So I guess keeping wine labels is a good idea.

[redqueen]

Recently enjoyed a bottle of wine a great deal, and set about trying to locate more (it was the last bottle at the store where I bought it). Turns out there were two cabernets put out by that winery that year. So now I guess I'll have to buy both to make sure I get the good one.

Anyone else like Rodney Strong wines? This one was very good I thought.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. I'm not big on red wines, personally.

but I have a brother who really likes red wines, especially cabernet.

I will pass on your recommendation to him. Thanks.

[redqueen]

2. Well this was the 2001 vintage

but I'm not sure which one.

The super sad thing is that they're $30 each if I buy online. At the store where I bought it it was on sale for $13. :cry:

[skygazer]

4. Unless you have a very discerning palate

Or unless it was an extremely good or bad year, vintage isn't too huge an issue. Especially in wines that are not vineyard specific (like something labeled "Napa" will be made from grapes at various Napa vineyards rather than one specific vineyard).

edited to add - if you happen to come across 1987 California Cabs, nab them. That WAS a very good year for CA cabs.

[redqueen]

5. Thanks!

I've tried some different vintages of Sterling Vineyard's vintner's reserve cabernets, and did notice the difference. Very much so, actually. Who knows, maybe I have a discerning palate?

[skygazer]

3. Rodney Strong wines are very good.

The regular California Cab is great - the higher end Cabs are even better. The Sonoma Chard is crisp, semi-dry and quite tasty. The Merlot is excellent and the Zinfandels are really nice.

Keeping labels is a good idea and can be fun. I've just begun doing so - I got a photo album - the kind with the sticky pages - and I pop the label in there, write some notes about the wine in the margin and voila - I have references. Important for me because I sell wine and it enables me to give a good recommendation.

[redqueen]

6. Thanks!

I might just try the merlot... but I'm such a sap for cabernet. Love it love it love it!

I might do the sticky pages thing as well. Some bottles are just worth it.

I got an Australian cabernet... wish I hadn't.

[hippywife]

20. I had an Australian

Pinot Noir or Merlot years ago at a Ruths Chris Steakhouse in Pittsburgh that was from Lindeman Wineries. It was very, very good. If I still drank, I would try more of their wines.

[Debi]

7. Only to keep track of how many bottles you drank...hicup......n/t

[redqueen]

9. hehe

I finished off most of that bottle on Sunday. :o

It was tasty though! And I started early... with the cowboy game. :blush:

[Debi]

13. I hope you mean football....and not some naughty game with a bunch

of cowboys

[redqueen]

14. heh

No I meant the football game... but the other one sounds more fun!

:bounce:

[Debi]

16. bouncey...*snort*.n/t

[HEyHEY]

8. I keep em for the doctors

[tigereye]

10. you mean bottles of Old Yeller, Rebel Yell and such?

;)

[HEyHEY]

15. Just the labels, so they know what got me there

I stick em to my forehead and whoever finds me doesn't need to wake me up.

[tigereye]

17. you would have been a hoot to follow around in college

or maybe you still are!

(makes me shudder to think of a few benders I went on in college days)

[HEyHEY]

19. BEst thing about a bender is it can end with an adrenaline shot

[usedtobesick]

11. Most excellent choice

They are a great wine to enjoy at home or at restaurants. I like them as well. The 2001 Cab and Merlot were very good.

[redqueen]

12. That's what I had... one of the 2001 cabs.

Once I figure out which one it was I plan to try to acquire a few more bottles. :D

[GirlinContempt]

18. American wine is like urine

Kidding.
(mostly)

[Left Is Write]

21. Yes, I really enjoy Rodney Strong cabernets.

Kendall Jackson is another good name for red wines.

[redqueen]

24. Thanks I'll try one!

I'm bad because I'll find one I really like and just drink that. I should be more adventurous. But then I'll find one like this Australian and it'll take me forever to finish it and I'll be shy about trying anything that hasn't already been rated... heh.

[Parche]

22. wines

Have you ever had a Rodney King Whine?

[SOteric]

23. A better idea

is to keep a wine diary. Get an inexpensive notebook or blank book and log the vintners, the varietal, the vintage and what you paired it with when you enjoyed it.

Equally important, - log the ones you don't like. Life's too short to drink the same disappointing wine when you've so many others to try.

[redqueen]

25. Thanks, you're right.

I hadn't thought of that, but listing the ones that I didn't enjoy makes a lot of sense.