quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
Only on a recommendation from someone whose palate I trust.

Damn. That leaves me out.

I buy almost any port unknown and unrated.

Simply because it's hard to find reliable tasting notes for the smaller houses

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
Only on a recommendation from someone whose palate I trust.

Damn. That leaves me out.

Au contraire!

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
Only on a recommendation from someone whose palate I trust.

Damn. That leaves me out.

Au contraire!

I just love it when you speak French.

No. I better not

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
No. I better not

Hey... Robert has already retired for the night.

Just don't get Board-O started on smelly French armpits and Robert is OK.

FL Wino - No problem with the TNs. I know most of the wines. Not necessarily the specific vintages, but many of those too. You didn't do too badly overall and that's a vote for trying something you don't know.

I had my turn around the block when I purchased from that Montesque (sp) telephone broker. Although the fast talking made me suspicous, I did buy twice. When at a pattern of none of their wines had a web site, none were mentioned on these forums, or not mentioned on Cellar Tracker, I knew it was foolish to buy from them. They got quite huffy when I expressed this opinion.

I would only buy blind now, and only lass than $30 a bottle, on a recommendation from someone I trust.

I buy blind on a fairly regular basis, but the degree of blindness varies. There are a number of areas and varietals I have minimal exposure to and just want to try more of. Like several have said, price point comes into play more, varying by region.

Sometimes I check CT to get some idea of a flavor profile, sometimes I'll check WS vintage charts so I'll feel like I'm sampling an unfamiliar area on a 'good day'.

I've had some fun bottles that way, and the other night had a VERY enjoyable Southern Rhone that I don't recall knowing anything about when I bought it. Beyond familiarity with the region I think I knew nothing about it and now I'm going back for more.

I just came across one yesterday that I'm not sure whether to pull the trigger on or not.
Cosentino Legends Napa Merlot 2004--a vanity wine project between Mitch Cosentino and Larry Bird, I guess. Has a basketball on the label.
Free version winesercher has it for about $24, but I found it for $8. Still...

I wouldn't call it a slam dunk, but how bad could a Napa Merlot be, as long as you don't have an issue with oak.

Cosentino made some decent Meritage blends back in the 90s.

quote:

Originally posted by mneeley490:
...I found it for $8. Still...

If you're at all curious I'd go for it. At best, you found a good bargain. At worst, pop it on a weeknight with a backup bottle in mind in case it's no good. $8 is a cheap gamble.

quote:

Originally posted by RedLoverJim:

quote:

Originally posted by mneeley490:
...I found it for $8. Still...

If you're at all curious I'd go for it. At best, you found a good bargain. At worst, pop it on a weeknight with a backup bottle in mind in case it's no good. $8 is a cheap gamble.

You're right. I'll go pick one up today. But I'm afraid I'll have Larry Bird's face in my head the whole time I'm drinking it.

I'll buy a lot of things if they let me taste it first. They'd sell me more wine at a lot of the local shops if they'd use glasses rather than the nyquil cups.

Other than that, if something isn't too pricy, I'll buy a bottle cold, especially if it seems like it might be something that is similar to something I'm already enjoying.

quote:

Originally posted by mneeley490:

quote:

Originally posted by RedLoverJim:

quote:

Originally posted by mneeley490:
...I found it for $8. Still...

If you're at all curious I'd go for it. At best, you found a good bargain. At worst, pop it on a weeknight with a backup bottle in mind in case it's no good. $8 is a cheap gamble.

You're right. I'll go pick one up today. But I'm afraid I'll have Larry Bird's face in my head the whole time I'm drinking it.

See tasting note here.

Not bad for $8!