes, most importantly get people thinking and learning about wine.

heres how it would work:

-Every week/ 2 weeks someone picks a varietal and/or region- this can be chosen out of a hat or have a list set up.

Example- Joe_Smith picks- California Syrah
Everyone goes out and buys a bottle off CA syrah and posts tasting notes- we can eventually modify this to CA Syrah under $20 or Dry Creek Valley Syrah, etc.

-We come up with standard tasting guidelines- notes for sight / nose / taste - etc

- You can taste as many wines as you want to during the alloted time period.

What do you guys think? We can add some guidelines along the way.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

I like the idea...

Re: The Wine Thread
 

moses, you're actually taking my idea a step further than I was talking about. Although I understand that there is much difference to each varietal and each is probably worth of its own thread, I was just looking for a basic listing of say red wine varietals and white wine varietals with decriptions as to what is what. For instance, the difference between Cab, Pinot, Merlot, etc. And I know, at least I think I do, that the main difference is the grape used. I'm asking about what should a Cab be versus a Pinot, etc. Does that make sense?

Great idea dukes, except again, way more advanced than what I was looking for.

About all I know when I drink a wine is if I like it or not. I have no idea how each varietal is supposed to taste, much less how different regions should and do taste.

Maybe I'm just barking up the wrong tree and should just stick with box wine or Boone's Farm.:r

Re: The Wine Thread
 

Al's plan does not fit my buying habits. I find wines I like by tasting them, trying out ones that are recommended and finding regions/varietals that I like and expanding on them. I usually don't buy random bottles of wine. With money getting tighter I am looking at slashing my spending on wine. I have already cut my cigar spending.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

There is no real answer to how a grape tastes. Pinot Noir from CA differs from Pinot Noir in France and so on. Do they share some characteristics?- of course, but how the grape is grown,fermented,stored,etc changes everything.

I think this would be awesome for newbie drinkers- naming a producer and having someone tell you what is good- isnt the right way to drink wine- finding out what you enjoy is.

This wouldnt be buying random bottles of wine- this would work exactly the same way you find out about wine- by tasting, then finding regions or varietals that you enjoy.

This is will be as accessible as possible- so everyone can participate. Pick up whatever you can afford.

Re: The Wine Thread
 

We could start off with Chambertin, and then move to Borolo...