Local non-serious group met at Roger’s, theme was:”your favorite wine under $25.” Roger was shocked at the idea anyone’s favorite might not be red, I said maybe 2 or 3 candidates of my top 10 choices under $25 might be red. But I was only one to bring a white
Roger had a nice spread of sausages, potato/cauliflower gratin (or German equivalent), cheeses, Etc. Wines were blind.
#1 My wine .First guesses were Chablis,. And indeed this is steely and stony, but also saline. Crisp, young. When unveiled someone said but can you buy under $25, I said as it is always under $25 at release I think qualifies. Alex (French) who grew up with mass production insipid Muscadet was shocked by this. 2012 Pepiere Clos desBriords Muscadet A-
#2 I didn’t get this one, but then I’ve neve rhad a Prieto Picudo before. Bright, perky, a little bit of barnyard funk, black raspberries with herbs. 2019 Mary Taylor Leyenda del Paramo ( Castilla y León) B
#3 Bright, juicy , sappy I was thinking Beaujolais but then realized who brought it and got Mnecia on first guess (my social engineering is better than my taste buds). 2019 Descendientes de Palacios Petalos (Bierzo) B
Good acids, strawberry and vanilla, light finish.
# 4 Moderate acids, some sturdy tannin, blueberry and plum, I got Italy but then erred with a Dolcetto guess. 2016 Malacari Rosso Conero Villa Malacari B/B-
#5 We got Pinot early, blaxck cherry, bright acids, on lighter side. I was thinking maybe Germany, but once Loire we got appellation (duh).2019 Lauverjat Sancerre rouge B/B+
#6 On man. I guessed New World cab, but mostly didn’t want a second taste. Label says 13.8 abv, but taste much hotter. Creme de cassis, macerated cherries, yet a bit weedy. Not for me. 2018 Donati Family Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) C
#7 Sweet and easy, actually seemed less alcoholic than the Donati , short finish. I never contemplated Amarone under $25. Label sported a 90 pt Suckling score right in middle.
2018 (I think) Antiche Terre Amarone. C+/B-
I had carried a bonus bottle of the 2015 Donnhoff Riesling (aka estate) which was fresh, young, and vibrant, if not super complex B
Fun time.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.