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NEVERENDING ♾️ The Richmond Jake's NEVERENDING Wine Thread

Need advice on wine for the Hubby

My hubby prefers reds, and I can't drink them. Actually, I can drink one glass of red on a full stomach and be ok, but otherwise I get migraines.

I'd like to branch out and buy some reds for hubby, and need some advice. I'm looking for specific wines to try, preferably under $20 a bottle. Even better if it's under $15.
Here's what I know about his preferences:

1) prefers Australian, but will try others
2) Shiraz is the clear fave, but he also likes Cabs
3) I know he likes Little Penguin, Rosemont, Lindberg (I think that's the name) and will occassionally come home with Yellow Tail

What are your suggestions, and why do you recommend it?

Thanks in advance!
 
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Sal -

my top 10 favorite reds in no particular order, all in the 10-12 buck range

  1. Louis Jadot Beaujolais
  2. Fat Bastard Shiraz
  3. Gnarly Head anything
  4. Ravenswood Lodi or Zin
  5. Clos du Bois Cabernet
  6. Camelot anything
  7. Concannon anything
  8. Villa Marie anything
  9. Husch anything
  10. Smoking Loon


on the cheap - Barefoot is fine, I get it alot, about 6 bucks a bottle - Red Truck is good too, Daily Red isn't bad
 
Salmissra said:
My hubby prefers reds, and I can't drink them....
I'd like to branch out and buy some reds for hubby, and need some advice. I'm looking for specific wines to try, preferably under $20 a bottle. Even better if it's under $15.
Here's what I know about his preferences:

1) prefers Australian, but will try others
2) Shiraz is the clear fave, but he also likes Cabs
3) I know he likes Little Penguin, Rosemont, Lindberg (I think that's the name) and will occassionally come home with Yellow Tail

What are your suggestions, and why do you recommend it?

Thanks in advance!
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Try anything from R Winery. They have a great shiraz...can't think of the name off hand, but they are a winery in Southern Australia that makes some great stuff. Usually like $13-$18 depending on the store. It is strong in cherry, oak, and spice. The three things that equate to a good shiraz in my book.

Also if you are looking at Cabs the world is much bigger. For the cheap end Columbia Crest isn't a bad buy ($12) or you can move up a bit and try Kiona or anything made in Walla Walla Valley. You can get up in price, but most are reasonable at maybe $20 a bottle.

Happy drinking:)
 
From UPI (entire article quoted here, because it's short, and could disappear:

Sexuality can be determined by wine choice

Published: April 3, 2008 at 10:20 AM

ROME, April 3 (UPI) -- An Italian winemaker and philosopher has created three wines he claims can help a person identify his or her true sexuality or ambiguity.

This week, Franco D'Eusanio, who operates an organic vineyard in the Abruzzo region, introduced the "masculine" red wine 'Is,' the feminine white wine 'Ea' and the rose 'Id', for those with uncertain or ambiguous inclinations. Each comes with a psychological test and a questionnaire on sexual behavior, the ANSA news agency reported.

He claims the wine and material will help consumers "look within themselves and discover their true sexual identity," the report said.

D'Eusanio said he's convinced that everyone is not purely male or female.

"Taking this into account, we have sought to link the right taste to the right personality, starting with the choice of grapes used in the wine," he said.

His works are on display at Italy's most important wine trade fair, Vinitaly, which opened in Verona Wednesday and runs through Monday, the report said.
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How does the Throbbing Brain buy bulk wine? Do you buy online or by the case at your favorite local wine shop? Do you buy from specific wineries, or just what is on sale?

I am currently trying to build my cellar (I am at about 75 bottles, looking to get up to around 500-1000 at some point in the next 5 years). I am planning the design for my new cellar as well as building my wine collection. I will post the design in a month or two once it is finalized...

Any ways to get good wine in bulk (other than auctions, as I have found that to be a bit too pricey for me) or your favorite wine to drink in bulk (i.e. regularly). I am currently on a Gnarled Head Cabernet binge, and I have found it in bulk for about $9/bottle, which I think it good...any other secrets or favs would be appreciated! :)

ps. we need a wine bottle smiley.
 
It has been a while, but I would buy directly from the vineyard. Either I would make the ourchase while in California, or pick up contact information and buy it when I got home.
 
Hink_Planner said:
....[snip]....I am currently trying to build my cellar (I am at about 75 bottles, looking to get up to around 500-1000 at some point in the next 5 years). I am planning the design for my new cellar as well as building my wine collection. ....[snip]....
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Can I come and live with you when the cellar is complete and fully stocked?

I'm worried about the way you use the term "bulk." You don't really mean bulk wines, do you?

--------------

Over the years, I've been on up to 5 pre-release winery programs. Currently, I'm only on one due to budget constraints--that may expand. Find a winery you like and get on their release program. You typically get a % off and an additional % off if you order more. I get a shipment of reds quarterly from one of my favorite wineries.

I don't want to push any specific winery, so you can PM me for my favorites.

I buy both retail and on-line.
 
No wine is truly bulk in my eyes. I drink them all. By bulk I just mean over a case at a time. I am not insinuating quality, just number. I currently have some quality older to keep over time, but am looking to buy maybe 2-4 cases of some wine that is drinkable within the next year. I have purchased from vineyards before and had it shipped with success. I was a bit worried about large retailer wine shops, just wondering if anyone had good experiences and if they knew of any deals.


Thanks all!
 
ofos said:
Did as much to bring California wines up as Ernest Gallo did to bring them down. RJ, I agree. RIP
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As much shame as E & J brought to the California industry, they also made contributions. The second generation Gallos in particular.

Gina Gallo. The female Indiana Jones? :r:
 

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"Mmmmm...wine"

A few weeks ago, we went back to CNY to deliver some stuff and we bought a case of NYS wine. Its the first time I ever bought a case of wine ...and it was retail. We bought all Fingerlakes wines, primarily Swedish Hill and Lucas Vineyards but a Hazlet too. Unfortunaley, the Kid's Mom doesn't drink red wines so we ended up with mostly white and blush/pink.


We can't get anything other than CA or imported wines here and we are on the East Coast!


Two down right now......(may have to go back)


DLK
 
RIP Robert Mondavi..... I don't think enough can be said about his influence on California wine....

Nevermind... didn't notice the Death Pool page....
 
I was sadly disappointed yhis weekend when I opened a bottle of Geysler Riesling Beernauslese. Perhaps it was because this is from a grape grown in the Rhine, whereas the best Reislings come from Mosel-Saar-Ruhr. Or perhaps it was because I did not listen to the right music, as this article suggests:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7400109.stm

Ahh... to be sipping a fine Merlot while listeneing to Marvin Gaye. That's a sound that tastes good.
 
Especially for RJ

Wal-Mart announced that sometime in 2008 it will begin offering customers a new discount item: Wal-Mart's own brand of wine. The world's largest retail chain is rumored to be teaming up with Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery of California to produce the spirits at an affordable price - in the $2 to $5 range.

Wine connoisseurs may not be inclined to put a bottle of the Wal- Mart brand into their shopping carts, but, 'There is a market for inexpensive wine,' said Kathy Micken, professor of marketing at the University of Arkansas, Bentonville. 'However, branding will be very important.'

Customer surveys were conducted to determine the most attractive name for the Wal-Mart wine brand. The top surveyed names in order of popularity were:



10. Chateau Traileur Parc

9. White Trashfindel

8. Big Red Gulp

7. World Championship Riesling

6. NASCARbernet

5. Chef Boyardeaux

4. Peanut Noir

3. I Can't Believe it's not Vinegar

2. Grape Expectations

1. Nasti Spumante



The beauty of Wal-Mart wine is that it can be served with either white meat (Possum) or red meat (Squirrel).
 
Warning to wine buyers in Florida....do not but the wine from the St. Sebastian winery outside St. Augustine. Publix has been carrying this wine and I thought I would try it...YUCK! Disgusting! Tasted like the worst Boon Farm wine....at $9 dollars a bottle! This one is a must miss......+o:)v:
 
My entire office has been rolling in laughter over this post. I had to share it with everyone. Thanks for the chuckle!

Planit said:
Customer surveys were conducted to determine the most attractive name for the Wal-Mart wine brand. The top surveyed names in order of popularity were:



10. Chateau Traileur Parc

9. White Trashfindel

8. Big Red Gulp

7. World Championship Riesling

6. NASCARbernet

5. Chef Boyardeaux

4. Peanut Noir

3. I Can't Believe it's not Vinegar

2. Grape Expectations

1. Nasti Spumante
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Is that Nasti Spumante from the Slick Willie Vineyard in Hope, AR? I've heard it leaves a permanent stain on blue dresses.
 
ZG and I had a bottle of the Newman's Own 2006 cabernet sauvignon with grilled rib eyes tonight. The wine was just ok. Not bad but nothing to really write home about. There are better deals out there.

I would avoid it at this price.
 
RichmondJake said:
ZG and I had a bottle of the Newman's Own 2006 cabernet sauvignon with grilled rib eyes tonight. The wine was just ok. Not bad but nothing to really write home about. There are better deals out there.

I would avoid it at this price.
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Yeah but Paul Newman's still hot (for a really old guy...)
 
ZG and I drank a bottle or "Pillar Box Red" this evening with a (forgettable) pasta and beef main course.

The wine is an Australian blend of shriraz, cabernet, and merlot grapes.

In our view, worthy of attention given its price (about $10 for a 0.75 liter bottle). Tip of the hat to down under for this entry into the wine market.
 
I've been wondering this for awhile: Are New York State produced wines availiable outside of the state? Western and Central NY have numerous wineries and Buffalo area liquor stores would always have a decent selection of locally produced wines. Out of curiosity I checked out the selection at a large liquor store here in Chicago and couldn't find any. Granted Chicago is a bit of a ways away from NY but its alot closer than just about anything in the store (wine wise). Any reason for this? I'd imagine it has to do with the size of the winery, not quality. Wine snobs feel free to defend the supremacy of west coast wines.
 
Not withstanding Carolyn Mark's comments about men who drink chardonnay, I just found a great one. 20 Bees 2006 Unoaked chardonnay. It is an inexpensive VQA wine, which means the grapes are grown in Ontario and it is cellared in Ontario.

The only issue I have with it is that it contains sulphites, which i know will play havoc with my sinuses later tonight.
 
jsk1983 said:
Granted Chicago is a bit of a ways away from NY but its alot closer than just about anything in the store (wine wise). Any reason for this? I'd imagine it has to do with the size of the winery, not quality. Wine snobs feel free to defend the supremacy of west coast wines.
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I think the major reason for the lack of wines outside of California wines has to do with the way third party vendors ship. The wine world is backwards in terms of who can ship what where. I don't think I have ever actually bought a NY wine in a store (I am somewhat close to the finger lakes, so I try to go once a year).

I don't think California wines are better, they are just more known. They also have the advantage of being owned by a large consolidation brand. This makes marketing, distribution, and availability that much easier. I think there some amazing wines from NC, NY, Virginia, Ohio, and even fruit wines from Maine, VT, and NH. It really depends on your palette and what you are drinking it with. Big California Cabernets don't do it for everyone. If you love oak it might. But many like more subtle nuances that can be found in wines from other places.

Just my 2 cents.

----

I am also starting my second batch of homemade wine. The first was an interesting experiment. It was a cabernet sauvignon which was okay. I would not give it to friends, but it is a great second bottle wine, if you know what I mean.
 
I like the unoaked chardonnays too!

The best wine I've had recently was from Spain, Alicante label ~ something special about the vines, originanl to the region and survived some pest that wiped out the rest. Way out of my sphere. I stick to bottles $30 and under!
 
White merlot is made from the same grapes as red merlot. The big difference is that it is fermented without contact from the skins. Not to get to technical, but when fermented almost all wine would be white if there wasn't some contact with the skins. Merlot is a Vitis Vinifera grape and I believe that all of this species would be white if there weren't any contact.

As for pairings I like to drink White Merlot with appetizers, but it is good with BBQ. I think that it is a bit lighter than say a "traditional" white. Fish works well still though. Stuart Cellars has a pretty decent one if I remember correctly. Not a huge fan, but I have a couple in the cellar at home.
 
Inquiring mind would like to know...

At the restaurant that my daughter and I had a delightful dinner at last night for her birthday, I noticed on the wall as listing of "Fortified Wines". What's that? Anyone?
 
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kjelsadek said:
"Fortified Wines". What's that? Anyone?
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The affordably-priced Thunderbird, Mad Dog, Irish Rose, etc. displayed by these two gentlemen here are all classified as fortified wines. Recommend serving with either cold nachos & cheese, hot dogs, or two day old pizza.

263c328.jpg


Useful for one thing and one thing only…..

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Thanks! I can assure you that no MD, T-Bird, etc. was on that list. But there were few medeiras, ports, and vin doux on the list.
 
I bbq'd rib eye steaks last night and severed them with a bottle of Newman's Own 2006 cabernet sauvignon. A surprisingly soft wine with broad depth and a long finish. For the price, I recommend it.

Thanks, Paul. RIP.
 
RichmondJake said:
I bbq'd rib eye steaks last night and severed them with a bottle of Newman's Own 2006 cabernet sauvignon. A surprisingly soft wine with broad depth and a long finish. For the price, I recommend it.

Thanks, Paul. RIP.
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I usually cut my steaks with a knife, but to each his own...:r:
 
Being a California native, the conversations around the office sometimes get back to the topic of wine. So we're sitting around The Man's office today discussing some very serious topics when we notice he's online with a wine retailer in California.

The admin asks, "You guys like your wine, don't you?" My principal planner mentions, "RJ knows everything about wine." The Man says, "RJ has drunk every variety of wine in California and probably been to every winery."

I felt humbled.

Then The Man and I start naming our favorite wineries and reflect on our days back in the Golden State of drinking the best wines and visiting our favorite wineries.

"Silver Oak!!" says The Man.

"Now it's a $160 per bottle," was my reply.


"You guys miss California, don't you?" asks the admin.

"Hell yes," says The Man.


I guess you had to be there.



William Hill, 2006, Napa Valley, cabernet sauvignon last Saturday night with prime rib. Yummy
 
HEY!

RJ, I found the perfect Tommy Bahama w(h)ine shirt for you.....send me $128 and I'll show it to you:r:
 
The ZG picked these two bottles for next Friday night.
I'm golfing at a charity event during the day.
We'll give you a report on the quality.

DSC01442_2_.jpg
 
RichmondJake said:
The ZG picked these two bottles for next Friday night.
I'm golfing at a charity event during the day.
We'll give you a report on the quality.
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Quality of the wine will probably be same as the golf game. Hazy, no legs, bad aftertaste, weak finish. Must I go on? :-D
 
ofos said:
Quality of the wine will probably be same as the golf game. Hazy, no legs, bad aftertaste, weak finish. Must I go on? :-D
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Ofos, hang onto your silly hat avatar. Maybe it's tangy and full-bodied and just right for a naughty holiday, extremely leggy and a finish any wine guy would die for. Just like the buyer. ;-):-D
 
Zoning Goddess said:
Ofos, hang onto your silly hat avatar. Maybe it's tangy and full-bodied and just right for a naughty holiday, extremely leggy and a finish any wine guy would die for. Just like the buyer. ;-):-D
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[ot]Who is qualified to perform last rites on me next weekend? Our one-year anniversary is in 3 days and we're planning a special couple of days next weekend.[/ot]
 
Last weekend I emailed my favorite retailer out in Sonoma Count to sign-up for a wine club that will send me two bottles of red each month. They called me back yesterday and we consummated the transaction. :p While on the phone, I also had them send me 1/2 case of Sausal zinfandel and 1/2 case of Alexander Valley Vineyards fume blanc. Both sweepstakes winners at the Sonoma County Wine Festival.

I'm doing the happy dance.

The only uncomfortable part: I have it shipped to my work address because an adult signature is required. (UPS would never believe ZG is an adult given her height. ;) :p) Remember, I live on the buckle of the Bible belt.


If anybody wants the retailer's name, PM me. I higher recommend this place.
 
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ZG and I shared a bottle of 2004 Lake Sonoma Winery chardonnay this afternoon. Half off at Publix ($9). Highly recommended. Hunt this stuff down and buy it, you'll like it.
 
As I mentioned, I enrolled in the red wine club through the Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa CA (I have no financial investment in this place). Today, I received my first shipment: a bottle of Calstar, 2006, pinot noir (best in class at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, 240 cases produced, so limited distribution), and a bottle of Clos du Bois, 2005, reserve cabernet sauvignon. I'm planning on opening the pinot with our Thanksgiving dinner. I'll also open a bottle of white for the fairer sex of the house.
 
Had some Bellagio Chianti and some Avalon Cabernet and both were phenomenal with the Beef Stroganoff we made for friends last night...:)
 
RichmondJake said:
As I mentioned, I enrolled in the red wine club through the Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa CA (I have no financial investment in this place). Today, I received my first shipment: a bottle of Calstar, 2006, pinot noir (best in class at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, 240 cases produced, so limited distribution), and a bottle of Clos du Bois, 2005, reserve cabernet sauvignon. I'm planning on opening the pinot with our Thanksgiving dinner. I'll also open a bottle of white for the fairer sex of the house.
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The Clos du Bois was out at the local vino shop :-| It looked mostly picked over but I did get a bottle of my favorite Kenwood sauvignon blanc.The clerk said he had another shipment coming tomorrow but wasn't sure what was going to be on it.
 
Three is not a crowd

RichmondJake said:
Sipping on 2005 Folie A Deux, menage a trois. A blend of zinfandel, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Picked it up for less than $9 at Sam's Club. I add it to my list of recommended red wines.
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Mrs. ofos brought home a bottle of the above a couple weeks ago. I belatedly concur with your post from '07. Nothing like a good threesome. ;)
 
I need suggestions for a Thanksgiving wine....that would be suitable for a diabetic. The drier/lower the sugar content the better - what are some really dry white wines? Seems like there are more dry red wines than white ones out there - isn't it considered gauche to serve red wine with turkey or other white meat?
 
Maister said:
I need suggestions for a Thanksgiving wine....that would be suitable for a diabetic. The drier/lower the sugar content the better - what are some really dry white wines? Seems like there are more dry red wines than white ones out there - isn't it considered gauche to serve red wine with turkey or other white meat?
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It would probably be better to drink a red like a Pinot Noir with Turkey, but I think a dry Chardonnay would go quite well. I would stay away from White Zinfindel, and most French and German wines, which tend to have a bit more sweetness. A couple suggestions in different price points would be Gnesa 2005 Chardonnay - $25, Dry Creek Russian River Chardonnay $15, Barefoot Chardonnay $8.

If you get crazy and end up going for a Pinot Noir, I would suggest the Chehalem 2005 3 Vine Pinot Noir. It is a little pricey at $30, but it is well worth it. I would stay in the 2005 Vintage from Washington. Better than 04 and 06.

Enjoy your holidays!!
 
Maister said:
I need suggestions for a Thanksgiving wine....that would be suitable for a diabetic. The drier/lower the sugar content the better - what are some really dry white wines? Seems like there are more dry red wines than white ones out there - isn't it considered gauche to serve red wine with turkey or other white meat?
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We are having game hens this year, but I plan to serve 2005 Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc with the meal. It really is one of our favorite whites and stands up well to poultry and fish. According to my nutritional calculator a 5oz serving of Sauvignon Blanc has 3 carbs and about 120 calories.
 
Maister said:
I need suggestions for a Thanksgiving wine....
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Ever consider a sparkling wine? I picked up a bottle of Domaine Chandon brut for Thursday. Make sure it's labeled "brut" and not "dry" or "extra dry" as the brut will run dryer than the others. We've also been drinking the Barefoot brut chardonnay (a sparkling wine). Runs about $9.
 
RichmondJake said:
Ever consider a sparkling wine? I picked up a bottle of Domaine Chandon brut for Thursday. Make sure it's labeled "brut" and not "dry" or "extra dry" as the brut will run dryer than the others. We've also been drinking the Barefoot brut chardonnay (a sparkling wine). Runs about $9.
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yes - an excellent call - personally, I am going with my Concannon Pinot Noir as a guest to a dinner but if you are looking for a white, I would say that sparkling wine is the best call
 
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