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I am a Sauvignon Blanc drinker...in the $25-30 range, I like Cloudy Bay....less expensive everyday, anything from New Zealand, Kim Crawford is good.
Love that NZ sauvignon blanc.
I tried Two Oceans sauvignon blanc and it was not as complex as the others but quite drinkable.
Favorite French reds:
From the Cahors region, such as Clos Triguedina. This southwest region of France has deep, dark, rich wines, sometimes called "black wine."
Malbecs from Argentina are rich and smooth, too.
I've enjoyed Albariño wine from northwestern Spain.
I do like Chardonnay. I think those who say ABC (anything buy chardonnay) are missing out, because there are so many ways to make it. French chard will be different from Californian.
I like both. Chateau St Jean from California, Drouhin Laforet from France.
Oh boy... it really depends on what I'm eating or doing... but I have been buying a spanish wine by the case... Hecula... with the little back accent slash over the e... my local package store has it on sale for $11.99 a bottle regularly.
I tend to only buy a wine that is rated 90 points or above.
Going to seek this one out. Price is great, too. Thank you!!
Beringer, Sutter Home, Forest Glen all make a white merlot. Not always easy to find, but it is probably my favorite. I used to drink a white wine called Little Rhine Bear, but I don't know if it is made any longer. It was delicious.
Thank you! Think I have seen Beringer in our stores so will try that one. and am going to watch for the Little Rhine Bear you mentioned as well.
A good French Red is all about region and timing. The only wine that won't change with time and region will be those mass produced and even they will change based on the seasonal grapes. I prefer those from the Burgundy Region (Pinot Noir and Beaujolais) and the Bordeaux Region (Cabernet and Merlot). I don't ever pay over $20 per bottle unless it's for a gift. I'm not into collecting & sipping; I prefer enhancing a meal.
There is an ABC Fine Wine & Spirits near my house with a full-time sommelier on staff. I go into the store and and ask for recommendations. Beaujolais Nouveau will be available the third Thursday in November. This is fun! They're usually cheap and to drink now; but again, I ask the expert. Some years I pass, other years I buy a case. LoL!
Wine.com also carries wines that include ratings from respected sources. One time, I printed out a list of the top rated and took it to the ABC store. I bought a couple of bottles and they were good, but I still prefer and trust the advice of my local expert. This sounds like I'm evading your question, but really...it depends! The bottle I have now is a Bordeaux Blend: Comtes de Tastes 2006 (http://shop.abcfws.com/-P15561.aspx - broken link).
You did answer my question. Like you, I rarely spend over $20/bottle, unless a gift/splurge/celebration... plus I'm on a budget. (sigh) Am going to check out the Bordeaux Blend. Thanks!
On a wine budget these days, as well. Love the Cline "Truck" blends. White Truck earned an 83 in Wine Spectator this month. Red Truck is great, too. And for you white zin & blush wine drinkers, they make Pink Truck! $10 range.
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and am going to watch for the Little Rhine Bear you mentioned as well.
