Buying a few to try, are these terrible selections?

Kind of a wide open question, isn't it? Kind of like saying "I'm thinking of buying a car - should I try the Ford Mustang, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Freestar, Pontiac Grand Am, and maybe a couple Chevies?"

Well, I'd say that would be ok to try all those different cars, so I guess it is ok to try these different wines?

You have *my* permission.

No, only way to find out is to try it. However, you're not giving wine-drinking a try... you're giving one winery a try. If you're into champagne you might consider Robert Mondavi 2001 Fume Blanc instead of the chardonnay. Closer to your turf I'd imagine. If you want to try red wines I'd start on the lighter side, perhaps a Pinot Noir. If you like even fruitier try a (French) 2003 Beaujolais. If you want something with more gravity try Cline Small Berry Mourvedre 2001.

I attended a tasting of Firestone wines last year. A pretty good producer, although I remember the Riesling was awful. I really liked the Sauvignon Blanc by this producer..one of the few CA Sauv Blancs that isn't oaked to death. I do not remember the Cabernet specifically, but my recollection was that the reds were at least decent. You would want to drink the Cab Sauv within three to five years, I suspect. If drinking now, decant for at least an hour.

In general, CA Rieslings are pretty awful, in my opinion. Stick to the European versions of this grape, for the most part.

I would second the idea that you want to taste from a variety of wine regions and producers. (This is a long-term goal, although in the short-term, sampling from one winery is not a bad idea, especially at tastings.)

Tom Schellberg

Thanks for all the suggestions by everyone. Being someone who enjoys champagne, do you think I'll feel hit in the face on my first couple wines? haha. I've had a little red before, no idea what it was, and I found it enjoyable so maybe I will be surprised. I suspect I will enjoy the whites more, but who knows?

Are there any champagne-only people in the world? haha. Perhaps I should remain one of them, it is so much simpler. Only the Champagne region in France to worry about.

Perhaps going on one of the suggestions I'll try an Australian Pinot Noir as one of my first reds.

What kind of wine is typical to find in the grocery stores? Worthwhile stuff there?

Ah yes - bit of burnt rubber in the nose. Must have been a Goodyear.....but I guess you are getting tired of this.......

I prefer Michelin - guides you to the "bonnes tables" ... ;-)

M.

Nothing like a B F good rich cab. Or a continental one.

Well, Kimi, you've proven yourself a good sport and taken a bit of kidding here. Between the lines, however, there is always some good advice.

If you like Champagne, you probably won't be "hit in the face" by dry whites and may be pleasantly surprised by some fruity reds. While Champagne is fun, it often strikes me as a bit apple-juicy. It takes a lot of $$$ to get into great champers and those wonderful toasty, yeasty, flavors. My favorite, which unfortunately I don't drink enough of, is Bollinger in all versions. But, don't restrict yourself to just France (although that is "authentic"). You'll find some French houses doing a pretty nice product out of California these days. Domain Chandon is one of them. Also check out Gruet from New Mexico.

For reds, I'd avoid Aussie Pinot Noir. It isn't a varietal they are noted for. Look instead for Shiraz and spend about $12-18 for a nice one. There are some characteristics of certain varietals (grape types) that I find--others may disagree. If you like black or red cherries, try Pinot Noir--California's Russian River Valley or Oregon's Williamette Valley are noteworthy.

If you like spice, blackberry, raspberry, pepper, you might explore zinfandels (not, repeat NOT, "white zinfandel"). If you like smooth with a hint of chocolate, you could try Merlot. Expect Cabernet Sauvignon to show dark flavors ranging from leather and tar to smoke, cassis, blueberry and vanilla. There's a very broad range of flavors that show up in cab sauv.

For whites, note that the basic grape for the Champagne that you like is chardonnay. Expect chards to be stand-alone wines, with a lot of butter, vanilla, some apple and melon flavors. There's a broad range of styles here as well.

For drier whites, check Sauvignon blanc which is often called "flinty" or citrusy. Pinot grigio or pinot gris, tend to be very ligtht, crisp and often show melon, pear or apple flavors.

For sweet whites, there's a wide range of rieslings, both German and Austrian and less "in-your-face" from the New World.

Shopping for wine in grocery stores isn't a good plan if you want to experience some variety and good wine. Find a liquor store that stocks a lot of wine. Depending upon the size of city you live in, you may find some huge emporia or you may need to simply scout out a wine-friendly merchant in a small store.

Have fun, drink wine and report back to us on your explorations.

Ed Rasimus Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret) "When Thunder Rolled" Smithsonian Institution Press ISBN #1-58834-103-8

I'd prefer Michelin too, but their family didn't leave the tire industry to start a winery.

Gee - I think I'm Riken your suggestion....my hat's off Toyo

Anyhow, better wine than beer, it makes me Pi, relli.

Can we end this thread now!

Young Martle wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Yes, it seems to have gone flat... d.

Yes, end it now - everyone has gone Falken mad!!!!

Yes, definitely time to re-tire this thread!

(I liked the Falken!)

hmmm. didn't take you for a trekkie, Bill!!