a little advise, on reds

[Innkeeper]

One way to find your way though the Bordeaux quagmire of thousands of different chateaux, to find value, is to find the second labels of the more prestigious (and expensive) chateaux or those of the Crus Bourgeois that are owned by the big guys. Not just talking about big, but the well known producers of quality wines.

A good guide to all this is in the special edition of Wine & Spirits Magazine currently on the newstands entitled: Guide To Understanding Wine (The Insider's Guide To Value). The article: "Finding Value In Bordeaux" by Fiona Morrison, MW; is the one you want.

As far as California/Washington wines go, here are two routes you can go. One is to go cheap. The more inexpensive cabernets tend to be smoother and otherwise more approachable on release. For under $10, you might give Hacienda a shot. The other route is to try merlot. Merlot is dollar by dollar, maker by maker smoother and more approachable than cabernet.



[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 08-13-2001).]