We are wanting to host a basic wine tasting for several friends who are very new to learning about wine. Following the WS school here, we are looking for a good PN and CS to compare. Preferably from the same producer and not more than $20 each.

I drink a lot of PN and other reds but not that much CS these days so I've not paid attention to what might be there. I would appreciate any suggestions.

For that budget, I'd recommend Gallo Sonoma Reserve. You should be able to find them in the $10 - $15 dollar range.

That's what this is all about - learning.

I grew up in the California Central Valley and at the time that "What's the Word? Thunderbird" was a frequently heard ad slogan. My past has imprinted a less than favorable image of the Gallo Brand.

But I'm always willing to learn. Thanks for the suggestion.

I know what you mean, EG. Those old Ernest & Julio gallon wine jugs is all my dad used to drink when I was growing up. I couldn't stand the stuff.

But then a friend gave me a bottle of this Sonoma Gallo, and to say I was shocked and surprised at the quality would be an understatement. And I've been drinking the stuff now for 7 years or so, and it's been fairly consistent. The Cab is my favorite, but the Chard, Pinot and Merlots are also very drinkable.

Sterling Vinter's Collection would also meet your request of CS and PN from the same producer for under $20. I have not had their recent offerings (2005); however, some of their prior years have been reasonable.

I have a friend in Dallas who was telling me about the new Gallo label from Sonoma which are termed Reserve wines. The sales rep was at the local wine store on Sunday, and she offerred a tasting. I must say, I was impressed with these $8-12 wines. These are very good, and Gallo. They are a far cry from thejug wines of E&J. These are decent low priced wines and worth a try.

quote:

Originally posted by ratso:
I have a friend in Dallas who was telling me about the new Gallo label from Sonoma which are termed Reserve wines. ... These are very good, and Gallo. They are a far cry from thejug wines of E&J. These are decent low priced wines and worth a try.

I'm anxious to try that soon so I think I'll have to make one of my wine shopping trips to Dallas soon. I've looked for that wine around here and have not found it yet. My most frequented store does not carry "reserve" level wines with rare exceptions.

Since it is priced in the area of Red Bicyclette (another Gallo product) I would think they would have Sonoma Reserve as well. I do not want to buy the case they require if they order it for me.

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Hey, i've said it before, and I'll say it again...

Bogle, Hogue, and Columbia Crest. No matter what you get it's always cheap, and always good enough to drink.

I have had pretty good luck with Castle Rock Winery's Pinots and Cabs. Both are under $14 and very drinkable. I, too, have had very good luck with Columbia Crest, but at the Grand Estates level (~$11), not Two Vines (~$8)...

I was going to suggest Castle Rock as well. Alexander Valley Vineyards should also come in under $20 for each.