The new ones ones I've tried since my last post are not going to unseat my current favorites.
The Hawkstone Merlot and the Platform 9 Merlot were fine enough, but I still prefer the Noble Vines.
I didn't like the J. Lohr at all but gave it another chance with different food. I just don't like it. I'm not sure why. I need a class, I think, to help me learn the language so I'll know how to describe what I'm tasting and explain why one appeals to me and another isn't even something I'm willing to finish.
The Tom Gore was fine, but I prefer the Dreaming Tree Cabernet.
These most recent ones were recommended by Facebook friends:
The Columbia Crest was good, and I liked it, but again I prefer the Noble Vines Merlot that's been my favorite Merlot so far. The Apothic Red was a hit. Less dry than the ones I've been trying, but it's one I've bought more of since and will keep around.
To do much more, since I'm tired of pouring out wines I've bought but don't like much, I'd need some education in how to choose wines. Or maybe I need to get more recommendations from friends. Can any of y'all help me out? I'm looking for wines in the under-$15 range.
Join the T Tuesday gathering over at Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog, where you can share the beverage of your choice and visit with interesting people. Maybe you'll find a blogger you'll want to follow; I know I have.
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Always interested in your wine tasting. I haven't tried anything new in awhile. I will look for Noble Vines - don't think I've seen that label here.
ReplyDeleteI don't often drink wine these days, it doesn't go well with my medis, but hope you soon find your ideal drink. Happy T Day, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteFirst, I suggest you contact Jeanie at the Marmalade Gypsy (http://themarmeladegypsy.blogspot.com/). Each month, she and her friends get together and have a party called Cork Poppers. I can't find her e-mail, but if you leave her a comment, she will get back to you and let you know how to contact her. She'll be able to help you explain what you are tasting and possibly feeling. They also have great wines for the price range you were asking about.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, the only wine I've ever liked is a dessert wine. The rest are too dry and sharp, so I stay away from wine.
Thanks for sharing your experience with wine with us for T this Tuesday. I hope Jeanie can put you on the right track. Feel free to tell her I sent you.
I'm checking out her blog now. Thx for the recommendation! :)
DeleteI have had the Apothic several times and do like it too. Personally I have taken a 'Wine For Dummies' book out of the library along with similar books and also look online for wine recommendations that also give good descriptions so I can find/taste the "notes" or flavors when I try them for the first time. Have fun, and happy T day!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of books (why not?! I love books) for training me in what to look for and for learning how to describe what I'm tasting. Great idea! Thx :)
DeleteI've just checked out Elizabeth's blog recommendation and it looks fantastic, there are lots of recommendations and it should be fun to find out more from Jeanie and her friends :-). Personally I tend to prefer a Merlot or Rioja when I have red wine as they tend to be more fruity which I love and are more sweet on the palate. Wishing you many very Happy T Tuesday! J :-)
ReplyDeleteI like merlot but have never tried rioja. Next trip I'll pick up one. Thx! :)
DeleteIn vino veritas - I like wine but don't drink it often.
ReplyDeleteHappy T-Day!
It certainly is handy to be able to pick up a bottle of wine to go with dinner at the supermarket. Here in VA you just have to go to the ABC store if you want the hard stuff.
ReplyDeleteSalute and Happy T Day.
Well I like white wines, but not the crisp dry ones, Shopping for wine in our supermarkets here is something we take for granted. It is interesting to read about your wine tasting journey.
ReplyDeleteHappy T day
Yvonne xx
Massachusetts had a lot of blue laws on the books. That's what happens when you let Puritans settle an area. For the longest time, you could only get beer, wine, and liquor at a packie (liquor store). A few years ago, grocery stores were allowed to sell beer and wine only, but I believe you can't buy beer or wine on Sunday. As to wines, I prefer sweet whites. Zinfandel is my favorite, technically a blush wine. In the college days the wine of choice was Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill. I think the cost was $1.00 a bottle Ah, sweet memories. Happy T Day
ReplyDeleteI'm not a wine drinker Divers but my daughter is and she is determined to find something that i will like ...lol The closest i've come is Moscato wine... So far any Moscato i've tried i've liked... but then i like it on the sweet side and Moscato is sweet... Love your post... I find myself drawn to the art on the labels of the bottles.. thats how i would pick my wine.. the art...lol Please excuse the late visit this week Divers...We have been hard at work on the craftroom all day... Paint going on the walls!! Happy happy T day! HugsS! deb
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that the label art draws me in lol It's as good a way to start as any when I don't know anything ;)
DeleteI don't drink alcohol at all but I know my daughter enjoys the ones you have chosen. An interesting post.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your T Day
Love Chrissie xx
i sometimes drink a glass of wine, depends on my mood if red or White, but dry. brands would not be helpful for you, as for sure the selections are different overseas. good luck on your hunt:)
ReplyDeleteI know absolutely zero about wines and haven't had anything to drink for about 25 years, I think, so no suggestions from me--LOL! ;)
ReplyDeleteMy hubby and I have been to a few wine classes when on vacation. It is interesting to learn the different terms and what to taste for (notes, smoothness, dry vs. sweet). But in the end it comes down to what you personally like. We both like the Apothic red> have you tried any carmenere wines yet? They tend to be very smooth for a dry red wine.
ReplyDeleteHappy T-day, D&S! Hugs, Eileen
I haven't tried carmenere but will definitely put it on my list. I googled it, and it sounds appealing :) Thx!
DeleteHow did I miss this T day post???? Glad I finally found it. I do like wondering through the wine aisle and checking out the bottles and the labels. I usually try the ones I like the labels. I have found a few that I do like that way, and as always, a few I don't. Sorry for the delay seeing this, I hope it was a happy T day and you enjoyed a class or two of some tasty vino. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteGood morning and Happy T day but on a thursday lol just now getting to the computer this morning.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine not being able to buy wine locally-I love merlots and dry reds nice post
Kathy
Sorry for being late. Better late than never!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. I'm no wine buff either. My way around choosing a wine I like is remembering the name of the grape instead of the name of the company or wine region. I live in Europe and there the name of the grape is either on the label or on the blurb on the back in smaller letters. Once you know which grape variety (or combination of) you like most it's a doddle.
Happy belated T-Day,
Lisca