Best Red for under $35?

WINE TALK
1

Looking for some great QPRs. I haven’t seen a thread on this yet.

2

I’ll play. Love the Loire whites that I’ve had, so:
Huet and Chidaine - can’t go wrong with any of the demi-sec or sec wines. Well under $35 and can drink now or hold.
Baumard Clos de Papillon is one I also love, around $30-35?

Edit: RED! Sorry about that…let me come back in a bit.

3

Daniel, I think he was looking for reds.

Ian, this thread will be much more useful for you if you give some general ideas and/or examples of what kinds of wines you like and don’t like. There is just too big of a range of styles, regions and grapes out there.

4

I think the reason more aren’t responding is a bit of burn out with “best under $X” threads, which are quite common. But I can’t think of a less than $35 thread specifically. My advice on a lot of these is similar to Daniel’s, the Loire is where its at for great value. However, you said red but Daniel responded with white producers. For Red, Bernard Baudry’s wines should almost all be available in your price range, as will some Joguet, many Breton. These may not be for everyone, but they are some incredible wines at incredible deals.

5

Almost the entire WesMar lineup.

The entire Skewis lineup at club pricing.

Januik cab.

Sans Liege “The Offering”

Clos Saron Home Ranch Pinot

Carlisle almost anything

Copain Tous Ensemble

That’s what immediately comes to mind.

6

Many Carlisles, the Sonoma County Zin is beyond awesome. Siduri Sonoma County PN, the new Loring appellation PN’s, Cabot Humboldt Syrah…that is my first pass at it.

7

+1000. It’s useless to suggest Baudry Chinons or something to someone who likes fruit dense, full-throttled Cali wine or vice versa.

8

Some of my faves:

Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast PN
Bedrock Sonoma Coast Syrah
Bedrock Lakeville Syrah
+1 on Cabot Humboldt
Carlisle Zin Carlisle Vineyard
Copain “Tous Ensemble” and “Les Voisins”
Jemrose Cardiac Hill Petite Sirah
Ridge Geyserville
Scherrer Old and Mature Vines Zinfandel

9

Great one!


Not quite under $35 ($37) but very good.



Great one!

10

Wow, it’s like you read my mind Brian!!!

If someone really wants to walk on the wild side, I have a suggestion. Madeleine “Capitre V - Le Pianiste” a stunning Cabernet Franc made by Carmel local Damien Georis. Just released at $22, it would be a bargain at twice the price. http://madeleinewine.com/

Ian Brand’s Coastview lineup is also beautifully crafted – silly bargains.

11

No kidding. I can probably name 100 Oregon pinot noirs alone.

12

FIXED (title)

13

Well, I can probably name 25 zinfandels. Does that help? neener

14

Pffft, why stop at 25?

15

Because my list only has about 5 wineries on it?

16

You’re getting soft in your old age, Mike. Giving much love to a Cali wine with a French name??? Where are your standards? [wink.gif]

17

New World Style:

Flux by Mark Herold, $26.99. Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Petite Sirah. Takes on garlic pasta, BBQ anything and burritos.

Two Left Feet by Molly Dooker, $24.99. Shiraz, Cab. Sarah and Sparky’s signature high octane, massive flavor pizza killer.

Abstract by Orin Swift, $28.99. Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Where’s my BBQ

The Griffin by Robert Foley, $34.99. Petite Sirah, Cabernet and Merlot. Better have food with enough flavor.

Window Pane, $33.99. Cabernet, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot. Intriguing combo.

Big Alibi Red by Robbins Family, $23.99. Cabernet, Merlot. A touch of elegance, (not as full blown), complimentary for red meats.


Old World Style:

Red Mountain Red $7.99 a half gallon at your grocer.

Red Mountain Burgundy $8.99 a half gallon at your grocer, same as above with a slight aroma and taste of dirty sock.

18

Ridge Geyserville and Ridge Lytton Springs are at the top of my list.

Thanks,
Ed.

19

Plenty of excellent CnDP and equivalent Rhone in that range. Again, too many to single out, and all subject to availability. 2010 may be giving the best value in red wine at this time, and you can find ready to drink '06s that have been overlooked.

P Hickner

20

Honestly, you should be able to find something you love in this price range. Provided you aren’t looking for a long-term ager or something with auction upside, of course, though there are a few exceptions here and there. The question is, what is it you like? That’s the biggest factor.