Any Wine Conneseurs Out There???

[craig_08]

I will be honest... I didn't read everyone's recommendations. However, I have studied in France for three months and also been to another 3 week trip to Italy. My favorite grapes are pinot pinoir and cabernet souveignoin (for the record, I just drank a bottle of Pinor Noir as did the SHMBO each). My personal recommendation would be a Francis Coppola Cabernet Sauveighnoin. It runs about $17 a bottle depending where you end up finding it (got it at Kroger for $13 once). It is a steal even at $18. Truly a great wine.

 

[azreefgirl]

Originally Posted by shogun323
I've heard that the Rosemount Estates Shiraz Grenache is awesome!!!! I have to pick some up!!!!

I have a bottle of Rosemount Estates GSM (Grenache Syrah Mouvedre) that I'm planning to crack open sometime soon. I hope it's good! I became a fan of Jade Mountain GSM that I had at a wine bar, but my favorite lws (local wine store) didn't carry it, so I bought the Rosemount instead.

 

[1knight164]

Thanks for all the help, everyone. Quite a few wine lovers out there. Has anyone bought wine from Costco or Sam's? They have that wine rating for each wine. The highest I saw was a 93. Anyway, what determines that rating and who rates them? Also, I also hear that California Wines are more consistent than say, French wines because the weather is more consistent. Therefore California wines are cheaper than imports but not necessarily lesser quality. Imports are expensive because a good bottle is hard to find. Is this true??? :notsure:

 

[1knight164]

Originally Posted by DragonZim
Merlots can and are aged as well, but I think they are usually aged in stainless steel so you dont get the oakey flavor from it aging in barrells.
I did notice that, but didn't know it was stainless steel versus oak. I thought all wines were aged in oak. Thanks for that info, Dragon.

 

[who dey]

Originally Posted by 1knight164
I was curious if anyone could tell me the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon? Got into red wines because I hear they are good for you, blood pressure and cholesterol. Okay, it's my excuse for getting drunk.

As much as I exercise, it's difficult to overcome genetics.
Can anyone also suggest a good California brand?
Louis Martini Sonoma county both merlot's and cabs from 2003- 2005 are excellent for the buck 12-15/bottle

 

[1knight164]

Originally Posted by AZReefGirl
IT'S OK TO PICK A WINE JUST BECAUSE YOU LIKE THE LABEL!! WINE IS SUPPOSED TO BE ENJOYABLE AND FUN!!
I find myself doing just that since I don't know what i'm looking for. I also like the cool designs on some of the corks. Thanks for the recommendations and enjoy your trip. We enjoyed the place.