OT: I need a good cabernet wine

helionaut

I know there are some oenophiles on this board, so I figured I'd ask. Some friends of mine organize wine-tasting contests every few months, and one's coming up this weekend. In the past they've done NA reds, chardonnays, etc. The subject this time is cabernets. They can be from any region, any vintage, but have to be cabs, and they recommend nothing more than $10 per bottle to keep things populist as you need to bring 2 bottles (of the same kind) for everyone.

I really want to win this time. I came in 6th last time, and a certain girl has won 3 contests in a row just by picking random things at the store (but she's lucky anyway, she should pick my card boxes for me). I live in Austin and have access to some pretty well-stocked liquor and gourmet stores. Recommendations?

goose3

do a search on the open forum

someone there posted a similar thread recently I believe.

tkd7

Check a site like www.binnys.com. They are a big wine seller and have prices and recommendations. Find something you like and see if you can buy it in your area.

1960toppsguy

I'd say stick with some classics that are croud pleasers, either Jordan, Silver Oak or Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. They should all be readily accesible in most areas of the country.

1960toppsguy

Whoops . . .I didn't see the $10.00 a bottle . . . forget the last post and go with something from Australia, but at under $10.00, I'd reccommend a beer tasting!

LuxuryWines

Go to your gourmet shop and ask them for some really good red wines... I would focus in on Austrailia or Chile for Red wines under $10... If you can go with something different ie (non Cabernet) here are a few of my favorite red wines for under $10

D'Arenberg The Stump Jump

Big Red Truck (Cline Cellars)



If it has to be Cabernet I would go with a Cabernet/Merlot blend buy a Penfolds (Austrailian) that is close to $10. Sorry I can not give you the name they have too many different wines to remember.

And I can not find my Austrailian tasting notes .... Regards Jeff

Stingray

Yes, the Austrailian wines are very good, according to my wife. I do not drink wine, but she has had several of the Austrailian wines and like most of them.


Stingray

Griffins

LuxuryWines (JeffB) on this board is a wine broker- he's helped me before. PM him.

jackstraw

I am waiting for Bob to respond? He should be here shortly with a complete list with the best crop years for grapes and any test issues that never made the shelves

tkd7

<< <i>I'd say stick with some classics that are croud pleasers, either Jordan, Silver Oak or Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. They should all be readily accesible in most areas of the country. >>



Stag's Leap is quite good. If you can up the spending limit, definitely one to try.

MiniMaster

I Agree, if price were not an issue Stag's Leap is absolutely great! Duckhorn is also another good one!

LuxuryWines

<< <i>LuxuryWines (JeffB) on this board is a wine broker- he's helped me before. PM him. >>



Was... Been there done that Now I am a card broker and let me tell you it is a hell of a lot more fun here are a few recent wines (el Cheapos) that I like (wine is still a major hobby)
Waterbrook Melange (WAshington State) $12.99 in NJ
Tomaiolo Chianti Riserva $9.99 (drinks like a $30 bottle)
Pillar Box Red $9.99 (outstanding Austrailan )

By the way get your heads out of those overpriced ego driven California wines so much good wine out there that is just as good and a heck of a lot cheaper!

Carew29

Fetzer Vineyards (Calif) has a good Cabernet Sauvignon. In your price range. Also voted winery of the year a few years back.

thesplendidsplinter

Behringer Private Reserve's have good deals as well. You can find them at Costco or Sam's club between $10-$15. Make sure it is their Private Reserve label. I agree with the post of Cline Cellars. Very nice. Make sure you let it breathe. Decant if possible.

captfisch

I love the Penfold's reds from Australia...they go from $12-20 per bottle, if you don't mind going a bit higher on the price. Jacob's Creek and Rosemont are great also, but from Australia as well.

Captfisch

smallstocks

Sebastiani cabs. You can find the lower level ones for around $10 - $13 and everyone will believe they are drinking $25 cabs. Trust me.

thesplendidsplinter

Sebastiani Cherryblock 100th Anniversary is the best Cab I have ever had. Have 3 more bottles, that are TOTALLY being saved for special occasions. Anybody get a chance to get some, do yourself a favor. Unfortunately, they do not go for $10.

CopperJJ

All this wine talk made me go open a 1994 Stonestreet Legacy