I need the names of some premium red wines to have on hand when I have a guest over tomorrow night.?!
Answers: I know that this is a weird question coming from a champion drinker but I am not very well versed on wine. I need the names of some premium red wines that will make my female guest that I have invited over tomorrow at least think that I know how to pick a decent wine. I am not concerned about the price, I just want it to taste good. We prefer it a little on the sweet side.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon (1995 bottle is rated 91 and is $38)
Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir (1999 Knox Alexander is rated 93 and is $45); this is not really "sweet" but if allowed to breathe, is great with foods with rich sauces (ex. raspberry glazed lamb or whatever)
Niebaum-Coppola Cabernet Franc (2001 Rutherford is rated 86 and is $44); this has a lot more cherry and currant flavors, so not rated as high but might fit your taste for sweeter
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (2000 Cab is rated 91 and is $45; 2002 Artemis is rated 87 and is $48); I actually really like the Artemis, not sure why Wine Enthusiast rated lower than 2000 Cab
2002 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon (this is one of my faves; it's got berries and a woody finish; perfect with meat or game); maybe $38?
Charles Krug 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (this was also great, but we tried a different year and it was disappointing); maybe $40?
Can I also suggest a good Bordeaux (depending on what's for dinner?) You would need to ask someone at a wine shop for an exact bottle; I am not familiar with Bordeaux.
If you enjoy wine, I would recommend keeping a journal. We keep the labels and write our analysis for each bottle and date (and meal), where we bought it and how much, etc.
Great suggestions down below (Michael F), but Amuse Bouche is over $200 if you can find it. If we're talking in the hundreds, I can give you a bigger list. . .
He mentions Marlestone (not sweet); but Paradigm is great suggestion; the Cab is actually very sweet; about $55-60.
Chateau Neuf de Pap.
Night Train Express (2006)
Premium red wines on the sweet side. I would suggest something that is fruit forward and full bodied.
I would eschew Cabernets and go with a blend or a high end Merlot.
Affordable Blends:
Clos Du Bois Marlestone
Powers Meritage
Paradigm
B.V. Tapestry
Shafer Relentless
Premium Merlots:
Beringer Bancroft Ranch
Shafer
Duckhorn
Twomey (made by Silver Oak)
Amuse Bouche (very hard to find & $$$)
Expensive Blends:
J. Phelps Paradigm
Opus One
Abacus
etc.
You might also consider a good domestic Sangiovese. It is a more velvety and fruity red. Try Altamura. A respected maker and though not cheap, it won't break the bank either (under $70.00)
Louis Jadot, Pinot noir, Nice red dry, Or go with Louis Jadot Beaujolais, You'll find them both to be excellent, And the price is right, Trust me....