Search found 611 matches
- February 25th, 2021, 6:00 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Premier Cru Master Complaint Thread (MERGED)
- Replies: 7085
- Views: 644758
Re: Premier Cru Master Complaint Thread (MERGED)
The whole thing was a master class in confirmation bias. Kinda on both sides. Hindsight is 20/20 as they say, but on the other end of that continuum were lots of accusations made with claims of ITB insight over many years, not unlike those that claim the market will crash and eventually it does and...
- February 22nd, 2021, 8:11 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: TN: 2001 Michel and Stephan Ogier Cote Rotie
- Replies: 10
- Views: 555
Re: TN: 2001 Michel and Stephan Ogier Cote Rotie
Hi Everett, Nice to see this note and agree this wine is drinking wonderfully and it has been been drinking at peak for the last 5 years or so. I think I am out as once they entered this prime time window I just started slurping up my supply. Take care.
- February 16th, 2021, 7:35 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: TN: 1995 J.L. Chave Hermitage
- Replies: 1
- Views: 350
Re: TN: 1995 J.L. Chave Hermitage
I had this a few years ago and had a similar experience. It was prob the best bottle to date and I've drunk over a case. It was great right on release and then shut down for so many years that it was very rewarding to open one and find it had re-emerged as such a fine and relatively mature Chave her...
- February 16th, 2021, 6:06 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: How big of a risk is low humidity for medium-term storage?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 1409
Re: How big of a risk is low humidity for medium-term storage?
I lived at that same elevation in CO for many years (Nederland). You will be hard pressed to find the answer as there are no studies. With that said, I would certainly add humidity if you are in a room that is closed off and it is possible. I used an evaporative humidifier as they do not create whit...
- February 15th, 2021, 4:52 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Young vine wines that are epic
- Replies: 73
- Views: 4212
Re: Young vine wines that are epic
1985 Guigal La Turque is from 3 year old vines. I have never tried this but recall RP gave it 100pts and folks I know who tried it did said it was great. I'm sure there are countless other examples.
- January 28th, 2021, 5:35 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Tips for a road trip?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 497
Re: Tips for a road trip?
I have done this many times for much longer trips and in the winter (from NC to CO). You don't need to do anything special as cold is your friend. Now if it is going to get below 10 degrees F at night then I would bring them inside. I generally just cover the cases under a moving blanket which keeps...
- January 22nd, 2021, 6:57 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Proof that coravin does not corrupt
- Replies: 45
- Views: 2394
Re: Proof that coravin does not corrupt
For me observing one bottle where it stayed fresh is not something I would extrapolate as proof it can do this for all bottles and repeatedly. I love these type devices but have certainly seen cases where the wines have been exposed to some oxygen and taste accordingly. These are the minority but it...
- January 19th, 2021, 11:07 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Taking wine on ski trip
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1966
Re: Taking wine on ski trip
On champagne it does seem to bubble less at high elevations. Shouldn't it bubble more? Or bubble more quickly and then fizz out? Lower pressure at altitude means the dissolved CO2 should bubble off more quickly . . . Yes the above is the correct science. I've just had so many friends say champagne ...
- January 19th, 2021, 9:47 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Taking wine on ski trip
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1966
Re: Taking wine on ski trip
I have lived above 8,000 feet for over 10 years and still spend 3 mos a year at elevation. I have heard this repeatedly and honestly think the main differences in perception/taste is just acclimation to elevation. It is super dry, less Os, and you are generally wiped after a day on the slopes. I thi...
- January 2nd, 2021, 7:34 pm
- Forum: Wine 101: The Basics
- Topic: Wine Fridge or Interior Closet - Help Please
- Replies: 5
- Views: 718
Re: Wine Fridge or Interior Closet - Help Please
If you are going to drink them in 5 years I would just store them in the closet. Ideally get a small, like 40 bottle, fridge for the agers and put that in the closet or elsewhere. Small inexpensive coolers are about $400 for a 40 bottle fridge at Costco or Home Depot.
- December 30th, 2020, 11:07 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Let's end 2020 with some fun! Controversial opinions- Burgundy is overrated.
- Replies: 252
- Views: 10915
Re: Let's end 2020 with some fun! Controversial opinions- Burgundy is overrated.
People have been saying that Burgundy is overrated or overvalued for the 30 some odd years I've been in this hobby. Heck, I probably said it 25 years ago. However back then I had not tried much burgundy my palate had not tasted broadly and deeply enough to get to where it is today. I'm certainly not...
- December 30th, 2020, 5:50 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Need for wine foil?
- Replies: 46
- Views: 2043
Re: Need for wine foil?
Yeah that video is the easy type of "wax" to remove which I am personally fine with. Unfortunately only maybe half are like that and many are the super crumbly types. Just using the worm is certainly the best way. However I use a Pungo all the time so I have to manually removed whatever wa...
- December 2nd, 2020, 11:54 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: More Home Cellar Suggestions/Questions
- Replies: 14
- Views: 697
Re: More Home Cellar Suggestions/Questions
Andrew, pouring a bunch of concrete is the way to go per all discussions I've had. It is pricey of course but doing things right often is. People think just burying a container and backfilling the dirt is a cheap path to a root cellar.
- December 2nd, 2020, 10:17 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: More Home Cellar Suggestions/Questions
- Replies: 14
- Views: 697
Re: More Home Cellar Suggestions/Questions
I love the underground container idea. But after some investigating have been told (by builders I trust) too many times that it simply does not work. The main problem which is not easily addressed is that the walls will buckle inward. Shipping containers are quite strong vertically, but horizontally...
- December 2nd, 2020, 8:07 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: More Home Cellar Suggestions/Questions
- Replies: 14
- Views: 697
Re: More Home Cellar Suggestions/Questions
As mentioned getting cooler air on the intake would be the cheapest option if possible but success is uncertain. I have had friends frame, drywall, and insulate a space within garage space. Still need cooler air for intake but at least you have a proper and cold insulated room to work with. I have e...
- December 2nd, 2020, 6:28 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Residential HVAC System for Cellar
- Replies: 15
- Views: 725
Re: Residential HVAC System for Cellar
The extra thermal load can be compensated for with unit sizing. But depending on humidity where you live I'd worry about condensation and then possibly mold once you made that room actively cold. I've seen active cellars in humid climes without the proper insulation/vapor barrier and it ended up rot...
- December 2nd, 2020, 6:03 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Residential HVAC System for Cellar
- Replies: 15
- Views: 725
Re: Residential HVAC System for Cellar
For me yes, the HVAC crew did the coolbot install. It did take a second try to get it dialed in. And yes adding active cooling to a passive cellar is the same as any cellar. Just less load and you have the same design issues. Insulation, vapor barrier, and how best to run the cooling infrastructure.
- December 2nd, 2020, 4:42 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Residential HVAC System for Cellar
- Replies: 15
- Views: 725
Re: Residential HVAC System for Cellar
I have done exactly this and works great in NC for over 6 years. You just need a Coolbot to get the temps down. I am not a HVAC pro but not sure what wine unit does humidity wise any differently unless it is plumbed. I've had cellars in CO where I added humidity and in NC where I remove it mainly in...
- November 30th, 2020, 6:26 pm
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Wine Guardian ductless system?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 432
Re: Wine Guardian ductless system?
I have had a ductless mini split cellar for 6 years. Works flawlessly. Super reliable, quiet, and efficient. I would buy a non wine branded unit like Mitsubishi but there are many firms who make them. Then they can be serviced by a regular refrigeration firm with regular parts. You need a coolbot to...
- November 19th, 2020, 11:13 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Badly Botched Flawed Bottles
- Replies: 7
- Views: 785
Re: Board Fav Sellers Shipped Badly Botched Flawed Bottles
I'm sorry you got what certainly appear to be poor condition bottles between the leakage and cork being pushed up. I would send those back for sure. My question tho is what is a "WB approved seller"? I'm not thinking this is a Berserker Business. If a private party I'm not aware of any sel...
- November 18th, 2020, 11:06 am
- Forum: Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes
- Topic: Help, I need some new pots
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2108
Re: Help, I need some new pots
All Clad users here. Our main pots/pans are the All Clad "copper core". We have some that are aluminum core (with stainless) and the bit of copper is a nice touch in terms of use and still not too heavy. Those aluminum core ones may go to the kids and are 30+ years old. These are daily use...
- November 16th, 2020, 9:04 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Ah So — Ah Sucks!
- Replies: 47
- Views: 2955
Re: Ah So — Ah Sucks!
I'll just note than besides the proper technique of rocking it. if you own a "generic ah so" the knockoffs often have thick tines and are awful to use even with the proper technique. Monopol is the only good one. I've tried many knock offs and now just toss anything else. They are about $20.
- November 15th, 2020, 6:18 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Preferred daily use corkscrew?
- Replies: 83
- Views: 3169
Re: Preferred daily use corkscrew?
For simple and ease of use the Coutale is my favorite due to the dual hinge and good build quality. There are tons of ripoffs which work for a bit but always break and are prone to slipping off the rim eventually. The coutale is the only one of this dual hinge design that actually lasts. It is $20 a...
- November 11th, 2020, 1:42 pm
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Philip Togni vertical with new notes
- Replies: 36
- Views: 1901
Re: Philip Togni vertical with new notes
Has the style of Togni changed this past decade or still like in the 90’s? He is one of my favorite producers in Cali. I reckon they're a touch suppler when young but beyond that very little has changed. IIRC, the Estate vineyard got pierces in the mid-90s and they had to replant. I can't remember ...
- November 9th, 2020, 2:33 pm
- Forum: Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes
- Topic: Official kitchen knife thread
- Replies: 671
- Views: 57061
Re: Official kitchen knife thread
Personally I'd be wary. I've seen and used so many damascus knives that are poor steel and heavy to boot. That one has a western handle and a pretty large spine. Neither are my preferences. But then my favorite knives come from small Japan makers are are over $250 and up and I'll never go back. FWIW...
- November 8th, 2020, 8:54 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Jadot Chardonnay
- Replies: 9
- Views: 553
Re: Jadot Chardonnay
Thx to Jim's rec, I've had and enjoyed the current release Jadot Macon. Super well priced and it scratches my white burg itch at a price where I don't cry if it is bad. Certainly it is not a cerebral or complex quaff but it is always enjoyable and satisfying. Jadot really does do a solid job across ...
- November 2nd, 2020, 5:10 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Got a disappointed bottle, but Problem Resolved
- Replies: 211
- Views: 9692
Re: Don't waste your money on K&L wine at Redwood City
I'd suggest you delete your post OP. Corked wine is not discernable by the condition of the cork. One can tell by lab test or by experienced taster who can identify the aromas. Everyone has a different threshold and ability to tell if a wine is corked. The condition the cork in that video appears ex...
- October 30th, 2020, 6:25 pm
- Forum: Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes
- Topic: Best lobster cracker
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1166
Re: Best lobster cracker
While a rare treat, I find beastly kitchen shears work the best.
- October 22nd, 2020, 9:35 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Building a wine storage room in Denver area: contractor recommendations?
- Replies: 73
- Views: 4292
Re: Building a wine storage room in Denver area: contractor recommendations?
There are experts on the board but when you want to add humidity and to cool a room they basically fight each other. I wanted 70 percent humidity and was able to get there with a steam humidifier. However I would prob not go that route again just due to the extra expense and maintenance of the steam...
- October 22nd, 2020, 8:51 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Building a wine storage room in Denver area: contractor recommendations?
- Replies: 73
- Views: 4292
Re: Building a wine storage room in Denver area: contractor recommendations?
Hi Patrick, I just checked and the firm I used (for the HVAC) is no longer in business as the owner retired a few years back. With that said search for commercial refrigeration, check some references, and you'll be fine. I never get a "wine cooler brand" but any commercial firm can install...
- October 21st, 2020, 5:10 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: What to tell architect for wine cellar - new construction?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 3766
Re: What to tell architect for wine cellar - new construction?
FWIW, when you use close cell foam insulation regular 2x4 stud walls are fine. If you use batting or open cell foam yes need to change that for sure.
- October 19th, 2020, 7:36 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: What to tell architect for wine cellar - new construction?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 3766
Re: What to tell architect for wine cellar - new construction?
I hate to say it but this is an example of why architects should not design wine cellars. You are wise to check in here. I would never want a tall ladder in a cellar as I hate even using a step ladder when fiddling with wine. So as noted drop the ceiling and insulate down to that 8-10' height or wha...
- October 14th, 2020, 4:49 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Perception of Brett as wines age?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 865
Re: Perception of Brett as wines age?
As I think has been said, if it is Brett it is there to stay. It may well get worse with age or can state about the same depending on a lot of things notably cellar conditions. My cellar is pretty cold and I have quite a few old school Rhône’s where Brett levels generally stay the same. But have cer...
- October 3rd, 2020, 11:14 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Software for cellar inventory reccomendation?
- Replies: 68
- Views: 3264
Re: Software for cellar inventory reccomendation?
Another Cellartracker vote. I used to want local only and used Excel for way too long. It stunk for that but I was slow. Once/if you get onto CT it is super easy to simply download (i.e. export) your cellar to an .xls spreadsheet locally. That way you have a local backup of your cellar. EZ PZ. I do ...
- September 29th, 2020, 9:51 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Does wine flipping pencil out?
- Replies: 102
- Views: 6497
Re: Does wine flipping pencil out?
I think the orig question is does investing in wine make sense vs. something like the S&P 500. The answer to that is pretty easily no. Wine is not that "liquid" as an investment, has higher cost to carry (store insurance etc), and broad wine returns (not cherry picked) generally are le...
- September 25th, 2020, 10:35 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: New home construction wine cellar
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1561
Re: New home construction wine cellar
Michael, Funny you mention radiant heat. I am remodeling a ski place while downsizing dramatically as the kids flee the nest for college. So I may be done with full on cellars and am getting a wine cabinet for the ski place. It will sit on a soon to be radiant floor and as I wrote my previous post w...
- September 25th, 2020, 7:07 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: New home construction wine cellar
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1561
Re: New home construction wine cellar
Like above poster, I would leave the floor as is until you decide what to do. I've always put cellars in a basements on concrete slab and just left them as is or epoxy painted them. Toss in a few rugs to help with breakage and looks. You do NOT want to add insulation in that situation as the slab is...
- September 23rd, 2020, 12:45 pm
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: New home construction wine cellar
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1561
Re: New home construction wine cellar
As others have said, doing it early in a new build is going to be cheaper and easier than trying to retrofit. In fact retrofitting in many cases gets very complicated and expensive fast. Many existing homes simply don't have a decent setup to retrofit for a proper cellar. You've got issues of insula...
- September 23rd, 2020, 11:53 am
- Forum: Wine Pimps
- Topic: Need a cheap built in wine fridge for kitchen island
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1644
Re: Need a cheap built in wine fridge for kitchen island
Given the absurd, IMHO, price for these things I would pass entirely on a built in wine fridge. One could easily design the space for a free standing unit and slide it in. Or simply put a small free standing one elsewhere. Or as a last resort get a regular small built in fridge and use it for drink ...
- September 23rd, 2020, 11:19 am
- Forum: Wine 101: The Basics
- Topic: New house, new wine room, cooling questions!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1810
Re: New house, new wine room, cooling questions!
Mike, My first split system looked a lot like that. It had a two fan tho. It was pretty noisy but again it was very easy to service by any professional cooler tech.
- September 23rd, 2020, 11:16 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Links redirecting to wine.com
- Replies: 36
- Views: 2283
Re: Links redirecting to wine.com
FWIW, None of those links re-direct me. I do use ublock origin and it makes this site fine on chrome using a Win 10 machine. There are ads of course but none that get in the way too much. On my IOS devices the ads are a mess and I have been re-directed to wine.com. I gave up using this site on an IO...
- September 23rd, 2020, 10:22 am
- Forum: Wine 101: The Basics
- Topic: New house, new wine room, cooling questions!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1810
Re: New house, new wine room, cooling questions!
Jeff, I am a function over form guy. I never use the remote as once it is set, no need. The temp probe wires etc are are visible. The coolbot and the blower assembly are over the entrance door on the inside so you only see it on the way out. But again I could not care less on those things but that i...
- September 23rd, 2020, 8:58 am
- Forum: Wine 101: The Basics
- Topic: New house, new wine room, cooling questions!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1810
Re: New house, new wine room, cooling questions!
Yes, I have a ductless mini split. It needs a Coolbot to get the unit to cool to 55 degrees as they are setup for regular home A/C use. Here in NC my issue is I need to remove some humidity in the summer and use a de-humidifier. I've had active cellars in CO where I have needed to add humidity. Luck...
- September 20th, 2020, 11:31 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Question on Eurocave Placement
- Replies: 18
- Views: 834
Re: Question on Eurocave Placement
Lonnie, Right now I have a mini split system in a 10x15 room which runs off 220V. I have had (300+ bottle) wine fridges not on a dedicated circuits and have not had issues. But those were pretty always on low use circuits. So I guess it depends. If I had two on one circuit I'd expect to be triggerin...
- September 20th, 2020, 6:59 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Question on Eurocave Placement
- Replies: 18
- Views: 834
Re: Question on Eurocave Placement
I'm not sure of the issue with the litter box and wine storage. If it is odors then you have nothing to be worried about wine wise. A basement is an ideal place as there is ample space, wine coolers are not generally pretty things, and it is cooler down there so the work the wine cooler will have to...
- September 19th, 2020, 12:19 pm
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: I don’t trust my Coravin anymore
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4125
Re: I don’t trust my Coravin anymore
I think I get at least 4 bottles per cartridge with the Pungo. I do gently pull and release the trigger as instructed. I also usually pull the pungo out when I am down to my last glass and just pull the cork out and go old school.
- September 19th, 2020, 4:37 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: I don’t trust my Coravin anymore
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4125
Re: I don’t trust my Coravin anymore
On the Pungo I have had mine for probably 5 years so I have opened maybe a thousand bottles. I do open mainly older bottles so many are 15+ years or older. So that means I do get the occasional leakage (old corks) that maybe is what Jay describes. In those few cases wine can slip up around a weak co...
- September 18th, 2020, 6:40 am
- Forum: Wine 101: The Basics
- Topic: New house, new wine room, cooling questions!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1810
Re: New house, new wine room, cooling questions!
I have always had split systems so am of no help on the single unit and noise. I would think where you mount a single unit and the proximity to the media room is key and if it can vent outside. I will say we have a cellar with a ductless mini split system which is super quiet. The old school split s...
- September 10th, 2020, 11:32 am
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Wine Investing Platforms
- Replies: 93
- Views: 4399
Re: Wine Investing Platforms
I do not know any exact specifics here but until the PE investment wind down (IPO etc) I have zero confidence in the interim returns. They make hedge fund marks look like Treasury Bond valuations by comparison.
- September 9th, 2020, 2:06 pm
- Forum: Wine Talk
- Topic: Wine Investing Platforms
- Replies: 93
- Views: 4399
Re: Wine Investing Platforms
FWIW the images of returns I saw for 1 week would never fly in any compliance group I know for sales materials. Cherry picking is the term. Illustrative is the compliant benchmark.