Eric writes, on another thread
Eric--thank you for the recommendation!
Actually, there are dozens of decent $4 (US) cabernets on the market right now---and that's as it should be.
There is a huge glut of quality wine in the US right now, and it affords all of us some opportunities. Perhaps we should open up a thread here, on wines under $6, and solicit recommendations.
However, it would be more fun if we found some members to post the results of blind tastings on some of these wines (Robert Parker obviously isn't reviewing them).
Industry people will often "plant" posts to newsgroups, posing as consumers, and recommend--depending on the newsgroup-- a particular video game, rock album, Hollywood film, mutual fund, etc.
However, in this group we have to take it on faith that the recommendation is genuine---and at 4 bucks, who could go wrong, anyway?
Eric, I believe your recommendation is genuine and I welcome you to the discussion.
I think it's high time we talk about the everyday stuff we drink with chicken or pot roast.
A favorite and long-dead writer, Leon Adams, once said (and I am paraphrasing),
"Why are we always talking about Sunday wines? [that's what he called them]
"There are plenty of other wines which can bring enjoyment to everyday situations".
I agree. Even in the Medoc they drink Bordeaux Superior on weeknights. In Burgundy, they drink Beaujolais.
I open this to the group:
Some of these brands, such as Two-Buck Chuck, or Sea Ridge (Safeway's $3 wine), or Oak Creek, may disappear when the wine lake dries up.
Industry forecasts for the late 00s in California suggest that we may return again to shortages of quality everyday wine. But the vinicultural engines of Italy, Spain, Argentina and Australia are already starting to pump massive quantities of really decent, affordable wines to our shores, and also to all of the countries represented in this newsgroup.
Some of these made-up brands, such as Oak Creek, go out to target geographic markets, and may be a passing phenomenon.
Even Two-Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw) is essentially a localised, California phenomenon--though it is available in some other states.
But there are several "hot" international brands, now, from Australia, Chile and Italy. Why not review them?
Many years ago, Mouton-Cadet (from Baron Philippe) became an international supermarket wonder, and a number of Burgundy negociants created their cheaper blends of "Chablis", "Puilly Fuisse" and such. And then there was Blue Nun, from Germany.
Should we perhaps include some discussions here of these "weekday" wines?
Ten years ago, I would have dismissed this idea. But now, with the cost of a "good" bottle of wine surpassing the price of a fine restaurant dinner course for two, shouldn't we reconsider?
There ARE, after all, a number of supermarket brands to avoid.
I leave this to the newsgroup. What say ye?
---Bob