Quote:
Originally Posted by C U L8R
Ok, How about start at the low end and work your way up listing 1 or 2 of your favorites (and what you like about them) out of each price point; say by $15.
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So I could be snarky and ask:
2 door or 4 door?
Sedan or SUV?
Power or Economy?
Blue or Orange?
But you get the idea. Best is to start with food - what kinds of stuff will you be eating?
White or Red - any preference?
Sweet or Dry
Floral, Mineral, Butter
Light, medium or full-bodied
More or less Tannic (astringent)
Fruit or Earthy
So back to my original post, drink what you like. If you have preferences from the spectrum of taste choice, then you can start making recommendations.
I'll fess up and say I'm not a big cab fan, nor am I much of a fan of any of the really large labels - they are drinkable and fine, but we're spoiled where I live so I we don't seek out KJ, Mondavi, et al. And I'm hugely partial to Sonoma County, then Mendocino, then Central Coast, then Oregon, then Europe/rest of new world, etc. before I do much in Napa.
But for what it is worth here are some of my favorite wineries:
Lynmar, Carlisle, Siduri, Davis Bynum, Williams Selym, Lambert Bridge, de Lorimier, Mayo, Meeker, Jordan, Rochioli, Seghesio (I'm just getting thirsty now)
My favorite (big) winery is Benzinger (not Beringer) at all price points. Followed by Chateau St. Jean, Gary Farrel.
Varietal, my love is Pinot Noir (that's what we make), but there's an increasing amount of cr@p coming out due to that movie. So I'm drinking more Syrah. Zin's have gotten way too big for me (high Alcohol). Most Chardonnay is cr@p - butterball cocktails. Very few new world whites worth the price. If you hunting for a red and don't know what to pick - look for a blend. You'll see this often as "Meritage" which is a branded name, but any "Red Table Wine" showing the breakdown of varietals (usually a blend of Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc, etc.) is a much better choice than a garden variety Cab. Better balance - you might know this a Bordeaux.
Best resource for great wine picks - the Wall Street Journal
Tastings column. Out every Friday. Thier best picks are almost always winners and I give little weight to the Speculator points.
Best way to figure out what's what - a good local wine store. Give them $300 or whatever and ask for a mixed case with a little guidance.
Drink and enjoy!