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Originally posted by Sushipunk Really? Sparkling wine/champagne completely destroys my head the next day.

I have a policy against drinking too much champagne for that reason as I know the reputation. If I am going for quantity it's either beer or vodka.

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Originally posted by DJ RANN Doesn't help that I moved to California, and we have such incredible wines, and wine culture, not to mention 500 great wineries in Napa are just a 45min plane ride away

TRUTH. So many vineyards and distilleries up and down this state it's crazy. I don't have too big of a budget right now but I try to get 8-12 dollar bottles when I can. Been trying out red blends lately and gotten to love Apothic Red and Gnarlyhead Authentic Red. Just recently tried Menage de Trois Silk, it is superior to their regular red blend in practically every way. Wanna try their Midnight label next.

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Originally posted by Zharen ... Just recently tried Menage de Trois Silk, it is superior to their regular red blend in practically every way. ...

Not that that is in any way difficult.

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Quarantine Classics Brunello di Montalcino (In Transit) Edition [Progressive Classics] (August 2020)
Quarantine Classics - Puligny-Montrachet Edition [Progressive Classics] (April 2020)
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Originally posted by Zharen TRUTH. So many vineyards and distilleries up and down this state it's crazy. I don't have too big of a budget right now but I try to get 8-12 dollar bottles when I can. Been trying out red blends lately and gotten to love Apothic Red and Gnarlyhead Authentic Red. Just recently tried Menage de Trois Silk, it is superior to their regular red blend in practically every way. Wanna try their Midnight label next.

Trudat. From Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and San Luis Obispo all the way up to veryNorthern Cal, we're so spoiled with incredible wine, distilleries and boutique beers.

Must admit, I'm not a huge fan of blends as they can vary so much and often it's because they couldn't make a good enough vintage purely from the single grape itself or they're buying unused grape stock from other vinyards.

Sometimes they can be good though, especially when a vinyard/vintner knows what goes together. If you're looking at that range, try the Hess Selects and if you go to Trader joes, the Medoc (gold label) they have is superb for $11, as are some of their Bordeaux's around that price (if you like heavy reds). Also good that price is the Joel Gott Cellars reds and Liberte Paso Robles.

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Originally posted by DJ RANN Trudat. From Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and San Luis Obispo all the way up to veryNorthern Cal, we're so spoiled with incredible wine, distilleries and boutique beers. Must admit, I'm not a huge fan of blends as they can vary so much and often it's because they couldn't make a good enough vintage purely from the single grape itself or they're buying unused grape stock from other vinyards. Sometimes they can be good though, especially when a vinyard/vintner knows what goes together. If you're looking at that range, try the Hess Selects and if you go to Trader joes, the Medoc (gold label) they have is superb for $11, as are some of their Bordeaux's around that price (if you like heavy reds). Also good that price is the Joel Gott Cellars reds and Liberte Paso Robles.

The region north of LA all the way up to Napa is surely much bigger in scale, but I have to say, there are quite a bit of vineyards all the way down here in San Diego county. In fact, I read about an emerging wine region down in Baja California. Of course, SD is one of the biggest craft beer capitals too.

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Originally posted by DJ RANN If you're looking at that range, try the Hess Selects and if you go to Trader joes, the Medoc (gold label) they have is superb for $11, as are some of their Bordeaux's around that price (if you like heavy reds). Also good that price is the Joel Gott Cellars reds and Liberte Paso Robles.

I've only ever had a Bordeaux once and I did find it to be a little too heavy and dry, but I'm not going to judge all Bordeaux's based on one little variety I had. I'll see if my local TJ's carries that and give it a go. I go there every now and then to get their orange chicken from the freezer. Great stuff.

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Originally posted by Trancelover03591 The region north of LA all the way up to Napa is surely much bigger in scale, but I have to say, there are quite a bit of vineyards all the way down here in San Diego county. In fact, I read about an emerging wine region down in Baja California. Of course, SD is one of the biggest craft beer capitals too.

Very true, but the further south you go, ther emore limited you are because of the climate; it's why washington state is having such a win explosion - it's on the same latitude as southern france. San Diego is much further south so it won't be good for certain wines that need a lot of water or colder climates (such as certain whites or lighter reds). Having said that, they're able to graft any grape on to just about any root stock now so there's going to be more options for different climates and I think some really great wines will come out of socal soon.

The craft beer thing down south is booming, not to mention some really great expertise in craft. One of my business interests has to do with packaging and many of the glass decorators who use to do personal care products, have all switched over to the beer industry because there's so many successful small brands popping up.

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Originally posted by Zharen I've only ever had a Bordeaux once and I did find it to be a little too heavy and dry, but I'm not going to judge all Bordeaux's based on one little variety I had. I'll see if my local TJ's carries that and give it a go. I go there every now and then to get their orange chicken from the freezer. Great stuff.

Bordeaux is probably my favourite wine but they are on the heavier side. If you're at TJ's look for Chateau Haute Sorillon and Chateau Poyanne. Good wine and honestly can't believe how they're putting them out for under $10. They beat out other wines $10 or $20 more expensive. Also look out for the Spiral Pinot Noir or the Cab at TJ's. It's a little more ($15?) but I was at a great restaurant the other night and realized they had it on the menu for the $65 and the server said it was probably one of the most popular they sell.

And not to sound too wanky, but let the reds breathe before drinking. Even just opening the bottle or better still, pouring the glass, 30mins before will make a difference. the crude rule of thumb is is that 1 hour = 1 year of ageing. This is especially true of Cabernets.

The Rose is good but whites really aren't great at TJ's though. I've yet to try anything (and believe me I've tried) that was decent (unless you actually like really floral Pinot Grigio or over oaked Chardonnay).

French reds definitely need to breathe. They often taste better the next day. Not really into French wines though.

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> DI.FM 26th Anniversary Guest Mix [Progressive House]
> Live @ Dance:Love:Hub London, 11.10.2025
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I'm ungiving up beer tonight. Guinness cheers!

I've never enjoyed Guinness. It's nasty, IMO.

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Can't drink em all night but there's definitely a time and place for a cold frothy Guinness.

Mmmmmmmmm