Now we're talking. I agree with the statement, but I think its a little more complex than that. There are some great values if you look for the right things.

Good Napa Chardonnay for under $15- not happening-instead try some Albarino or Vinho Verde or some Sav blanc from NZ (although this is becoming harder to find at this price point). Because of marketing budgets, taxes, inflation-good wine from CA at this price are very hard to find.
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So, I bought a bottle of '06 Clos de los Siete last night.

Sight: Medium Clear/medium purple/ stained tears
Nose: Black Cherry, sweet plum / chocolate, burnt caramel
Palate: Black Cherry, blueberry / chocolate, green forest (fern), lots of wood coming through

This wine is a powerhouse at 15% alcohol, lots of tannin. My mouth was purple and my tongue was beat up after 2 glasses. I don't think this wine is ready yet- after 45 min decanting, it was still extremely tight- a struggle to get aroma and tastes out of the wine. I would suggest buying 2 bottles, opening one in 6-8 months then again this time in '09.
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I was sippin' on the Pinot Noir last night and enjoyed it quite a bit... I was gifted this bottle last x-mas and just decided to open it... It's probably cheap swill...
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Not a fan of this wine, too much alcohol and manipulation to make it taste like something. Certainly, for new world wines it is good, but not my style of wine. This wine should sit anothe 5+ years before drinking again. I remember the wood and alcohol...

It seems to be the way of new world wines, raise the alcohol in fermentation to mask the lack of concentration or whatever else they are masking...
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Washington State is making some decent Chard's for around $15

The problem with some CA Chard's is they can be too oaky. It's fine balance to add depth, but not make it too toasty/buttery.

Chard's from France can be had around $15; don't laugh, but I have bought several Chablis at that price point... Last year, I found some Mersault's under $20 too! A local B&M was dumping William Fevre White Burgundy like it was a fire sale. Took advantage of that one!
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I enjoyed some 2002 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon the other night. It's difficult to find under $50. Anyone had it before? If you have can you recommend something as an alternative?
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Have not had this wine, but Wine Spectator says, "Not a big wine, almost elegant in structure, with dark cherry, pepper and dusky herb flavors that persist on the chewy, smoky finish. Needs time to flesh out. Best after 2008. 3,059 cases made - 88 points" Washington St. wine.

That fits the bill of a ton of CA Cab's. I am not too up on CA wines, but try Ridge or Diamond Creek (a little expensive but worth it).

Something a little more affordable, Beringer's Knights Valley is tempting at under $30.00.
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Pepper Bridge is a little expensive IMHO for what it is, but has a very distinct Walla Walla flavor profile. You could try other wines from the same vineyards (pepperbridge and 7 hills). For that style I very much like Beresan which should be about $30-$35. The owner Tom Waliser is the vineyard manager for both of the above vineyards, and his estate vineyards are pretty excellent.

Others somewhat similar and a little less expensive than pepper Bridge are Basel Cab Pheasant Run Vineyard, Hightower Pepperbridge vineyard, Fidelitas Walla Walla cab and Dusted Valley Walla Walla cab. There are a ton more but those come to mind quickly.

~Vitis
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My neighbor really enjoys red wine. I think she will drink just about any wine, so she isn't very picky and will drink cheaper bottles... but I was wondering what a nice mid-range bottle would be to get for Christmas?
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Not knowing what is available where you live (or what price range we're really talking about) I would find a reputable wine shop in the area and speak with the staff about what you are looking for. Those guys will know what is tasting good that they have in stock and give you more guidance. Even though Ive been cellaring wine for years, I always still speak with the sommelier at restaurants to find out what they have that is drinking well for the money. A reputable shop will have tasted most of the stuff they have and give good advice.

~Vitis
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Ask what her favorites of current are and go from there. If she drinks alot of Italian wines, get her a nicer bottle of Italian wine than she is drinking... Same for any style. You have to know what she likes before you can do anything.

It just sucks to spend some good money on wine and then the person does not enjoy that style. One of my friends is big into wine, but does not like Pinot Noir, so giving him a Burgundy is waste of money.
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I will try to ask her... I think she enjoys all kinds but I'm not certain. As far as I know if it is red and wine she will drink it haha.... but I will try to get more information. I may add that I know absolutely nothing about wine.
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Awesome thread. I'm hoping to learn a little bit over time, similar to my cigar journey.

I typically prefer reds and my wife has been a Chardonnay only drinker for years. I've recently been able to get her to join me in a glass of red, don't know if it is due to her pregnancy or what, but I'm not complaining.

We had a friend turn us on to Bogle Phantom recently and we've really been enjoying it. Its a mix of 55% Petite Sirah, 42% Zinfandel, and 3% Mourvedre.
About $18 or so a bottle. Maybe not a classic--don't know, don't care. But we like it. And it is a red that I can enjoy with my wife. That alone makes it good to me.

Any of you guys had that one?
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Thats all that matters.

Just dont drink yellow tail :-)
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Try the 2005 Louis Jadot Burgundy. It's around $12 a bottle and you both may enjoy that one. Serve it very slightly chilled.
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Will do. Thanks moses. :-):
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My favorite wine at the moment is the Estancia Merlot. Affordable and absolutely drinkable!!
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what's the deal with yellow tail?


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:-) Nuff Said

~Vitis
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Doesn't it get positive reviews? People recommend it all the time...


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