Wine

[toasty]

Re: Wine

My wife and I are heading to CA for a wedding this summer and are planning on making a week of it in Napa/Sonoma wine country up there. Anyone got any tips?

We're planning on hitting some of the more well-known places -- Opus One, Silver Oak -- but would love some input on some places I might not think to go.

My favorite day-to-day wine right now is the Coppola 2002 Diamond Claret. It's getting harder to find the 2002, though -- more sellers just have the '03, which is good but not as good.

I'm not a white wine guy, but the 2004 Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is also quite good. Light and crisp, and great for summer coming up when red wine can be a bit much at times, esp. when you're outdoors.

[rubyraks]

Re: Wine

While I was in France over the summer I learned that American wineries attempt to replicate the French taste by putting their wine into oak barrels imported from France. But the French don't use their own oak because it's too strong and pungent. They typically use oak from the US! At least that's what one winemaker told us.

Now that is even more interesting as the grapes they use are from California. Back in the 1860s, a plague of insects detroyed the French vineyards and they brought in the California wine seeds (which were more resistant to the insects) to replenish their crops. If it weren't for the better weather conditions in France, there wouldn't be much difference between the California and French wines...interesting.

[speciale]

Re: Wine

I am headed to Italy this year and will try to make it to at least one Vineyard.

[skahound]

Re: Wine

While I was in France over the summer I learned that American wineries attempt to replicate the French taste by putting their wine into oak barrels imported from France. But the French don't use their own oak because it's too strong and pungent. They typically use oak from the US! At least that's what one winemaker told us.

And as for Italian wines. I've tasted a few good Tuscans and actually my favorite white, other than a white burgundy, is a Pinot Grigio from Friuli.

[rubyraks]

Re: Wine

Where's the love for the big Italian wines?! I love my wines, but have never been a huge fan of the French ones (aside from the Pinot Noir and others as they combine with food well). Huge fan of the barolo, brunello and so many of the tuscan wines. I just like a bigger punch in my wine, not soft and oakey (yes I'm over-generalizing here).

[mmglobal]

Re: Wine

favorite budget wine...Louis Martini Cabernet ~ $12 of delicious

[DJJEFFJONES]

Re: Wine

2 buck chuck... imo

[peloquin]

Re: Wine

I love the Wine's!!!The Wine is the best Drink!!
I like the red and the White wine also.Very Good both!!

i miss him... so much

[skahound]

Re: Wine

Try the Mark West Pinot if you get the chance.

Will do, with your recommendation sir.

[speciale]

Re: Wine

I'm not to big opn the French wines. Haven;t found one that I liked yet. As for the Argentinian Malbecs, I always need my weekly dose. Try the Mark West Pinot if you get the chance.

[skahound]

Re: Wine

I 100% agree with Jenks. There is no wine better than French wine. I'm a sucker for Haut Medoc and Cotes du Rhone but will settle for St Emilion or Bordeaux Superieur. As for California, the only thing worth drinking is Duckhorn Merlot. Other than that I'll drink Williamette Pinots and Argentinian Malbecs.

[speciale]

Re: Wine

bringing an old thread back to life, but Wine is an addiction. I can't go a night without red wine. (I know am an an alcoholic).

If you like Pinot Noir, try Mark West. $10 a bollte and one of the best you will ever try.

As for a good cab, try J Lohr. usually around 10 - 13 dollars, but well worth it.

[nbpgt]

Re: Wine

vodka-cola always goes better

damn that seems like a taste you need to acquire

[camposja]

Re: Wine

Depends in what part of the world youre in

but here for the price
Chilean
cabernet savignon
merlot

concha y toro
gato negro

[Jenks]

as much as i hate the french govt...nobody makes wine as good as the French.