Which Wine to Start With

[stevebody]

I'm sorry about that last post. It was supposed to be in answer to the topic titled "Buying Wine Online" (damnit!)

In answer to your question, I can't agree the white zin thing, either. That's not what the vast majority of wines is all about. Try a Cab, a Merlot, a Pinot, a few Rhone grapes (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, etc.), Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, and maybe a Pinot Grigio or Gris. You're close to Australia and they make great stuff down there ("Fruit Bomb" detractors: stuff a sock in it. They make great wines anf you know it.) so you'll have a good access to a lot of fine starter bottles at low prices. Here are suggestions in Aussie varietals that have true character of the grape and won't run ya broke:

Cab: Peter Lehmann Barossa
Merlot: Penfold's Rawson's Retreat or Hardy's
Pinot: Get an Oregon or WA Pinot. The Aussies ain't there yet.
Syrah/Shiraz: Buckeley's or Oxford Landing Limited Release
Grenache: Oxford Landing Limited
Chard: Tyrrell's
Sauv Blanc: New Zealand Villa Maria or Nobilo
Semillion: Peter Lehmann Barossa
Pinot Grigio: Lagaria (Italy)

If you can't find these, write me at stevebody@go.com and I'll forward more suggestions.

Cheers!