Ace of Spades HQ

March 03, 2013

On Wine Drinking [CharlieBrownÂ’sD????]
— Open Blogger

Some wine is great. Some wine tastes like crap (literally). Some wine is cheap, and some wine is really, really expensive. Unfortunately the correlation between price and quality is pretty much 0 -- as in; there is almost no relationship.

The worst thing you can do is listen to the reviewers, most of whom have likes and dislikes that overwhelm their objectivity. Sure, you could carefully read a few of them and figure out how they describe wines that you like, but that requires actually tasting the wines they review, and that could take time, and it will most certainly take lots of money. It also assumes that the reviewer is consistent, which is problematic. (DonÂ’t tell me that you can taste 50 wines in a day, and be as discerning with the 50th as with the first.)

The wine review industry (yes, itÂ’s a business, and in my opinion corrupt) isnÂ’t interested in reviewing the typical wines that you and I drink. First of all, they arenÂ’t special or rare. Second, consumers are price sensitive, and reviewers arenÂ’t -- because they are not paying for the wine they taste. Third (and I cannot document this, so it is only a theory), most reviewers are probably not tasting blind, so their opinions are meaningless as strictly objective data.

But the biggest problem with choosing wine is that the higher-priced bottles often are nothing more special than a particular flavor or characteristic. For instance, one of the most famous California Cabernet Sauvignons, Heitz Cellars Â“MarthaÂ’s Vineyard,Â” is noteworthy for its unique mintiness. YesÂ…mint. I have tasted this wine, and it does indeed taste a bit like toothpaste. And for the wonderful pleasure of having an odd and faintly unpleasant flavor intrude upon your wine drinking experience you will have to fork over about $200 for the latest vintage.

Most of those Â“single vineyardÂ” designations on the high-priced bottles at the wine store are ways to isolate interesting (to the wine-maker and his accountant) flavor profiles that may or may not appeal to the vast majority of consumers. And it gets worse. Many of those flavors are an artifact of wine-making techniques from the Middle Ages, primarily from France, the land of the under-ripe grape. Don't believe me? There is an accepted aroma profile called "cat pee."

There is a reason why California and Australia make popular wines. They use ripe grapes! When wine-makers have the choice of perfectly ripe grapes to use in their wines, it obviously expands their horizons. I applaud the French for making complex, interesting wines from their grapes. It is a testament to their experience and inventiveness. But the New World (and yes, to a lesser extent, Italy and Spain) lucked out with perfect weather for grape growing. ItÂ’s not our fault. Maybe the Normans should have conquered Napa and Sonoma instead of invading Britain.

By the way, the Rhone can be an exception to this generalization; many of their wines are really good, chock full of that grapey goodness that makes me think of, well, grapes.

So whatÂ’s a Moron to do, when all he wants is a nice bottle of wine to go with that nice steak? ItÂ’s easy. Start cheap. Buy the least expensive bottle you can find. Most wines made with modern technique and equipment are at least okay. It is a rare wine that is actually awful. If you canÂ’t find something drinkable at the lowest price point, then inch up to the next one, but donÂ’t splurge on that $30 (or $300) bottle with the fancy label, because the odds are that you are just getting a specific kind of wine, but not necessarily a better one.

My everyday wines are inexpensive Australian Shiraz blends that I can always find for less than $15, and occasionally less than $10. I used to drink more Zinfandels, but they have become popular and the prices have skyrocketed. Sure, I will sometimes pop something special, and itÂ’s great fun, and immensly pleasurable, but I am certainly not denying myself when I drink a D'arenberg The Stump Jump Red for which I paid a whopping $8.99.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 08:05 AM | Comments (231)
Post contains 697 words, total size 4 kb.

1 A friend brought a non-vintage California red to dinner one night, Jest Red, it was one of the more delicious wines I have ever tasted. Now, I can't find it anywhere.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 03, 2013 08:06 AM (piMMO)

2 A WINE thread?!? You mean this place is starting to get CLASSY?!?

Posted by: The Lost Dutchman at March 03, 2013 08:08 AM (9F2c1)

3 Finally a thread with real flavor content. Bold, fruit forward content. Since it's the morning here in California, I'll start with something sparkling to go with my english breakfast.

Posted by: scottst at March 03, 2013 08:09 AM (psByG)

4
A WINE thread?!? You mean this place is starting to get CLASSY?!?

And you have to hold your pinky up in the air while typing replies.

Posted by: Sticky Wicket at March 03, 2013 08:09 AM (KESFj)

5 A WINE thread?!? You mean this place is starting to get CLASSY?!? You want classy? I go for the $2 cabernets at Safeway. $3 wines are for the hoity-toity.

Posted by: t-bird at March 03, 2013 08:10 AM (FcR7P)

6 Just imagine if Ace did wine reviews.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 03, 2013 08:10 AM (piMMO)

7 Screw top vs. Cork

Discuss

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at March 03, 2013 08:10 AM (BuSM8)

8 The last time somebody tried classing up this joint we had a chess thread. Had.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at March 03, 2013 08:10 AM (yCvxi)

9 What vintage is preferred with bacon?

Posted by: real joe at March 03, 2013 08:11 AM (PD2ad)

10 Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 03, 2013 12:06 PM (piMMO)

What state?

Posted by: Earl Butz at March 03, 2013 08:11 AM (GsoHv)

11 Inside every glass of wine, is a serving of liquid fruit.

Mooche should love that.
Maybe wine juice boxes in the school lunch program.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 03, 2013 08:11 AM (RCPzx)

12 I only drink wine at the ladies request! Does that make me the most interesting man in my own mind?

Posted by: t-dubyah-d at March 03, 2013 08:11 AM (hhsyr)

13 With that d'Arenburg you are also playing it safe. A value wine from a famous producer that makes a full line, including very exclusive expensive cuvees. They are not about to dilute their brand with crappy wines, yet they do need an outlet for the barrels that don't measure up to the top barrels in their cellar.

Posted by: scottst at March 03, 2013 08:11 AM (psByG)

14 Posted by: The Lost Dutchman at March 03, 2013 12:08 PM (9F2c1)

Blow me.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 03, 2013 08:12 AM (GsoHv)

15 Where's the all-American bourbon thread? My favorite http://www.angelsenvy.com/?/home They call it breakfast bourbon and I can't dsagree....hiccup

Posted by: Granny Jan and Jihad Kitty at March 03, 2013 08:13 AM (3quf0)

16 Whole Foods sells quite quaffable wine for $2.99/bottle.

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 08:13 AM (PMOZU)

17 What vintage is preferred with bacon?

Posted by: real joe at March 03, 2013 12:11 PM (PD2ad)

Excellent question.

All of them.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 03, 2013 08:13 AM (GsoHv)

18 What is your opinion on the "Two Buck Chuck" wine? Sincerely interested in your opinion.

Posted by: Ed at March 03, 2013 08:14 AM (C+qQ0)

19 Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 12:13 PM (PMOZU)

Exactly!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 03, 2013 08:14 AM (GsoHv)

20 2 A WINE thread?!? You mean this place is starting to get CLASSY?!?

Posted by: The Lost Dutchman at March 03, 2013 12:08 PM (9F2c1)

Didn't we always?Both my Husband and Daughter have worked in the wine business, and there is some truth to what you say about fancy expensive wines and their cheaper cousins.Daughter is currently working in a very exclusive winery. By appointment only and I have to say the wine is certainly better than Two buck Chuck. I wouldn't pay the Forty or Fifty dollars for it though. Luckily she gets a case every month as a perk so I get it occasionally. Life is good!

Posted by: Hello, it's me Donna let it burn really.really bummed at March 03, 2013 08:14 AM (9+ccr)

21 I remember when we were stationed in Italy.
You could never go wrong with a tratoria's house wine.
They chose it not for cost, but to truly reflect the restaurant.
Always the cheapest, usually the best.

And, we could go to the local wine outlet, and if you brought your own jug, they would fill it right there from the barrel.
And it was about the equivalent of $2.00 a gallon.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 03, 2013 08:15 AM (RCPzx)

22 Screw top vs. Cork Discuss *** There was a push a few years ago to go from cork to screw top as the cork is really a remainder from a time when it was the only means for sealing a bottle. Somehow, however, it never caught on. Maybe it's because there's something special about the art of opening a bottle of wine: Cutting the foil, screwing in the corkscrew, the little pop as the cork is extracted... It makes wine-drinking an event in itself. A screw top, on the other hand, makes me think of convenience and it loses some of the mystique. Like opening a two-liter of Coke.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 03, 2013 08:15 AM (piMMO)

23 Wine, "trendy" portions of food, and arugula pizza. I just don't know this place anymore.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at March 03, 2013 08:15 AM (yCvxi)

24 All wine is snake juice. True story. First time I ever got smashed I was 15 and I was a cook in an Afghani Restaurant. Persian New Year I ended up drinking straight from those gallon jugs of wine and I mean DRINKING. Don't know how much I drank but I was pretty much drunk for about 36 hours and hung over for the next 72 or so. To this day I cannot drink wine. It is all swill to me.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at March 03, 2013 08:15 AM (jucos)

25 Alamos makes some excellent reds for under $10. Used to be under $9 a year ago but there is no inflation because Bernank and shut up.

Posted by: VA GAtor at March 03, 2013 08:16 AM (Qf+nH)

26 Posted by: Ed at March 03, 2013 12:14 PM (C+qQ0)

I haven't drunk it in a long time, but when I did I found it of variable quality.

Probably because it was right on the edge of the minimum fixed cost for a bottle of wine, so they were buying whatever grapes they could. In a good year? Good wine. In a not-so-good year? Not-so-good wine.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 03, 2013 08:16 AM (GsoHv)

27 I lament the closing of the Italian deli in my neighborhood, where you could get a nice bottle of chianti from the old country, in an irregular shaped bottle, with a basket woven around it, for about 7 bucks.

Posted by: navybrat at March 03, 2013 08:16 AM (tKe3q)

28 I used to love B&G Pouilly-FuissÃ©. Unfortunately it can not be found at all here in redneck country.

Posted by: Vic at March 03, 2013 08:16 AM (53z96)

29 Thanks.

Posted by: Ed at March 03, 2013 08:16 AM (C+qQ0)

30 Aside from the sexy sound they make when pulled out of the bottle, corks are only useful of you are going to store your wine for a long period of time. As most wine is made for reasonably early consumption there's nothing at all wrong with screw tops. Plus it means you don't have to worry about the corkscrew that TSA stole from you.

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 08:16 AM (PMOZU)

31 I prefer a nice balsamic vinegar. It's better for the digestion.

Posted by: Fritz at March 03, 2013 08:17 AM (WM+rJ)

32 "What is your opinion on the "Two Buck Chuck" wine? Sincerely interested in your opinion."

Highly flammable.

Posted by: navybrat at March 03, 2013 08:18 AM (tKe3q)

33 Well, I really liked this post. Well done, CBD's! I like to hear recommendations for cheap, good tasting wines (of which there are many).

Posted by: mare at March 03, 2013 08:18 AM (A98Xu)

34 All I know is that pinot noir is for fags.

Posted by: somebody else, not me at March 03, 2013 08:19 AM (nZvGM)

Wine is a scam.

I prefer coke.

Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2013 08:19 AM (2JHNW)

36 Posted by: Ed at March 03, 2013 12:16 PM (C+qQ0)

But....If you like it, then drink it! My (or any other pontificating blowhard's) opinion of TBC should have nothing to do with your enjoyment of it.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 03, 2013 08:19 AM (GsoHv)

37 Bottle Shock: http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Bottle_Shock/70084240?trkid=2361637 Movie about the first California wine to beat the Fwench in a blind tasting. Bill Pullman, Chris Pine and Alan Rickman. Red, White, and Sacrebleu: http://reason.com/blog/2009/12/16/recently-at-reasontv-red-white Reason short about how free market economics up-ended the French monopoly on wine mind- and market-share

Posted by: alex® at March 03, 2013 08:19 AM (m9cpE)

38 Mad Dog 20/20!

The reason America is more of a beer/liquor drinking country is because England/Scotland/Ireland is too cold for wine grapes. Here in NC we have Muscadine grapes that grow wild, I have some in my backyard that unfortunately don't do so well cause they are in the shade. I've thought about moving them but don't really know how.

Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde, NC Chapter at March 03, 2013 08:20 AM (yh0zB)

39 "redneck country. "

Posted by: Vic at March 03, 2013 12:16 PM (53z96)

Bourbon is a perfectly acceptable substitute for wine.

Trust me on this.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 03, 2013 08:20 AM (GsoHv)

Morning a......(00).....Wine THREAD?

Well now........

Posted by: Richard at March 03, 2013 08:21 AM (vOFmE)

41 I was kidding about Juicebox wine....
But lo and behold, I bring you

http://preview.tinyurl.com/c2rp8k9

And this is an example of capitalism at its finest.
Either find a need and fill it, or create a need, and fill it.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 03, 2013 08:21 AM (RCPzx)

Cork or screw top doesn't matter as long as it is made from fresh hobo skins and aged in an abandoned railway tank car for the minimum of 10 weeks.

Any red from California in 2009 is likely to be good. Markham Estates Merlot is my current favorite. My work keeps me in other countries for months on end and I think for the money, South Africa can't be beat. A $10 wine there is as good as a $40 French.

Posted by: Mr. Dave in SPI at March 03, 2013 08:23 AM (xiaOm)

43 We're just 2 weeks from St. Patrick's Day. Where's the beer, whiskey and any booze you can get your hands on thread?

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 03, 2013 08:24 AM (yNXYs)

44 I used to really love my grandmother's chokecherry and huckleberry wines. You would get a fantastic buzz, but never acid indigestion or a headache.

Posted by: Fritz at March 03, 2013 08:25 AM (WM+rJ)

45 "Wine spo dee odee drinkin' wine...."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37avLRywxGQ

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living... at March 03, 2013 08:26 AM (tRHND)

46 I like the Chilean & Australian Shiraz myself. I can usually find those for under 10, and since i can make a bottle of wine last a month, that's not a bad investment.

Posted by: Shawn G at March 03, 2013 08:26 AM (/lltO)

47 Hey, I got my husband drinking wine and that is saying something. It isn't hoity toity. Even though we are both primarily beer drinkers. Preferably a local microbrew or our own brew. With smoked meat, beer. However, with a good ribeye, cabernet or zinfandel. With any seafood pasta, chardonnay. Preferably River Road, Mills Family Vineyard, Russian River Valley.

Posted by: Liliana at March 03, 2013 08:26 AM (Zx3MS)

48 Funny how you uncork a wine thread while I am indeed enjoying a good cab (Already half gone) as I type this....(night shift again so this be my happy hour)

Posted by: Richard at March 03, 2013 08:26 AM (vOFmE)

49 I have a good friend up in Pa. who makes his own wine.
Best damn dandelion wine in the nation comes right out of his basement.
And he frequently shares a bottle with us.

Like I said, a good friend.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 03, 2013 08:30 AM (RCPzx)

50 *Plus it means you don't have to worry about the corkscrew that TSA stole from you. Hey, they took mine too. Good to know that with sequestration they'll get theirs.

Posted by: Liliana at March 03, 2013 08:32 AM (Zx3MS)

51 Oh good! A wine thread, something I know alot about. Like Boone's Farm. What's your favorite, CBD? Mine is Strawberry Hill.

I like beer.

I also like wine.

But mostly I like beer. Shiner Bock.

Posted by: L, elle at March 03, 2013 08:32 AM (0PiQ4)

52 Great wine with a great meal is....uh, great. But for every day meals you can hardly beat going down to Costco- then looking for whatever wine is cheap and rated 90 or above by "Wine Spectator" or "Wine Enthusiast" they are almost always good and sometimes very good. Or you can go to your local 7-11 and get a can of 4Loco. Either or.

Posted by: naturalfake at March 03, 2013 08:33 AM (G9qZk)

53 I suggest mass quantities, usually by the gallon....

Sangria for the win

Posted by: sven10077 at March 03, 2013 08:33 AM (LRFds)

54 Where is our resident sommelier? I know we have one lurking someplace. Three years ago i found two 5-gallon glass carboys at a church rummage sale for a buck each. Thus began our home wine-making venture. So far my we have made a very, very, very nice pear wine and a great sparkling apple wine. The first marigold wine was passable and the last one was not so good. Thus is wine. Find a wine you like and drink it! I like Georges Dubeuf Beaujolais-villages for around $12 (French) Rosemount Estate Shiraz $10 (Australian) and Barefoot Moscato $5-6 (California). Salud!

Posted by: Cicero Kid at March 03, 2013 08:34 AM (UrENZ)

55 alex -- Sideways with Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church is also pretty good. worth 2 hours of your life to watch

Posted by: L, elle at March 03, 2013 08:35 AM (0PiQ4)

56 Hey, sorta on topic. Took phone of the charger to let you know in the middle of a Sunday morning songlist I just heard from the great Satchmo. And now the best thing Maria Carey ever did (a cover from unplugged). Both great wine drinking songs. Oops. Best get the whiskey out. Green Grass and High Tides. Later. Pluggin' back in.

Posted by: teej at March 03, 2013 08:37 AM (M7Cfv)

57 I forgot to capitalize the grape varieties. Sorry, still working on coffee.

Posted by: Liliana at March 03, 2013 08:37 AM (Zx3MS)

58 So, for the price of a bottle of mouthwash and some fake labels, I can be in the business of selling counterfeit $200/bottle wine?

1) Mouthwash
2) Cheap Ernest/Julio
3) PROFITS!

Posted by: @PurpAv at March 03, 2013 08:38 AM (/gHaE)

59 55 alex -- Sideways with Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church is also pretty good. worth 2 hours of your life to watch Posted by: L, elle at March 03, 2013 12:35 PM (0PiQ4) Saw it in the theater and enjoyed it! Will not re-watch due to the appearance of Thomas Haden Church's ass. If there is a fan edit somewhere that has removed that bit, I will happily reconsider.

Posted by: alex® at March 03, 2013 08:38 AM (m9cpE)

60 I gotcher rain water in a dog dish. Good with fish. or your Hydraulic brake fluid dripping from a '59 Buick. Quite amusing with a piquant aftertaste. What'll it be, chief?

Posted by: Sequester Sommelier at March 03, 2013 08:38 AM (G9qZk)

61 GO HAWKS!

Posted by: garrett at March 03, 2013 08:38 AM (ItJTc)

62 I like Vendage Semillion Chardonnay, it's not expensive and it's very good. I like it better than only Chardonnay.

Posted by: CarolT at March 03, 2013 08:38 AM (z4WKX)

63 "Here is a simple recipe for 30 day wine. Many old hillbillies here in Tennessee still use this one, and wouldn't have it any other way. They don't want any Cabernet, Merlot or Champagne; this is Tennessee, not France. Back during my teens I used to make this, but now grow my own grapes and pick fruits in the wild." SouthernWine
24 oz Welch's frozen concentrated grape juice, thawed 3 cups sugar water to make up one gallon Â¼ tsp dry yeast 1 1-gallon glass jug. Mix all ingredients together well with water filling jug to about an inch below the shoulders. Cover with a clean rag secured with rubber band. Keep in a dark place about 70 degrees. About 2 weeks later replace rag with a good thick piece of plastic wrap. After 30 days from starting date, siphon wine off from sediment in bottom and drink. For a good old "Mad Dog 20/20" type wine, add a pint of cheap blackberry brandy to the mix before drinking.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at March 03, 2013 08:39 AM (UrENZ)

64 Jarhead Red.

I have one last bottle which I'm "aging".
You can get it at Camp Pendleton -- they do this "fundraising" thing.

Posted by: jwb7605 (Let It Burn) at March 03, 2013 08:44 AM (Qxe/p)

Thankfully, I have avoided the temptation to get all points focused and snobby nosed over the what makes a great wine. The fun part is always trying out something from off the beaten path of the California STALWARTS

Ya know... the Heldsberg, Russian River Valley, Sonoma North Coast and Napa all have their claims to fame, and don't even go there on Frog wines.

They are beyond anal about their "Regions" and APPALATES. (They also have a very short memory about how the USA pretty much saved their effin' whole industry back during "The Fungus!!

I still say, just enjoy what you like, and don't forget to take a chance now and then on something more local...or distant....

"To Your Health!!"

Posted by: Richard at March 03, 2013 08:44 AM (vOFmE)

66 Fruity. Tastes like raspberries with a hint of currant, a sweet after taste reminescent of a late summer melon, picked at its peak.
And that was just the fruit cocktail.

Posted by: pat at March 03, 2013 08:45 AM (L1Yma)

67 I see on twitter where Woodward has invited Sperling to his home for a make-upout session. What wine goes best with ass?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 03, 2013 08:45 AM (piMMO)

68 A couple of personal favorites:

1. Argentina makes wonderful reds. I like them a lot more than anything that France or California can come up with.

2. A local winery that employs a lot of good people and make some excellent stuff.

Posted by: NR Pax at March 03, 2013 08:46 AM (U+O64)

69 How is it possible that a video link to Frasier isn't included in this post?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 03, 2013 08:46 AM (piMMO)

70 hey thanks, Cicero Kid. My parents are on this wine making kick. Unfortunately, everything they make tastes terrible, but they don't realize it. I'll have to forward this recipe to them.

Posted by: L, elle at March 03, 2013 08:46 AM (0PiQ4)

71 Walmart's Oak Leaf wines are priced at $2.79 or $2.99 a bottle, and they are pretty darn good.

Posted by: Randall Hoven at March 03, 2013 08:47 AM (vt07s)

72 Regarding 68:

*sigh* OK, I failed at inserting the link at point #2

http://www.blackankle.com

Posted by: NR Pax at March 03, 2013 08:47 AM (U+O64)

73 >>>>What wine goes best with ass?<<<<

Night Train Express...strips away the taste buds and knocks you out.

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living... at March 03, 2013 08:48 AM (tRHND)

74 Gargoyle! More food! and another bottle of fussy pussy over here!

Posted by: Cheech at March 03, 2013 08:48 AM (UoJbm)

75 Seven Daughters - one of the best red wines I've ever had from California. $12 a bottle and worth it.

Posted by: Cheri at March 03, 2013 08:48 AM (EAgmr)

76 If you look a bit some box wines are great values and not too filled with Prestone

I did the research

http://coalitionoftheswilling.net/?p=5512

so you don't have too!

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 08:49 AM (PMOZU)

77 74 Gargoyle! More food! and another bottle of fussy pussy over here! Posted by: Cheech at March 03, 2013 12:48 PM (UoJbm) You are swave and deboner. Cut, jib, newsletter.

Posted by: real joe at March 03, 2013 08:51 AM (PD2ad)

78 Barefoot cab is not bad and not a lot more expensive than premium unleaded.

Posted by: Beagle at March 03, 2013 08:51 AM (4wK8o)

79 I used to buy Clos Du Bois Cabernet for $15 to $18 a bottle. One day at Fred Meyer they had Tisdale Cabernet at $10 for 3 bottles so I bought some.

I honestly can't tell the difference except for the extra $35 in my wallet for every 3 bottles I buy.

Posted by: robtr at March 03, 2013 08:51 AM (rTgOf)

80 Where did everyone go?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 03, 2013 08:55 AM (piMMO)

Posted by: L, elle at March 03, 2013 12:46 PM (0PiQ4

Have them Bing "Jack Keller Wine". He is the go-to guy for everything wine-making at home. Time in the bottle is probably the most important aspect of wine. We bottled some pear wine last year and it is heavenly right now. Every bottle i open is better than the previous one.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at March 03, 2013 08:55 AM (UrENZ)

82 Popping corks no doubt....

Posted by: Richard at March 03, 2013 08:56 AM (vOFmE)

83 "Where did everyone go?"

The after service covered dish, with jello salad?

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 03, 2013 08:57 AM (RCPzx)

84 So um...how does CharlieBrownsDildo literally know what crap tastes like? Did that happen at his AoS hazing event?

-ZR

Posted by: Zionist Redneck at March 03, 2013 08:57 AM (/4rBF)

85 I usually drink stuff I 'find' laying around. MD 20/20 Purple Drank aint half bad.

Posted by: Hobo Hunt Enthuisist at March 03, 2013 09:00 AM (i7B17)

86 I've discovered that the best wines are the ones that are shared with a hot woman who's totally into you.

Posted by: Fritz at March 03, 2013 09:01 AM (WM+rJ)

87 Honestly, I do find a correlation between price and quality--not a 1 to 1 correlation, but a correlation. I also prefer French Bordeaxs or wine from SW France, along with Tuscan wines to most California wines. If I go with California, I prefer Sonoma County wines--and the Zins (from the Russian River and Dry Creek Vally) are great. But they have skyrocketed in price over the last few years. Right now I am working on wines from Languedoc as I am going there next summer. Had an incredible Lirac last night (for $22) that beats the hell out of the three or five ~$100 bottles (that someone else paid for) that I have had over the past few months.

Posted by: Kasper in New Orleans at March 03, 2013 09:03 AM (7x9pP)

88 Sterno. That'll light you up.

Posted by: zsasz at March 03, 2013 09:05 AM (MMC8r)

89 Anyone recommend a good Norton?

Posted by: Kasper in New Orleans at March 03, 2013 09:06 AM (7x9pP)

90 It all tastes the same to me after the 10th glass.

Posted by: Ronster at March 03, 2013 09:07 AM (dBayF)

Well that was a fine bottle and just the thing to put me blissfully ....

horizontal for the next 6 hours until I get up and head back to the E.R for another 12 hours of "OH...The...HUMANITY,"

Until next time.........

Posted by: Richard at March 03, 2013 09:07 AM (vOFmE)

92 I am not drinking any fucking merlot! Single malt on the other hand....

Posted by: General Woundwort at March 03, 2013 09:08 AM (zOP5o)

93 I like house reds. My favorite for a long time was Big House Red, but I can't seem to find it any more.

Posted by: Lauren at March 03, 2013 09:08 AM (wsGWu)

94 22Screw top vs. Cork
Discuss

***
There was a push a few years ago to go from cork to screw top as the cork is really a remainder from a time when it was the only means for sealing a bottle.

Somehow, however, it never caught on. ****Wife ran a wine shop for awhile for a friend. Attended lots of distributor wine tastings as the "drunkard dead beat hanger on husband".. The screw top saved a significant portion of bottles from gong bad as the explanation from wineries stated. Supposedly no difference in taste...but the ritual of uncorking is what i like. but then after a few I just break the neck off on the nearest table so theres that....

Posted by: Sgguido at March 03, 2013 09:10 AM (A0wk8)

95 Bota boxes

Posted by: LindaFell at March 03, 2013 09:11 AM (PGO8C)

96 I drink Rex Goliath Rooooster wine (Cabernet) when I have $6 and the urge to taste something cheap and red.

Posted by: sTevo at March 03, 2013 09:12 AM (VMcEw)

97 One of the only great things remaining about living in Northern Cal. right now is abundance of affordable and highly drinkable wines, and fresh produce, also cheap, also available year 'round. And the weather is pretty good too.

Posted by: navybrat at March 03, 2013 09:12 AM (tKe3q)

98 A Total Wine store opened fairly close to me last December. Their prices are unbeatable....and many things are on sale. It's an overwhelming place. They have all types of wines, hard liquor, beer (foreign and domestic). I've been making my way through the red wines (white gives me a raging headache)....the most expensive bottle of wine I bought was so far $14.99, 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape. Haven't tried it yet.

Their selection and price are just unbelievable. If there is one of these stores near you, you should check it out.

Posted by: Tami[/i] at March 03, 2013 09:12 AM (X6akg)

99 On another note-was a winner ever declared in the last contest. I was expectantly waiting for my platinum membership. ;;^)

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 03, 2013 09:13 AM (C+2eB)

100 Once tasted a sparkling wine from Hawaii. Swill. So now we know of at least two dreadful things born in Hawaii.

Posted by: Ali Velshi's Dentist at March 03, 2013 09:13 AM (Lxw+T)

101 I never drink... wine.

Posted by: You Know Who at March 03, 2013 09:14 AM (+AV7H)

102 We've got friends that are winemakers. They actually win awards. In CA. In fact, I'm spoiled now. They bottle very small amounts, 1k cases is typical, but stellar Syrah and Petite Syrah, along with some incredible Rhone blends. They sell everything they make almost instantly. Their white was gone in a week.

The best bang for the buck wines in CA are from the Paso Robles area. Not just for Zins anymore, but some pretty bitchin' Syrah and Petite Syrah. My favorites are Tablas Creek and especially Lone Madrone. Who can not like a desert wine called Bad Shepperd or Barfendel? The latter is a cross between Barbera and Zinfandel grapes. They called it that as a joke - and the name stuck.

Posted by: Clutch Cargo at March 03, 2013 09:14 AM (Qxdfp)

103 Miss Piggy: "Kermit, this champagne is divine."
Kermit: "At $1.39 it ought to be."

Posted by: Been there more times than you've been born at March 03, 2013 09:15 AM (nEDGE)

104 I use the Rex Goliath a lot for.cooking and usually pour a glass for myself while doing it. Very drinkable and great in food, too.

Posted by: Lauren at March 03, 2013 09:16 AM (wsGWu)

105
Liberal relatives coming for dinner? Serve them Fat Bastard and sent them home with the complimentary empty bottle.

Posted by: Doctor Fish at March 03, 2013 09:17 AM (ndqJC)

106 MY uber-liberal brother and SIL, both Obama cultists, drink wine. Ergo, wine is bad.

Posted by: Jones in CO at March 03, 2013 09:17 AM (8sCoq)

107 I hate to make my wine buying political but I don't want any of my money going to California or French wines as an example. Yes I'm an asshole...I embrace that now at my age. Any good Red State wines you can suggest?

Posted by: Wine tasting test "yum" or "yuke at March 03, 2013 09:17 AM (A0wk8)

108 What's the best way to shotgun a can of wine?

Posted by: Chris M at March 03, 2013 09:17 AM (4lyMJ)

109 A good red to keep around is Mondavi woodbridge Pinot . I buy it by the mag and cost about $12. And it takes to the vac pump real well.

Posted by: RIK at March 03, 2013 09:18 AM (ZhQmo)

110 Like opening a two-liter of Coke.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at March 03, 2013 12:15 PM (piMMO)

2-liter Coke? Turn yourself in immediately.

Posted by: Michael Bloomberg at March 03, 2013 09:20 AM (nEDGE)

111 Cheapest way to get drunk per unit of alcohol would be a fine(ley) cheap box of wine. For low cost and speed, everclear would be the way to go at $1.96 per 3oz of alcohol. Bud light in a bar would be the expensive way to get drunk at $17.86 per 3 ounces of alcohol.

Posted by: Whatev at March 03, 2013 09:20 AM (A7Wh1)

112

After we finished a bottle of Manischewits one nght, we tied into the Southern Comfort.

30 years later I can taste the reverse drink.

Posted by: USS Diversity at March 03, 2013 09:21 AM (RONiK)

113 >>>What's the best way to shotgun a can of wine?

Never the same effect as shotgunning a 12 oz beer. No way to get that uber-belch when your done.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:22 AM (4Mv1T)

114 What's the best way to shotgun a can of wine?
---
I mentioned this before ... It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia episode Frank Needs An Intervention, Frank is drinking box wine out of a cola can.

Posted by: sTevo at March 03, 2013 09:22 AM (VMcEw)

115 Charles Shaw cabernet from Trader Joe's. A $10 bottle of wine for $2.99 (outside CA).

Posted by: Valiant at March 03, 2013 09:22 AM (aFxlY)

116 I used to know Bob Mondavi (he has passed for some time now).
Anyway, you would hardly have found a more pragmatic man as regards politics. He regularly donated large amounts of money to both parties. I asked him why he did that he answered "So they both leave me the hell alone".

When he passed, there was some friction between him and his sons and his will stipulated that his sons not start a wine label with the sons' names on it.

So, I went to a wine shop recently and what do I see? A new label, it says "Elizabeth Mondavi". Must be a daughter in law.

Posted by: navybrat at March 03, 2013 09:23 AM (tKe3q)

117 "Diversity" no insult intended but a great name for a Rabid Lib wine. Blended from grapes from "all over he world, grown free range"...are there muzi grapes?

Posted by: Wine tasting test. "yum" or "yuk" at March 03, 2013 09:25 AM (A0wk8)

118 For my generation Boones Farm Strawberry Hill was a gateway beverage

Posted by: Tmitsss at March 03, 2013 09:27 AM (rdav6)

119 My father-in-law works for a Napa winery, so I'm in this deeper into wine than I ever expected to be.

For me, it's all about the really old vine Zins. These 80+ year old vines (mostly near Lodi, well outside the Napa valley) resemble nothing of the pretty even rows of grapes you see at most vineyards. They are giant gnarly bushes, and their berries have a wonderful bold flavor.

Posted by: Rusty Nail at March 03, 2013 09:28 AM (WWuYG)

120 108 What's the best way to shotgun a can of wine? --- Apparently they stick the tube in the ass. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDM7iD7D3lA

Posted by: Whatev at March 03, 2013 09:29 AM (A7Wh1)

121 Any good Red State wines you can suggest?

Posted by: Wine tasting test "yum" or "yuke at March 03, 2013 01:17 PM (A0wk

http://duplinwinery.com/

Posted by: Vic at March 03, 2013 09:29 AM (53z96)

122 Shirley you know that the very best wine for every occasion is the bottle that someone else bought.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:29 AM (4Mv1T)

123 You would be surprised to know how good reeses peanut butter cups are when paired with a nice merlot. Really.

Posted by: shredded chi at March 03, 2013 09:31 AM (TmVGe)

124 Started in on Boone's Farm myself. Then graduated to the parents small liquor cabinet. I had to quit when everything in it was 99% water.

Posted by: Whatev at March 03, 2013 09:31 AM (A7Wh1)

125 >>how good reeses peanut butter cups are.

I'd eat those with recycled motor oil. No way to make 'em bad. They are the perfect food.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:32 AM (4Mv1T)

126

http://duplinwinery.com/

Posted by: Vic at March 03, 2013 01:29 PM (53z96)

*****

Thanks Vic. and a wine music fest as bonus!

Posted by: Wine tasting test. "Yum" or "Yuk" at March 03, 2013 09:32 AM (A0wk8)

127

I get Smoking Loon Cabernet at the CVS Pharmacy for $ 10.00.

Delicious.

Posted by: Reggie1971 at March 03, 2013 09:34 AM (8cOY0)

128 San Marcos to Fredricksburg is nothing but wineries nowadays and the drive is great. Especially on your scooter.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at March 03, 2013 09:34 AM (tO7Lp)

129 >>>http://duplinwinery.com/
Posted by: Vic at March 03, 2013 01:29 PM (53z96)

When my favorite hardware store was sold here, the manager left and went to sell wine at this vineyard a few years ago. Who knew he could sharpen chainsaw blades AND tell grapes apart?

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:35 AM (4Mv1T)

130 I smoked a Loon once...in MN they do it all the time. Never again.

Posted by: Wine tasting test. "yum" or "yuk" at March 03, 2013 09:35 AM (A0wk8)

131 I live near Napa/Sonoma etc, the vineyard tours are great so long as you have a limo. No other way IMHO. That being said, there are plenty of $7-11 bottles that are beautiful for daily drinking, I drink maybe 5-7 glasses a week, always a treat. Once was at a place I frequented, though, and the bartender had less than a serving of like a $75 a GLASS port, let me finish the bottle, it was the most excellent buzz EVAH!

Posted by: mbruce at March 03, 2013 09:35 AM (SKoNZ)

132 Centuries ago, some merchants added litharge to sour wine to make it sweeter. Litharge is lead oxide. Still, it's better for you than Obamacare.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:37 AM (Lxw+T)

133 @89 the '73 Commando 850 is a pretty good bet. Buy a set of Whitworth wrenches, and keep a close eye on the engine mounting tolerances.

What made French wine famous was that they made good, cheap everyday wine better than anybody. This has not been true for a every long time. When root rot destroyed the entire industry, vineyards were replanted with vines from California, from stock originally established by monks from Italy. So, all French wine is now Italian, and Californian to boot.

British preference for ale and beer is not climatological, but purely a matter of tariff and subsidy. In the early and mid 18th century, the crown tried to isolate France by encouraging anything but French wine. The result was Guinness, Bass, sparkling ciders, Babysham, and a lingering close relationship with Portugal and Spain that forms the basis of the most important economic work on specialization in international trade, including Adam Smith's "absolute advantage."

The Italians and east Europeans still work from vines the Romans knew. Italian "serious" wines (not Chianti, in other words) are superior to the French in every way, if you're willing to learn the other names for grapes. I've been sad to see in the last few years that many Italian makers are adopting the "international" naming conventions, but it has helped their sales.

And I miss some outstanding cheap reds that came from Hungary and Yugoslavia ("Monimpex") in the late Communist era. They developed a freeze-drying technique that enabled the grapes to be reduced in the field, then reconstituted at the industrial-scale wineries. It was sneered as "tablet" wine at the time. Really, really cheap and good solid wine. I don't think the process survived the economic makeovers, civil wars, and what have you.

I nominate Egri Bikaver, Bull's Blood, as the world's greatest wine. You cut it with an iron knife, and you can dye an imperator's cloak in it. Not expensive except in human terms, and like the red red kroovy, on tap everywhere.

Posted by: comatus at March 03, 2013 09:37 AM (qaVK+)

134 Two buck chuck Shiraz is my dinner staple, except that last week I hit Trader Joe's and accidentally grabbed the wrong case. Ended up with Pinot Grigio, which is way fruity and more importantly, faggy. Real men don't drink white wine.

One of my business partners' wife works for the Rusack family, and she gets me a few bottles of their Pinot Noir from their boutique winery every year. Really nice stuff, although I tend to drink it too fast.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 03, 2013 09:38 AM (MBqvE)

135 Mr. Bingley, my parents bounce between Vella box wines and Almaden, depending on which is on sale at the time. They consider them perfectly good wines.

Posted by: nnptcgrad at March 03, 2013 09:39 AM (Opyrm)

136 Kasper, check out the norton from st James winery from Missouri. It's the state grape of Missouri and they do a really great job with it. We order it several times a year, and it supports the growing wine industry in the Midwest...

Posted by: Debiniowa at March 03, 2013 09:40 AM (/A2RZ)

137 Zinfandel's have become popular for a good reason: it's a yummy grape. It's also a fad. It wasn't that long ago that Merlot was all the rage. Or was it Pinot Noir? Or Cab?

Chile makes the best wine in S. America, and some of it is even sent here. Malbec is a great grape.

I find that it's easier to get a very good, yet not very expensive, white. Lot's of very good Chardonnay's come in 1.5l bottles. Lot's of good reds, too, but I think the very good reds are often at the $15 - $25/bottle range.

I agree that expensive wines are generally a waste of money. One possible exception: champagne. I can taste the difference between a $12 Brut Cava (yummy) and a $30 Perrier Jouet (VERY Yummy) and a $120 Dom Perignon (Outstanding)

This actually makes CBD's point. He correctly states that a lot of very expensive wines are made to highlight a specific characteristic. This is generally not true for sparkling wines - even the expensive ones. Consistency is what the makers are after, and they do it spectacularly well IMHO.

Good post.

Posted by: RobM1981 at March 03, 2013 09:41 AM (zurJC)

138 In Soviet Russia, grapes freeze-dry you.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:41 AM (Lxw+T)

139 I like whites myself, Fume Blanc (more often known as Sauvignon Blanc) being my favorite. Any suggestions here? I did once come across a decent box white, Le Petit Frog, but have not been able to find any recently.

Posted by: Dr Alice at March 03, 2013 09:42 AM (tRcjU)

140 I prefer the Johannesburg Riesling. It's precocious yet unassuming.

Posted by: Minuteman at March 03, 2013 09:42 AM (dSE0q)

141 Anyone have magnums or larger?

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:43 AM (Lxw+T)

142 Walmart Oak Leaf Merlot mixed half and half with Sierra Mist. Get your drunk on for under $5. How's that for classing up the joint?

Posted by: blaster at March 03, 2013 09:44 AM (/1U3u)

143 >>>I prefer the Johannesburg Riesling

I don't always drink wine, but when I do, I prefer a riesling myself.
Stay thirsty my friends.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:45 AM (4Mv1T)

144

Chile makes the best wine in S. America, and some of it is even sent here. Malbec is a great grape.

Posted by: RobM1981 at March 03, 2013 01:41 PM (zurJC)

********
Agree...wine of choice for us, nice selections from different regions.and reasonably priced.

Posted by: Wine tasting test. "yum" or "yuk" at March 03, 2013 09:45 AM (A0wk8)

145 D'arenberg The Stump Jump Red for which I paid a whopping $8.99. You're dead to me, CBD Stump Jump,is about the worst mouthful of shit it's ever been my misfortune to ingest. Buy some MD 20/20 if getting a cheap drunk is all you're looking for. Hell, Mondavi Woodbridge is the same price and pretty good for what you're paying. Novelty Hill and Carmenet's "Dynamite Cabernet" are far better and as low priced as that Stump Jump swill. For white wine, Ten Sisters ans St. Supery makes some good stuff. Yes, price and quality have an uneven (but not zero) correlation. But I am rarely burned on quality when paying more. I am frequently burned on quality when paying less.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at March 03, 2013 09:46 AM (Vej0t)

146 My Uncle in NC made catawba, concord and other wines in the Back 40, he was a Baptist and never drank the stuff, but had his wife do the deed. Even the preacher from the Chapel in Statesville sent parish folks to get some once in a while...

Posted by: Clemenza at March 03, 2013 09:46 AM (x59Gv)

147 Must be a new AOS record. This thread has been up for two hours now and is still on topic.

Posted by: Vic at March 03, 2013 09:46 AM (53z96)

148 136 Kasper, check out the norton from st James winery from Missouri. It's the state grape of Missouri and they do a really great job with it. We order it several times a year, and it supports the growing wine industry in the Midwest...

Posted by: Debiniowa at March 03, 2013 01:40 PM (/A2RZ)

Missouri vineyards saved the French wine industry when the French vines were ravaged by some little critter. Mid 1800's.

Posted by: Tami[/i] at March 03, 2013 09:47 AM (X6akg)

149 OT: boobs.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:47 AM (Lxw+T)

150 140I prefer the Johannesburg Riesling. It's precocious yet unassuming.

Posted by: Minuteman at March 03, 2013 01:42 PM (dSE0q)

***********
Exactly, and at the same time arrogant yet humble...in my opinion.

Posted by: Wine tasting test. "yum" or "yuk" at March 03, 2013 09:47 AM (A0wk8)

151

What's the word? Thunderbird

What's the price? 50 twice

Posted by: USS Diversity at March 03, 2013 09:48 AM (Ac+W6)

152

Woodward and Sperling are going to kiss and make up? The whole thing was blown out of proprtion to take attention away from The JEF!

Posted by: CarolT at March 03, 2013 09:48 AM (z4WKX)

153 Vic- It seems like anything that has anything to do with something the Horde really enjoys, and is also apolitical in nature, can run along happily indefinitely... until a new thread appears.

*clinks glass*

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:49 AM (4Mv1T)

154 Exactly, and at the same time arrogant yet humble...in my opinion. Have it start talking about straw men and using stage whispers and you'll have the Preezy.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:49 AM (Lxw+T)

155 Pruno Wear your underwear for a month Collect juice boxes and empty toothpaste tubes Strain juice through your yeasty underwear into toothpaste tubes Seal and hide behind radiator so screws can't find Serve at room temp in 3-7 days

Posted by: Bubba from County at March 03, 2013 09:49 AM (wQXBk)

156 Spoke too soon apparently.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:50 AM (4Mv1T)

157 Barefoot Merlot 2010 at Kroger's for $5.99.

Posted by: Albie Damned at March 03, 2013 09:50 AM (Yhu4q)

158 147Must be a new AOS record. This thread has been up for two hours now and is still on topic.

Posted by: Vic at March 03, 2013 01:46 PM (53z96)

******

Because we have all resisted with every fiber of our being comparing any wines taste to vajayjay. yay us!!!

Posted by: Wine tasting test. at March 03, 2013 09:50 AM (A0wk8)

159 I'm a huge fan of local wineries for my wine needs, and not just for the "buy local" angle of it. Most local wineries will let you taste their wares, usually free, although some will charge a few bucks depending on your local laws. This not only lets you try before you buy, but you can taste a variety of wines and figure out what you do and don't like. Any good Red State wines you can suggest? Posted by: Wine tasting test "yum" or "yuke at March 03, 2013 01:17 PM (A0wk Missouri wine. Great stuff. http://tinyurl.com/2awl22f

Posted by: Hal at March 03, 2013 09:50 AM (2wZs/)

160 Posted by: nnptcgrad at March 03, 2013 01:39 PM (Opyrm)

I was very pleased by the Vella for its price...and getting to drink 15 liters of wine by myself was pretty darn fun too.

But for a mere 80c more per bottle the 'Three Wishes' wine at Whole Foods really is quite a good buy.

I also like the "Two Vines" wines from Oregon, especially their Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, which runs about $11 for a 1.5l bottle.

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 09:52 AM (PMOZU)

161 Relative lives in Riyadh so no booze is legal. Makes Chateau Broom Closet. Grape juice, sugar and starter obtained from another closet vintner. All goes into a big water jug and ferments.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:52 AM (Lxw+T)

162 I'm glad you counted the Rhone vineyards as an exception to the unripe/overpriced generalization of the French (which is deserved). The Chateauneuf du Pape region is my favorite, and is known for producing very ripe grapes. I gladly pay $30 to $50 a bottle for this region. But in general, I stick to Spanish. I don't think I could love any varietal as much as Grenache.

Posted by: Brisco_County at March 03, 2013 09:52 AM (B0Zzk)

163 What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday?

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at March 03, 2013 09:53 AM (ylG8S)

164 163 What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday? Boone's Farm Summer's Eve.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:53 AM (Lxw+T)

165 Uh Oh Vic knows I have permanent Shiny thing syndrome....

Posted by: Clemenza at March 03, 2013 09:54 AM (x59Gv)

166 >>>What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday?]/i]

Turpentine. Any vintage will do.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:55 AM (4Mv1T)

167

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:55 AM (4Mv1T)

168 I stick to Spanish. I don't think I could love any varietal as much as Grenache. Laya or Evodia, clocks in about 7-9 bucks per bottle.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:55 AM (Lxw+T)

169 163What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday?

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at March 03, 2013 01:53 PM (ylG8S)

*************
See now...this is how it starts to go bad. Just sayin...but I think something that would also go well with fish.

Posted by: Wine tasting test. "yum" or "yuk" at March 03, 2013 09:56 AM (A0wk8)

170 Cotes du Rhone are good if you like red wines; anything from the Mosel / Moselle region of Germany if you like white wine.

auslese > spatlese > kabinett. The longer the grapes are left on the vine ( auslese ) the better and fruitier they are. 1976 was the best year ever for German white wine, but white wine does not age

Posted by: living precariously in the Sequester World at March 03, 2013 09:56 AM (Dll6b)

171 >>>goes well with fish.

And squid.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 09:57 AM (4Mv1T)

172 Try the Silver Oak when you get the cash,,,I am no wine snob and when I pay 40 clams for some grape juice it better beat welches with a little Value Wodka added.

Posted by: Clemenza at March 03, 2013 09:58 AM (x59Gv)

173 Laya: http://is.gd/vWC7SN

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:58 AM (Lxw+T)

174 Evodia: http://is.gd/qdwPta

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 09:59 AM (Lxw+T)

175 There used to be a column -- I think in the WSJ -- that covered inexpensive, every day wines. It was a treat to read. I agree that some wines are overpriced, but one thing you really need to keep in mind is import costs tagged onto a wine. Otherwise, the price, I found, in most cases depict the quality. If you're in Cali, and want a nice Napa Valley wine, you can find it pretty cheap. Especially at Trader Joes, where they buy in bulk, and you can find really good deals (not just cali wines). Some of my most cherished are from the St. Emilion region in France (although, at times, they are being overly hyped, nowadays), and Napa Valley, although I have found some pretty good Sonoma's as of late. One of my favorites, Chateauneuf du Pape, is very french. Italy has some wonderful robust reds. Australia, Chile, New Zealand, etc, even some odd states outside of California, are making good every day wines. When I do a wine run, I have one box full of the cheaper wines for cooking, and at least one box for drinking (both reds and whites). But, if I have an extraordinary recipe, I use a better wine, because the wine quality does make the difference in cooking as well. Wine, like my scotch, is one thing I tend to spend the extra money on for good quality. And, I'm not afraid to experiment. I grab many of the On Sale wines for my cooking, and once open, enjoy them at the table as well. As with all reviews, read many for the same product, and read between the lines.

Posted by: beach boozer at March 03, 2013 09:59 AM (XYSwB)

176 "Laya or Evodia, clocks in about 7-9 bucks per bottle."

I liked Evodia it, but it doesn't have the big bodied finish that I prefer in grenache, but that's just my taste. A popular grenache that suits my taste (and gets noob wine drinkers hooked on grenache) is Alto Moncayo. The younger one is around $25, the aged one is $35. Both well worth it, but they require an hour to decant.

Posted by: Brisco_County at March 03, 2013 10:00 AM (B0Zzk)

177 172>>>goes well with fish.

And squid.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at March 03, 2013 01:57 PM (4Mv1T)**********Agreed, Flying variety.

Posted by: Wine tasting test. at March 03, 2013 10:00 AM (A0wk8)

178

163What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday?

Whatever as long as it's bottled in magnums..

Posted by: Cicero Kid at March 03, 2013 10:00 AM (UrENZ)

179

Good. Cheap. Red.

Pick two.

Posted by: RokShox at March 03, 2013 10:00 AM (8MMMw)

180 Don't forget the wine clubs, that deliver wines to you monthly. Fantastic way to experiment and expand your horizons. I'm still stunned that some states still reject wine (online) deliveries.

Posted by: beach boozer at March 03, 2013 10:01 AM (XYSwB)

181 ,148. Tami, I think the Norton grape (aka Cynthiana) was the rootstock that helped rebuild the European vineyards when the phylloxera pest wiped them out, It thrives in the Midwest up through Missouri, We're trying it here in Southern Iowa but our growing season is just marginally long enough for it to fully ripen here.

Posted by: Debiniowa at March 03, 2013 10:01 AM (/A2RZ)

182 Trader Joe's has a California Zin under $10 that I like called Peachy Canyon. Everyone I've recommended it to likes it as well.

Posted by: BuckIV at March 03, 2013 10:01 AM (+4mBJ)

183 163What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday? Valtrex.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 10:02 AM (Lxw+T)

184

    Wine??

     There is only Scotch (in winter to counteract cold) and Beer in the Summer to defang the heat.

   The rest is window dressing.

Posted by: irongrampa at March 03, 2013 10:03 AM (SAMxH)

185 I had always heard it was Concord rootstock that fought off phyloxera? But I may be and usually am wrong.

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 10:03 AM (PMOZU)

186 Because we have all resisted with every fiber of our being comparing any wines taste to vajayjay. yay us!!! Posted by: Wine tasting test. at March 03, 2013 01:50 PM (A0wk

Is there a wine that tastes like pussy? Someone offered me some once but it tasted like shit. Maybe I was drinking from the wrong side of the glass.

Posted by: Minuteman at March 03, 2013 10:03 AM (dSE0q)

187 lulz, anyone? this is the last comment on the ONT, made by "Shitforbrains" or something like that: " Wow! It's kinda SquintyVision (TM) but if I'm reading that right, when Bush took office, federal spending was about 2.45 trillion and when Bush left eight years later, it was at 3.8, an increase of a whopping 64%! At that rate, if Bush was still running the show, spending would be at 5.1 trillion. But under Obama ...lessee, it's only at like ...what, 3.7 trillion? Quite a cut! That makes Obama ...oh, I don't know, you might call him a fiscal conservative? Which would make the conservatives ...uh ...oh, hell, now I'm just confused..."

Posted by: soothsayer at March 03, 2013 10:05 AM (vyPsz)

188 185163What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday?

Valtrex.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 02:02 PM (Lxw+T)

************
A Valtrex Cocktail...badda bing...I'll be here all week.

Posted by: Wine tasting test. "yum" or "yuk" at March 03, 2013 10:05 AM (A0wk8)

189 Waiter: "Would monsieur care for another bottle of Chateau Latour?" Navin: "Ah yes, but no more 1966. Let's splurge! Bring us some fresh wine! The freshest you've got - this year! No more of this old stuff." Waiter: "Oui monsieur." Navin: "He doesn't realise he's dealing with sophisticated people here."

Posted by: The Jerk at March 03, 2013 10:06 AM (UrENZ)

190 Trader Joe's has a California Zin under $10 that I like called Peachy Canyon. Everyone I've recommended it to likes it as well. Peachy Canyon's cheapest wine. A big Paso Robles producer that makes lots of other zins. Daou's Celestus: huge Paso blend of Cab Sauv, Syrah and Petit Verdot.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 10:07 AM (Lxw+T)

191 OT, but this is rich, from breitbart's big hollywood http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Hollywood/2013/03/03/snl-wakes-up-mocks-obama Did a collective light bulb turn on in the minds of Saturday Night Live's writing team this week? "You know, this President Obama guy doesn't really have a firm grasp of economic matters," one writer suggests. The next, growing bolder, says, "and he's always using human props to make his point instead of accurate facts and figures ..." The third, standing up, declares, "and FLOTUS does seem to appear across the media much more than any of her predecessors. too damn late, SNL it's safe for you, now, because the JEF won his 2nd term GTH

Posted by: beach boozer at March 03, 2013 10:07 AM (XYSwB)

192 187, Mr bingley, they may share that billing. I know they are both resistant to phylloxera, as well as many other fungal diseases. That's one of the reasons I'm trying to grow it in my vineyard. In addition to a very nIce wine, it makes a terrific jam...

Posted by: Debiniowa at March 03, 2013 10:09 AM (/A2RZ)

193 188Because we have all resisted with every fiber of our being comparing any wines taste to vajayjay. yay us!!!
Posted by: Wine tasting test. at March 03, 2013 01:50 PM (A0wk

Is there a wine that tastes like pussy? Someone offered me some once but it tasted like shit. Maybe I was drinking from the wrong side of the glass.

Posted by: Minuteman at March 03, 2013 02:03 PM (dSE0q)

**************
See now Mm has finally made this a real Moron wine thread. It was getting creepy. So now wine names that go with vagina. Discuss.

Posted by: Wine tasting test "yum" or "yuk". aka Guido at March 03, 2013 10:13 AM (A0wk8)

194 I once worked at a 5 Star restaurant. One Saturday night some guy trying to impress some hot little honey ordered a 1959 Chateau Margaux, which at the time was about $800.00 on the menu.

I went to get it from the wine cellar and it was on one of the upper racks. When I pulled it and tried to grab the ladder with the same hand, I dropped it from about 6 feet. Luckily it didn't break because of the rubber mats, but it got bottle-shocked as hell,

Being the only one with a decent looking label, I took it up anyway.

The maitre d' was having a helluva time decanting it and was sweating bullets. He looked at me like "Da fuck you do?". I just shrugged,

It must have tasted like shit because they only had about a glass each, but they probably were too scared to send it back.

The rest disappeared into the kitchen and I didn't get a chance to try it

Posted by: Albie Damned at March 03, 2013 10:13 AM (Yhu4q)

195 Wine gives me a headache. And champagne? I might as well just hit myself in the head with a hammer and save the money. Plus, then you have to wash the glass. Beer comes in it's own handy-dandy disposable container. Beer is what lets us know that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

Posted by: Peaches at March 03, 2013 10:15 AM (3fX4B)

196 I will occasionally have a glass of white wine with dinner. Occasionally. Alchohol always gives me a headache. White wine not so much. When it's really hot outside, I like Miller Genuine Draft. What time does the beer thread start?

Posted by: ALH at March 03, 2013 10:15 AM (eqV3Q)

197 Sneaking a beer sub-thread in here now, ALH. fml . . .

Posted by: Peaches at March 03, 2013 10:16 AM (3fX4B)

198 >>>What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday? Vinegar and water on the rocks.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at March 03, 2013 10:16 AM (jEX9b)

199 Peaches, it's 5:00 somewhere.

Posted by: ALH at March 03, 2013 10:16 AM (eqV3Q)

200 Wine gives me a headache. Posted by: Peaches at March 03, 2013 02:15 PM (3fX4B) You are allergic to the sulfites.

Posted by: beach boozer at March 03, 2013 10:19 AM (XYSwB)

201 @183 Deb, I know a veterinarian in Ladora (not far from Cedar Rapids) who's been getting great results by planting just under the rim of shallow bluffs, to keep out of the wind but still get lots of sun. You might look into that if you haven't tried it already. He had some shocking temperature charts from late fall: 30- 40 degree differences just a few yards apart.

I grow Foch, deChaunac, and Chambourcin pretty much in the open on the Ohio prairie. I wish I could get some to freeze on the vine so I could make eiswein the honest way, but no, they mature when it's still hot out. The only vines I've lost to frost are the end ones on the row (and replaced them with even hardier varieties -- one spot just ain't making it), so that wind exposure thing is a true factor.

Posted by: comatus at March 03, 2013 10:19 AM (qaVK+)

202 What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday? Bearded clam juice.

Posted by: Suffering under sequester at March 03, 2013 10:20 AM (Lxw+T)

203 DrewM is up

Posted by: Vic at March 03, 2013 10:21 AM (53z96)

204 If it hasn't been said: All wine tastes bad. All wine is a scam. The ONLY point to drinking wine is when drinking the water will kill you.

Posted by: Trainer @ LIB at March 03, 2013 10:22 AM (rXxl4)

205 "I once worked at a 5 Star restaurant."

For a minute there I though it was our very own self righteous 'sommelier' checking in.

Posted by: lowandslow at March 03, 2013 10:23 AM (Fz2C7)

206 202 Wine gives me a headache.
Posted by: Peaches at March 03, 2013 02:15 PM (3fX4B)

You are allergic to the sulfites.

Posted by: beach boozer at March 03, 2013 02:19 PM (XYSwB)

Yes, this is the problem I have with wine....especially white wine, which I *think*, has more sulfites added as a preservative. All wine has some naturally occurring sulfites but it you buy red and especially organic reds, the chance of getting a headache is reduced. I've had really good luck with Pinot Noirs lately.

Posted by: Tami[/i] at March 03, 2013 10:25 AM (X6akg)

207 My opinion- look for location rather than name on the label. If you like big zins and cabs, go for Alexander Valley or Dry Creek. If you want a chardonnay or pinot noir- look for Russian River. If you're a zin drinker, Seghesio is the best.

Posted by: Moonbeam at March 03, 2013 10:57 AM (Dt+R8)

208 203, Comatus, nice to hear from another Midwest grower. I have a nice south-facing hill with a decent wind break to the north and west. I suspect part of my prob is my soil pH is still too high. Norton does best around 6.0. It's hard to keep it low because of all the limestone dust from our gravel roads. I'm also growing Sabrevois and Traminette and they are doing much better than the Norton. I may try a small block of vignoles and see if I can delay ripening into mid October, when we have reliable sub-freezing nights. Traminette would make a nice eiswein but it ripens too early here, around Labor Day.

Posted by: Debiniowa at March 03, 2013 11:00 AM (/A2RZ)

209 debiniowa/comatus

I'm growing (sort of) cabernet franc here at the Joisey Shore.

I've discovered that deer really like grape leaf salad...

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 11:02 AM (PMOZU)

210

Hey CBD,

If you're still around, I wouldn't give Spanish wines such a....lack of mention

I buy Rioja's for ~$10-15/bottle sometimes less (I've seen them as low a $7, and been tasty.)

Being from Missouri, (Oldest Appellation in the US baby!) I don't drink many California wines TBH, (it's a cost upgrade around here.) The Spanish wines have an earthy quality to them that I think compliments many things very well. Especially after they open up a bit. It's a nice contrast when I'm tired of MO wines which don't just "tend" sweet, they rush to it.

Posted by: tsrblke at March 03, 2013 11:06 AM (GaqMa)

211 The Appelations extend to Missouri?

Who knew!

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 11:08 AM (PMOZU)

212

I had a California red called "Hey Mambo" last night that paired very well with my cheeseburger. $12 for the bottle.

I've been liking the Argentinian Malbecs lately and I've found some good ones for under $10. Two Buck Chuck gives me a bad headache - I've found I can't go quite that rock-bottom cheap on wines. Really cheap Chardonnay, in particular, can taste like vinegar. The nice thing about buying wine at TJ's though is that if you spend $8 or $10 or $15 on a bottle of wine you feel like you're splurging - those prices are rock-bottom anyplace else.

I bought a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne on election day, thinking I'd be celebrating that night. Needless to say, I didn't open it.

Posted by: Donna V. at March 03, 2013 11:09 AM (7FqJH)

213 204 What's a good wine to drink with Ace's Vajajay thread yesterday? Bearded clam juice. Summer's Eve

Posted by: Bubba from County at March 03, 2013 11:11 AM (wQXBk)

214 Well, if the grape doesn't pass through the urinary tract of the Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, I'm not interested.

Posted by: Edward Cole at March 03, 2013 11:17 AM (eHIJJ)

215 Caperone outta Paso Robles make GREAT wine. Old vine varietals that will knock your socks off for cheap. How cheap? The wine club is price is $10.50/bottle. The guy who runs it has been in Paso for a long, long time and it is like he just runs it to keep busy, like a Fidelity commercial or something.

Posted by: theworldisnotenough at March 03, 2013 11:17 AM (T/Z+G)

216 "By the way, the Rhone can be an exception to this generalization; many of their wines are really good, chock full of that grapey goodness that makes me think of, well, grapes." The RhÃ´ne is also the home of ChÃ¢teau de Beaucastel, a ChÃ¢teauneuf-du-Pape that is well known for smelling transiently of "poop" when opening the bottle. There are several other RhÃ´nes with more than their share of the same Brettanomyces aroma. If you want to be sure of getting a fruity wine without any odd flavors, I agree with your recommendation to look to the $10-20 Australian reds.

Posted by: John Skookum at March 03, 2013 11:19 AM (AjzSk)

217 I think this wine thread is paired perfectly with Ace's labia thread. Hints of raspberry, well-rounded on the palate, and with a fine finish, a wine thread works perfectly.

Posted by: MTF at March 03, 2013 11:24 AM (+GpbP)

218 Two reasons why French wines cost more than Californian:

1) Transport costs - distribution is a major expense, especially for the smaller wineries.

2) Mexicans - We got 'em, France only has the muzzies who don't take to wine.

Yes, it is very easy to get a cheap and decent wine these days. If your recent wine buy is not up to your usual high standards, just take another bite of your pork-n-beans to cover the taste.

As to Champagne, I once had some colleagues from Paris visit me in San Francisco. We took them to the Mountain Home Inn, up on Mt Tamalpais in Mill Valley (Marin County) with panoramic vistas of the Bay Area. I ordered a bottle of Schramberg bubbly, poured everyone a glass and toasted. We took a sip and our French friends looked at each other with frowns! I asked, "What's wrong? Something wrong with the wine?"

They looked at me and said apologetically, "Oh No! You don't understand! This is BETTER than French Champagne."

I once picked up a bottle of "Redwood Estates" wine at TJs with a picture of a redwood tree on the front. Getting it home, I noticed in the fine print "Product of France."

Had some very impressive hard cider from See's Canyon, near San Luis Obispo recently.

Posted by: Whitehall at March 03, 2013 11:28 AM (1+mGd)

219 Before I was elected I had a rule: 90 points wines for under $20. Here's where I found them: http://tinyurl.com/c3rojrn Now that I'm a Dictator (haha, just kidding!) I only drink expensive wines. From France, just like my politics.

Posted by: President For Life Obama at March 03, 2013 11:29 AM (+GpbP)

220

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at March 03, 2013 03:08 PM (PMOZU)

I checked, I spelled it right this time .

Plus when you live near Augusta (about a hour drive or so, depending on the route, also depending on where you define "Augusta" as beginning as far as wineries go) it's a source of immense pride.

Napa's got nothing on us baby .

Posted by: tsrblke at March 03, 2013 11:37 AM (GaqMa)

221 #184 Peachy Canyon? Is that a sly vajajay reference, or a porn starlet? If its not, it should be...for either one...or both.

Posted by: VA GAtor at March 03, 2013 11:38 AM (Qf+nH)

222 Is red wine supposed to taste sour and bitter? Because that's the way it always tastes to me. I've tried lots of cabs, zins, malbecs, pinot noirs, shirazes, etc. They all taste sour and bitter to me, except some Merlot. But I like Rieslings, Chards and sparkling wines fine. So is it just a coincidence I always find bad reds, or are they supposed to taste nasty?

Posted by: gp at March 03, 2013 11:44 AM (mk9aG)

223 Man, I keep missing the foodie threads. :-( Blends, especially for reds, are the way to go imho when you're budget-conscious. Someone has tasted it in order to make the blend, so they are invariably drinkable and usually cheaper. Right now, drinking Sangre de Toro, a cheap red blend that goes really well with lots of food, and listening to the Gipsy Kings. For cheap whites, try the vinho verdes (young Portugese wines). They're usually less than $10 a bottle and fun, picnic wines.

Posted by: Y-not at March 03, 2013 12:11 PM (5H6zj)

224 Posted by: Moonbeam at March 03, 2013 02:57 PM (Dt+R I second the nomination for Alexander Valley cabernet. Almost anything from here is good; you don't need to get Silver Oak, the Wetzel family stuff is frankly a better bottle. 1996 Wetzel AVV cab is the best bottle of wine I've ever had, full stop. Tallulah Syrah is consistently good, label is owned by a fraternity brother who was at Far Niente for a while.

Posted by: DrSteve at March 03, 2013 01:05 PM (wwKgz)

225 Slack Winery in St. Mary's County MD makes a fantastic little petit manseng called Yellowlegs. They also have an award-winning champagne-method called White Shoals (won the SF Chronicle 2009 International Wine Competition).

Posted by: DrSteve at March 03, 2013 01:08 PM (wwKgz)

226 Been there done that. Best advice I was ever given lasted 30 seconds, and it has NEVER failed......

1. Make sure the bottle has a cork. A Real Cork.

2. Make sure it has a date on it. Not a month or day,.... a YEAR.

3. Make sure it costs more than $10.

4. Buy the color/taste you like regardless of whatever the hell the meal is going to be.

If it meets the above criteria, you will never be disappointed. I've followed this screed for over 30 years and have never been disappointed. I enjoy wine here and there (on major holidays in pajamas before noon primarily). Bourbon is for all other occasions.

Posted by: pet at March 03, 2013 01:38 PM (r0DVT)

227 Yes, stick with cork and avoid the plastic plugs for political reasons.

Why? The current Lt. Governor of California and former mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, made his fortune on plastic wine bottle plugs.

No need to subsidize the political career of a Leftist if you can help it.

Of course, I don't know how to predict which bottles have real corks and which ones have plastic plugs except by experience.

Posted by: Whitehall at March 03, 2013 03:01 PM (1+mGd)

228 #22" Maybe it's because there's something special about the art of opening a bottle of wine: Cutting the foil, screwing in the corkscrew, the little pop as the cork is extracted... It makes wine-drinking an event in itself. " Definetely, It creates an ambiance Good food, relaxation, being pampered.

Posted by: I'd rather be surfin at March 03, 2013 04:00 PM (g5wi5)

229 I am sincerely sorry that I missed this thread. I drink more than my share of wine and rarely pay more than $10 per bottle. Several years ago my wife and I started a wine club where every two months we would gather at a host home. The hosts would supply the wine and the guest would bring pot luck. (Try this, it's fun!) When it was my turn I purposely purchased several bottles of a nice Rioja that I like for 6.99 plus some others that were up to 30. Everyone loved the 6.99 bottle. Most liked the 30 but several did not like it at all. (For those who care the $7 bottle is Montebuena) Also, many vineyards with high price labels also make a low price. Alamos Malbec is around $10. It is from the Catena vineyard. The regular malbec from Catena is $20+. i cannot tell the difference. If I can't tell the difference, then there is no reason to pay more. CBD - next time you do a wine thread, I will be more prompt

Posted by: RkinRoanoke at March 03, 2013 04:58 PM (pxur/)

230 The last few wine purchases I've made have been cheapo box wines. The hell with it, it all really tastes the same to me. Wine Cubes from Target, Bota Box from HEB...after that just whatever is cheapest. Bottles of Lucky Duck from Walmart (the Tempranillo is good) and Yellow Tail, Rex Goliath...If it's more than ten bucks I think twice.

Posted by: Robert at March 03, 2013 05:15 PM (LUnTP)

231 >>the correlation between price and quality is pretty much 0 -- as in; there is almost no relationship.<< Nonsense. Forget about the high-dollar juice; the difference between a $10 bottle of red wine and a $35-40 bottle is almost always vast.

Posted by: Jeffrey Dahmer at March 05, 2013 02:02 AM (2+bRt)

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