Wine Suggestions

[fightingquaker13]

White Merlot is what used to be called rose wine.  It is an abomination to those of us who really enjoy a nice glass of real merlot (sorry if this is one of your favorites).  And I would challenge you on your assessment that anything Berringer makes is "quite good."

For a reasonably good merlot at a reasonable price, I would recommend Barefoot Vinyards.  For a reasonable merlot at an exceptional price, Gallo Family Merlot is a good wine.  You will also find some decent Chilean merlots--specifically Frontera by Concha y Toro.  It is a fairly good merlot at a very reasonable price.  Another somewhat more expensive but quite good merlot is Fat Bastard.

Dittos to the rabbit. I like all of these. I would also suggest a Robert Bruce merolt (though you're pushing $30 here). I would also check out Bonny Doon (label art by Ralph Steadman of Hunter Thompson fame) and good wine at a reasonable price. Their "Heart of Darkness" Petit-Syrah is  like a merlot's big brother.Very nice and with a sense of humor. (For humor, and good cheap table wine try Reds, its just a generic meritage that tastes like chianti and goes for less the ten bucks a pop. The funny part is that each cork has a famous commie on it. Mao, lenin, Marx etc. Collect them all! It might put you off your food, but it is funny, particulary since they'd all hate being used to sell wine to the bourgeoise). Another alternative is a Modavie Claret. Its a bit heavier than a merlot (more a zin) it is however one of the best wine values out there. Its an $15 bottle that tastes like it cost twice that.
FQ13

[Timothy]

Thanks Fellas.....I have a list, I'll let you know what I buy and get a range report when the young couple enjoy their gift...

[alfsauve]

The least expensive is 3 buck chuck at Trader Joe's.   Not great but cheap.

Linderman Reserve label is good in the <$10 a bottle "table" class.

[ericire12]

The least expensive is 3 buck chuck at Trader Joe's.   Not great but cheap.

Linderman Reserve label is good in the <$10 a bottle "table" class.

I dont think he was asking for "cooking wines"

[JC5123]

White Merlot is what used to be called rose wine.  It is an abomination to those of us who really enjoy a nice glass of real merlot (sorry if this is one of your favorites).  And I would challenge you on your assessment that anything Berringer makes is "quite good."

For a reasonably good merlot at a reasonable price, I would recommend Barefoot Vinyards.  For a reasonable merlot at an exceptional price, Gallo Family Merlot is a good wine.  You will also find some decent Chilean merlots--specifically Frontera by Concha y Toro.  It is a fairly good merlot at a very reasonable price.  Another somewhat more expensive but quite good merlot is Fat Bastard.

To each his own. One thing that I have found is that wine is just like guns. Tastes differ. I have tried several "REAL" merlots and hated everyone of them. (a couple were pushing the $100/bottle mark too) I have simply found that for me, the white merlot is a good compromise. White Zin being too light, as to not have much flavor and the true merlot being too strong for my taste. I hesitated to comment for this exact reason. "GOOD" wine is always going to be a matter of opinion.

As for my favorite...my friend has a selection of his own creation that is without equal, but you'll never see it on any store shelf. 

[Sponsor]

[fightingquaker13]

+10. I went through a (thankfully) brief "wine/beer snob" phase. It was part of being 22-23 and thinking I had to serve my guests the good stuff to be mature. Then I realized that the best wine is the one you like. Mad dog or a $200 a bottle Bordeaux, either is good. The only opinion that matters is the person drinking it. I do believe you owe it to yourself to try stuff outside of your comfort zone to expand your horizons. The same is true of food, books, music, movies and people. Still, if you like it, its good enough for me, and pity anyone that thinks otherwise.
FQ13

[twyacht]

Wish I would have caught this earlier, (worked late).

OK. Wife and I are HUGE wino's folks, and have been for years and years.  We go to local tastings, and drink a glass or two almost everyday.

I've had expensive wines that suck, and $10.00 bottles that are fantastic. First, forget the grocery store. Yeah there are some good wines there, but the better price and variety, will be found at the liquor/wine/package store.

Short list. Merlot's are very 90's, 1994, 97, 99, were the best years of that decade. Especially 94, 97.

Either way, I don't drink French wine at all, 90% Kalifornia, 10% Spain, Chile, or Argentina, Australia.
McManus Syrah, Fantastic not to heavy, Ca. wine. ($10)
Gascon Malbec, Amazing wine Argentina $(10)
Newton Carmenere, blend of Ca. wines very soft and flavorful ($20). this one is awesome.
Spanish Quarter Cabernet and Tempranillo, Spain, ($10), really good.
Altos Malbec, Chile ($10). great all around wine.

Greg Norman Shiraz/Cab, ($14),...very good with food.
Rosemount Shiraz, $(10), excellent and always has been.

St. Francis Merlot, Ca.,,,,,,fantastic..... ($15), the 1997 vintage are now close to $100, (in 97, they were $12),  I bought a case back than, drank it like Glock Kool-Aid and now wish I would have put some back....

Lots of great wines out there without breaking the bank. I would love to drink Caymus, Silver Oak, Robert Foley, or Joseph Phelps, everyday, but that will happen AFTER I win the lottery....

Just some suggestions, on reds, don't get me started on whites,.. My wife's nickname is Chardcore.... (for Chardonnay addict)....

I'm going to go to wine chiller right now.......

[Timothy]

You're not too late Tom, I've not gotten to the packy yet.

I'll be stopping on the way home tomorrow, we have a huge one right near my shop.  It'll be pretty weird since I've not bought alcohol in nearly 17 years.

Thanks again.  I didn't think I knew any sommeliers....   

[twyacht]

You're not too late Tom, I've not gotten to the packy yet.

I'll be stopping on the way home tomorrow, we have a huge one right near my shop.  It'll be pretty weird since I've not bought alcohol in nearly 17 years.

Thanks again.  I didn't think I knew any sommeliers....   

What the hell did you call me???

I simply don't do the fashionable wine "lingo" with aromatic blackberry finish and subtle overtones of pepper and tannins,...(blank) that.....

Simple translation:

Wines have a front, middle, and a back. Kinda like a roller coaster ride.....

Front: The flavor usually, fruit, berries.. initially that you taste first.
Middle, A decent wine, regardless of price, should feel soft to the tongue palate,...not bitter.
Back, When you swallow, it should not burn the back of your throat.

I also look for wine with an alcohol content minimum 13.5%, the sugars ferment better, and flavor is better not at the headache level of 12.5% or lower.....

Enjoy. Easters coming, I don't need an excuse, but it's good holiday for a good wine with Easter Dinner...

and homemade Deviled Eggs.

[mosbear]

Stay away from the current year production. Wine is like a good trigger gets better with time. Two, three year old reds will have much smoother palate. The best bet is to ask the store manager which wine sells better.