Average red wine discussion

I'll go look for it. It'll be nice to look for a name instead of perusing label pictures

Drink a bottle of Silver Oak (2007 or 2009), about $75 retail, then try a bottle of Darioush (about $90 retail), then try Quintessa Rutherford (2012) about $180 retail. You can taste the difference in all of them and the Quintessa (a Cabernet blend), will blow you away. Not sure what price point you are interested in. Good wine is addictive. Cabernets are the best. A good Cabernet probably starts around $60+ a bottle and a good Chardonnay around $35+ per bottle. I haven't found any Cabernet under $20 worth drinking anymore. Not trying to be a snob, just a realist. You could also try a good Malbec (from Argentina) for around $30 - $50 per bottle. Malbec is a little smoother than a Cabernet and has a different taste. One of the best ways to try higher priced wine is to have a party for 3 - 4 couples and have each couple bring a higher priced wine ($40 - $50 plus bottle). You can pour tastes for everyone and decide which ones you like. If you all pick different wines as your favorites, you get to drink the rest of the bottle. You can even try a blind tasting with lower priced wines, but if the Cabernet is good enough, you will be able to tell the difference. Happy Drinking.

Columbia Crest is the winery, Grand Estates is the line. They used to make a lower priced line as well, called Two Vines, but I'm not sure they make those anymore. It also was a good value.

Here's an article about the Columbia Crest wines.

LINK

I keep the following on hand at all times, and always get compliments. Just proof you don't have to break the bank and drink good wine.

You should try the Bogle Petit Syrah.

14 Hands- Hot to Trot
Barefoot actually makes a decent cab

We have been enjoying the Coppola Diamond Pinot Noir, goes well with 99% of dinners we eat at home

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Will consider the syrah

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It's a petit syrah; will cave in your cheeks.

I got the hookup at Quintessa's winery last year, and I'll be honest, it didn't blow me away. Neither the 2012 or 2010. Both were good wines, but not "OMG! Amazing!" I went in not knowing anything about the brand, and when I found out the price I was blown away. I'm not going to say it was a terrible wine, because it wasn't, but it wasn't worth what was on the price tag, that's for damn sure. All that said, that's my opinion. If the price is justified to you, then I won't tell you that you are wrong. It's subjective.

I'll stick with my $10 bottle of Puerto Viejo Malbec. I enjoy the shite out of it and it's something we always keep around the house.