Budget Vino

1 Merlot, 2 opinions- Harding Estates 2006 Merlot

In my last post (where I discussed how a decision to start exercising with a trainer had put a serious dent in my wine consumption), I mentioned that I had picked up a bottle of red wine that I was very excited to try. The wine I was referring too was a Harding Estates 2006 Merlot. According to our old friend Wilfred Wong (wine rating guy), this wine was a 90 pointer. As he and I don’t always agree, I thought I’d see how our opinions would compare on this selection.

Back to the wine.

So one of my closest friends from Toronto was visiting this past weekend. He enjoys a nice glass of red (he tends to focus primarily on Italian offerings), and so I thought he would be the perfect person with which to crack open the Harding. As we sat on my couch, reminiscing about our University days (or College as is often referred to here in the US), we let the wine breath. After about 20 minutes, I poured two hefty glasses. As I hadn’t had any wine in a couple months, I got giddy with anticipation- and also extraordinarily thirsty. I took my first sip; nothing. No excitement, no 90 point flavor explosion, no aftertaste that I wanted to discuss after …nothing. I took another sip; nothing. The wine wasn’t bad, it just didn’t do anything for me.

My buddy took his first sip. You would think he had just discovered that the world was round (or flat if you’re Thomas Friedman). His first look was that of shock and surprise, with a little amazement thrown in. He loved it; absolutely loved it. He downed that glass of wine like no ones business, demanded another, and another, and another. Luckily for him, I had no problem giving up my portion.

As we discussed the wine afterwards, I found myself amazed at how different his reaction was from mine. It reminded me that wine really is about personal taste. It’s a great lesson to remember when people like me suggest what you should think and drink… :)

Recommendation: Me- Consider buying it. Friend- Definitely buy it

This forest aint that great!- Trinity Oaks 2003 Merlot

For me, the benefits of the BevMo 5 cent sale continue to payoff. I bought a bunch of wine a month ago, and I'm still churning through my inventory. One of the wines I bought at the sale and decided to open the other night was the Trinity Oaks 2003 Merlot.

Here's my thoughts...both pre and post first sips.

PRE
I like the label on the back of the bottle. It gives some pairing tips...very creative. Makes me kind of excited to give this wine a try.

POST
Okay, I tried it. It reminds me of an above average airplane wine. It's not quite as good as the Just wine I reviewed months ago, but it sure isn't as bad as La Palma Cabernet Sauvignon. Not sure why I'm thinking airplane, but darnit, I can't get the comparison out of my head.

I bet this would make a nice follow up wine.
Probably not such a bad wine to pick up if I was in a real pinch.

Recommendation: Consider buying it

Take a stroll through Pepperwood Grove- 2004 Merlot

Today, I announced the introduction of the "Budget Wino Top Choices" recommendation quick list.   I have pondered this concept for a few weeks, and now just seemed to be the right time for the introduction. Arriving at a top choices list forced me to revisit wines I have happily (or unhappily) consumed. As I sifted through the list of wines past, I realized that I was yet to review an old reliable- Pepperwood Grove 2004 Merlot.

This wine is smooth and very tasty. It has a little bit of a kick to it, but it works to the wines advantage. Most importantly, this one stands really nicely on its own. You don't need to combine it with any food to enjoy a glass (or more). So, if you're at home relaxing, or hanging out with a bunch of friends/family, it's a great option to consider.

Final Recommendation: Definitely buy it.

This weekend, try this Bogle classic- Bogle 2004 Merlot

A couple months ago I recommended a Bogle white wine. Today, I'm recommending another wine from the Bogle collection. This time, I'd encourage you to grab a bottle of Bogle 2004 Merlot. Its a tasty wine that is worth picking up.

I usually drink this wine with a nice pork chop or chicken breast. I imagine it would also go really well with a steak. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

A recommendation?- 3 Blind Moose 2004 Merlot

For this weeks recommendation, I've decided to switch things up a little.

This past weekend, while waiting to head out for my new years celebration, I cracked open a bottle of 3 Blind Moose 2004 Merlot. I had a glass or so as I waited for my friends to arrive. With each sip, I was less and less sure of my opinion. It tasted a little too fruity for a merlot, but I wasn't sure if I liked that about it or not. So this week, instead of recommending this wine, I'm hoping that some of you will go out, buy 3 Blind Moose, and provide me with your opinions. I'm curious to see if you like it, and if together we can come to a final opinion on this one.

Good luck.I'm curious to see what you think.

So-so merlot from South Austrailia- Lindemans 2005

Last night was an interesting twist on an ever evolving Monday Night Football tradition. The parents are visiting from Canada (yes, I am 50% Canadian), and in a moment of true brilliance (or lack thereof), I invited my friends to come on by to meet the parents. It definitely was not as humurous or eventful as the Ben Stiller movie with the same name, but it was an interesting site to see.

Anyways, in keeping with the Monday Night Football tradition, we cracked open a bottle of some cheap red wine. This weeks choice was Lindemans 2005 Bin 40 Merlot from South Eastern Austrailia. My impressions of this wine were mediocre at best. It was very acidy. It was tart and was far too sharp. Now, while I didn't enjoy the wine, my stepmother thought it was great. She is a big fan of Merlot's, and this one seemed to meet her standards. While I prefer a more smooth Merlot experience, she tends to enjoy more sharp wines- which is probably why she really liked this one.

Given our differing opinions, I'm torn on what recommendation I should give. I guess if you like sharp/acidy Merlot's, you should give this one a try. If you're like me and you like a smooth Merlot experience, I wouldn't bother with this one.

Recommendation: Consider buying it (with parameters set above)

Weekend Wine Recommendation- Cellar no. 8 Merlot

Cellar no. 8 Merlot- one of my all-time favorites. I reviewed this wine back in early September when I was just getting started, and hadn't yet concocted the idea of doing a wine recommendation for the weekend.

It was a conversation with my friend Alison on Tuesday night that got me thinking that this wine needed to be called out as a weekend option. Alison told me that she remembered my earlier post, and was going to make a conscious effort to buy Cellar no. 8 this weekend.

Since she is going to buy it, I figure why not make it this week's Budget Wino Weekend Recommendation, and see if anyone else agrees with my assessment of this wine. If you've never tried it, I encourage you to try it this weekend, then provide me with your thoughts.

Some places where you can find this wine online...

$9.99 at Bevmo
$8.99 at MadWine

This wine can also usually be found at Albertsons, Safeway, and your local wine store.

One of my all-time favorites!- Cellar no. 8 Merlot

I love this wine. To me, it is a shining example of how an inexpensive wine can rival even the most high-end offerings. I use this wine as my staple gift when attending dinner/house parties, and i've never received anything but accolades for how good it tastes. If you've never tried it, I recommend immediately turning off your computer, getting in your car, going to the store, buying a bottle, and pouring yourself a nice full glass of this awesome wine!

Recommendation: Definitely buy it

To my surprise- Just Merlot from Languedoc, France

Where is the last place you could imagine enjoying a glass of wine? For me, an airplane is the top of the list. Usually, the wine the airlines serve is totally awful. It doesn't pair well with anything, it tastes like crap, and it leaves your mouth dryer than the sahara after a sand storm. For this reason, I rarely ever order wine on a plane.

Last night was the exception. I was heading back to San Francisco from a buddy's wedding in Bermuda. I was flying JetBlue, felt like a drink, and wine just sounded damn good. So, going against all good sense and logic, I ordered the red wine. I was, and am still in shock. It was so good. I mean- really good.

JetBlue is currently serving a french wine called "Just Merlot." It wasn't too heavy as many merlots are, and it didnt dry out my mouth. It just kept getting better and better as I kept sipping away. For the first time ever, I finished a wine served by an airline and was totally and utterly satisfied!

The wine sells for $10.50 at BestCellars.com. Unfortunately they have very limited shipping options and I'm having trouble finding where else to buy this wine. I guess for now i'll just have to keep flying JetBlue!!

Final Review: Finish the bottle