I had a couple of glasses last night thoroughly enjoyed it and I don't normally drink during the week nor do I usually have red wine...

what are your favourites.... I know plenty of people who enjoy the odd glass so please indulge your taste buds and share...

I'd like to get cultured on the delights of red wine.


Have a lovely day ladies and gentlemen .... :waving:

I love the odd glass (or three) of red!
I have many favourites, it really depends how much you want to spend.
De Bortoli's Windy Peak label is very good value for money, they have a few different reds that are all pretty good.
Stonehaven Rat and Bull is fabulous if you can get hold of it, and also under $20.

At the higher end of the scale, you really can't go past Margaret River reds like Cullen or Voyager Estate. Cullen does make a cheaper red blend called Ellen Bussell which is about $25 and very easy to drink.

I'm not a big fan of red wine unless i'm have a rack of lamb or a juicy rib on the bone or mersey valley cheese and jatz. I have to drink my red wince with food i just can't have a glass.

My fave is:
Devils Lair Fith Leg (sorry can't think of the rest but it has a purple screw cap)

Not too dry

I am also a huge fan of a drop of red :whistle: My parents are members of a wine group that delivers a dozen new reds to the house every month. It's a great way to try lots of new reds :rollthoseeyes:

cheers girls. I went out this morning after posting this thread and I stopped in at the supermarket. not knowing a thing about red wine other the little bit I hear from talking to my folks. I saw they had a yellowtale

http://www.yellowtailwineusa.com/wines/pinotNoir/
it was on special for 9.95 at the supermarket thought I'd open this up tonight.

I'm gong to keep a good look out especially when I'm in aussie later this month for some of your suggestions.

I like a Shiraz (very much)! My faves are from the McLaren Vale region in SA or even around the Barossa. Pinot Noir from New Zealand also hits the mark!

At my work wine tasting night I learnt something new! When you swirl the wine in the glass, the remnants (or dribble imo) that wash down are called "the legs" of a wine! Now I want to do a course!

I love red wine although since moving to Perth I have been drinking more whites - probably due to the milder climate.

I adore a good pinot noir - pinots are great when grown in cool-weather regions. They are very varied in taste but always intriguing...the texture or consistency always seems lighter but the flavours themselves can be quite 'dark' or rich. One of my favourite pinot noirs is Piano Gully, which is from Pemberton, in WA's beautiful south west.

A shiraz is always a good option for those new to reds. In general it is lighter thus easier to drink. Can also be quite fruity. Barking Owl does a fantastic shiraz- I love it.

For lower-priced red wines in general, Penfolds do some lovely reds in their cheaper range. I think someone mentioned this before, but yellow tail is good too for a cheap wine.

Grayland Estate and Vasse Felix are two more WA wineries and their wines are divine. Grayland is a bit harder to get and a little more expensive, but Vasse Felix is well-priced and nationally available.

As you can see, I love my red!

hey Alice, do you know that NZ is world famous for pinot?!!

whenever i get a chance to go over for work i always bring back a couple of bottles that i can't buy in Oz. unfortunately i haven't been for a while and only have 3 NZ pinots left in my cellar (a.k.a. two shelves of my linen cupboard :rollthoseeyes:)
- a Villa Maria Reserve which is about NZ$30
- one Ata Rangi
- one Carrick
the second two i am saving for special occassions

mmm, i love a good red... in fact a glass of red with a nice cheese beats chocolate for me (just) :spin:

Wine is my thing!
I adore wines from New Zealand particularly the Central Otago Region also Marlborough, Martinborough, Nelson.................. NZ not only make fabulous Pinot they are also renowned for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.
I absolutely enjoy and respect all varieties of wine and delight in tasting wines from all around the world. ( It is part of what I do professionally ) :rollthoseeyes:

Can't beat Ninth Island Pinot.....:penguin:

mmm, i love a good red... in fact a glass of red with a nice cheese beats chocolate for me (just) :spin:

Hi there ladyver - I agree with you but what I really love is a good red and a decadent piece (or 10) of chocolate. The best of both worlds!

charismatic, what line of work are you in if you don't mind me asking?

Well, I myself am partial to the 5L cask of Coolabah. When finished you can blow up the cask and use it as a pillow.

Just kidding. I don't yet know enough about wine to make a proper contribution to this one. But I do know what I like - Barossa Valley/Coonawarra reds and Margaret River whites (especially Capel Vale and Devil's Lair). Also anything Ninth Island....mmmmmm.......

charismatic, what line of work are you in if you don't mind me asking?

S, I have my own Consultancy predominately aimed at the Hospitality Industry.

S, I have my own Consultancy predominately aimed at the Hospitality Industry.

Fantastic, C! What does this entail? (Sorry about all the questions, I am just always curious about differnt things that we girls do when not on Adore).

And raspberry, I bet you do sleep on the silver pillow, lol! When I was little I was fascinated by those bags.

Well, I myself am partial to the 5L cask of Coolabah. When finished you can blow up the cask and use it as a pillow.
.

The goon bag is my mum's drink of choice!! Oh the embarassment!

Favourite would have to be shiraz for some reason. Pinot is a bit too thick for me.

I love reds. I do have a couple of faves but I get a box (or two) delivered each month so I usually have different one on hand. I am very partial to both Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon but you can get duds in both varieties.

My absolute favourite NZ red is Craggy Range Syrah. I had a look in a bottle shop in Sydney and it was over $60 a bottle (much cheaper in NZ).:shakehead:

Favourite would have to be shiraz for some reason. Pinot is a bit too thick for me.

I love pinot! Many pinots are not thick at all - they tend to be a denser flavour (in general) but often the wine itself tastes 'thinner' if that makes sense. Piano Gully does a great pinot that is unusually light both in flavour and texture. :)

Thanks for the Piano Gully tip Sapphire. I find Pinots a bit hit and miss like Merlots. Fave is still Shiraz, still from SA. I tried a lovely Shiraz recently called Mojo. I had it at a restaurant but have not spotted it in the stores. Do let me know if you have seen it. Not sure on $ or where it comes from?

Thanks for the Piano Gully tip Sapphire. I find Pinots a bit hit and miss like Merlots. Fave is still Shiraz, still from SA. I tried a lovely Shiraz recently called Mojo. I had it at a restaurant but have not spotted it in the stores. Do let me know if you have seen it. Not sure on $ or where it comes from?

No I have not heard of it; will keep an eye out though.

I don't mind wine, however after 2, somewhat notorious nights out drinking white wine one night (When I got the bright of idea of, why are we buying glasses? Let get bottles! WHy are we buying one, lets get one EACH!) I have not being able to drink it since. White wine makes loolabelle crazy hehe.

I don't like red wine but I REALLLLLY want to find one that I like.

I don't mind wine, however after 2, somewhat notorious nights out drinking white wine one night (When I got the bright of idea of, why are we buying glasses? Let get bottles! WHy are we buying one, lets get one EACH!) I have not being able to drink it since. White wine makes loolabelle crazy hehe.

I don't like red wine but I REALLLLLY want to find one that I like.

Hi Loola :)

I think the path to loving red wine is a long and patient one - you need to continually drink it (good stuff that is) for a while and eventually your palette will get used to it - red wine is an acquired taste as it is unusual compared to most foods/drinks. I always think shiraz is a nice, easy to drink red for beginners.

Hi Loola :)

I think the path to loving red wine is a long and patient one - you need to continually drink it (good stuff that is) for a while and eventually your palette will get used to it - red wine is an acquired taste as it is unusual compared to most foods/drinks. I always think shiraz is a nice, easy to drink red for beginners.

Thanks Saph! Shiraz...well it sounds pretty so I'm won over! Can you recommmend any brands or anything to try - I'm about to go out and wouldn't mind picking one up.

Thanks Saph! Shiraz...well it sounds pretty so I'm won over! Can you recommmend any brands or anything to try - I'm about to go out and wouldn't mind picking one up.

Mmm...Vasse Felix is reasonably priced but very tasty. Black Wattle is pricer but superb. And Penfolds' lower priced range has a nice shiraz, though IMO not quite as nice as the other two.

Awesome - have written those 2 down and will have a look when I go out. I do have one red in my liqour stock - a Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon (2002) from the Iron Gate Estate from the Hunter valley I picked up 2 years ago at a work conference. Still unopened. I'd prolly want to save that for some occasion or to drink with someone.

And you drink red wine room temperature, not chilled - yes? (Uh huh, I know THIS little about wine!)

Awesome - have written those 2 down and will have a look when I go out. I do have one red in my liqour stock - a Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon (2002) from the Iron Gate Estate from the Hunter valley I picked up 2 years ago at a work conference. Still unopened. I'd prolly want to save that for some occasion or to drink with someone.

And you drink red wine room temperature, not chilled - yes? (Uh huh, I know THIS little about wine!)

Definitely not chilled, lol! Unless it is a sparkling red. I'll let you know Loola, if I think of some more suggestions.

Loola - if you can find the Cullen Ellen Bussell Red, this might be a good one to try - it's not too dry or tannin-y, quite easy to drink :)
Or anything from Windy Peak (De Bortoli) is usually good and well-priced too.

Loola - if you can find the Cullen Ellen Bussell Red, this might be a good one to try - it's not too dry or tannin-y, quite easy to drink :)
Or anything from Windy Peak (De Bortoli) is usually good and well-priced too.

Ok I'm writing these down - I have a pink post it inmy purse with brands of red wine to try! IN a shiraz or merlot or....well that's all I know hehe, I looked for the Vasse Feliz and Black Wattle but couldn't find them.

Ok I'm writing these down - I have a pink post it inmy purse with brands of red wine to try! IN a shiraz or merlot or....well that's all I know hehe, I looked for the Vasse Feliz and Black Wattle but couldn't find them.

Try the Shiraz Viognier in the Windy Peak. Or the Cabernet Merlot. You should be able to get these at most bottle shops.
http://debortoli.com.au/our-wines/brand/windy-peak.html

I would also definitely suggest you drink these with food - red wine can seem very strong if you are drinking it on its own. Cook yourself up a nice steak and have a glass of red with it :spin:

I'm taking this advice too! I can't handle red much to mum's disappointment - she loves it and when she goes to open a bottle I always say 'Noo! I want a glass too! Go white! Go white!' She always obliges. So cute.

But anyway I WANT to learn to like red. Although I couldn't handle the reddy/purple mouth that can go with it...

I really don't know anything much about wine which is why I have left it up to my parents to choose the drops for my 30th. As I am not allowed to drink Alcohol because of a medical condition I really don't know much about it.

I would love to stand in the barrel thingy and squash the grapes with my toes though:chuckle:

Ok I'm writing these down - I have a pink post it inmy purse with brands of red wine to try! IN a shiraz or merlot or....well that's all I know hehe, I looked for the Vasse Feliz and Black Wattle but couldn't find them.

Vasse Felix is available in Dan Murphy's. The Black Wattle should be too, or some boutique cellars.

I had to order some wine for work today, spent a very happy half hour wandering the (rather small) wine section - the 9th Island was calling my name, as were a few NZ Sauvignon Blancs.....................

I had to order some wine for work today, spent a very happy half hour wandering the (rather small) wine section - the 9th Island was calling my name, as were a few NZ Sauvignon Blancs.....................

I love a good NZ white.

Vasse Felix is available in Dan Murphy's. The Black Wattle should be too, or some boutique cellars.

Will check there - thanks Saph! I saw the Vasse Feliz in Liquorland but it was a cabernet, and I kept saying to myself (outloud, mind you!) "shiraz....shiraz..."

Will check there - thanks Saph! I saw the Vasse Feliz in Liquorland but it was a cabernet, and I kept saying to myself (outloud, mind you!) "shiraz....shiraz..."

:chuckle:

Will check there - thanks Saph! I saw the Vasse Feliz in Liquorland but it was a cabernet, and I kept saying to myself (outloud, mind you!) "shiraz....shiraz..."

Oh, I do that too - I get distracted far too easily at any time, but it's worst in the wine department.:shakehead:

I adore wine. Occasionally we jump online and order cases to fill our wine rack. After drinking a bottle we also usually write down the name if we liked it.
My boy and I have the exact same taste in wine (which helps a lot!!) we love:
Cabernet Merlot's and Unwooded Chardonnay's.

My personal fave of all time is the Devil's Lair Fifth Leg :worship:

I adore wine. Occasionally we jump online and order cases to fill our wine rack. After drinking a bottle we also usually write down the name if we liked it.
My boy and I have the exact same taste in wine (which helps a lot!!) we love:
Cabernet Merlot's and Unwooded Chardonnay's.

My personal fave of all time is the Devil's Lair Fifth Leg :worship:

Oh snap!!!! Thats my all time fave too, i never drink any other red besides this. I'm not a huge fan of red wine but as soon as someone cracks open the 5th leg, i'm there!!! :worship:

Oh snap!!!! Thats my all time fave too, i never drink any other red besides this. I'm not a huge fan of red wine but as soon as someone cracks open the 5th leg, i'm there!!! :worship:

:chuckle: Its a good one to fall back on if you can't choose in the shop too!

I sampled (as in 2 mouthfuls) the Yalumba cleanskin we have at work the other day - it was a merlot, and I quite liked it :whistle: Just have to try the Shiraz now and I have tried all 3 of the reds. I adored the Cab Shiraz I tried a couple weeks ago too.................

Yalumba is not too bad a wine, although I prefer their whites to their reds.

I just spotted Pepperjack Shiraz on sale in the IGA catalogue - 2 for $30. This is a pretty good price where I come from (damned shame that none of the IGAs in my area have any in stock).

:reindeer:

I've never seen an IGA liquor store before!!

I just spotted Pepperjack Shiraz on sale in the IGA catalogue - 2 for $30. This is a pretty good price where I come from (damned shame that none of the IGAs in my area have any in stock).

:reindeer:

Oooohhh I love the Pepperjack wine. They are priced around the $20 - $22 where I go. :clap:

Yalumba is not too bad a wine, although I prefer their whites to their reds.

The Semillon Sauvignon Blanc at work is divine. But I am really impressed with the reds - not being a red wine drinker, the fact that even 1 mouthful didn't send me scrambling for a carafe of water was a huge bonus!

ETA: Over the past 3 days I have demolished a bottle of Saltram Makers Table Shiraz (2004). I am amazed that I not only drank that much red, but also that I managed to not get headachey, and that I kep going back for more, and still would if I had any left. :redcheeks:

I am ordering some 2004 McLaren Vale Shiraz for my party. I am going through a company called Get Wines Direct. That vintage is something special and I hope my guests enjoy it.

I know this is a red wine thread but I need a hand with what white wine to serve. What are the varieties that most white drinkers prefer?

I know this is a red wine thread but I need a hand with what white wine to serve. What are the varieties that most white drinkers prefer?

LB, if we are talking white wine for the masses then Sauvignon Blanc would be my recommendation.
It is a delicious warm weather wine that has a good fruit/floral balance that would appeal to most white wine drinkers whether of not they have an experienced palate. It is also a very food friendly variety.
If your guests are more wine literate then I would suggest a Pinot Gris or Soave, both are delicious easy drinking summer wines.

Reading all your party posts I am getting excited about this darn party Luisa! :chuckle:

I knew Charismatic would come to my rescue!

Apart from you (and I do hope you can make it on the 9th Feb!) I don't think I have many sophisticated white drinkers - they are the red ones!:chuckle:

I knew Charismatic would come to my rescue!

Apart from you (and I do hope you can make it on the 9th Feb!) I don't think I have many sophisticated white drinkers - they are the red ones!:chuckle:

Oh LB, I wasn't expecting an invite!
Just from reading all your posts and sensing your excitement I feel it rubbing off. :chuckle:

By the way 2004 was an excellent vintage for McLaren Vale Reds.

Oh LB, I wasn't expecting an invite!
Just from reading all your posts and sensing your excitement I feel it rubbing off. :chuckle:

By the way 2004 was an excellent vintage for McLaren Vale Reds.

You were already on my list! Be prepared for a fun night!

2004 was a great vintage for McLaren Vale Shiraz (ok it's my fave wine but it is MY party!!:chuckle:) and so was the 1998 but I think they would cost me an arm and a leg!

You were already on my list! Be prepared for a fun night!

2004 was a great vintage for McLaren Vale Shiraz (ok it's my fave wine but it is MY party!!:chuckle:) and so was the 1998 but I think they would cost me an arm and a leg!

Yay!!! :glee:

Save the 1998 vintage for yourself and hubby. :rollthoseeyes:

I am ordering some 2004 McLaren Vale Shiraz for my party.

Thank you LB - I was trying to remember what that divine red we had was............................ :glee:

I just spotted Pepperjack Shiraz on sale in the IGA catalogue - 2 for $30. This is a pretty good price where I come from (damned shame that none of the IGAs in my area have any in stock).

:reindeer:

I adore Pepperjack - Dan Murphys often sell it even cheaper - around $11-12.

For Pinot Noir lovers, I had a beautiful one the other night - called Montana. It is from a NZ winery; the Malborough region.

For Pinot Noir lovers, I had a beautiful one the other night - called Montana. It is from a NZ winery; the Malborough region.

That's where the BEST pinots are from imo! Enjoy!

I adore Pepperjack - Dan Murphys often sell it even cheaper - around $11-12.

For Pinot Noir lovers, I had a beautiful one the other night - called Montana. It is from a NZ winery; the Malborough region.

yay! another, I'll just have to try! ;)

That's where the BEST pinots are from imo! Enjoy!

Believe me, I did, lol. :chuckle:

I LOVE wine! Nothing better than cosying up in winter with a glass of juicy red, or being out in the sunshine with a crisp, cool white!

I was lucky enough to visit Margaret River last year -- they have some of my favourite wines and the region is SO fantastic -- highly recommended. I like the Semillions from that region and have been a long-term fan of Evans and Tate's Classic Dry White (widely available). Vasse Felix wines are also great! Gralyn Estate make some fantastic wines but they are less available -- we picked up a 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery -- the most expensive wine I've ever bought at $95! We are waiting for a special occasion to drink it. I also love pinot noir so thanks for your recommendations ladies!

A good option if you are getting into wines is to buy something like the Quaff 2008 guide -- lists some delicious inexpensive bottles ($15 or less, tastings according to Peter Forrestal!). It has some great info on different wine styles and wineries -- quite interesting. You can take the book along to your local wine cellar and browse the shelves!

One great, cheap red wine for everyday quaffing is the De Bortoli Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot! You can often get it for around $6 but believe me it really is delicious!

[goes to open some red wine... :chuckle:]

i rerally like a merlot, but not in summer, to me red in summer is just not ideal....
a merlot or cab/ merlot is really easy drinking ..... quite smooth , i think it would be ideal as an introduction to red

I had a lovely glass of chilled Rose with lunch yesterday which was perfect for a warm day. Give it a go, you will see many more of this variety in the bottle shops at the moment.

I love Rose!

i like rose too :) at the moment am drinking a scotch whisky with diet coke. yum!! and with dinner had a chardonnay.

I can't stand Rose.... its like it can't figure out if its red, white or a reisling...

I can't stand Rose.... its like it can't figure out if its red, white or a reisling...

It's none of those things!! It's Rose!:champagne:

I know but in my head its like all 3 mixed together :chuckle:

Hah - I've got one for you Jaime................... Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee.:whipcrack:

i like rose too :) at the moment am drinking a scotch whisky with diet coke. yum!! and with dinner had a chardonnay.

whiskey and diet coke, favourite alcoholic beverage! (I want some now!!!!)

is it really alice? it was the first time i tried it the other day and i loved it! very sweet tasting.

Hah - I've got one for you Jaime................... Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee.:whipcrack:

I don't even know what that is! The only part I understood is Chardonnay :chuckle:

Jaime, it is Sparkling made from the juice of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The Pinot skins left in contact with juice to create the pink colour to the wine.

Ooooh pink and sparkling?!?!

Just perfect! :champagne:

I want some of that!! :champagne:

Jaime, it is Sparkling made from the juice of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The Pinot skins left in contact with juice to create the pink colour to the wine.

ah I understand, thanks C

I finally discovered the joys of red wine on Sunday I think (minus the knocking it over on my carpet)

OMG Twinny, I'm the other bubble girl when it comes to red wine - as much as I like it, I get the worst histamine reaction from most of it!

Really? What happens??

I dind't notice a reaction, I actually enjoyed it, I blamed it knocking over on M (haha) and nohangover in the morning!

I get sort of sniffly and watery eyed and a bit asthma-sh and itchy. Many red wines contain high levels of histamines so can incite quite a reaction.

Wow ! I defnitely didn't experience this, very glad too!

OMG Twinny, I'm the other bubble girl when it comes to red wine - as much as I like it, I get the worst histamine reaction from most of it!


Oh that's weird you said that.. I was just watching 'you are what you eat' literally 30mins ago and they said to stay away from red if you have hayfever etc.

Yeah I generally do stay away. There aren't many whites that I like either, so i stay away from wine in general. It's a shame really - maybe one day I will grow out of it, but right now red wine just makes me itchy and ridiculously sleepy! :chuckle:

White wine just makes me CRAZY drunk - I had 2 nights in particular that put me off it for 2 years.

Sometimes after drinking white wine I wake up all congested with a blocked nose, still enjoy it though.

White wine just makes me CRAZY drunk - I had 2 nights in particular that put me off it for 2 years.

I dont touch the stuff! for at least the last couple of years.... (anymore, never made me sick but my taste just changed over time and never really found a white wine I liked)


tonight, I just poured my self a red wine, after 2 sips, Im tired :yawn:

I love white wine, but I reckon its worse for you than red. I was drinking a lot of it a few months back and knew I had to cut back - too many calories :shakehead:

I dont touch the stuff! for at least the last couple of years.... (anymore, never made me sick but my taste just changed over time and never really found a white wine I liked)


tonight, I just poured my self a red wine, after 2 sips, Im tired :yawn:

Alice this is me also. I had a few bad experiences with wine and even if I drink half a glass I start to feel sick with a headache coming on.
When I was younger it wasn't such a bad experience. Still got ill but could drink more before it happened. Now I practically look at a glass and I want to throw.:vomit:

I love white wine, but I reckon its worse for you than red. I was drinking a lot of it a few months back and knew I had to cut back - too many calories :shakehead:

I'd give up the occassional choclate for my wine - not that I have a lot of that either, but still..............

I like a nice dry white (very, very dry).

We had work drinks this afternoon and most of the girls in my team were drinking moscato - I forgot how sweet it was! I took a sip and had to tip the rest out.

Is that a type of sweet white wine? I can't do sweet either :shakehead: has to be dry as dry

Yep, super-sweet and lightly sparkling. If it's really cold it's not too bad but still too sugary for my liking.

Moscato si like drinking chilled sugar syrup - not something I like to do.

I had a really ordinary Pinot from the Mornington Peninsula today at lunch. Had a touch of fizz to it which was not good.:shakehead:

I am thinking of hunting down a good Shiraz tomorrow - I think I have earnt it. And I am under spousal orders to take the weekend off.....................

I had a really ordinary Pinot from the Mornington Peninsula today at lunch. Had a touch of fizz to it which was not good.:shakehead:

Eep! It's such a shame too, when you're really looking forward to it...

Hubby ended up drinking it. He had a glass of shiraz which was just ok too. Dont know what I was thinking, woke up with massive headache, what was I thinking ordering wine?:shakehead:

Shame the pain wasn't worth it!

:chuckle: Definitely not. Fizzy Pinot????

That is such an unhappy thought................