Opinion on wineries

[winoweenie]

Hi Lil'. To be more specific about the "upscale " wines here is a short rundown. Beringer Knights Valley. Always close to the top in P/Q. Beringer Alluvium. A delicious Bordeaux blend that gives tons of bang for the buck for lovers of this style. Beringer Private Reserve. A proven top-notch wine from almost every vintage since its' intro in 77. Expensive? Worth it? I<MHO in todays market a resounding Yeah. Mondavi Coastal. Good P/Q wine that is made in a sound, safe style but not extremely exciting.Mondavi Napa. Can at times be outstanding and a candidate for aging.Mondavi Reserve. Like the Beringer, a top-notch wine capable of holding it's own against the worlds finest. Kendall-Jackson has embarked on an ambitious program of premium wines that will range from 50 bucks upward. The Cardinale bottling made an outstanding 97. Lakoya also made 3 marvelous bottlings in 97. Jess J has a good track record so I tend not to discredit his moves.Well, anywhoos, that be my teeny takeon the brands you questioned us 'bout. I'm surprised you didn't mention Beaulieu Vineyards, One of the oldest and, IMHO, one of the finest purveyors of juice in the industry. They make a very fine line of lower-priced varietals under the Beau Tour label, a fine estate Cab named Rutherford, a marvy Bordeaux style named Tapestry, and still one of the great Cabs produced anywhere under the Georges De Latour Private Reserve label. Very ageworthy and has a history very few Wineries in Calif can match.(1936 was the first vintage). Of course, there are many other great wines being made that never hit the shelves of your friendly wine shop, but these should get you drinking in the right direction. WW

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 04-22-2001).]