Someone in the feedback forum suggested an entire forum on wine, which I thought was a bit much. But I am very interested in other's thoughts on wines. I prefer a good Cab or Merlot, used to be a Pinot Noir guy but now...I just don't like it as much, though some of them I still find nice once in a while.
My top Merlot:
Duckhorn three palms - has a black label on the top, not to be confused with the red label one that is a general napa valley grape, this one comes from the specific Three Palms vineyard. Generally runs about $85 but any vintage 2013 or later needs to age to round off a bit of the harsh youth of the taste. I'd stick with 2011 or earlier if you can find it. Otherwise, get a bottle of the '14 and hold it for 4-5 years.
As far as Cabernet goes, I like the Stag's Leap Artemis.
About a $50 bottle for recent year vintages, you can't go wrong with Stag's Leap (even the ones that aren't labeled Artemis). Goes good with some smoked ribs. This one doesn't have the youth taste (at least my palate can't find it) and can be opened with 2014 or earlier with little issues.
Lastly, for when I do go with a Pinot Noir, I prefer Belle Glos
Like the Stag's Leap, it's around $55 and has more of what I consider to be a packaging gimmick with the wax coated cork bottle, but as far as Pinots go, this one actually has some robust, back of the tongue flavor. It doesn't strike me at all as too fruity, has a nice, dark tannin and a great aroma.
My top Merlot:
Duckhorn three palms - has a black label on the top, not to be confused with the red label one that is a general napa valley grape, this one comes from the specific Three Palms vineyard. Generally runs about $85 but any vintage 2013 or later needs to age to round off a bit of the harsh youth of the taste. I'd stick with 2011 or earlier if you can find it. Otherwise, get a bottle of the '14 and hold it for 4-5 years.
As far as Cabernet goes, I like the Stag's Leap Artemis.
About a $50 bottle for recent year vintages, you can't go wrong with Stag's Leap (even the ones that aren't labeled Artemis). Goes good with some smoked ribs. This one doesn't have the youth taste (at least my palate can't find it) and can be opened with 2014 or earlier with little issues.
Lastly, for when I do go with a Pinot Noir, I prefer Belle Glos
Like the Stag's Leap, it's around $55 and has more of what I consider to be a packaging gimmick with the wax coated cork bottle, but as far as Pinots go, this one actually has some robust, back of the tongue flavor. It doesn't strike me at all as too fruity, has a nice, dark tannin and a great aroma.
