shaggy wine douche thread

[BillyMadison]

where in Sonoma are you and your lover staying?

a couple of blocks off the square, but we're there for long enough that we're going to try and hit as much of sonoma county as possible

[creasy]

BillyMadison, check your PMs.

[BillyMadison]

BillyMadison, check your PMs.

gracias creasy

[bularry]

also, i know there's a sonoma thread on shaggy, but my lover and i have 3.5 days in sonoma to drink ourselves retarted, staring on the 11th of april.

what are some places we have to visit? i thought the wine douches on this thread would have the best recs on the shag

definitely PM creasy. I've planned a trip for June with the wife, but while I've done a lot of research and feel pretty educated, it will be my first visit. We're spending 2 days in Santa Rosa and 3 days in Healdsburg.

[Gardner Barnes]

The only 2 restaurants I know there are both spectacular to awesome.
French laundry
Girl and the Fig.

Try them both if you can.

[Horny]

I really love wine but I am out of my league on this thread. I am enjoying picking up some new ideas on wines to try though. Props.

[UTinBigD]

definitely PM creasy. I've planned a trip for June with the wife, but while I've done a lot of research and feel pretty educated, it will be my first visit. We're spending 2 days in Santa Rosa and 3 days in Healdsburg.

get or bring a Visa Signature card and ask if that gets you a free tasting or X% off any purchase. At least the Dry Creek area was still pretty good about free tastings or some sort of perk with that card last August when i was there.

[LongIslandIceSIP]

so Darioush Napa cabs are you everday wine?

I wish. No, not every day wine.

[Gardner Barnes]

Wine people. Are there any Texas wines that are worth checkin out? Never been very impressed with any of the ones I have tried try always seemed to sit in the sweet end of the spectrum. Which I don't prefer.

[creasy]

Wine people. Are there any Texas wines that are worth checkin out? Never been very impressed with any of the ones I have tried try always seemed to sit in the sweet end of the spectrum. Which I don't prefer.

Went to a tasting featuring Inwood Estates; thought it was definitely above average, but overpriced: http://www.inwoodwines.com/My_Homepage_Files/Page1.html I particularly liked the tempranillo-cab.

Anyone tried Duchman (Driftwood)? http://duchmanwinery.com/about/ They make a $15 dolcetto I would run out to buy if it's decent.

[Roofle]

Recently opened an 2007 Viña Robles Suendero that completely blew me away. I had heard good things, but I was still surprised. Also, I was practically handed a 1993 Silver Oak Alexander Valley recently. A lot of people are saying this wine is past it's peak, but the bottle I had sure as hell wasn't. I'd say it could even go a year or two more.

I drank an '04 Tignanello recently with family. Needless to say, I was very, very happy.

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel has become my everyday drinker these days. Good stuff, great price.

[BillyMadison]

Wine people. Are there any Texas wines that are worth checkin out? Never been very impressed with any of the ones I have tried try always seemed to sit in the sweet end of the spectrum. Which I don't prefer.

inwood is good. they've got a spot over in the design district and are really cool about tastings on the weekends. my brother and i go in there every once in a while to taste what they're pouring and to shoot the breeze

other than that, it's so hit and miss. I've been a longstanding advocate of Texas wine, but a Texas cab just doesn't compare to a California cab, especially when the Texas cab is $12. I'm confident we'll find our niche in the wine world, but it will take a few more years. Dan (at Inwood) is well ahead of many wineries in the state with regards to this. Makes good, Texan wines, but they come at a premium. I still buy them and enjoy them.

Brennan Vineyard's viognier has been very good for a couple of years as well. I generally enjoy Becker wines (maybe because they are Texan), but they seem to be a few $$ more expensive than their California counterparts at the same level of quality.

[MAC8111]

That's a nice collection of dead soldiers. How were the Heitz and the WHL?

They showed very well.

The burgundy was a huge hit.

[bularry]

for you experienced wine country visitors, what is the best way to get wine back? I'm paranoid about shipping to Houston in June, since temperatures will likely be north of 90 degrees here.

I think I need to buy a wine suitcase, but can wineries or anyone else out there ship and keep my stuff cool?

[Traffic]

for you experienced wine country visitors, what is the best way to get wine back? I'm paranoid about shipping to Houston in June, since temperatures will likely be north of 90 degrees here.

I think I need to buy a wine suitcase, but can wineries or anyone else out there ship and keep my stuff cool?

the best thing we've discovered is packing a case and checking it with you as extra baggage when you fly home. you can just go buy a wine shipping box, the kind that has the 12 styrofoam insulated slots, and that will more than adequately protect what you ship.

[creasy]

for you experienced wine country visitors, what is the best way to get wine back? I'm paranoid about shipping to Houston in June, since temperatures will likely be north of 90 degrees here.

I think I need to buy a wine suitcase, but can wineries or anyone else out there ship and keep my stuff cool?

Most wineries actually will not ship to Texas in the hot months. They'll hold the shipment until October or November. I can't remember what the standard ground shipping fee is for one case--it's something like $50 or $60. Checking it as luggage is definitely cheaper (this is based on one bag free per person on JetBlue and $35 for the second bag; we had 2 bags and checked 2 cases). The styro insulated wine cases will run you $15-20 each. The Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa has good prices on the shipping cases.

[Horny]

Anyone tried Duchman (Driftwood)? http://duchmanwinery.com/about/ They make a $15 dolcetto I would run out to buy if it's decent.

I had my wedding out there in December. I really enjoyed their wines and the winery. I would recommend the Dolcetto and the Sangiovese. Both were very nice and price performers as well. The Vermentino was a nice white too.

[creasy]

I had my wedding out there in December. I really enjoyed their wines and the winery. I would recommend the Dolcetto and the Sangiovese. Both were very nice and price performers as well. The Vermentino was a nice white too.

Great, thanks for the response! Locations to buy if anyone else is interested: http://duchmanwinery.com/retail-locations/austin/

And congrats on your wedding :)

[bularry]

thanks, I will make sure we hit Bottle Barn. I was worring the insulated cases would be $100 or more each.

I'm not planning on buying a ton, but would like to bring back a case or so.

[Horny]

Great, thanks for the response! Locations to buy if anyone else is interested: http://duchmanwinery.com/retail-locations/austin/

And congrats on your wedding :)

Thanks. They also sell Duchman wines at Specs I believe. It's a couple bucks more I believe but not to much more.

[creasy]

thanks, I will make sure we hit Bottle Barn. I was worring the insulated cases would be $100 or more each.

I'm not planning on buying a ton, but would like to bring back a case or so.

Don't forget to take some packing tape with you (or buy some when you get there). Also, a good sharpie to write "Fragile" all over the case.

[MAC8111]

Just had some co-workers in town. Ended up taking them to Torchys tacos. Six of us loaded up on food and 9 bottles of wine, total bill was $85 thanks to BYOB. God bless them.

[creasy]

Just had some co-workers in town. Ended up taking them to Torchys tacos. Six of us loaded up on food and 9 bottles of wine, total bill was $85 thanks to BYOB. God bless them.

I find tacos hard to pair... what kind of wine did y'all have?

[clear lake horn]

We really like this cab from Napa. It's about $38 at Specs but tastes like the $100 wines. It's that good.



Here's our everyday wine:

[MAC8111]

I find tacos hard to pair... what kind of wine did y'all have?

Oh, there was no pairing. Just drank a bunch of summer whites to beat the heat and enjoy good food.

[McLovin]

just got back from napa:
- viader is incredible.
- ancien makes great pinots in coombsville
- behrens is one of the best tasting experiences you can have.
- saw major applewhite at farmstead. that place is legit.

[t-shirt fan]

just got back from napa:
- viader is incredible.
- ancien makes great pinots in coombsville
- behrens is one of the best tasting experiences you can have.
- saw major applewhite at farmstead. that place is legit.

Prolly recruiting a new sommelier.

[Party_Taco]

I'll come back later to post my current favorites, but my allotment from Soda Rock just came in and I'll probably drink half of it before the weekend is through... LOVE their stuff!

[Traffic]

I'll come back later to post my current favorites, but my allotment from Soda Rock just came in and I'll probably drink half of it before the weekend is through... LOVE their stuff!

ha, wow. my wife just opened a rose from Soda Rock. we stopped in there in February. I checked this thread as she was deciding what to have. what are the odds?

[creasy]

I'll come back later to post my current favorites, but my allotment from Soda Rock just came in and I'll probably drink half of it before the weekend is through... LOVE their stuff!

ha, wow. my wife just opened a rose from Soda Rock. we stopped in there in February. I checked this thread as she was deciding what to have. what are the odds?

Yes, that is quite a coincidence! We passed by there on our way back to Healdsburg from Napa. It was our last stop of the day. It looked like they just expanded the building to include a banquet hall, but the wall from the original general store was still part of the main building.

[Damor]

Since you snobs ignored me (what about my needs?) on my other necro-bump, I'll ask it here...

Can anybody recommend a reasonably priced day trip wine tour company from San Fransisco?

[CONSIGLIEREG8R]

I have been buying the $#@! our of Bordeaux from http://wtso.com/ You have to watch who the reviewer (avoid Jonathan Newman) and stick to WS and WA reviews but I have bought several cases of Bordeaux rated 88-91 for about $15 per bottle including shipping. The wines change many times a day.

Currently they have this wine for $23.99
Chateau Grand Tayac 2008 Margaux


Chateau Grand Tayac Grand Vin De Margaux AOC 2008
The vineyard is almost exclusively composed of vines planted in 1962 on a gravelly hilltop at Tayac, in the commune of Soussans. The vine varieties are Cabernet (70%), Merlot (27%), Petit Verdot (3%).


By Serge Dore Selections
Chateau Grand Tayac 2008 Margaux
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

About The Wine:
Chateau Grand Tayac stands in the commune of Soussans in southern Margaux. The vineyard produces just 3000 cases and the wine is elaborated by Eric Boissenot, who made his name as a consultant to 4 of the 5 legendary First Growth properties. No expense is spared to produce this wonderful fruity elegant wine, true to the appellation. A textbook Margaux, deep and delicious…

[creasy]

G8R, where are you? Are you in FL? Do you know if they ship to TX? Can't find that info on the site. Looks very interesting, thanks for posting.

[CONSIGLIEREG8R]

Yes, I am in Florida. If you sign up and place an order they will tell you if they can ship to you. I hope you can sign up and get wine. They had a good deal on Silver Oak Napalastweek but it sold-out quick

[CONSIGLIEREG8R]

Since you snobs ignored me (what about my needs?) on my other necro-bump, I'll ask it here...

Can anybody recommend a reasonably priced day trip wine tour company from San Fransisco?

This one got good reviews from Trip Advisor
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...alifornia.html

[Roofle]

G8R, where are you? Are you in FL? Do you know if they ship to TX? Can't find that info on the site. Looks very interesting, thanks for posting.

A little late with this response - but no, WTSO does not ship to TX unless they've changed something recently.

[Haggis]

Anyone dig south african stuff? Also, Bordeaux prices are coming down this year! woooooo. Granted its due to a few things like mixed reviews of how the vintage may turn out and the chinesse calming the $#@! down but still...

[teotauy]

Since you snobs ignored me (what about my needs?) on my other necro-bump, I'll ask it here...

Can anybody recommend a reasonably priced day trip wine tour company from San Fransisco?

I was just out there with my girlfriend late last month and we basically did a day trip (we stayed overnight, but you could easily drive back if you want) and didn't use a company. Here's what we did:

Drove up to Santa Rosa, which is off of 101 and is about 40 miles north of SF. It's closer to the city than Napa and is MUCH less crowded. We left Oakland, where we picked up our rental, at about 10 and were there by 11:15 or so.

The Russian River Valley, which is where Santa Rosa is, produces great pinot noirs because of the way the cool ocean air flows through that valley, whereas Napa is a bit warmer and produces more of the "big reds," the cabs, merlots, etc. The wineries in the RRV are mostly smaller operations, but some do tours. We simply walked to the SF Ferry Building the day before we were to head up and bought a wine map at the wine shop there and went from there. The map listed which wineries were open daily, which ones gave tours, which required reservations, etc.

We didn't do any tours, but were able to hit 7 different wineries from Noon-5 pm that day. Really, if you hit 5, you'll be doing well. We stayed at a B&B west of Santa Rosa in Guerneville, so we headed that way, and there were several within 5 miles of one another, so we just drove and went to the ones that looked cool. Lynmar Estate was by far our favorite and was easily the prettiest. Merry Edwards was another good one and they did the best job of explaining the wines, what they pair well with, and how they were made. We didn't hit the Korbel champagne cellars, but they give tours and if you're into champagne that might be fun. Martin Ray was another good one that we went to and really enjoyed. Also, if you (or anyone in your party) is into beer, the Russian River Brewery is in Santa Rosa and they brew some of the best beers in America, including Pliny the Elder.

If you do head that direction, we found a great Michelin-star rated restaurant in Guerneville called the Applewood Inn. It's a B&B, but the restaurant is phenomenal and easily on par or better than anything you'd find in Houston, Austin, Dallas, etc. It probably isn't French Laundry, but it's excellent in its own right.

Anyway, that may not have been at all what you're looking for, but that's what we did and we had a blast.

[creasy]

Anyone dig south african stuff?

Yes, love S African sauvignon blanc. We had a really great value shiraz from Stellenbosch but I can't remember the winery. This site had good info: http://www.capeclassics.com/about.cfm

A little late with this response - but no, WTSO does not ship to TX unless they've changed something recently.

Thanks, Roofle. I suspected as much since WTSO isn't shipping direct from the winery. There was some change in the law in the last couple of years. We used to order from this great wine broker in Napa, but they also no longer ship here. $#@! you, Texas lege.

[GoingCoastal]

Since you snobs ignored me (what about my needs?) on my other necro-bump, I'll ask it here...

Can anybody recommend a reasonably priced day trip wine tour company from San Fransisco?

You won't get to see anything but the main players that are paying $ per head to the tour companies for delivery of people.

Rent a car or try http://www.winecountrysafari.com/winetours.html out of Napa.

[PDP]

Picked up Capital Grille steaks and sides last night in a mini splurge night. Opened a 2007 Mount Eden Cab (Santa Cruz Mts) and 2008 Quilceda Creek Red Wine (their "cheaper wine").

Both were way too young to open but good (I have spotty discipline at times....). Had the leftover of both today and they were very good/improved. I look forward to drinking/waiting on the others i still have.

Also opened a 2008 Lewelling Cab (reg bottling) and it was off (not corked, think it's heat related, second one of the shipment that had the issue). I will be pissed if the Wight from the same shipment is bad too.

[MAC8111]

Picked up Capital Grille steaks and sides last night in a mini splurge night. Opened a 2007 Mount Eden Cab (Santa Cruz Mts) and 2008 Quilceda Creek Red Wine (their "cheaper wine").

Both were way too young to open but good (I have spotty discipline at times....). Had the leftover of both today and they were very good/improved. I look forward to drinking/waiting on the others i still have.

Also opened a 2008 Lewelling Cab (reg bottling) and it was off (not corked, think it's heat related, second one of the shipment that had the issue). I will be pissed if the Wight from the same shipment is bad too.

If my memory serves correctly, the Lewelling vineyard is the longest running family owned vineyard in Napa.

[tantric superman]

Watching what I eat more, and eating lots less red meat, and seem to be transitioning to more whites and bubbly now. (Eating more Indian, Asian, and heavy on the vegetarian.) I miss the reds but just seem to be growing away from them.

Using this as the basis but am really interested in some of the less known spanish and italian whites (made of grapes I have never heard of) and which go good with the power spices in asian and mediterranean food.



I can pretty much enjoy cavas and proseccos with everything that I am eating now. I even feel like I am trending away from beer, which makes the value bubblies and white wines a bit more critical to trying to maintain my alcholoic intake.

[Ruffian]

Oh herro...

[Party_Taco]

^^^ Your taste is impeccable!

Won this at auction last week...

2006 Duckhorn Vineyards Paraduxx Postmark = 1.5 Liters of deliciousness. Can't wait to open her up!

[Ruffian]

I love the Howell Mountain Postmark. Love the Paraduxx people too. Very laid back and a small, but gorgeous tasting environment. Go if you haven't been.

[Ruffian]

Watching what I eat more, and eating lots less red meat, and seem to be transitioning to more whites and bubbly now. (Eating more Indian, Asian, and heavy on the vegetarian.) I miss the reds but just seem to be growing away from them.

Using this as the basis but am really interested in some of the less known spanish and italian whites (made of grapes I have never heard of) and which go good with the power spices in asian and mediterranean food.



I can pretty much enjoy cavas and proseccos with everything that I am eating now. I even feel like I am trending away from beer, which makes the value bubblies and white wines a bit more critical to trying to maintain my alcholoic intake.

I won't drink white, but I love bubbles. With the summer heat coming, I need some good recs for affordable bottles. Do we have a sparkling wine thread?

[creasy]

Do we have a sparkling wine thread?

Here is an old one.

[bularry]

Ruff, won't drink white? can you explain why? seems you have a good taste, surprised by the comment.

[Ruffian]

I have tried so many different white varietals in just about every price point, and I have never found one that I preferred over sparkling wine, a light red, a good rose, or a delicious beer. Actually not true--was talking to the glorious old suspender-wearing man who does private tastings at Caymus one year, and he said, "hold on, let me go to the back--I think I have a 'white' you will like." Chuck Wagner wanted to "make a white that tasted like a red just to see if he could" (I get the idea that Chuck likes to throw crazy random $#@! together in his spare time). It absolutely tasted like . . . well . . . not quite red and not quite white, but it was delicious. It was for winery tasting only, but $#@!, I wish I could remember what he called it and what was in the juice.

Then old dude gave me one of the last bottles of Belle Glos rose "before the split", and it looks like a giant pink dildo. /csb