Sparks wine list help needed...

WINE TALK
1

Off to Sparks tonight…Any recommendations in the sub $150 range, looking for good examples of domestic wines to try. 8 people so can try a few. Any varietal.

Thanks for any help!!

Adam

2

When we were there a few months ago, we ordered off the (very reasonable and extensive) half bottle list, and the 2002 Ridge Home Ranch was really good - so much so I could see ordering 2 for a table of 8.

3

Pretty boring Cab list in 750s. I like some of the Bordeaux offerings! Cantermerle, Sociando, Potensac, Grand Puy Lacoste . . . . (some nice deals in Mags).

Since you have a party of 8, how about this:

Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (1.5 Liters) 2007 $124.95

I like this bottling and think it has broad appeal, plus it is well under your stated price.

4

Thanks guys…can go up to 200 if it means I can get something representative of quality in the US context.

Magnums also fine…

5

I’d buy the 2008 Larkmead cab at $100. Not boring in the least.

6

2008 Spottswoode Mag or 2005 Mondavi Reserve worth it??

7

I would look at the following:

140 Shafer One Point Five Napa Valley 2008 $114.95
151 Mayacamas Mount Veeder 2002 $129.95
146 Beringer Private Reserve 2007 $149.95

8

It’s just under $200 but the 07 Lewis Reserve is a very nice wine

9

Well, you said domestic so I guess those Céte Réties further down aren’t gonna work for you.

edit: okay fine… I admit the Beringer PR 07 for 150 bucks did catch my eye too.

10

boy oh boy. 99 leroy clos de la roche for $790 and 02 DRC GE for $699. That’s attractive pricing.

11

Getting a slight kick out of the $0.95 that thery add to each of their prices.

12

I am not a fan of Sparks (the food), which is a few blocks from my office, but the last two times I was there it was with someone who wanted white wine and we had a very nice servicable German Kabinett.

13

Charlie is spot on. 02 DRC GE and '99 Leroy CDLR. Crazy good prices.

14

But you’re still fond of the Los Angeles WNBA team, right?

15

The Leroy and DRC prices are just “ok” in my book…I will drink local this time…anyway my guests wouldn’t appreciate it.

Looking like a Cabernet focused dinner, Larkmead, Lewis, Beringer PR and Spotteswoode, and maybe a Mayacamas.

I also liked the looks of the Clos Hune and Ramonet for the whites…

16

just ok?? O_O. If you can find 99 Leroy CDLR for $800 I’d buy it retail, let alone at a restaurant.

17

agreed
I like to buy in restaurant and if they let me emporter !

18

I also liked the looks of the Clos Hune and Ramonet for the whites…

Might be worth trying this, too, considering your ‘theme’: #727 Viognier Alban Vineyards Edna Valley 2004 $69.95

19

Charlie, You need to get out to some of the great lists in Europe, those prices in the right range for restaurants who bought at original prices, I can even get them in tokyo for that range. Swing by one time!!

20

well then I’d have to pay airfare, not quite as good of a deal [snort.gif] [snort.gif]