Not a fan of wine clubs, generally speaking

I like these quotes: “The best wines are those we drink together” Maya Angelou wrote, “Independence is a heady draught, and if you drink it in your youth, it can have the same effect on the brain as young wine does. It does not matter that its taste is not always appealing. It is addictive and with each drink you want more.” Galileo wrote, “Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” I chose these for today to answer two recurring questions. Which is your preferred wine and do you age most of the wine you drink at home? I try to cast a very wide net for readers because I realize the variety of taste profiles enjoyed is diverse. It is more frequently driven by exogenous circumstance than by the charts, snorts, sips and babbling of experts. Henny Youngman, a Borsch Belt comedian, long before gender identity was in question, answered well also. “Doctor says to a man, ‘You’re pregnant!’ The man says, ‘How does a man get pregnant?’ The doctor says, ‘The usual way, a little wine, a little dinner….’” 

Jen asked about Hartford Court Chardonnay 2017. Tough to answer, The RRV under $20 is 89 points, subtle bouquet of citrus green apple and pear with a hint of jasmine. Kiwi, lemon and apple on a well balance acidity/fruit palate It finishes with mineral and ginger hints. The Four Hearts 2015, $45, rated 91 McD. I haven’t sampled the 16 or 17. As regulars are aware, I’m not a huge modern-day Cali chardonnay fan. That said, the Hartford Family Far Coast Chard both 2015, $89, and 2016, $61, were heavily touted around 93 points. Wine Advocate gave the 2016 96. In this case RP was accurate, go with the cheaper vintage  Best buy provided you are going to the airport and like big buttery chardonnay, would be the 2012, $52, on sale at Wineotomy  in Reston Va. 

Successful deer hunters who enjoy fairly priced Italian wine, keep your eyes peeled for Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo IGT 2017. I have seen it priced from $14-17, great QPR under $15. Dark ruby with purple rim, opens to red fruit, spice, cocoa and leather notes. On the palate ripe fruit and mixed herbs supported by soft tannin/acidity back bone, which cleans up the finish as well. If you haven’t tried Primitivo this is a fine place to start.

Vino San Pedro “9 Lives” Reserve Sauv. Blanc is an inexpensive wine, under $10, both 2017 and 18 are rated 87 McD. They can solve the wine selection for the Feast of 7 Fishes, a seven-selection seafood extravaganza that many Roman Catholic Spanish and Italian folks enjoy after Mass on Christmas Eve. 100 percent SB, straw colored, citrus, primarily grapefruit, nose with balancing acidity.

Robert asked about wine clubs. I am not a fan, generally speaking. Find a store in your area that wants to work with you. Develop a relationship with the sales people. Using this tactic, you may do better and pay less. Youse guys can use my ratings and suggestions that have worked for you, as a starting point with your wine shop pal. Since some readers may wish more info I am providing a website from Consumer Reports that is in depth: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/12/wine-clubs-prompt-some-whines/index.htm.

Line 39 has a three-bottle party pack of Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Chardonnay, ‘18 and Pinot Noir ‘17 that is a good entry level gift for the “barbarians” in your lives. Individually these are priced under $10  Reverse Wine Snob wrote “Pinot Noir under $10 is not impossible” when the label came on the market in 2010. These are winemaker’s art, Steven DaCosta produced of juice or grapes from various locales Line 39 has seven selections to choose from. I don’t normally write about wine that comes in under 87 points. However, price point, (PP) get this PN over the wire. The Cab, a very good value, earned 87 McD with no PP added, and the Chardonnay rated a solid 88 for most vintages. Don’t let low price influence your buds!