243 replies to this topic

[Darrel Manson]

At a tasting yesterday, we came across a couple good buys. From Spain, 2006 Bodegas Borsao, Vina Borgia for $6 - very nicely fruity, somewhere in between raspberry, cherry and cranberry. From Argentina, 2005 Vila, Tino Fundacion (a blend of Bonarda, Malbec and Cab) for $9 - very fruity, this is a great example of light summer red. There was also a Tempranillo (2005 Vega Moragona) that we didn't buy, but was a good buy at $9 - sort of like a slightly thin Zin.

[Darrel Manson]

Pleasant article in LA Times "Column One" today on South Africa's first black female winemaker.

[Darrel Manson]

Last night we had a Pouilly-Fuisse that my wife discovered and bought 3 bottles of at $15/per. I thought it a bit thin and thought we should compare it to the Two Buck Chuck Chardonnay we'd opened earlier. The TBC was at least as good. And we can buy almost 2 cases for what she paid for 3 bottles. I see a trip to TJs in my future.

[Rich Kennedy]

Who's Pouilly? Louis Jadot's? That seems to be the price for theirs these days.

[Darrel Manson]

Who's Pouilly? Louis Jadot's? That seems to be the price for theirs these days.

Laboure' Roi

[Darrel Manson]

Jesus markets Israeli wine. I saw nothing in the article that suggested it was worth drinking.

[Darrel Manson]

Anybody else able to shop at BevMo? They have a section of 5 cent sale wine -- buy one, get the 2nd for 5 cents (essentially a 2 for one). We've discovered that we think the stuff we have gotten from that section is worth the discounted price, but no great bargain. E.g., tonight we drank a 39 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc that was $14 (or 2 for $14.05) We think it's ok as a $7 wine, but overpriced at $14. That seems to be how all the ones we've gotten from the 5 cent area are.

[Jeff Kolb]

We used to shop at BevMo more than we currently do. I think we got a couple of the 2 for 1 deals, but never found any wines that stood out, even at the reduced price. Generally, they have a nice wine selection and I think the prices are fair. These days we mostly get liquor there. K&L Wines simply has better selection, much better service, and comparable prices.

[Darrel Manson]

For those who have Fresh and Easy stores available, we picked up one of each of their 4 wines priced at $2. Last night we had a Big Kahuna Shiraz Cab blend and a Vista Point Merlot. The Kahuna was drinkable, but just. A bit chemical. The Vista Point Merlot, however, was pretty good (considering price). Good fruit, but not a lot of complexity. It would be a good $6-8 wine. Tonight we crack open the Big Kahuna Chardonnay

[Christian]

A Washington Post article takes me to the Budometer, which surveys my taste preferences and provides my taste preference chart, in three columns that you'll have to align by using your imagination:

Flavor Your Preference Most Wines
Sweetness dry Dry
Intensity (Body, Strength) extremely high intensity Moderate Intensity
Fruit moderately low fruit Moderate Fruit
Oak high oak Moderate Oak
Tannins (bitterness) moderately high tannins Moderate Tannins
Acidity (tartness) high acidity Balanced Acidity

The results then take me to a page that matched my preferences to particular wines, resulting in this list.

Hmmm. Lots of chardonnay on there—not a favorite—although I do see some cabs, and one zin. I don’t think I’ve had ANY of these particular bottlers/vintages before.

[Darrel Manson]

I line up almost exactly like most wines

Flavor Your Preference Most Wines
Sweetness: dry Dry
Intensity (Body, Strength): moderate intensity Moderate Intensity
Fruit: high fruit Moderate Fruit
Oak: moderate oak Moderate Oak
Tannins (bitterness): moderate tannins Moderate Tannins
Acidity (tartness): balanced acidity Balanced Acidity

Although I think it probably rates my desire for intensity a bit low.

Edited by Darrel Manson, 12 March 2008 - 01:23 PM.

[Darrel Manson]

Crushpad allows you to do-it-yourself. I think I'll pass. a whole barrel (25 cases) seems a bit much of any one thing.

[Christian]

I just bought a case of the white wine served by our church at the conclusion of its recent "Christ and the Arts" conference:

CHATEAU BONNET
ENTRE-DEUX-MERS
BORDEAUX BLANC 2006
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion and a bit of Muscadelle. Has a nose of lemon, grapefruit and straw. Medium bodied and very crisp with good acidity and some sweetness. It ends with sugary fruit and a tingle of acidity and alcohol.

We'll be serving it at Sarah's book reception this Saturday. This is the first case of a single wine that I've ever purchased. Stuff is good!

Edited by Christian, 23 July 2008 - 01:49 PM.

[Christian]

Christmas Wish-List Alert! The Wine Snob's Dictionary is now out!

Edited by Christian, 18 December 2008 - 04:46 PM.

[Darrel Manson]

Trader Joe fans: Two Buck Chuck has a nouveau wine out that is pretty good.

[Darrel Manson]

Had the 07 Two Buck Chuck Chardonnay last night. Didn't do a head to head with the 06, but my wife and I both thought it was more acidic than the 06 was, and thus not quite as smooth. But still quite drinkable.

[Greg P]

I dont drink wine very much these days, but the wife still does. For the past year we have consistently bought the 2005 Jacob's Creek Shiraz Cabernet at a hefty $6.99 off the shelf at Publix. We got a couple, pricier gift bottles over the holidays but nothing that came close to the pleasantness of the cheapo Jacobs Creek. Very highly recommended.

[Christian]

Has anyone purchased The Wine Lover's Page-A-Day Calendar 2009? I went looking for a discounted copy today, but alas, the calendar cart at the mall is all sold out.

Edited by Christian, 30 December 2008 - 05:13 PM.

[Darrel Manson]

Had the newest version of Charles Shaw ($2 Chuck) Sauv. Blanc the other night, pretty thin and unremarkable.

[Darrel Manson]

Bonny Doon Winery tells what it's up to these days