The Wine Thread

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Gabe215

No large pictures, just a bump! First warm day of the year here in the Philly Suburbs, went for a walk with an Opus X and Sandeman Founders Reserve

You were walking around with a bottle or glass of port?

[jonumberone]

Originally Posted by Gabe215

No large pictures, just a bump! First warm day of the year here in the Philly Suburbs, went for a walk with an Opus X and Sandeman Founders Reserve

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

You were walking around with a bottle or glass of port?

He said he's from the Philly Suburbs, so you know he was drinking right out of the bottle.
I've seen Keith do this many times.

[Gabe215]

Hahaha not the bottle but yes a glass of Port.

[nutcracker]

A Santa Barbara great. This 2006 Sea Smoke Pinot is a fantastic example of California Pinot if the alcohol level is controlled. Santa Rita Hills can surprise.
Delicious, with wonderful bouquet.

[mosesbotbol]

I like the older style Pinot's made in CA. I've had plenty bottles of Beaulieu Vineyard Beaumont Pinot Noir from the 1960's and early 70's that were ringers for Burgundy if served blind. I pick them up whenever I see them. CA's problem is not the grapes, but the wine making techniques. The golden age of Napa, they would mimic France's wine making style and they are still the best wines from CA (compared to today).

The tide is turning though. Wine makers are slowing "de-Parkerizing" their wines and hopefully the selection of classic Pinot Noir will grow.

[nutcracker]

Agreed. The over extractin and big heat have really bothered some Santa Rita wines. . Sea Smoke makes a nice contrast to the norm, seemingly behaving as a cooler climate area.

I'm not sure "Sideways" did us any favors, as everyone started making Pinot - but it's a finicky little berry and not everyone should!

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by nutcracker

I'm not sure "Sideways" did us any favors, as everyone started making Pinot - but it's a finicky little berry and not everyone should!

"Sideways" did a lot for me. It made epic older Merlot's from the early 90's and older very affordable. Plenty of excellent older Merlot floating around for great prices...

I just was outbid on some '92 Duckhorn Merlot Mag's for like $50 each. I think my bid was around $45... Kind of pissed I did not chase them, but it's not like I need any more wine...

[hammondc]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

"sideways" did a lot for me. It made epic older merlot's from the early 90's and older very affordable. Plenty of excellent older merlot floating around for great prices...

I just was outbid on some '92 duckhorn merlot mag's for like $50 each. I think my bid was around $45... Kind of pissed i did not chase them, but it's not like i need any more wine...

ttttrrrruuuuth!!!!

[jjirons69]

Anybody worried about the recent studies that found arsenic in wine? Will this change your drinking habits?

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by jjirons69

Anybody worried about the recent studies that found arsenic in wine? Will this change your drinking habits?

No, it's an over hype!!!

It won't change my wine drinking at all!

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by jjirons69

Anybody worried about the recent studies that found arsenic in wine? Will this change your drinking habits?

Arsenic is organic, as is copper which is also used a lot. Don't buy 2 Buck Chuck and the like.

[Gabe215]

Drinking a home made Lodi Ranch Cab Sav and Broadbent Rainwater Madiera (first time ever drinking Madiera)

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by Gabe215

Drinking a home made Lodi Ranch Cab Sav and Broadbent Rainwater Madiera (first time ever drinking Madiera)

I truly hope you enjoy the Madeira. Leacock's Rainwater Madeira is my go to, with respect to Madeira.

If you enjoy it, I recommend that you try Blandy's Malmsey 5yo Madeira, very rich and flavorful. Also, for a special treat, try Sandeman Fine Rich Madeira. It's exceptional.

If you try them, I'd love to hear what you think of them.

[mosesbotbol]

With Madeira, I would suggest a 10 year minimum. Rainwater and 5 year just don't cut it for me... I'd rather drink Sherry at that price point.

I really like Broadbent's Colheita Madeira or 10 year. Their 10 year is the best value in Madeira as a whole IMO. D'Oliveira's 10 year is a close 2nd place.

If you had to drink a 5 year, Broadbent's probably your best bet. I haven't been a fan Blandy's "bread and butter" Madeira's and don't like the 500 ML bottles.

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

With Madeira, I would suggest a 10 year minimum. Rainwater and 5 year just don't cut it for me... I'd rather drink Sherry at that price point.

I really like Broadbent's Colheita Madeira or 10 year. Their 10 year is the best value in Madeira as a whole IMO. D'Oliveira's 10 year is a close 2nd place.

If you had to drink a 5 year, Broadbent's probably your best bet. I haven't been a fan Blandy's "bread and butter" Madeira's and don't like the 500 ML bottles.

Thanks for your opinions. We all have them and they are very subjective. What one likes, others may not. That is why tastings are what it takes, to truly find out what one likes.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

Thanks for your opinions. We all have them and they are very subjective. What one likes, others may not. That is why tastings are what it takes, to truly find out what one likes.

Rainwater and 5 Year are bottom of the barrel of Madeira; regardless of the producer. I do not believe Sandeman is selling anything beyond the most basic variety.

The other Madeira that is worth of mention without being too expensive is the Rare Wine Company Historic series. They range from dry to sweet. I think there is like 5-6 different ones. They are produced by Barbeito, which I think is one of the better vintage producers. I like their dry to medium editions the best.

If you want to spend a little more without being crazy... 1977 D'Oliveira Terrantez Madeira at around $150 or 1968 Vintage are two excellent ones.

As a whole, Madeira has climbed in price similar to what 1er Cru Bordeaux has and may be out of sight in the near future. 19th century bottles for like $200 are long gone...

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Rainwater and 5 Year are bottom of the barrel of Madeira; regardless of the producer. I do not believe Sandeman is selling anything beyond the most basic variety.

The other Madeira that is worth of mention without being too expensive is the Rare Wine Company Historic series. They range from dry to sweet. I think there is like 5-6 different ones. They are produced by Barbeito, which I think is one of the better vintage producers. I like their dry to medium editions the best.

If you want to spend a little more without being crazy... 1977 D'Oliveira Terrantez Madeira at around $150 or 1968 Vintage are two excellent ones.

As a whole, Madeira has climbed in price similar to what 1er Cru Bordeaux has and may be out of sight in the near future. 19th century bottles for like $200 are long gone...

Again, I thank you for your thoughts. Obviously your taste and wallet are far above my range. I am quite happy with 5yo and 10yo Malmsey and the Rainwater. Personally, I will not spend over $30/$35 for any bottle of Wine.
However, it's a whole different story, when it comes to Bourbons, Scotches, etc. But then again, that's just me!

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

Again, I thank you for your thoughts. Obviously your taste and wallet are far above my range. I am quite happy with 5yo and 10yo Malmsey and the Rainwater. Personally, I will not spend over $30/$35 for any bottle of Wine.
However, it's a whole different story, when it comes to Bourbons, Scotches, etc. But then again, that's just me!

You should be able to find 10 year Madeira for $30ish. I was buying D'Oliveira's 10 year for $25. Broadbent 10 for under $40 is a good buy.

What kind of Scotch could one buy under $35 that is worth talking about? There's no spirit that can compete with depth & length of flavors of a great Madeira, but they are just different animals.

I am gifted a lot of nice spirits, but hardly ever drink them. My girlfriend is more into them than I. Recently I added a little Arbeg Supernova to our bottle of JW Black and boy it did it transform the Black to another level. I hardly added any. I was told the Black use to use more of it like 40 years ago... Thought I'd try to recreate that blend...

[Porch Dweller]

Smoke what you like, like what you smoke.

[Gabe215]

Went to Total Wine tonight got- Warres 2001 LBV (unfiltered), Greek Cellars Mavrodaphne, and Sandeman Fine Rich Madiera

Moses- Thank you for your input as always when I'm more financially set I will def be trying some of your suggestions at TW I saw Broadbent Colheita Madiera but was not in my budget I bet much so enjoyed the Madiera I had the other night, are other there other Madieras (dryer kinds?) that have a little more body to them? It is a nice change of pace from Porto and yet similar I will be adding Madieras to routine!

John- also thanks for your input as well your the reason I got the Sandeman Fine Rich!