Wine Thread

[RickFLM4]

Wine Spectators Top 100 wines of 2019:

https://top100.winespectator.com/lists/

[upstatedoc]

isn't that nuts a $22 bottle in the top 20?

[m630]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

isn't that nuts a $22 bottle in the top 20?

Dont put much into those types of lists, its like a car and driver match up, they use “value” and “excitement” as part of their scoring which is absolutely meaningless.

Wine should be judged on taste alone.

[UncleWede]

So, no love for 2-buck Chuck???

My 2 favorites involve memories as much as taste.

Corbett Canyon's White Zin was very pleasant when a CPA firm held a recruiting event at the winery when I was in college.

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is the only "white" I have ever enjoyed. Every now and then I pick up a bottle.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by m630

Dont put much into those types of lists, its like a car and driver match up, they use “value” and “excitement” as part of their scoring which is absolutely meaningless.

Wine should be judged on taste alone.

While I agree it doesn’t make sense to look at the list and think they are the absolute best wines you can buy, in order, I think you can find some decent ones to try it you pick a couple off the list (and similar lists by others) each year.

[m630]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

While I agree it doesn’t make sense to look at the list and think they are the absolute best wines you can buy, in order, I think you can find some decent ones to try it you pick a couple off the list (and similar lists by others) each year.

Absolutely agreed! I just cant stand when value is used as a judge on anything especially something that is considered a luxury in many cases.

Im sure there are good wines in that list, but me being the snob I am, and knowing more than a little about a few meaningless things knows that there are some hands down great wines that are not arguable and should be listed except that they are pricey or very scarce so wont make such a list.

Id also rather they did it by type so that you can find something in the type of grape you may be looking for as many peps enjoy certain types and no matter how high someone may rate a type of wine, if its not a grape i enjoy i would never consider it, so i find the mix up so many types off putting to me.

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

isn't that nuts a $22 bottle in the top 20?

You mean the currently $22 bottle that will by $40+ by next vintage because it was in the top 20?

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by m630

Absolutely agreed! I just cant stand when value is used as a judge on anything especially something that is considered a luxury in many cases.

Im sure there are good wines in that list, but me being the snob I am, and knowing more than a little about a few meaningless things knows that there are some hands down great wines that are not arguable and should be listed except that they are pricey or very scarce so wont make such a list.

Id also rather they did it by type so that you can find something in the type of grape you may be looking for as many peps enjoy certain types and no matter how high someone may rate a type of wine, if its not a grape i enjoy i would never consider it, so i find the mix up so many types off putting to me.

They do have monthly issues that focus on different regions and varietals. For example, the November issue that I still haven’t gone through is focused on Napa Cabernets. Additionally, each issue has “highly recommended” “collectible” and “smart buy” lists. Anyway, definitely agree you need to taste rather than just read and buy, but there are some interesting reads and worthwhile suggestions to try. Plus, subscription was free using airline miles before they expired.

[bd307]

Does any of you have a preferred cooking red wine?

A few recipes that I am looking to try all call for red wine and we had not been really cooking anything with red wine, so this is something new for us. Not going use my daily cab for it.

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

Originally Posted by bd307

Does any of you have a preferred cooking red wine?

A few recipes that I am looking to try all call for red wine and we had not been really cooking anything with red wine, so this is something new for us. Not going use my daily cab for it.

I usually use some $10-$20 Bordeaux Superior or similar. If you want something a bit bolder, maybe a Malbec or Shiraz.

[bd307]

Originally Posted by AlpineWhite_SJ

I usually use some $10-$20 Bordeaux Superior or similar. If you want something a bit bolder, maybe a Malbec or Shiraz.

First one will be braised short ribs. Going to Trader Joe's for some shopping this evening. What would you use for this?

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

Originally Posted by bd307

First one will be braised short ribs. Going to Trader Joe's for some shopping this evening. What would you use for this?

I'd go with the Bordeaux, but French wines generally offer a subtler flavor so it's more what you prefer. You want something that is on the dry side - i.e. not a lot of residual sugars.

[m630]

Originally Posted by bd307

First one will be braised short ribs. Going to Trader Joe's for some shopping this evening. What would you use for this?

Simple rule for cooking with wine, dont cook with a wine you would not drink!

I luv making short ribs and I use a Chianti as I luv italian reds vs french.
A basic Ruffino chianti works great, paired with a Reserve or Gold label is perfecto!

[Kolyan2k]

Not a fan of local wine....dont ask why always buy French and Italian, usually around 10-20 bucks....everything else is a waste of money )) drank 200 dollar bottles and still cant tell any difference. Pros usually say over $10 is waste.
Now beer is a different story, always buy from microbrewers and variety of flavors is on another level

Ps. You can buy wine in Italy for $1 Euro per bottle maybe even cheaper if locally made in restaurants

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Wine Spectators Top 100 wines of 2019:

https://top100.winespectator.com/lists/

Using value as judgement or not, I like homework! Thanks for the list!

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

Not a fan of local wine....dont ask why always buy French and Italian, usually around 10-20 bucks....everything else is a waste of money )) drank 200 dollar bottles and still cant tell any difference. Pros usually say over $10 is waste.
Now beer is a different story, always buy from microbrewers and variety of flavors is on another level

Ps. You can buy wine in Italy for $1 Euro per bottle maybe even cheaper if locally made in restaurants

Name a pro who says anything as absurd as that. Just because you can’t tell the difference between a more expensive bottle and a cheap one, doesn’t mean there isn’t - particularly if you plan to cellar them.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by AlpineWhite_SJ

Name a pro who says anything as absurd as that. Just because you can’t tell the difference between a more expensive bottle and a cheap one, doesn’t mean there isn’t - particularly if you plan to cellar them.

Leave him alone, he’s lucky. I wish I was ok with $10 wine all the time. It sucks to appreciate (and pay for) the difference.

Ironically, I don’t like a lot of craft beers. Some of that stuff is so bitter or fruity I find it disgusting. I prefer what I’m used to when it comes to beer, althiugh I don’t drink it all that much anymore.

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Leave him alone, he’s lucky. I wish I was ok with $10 wine all the time. It sucks to appreciate (and pay for) the difference.

Ironically, I don’t like a lot of craft beers. Some of that stuff is so bitter or fruity I find it disgusting. I prefer what I’m used to when it comes to beer, althiugh I don’t drink it all that much anymore.

Don’t get me wrong, I drink $10 wines plenty. There’s not-good wine at all price points. But there is a difference between good affordable wines and many expensive wines. The best wine is the one you enjoy.

I even drink some craft beer too - Anderson Valley, Lagunitas, Four Barrel, Russian River Brewery are just some. But on a hot day there’s nothing wrong with a modelo or Stella either.

[bd307]

Talking about wine at lower price point, I got a bottle of Kirkland Malbec for $7 the other day and it taste quite well for me. I am fairly new to Malbec thanks to the Schnooer suggestion.

[bd307]

Originally Posted by AlpineWhite_SJ

The best wine is the one you enjoy.

This plus who you are enjoying with.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by AlpineWhite_SJ

Name a pro who says anything as absurd as that. Just because you can’t tell the difference between a more expensive bottle and a cheap one, doesn’t mean there isn’t - particularly if you plan to cellar them.

Let me rephrase that, regular people cant tell much difference. I read bunch of articles etc, people doing blind tests of expensive and cheap wine, and most have no clue which is better. There are bunch of YouTube on this too, usually no one recommends expensive wine.

I drink wine at home and beer at bars. Lately I find that beer has much more taste. I've conducted many blind wine tests as well....same results as everyone else ))

Drinking wine right now had few double IPAs at lunch

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

Let me rephrase that, regular people cant tell much difference. I read bunch of articles etc, people doing blind tests of expensive and cheap wine, and most have no clue which is better. There are bunch of YouTube on this too, usually no one recommends expensive wine.

I drink wine at home and beer at bars. Lately I find that beer has much more taste. I've conducted many blind wine tests as well....same results as everyone else ))

Drinking wine right now had few double IPAs at lunch

Yes, I’d agree that your average person is often fooled in blind tastings, but aficionados and professionals get it right more often than not. Watch Som if you want to see what’s involved in the master sommelier test. People are naturally influenced by seeing the label and having expectations based on the winery/reputation/cost.