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NEVERENDING ♾️ The Richmond Jake's NEVERENDING Wine Thread

Zoning Goddess said:
So... how many bottles do we get to enjoy on Thanksgiving?
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You may not have any left by then - I always have to buy wine theday before or the day of drinking it becasue otherwise it's gone! :p;):-b

I got some cabernet Villa Maria last weekend for a friend's birthday - it's pricey up here in Maine at about 17 bucks but it is really good stuff - the color is fascinating and it 's very smoky

I try to stay in the 10-12 bucks range for dinner parties with friends on the weekends, and then I am always in search of cheaper 8 dollar a bottle wines for weekday imbibing (Barefoot and Yellowtail for instance)
 
donk said:
Any suggestions for a shiraz? Looks like they are mostly Austrialian and South African.

One of the women I am dating has told me she likes shiraz, so I need to pick up a bottle or two.
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I think one of the best shiraz is Rosemount Diamond Label...in the black bottle.
 
2 Buck Chuck

If he starts selling this stuff at Wal-Mart, it's going to get interesting. I've never drank the brand, but I've always been interested in trying it. We're going to California around New Year's Day, I'll try it then.

Who's had it and what are your impressions?

Two Buck Chuck takes a bite out of Napa
Fred Franzia, the man behind America's favorite bargain vino, has a big mouth and an even bigger winemaking empire - one that's scaring the bejeezus out of his elitist rivals.
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http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/05/news/companies/Two_Buck_Chuck.biz2/index.htm
 
Not good, but surprisingly not horrible. The whole idea is interesting, the price is right. I would hate to see if Walmart picks it up. Not worth it though in the end.
 
Your basic guide to stemware

So ZG and I were discussing wine stemware this evening. Apparently she didn't recognize the differences between the various shapes. I don't necessarily agree with each of the pairings, but this is a good general guide.

http://www.2basnob.com/wine-glasses.html

I think the sexiest shape is the Bordeaux/Cabernet glass.

BTW, Riedels are very expensive (I've owned some in the past...all gone now).
 
RichmondJake said:
So ZG and I were discussing wine stemware this evening. Apparently she didn't recognize the differences between the various shapes. I don't necessarily agree with each of the pairings, but this is a good general guide.

http://www.2basnob.com/wine-glasses.html

I think the sexiest shape is the Bordeaux/Cabernet glass.

BTW, Riedels are very expensive (I've owned some in the past...all gone now).
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I'm not an idiot just because I'm like 99% of Americans and know there is a "wine glass" and a "champagne flute"; and that's all we know.

(He's still having heart palpitations if I put ice in white wine...)
 
We tried the Fat Bastard chardonnay yesterday. ZG and I were not impressed. The wine displayed zero varietal characteristics, slight metallic aftertaste, and is overpriced. Plenty of options in this price range that are a better value.

Gotta get back to Publix this morning and replace the sparking wine that fell out of my pickup and broke on the concrete floor yesterday. :-c :-(
Alcohol abuse.... :-$

Now to decide what to serve with the ham tomorrow.
 
RichmondJake said:
We tried the Fat Bastard chardonnay yesterday.
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I have tried it and other chezzy brands with unusual names....decided that if it had a cool name and a cheap price, I would not buy it.

Is it just me getting cheap in my older age, or has the price of any wine grown in or near Napa valley gone through the roof?!?
These wines used to be affordable....now I have to convince myself it is worth spending 20+ dallors on a bottle of wine I used to pay 12 for.:-(
 
I agree with RJ and ZG - Fat Bastard Chardonnay is lousy - I should have posted that - I only buy their Shiraz - sorry about that :-$
 
I've decided to serve a 1995 Domaine Drouhin (Oregon) pinot noir with the glazed ham tomorrow.

Any of you Oregonians had this one? If so, your thoughts? Is this a good choice with the ham?

For the rest of you: which wine are you serving with your Christmas dinners and what is the main course?
 
we are having roast turkey with brussel sprouts and bacon, celery root mashed potatoes, and a mushroom stuffing in acorn squash

I have some old vine Zin from Gnarly Head and when I get out of here in a few minutes, I will look for something else - can't decide
 
RichmondJake said:
I've decided to serve a 1995 Domaine Drouhin (Oregon) pinot noir with the glazed ham tomorrow.

For the rest of you: which wine are you serving with your Christmas dinners and what is the main course?
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I have no say in what mom is serving for Christmas dinner. Probably not turkey - mom hates to do the same thing two holidays in a row. So probably ham, or maybe goose. I was told to bring a bottle of wine. Since I have trouble with reds (migraines) I chose a white from New Zealand. I usually go for Australians, so this is something new. It's from Monkey Bay. I will include a report after Christmas.

A friend of mine suggested I try a Washington wine label. Isenhower, and I believe they are in/near Walla Walla. Anybody heard of them? How do they rate?
 
Dinner is over along with 2 bottles of 'Estancia' a Pinot Noir from Monterey County, CA.....Very good finish at an affordable price (13.00)...I like it.
 
RichmondJake said:
I've decided to serve a 1995 Domaine Drouhin (Oregon) pinot noir with the glazed ham tomorrow.

Any of you Oregonians had this one? If so, your thoughts? Is this a good choice with the ham?

For the rest of you: which wine are you serving with your Christmas dinners and what is the main course?
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I don't remember having the 1995 vintage but I've had it in later years and it is a lovely splurge and consistent. Well balanced flavors between the fruit and alcohol, not overly tannic and very tasty with a rack of lamb or rib roast.

Not sure what's going to be pouring tonight but I will find out in 45 minutes lol. Salud!
 
We will be having turkey. I am bringing along my oldest reisling. It is actually getting on in years - reisling is usually consumed while still younger, but the better ones will keep up. We'll see.

It is a 1994 Piesporter Domherr Spatlese by Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt.

Piesporter Domherr
This south-southeast facing vineyard "Domherr" is located in the heart of the Goldtröpfchen. Since it is only 11 hectares in size, it is one of the smallest sites on the Moselle. This steep vineyard, at 120-150 meters above sea level, is extremely rocky and has a stony soil containing weathered shale. A fully restored Roman winepress can be found at the center of this small area, which is reused each year as part of a festival in memorian of the golden age of Roman winemaking.

Supposedly an extremely well balanced and moderately sweet wine.
 
RichmondJake said:
I've decided to serve a 1995 Domaine Drouhin (Oregon) pinot noir with the glazed ham tomorrow.

Any of you Oregonians had this one? If so, your thoughts? Is this a good choice with the ham?

For the rest of you: which wine are you serving with your Christmas dinners and what is the main course?
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He keeps serving this stuff and I don't have a clue. Yeah, it's Ok. yeah, it's good. Yuck. I don't know anything about wine, it is so wasted on me.
 
I have been looking for an everyday ‘affordable’ red wine….I found one I like. It is Gallo ‘Hearty Burgundy’. If you like Burgundies and heavy reds, you may like this. And a large bottle is under $10.

Any good, cheap, red suggestions?
 
HEADLINE: Study: $90 wine tastes better than the same wine at $10
http://www.news.com/8301-13580_3-9849949-39.html?tag=newsmap

HIGHLIGHT:
Apparently, raising the price really does make the wine taste better. At least that seems to be the result of a taste test. The part of the brain that reacts to a pleasant experience responded more strongly to pricey wines than cheap ones — even when tasters were given the same vintage in disguise.
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http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hZgsyYmgBG_SHk6qYWiGflpt4pswD8U5T0480
 
Ahhhhh.....

I'm slowly enjoying a bottle of

DelaForce
Curious and Ancient
20 yr old Port

that I got from Applejack liquor store in Wheat Ridge Colorado two weeks ago.

The stuff is what dreams are made of:l::p
 
I found a new Malbec! Tilia, 2006. It is very good...and went very well with my Saurbraten tonight. I first fell in love with Melbec with Nieto ..and they no longer carry it at my store. Tilia is just as good!...mmmmm
 
went to one of the city's better restaurants last week and drank the following (in order of preference)

1) 1998 Rolly Gassman Riesling
2) 2003 Kreydenweiss "ansata" syrah/grenache/merlot
3) 2003 Barone Ricasoli "Castello di Brolio" Sangiovese/Cab
4)2005 Royal Tokaji Wine Company
5) 2004 Domaine Jo Pithon "Les 4 villages" - chenin blanc

The riesling was my favourite, it was pleasantly tart. The merlot was smooth and silky feeling on the tongue, the cab had a great smell.

I also had some port that was great.
 
Donk....love chenin blancs...and I am really a red. My favs seem to be from South Africa...most especially Spice Route Chenin Blanc...goes for about 12-15
 
What have been the collective brains experience with making their own wine? I have been working on my recipes, but I don't know if it is truly worth all the work.

Anyone had any success stories, or great wines? I know that I could buy a kit for $100 and have all the work done for me, but that isn't exactly wine making now is it?
 
RichmondJake said:
I must admit that I'm still drinking the Robt Mondavi cabernet for everyday red. :-$
ZG (the bad evil daughter), is heading to Sam's Club tomorrow to re-stock.
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Picked up the big bottle of Mondavi cabernet, under $10, and liked it. A good everyday wine.

Hint: I tried the 2 buck a bottle crap at Wallmart....not worth the two bucks to me.
 
RichmondJake said:
When we were in California, my sister poured a bottle of 2 buck syrah in a blind tasting. It was compared favorably to more expensive wines....and I liked it.
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The 2 buck brand at Wallmart is under the name Oak Leaf, I think...I tried the white (pinot) it was bad. I think the only other one they offered was a merlot, no syrah.
 
A friend brought over a bottle of Smoking Loon Cabernet for Christmas. It is inexpensive, but fantastic!!! I went out later and bought 2 more bottles and a bottle of their Pinot Noir (to be enjoyed with homemade pizza on Saturday...
 
agreed on Smoking Loon - good stuff and not too pricey :)

8-!just had a glass last night of Monkey Bay Chardonnay - not sure what was up because I have had it before and liked it but this bottle was swill- same thing happened with a bottle of Oyster Bay a couple of week ago +o(

will be enjoying my Fat Bastard (the wine, not my, well, uh...) Shiraz this evening with likely pizza as we are leaving in the early AM for Vermont to avoid today/tonight's storm...
 
I bbqued filet mignon tonight and we served it with a bottle of 2006 Mirassou pinot noir. The wine didn't display any flaws, but didn't match the meal. Too soft for the bold flavors of the meat. What are ya gonna do? :r:

Budgie, don't search for the merlot...step back, find something more robust and approachable to match your studliness. You rascal, you.
 
RichmondJake said:
I bbqued filet mignon tonight and we served it with a bottle of 2006 Mirassou pinot noir. The wine didn't display any flaws, but didn't match the meal. Too soft for the bold flavors of the meat. What are ya gonna do? :r:
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I too thought this wine was soft.


I opened a bottle of Little Penguin Winter Red last night.

It was okay, but not my favorite red. I bought it because it was the "Wine of the Week" at the local booze emporium.
 
I bought a Shiraz and a Cabernet produced by Paladri, an Austrailan wine. Each bottle was under $10 bucks....and I thought they were really excellent for the price. (They have a colorful lizard on the lable). I was suprised and will buy more of their wine.:)
 
zmanPLAN said:
How many judge a wine by its "cover". I think there are some neat wine labels out there, is that part of the marketing?
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I try to stay away from a great lable/funny name with a low price...this does seem to be a marketing thing. I have been buying the local wine writers best 'picks' in the affordable catagory, or whats on sale, or what other Cyburians are promoting....funny, I rely on a planning board for wine and gardening tips.:):):)
 
I grilled steaks on the bbq tonight and we opened the bottle Suburb Repairman gave me as Secretion Santa. It was a 2006, Becker Vineyards, cabernet sauvignon, Inonoclast.

A very nice surprise. Bold flavors, smooth, great finish. I suggest serving it with grilled meat.

Seek out this bottle, folks, highly recommended.

Thanks, SRM. You did damn good.
 
zmanPLAN said:
How many judge a wine by its "cover". I think there are some neat wine labels out there, is that part of the marketing?
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It's funny you should mention wine labels. I know people who buy wine based on the theme of the label and it's usually a provocative label based on a sensual theme. "OH LOOK, I FOUND THIS CUTE BOTTLE OF WINE.. THE LABEL SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT ME.. I'M.....". Then the content of the bottle is 2nd rate swill.

I've acquired a liking for Toasted Head reds, although the local store hasn't had Shiraz in for quite awhile.
 
Print Headline: Everthing but the VINEYARD
A crush of urban wineries are taking their cue from brewpubs and serving boutique wines to city folk
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/life/20080208/dd_cover08_new.art.htm

Urban, industrial-style wineries have existed in America for 150 years or more, but the path ... following more closely resembles the one blazed by craft brewers who opened hundreds of neighborhood brewpubs in the 1980s to sell their boutique ales and lagers.

This time, it's would-be vintners who are opening wineries, often with tasting rooms and retail shops attached, in downtown or industrial-park settings miles from the farms that produce the grapes. Rather than pay sky-high prices for land in wine country, they rent a space in the city, truck in fruit from a variety of regional vineyards and ferment and cellar the wine on site. Or, they process the juice at a co-op close to the vineyards, then finish it off in the city.
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A taste of casual gathering places

Urban wineries and food/wine centers range from production-only facilities to spaces that offer classes and/or serve as casual gathering places for food/wine pairings and entertainment. A sampling of places with tasting bars and more:
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http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/life/20080208/dd_cover08_sidebar.art.htm

Check out this list of locations. Sorry RJ none listed for Florida.
 
RichmondJake said:
I grilled steaks on the bbq tonight and we opened the bottle Suburb Repairman gave me as Secretion Santa. It was a 2006, Becker Vineyards, cabernet sauvignon, Inonoclast.

A very nice surprise. Bold flavors, smooth, great finish. I suggest serving it with grilled meat.

Seek out this bottle, folks, highly recommended.

Thanks, SRM. You did damn good.
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Gee, I thought it was tasty and dry. I don't get the other eval stuff. (I am sooooo not a wine person...)
 
JNA said:
Print Headline: Everthing but the VINEYARD
A crush of urban wineries are taking their cue from brewpubs and serving boutique wines to city folk
...
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For the uninitiated, these folks are referred to as "wine negotiants." They don't own vineyards, wineries, nor the associated infrastructure. What they do is purchase grapes and have them custom crushed, fermented, aged, and bottled under the negotiant's name. Nothing wrong with this as I've drunk some very good negotiant wines. It's been going on for decades. The custom houses are all over Napa and Sonoma counties. FYI, the negotiants typically try to hide this information.



EDIT: I had a couple more takes on this but I'm now PWI and I'm golfing tomorrow morning....
 
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A bottle of Francis Coppola's Rosso Classic is highly recommended on an empty stomach from Chez RJ...on a Friday night.


EDIT: I'm thinking of making calls UTI
 
It sucks to have to skulk around the liquor store until you can sneak up to the counter and buy a big bottle of Blue Nun for a few fellow Cybs and other friends.....

And then discover nobody knows how to work sc's hubby's corkscrew; it was soooo odd. I sipped cabernet from a screw top bottle while they waited for mr sc to come home.
 
Zoning Goddess said:
It sucks to have to skulk around the liquor store until you can sneak up to the counter and buy a big bottle of Blue Nun for a few fellow Cybs and other friends.....[suck]....
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That is so wrong on so many different levels...I can't possibly begin to describe....



:8:...By the way
We last because we're colorful :8:
Chevelle
 
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The Domaine Gauby is solid. I have not had that vintage, but have had previous and subsequent vintages and they have all be pretty good. Not an overly expensive wine either, maybe $15 for a bottle at your local wine store. So if they charge an arm and a leg for it... maybe it isn't a good choice.

By the way... I know some have spoken about Gnarled Head, but I was quite surprised. I did not expect it to be as smooth as it was. I had a very nice cab. sauv. No complaints. Not the most complete bottle ever, but for the price, it was great.
 
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