EvaLSeraphim - 07 October 2009 08:56 PM

Oh….  F&E wines.  While I didn’t taste everything they had on offer, to me, everything under $10 sucked.  And it didn’t suck because it was priced under $10, ‘cause I’ll save my pennies where I can, but it just worked out that that was the dividing line.  One that we did like (when poured through the Vinturi) was the 2007 F&E Recoleta Malbec/Bornarda (60%/40%).  I think that was priced at $9.99.

When F&E opened, they had a master sommelier on staff and their selections were, um, exquisite - and insanely cheap.  I don’t know what the hell happened, but the word SUCK comes to mind now.  I’m done messing around at F&E for a while.

It recently occurred to me that I know the buyer for the French stuff at TJ’s.  She and her husband used to own Brassiere Astuce in Pomona.  I think they might have a small wine shop attached to their wholesale operation in Claremont now.

graphrix - 07 October 2009 09:33 PM

Esterlina is by far one of Cayci and my favorite wineries ever. Not only do we love almost all of their wines (which it is rare to love a majority of a winery’s wines but usually loving one or two is an accomplishment in itself), but the experience you get at their winery is even more amazing. Who knew Cheetos would compliment a chardonnay? If you ever make it to Mendocino, this is a MUST stop winery.

Anyway, I had their 2005 Cole Ranch Merlot tonight. Normally… I don’t drink no stinkin Merlot… but this wine really is different than any merlot and is more like a jammy zin than a musty tannin like merlot. Nice deep cherry fruit with a smooth slight vanilla finish. The thing I love about Esterlina is you can open it now and enjoy it now. I cooled it down in the fridge, because back in the day those French and Italian caves were in the mid-50 degree range. Cool your red wines to cave like temps and they have way more fruit and are less tannin and way less heat like. This is something I think turns me off of some red wines at wineries that serve their wine at room temp when it should be chilled. I hated everything at Opolo, probably because of the high temp, not because their wines were bad.

Also, the Esterlina wine club is the shite. They offered a phat discount to wine club members on their Merlot that made the cost shipped with tax to be about $14 a bottle. Which is truly a steal. We also got their “Gran Rojo” on a discount during that special sale. Which… is even a more amazing wine.

Can you tell I love Esterlina?

I think even if you chilled Opolo wines, you’d still hate them. Frankly, they just aren’t very good and are grossly over priced. Funny thing I’ve noticed is that when you hear people talking about the wineries they liked, the ones who really dug Opolo are the ones who don’t know wine at all.

Chilling masks some flavors so a lot of wineries serve even their whites at room temp for tasting purposes. I bought hubby one of those hi tech chillers that it supposed to get each variety to the exact temp it should be served at, but he hated it and had me return it. He likes to put the dinner red outside for a few hours whenever the temps are in the 50’s.

no_vaseline - 08 October 2009 06:33 AM

EvaLSeraphim - 07 October 2009 08:56 PM

Oh….  F&E wines.  While I didn’t taste everything they had on offer, to me, everything under $10 sucked.  And it didn’t suck because it was priced under $10, ‘cause I’ll save my pennies where I can, but it just worked out that that was the dividing line.  One that we did like (when poured through the Vinturi) was the 2007 F&E Recoleta Malbec/Bornarda (60%/40%).  I think that was priced at $9.99.

When F&E opened, they had a master sommelier on staff and their selections were, um, exquisite - and insanely cheap.  I don’t know what the hell happened, but the word SUCK comes to mind now.  I’m done messing around at F&E for a while.

It recently occurred to me that I know the buyer for the French stuff at TJ’s.  She and her husband used to own Brassiere Astuce in Pomona.  I think they might have a small wine shop attached to their wholesale operation in Claremont now.

Tell her we said thank you very much for the Vacqueryas and Gigondas they added.

stepping_up - 08 October 2009 07:09 AM

I think even if you chilled Opolo wines, you’d still hate them. Frankly, they just aren’t very good and are grossly over priced. Funny thing I’ve noticed is that when you hear people talking about the wineries they liked, the ones who really dug Opolo are the ones who don’t know wine at all.

The first year we went to Opolo we liked it and bought three or four bottles.  On our last trip this past January, we didn’t like what they offered very much at all and bought only a single bottle.  I admit to being a Westside snob when it comes to Paso.  With respect to Graph’s favored Eberle, they will usually have one bottle that knocks my socks off, so I still make an effort to go there when we’re in town.  Sadly, I think we’re taking a break from Paso for awhile.

no_vaseline - 08 October 2009 06:33 AM

It recently occurred to me that I know the buyer for the French stuff at TJ’s.  She and her husband used to own Brassiere Astuce in Pomona.  I think they might have a small wine shop attached to their wholesale operation in Claremont now.

Hmm….  I may have to look that up.

I had dinner with some colleagues last night (I had the Solaire 06 Cab by the glass and it was “okay”) and the idea of a November Santa Barbara wine tasting trip came up.  Where to go? Where to avoid? Where to stay? What say ye, IHB wine lovers?

caycifish - 08 October 2009 07:56 AM

I had dinner with some colleagues last night (I had the Solaire 06 Cab by the glass and it was “okay”) and the idea of a November Santa Barbara wine tasting trip came up.  Where to go? Where to avoid? Where to stay? What say ye, IHB wine lovers?

Are you looking for a high brow or a Joe Dirt type trip?

caycifish - 08 October 2009 07:56 AM

I had dinner with some colleagues last night (I had the Solaire 06 Cab by the glass and it was “okay”) and the idea of a November Santa Barbara wine tasting trip came up.  Where to go? Where to avoid? Where to stay? What say ye, IHB wine lovers?

Some suggestions.

Also, do not go to Blackjack.  We tasted ~12 wines there and they all sucked.  Normally, that wouldn’t warrant a stern warning, but tasting staff were arrogant jerks as well so they are completely off our list.  In talking with other people that had been to Blackjack, that was also their experience with the tasting room staff.

no_vaseline - 08 October 2009 08:41 AM

caycifish - 08 October 2009 07:56 AM

I had dinner with some colleagues last night (I had the Solaire 06 Cab by the glass and it was “okay”) and the idea of a November Santa Barbara wine tasting trip came up.  Where to go? Where to avoid? Where to stay? What say ye, IHB wine lovers?

Are you looking for a high brow or a Joe Dirt type trip?

I like small production wineries.  Stuff you can’t buy elsewhere.

caycifish - 08 October 2009 10:18 AM

I like small production wineries.  Stuff you can’t buy elsewhere.

Then I would definitely recommend a Lompoc trip with a visit to Ampelos (and Dragonette, if they are still sharing the facilities), and the wine ghetto with Fiddlehead, Palmina, LaVie (who are a bit hit ‘n miss, but I like the ‘05 Black Mountain), and Nicolaysen, among others.  Lompoc alone could take up one day.  Palmina and Fiddlehead are not small, but still worth a visit.

caycifish - 08 October 2009 10:18 AM

no_vaseline - 08 October 2009 08:41 AM

caycifish - 08 October 2009 07:56 AM

I had dinner with some colleagues last night (I had the Solaire 06 Cab by the glass and it was “okay”) and the idea of a November Santa Barbara wine tasting trip came up.  Where to go? Where to avoid? Where to stay? What say ye, IHB wine lovers?

Are you looking for a high brow or a Joe Dirt type trip?

I like small production wineries.  Stuff you can’t buy elsewhere.

Cool.  Here’s my small producers list, my restaurant list (all central coast cowboy steakhouses), and my hotel choice.

My favorite on the Foxen Wine Trail is Koehler.

http://www.koehlerwinery.com/home/content.cfm

These guys were growers first turned winemakers.  They really care about everything that matters.  The tasting room used to be a temporary modular office building.  It might still be.  They figure they should put profits back into the winery and the vineyard (you know, where wines come from) and not a fancy tasting room.

Another favorite is Sunstone.

http://www.sunstonewinery.com/

I’m not into organic one bit, but these guys make solid wines, particularly the Vigonier and Semillon. 

I have three recommendations for dinner, but all of them are in North SB county.

Jocko’s Nipomo.

You are going to Jocko’s for the steaks grilled over Santa Maria red oak coals, everything else is a warm up.  Not much to look at.  $30 a person, includes cocktails.

Far Western - Guadalupe.

Many locals like the steaks better here than Jockos, but thier side dishes are much better.  About the same money.

http://www.hitchingpost1.com/

Hitching Post - Casmelia.

I’ve never ate here, but it wasn’t from a lack of trying.

Make a reservation no matter where you go on the central coast.  Expect to wait either way on weekends or during the summer, particularly at Jockos.

I stay at Big America in Santa Maria for no reason other than I’ve been doing it for 15 years and it’s close to the restaurants I want to eat at.  Nothing special, just rooms.  I stayed in the Alisal Ranch at Solvang for three days once.  Best I ever ate and drank, but we were literally the only room rented in the place.  No TV’s, all the included golf and horseback riding you can stand.  Awesome resort and I don’t golf nor do I ride horses.

I’d go tasting as early in the morning as you can stand it and quit at 2 or so.  Go chill in Solvang or take a nap or something else than fight the crowds who seem to come out of the woodwork in busses and limos to get their drink on and ruin my time.

A Bordeaux tonight.

Chateau Briot
2007 Bordeaux
12.5% ALC
About $6 at Trader Joes

Six bucks?  Are you joking?  I mean, whatdya want for six bucks? 

The color is dark crimson and almost glowing.  Zero sedimentation.  The nose is of light plums, but slightly spicy and a little peppery too.  Light viscosity and mouth feel.  Finishes a little heavy, but pleasant because of the low alcohol.  Again, definitely a food wine.  I retested it at 55 degrees and the aromas pipe up nicely (this is the third time I’ve drank one) and I’d suggest serving it warmer (my wine storage is preset at a compromise 50 degrees).  On a scale of 1-10 I give it a solid 7 – and maybe higher if I’d tasted it warmer to begin with.

C’s get degrees, but for six bucks?  You can spend a lot more and do far worse.  My wine aficionado friends won’t be impressed, but it certainly will get the job done with maximum flexibility and minimal impact to your wallet.

EvaLSeraphim - 08 October 2009 10:41 AM

caycifish - 08 October 2009 10:18 AM

I like small production wineries.  Stuff you can’t buy elsewhere.

Then I would definitely recommend a Lompoc trip with a visit to Ampelos (and Dragonette, if they are still sharing the facilities), and the wine ghetto with Fiddlehead, Palmina, LaVie (who are a bit hit ‘n miss, but I like the ‘05 Black Mountain), and Nicolaysen, among others.  Lompoc alone could take up one day.  Palmina and Fiddlehead are not small, but still worth a visit.

I second the recommendation for Ampelos, but make sure you call ahead to ensure they’re open.  The owners run the tastings and will tell many stories if you ask engaging questions.  If they haven’t bottled their 2007’s yet, he’ll let you barrel taste.  If you go, ask for some 2007 Fiddlestix Pinot…

Memphis wine dinner info for October:

I don’t know anything about any of the wines, but the food sounds good.

If anyone was looking to buy a Vinturi, wine.woot has them for sale for $22.99, now through 11:59 pm (CST? CDT?) Sunday.  I have discussed their awesomeness in the past, and they usually retail for $30.

EvaLSeraphim - 17 October 2009 09:16 AM

If anyone was looking to buy a Vinturi, wine.woot has them for sale for $22.99, now through 11:59 pm (CST? CDT?) Sunday.  I have discussed their awesomeness in the past, and they usually retail for $30.

Normally, I would just double thank you. So instead I have to say thanks for everyone to see how awesome I think that deal is. SOLD!

no_vaseline - 08 October 2009 06:11 PM

A Bordeaux tonight.

Chateau Briot
2007 Bordeaux
12.5% ALC
About $6 at Trader Joes

Six bucks?  Are you joking?  I mean, whatdya want for six bucks? 

The color is dark crimson and almost glowing.  Zero sedimentation.  The nose is of light plums, but slightly spicy and a little peppery too.  Light viscosity and mouth feel.  Finishes a little heavy, but pleasant because of the low alcohol.  Again, definitely a food wine.  I retested it at 55 degrees and the aromas pipe up nicely (this is the third time I’ve drank one) and I’d suggest serving it warmer (my wine storage is preset at a compromise 50 degrees).  On a scale of 1-10 I give it a solid 7 – and maybe higher if I’d tasted it warmer to begin with.

C’s get degrees, but for six bucks?  You can spend a lot more and do far worse.  My wine aficionado friends won’t be impressed, but it certainly will get the job done with maximum flexibility and minimal impact to your wallet.

I had it this week. Unbelievable every day red. I’m reminded of a famous quote ’ “when in doubt Red Bordeaux”.

We are hosting Thanksgiving this year, and this is what I’m serving this Bordeaux and the house sparkling wine from The Hobbit - I think it’s like $100 a case.

I broke my rules a little today.

J. Vidal Fleury
2006 Rhone
14% alcohol (there’s the rules infraction)
$7 a Trader Joes

Yeah, I know, I’m splurging at seven bucks.  And, I’d decant this one first and wait about 30 minutes. 

No sedimentation, but it’s H-O-T straight out of the bottle (cue my self-serving speech about breaking my alcohol content rule).  Oddly feisty nose, it really has a lot of earthy overtones on the palate.  I’m guessing that its mostly syrah.  Finish is a little biting.  Was much improved after the decanting.

It’s not horrible, but I really don’t like it enough to recommend it, although it might be awesome with pepper steaks.  The label is awful sexy if you care about that sort of thing.  5 out of 10.

The Chateau Briot is $4.99 if you can find any.  I bought a case, which is exactly what the TJ’s in Orange had left.

no_vaseline - 18 October 2009 09:09 AM

We are hosting Thanksgiving this year, and this is what I’m serving this Bordeaux and the house sparkling wine from The Hobbit - I think it’s like $100 a case.

We used the sparking for a party once.  It was awesome - and a real deal.  They also sell the french sandwich, liver mousse, and artichoke dip (yummy!). 

If you don’t want to buy the french sandwich, I can tell you how to make it. 

For anyone who is a Randall Graham fan, and y’all should be, Wine Woot has his book for sale for $19.95, shipping included.  That’s lowest price I can find.

From the LA Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2009/11/why-wine-ratings-are-flawed-wine-spectator-announces-top-100-wines-of-2009.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+latimesdailydish+(Daily+Dish+Blog)

Wine Spectator reveals top 100 Wines, but are all wine rating systems flawed?

A few years ago, Hodgson joined the California State Fair wine competition advisory board, which allowed him to run a controlled scientific study of its tastings.

The results, published in the Journal of Wine Economics, showed that the judges’ ratings varied by ±4 points on a standard 100-point rating scale. And “only about one in 10 [judges] regularly rated the same wine within a range of ±2 points.”

In September in the private wine newsletter the California Grapevine, Hodgson discussed his analysis of the complete records of several wine competitions. “The distribution of medals,” he wrote, “mirrors what might be expected should a gold medal be awarded by chance alone.’” Ouch.

My angle?  Read the reviews, do your own tastings, see which reviewers you agree with - and use thier work to your advantage.  I don’t care how many points Spectator or Wong gave it, if you hate it - it sucks.

Wine is my drink of choice and I’ve decided that I’m going to “git edjucated” on the topic.  Can anybody recommend any affordable local classes that they’ve taken?  I’ll also look into the book that Eva suggested.

I recently had a wine tasting party and the ‘08 Anakena Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was a hit.  I entered it in the tasting after opening a bottle before the party began.  It was my wine of choice when I wasn’t participating in the tasting.  I’m curious if others have tasted Anakena wines before?  This wine received only 87 points from Wong and I purchased it at BevMo during the $.05 sale.

EDIT:  I’m going to Napa for the first time over the holidays and I’m very excited.  Any suggestions?  I’d prefer the off the beaten path wineries and I’ve also been told that Mondavi is worth it..  Thanks in advance.

Sunshine - 22 November 2009 10:21 AM

Wine is my drink of choice and I’ve decided that I’m going to “git edjucated” on the topic.  Can anybody recommend any affordable local classes that they’ve taken?  I’ll also look into the book that Eva suggested.

I recently had a wine tasting party and the ‘08 Anakena Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was a hit.  I entered it in the tasting after opening a bottle before the party began.  It was my wine of choice when I wasn’t participating in the tasting.  I’m curious if others have tasted Anakena wines before?  This wine received only 87 points from Wong and I purchased it at BevMo during the $.05 sale.

Don’t go too much by points - wine judges are notorious for not having much reliability in their ratings. You may want to start by reading Why Wine Ratings are Badly Flawed (WSJ).

Sunshine - 22 November 2009 10:21 AM

EDIT:  I’m going to Napa for the first time over the holidays and I’m very excited.  Any suggestions?  I’d prefer the off the beaten path wineries and I’ve also been told that Mondavi is worth it..  Thanks in advance.

Reverie and Stony Hill.  I also recommend Ad Hoc for dinner (come hungry).