Wine Asylum

In Reply to: Looking for Recs for Easter Dinner Wines... posted by budrew on April 02, 2003 at 09:35:46:

You have a tough job. My first go to with lamb is Syrah. It never masks the taste of the lamb, which is of #1 importance, and it's hard to argue with millions of residents of the Rhone valley who constantly pair this rich red with the flocks they tend and of course eat. So in your price range look for a Shiraz, which is Australian for Syrah. Rosemount is a good choice, but you will find others depending on where in the US you are.

For the white, look at some of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. They will certainly not be cheaper than $10, but they are a much more attractive alternative to the boring and ubiquitous chardonnays that inhabit every Raley's, Ralphs, Longs, Lucky's, Safeway in the western hemisphere.

You may surprise everyone.

Happy Easter

In Reply to: Looking for Recs for Easter Dinner Wines... posted by budrew on April 02, 2003 at 09:35:46:

While Pinot Noir certainly is drinkable with lamb, the classic match is Cabernet/Bordeaux. Certainly with your budget you don't want to try (because you won't succeed)to purchase a decent Pinot Noir. (If you absolutely insist, try Pepperwood Grove).

9 bucks, eh? You have to go higher - this is a holiday meal with guests. You can find Rodney Strong Sonoma Cab for 12.99. I have heard good things about Concha y Toro's Casiellero(sp.?) del Diablo for around $10. I advise against Bogle's Cab. Chateau St. Michelle makes a nice Cab for between $10-15. You can always buy Forest Glen - some like it, I don't.

Now the Chardonnay. For an aperitif? For those who don't like red wine? For your money buy an Aussie - Lindemann's or Wyndham's. The Wyndham's is oakier (and a little cheaper, throw the 2 bucks at the red wine).

• Rodney Strong 2000 Sonoma Valley Cab... - iclemo 09:50:48 04/26/03 (0)
  In Reply to: Re: No, no, no posted by Brom Bordoo on April 02, 2003 at 14:00:55:

  can be purchased at Price/Costco (SF Bay Area) for $9.99...

  Very nice at that price.

  Also highly recommended: 1999 Chateau Soveraign 1999 Alexander Valley Cab, $15.99 at Beverages and More - an excellent wine.

  Regards,
  Irv Clemo
  
  

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• I can appreciate your comments.... - Budrew 14:17:26 04/02/03 (6)
  In Reply to: Re: No, no, no posted by Brom Bordoo on April 02, 2003 at 14:00:55:

  But I didn't set the budget for the wine. My father-in-law is who is buying the wine, but to make things easier for my wife and I we said we would buy it ahead of time and they could reimburse us. With all due respect, because he's a great guy, my father-in-law brags about finding wine at Trader Joe's for $2.99 (or less) and that to him makes a great wine (but he does lap up the good stuff when served it). So I'm figuring he'll splurge for the holiday and go up to $9 or so. But my wife and I are foodies and love good wine so we're trying to get a good wine for a good price for our won sake. I've stumbled across some great bargains, mostly in heavier reds which are our preference, but I'm at a loss for lighter reds which based on experience I think this crowd will prefer and I don't have time to stumble (or maybe I should stumble over the next couple of weeks; there's an idea!). Yes, the chardonnay is for those who don't want red. If it was up to me I'd serve a Bandol Tempier and love every minute of it.
  
  

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  • Ok, a Rosemout Shiraz-Cab blend is about 8.99 - jj 20:31:31 04/03/03 (4)
    In Reply to: I can appreciate your comments.... posted by budrew on April 02, 2003 at 14:17:26:

    Not bad at all, and not that expensive.
    -- Do not seek the treasure! DO NOT SEEK THE TREASURE!
    
    

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    • Re: Ok, a Rosemout Shiraz-Cab blend is about 8.99 - rcrump 05:20:54 04/10/03 (2)
      In Reply to: Ok, a Rosemout Shiraz-Cab blend is about 8.99 posted by jj on April 03, 2003 at 20:31:31:

      Curl is serving Annie Green Springs cut with 25% house vodka as he can't tell the difference :-)
      
      

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      • Now, now. - jj 20:15:49 04/10/03 (1)
        In Reply to: Re: Ok, a Rosemout Shiraz-Cab blend is about 8.99 posted by rcrump on April 10, 2003 at 05:20:54:

        ...
        -- Do not seek the treasure! DO NOT SEEK THE TREASURE!
        
        

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        • LOL....Think that is what he said on Prop Heads (nt) - rcrump 23:07:16 04/10/03 (0)
          In Reply to: Now, now. posted by jj on April 10, 2003 at 20:15:49:

          :-)
          
          

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    • The Rosemout Estate Shiraz is also nice. - Jerry P 08:22:54 04/04/03 (0)
      In Reply to: Ok, a Rosemout Shiraz-Cab blend is about 8.99 posted by jj on April 03, 2003 at 20:31:31:

      I served a bottle at Thanksgiving dinner
      and it was a big hit. It is close to your
      price range and it was the number one rated
      Shiraz by Consumer Reports .

      
      Sony SCD-777ES > > Silver Audio SB 4.0 > > AI M3A > > Silver Audio Hyacinth > > Odyssey Stratos > > Tice 416A Bi-wire > > MG 1.6QR
      
      

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  • Re: Well then - Brom 13:22:12 04/03/03 (0)
    In Reply to: I can appreciate your comments.... posted by budrew on April 02, 2003 at 14:17:26:

    what you do is buy decent wine and still charge him the $9. If you are "foodies" (what a horrific term) why do you want to drink bad wine to accomodate your guests?

    I don't know what they sell at Joe's, but I would suggest that they are not light and user friendly. Buy the Bandol.

    The least expensive Pinot I would suggest is Buena Vista at $16-17. As I noted Pepperwood Grove will cover you, but I wouldn't serve it with lamb.

    A light red I would suggest, again not for lamb, would be Rene Barbier Penedes red - likely available for about $5. Rather light - not bad if you do like wine, probably better if you don't.
    
    

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