Wine Tasting Advice

[hhhanson]

My wife and I are having a pre-dinner wine tasting event at our home later this month. 10 total people attending, all enjoy wine, but my wife and I are the only wine nuts in the group, and I want to educate a bit. My idea is to have 5 reds to drink blind, have each person jot down simple impressions, which one they liked best and least, and how much they think it cost. I'm planning on having one really cheap wine, a couple of widely recognized ones, a personal favorite, and one high dollar (50-75) that really knocks the socks off. I know there are many wines that knock socks off that are cheaper than that, but part of the intent of this event is to taste wines from a variety of price points. So, I'm looking for recommendations for the higher end. I'd like to stick to Washington, or maybe California wines, and probably a knock out Merlot as I'd like it to be approachable now. Any Ideas?

Harry

[Auburnwine]

We had a tasting of eight upscale wines back in the fall. I carried the 1994 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cab. But everything was blown away by the 1998 Elderton Command Shiraz. The other winner was a Turley Zin which is challenging to obtain.

I'd go with an upscale Shiraz, but there others (more accustomed to such lofty vins) who may offer better advice.

[hhhanson]

Thanks,
I just checked the website of my local "usually has it" wine shop in south Seattle (www.esquin.com) and they've got this listed:

1998-ELDERTON SHIRAZ 'COMMAND' BAROSSA

Is that it? They're asking $65.0o

[Auburnwine]

Yup, that's it. Only 375 cases imported. Grab it up if it fits the bill.

I have not had a better wine.

I looked at the web site. Grab a couple of bottles of the Yalumba Museum Muscat and/or the Rosemount Old Benson Tawny Port ("Dark, sweet and exotic, dripping with toffee, brazil nut and coffee around a cherry core. Rated 97 by the Wine Spectator.") for after dinner. Either will be a carnival in your mouth.

[This message has been edited by Auburnwine (edited 01-06-2003).]