need a red wine

[Christinearific]

Hi there, I'm brand new to the site. I like white wine, but haven't developed my taste for red yet.I have a friend that loves red wine and I want to get her a bottle for her b-day but I really have no clue when it comes to choosing them. I don't know what kind she likes, and I don't want to snoop around or ask because I don't want her to get suspicious, but at the same time I don't want to look like a dork and just pick any old red wine. Can anyone suggest a red wine that any red wine lover would completely find wonderful without making me look like I don't know what I'm doing?

[winoweenie]

Hi Christinearific and welcome to the board. If your friend is as knowledgeable as you indicate try finding a nice Meritage from the 99 vintage. Ones to look for are Beaulieu Vineyards " Tapestry Reserve", Raymond " Generations :, Cain Five, or Flora Springs " Trilogy ". Since you put no parameters on cost for your info all of these are in the 30 to 50 dollar range and would please most every grump on this or any other board. WW

[wineguruchgo]

I agree with WW, yet just in case you don't like her THAT MUCH! Here are a few suggestions that are a little less pricey.

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz <$20.00

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet <$20.00

Cline Zinfandel, Live Oak <$25.00

Guenoc Petite Sirah <$20.00

Argyle Pinot Noir Reserve <30.00

Chateau Ste Michelle Merlot Cold Creek Vineyard <25.00

Hope that helps.

[Christinearific]

can I purchace those wines at the regular grocery store or would I need to go to a more specialized store?

[winoweenie]

Go to a fine wine shop. WW