By patty

November 14, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this

Okay, Mehul. Tell us what wines you took and what you and your friends thought about them! Please.

By mehul Srivastava

November 9, 2005 9:57 PM | Link to this

There’s a moment, when you walk into a wine store, when the possibilities are limited just by the credit limit on your just-activated credit card. Luckily, I knew restraint - and had a great list to start from. Niki, Cathy and Greg - your suggestions hit gold. Denise - I couldn’t find that Cabernet anywhere. I will save it for later. But with the help of Doug (at Arrow Wine), I have 12 (plus one) bottles of all kinds to travel with to DC. And it came to less than $130! Thanks a lot. And I will post a complete list tomorrow! -M

By Mark

November 9, 2005 8:33 PM | Link to this

OK this is tough to stay on budget. However I have been trying to find better value wines as of late due to the lack of excitement I have found in purchasing, and worst of all consuming many overpriced, similar, and mediocre wines. So here are a couple in the budget that will not disappoint. 1. 2002 Domaine de Valmoissine, Pinot Noir from near Bergerac in France by Louis Latour. A bit Californian but plenty of terrior and tang to please, $10. Use it for (C or G) 2004 Pillar Box Red. A Nice CSM,57% Cab, 32% Shiraz and 11% Merlot from Padthaway, Australia. Our friend RP gave it a 90 which I discovered after a nice wine guy in KY turned me on to it. It DNS for $8. Good for the before, during or after night out. Another Aussie. Chambers Muscat. A Rutherglen “sticky” that is hard to beat for $12. Its a sweet wine to have by the fire when its cold. Better with a friend! This is a definite C wine.

By Brian

November 9, 2005 3:02 PM | Link to this

Mehul should stop by the wine shop located in the 2nd Street Public Market where most wines are priced $7 to $12 per bottle. We have a selection of wines that can be purchased for $45 including sales tax for 6 bottles (AKA 6-pack rack).

By Niki

November 9, 2005 12:52 PM | Link to this

A wine to remind him of Dayton…Kinkead Ridge Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier blend is made near Ripley Ohio and runs about $15 ($13.50 with a case discount). For seduction, recommend the Gruet NV Rose bubbly, which is about $16 here. He’s going to have a tough time averaging under $10 per bottle unless he shops at Trader Joes. From TJs, the “special occasion wine” I’d recommend is the 99 Nerello Bastardo, which although only $10, is Nebbiolo from the Piedmont, and for my taste, one of the best deals around. They’ve also got a few reasonably priced Chiantis at TJs. Cheers Niki

By cathy

November 8, 2005 10:47 PM | Link to this

For a great tasting sparkling wine in its price range, try the Jacob’s Creek from SE Australia for $10.00. It received the “Best Value” award at a recent tasting of the American Wine Society, Dayton Chapter. Another good value consensus vote was given to the Menage a Trois, Folie a Deux, Napa Valley, for ~$12. But all that said, I think Paul’s earlier suggestion is excellent. Wines are plentiful and usually less expensive if purchased at a local wine shop in D.C. -Cathy Beard, American Wine Society, Dayton Chapter Chair.

By Jackie

November 8, 2005 4:27 PM | Link to this

Mark, I really like the Franciscan Red. It is a great blend and only $10.00 a bottle.

By Paul

November 8, 2005 3:53 PM | Link to this

Interesting question. However, I think I’ll answer the question you should have asked rather than the one you did ask (even though I run the risk of being confused with a politician). Assuming that Mehul likes to get good value for his money, there is (IMHO) only one way to go — buy the wines in D.C., where the selection is broader and the prices generally less. Go to a reputable wine store (McArthur Beverage on McArthur Blvd. is my personal favorite). Find a friendly clerk (usually easy at McArthur’s). Explain your needs (including price limit), and see what the clerk suggests. Besides getting a better selection and better price, this approach also has the advantage of being LEGAL! Of course, my personal preference would be Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Bordeaux, … except, of course, for the Chianti … and perhaps a bubbly for the special friend … and maybe a port for sipping in the room.

By Denise

November 8, 2005 3:38 PM | Link to this

Exotic, intriguing, and replete with an enchanting story to share over a glass…..Flagstone Dragon Tree Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage. Though it’s a bit more at $19/bottle ( I find mine at the wine shop in the 2nd St. Market ), it’s never failed to disappoint those I’ve entertained. And if it’s not too long, here’s the story: “Originally from the Canary Islands this tree has blood red sap. Legend tells of a wicked Dragon who sat at the Pillars of Hercules and blasted ships with lashings of fire as they sailed past. Eventually she was mortally wounded and flew forlornly off to sea to die. Only where her blood landed on earth (on a few remote islands and around the edge of the Mediterranean) do Dragon Trees grow.”

By Greg

November 8, 2005 1:36 PM | Link to this

NV R. L. Buller & Son Premium Fine Tokay (half bottle) Tokay-Pinot Gris; Australia; $14.99 ” Pale to medium orange-amber. Fragrant, floral, nutty, mature aromas of citrus fruits beginning to dry out, leaving spirity nuances of clove and nutmeg. Sumptuous and oily, exceptionally luscious and concentrated, with intense flavors of barley sugar, raisin, olive oil and spices. Lingering finish is warm, spirity and savory.”

By Tony

November 8, 2005 1:05 PM | Link to this

Something unusual: Domaine Miquel Viognier 2004 Available at DLM Washington Square