Help!

[Anthony]

I am thinking about picking up a bottle of wine for my my for Christmas. I'm not even sure if the state store will be open, so I may be s*** out of luck, but nevertheless I need some suggestions for a good bottle of wine. I am looking to spend around $50-75. It would need to be something readily available. I'm open to suggestions for all different types of wines.

[Coach Leslie Miles]

I guess I should check in more often. I could have given you a list.

[SpeedsterZ28]

Originally Posted by Coach Schembechler

I guess I should check in more often. I could have given you a list.

I could still use that list. Mainly...a recommendation under $30 per bottle of the following types of wine:

Merlot
Cabernet
Chardonnay
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Noir
Riesling

And any other types I should have. I'd like to keep a bottle of each around to suit any occasion, but I don't want to spend a TON of money.

[Coach Leslie Miles]

Originally Posted by SpeedsterZ28

I could still use that list. Mainly...a recommendation under $30 per bottle of the following types of wine:

Merlot
Cabernet
Chardonnay
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Noir
Riesling

And any other types I should have. I'd like to keep a bottle of each around to suit any occasion, but I don't want to spend a TON of money.

The below would give you good/great choices. Price is for a standard 750ml bottle.


Pinot Grigio - (This is not one of my favorites and I rarely drink it) I did have some Maso Canali (2003) which you can find for probably $25. I had it at a dinner party and it was a solid Pinot Grigio.

Riesling - (Can make an excellent dessert wine) I have Erocia from Washington St (Washington makes some great Riesling) $20-25.

Chardonnay - Matanzas Creek (2001 or 2003, stay away from the 2002) The 2001 is going to run $35-45 and is worth every drop, however you can get the 2003 now for $25~, hold it until 2008 and you are in business. Although the 2003 could be enjoyed now and it will be very good.

Cabernet Sauvigon - Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon (2002) $24-30.

Pinot Noir - This is going to be outside your price range BUT it is an excellent wine and worth it if you can find it. Stay away from California Pinot Noirs for now. Oregon has them beat but Cali is coming around. Anyway, this Pinot Noir I suggest is St. Innocent (1998). About $40 but again you will not be disappointed.

Merlot - Coppola Blue Label (2003) will run you $20 but it is a good Merlot and you won't disappoint. That is my "house" Merlot.

One more I'm going to suggest is picking up a bottle of Mitolo GAM Shiraz (2004). It is about $50 but I fully expect this to take off like the Castello Banfi - Brunello di Montalcino (I have a bottle of 1997 left and it is worth hurting someone to get) The Mitolo GAM is better off being left until at least 2011 so buy it and stash it.

My other suggestion is to talk with your local wine stores and see what they suggest as well. Really what matters is what you like. I drink reds probably 80% of the time and am always trying different wines.

While I am at it, one more:

Banfi - Chianti Classico (2003) Can be had for $20 right now.

[SpeedsterZ28]

MUCH appreciated for the recommendations!!!

I'll let you know my opinions on each once I've had a chance to try them.

[Coach Leslie Miles]

Originally Posted by SpeedsterZ28

MUCH appreciated for the recommendations!!!

I'll let you know my opinions on each once I've had a chance to try them.

No problem. Depending on what you eat, etc you might find you love them or hate them. All can be drank now, except for that Mitolo. But like I said if you do come across a bottle of it, buy it and stash it.

[SpeedsterZ28]

Originally Posted by Coach Schembechler

No problem. Depending on what you eat, etc you might find you love them or hate them. All can be drank now, except for that Mitolo. But like I said if you do come across a bottle of it, buy it and stash it.

I have a buddy who works for a local wine/spirits shop around here who has already received a text message from me to be on the lookout for it!

[BigT]

for great suggestions