Calling on wine connoisseurs

Colombiche says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:08:

Serious answer please, I don't wanna show up with banana or cooking wine :P

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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msaucey says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:08:

So, suggesting a bottle of 2 buck Chuck is out of the question....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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msaucey says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:10:

What type of budget are you looking at Colombiche..... I mean we can probably give you some high end stuff, but I'm sure you don't want to go to extreme....

Merlot is always a great choice.... But, based on your budget will depend which winery...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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Colombiche says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:11:

Two buck chuck? You wanna get me demoted? LOL.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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Colombiche says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:11:

When it comes to lamboneria, I'll splurge... the way I see it's an investment lol.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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msaucey says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:16:

Actually, a bottle of 2 buck chuck tastes pretty good... It's really called Charles Shaw, but because they made so much of it, they only sell for about $2 bucks at Trader Joe's... So, that's why it's called $2 buck chuck....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Shaw_wine

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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msaucey says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:20:

Actually a nice bottle of Pepper Bridge, there merlot has a nice rich blend...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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Colombiche says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:22:

I wonder if 2 buck chuck can be found up here....

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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msaucey says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:29:

Are you in Vancouver or Toronto.. I can't keep track of where all you Canadians are..... All 3 of you.... If Vancouver, head down to Washington State.... you know, a nice little road trip the weekend before X-Mas, I'm sure you wont have any traffic....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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Colombiche says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:31:

Boronto...

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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msaucey says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:34:

Well, back to my suggestion of Pepper Bridge...

Heck, I'm sure most wine in Canada is probably imported and expensive....

Another great feature of California.... Napa produces great wine....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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Colombiche says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:36:

Nah, Ontario produces some pretty good wine too, here in the Niagara region. Canada exports wine.... Did you ever try ice wine?

http://winesofontario.org/

I want to give them something a bit more exotic though lol.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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Colombiche says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:39:

I'll check out Pepper Bridge... thxs Msaucey feel free to keep the suggestions coming, I still have a day to think about this jajaja.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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msaucey says on Dec 19, 2007, 20:51:

I've tried like one version of Ice Wine.... I've only seen it at Beverages and More.... It was delicious....

My only other suggestion would be Dry Creek, they carry some nice wines... Preferrably a Souvignon Blanc...

There's also, Sterling...

Unfortunately, I don't drink as much wine as would love too, my sinuses apparently can't handle the fermentation or something.. Same issue with some beers...

So, I can only stick to aguardiente, tequila and good old Jack and coke!... lol...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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scotty says on Dec 19, 2007, 21:31:

Thunderbird

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 19, 2007, 22:52:

If you are really looking to impress, and the people who are sharing the wine know their way around a vineyard, try to obtain a bottle of Opus 1. It is in the $200, to tens of thousands range per bottle. But it is known as the best money can buy .... and is American too. The people you are buying it for have to be connoisseurs, or it will be for naught.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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adrimm says on Dec 20, 2007, 01:05:

I need to learn more about wine...I know what I like, but not really why I like or how to describe it properly.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Dec 20, 2007, 01:23:

depends, does he prefers Red? white ? sweet white medium or Dry

My Favourites at the moments are Chilean wines
with a good CARMEN red or white you can't go wrong with that

SANCERRE is another name you can't go wrong, and another one WHICH IS MY FAVOURITE WINE of all wines but it's a bit pricey is "Puligny-Montrachet" consider to be the greatest white wine in the world and I totally agree :)) bottles can go from £24 to 150 or more depends, the year.

CHABLIS: true Chablis wine is a Chardonnay which MUST come from Chablis, France. not CALIFORNIA

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dwmte7 says on Dec 20, 2007, 04:55:

just get em a couple bottles of T.J. SWAN...that'll show them how you feel...

dwmte

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dwmte7 says on Dec 20, 2007, 04:58:

actually, a bottle of B.V. (bolleau vineyards) (sp) merlot is excellent. vintage 70's-80's is even better.

dwmte

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podborski says on Dec 20, 2007, 05:19:

try looking at the Top 100 in Wine Spectator cb:

You could go for one of the good `QPR`s (quality to price ratio) and save money and show off how smart you are too!

http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Top100/2007

The Ridge chardonnay looks great at 95 pts and only $35, if you can find it...it probably sold out after this list came out. A lot of people don't like chardonnay though, so a Chateauneuf du pape is a safer bet.

Mollydooker has a real cult following, as does the Kosta Browne Pinot Noir (wow, 97 pts).

Unfortunately, I have only tried the 2 argentine wines on the list, both pretty good but nothing spectacular.

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morphus says on Dec 20, 2007, 06:18:

Pinot Grigio is suppose to be good. I hate all wine though.

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dwmte7 says on Dec 20, 2007, 08:58:

i'm with you, morphus....wine and me just don't mix. when my business partner attended the rare carpet side of our business he stayed in london--for years--as that's the center for same. once he paid $4,500.00 for a bottle of '46 rothchild and sat down with a lb can of iranian caviar with a friend and drank that money. can you believe it? to me, brown bag or rothchild, it's all the same. acidy wine. i've drank many times with him as we had a partnership for 28 years and drank, did lines, played on countless occassions. but give me liquor if i'm gonna drink...don't wanna fuck around with wine. my family--farmers--owned property up in santa rosa, californias wine country, and even with that proximity, i never developed a taste. i always thought all the hoop-la was just eleitest bullshit.

dwmte

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Lucas Freley says on Dec 20, 2007, 09:29:

Bueno mirá Melisa, si estuvieras en Buenos Aires o en cualquier ciudad de Argentina, y queres quedar bien, entonces tenes que regalar un NAVARRO CORREAS, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colección Privada, Origen Mendoza, quedas como una Duquesa, claro es caro, pero lo vale. Viene en una muy linda caja cilindrica con ilustraciones de los Maestros Antonio Berni, Nicolas Garcia Uriburu, Carlos Alonso, etc.

En la linea Cabernet Sauvignon, personalmente me gusta mas el Fond de Cave, tambien de Mendoza (Bodegas Trapiche). Es muy fino y elegante. Pero es un gusto personal. Te lo recomiendo para tu propia bodega. ;)

Y como tengo una amiga sanjuanina no puedo no recomendarte el Cabernet Sauvignon Colon (si no me mata !!!!!). El paladar es como si tomara vida luego de dar un sorbo...jaja.

Pero contestando tu pregunta, un Navarro Correas, Colección Privada...y te aseguro que te lo van a agradecer ;)

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Dec 20, 2007, 09:45:

I agree with Lucas Argentina has good wines, just like Chile they are getting on top like the French and Australians.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Dec 20, 2007, 09:50:

I love wine, is the only thing I drink, and got to know so many types of wines from really expensive to cheapy ones, I am not keen on reds but have tried some good reds, I like Merlot more than shiraz, but I am mad about whites and very fuzzy, that why I recommended that Puligny-Montrachet" or Meursault 1er Cru they are kind from the same area of France they are in my opinion some of the best whites

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Lucas Freley says on Dec 20, 2007, 10:30:

Thanks Katt, I think this area from Mendoza, San Juan (Argentina) and Santiago (Chile) has a perfect and own microclimate to the Viñedos (Vid, Uva). I like in the same kind of level the chilean and cuyano (the area were is located Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja) wine. I agree with you Kat1, that French is the best wine.

I enjoy so much the wine that the priests uses in the Mass...is very sweet. I can't remember the name of the wine in this moment...something like mistino or similar. Anyway...

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

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slguy says on Dec 20, 2007, 12:12:

want me to sort thru my collection of metal bottle caps for my choicest, colombiche? ;)

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Colombiche says on Dec 20, 2007, 13:21:

ok go for it :)

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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El Polo says on Dec 20, 2007, 13:51:

get them some cisco "wine cooler" my favorite was peach but they discontinued it.

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Portena says on Dec 20, 2007, 20:10:

Maybe Pod or Lucas could help me with this wine question - I was served a wonderful Argentine Chardonnay at a social gathering, and the only info I could get about it was that it was called Trapiche. I've been trying to track it down since I really liked it. Seems there are several Trapiche type Chardonnays. I bought one by Beroquel (spelling?) and it was terrible (considering the price and that I don't like oaky Chardonnay), definitely not the one I had before which was light, fruity, and not strongly oaky. Any ideas about which Trapiche this might be and where I could find it in the US??

Aspiring wine connoisseur.

BTW, Colombiche, Pod is pointing you in the right direction - check the wine spectator reviews.

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podborski says on Dec 20, 2007, 20:18:

Trapiche is the brand, they are a very big winemaker, so I'm not sure which one you might have had...sorry don't have much time to look into it just now. Maybe try the Trapiche website and see if you recognize the label?

was it this one?:

http://www.trapiche.com.ar/varietales.html

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Portena says on Dec 21, 2007, 06:40:

Thanks for the lead, Pod. : ) I never saw the label. I'll check out that link.

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Lucas Freley says on Dec 21, 2007, 11:08:

Yes Porteña, Trapiche is the Bodega (Wine Cellar) and also the brand, so they have a lot of varying of wines. Hope you can find the one you are looking for in the link that Pod post.

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

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Man Tequila says on Dec 21, 2007, 13:30:

I am not a wine connossieur, but a bottle of Ice Wine would be both Canadian and have fine snob appeal, which can´t be bad. If you want something decent, I like both Jackson Triggs and some of the Canadian Okanagan wineries around Kelowna.

If you want specifics, though, I´d consider these ones, with approximate price.

(Red) J-T OKANAGAN (B.C.) 2004 SunRock Shiraz $35
(White) ANGEL'S GATE WINERY (Ont.) 2006 Sussreserve Riesling $15
(Sparkly and stuff) SUMMERHILL PYRAMID (B.C.) Cipes Brut $25
(Dessert) INNISKILLIN OKANAGAN (B.C.) 2006 Riesling Icewine $60
(Fruity) DOMAINE PINNACLE (Quebec) 2005 Sparkling Ice Cider $30
(Good Value) POPLAR GROVE (B.C.) 2006 Monster Vineyards Gamay $20

I shoulda been a wine reviewer. But I couldn´t write crap like that without laughing.

¨This cheeky little Beaujolais has delicate hints of cardamon, apple and FrankenBerry. The 2004 special reserve tastes like the grapes were grown on the sunny side of the hill, adding notes of nutmeg and Fruco Salsa Negra with just a soupcon of persimmon and brazil nut.¨

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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msaucey says on Dec 21, 2007, 16:58:

MT, come on you would be a great wine reviewer....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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slguy says on Dec 21, 2007, 19:38:

I'm with you, MT. Those pretentious wine reviewers give me the hysterical giggles, too. Reckon anyone really believes those loads of crap they dispense?

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Portena says on Dec 21, 2007, 21:01:

But it's so poetic! : P

And, Man T would make an excellent wine reviewer!

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Dec 22, 2007, 07:22:

look Colobiche look no further best wines are Moscato pasito, or what about Cinzano he! or vino de misa it comes in a little box with Virgen Mary on the cover, it' very sweet mind, once in a party someone was brave enough of giving me a glass of that stuff, Thanks God there was plant near my chair :) Amen, Oh the one and only el Cariñoso con sus galletas Festival

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Portena says on Dec 22, 2007, 10:34:

Though some wine connoissuers and reviewers do seem pretentious, I find a zen element reflected in the reviews (i.e., a mindful focus on the moment and on one's senses and the nuances of the wine).

Very different from gulping a drink down to alter or escape reality.

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Man Tequila says on Dec 22, 2007, 11:59:

Too much tax in Canada for two buck chuck. What does a bottle of Mateus (suitable for your classy college candle decor) or a box of Baby Duck go for these days? Maybe you could convince the big wig a bottle of Thunderbird Reserve best represents your company?

Or buy a nice German wine, like a gewurtzgezundheit.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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podborski says on Dec 22, 2007, 15:18:

I have been spending the last few hours reading the just released, first ever, Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) report on Argentine wines. Here is the review of one wine which I was smart or lucky enough to have bought a case of:

2004 Achaval-Ferrer Malbec Finca Bella Vista
Rating: 97 points

¨The glories of Achaval-Ferrer are the limited production single-vineyard Malbecs.

The 2004 Finca Bella Vista (a mere 65 cases produced) was sourced from a vineyard planted in 1910.

Purple/black in colour, the wine's aromatics are darker and more brooding. It delivers notes of toasty oak, scorched earth (!!!), espresso, black cherry, and blackberry (no sign of frankenberry). Although it weighs in at only 13.9% alcohol, the wine presents as thick and hugely extracted with layers flavor and enough ripe tannins to evolve for another 10 - 15 years. This beast of a Malbec has a finish lasting well over one minute and is an extraordinary effort. Although Achaval-Ferrer’s wines have virtually no track record, I am confident that they will evolve in the manner of a First Growth Bordeaux.¨

The reviewer (Jay Miller) said that if he was a young collector of wines, he would be stocking up on the top malbecs by producers such as Achaval-Ferrer, Vina Cobos and Catena Zapata. He thinks it is like buying the very best french wines before they became well known (and expensive).

If you are interested you should be able to read most of this (but not the specific reviews) at www.erobertparker.com. They also have a big article on California wines as well...

Now I think I'll go drink a bottle (but not of the really good stuff! although it is Christmas...)

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Portena says on Dec 22, 2007, 15:23:

You purchased just one case? Better hurry and see if you can get your hands on another! ; )

Great website, Pod. Thanks for the link!

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billyb says on Dec 22, 2007, 22:54:

Jajaja, I've never been able to detect 12 different tastes in a single bottle of wine either. I mean who the fuck can sense currants, boysenberries, cherries, leather, earth, barn elements (which means that it tastes a bit like horse shit, like if anybody normal knows what that tastes like) in a single bottle of wine, it either tatses good and you really can't define it except for basic elements, like fruity, dry, oakey, buttery, velvety, etc, or it tastes bad. And I tend to spend a not insignificant portion of my income on wine.

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podborski says on Dec 23, 2007, 05:22:

great minds think alike Portena, I finished typing that and ran off to my local wine store and bought another case, but only at a slight discount to retail : (

Still, I think having 2 cases out of 65 is not bad. Very few people here will want to pay the price for this wine ($150 USD/bottle), but for the average foreignor who likes wine, that is a steal (that's the in store or in restuarant price, not much difference). I imagine in a restaurant in the US you'd pay $300 to $450 USD for that bottle?

BTW, you might be able to find one, Achaval-Ferrer does export a lot to the US. Also look for Vina Cobos (the best IMHO) or Catena Zapata. Cobos is made by a guy called Paul Hobbs, who is well known and has a California vineyard that has his name on it I believe.

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podborski says on Dec 23, 2007, 05:28:

billyb, I'm with you. Much as I like wine, I can't distinguish the flavours. All I know is I like full bodied wines with a long finish, I don't know 'peppery' from 'scorched earth' from 'chocolate'.

For really good values, see if you can get either of these: Cocodrilo (the less expensive brand of vina cobos), or Altos las Hormigas Malbec. I had both of them last night, paid $15 USD in a restaurant per bottle. I think they'd sell for about that (maybe a bit less?) in the US. Fantastic value at that price I'd say. Both very different wines, some people might not like the Cocodrilo, but I thought it was amazing at that price.

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slguy says on Dec 23, 2007, 06:18:

Years ago, in my home town in NC, a friend worked for a beer distributor who was expanding into fine wines. They had a sales opening, and asked if I'd be interested in trying out the job. He reeled me in with promises of tastings every week, mostly of French wines (the ONLY thing about France that I can stomach, btw, and which they were importing by the container load), so I gave it a try. I had recently sold my interests in a surburban retail development, so the job was more an opportunity for me to learn something about wine, than a career choice.

Was a great job- especially since the company sold me cases of wine at half of retail - and all I had to do was sign a voucher, and they'd deduct the costs from my meager paycheck. All my friends became wine fiends. For a while, I was an extremely popular guy.

I finally left the job when, for third pay period in a row, I owed the company money on payday. ;) This would be in my fourth month of employment.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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podborski says on Dec 23, 2007, 06:31:

haha slguy, I can see how that would happen. I am becoming popular with some wine drinking friends here...I think I have to convert them into regular customers paying full retail though : )

Now how am I going to stop myself from opening all my good bottles when I think 'but it only cost me x dollars and it's worth twice that' ?

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slguy says on Dec 23, 2007, 06:59:

I have a couple of bottles put away that I REALLY want to open on occasion.

I try to think of them like a beautiful, sexy woman sitting on the sofa- who if you speak to her responds in voice similar to Archie Bunker's wife's voice. Better not to ruin the illusion, in other words...jajajajjajaa

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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houstongal says on Dec 23, 2007, 08:08:

Whoa! 97 points! That's pretty darn good Pod! Good job! And thanks for the tip on the California wines article. I still haven't planned that wine country vacation in April.....need to decide on Napa or Sonoma this week, book hotels, etc. Perhaps the article will sway my decision.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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Portena says on Dec 23, 2007, 12:08:

Pod, thanks for the wine tips. I'll see if I can find the wines you've listed as a good value.

HG, the wine country vacation sounds like a great getaway!

Next on my vacation wish list: I'm looking at an equestrian and wine country vacation in Mendosa. Lots of riding in the mountains and then visits to the wineries - after returning from the day's exploration - no drinking while riding : )

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slguy says on Dec 23, 2007, 12:46:

Portena, to paraphrase one of my heroes, Sir Francis Chichester - any damned fool can ride sober! It takes a good equestrian to ride drunk!

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Portena says on Dec 23, 2007, 12:53:

At 22,000 feet up in the mountains...not without a parachute strapped on my back!

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billyb says on Dec 23, 2007, 17:08:

"no drinking while riding : )'

As long as the horse ain't drinking, why not :)

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Portena says on Dec 23, 2007, 19:06:

A tipsy rider could throw the horse off balance - not good when negociating hairpin turns on cliffside trails.

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slguy says on Dec 23, 2007, 19:12:

oh come onnnn! where's your sense of adventure? ;) It strikes me that sailing from miami to cartagena might just be what the doctor ordered!
jajjajajja

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Dec 24, 2007, 04:48:

T o me is not drinking while sailing! Under the influence of the alcohol I will believe i am a mermaid!! and the worse is I can't swim...:(.

or that I am in the titanic and slguy is my Leonardo DiCaprio

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El Polo says on Dec 24, 2007, 06:53:

a Mermaid that can't swim LOL

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slguy says on Dec 24, 2007, 10:06:

Puligny-Montrachet was just added at the top of the ship's stores to be loaded aboard. 6-8 cases oughta about do it. but I can't draw worth a damn. maybe I'll find some lessons next week.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Dec 24, 2007, 11:21:

you know i put the above post in the wrong thread, it was supposed to be in the PBH at sea, you see just to talking about wine made me drunk huh!

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Portena says on Dec 26, 2007, 19:27:

Ok, Pod, I was able to purchase a 2006 Achaval-Ferrer Malbec (doesn't say Finca Bella Vista - does indicate it's from Vina Cobos) Rating: 91 points. Hopefully it will be pretty good even though it's not the 2004/97 point wine you've purchased. : )

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podborski says on Dec 27, 2007, 04:13:

let me know what you think of it portena! I bought a lot of that one to sell in my bar.

The Bella Vista is $120 USD a bottle, a single vineyard high end wine. The Malbec is their 'entry level' wine. It should be very good wine for the price. But I'd like to know your unbiased opinion.

Vina Cobos is a totally different bodega, also single vineyard and very expensive, it's stuff to buy and put away not to drink now (like the Bella Vista). These ones need 5 years minimum to be ready to drink (unless you have money to burn of course).

But Cobos makes an entry level wine called Cocodrilo that is one of the best wines for the price I have had. Try and find that one. And drink it right away! I'd be interested to see if you prefer the Cocodrilo or Achaval Ferrer at that level. I'd bet the Cocodrilo

I think you need to do an argentine wine tasting for New Years.

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podborski says on Dec 27, 2007, 04:21:

since we are talking about single vineyard and all that, I have been researching some other wines, and I bought some from a vineyard that goes beyond using just the grapes from the best vineyard (a la Achaval Ferrer, Cobos). The bodega is called Vina Alicia, and they actually have guys go around and pick only the best grapes (using 2kg pots instead of huge buckets) from the best vineyards.

Now this is extreme, but you know some people (like me) are going to want these wines. They sell for over $200 a bottle, and obviously are in very scarce supply. Not sure you could find them in the US but maybe from an online wine importer?

But here's something more reasonable that you really should try and get:

Trapiche is a huge bodega of course, and they make a whole range of wines, including some single Vineyard ones that sell for under $50 USD. Apparently they are fabulous, and parker raves about them for quality at that price. These you could probably find in a good store. they would be worth putting away as well. I'll get you the specific names when I have a minute. They have names like 'Pedro Gonzalez Vineyard', and there are about 4 different ones.

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podborski says on Dec 27, 2007, 08:36:

one more great value I just remembered: Clos de los Siete (Mendoza). It should be under $20. Fantastic wine for that price. You could store it a few years, but don't. Drink it right away.

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Portena says on Dec 27, 2007, 19:20:

Thank you very much for all the great wine tips, Pod! I'm definitely going to have a wine tasting for New Years. : )

With all the snow and ice here though I won't be grilling steaks any time soon. Are there some cheeses or other food you would recommend to go with the Malbec??

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podborski says on Dec 28, 2007, 04:38:

No hay de que Portena, as you can tell, I am quite interested in this stuff. I just came across this posting on the Parker website about the Malbec you bought. The guy writing is commenting to Santiago Achaval, the owner of A-F, about it:

"Whatever the heck you are doing, consider it genius! I consumed over the course of two days your recent 2006 regular Malbec and it's anything but a lower end wine...wine of that caliber should be selling for $35 instead of the measly $15.99 that I paid...it's a remarkable wine that should be purchased by the case(I just purchased another case tonight)...how you integrated the strength but held onto the beautiful fruit is beyond me(besides there are layers and layers within this inexpensive darling)...if you taste the great wine maker's Catena Malbec, side-by-side, you'll opt for Achaval's if you have any sense...I don't want to kiss your a$$ anymore than I already have...but I have to contain my enthusiasm because I've just discovered your posts...didn't even put 2 and 2 together--never knew that you were the winemaker/owner"

Sounds like you better go out and buy a case! Seriously though, try it first, it's not to everyone's taste.

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morphus says on Dec 28, 2007, 04:42:

Wine causes bad breath.

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houstongal says on Dec 28, 2007, 07:24:

Portena, there's no reason why you can't make a pan-fried steak instead. I've found pan frying can be just as good if not better than grilling. And you can make some great reduction sauces to add to the steak. I can post recipes if you're interested. We'll turn this into a food and wine post!

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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slguy says on Dec 28, 2007, 08:42:

My pitiful repetoire in the kitchen can ALWAYS use some help, HG! Fire away, please!

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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houstongal says on Dec 28, 2007, 10:22:

OK slguy....I once made this for guests, which was a hit and went quite nicely with a Bordeaux. You've got to start with a great quality meat and I prefer dried procini mushrooms for more flavor. According to the recipe, "this dish needs a hearty, spicy red to stand up to all of its flavors." Serve with mashed potatoes since the sauce is so good!

Pan-Seared Mustard Peppercorn Steak with Mushroom Sauce

1 oz. dried porcini or shiitake mushrooms (about 1 cup)
2 teaspoons multicolored peppercorns
2 teaspoons whole mustard seeds
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
4 boneless NY strip steaks (3/4 inch thick)
3 Tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1/4 cup red wine or mushroom soaking liquid
1 Tablespoon coarse-grain Dijon mustard

1. Place mushrooms in small bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand 20-30 minutes or until softened. Drain well, reserving 1/4 cup liquid (If using mushroom liquid in place of wine, reserve 1/2 cup liquid). If using shiitakes, remove and discard stems.

2. Place peppercorns in heavy-duty plastic bag; coarsely crush with flat side of meat mallet. Add mustard seeds; crush slightly. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Firmly press peppercorn mixture onto both sides of steaks.

3. In a large skillet (cast iron is best), heat 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat until melted. Add steaks; cook 5-7 minutes for medium-rare or until of desired doneness, turning once. Place steaks on serving platter; loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

4. In same skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add shallots; cook 1 minute. Add mushrooms; cook 1 minute. Add wine/mushroom soaking liquid, 1/4 cup reserved mushroom liquid, mustard and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 2-3 minutes or until liquid is slightly reduced, stirring often. Add any juices from steaks to skillet. If necessary, return steaks to skillet 1-2 minutes to reheat.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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houstongal says on Dec 28, 2007, 10:39:

Another recipe that I haven't tried yet, but sounds intriguing.

Strip Steaks with Bloody Mary Sauce

SAUCE
1/4 cup finely grated fresh horseradish root
1 cup tomato juice
2 tablespoons vodka
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot peper sauce
1/8 teaspoon sugar

STEAK
8 (8 oz) boneless strip steaks, 1 to 1-1/4 inch thick
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1. In medium saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients, whisking to dissolve cornstartch. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat, cover to keep warm.

2. Sprinkle steaks with 1/2 teaspoon celery salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add oil; swirl pan to coat bottom. Add steaks; cook 8-10 minutes for rare to medium-rare or until of desired doneness, turning once. Place steaks on serving platter. Cover loosely, let stand 5 minutes. Spoon sauce over steaks.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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Portena says on Dec 28, 2007, 20:22:

Thank you, HG, for the recipes! As it turns out my curiousity got the best of me and I had to go ahead and try the wine. I stopped at Whole Foods after work and got steak that was already cooked to pair with the Malbec.

Well, Pod, the Malbec is yummy (at 91 points). At 97 it must be heaven! I'm going to buy a few more bottles of the cheap stuff for grilling season.

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slguy says on Dec 28, 2007, 20:49:

Geez HG- I had a lapse, and thanked you in another thread.

Thanks again! jajajajjja

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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podborski says on Dec 29, 2007, 10:33:

hey HG if you want any of that Achaval-Ferrer Malbec you better hurry! I just read this post from a guy in Houston:

"After (Parker) gave the 2006 AF Malbec Mendoza 92 pts, it is "flying off the shelves" here in town --I'm told. I was able to grab a few bottles but it is pretty much sold out. Specs had it for 19 bucks."

If you can't get it, buy the Clos de Los Siete or Cocodrilo. I'd be interested to know if they are easy to find there?

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houstongal says on Dec 29, 2007, 11:57:

Just for that I need to go visit Specs this afternoon, although I know they'll be SWAMPED with customers stocking up for the New Year's. The big Spec's store is located downtown...just 10 minutes from my house! I'll report back on what I find.

By the way, the Saturday WSJ had a list of Francis Ford Coppola's favorite wines and he mentions 3 (out of 5) Argentinian ones - Malbec, Cabernet, and Torrontés (which is now my favorite white). He didn't mention that he's opening a hotel in BsAs but did mention that his next movie is being shot in Argy in March.

Malbec - "There are some fantastic Malbec wines in Argentina," Mr Coppola says, referring to the variety of red that has become Argentina's signature and that in the past had been blended with Bordeaux wines.

Cabernet - Argentina is becoming known for its Cabernet from vineyards such as Catena Zapata, a family-run business in the Mendoza region. "These are beautifully delicious, fruity and yet very pleasant, smooth wines," Mr. Coppola says.

Torrontés - "I'm a red-wine guy," Mr. Coppola says, "but they have an unusual white wine in Argentina, a Torrontés , that is really unique and delicious. They're technically dry wines; fruity but dry, a fruitiness interpreted as a slight sweetness."

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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podborski says on Dec 29, 2007, 15:47:

I'll have to lok for that article HG.

I walked by Coppola's place today, it turns out he bought a small hotel, but he's using it as his HQ, not as a hotel.

I also heard he's looking for vineyards to buy...

Speaking of wine, time to open a bottle!

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houstongal says on Dec 29, 2007, 16:24:

I picked up 3 bottles of the 2006 AF Malbec Mendoza ($20) and had one with dinner (spicy black bean and chorizo soup and spinach tamale). Very lovely wine, but paired even better with a slice of ham that I had. I may need to go back and get more. I also picked up 2 bottles of Cocodrilo for $17. Couldn't find the Clos de Los Siete.

It's not an article but an "interview" to get his favorites. You'll find it on pg. 2 of the Weekend section (Saturday edition). Maybe he's using it for his HQ for the movie?

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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scotty says on Dec 30, 2007, 03:24:

you know whats good is that wine you can buy in the big cardboard boxes.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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podborski says on Dec 30, 2007, 04:34:

I've also heard of something called "two buck chuck" that's pretty popular Scotty. What I like about the boxed stuff is you can have a glass at a time, it doesn't go bad as quickly as an open bottle.

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podborski says on Dec 30, 2007, 04:36:

Let me know what you think of the Cocodrilo HG. You better drink that on NY's eve huh?

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aztec says on Dec 31, 2007, 12:01:

Ty this one for yourself. I have wine in my closet that cost three times as much. This bottle is the one I like when not trying to impress.

Only recently discovered it. One of those new Chilean offerings at Costco.

For your information, I discovered Chile makes some excellent wines on one of my visits to Colombia.

On the subject of Trader Joe and two buck chuck my son gave me a mixed case for a Christmas party. Surprised me that all of it was consumed.

I was a little intimidated in actually offering it. I think it has become something for the avant-garde or perhaps an "anti" reaction against the snobbery that sometimes accompanies wine.

http://www.root1wine.com/

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scotty says on Jan 1, 2008, 06:37:

two buck chuck? ha! are you kidding , there is really a wine called two buck chuck? you are kidding right?

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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aztec says on Jan 1, 2008, 06:41:

Seriously!

See this. http://www.snopes.com/business/market/shawwine.asp

http://www.traderjoes.com/product_categories.html#Booze

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scotty says on Jan 1, 2008, 07:19:

learn something everyday

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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houstongal says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:56:

Root 1 huh? I need to check that out the next time I'm in Costco (which is every week!). How much for a bottle Aztec?

Pod - I haven't had the Cocodrilo yet. But I also picked up some El Felino, which I believe is from the same bodega. Got a cool cat on the label. It's a very nice Malbec, also $17.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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aztec says on Jan 3, 2008, 09:51:

As I recall, Root 1is less than $10.

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houstongal says on Feb 16, 2008, 16:29:

Update to Pod: Just drinking the Cocodrilo as my dinner is roasting. Very nice! Thanks for steering me to it!

Update to Aztec: I did see the Root1 at Costco and you're right, it was like $8 or something. I haven't picked up a bottle yet though. Will do the next time I'm there.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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podborski says on Feb 16, 2008, 18:32:

hey and I just had a bottle of altos las hormigas!

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