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Richard Simms · 03-22-2001, 01:03 PM,

Can you recommend any cabernet/merlot of good quality in the $10 - $20 range? Also, do you have any thoughts on a Meridian 1997 cabernet and a Beringer 1998 cabernet and the quality of their wines in general?

Innkeeper · 03-22-2001, 02:58 PM,

Hi Richard and welcome to the Wine Board. Right now Washington State is getting some excellent press as well they should for their Cabs. See the Northwest thread on this board for some recent news, as well as this story that broke yesterday: http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/21/living/21WINE.html . Am trying to glom onto some of them in your price range as well.

For merlot, have been getting into those from extreme Northeast Italy lately. Specifically those from Collio and Collio Friuli. Am finding these excellent as a group, i.e. haven't found a bad one yet. The reason is this region gives merlot added dimensions. It needs this as the grape is rather singular in dimension. That is why Americans, Aussies, and Chilians load it up with oak. The age of the vines (over a hunderd years) and the terroir in Collio are what add the extra dimensions there.

Prices of excellent Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon and Collio (Friuli) Merlot can be found in the $15-$20 range. The Meridan and Beringer Cabs are good jouneyman wines.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 03-27-2001).]

chittychattykathy · 03-22-2001, 02:59 PM,

Suggest you type "Merlot" and/or Cabernet Sauvignon into the search function and have a look at all the suggestions that have been made in the last six months or so. Not many Meridian fans on board here, (feel safe in saying this, right?!!) but the Beringer wines are good to great. CCK

[This message has been edited by chittychattykathy (edited 03-22-2001).]

chittychattykathy · 03-22-2001, 03:01 PM,

Oh, hey IK, Howdy!

Richard Simms · 03-27-2001, 01:24 PM,

Thank's Innkeeper and CCK for your comments and suggestions. Sorry I was late in thanking you. I browsed the Wine Board and was able to find a number of recommended wines in the $10 - $20 range. I compiled a list by type and name of wine and plan to try all of them over a period of time. I began the process this past weekend. We had friends over and shared a bottle of Blackstone Napa Merlot ($20) with appetizers before going out to dinner. The wine was enjoyable and had, what I call, a little pucker power at the end. My list includes a comment section where I will note how much I did or did not enjoy the wine.

winoweenie · 03-27-2001, 06:01 PM,

this is a very smart and concise plan for building up your wine knowledge. As you find wines you enjoy, note the things about them that you like( aroma, fruit, balance, taste, mouthfeel, and how it finishes in the throat) Then as you drink more and find the components that are pleasing to you it's easy to buy wines that'll please YOUR palate. Have fun! WW

Richard Simms · 03-27-2001, 08:42 PM,

Thanks Wino for your comments and advice. Since I am new at trying different wines I appreciate your advice on what to try and experience with each wine I try.

Drew · 03-28-2001, 11:28 AM,

WW, is Richard an old friend? I see he called you by your nick name. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

Drew

winoweenie · 03-28-2001, 04:23 PM,

Yes Drew , he has provided me transportation back to my hovel on many a lost weekend. WW

winoweenie · 03-28-2001, 04:23 PM,

Yes Drew , he has provided me transportation back to my hovel on many a lost weekend. WW

Richard Simms · 03-28-2001, 04:41 PM,

Sorry about that "WW", I just have a hard time with the word following wino. I now know the correct abbreviation for your name.

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