Simply...The Wine Thread

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Ok guys - total wine noob, so don't kill me.

How do you know when a wine is worth aging or not? I see comments here about you guys buying bottles and then storing them for years. Wines worth aging are more expensive, I am sure, but what actually makes them worth aging? How do you know how long to age a wine?

Thanks,

Wes- welcome!!! I'm sure you will have a lot of fun with this!!! And what a GREAT question to ask!! Many people starting to get into wine simply age it on the car ride home!!! Lol.

I will echo what Mark has said already - and I think a 'taste test' now and then 6 mos and 6 more will definitely give you insight into that maturation and or fluctuation in flavor and structure of a wine. That's a really good idea!!

When it comes to determining which wines to cellar-- how long to cellar -- when to drink--- there are MANY schools of thought -- but in my opinion it really comes down to one thing -- personal preference -- and really how do you 'like' to drink your wine.

Now -- A LOT of the 'cellar-ability' of wines couple a lot with the pedigree of the overall vintner and the quality of the fruit / location form where the fruit is harvested and very important -- the farming process.

I'd recommend picking some wines out tasting them -- and then doing some research -- read some reviews by some critics - like Robert Parker, Antonio Galloni, James Suckling, Wine spectator -- looks at the differences and start to correlate who's reviews suit your tastes -- this will help take a lot of guess work out of picking new wines to try and help you out down the road as well.

I could go on and on. Lol. Hope this helps -- as a start!

Cheers!!




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[BNA/LION]

Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California

Enjoyed this Mount Veeder Cab with dinner this week. Totally recommend it!

Winemaker's Notes

Along with the rich fruit profile, there is plenty of aromatic intrigue, with playful notes of olive and sage as well as coffee, cocoa and hints of mocha. Complex and plush, the wine finishes with long, silky tannins that are round and persistent on the finish.

Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot.

WS|92 Wine Spectator - "Exhibits a rich, tapered core of dark berry, anise, cedar and loamy earth, with firm yet rounded tannins that support the fruit mix, giving this traction and depth. Drink now through 2028. "

JS|92 James Suckling - "This is chewy and rich with plenty of dark fruit and dried citrus fruit. Full and flavorful. There's a stoney, mineral undertone to this. Drink now."

RP|90 The Wine Advocate - "The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Brandlin Estate (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits a dense purple color, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, an attractive floral component, impressive purity, and the vintage’s hallmark characteristics of ripe tannin, luxurious texture and medium to full body. Drink it over the next decade."

WE|90 Wine Enthusiast - "Blended with 9% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this is a perennial classic for the winery, the sister brand of Cuvaison. Juicy in cherry and cassis, it sustains big, pillowy tannins and tar, suggesting more time for the fruit to match up with the structure. Drink through 2020."

Merlot Tonight!

[incontrol]

This assortment was finished with some friends.




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[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by RHIII

Wes- welcome!!! I'm sure you will have a lot of fun with this!!! And what a GREAT question to ask!! Many people starting to get into wine simply age it on the car ride home!!! Lol.

I will echo what Mark has said already - and I think a 'taste test' now and then 6 mos and 6 more will definitely give you insight into that maturation and or fluctuation in flavor and structure of a wine. That's a really good idea!!

When it comes to determining which wines to cellar-- how long to cellar -- when to drink--- there are MANY schools of thought -- but in my opinion it really comes down to one thing -- personal preference -- and really how do you 'like' to drink your wine.

Now -- A LOT of the 'cellar-ability' of wines couple a lot with the pedigree of the overall vintner and the quality of the fruit / location form where the fruit is harvested and very important -- the farming process.

I'd recommend picking some wines out tasting them -- and then doing some research -- read some reviews by some critics - like Robert Parker, Antonio Galloni, James Suckling, Wine spectator -- looks at the differences and start to correlate who's reviews suit your tastes -- this will help take a lot of guess work out of picking new wines to try and help you out down the road as well.

I could go on and on. Lol. Hope this helps -- as a start!

Cheers!!




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This. Well said Roger. I don't think it's a coincidence that when all things are equal that it's a select few wineries just are always on top. Pedigree. IMO these some of the best from Napa. In no particular order, but always cream rises to the top:

Phelps Insignia
Beringer Private Reserve
Hundred Acre
Colgin
Harlan/Bond
Screaming Eagle - never had this and probably won't at the prices
Schrader
Scarecrow
Stage Leap Wine Cellars
Pride Mountain

There's more, but even on off years these seem to do well. And bottom line it's what you like anyways. When it's a great growth year even you'll find many wineries putting out very nice wines for less then 30 dollars. It's probably the best time right now to scoop up 2012-2014 anything Napa for next to nothing and start school. Read, try, read more try more just do this and you'll find your sweet spot. It maybe you'll end up liking Chardonnay better then Cab or Pinot Noir, Merlot..you never know. It really is fun. And no one is right or wrong on what they prefer.



Cork
Blackened Salmon
Steamed Clams in White Wine Sauce-Spicy

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Hi Wes.
Age old question right there. Could depends on Tannins, acid level, alohol levels, vine age etc.. if you really want to figure things out buy like 6 bottles drink one now, another one 6 months later and then 6 another months another one. Research drink have fun. Trace can chime in.

2012, 2013, 2014 are magical years for Napa Area. Mostly if you buy off the supermarket shelves you can drink those now. Some of ultra boutique vineyards actually limit bottles you can buy and go to Auction as soon as they're bottled.

Anyways, good luck and read a lot. There's a ton try. Mostly I purchase ready to drink. On exception if it's a good year in Napa I buy, like the the 3 years above I buy and hold, try 1 in a few months then try in a few months. Mostly decant high end wines that young.

Here's what I'm having in less than an hour. Blackened Salmon and pasta tonight

Originally Posted by RHIII

Wes- welcome!!! I'm sure you will have a lot of fun with this!!! And what a GREAT question to ask!! Many people starting to get into wine simply age it on the car ride home!!! Lol.

I will echo what Mark has said already - and I think a 'taste test' now and then 6 mos and 6 more will definitely give you insight into that maturation and or fluctuation in flavor and structure of a wine. That's a really good idea!!

When it comes to determining which wines to cellar-- how long to cellar -- when to drink--- there are MANY schools of thought -- but in my opinion it really comes down to one thing -- personal preference -- and really how do you 'like' to drink your wine.

Now -- A LOT of the 'cellar-ability' of wines couple a lot with the pedigree of the overall vintner and the quality of the fruit / location form where the fruit is harvested and very important -- the farming process.

I'd recommend picking some wines out tasting them -- and then doing some research -- read some reviews by some critics - like Robert Parker, Antonio Galloni, James Suckling, Wine spectator -- looks at the differences and start to correlate who's reviews suit your tastes -- this will help take a lot of guess work out of picking new wines to try and help you out down the road as well.

I could go on and on. Lol. Hope this helps -- as a start!

Cheers!!




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Appreciate the feedback, Mark and Roger!

Currently, I've just been buying various bottles in order to figure out what I enjoy. I downloaded this app called Vivino on my phone. It's interesting to see what others have to say, but I use it mostly to keep track of what I've tried and what I like/don't like.

I will keep on reading and start following some critics. Maybe I'll even join some classes!

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Ok guys - total wine noob, so don't kill me.

How do you know when a wine is worth aging or not? I see comments here about you guys buying bottles and then storing them for years. Wines worth aging are more expensive, I am sure, but what actually makes them worth aging? How do you know how long to age a wine?

Thanks,

A question I've had too.
My wife and I are great at this drinking part, need to work on the aging/storing part

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Hi Wes.
Age old question right there. Could depends on Tannins, acid level, alohol levels, vine age etc.. if you really want to figure things out buy like 6 bottles drink one now, another one 6 months later and then 6 another months another one. Research drink have fun. Trace can chime in.

2012, 2013, 2014 are magical years for Napa Area. Mostly if you buy off the supermarket shelves you can drink those now. Some of ultra boutique vineyards actually limit bottles you can buy and go to Auction as soon as they're bottled.

Anyways, good luck and read a lot. There's a ton try. Mostly I purchase ready to drink. On exception if it's a good year in Napa I buy, like the the 3 years above I buy and hold, try 1 in a few months then try in a few months. Mostly decant high end wines that young.

Here's what I'm having in less than an hour. Blackened Salmon and pasta tonight

Thanks Mark, will definitely try this out

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by RHIII

Wes- welcome!!! I'm sure you will have a lot of fun with this!!! And what a GREAT question to ask!! Many people starting to get into wine simply age it on the car ride home!!! Lol.

I will echo what Mark has said already - and I think a 'taste test' now and then 6 mos and 6 more will definitely give you insight into that maturation and or fluctuation in flavor and structure of a wine. That's a really good idea!!

When it comes to determining which wines to cellar-- how long to cellar -- when to drink--- there are MANY schools of thought -- but in my opinion it really comes down to one thing -- personal preference -- and really how do you 'like' to drink your wine.

Now -- A LOT of the 'cellar-ability' of wines couple a lot with the pedigree of the overall vintner and the quality of the fruit / location form where the fruit is harvested and very important -- the farming process.

I'd recommend picking some wines out tasting them -- and then doing some research -- read some reviews by some critics - like Robert Parker, Antonio Galloni, James Suckling, Wine spectator -- looks at the differences and start to correlate who's reviews suit your tastes -- this will help take a lot of guess work out of picking new wines to try and help you out down the road as well.

I could go on and on. Lol. Hope this helps -- as a start!

Cheers!!




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Thanks for sharing, Roger

[mjclark32]

Ended up letting the 06 breath for 3+ hours. Still had some oakiness, but nothing overwhelming. It was excellent. We had the prisoner afterwards, which we usually love, and it just didn't compare. All in all a great wine, dinner, and experience. The Mrs and I spoke about going to buy a couple cases and "try" and forget about them for 5 or so years.
(Forgot to take pictures of all the courses )

[RHIII]

Pulled this little gem from the cellar -- a great vintage of a great wine - Andrew Geoffrey '07 cab.

On the nose you'll get strawberry jam a slight hint of plum -- on the palate (after some time in the decanter)a very well balanced hint of earthiness, some strawberry with slight hints of cocoa...if you haven't tried any of these wines - I definitely recommend.

Cheers!!!




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[BNA/LION]

Thanks TRACE!

Decanted and served with a big pork chop as suggested... WOW! This is a bold and wonderful Pinot Noir!

Highly Recommend Everyone try it...

Can't wait to visit the vineyard next week!

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by BNALION

Thanks TRACE!



Decanted and served with a big pork chop as suggested... WOW! This is a bold and wonderful Pinot Noir!



Highly Recommend Everyone try it...



Can't wait to visit the vineyard next week!

That's what I'm talking about right there!!!!




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[RHIII]

Not the best Bordeaux vintage -- but still a great one!!!




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[Runnin' Rebel]

Off to dinner with Rebel Daughter, she picked this




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[RHIII]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Off to dinner with Rebel Daughter, she picked this




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One of my Go-To vintages! Enjoy!!!


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[Runnin' Rebel]

lol Roger add this too. She's on a roll. Great night for a tasting of a great vintage...



One of my favorite vintages as well, 1997 and 2007
Cheers


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[RHIII]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

lol Roger add this too. She's on a roll. Great night for a tasting of a great vintage...



One of my favorite vintages as well, 1997 and 2007
Cheers


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Bonus right there my friend!!!!

I've got the IX Estate -- but not the Cariad -- you'll have to let me know how that is -- and uh YEAH!!! definitely on a roll!!

She knows what's she's doing!!! Enjoy my friend!!!


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[G8RDPM]

Mark and Roger,
I need to learn more from both of you!
You guys keep enjoying on a different level!
Amazing stuff from both!

[Runnin' Rebel]

After finishing the Hewitt, which, not surprising was good stuff, she was tired from traveling today and full from dinner. So we'll save the Colgin for another time. As always it's nice just to sit down with her and talk life and what's the next chapter after graduation.
Maybe later this week we try again I plan on having her try a 1997 Napa cab before she leaves

[fusionstorm]

I've been seriously brainwashed by a cult in Napa. Help!!! 😛

[teqp]

Originally Posted by fusionstorm

I've been seriously brainwashed by a cult in Napa. Help!!! 😛

Lol, that is a nice set of bottles you have there. Enjoy!

[fusionstorm]

Originally Posted by teqp

Lol, that is a nice set of bottles you have there. Enjoy!

Thanks! These are gonna sleep for awhile in the cellar. Doubt I'll open any before 2020.

And if anyone is interested in a Classic 6-pack, I'm happy to share with the forum at my allocation cost.

[wantonebad]

It is definitely allocation time!!

[texex91]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

It is definitely allocation time!!

Primo

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

After finishing the Hewitt, which, not surprising was good stuff, she was tired from traveling today and full from dinner. So we'll save the Colgin for another time. As always it's nice just to sit down with her and talk life and what's the next chapter after graduation.

Maybe later this week we try again I plan on having her try a 1997 Napa cab before she leaves

Sounds like a good plan right there my friend!!!

So -- if history stands firm -- we all better have futures secured for '17s -- '87, '97, and '07 were some of Napas greatest vintages....

Cheers!!


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[RHIII]

Going to do a little side by side format tasting for some friends...first in the lineup...




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[RHIII]

The selection last night when the wife and I arrived in NYC.

Spectacular. Always one of my favorites.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my TRF wine enthusiasts!!! Hope that all of you have a great day!!




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[limenko]

A fresh delivery for a get together tomorrow. MDT is one of my favourite wines, pity it is so hard to get.

[G8RDPM]

Happy Thanksgiving all!
Mark,Marc,Roger,Trace,G, and others,great stuff!

So had Thanksgiving with my mother and her hubby and my family.
So mom always says,don't talk to strangers.
Very hard to describe TRF to others!

Thanksgiving is in my opinion(I live in the USA) my favorite holiday.

Long discussion about a perfect wine pairing tonight!Wifey makes the best Turkey,stuffing,etc!

Amazing day!

Huge thank you to a complete stranger,virtual family member,close friend,King Lord Trace!His family makes amazing Pinot.
He has expanded my Pinot horizons.

Great stuff!

[GerardoG]

Mark: I can store the Colgin for you!!!!!

[Runnin' Rebel]

Here's a partial Thanksgiving Vino