Rather than random musings this week, I thought I would answer a couple questions from last week.
Anna asked about Pinot Noir, and I have to be honest in saying our breadth of experience isn’t overwhelming. We’ve been getting Williams Selyem since we came back from Vegas in 2004, but we’ve only begun expanding our horizon this year. I hope to add Oregon Pinot’s within the next year, but so far we’ve only expanded to other California-based wineries discovered on our anniversary trip to Sonoma this year. Thus far, I’d have to say our favorites are:
• Williams Selyem $39 – $90
• Papapietro Perry $33-$70
• Londer Vineyards $30-$54
• Gary Farrell $32-$65
Many truly cheap Pinot’s lack the character that typifies the varietal. One exception that we’ve sampled has been from A to Z Winery out of Oregon. While the complexity of the flavor isn’t on par with those listed above, it can be forgiven at just $15 per bottle.
Jamie mentioned that she loves red wine, but doesn’t have anyone to share it with. There are a couple different options available to remedy this problematic situation (beyond finding a willing companion or simply drinking the whole bottle). I’ve recently discovered the cutest, little half bottles. These should be good for just over 2 standard glasses. While an interesting concept, and more widespread than I would have thought, many wines will not be available this way. A better alternative is to get a vacuum pump and store any unconsumed wine in the refrigerator for up to a few days. You can find one here or here.
Next installment: wine glasses and storage. Happy drinkin’ over the holidays!
Great shot. I love the intimacy of it. I have never been a wine drinker. I am not much of a drinker at all, but will go for a good beer or a fruity drink if I must! ;o)
Oooh half bottles! I think a vacuum pump would fit nicely in a stocking don’t you? Thanks for the tips Brian.
I love half bottles of wine. I give them as hostess gifts.
A vacuum pump would definitely fit in a stocking, and then you can drink whatever you like rather than limiting yourself to half bottle varieties. Stacy also uses the vacuum pumps to keep white wine for cooking for extended periods of time. You probably wouldn’t want to drink it much past a week, but it will take longer to turn completely to vinegar. She can comment, but I’d say she probably keeps the same bottle for cooking up to a month.
Too bad this wasn’t up when I wrote the post. If you are looking for some options for holiday parties, Wine Spectator has compiled this quick list of wines that you should be able to find at least some of in the US and likely across Canada as well. For those who may be in Australia or England, this should still work at least in part. I hope this works even without a membership.
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Free/Value_Wines/Easy_Finds/0,3934,,00.html
Well, you have given me a few good things to put in my stocking, for sure!
I will gladly try those suggestions for sure. I am a newbie when it comes to Cabernet, what can you tell us about those?
Oh, and I forgot to say THANK YOU for the ideas and these great posts, I hope you will keep them coming! You two make a great bloggy team! 🙂
Is it okay that we drink the $10 bottles of Pinot Noir? 🙂 It’s still tasty to us.
Thanks for the specific recommendations! We’ve started keeping notes of wines we like when we find one…I’m terrible at blindly choosing wines!