The Official Wine Thread

[gomestar]

I wouldn't touch it for at least 6-7 years, but it could last 10-15-20 easy and likely longer depending on the vintage. The 1994 was alive and well.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by audiophilia

I could list 100, but these'll do for now. At least we can have a specific list to buy from.

Originally Posted by Piobaire

If you're looking to be specific, I'd like to show you something.

Originally Posted by audiophilia

I'm not, as yet.

I'll give you guys my Top 5 favorite CA wine makers, in no particular order:

Merry Edwards
Peay
DuMol
Sea Smoke
Stefania Wines

 

[gomestar]

$255 cnd. is a lot for that wine though. Phelps can charge that because it has quite the established name and the demand among those with money is high enough to warrent the price. Personally, and this is totally personal, I'd look around for some better value plays.

I lust for this. Or for Bordeaux, I am a HUGE fan of Leoville Las Cases and the 2004 is an excellent value. Or the 2005 Chateau Pontet Canet. Or, it is quite easy to find a 95+ rated Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, or Amarone for under $75 - I'd stock up on a few bottles with that $250.

Come to think of it, I need to do some wine shopping some time.

 

[audiophilia]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

I'll give you guys my Top 5 favorite CA wine makers, in no particular order:

Merry Edwards
Peay
DuMol
Sea Smoke
Stefania Wines

Cool.

I almost got to a Peay! I wanted to try one because of all your positive comments. Same for Merry. I was luck enough to try hers.

Sea Smoke and Stefania were also on my SFO radar, but no luck for the short time we had to shop. Never got to the famous Berkeley shop.

 

[audiophilia]

Originally Posted by gomestar

$255 cnd. is a lot for that wine though. Phelps can charge that because it has quite the established name and the demand among those with money is high enough to warrent the price. Personally, and this is totally personal, I'd look around for some better value plays.

I lust for this. Or for Bordeaux, I am a HUGE fan of Leoville Las Cases and the 2004 is an excellent value. Or the 2005 Chateau Pontet Canet. Or, it is quite easy to find a 95+ rated Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, or Amarone for under $75 - I'd stock up on a few bottles with that $250.

Come to think of it, I need to do some wine shopping some time.

Thanks, Gome.

Many Napa folks said the same thing. Rather than 1 SE, they'd get a case of something nearly (or better

Italian wines. They scare me right now. 2000 varietals. Holy ****. I'm just starting to understand CA, let alone France, Chile, Argy, Spain, Portugal, etc.

Our host at Duckhorn, a great guy, said if he could have only one more wine it'd be:

Look familiar? He said it was a Barbaresco. Nebbiolo grape. He mentioned the name but all I remember is that it had a rhino on the label.

I'm looking forward to getting into Italian wines. $$$ for Brunellos and Barolos up here.

 

[Renault78law]

Originally Posted by audiophilia

Cheers, Pand. Would like to share a bottle or three with SF buddies some time!

Got my Vinturi for Father's Day. Looks good. Works fine. In times of need, as you say.

Does this actually work? I've always wanted one.

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by audiophilia

Many Napa folks said the same thing. Rather than 1 SE, they'd get a case of something nearly (or better

I agree, though I'd get a mixed case.

Originally Posted by audiophilia

Italian wines. They scare me right now. 2000 varietals. Holy ****.

Yeah, Italian wines are a bear. But they are my absolute favorite, so much variety, styles, nuances, etc. And frankly, superior values to many Cali wines. Start off with the basics like Chianti Classico, Barbera, Dolcetto, or the big B's of Barolo, Barbaresco and Brunello if you're feeling a little more flush. Amarone is also mesmorizing at its best. And don't worry about the varietals, it's all about the region.


And I do recognize that wine, La Spinetta is an excellent producer. They make a handful of wines including a few Barbaresco's, blends, classic Pietmont varietals like barbera, and some whites. I'd go for one of their Barbaresco's any day.

 

[audiophilia]

As in it aerate's the wine. Yes. I still wine it after a natural decant, though. But, in a pinch.

 

[audiophilia]

Originally Posted by gomestar

I agree, though I'd get a mixed case.

That's what they said. Mixed. I'm not being very *specific* in my typing today. Recovering.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by Renault78law

Does this actually work? I've always wanted one.

My wife bought one. We've only tried so/so bottles, $15-20. I have to say, it makes a very cool sound when you use it right.

I think it does instantly aerate the wine. I'd not use it on a good bottle, as for me, part of the pleasure is the slow change in the glass.

 

[gomestar]

A question for Pio - why Cali Pinot Noir? What is it about them that you're drawn to? Discuss...

 

[PandArts]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

My wife bought one. We've only tried so/so bottles, $15-20. I have to say, it makes a very cool sound when you use it right.

I think it does instantly aerate the wine. I'd not use it on a good bottle, as for me, part of the pleasure is the slow change in the glass.

+1 on the cool noise it makes!

I ususally use it only for the first half glass so that there's more surface area in the bottle to help the natural aeration/breathing process...until I can get a proper decanter...by the time I've fully appreciated, savoured and take note of my first impressions of a wine an hour has passed and the rest of the bottle is ready to go sans Vinturi.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by gomestar

A question for Pio - why Cali Pinot Noir? What is it about them that you're drawn to? Discuss...

I don't like the French?

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

I don't like the French?

 

[Piobaire]

If you just mean in general, PN is my favorite varietal, and I just enjoy CA (along with Oregon and WA) pinots. I've never once had an old world that matched them at the given price point. I'm not Vox, I can't afford a dRC with every meal.