Thursday, March 26, 2009

One glass at a bad bar...


My recommendation is one glass at a bad bar. Meaning, when you are in one of those situations where you are turning yourself into a savvy beer drinker because you're too embarrased of how you'd act if you found out which wines are sitting at the end of the bar.

Recommendation is, in this situation, if you are ever in it, and happen to see this one, it's TOTALLY fine for a glass or two.

In fact, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised and start recommending the wine to friends, or consider buying a case for everyday drinking at home. But don't fall victim! Don't do it!

I have to think this is what happened to the nice man at the new Sendiks on Drexel that recommended it. That, and, he really has a crush on Robert Parker. And good values. Or, as Robert says, "best value". I'm sorry, but I really can't get excited for a wine whose best quality is that it is a "best value". Tell me something... Does it freaking taste good?

I just don't get the whole value proposition. If a wine tastes good and you don't feel like you got ripped off, then you are lucky! Lucky, lucky! And happy!

I guess I just have this whole marketing question about the paper bottle neck tag that declares a wine fit for buying because it's won some award, or RP says it's a "best value". Seems silly to me. Seems so 80's.

In any case, I was beginning to think this Robert Parker guy might be on to something, but he's not. It's only a best value because it's not offensive.

Ok, truth? It's not bad, just boring. Plus, I don't think I can like anything that had a paper bottle neck tag.

Trapiche
Malbec
2006
Around $10 buckaroos

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Steele Pinot Noir

Some things are starting to make sense... And then again confusing me also.

Question: Do certain wines really make you more drunk than others? I mean, how is this possible if all have the same stated alcohol content?

Take this Steele for example, 13.5% alcohol content. Why the hell do I feel twice as drunk when drinking this one versus most others?

I could never understand why I always walked out of going to dinner at Vito's on Pico (or is it Ocean Park?) just feeling way more drunk than normal. But now I know why (we always ordered Steele) .. but then I don't know why!

In any case I always really enjoy Steele (all drunkness aside), and will typically order it if I find it on a menu.

Now I just know I need to be more careful!

Steele
2005
Santa Barbara County
Pinot Noir

www.steelewines.com