Azat Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 I am sure we have talked about wine in many topics but I wanted to open up a topic specifically dedicated to wine. Please list wines that you like, their price points and some of the characteristics. I will start. The main reason why I though of starting this topic is because I had just one amazing bottle of sine recently. Top 3-5 in my list of wines ever. 1995 Chateau Musar, Lebanon - (http://www.chateaumusar.com.lb/) it is not a cheap wine by any means but a similar bottle of California or French wine would be well over $100 a bottle. Flavors of raisins and cloves and even Olive can be tasted in this wine. There are alot of tannins in the wine as well so you can keep it for 10 years without any problems. I will write more later about some of my favorite bottles like Stag's Leap Fay, Rudd, Coppolla, Gryphon, Ridge, White Hall Lave and more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamavor Posted November 27, 2005 Report Share Posted November 27, 2005 No matter how many topics we had for WINE it is never enough! Where should we start from? In vino veritas is the end or the begining? How about mixing water with wine? I don't! Or maybe we should start with Kovenk unger ouragh sazov Hayasdani garmir kinin Khemenk unger voske tasov Hayasdani garmir kinin Aghpuri bes varar lini Hayasdani garmir kinin Ov vor khumi anoush lini Hayasdani garmir kinin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takoush Posted November 27, 2005 Report Share Posted November 27, 2005 The one I like is Benziger Reserve; it's about $30 - $35.00; but I like it a lot. Another one is J. Lohr, Seven Oaks also Reserve, I believe it's about approx. $25-$30. They are both good wines. The Benziger is the one I like much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takoush Posted November 27, 2005 Report Share Posted November 27, 2005 You know guys; Gamavor you singing that song made me think, hmmmmmm....... You know what I think? I think HyeForum should organize such a trip for all of us; I mean the active ones mostly to go to Armenia together. I really think it would be fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How about it guys and gals let's organize it and let's go and 'khemenk Hayasdani garmir kinin' ou yerkenk miasin at the Sevana Lidge. What do you guys say?????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted November 27, 2005 Report Share Posted November 27, 2005 I'd LOVE to go to Armenia! And I love wine too! Mind you the Canadian price points are hardly comparable. A 35$ bottle there routinely sells for about 80$ here. But we do have a better selection of French & Italian wines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ED Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 Laitly I have been enjoing white wine more, i used to drink lots of shiraz, but now we (me and my wife) drink at list bottle of savinion blank from New Zealand, its maybe we are eating more fish?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takoush Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 I'd LOVE to go to Armenia! And I love wine too! Mind you the Canadian price points are hardly comparable. A 35$ bottle there routinely sells for about 80$ here. But we do have a better selection of French & Italian wines. Vava: Maybe we should send you some wine bottles from the States here. It is much cheaper here than in there. Next time my brother goes to Canada, as he goes once in a while, then I'll give him a few bottles to give it to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 Vava: Maybe we should send you some wine bottles from the States here. It is much cheaper here than in there. Next time my brother goes to Canada, as he goes once in a while, then I'll give him a few bottles to give it to you. They have import duties! If you ship the wine over, you still have to pay the taxes so it works out just as expensive - so they getcha either way. You are allowed to bring one or maybe two 750ml bottles with you wover the border duty free. That's it. Thanks for your offer, BTW! I bet your brother is a very nice person. (You too of course) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takoush Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 Yes, Vava he's exceptionally nice person. And thanx for your kind remark. Gracias segnore. But I really meant it. When my brother goes to Montreal, as he does every now and then, then you'll give me your address and I'll send the bottles with him. I know what you mean though about the Canadian border and their duty free getting you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 Laitly I have been enjoing white wine more, i used to drink lots of shiraz, but now we (me and my wife) drink at list bottle of savinion blank from New Zealand, its maybe we are eating more fish?! I like white wine too - although I do happen to drink more reds. Some of my favourite low-priced whites come from the Alsace region of France. Gerwurtzraminer, Pinot Gris (or Tokay Gris) and Sauvignon Blanc being my preferred varietals. The Pfaffenheim and Leon Beyer & Hugel estates' Gerwurztraminers are usually pretty easy to find, and pretty cheap - yet surprising fruity and flavourful - typically this variety has a strong nose, pungent with lychee, apple & rose. If you like late-harvest dessert wines, try the Gerwurztraminer Vendanges Tardives by Jean-Baptiste Adams. Paul Blank also makes an excellent late harvest Gerwurztraminer. Those are harder to come by around these parts. According to Parker, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is likely considered as the benchmark against which to one should measure Alsatian Gewurztraminers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 Yes, Vava he's exceptionally nice person. And thanx for your kind remark. Gracias segnore. But I really meant it. When my brother goes to Montreal, as he does every now and then, then you'll give me your address and I'll send the bottles with him. I know what you mean though about the Canadian border and their duty free getting you. Next time he's on his way, send me little PM - although I really don't wish to impose. It's avery kind offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takoush Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 Pas de probleme. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eloren Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 (edited) ohh wine!~ I lived 7 years in France and I really enjoyed all the wines from the most expensive to the cheapest "vin de table".. Let's not forget the "Beaujolais Nouveau" that we celebrate every year in October... Personally I prefer white wine, especially the "moelleux" (sweet white wine) type. When i go home i'll post the name of the bottle i enjoyed a lot last month. Also had the chance to taste the world's most expensive wine: Eiswein (Ice Wine) @Vava, You wish to go to Armenia? Care to join us this summer for a trip? I'm going there with my brother and 3 other friends (2 french, one armenian).. Au programme: Visiting the most known places of course, but also trekking, canyoning, camping, climbing etc... Enjoying Armenia's beauty. Everyone is invited, the more we are, the more fun we'll have Edited November 28, 2005 by Eloren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamavor Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 Also had the chance to taste the world's most expensive wine: Eiswein (Ice Wine) Azat tried to bribe me once with Eiswein! What month you are planning to go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 I love Icewine - (eiswine), we produce some fabulous icewines here in Canada. But I would contend that there are other more expensive wines available - a prime Chateau d'Yquem (1er cru classé) for example of the right vintage should regularly beat any most icewines. I've heard (although i'm not sure) that a single bottle of Yquem has fetched over 50,000$ at Christie's. And the Beaujolais nouveaux usually go on the market here in November - as a matter of fact I purchased a bottle a couple of weeks ago. Nice piece of marketing that the wine's not great - but it's nice to have an occasion to celebrate! As for a trip to Armenia - I would absolutely LOVE to - especially if it involves plenty of hiking/camping. I went backcountry for 9 days this past summer, and it's truly exhilirating. (Having to hoist your food bag 20 ft in air to avoid the bears is a bit of a pain, but hey, it's wild right?) Anyway, I'm a little further away from Armenia than the UAE. If I have time off this summer I will certainly consider it. As it looks now, I will probably spend most of the upcoming summer working Yes, the bills need to be paid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamavor Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 And the Beaujolais nouveaux usually go on the market here in November - as a matter of fact I purchased a bottle a couple of weeks ago. Some habits die hard! I think same is here. Beaujolais nouveaux season is November. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azat Posted November 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 Beaujolais is released on the third Thursday of November(always). There is a great restaurant in LA called Cafe Beaujolais what throws a grand dinner that whole weekend and if you are a true aficionado of Beaujolais they will close for business at 10:30 PM on that Thursday and reopen for a late supper at 11:30PM again serving the best Beaujolais in town. It is suppose to be great fun even though I have not been able to attend it. Cafe Beaujolais - http://losangeles.citysearch.com/review/70967 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azat Posted November 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 I too enjoy IceWine. for me the best come from Canada and I love the brand Inniskillin, but they are pricey. But overall I am not a HUGE fan of most after dinner drinks, (And I am going to get banned for the next statement) including cognac. I just cant seem to enjoy it anymore. Back to good wines Ben Marco Malbec - this is a super duper wine in the 15 dollar range. You cant go wrong with this choice. Has deep flavors and wonderful aftertastes. Great with meat probably. I enjoy it with the bold tasting fish like Salmon and Swordfish http://www.vineconnections.com/reviews/benmarco_malbec.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azat Posted November 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 3 more that I will write about later Neyers Chardonnay Rombauer Chardonnay Qupe Petit Sirah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anileve Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 I too enjoy IceWine. for me the best come from Canada and I love the brand Inniskillin, but they are pricey. But overall I am not a HUGE fan of most after dinner drinks, (And I am going to get banned for the next statement) including cognac. I just cant seem to enjoy it anymore. Back to good wines Ben Marco Malbec - this is a super duper wine in the 15 dollar range. You cant go wrong with this choice. Has deep flavors and wonderful aftertastes. Great with meat probably. I enjoy it with the bold tasting fish like Salmon and Swordfish http://www.vineconnections.com/reviews/benmarco_malbec.html I really dislike IceWine, sorry vava. It's so syrupy sweet. The other day I tried Medium dry sherry and realized that I don't quite like it either. I can't imagine drinking it with any kind of food except for the tasteless brie cheese. It's also ultra sweet. I did try cooking mushrooms in sherry and it turned out not so bad. Port is in the same category, I just can't develop any appreciation for it. Beaujolais, on the other hand, is absolutely delightful with turkey. I prefer Georges Duboeuf's Beajolais, simple but lovely. Recently I've become more attracted to the process of pairing wine with cheese and to French food in general. I was never a huge fan of French cuisine, but lately I had some wonderful dishes at a few nice French restaurants. My recent love is the carrot puree and La Vache de Chalais. Love the chestnut leaf around the soft cow cheese, it doesn't have a very pungent flavor and is rather mild, but it's delicious with some crusty bread and good red wine. I've realized that French cuisine is to be consumed in small portions to really appreciate the complexity of flavors of every dish. French food is like the highest art form of food for me. Have you guys had any interesting wine and cheese combinations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eloren Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 @Gamavor / vava: I am planning to go second half of June most probably. Everyone is welcome Actually, I am not only going for a visit this time, I'd like to find some good spots and meet some people as I intend to go back beginning of Fall to settle down over there. About the Beaujolais, sorry i got mixed up, Yeah the Beaujolais nouveau is usually in November (stupid dates). And yes the Beaujolais is a "low brand" in France, a purely commercial wine sold mostly outside of France. Every year it has a slightly different taste of fruit but it is certainly not among the best wines. At least it's very cheap @Anileve: I am french, so of course I am into french food You are right when you say French cuisine is a form of Art. There are so many dishes with names so long it opens your appetite while reading it. And most french always have a bottle of wine during their meals (no no not breakfast). French cheese, i suppose you know, is considered as dessert in France. They eat it after lunch and before fruits Having a "plateau" of cheese with a good bottle of wine that goes with it is simply marvelous! Well also the best thing is to have a good "Vin blanc moelleux" (sweet white wine) with some goood Foie gras as an apetizer. Ok now thank you guys.. I am at work and i am hungry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eloren Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 Anileve, you wanted some good combinations? Actually it depends on what kind of cheese you serve, there are so many types.. If you choose "hard" cheese (Cheddar, Gouda, Provolone...), a good strong red wine would be perfect, like a good Bordeaux, a Medoc, Xeres or Porto.. A cheese like Parmesan would go nice with a dry white wine from Alsace. If it's a "soft" (sorry don't know how to say it in english..) cheese like gruyere, Cantonnier etc.. you should more probably choose a light dry white wine or a light little "rosee" or any wine not too strong like Beaujolais, Sauvignon, Chablis... If it's a little creamy cheese like Brie, or Camembert.. The best is a "fruity" wine like a Bordeaux, a Chateauneuf. The more the cheese tastes "strong", the stronger the wine should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted November 30, 2005 Report Share Posted November 30, 2005 I really dislike IceWine, sorry vava. It's so syrupy sweet. That's the point - Syrupy sweet - coats your mouth with lucious golden smooothness... mmmmm.... The other day I tried Medium dry sherry and realized that I don't quite like it either. I can't imagine drinking it with any kind of food except for the tasteless brie cheese. It's also ultra sweet. I did try cooking mushrooms in sherry and it turned out not so bad. Port is in the same category, I just can't develop any appreciation for it. I don't have much of a taste for sherry - but good porto is amazing. The idea isn't necessarily food/wine combinations here, but more complimentary tastes & palette. I wouldn't drink port with a meal - but a nice Colheita with a couple of chocolate truffles is fine. You can also take a younger LBV and pair that with a good strong stilton or rochefort. Small quantities - loads of flavour. I'm sure you'll love it. I've realized that French cuisine is to be consumed in small portions to really appreciate the complexity of flavors of every dish. French food is like the highest art form of food for me. Exactly! Although fine foods of menu other cultures can also be quite exotic & artistic (take fine sushi for example) French cuisine has a certain status. I love it - and I love the French culinary influence of the cuisine here in Montreal. Although Sip won't approve of the portion size Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted November 30, 2005 Report Share Posted November 30, 2005 Well also the best thing is to have a good "Vin blanc moelleux" (sweet white wine) with some goood Foie gras as an apetizer. That's similar to what I had in mind when I was referring to the late harvest (vendanges tardives) wines from Alsace. Of course, if I had an unlimited budget, I'd go for the Sauternes.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anonymouse Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Last night I had some Robert Mondavi Cabarnet Sauvignon. I tells ya, it don't get much better than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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