Online Wine Night - "TBD Wine", 04 November 2025, 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT
I had an idea while dining on 11 Oct 2018. I thought about that Snooth wine forum virtual tasting event from 10 Oct 2018 and how it would be very difficult for me to do a similar thing here in the Wine Lovers Forum. However, if our major members could agree on a common day of the week (say Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday) and a common time frame (say 9 PM ET, 6 PM PT), we could all be online at the same time to post to a common discussion topic - meaning this one.
My idea is to have one person pick either a varietal, a country, or perhaps just a white or red wine as the next events theme. Say I selected a combo like Cabernet Sauvignon from the USA. Then, when we all meet at the prescribed date and time online, we post a picture of the bottle we opened and chat a bit about how we like it or don't like it. Posting or discussing your food pairing (cheese if it's after dinner, or maybe a steak if its being drunk with dinner) would be an added benefit.
So we are kicking this off on Sunday, 14 October 2018 at 4 PM PT, 7 ET for this day. Grab your bottle (this one is Merlot) and let's give it a try. Tell us about the wine you opened and why you like or don't like it.
Comments
That would be fine by me - might get others involved also.
What nights work for you Paul? Which ones definitely do not work?
Tuesdays & Thursdays & Sundays
I guess Sunday would work for me too, so our current overlap is Tuesday and Sunday. I bet if we go with Sunday then some people who still work will be able to face Monday morning with a better attitude.
This is a fun idea. I just see a problem getting people to agree on a specific evening.
Sundays and Saturday evenings are probably the least attractive to me. That being said, I will try to play whenever I can.
What about Tuesday evenings? I'm available after my Cat Tuesday activities.
Tuesdays are most of the time can, sometimes can't, but that's ok - I can have something the early.
How about Randy and Kathleen?
Sounds fun but can't promice availability.
Good to know.
Anyone want to open a specific varietal tonight (Sunday, 14 October 2018)? Can I suggest a Merlot or a blend with mostly Merlot? 9 PM ET, 6 PM PT.
Who's in?
I have three bottles of CA Merlot--no Right Bank Bordeaux, no Super Tuscans. Two of the three bottles I am intentionally ignoring for a couple more years. So, I'll be drinking another of those '15 Mondavis.
Can we start at 4:00 pm Pacific?
May be able to do that - sorry I didn't get earlier - drinking a 2015 Bila Haut right now. Preparing and cooking a rack of lamb right now.
Sure, we can start at 4 PM PT (7 ET); I'll be in and out of the forum while watching some Battle Bots with Sandra but it's all good. I have my Merlot all picked out too.
Our Merlot for tonight, the 2014 Medlock Ames Heritage from Alexander Valley, CA
So I opened this 2014 Medlock Ames Heritage Merlot and I'm tasting wood, spices and of course Merlot. This is a decent wine to be sure. Some guys tasted this just over a year ago and did not like it for the money it costs. I think maybe a year in the bottle helped it better integrate, but who knows? I enjoy it. I like the more fruit forward wines.
What are you folks tasting in your wines tonight? EMark, did you open that 2015 Robert Mondavi Merlot yet?
Haven't decided yet, just got done with supper. Will be going down to the cellar in about a half hour. The Bila Haut was really good.
Awaiting your selection sir.
Allen - please repost my selection
Here is my Merlot
You went and did it before I could. Sneaky girl.
Have you had a taste yet? I bet that one is decent. The review says to let it breathe a bit.
I recently realized a new challenge I have: I can almost 60% of the time identify a Merlot vs. Cabernet vs. Syrah vs. Zinfandel. But I can not do it with Italian or Spanish wines. I do not have a sense of how they compare.
I think we need a comparison of the 3 main countries of wine.
Well, what are those three main countries of wine? France, Italy and the USA? Or perhaps Spain, Argentina and Australia?
I think I can identify single varietal bottles pretty well, but with blends it's always a challenge for me and my limited palate. Maybe it's really my nose to blame.
Decided to go with a 2013 Markham Napa Valley Merlot:
The aromas are wonderful - blueberry, dark cherry, a touch of oak. Can't wait to taste it - letting it open a little.
Kathleen - "...the 3 main countries of wine..." of what? There are wines that many countries hang their hats on. Are you saying that you can't decide if it's a Spanish wine or an Italian wine? What about Austarlian cabby - some good stuff by Penfolds or Leewuin. Chilean syrah?
What I'm saying is that you need to pick your poison? Should we do a night of Cali/Wash - Bordeaux - Aussie - Italian cabbies/merlot? They don't produce zin in Italy (primitivo maybe, but there's a distinct difference), Spain, France, Australia etc. So who do you compare it to?
In about 4 wks the PFWC is doing a 2013 Bordeaux/Cali wine comparison. We'll be doing a "14/'15/'16 also. Those are the money shots.
That Markham was a bottle of enjoyment. The followed the nose really well, but surprisingly, or not, the structure was great. It was medium to full bodied with good tannic structure and driving acidity. Easily could have lasted 2-3 more yrs.
Ok, I think the Wine Night idea was a general success. We're still waiting to hear from EMark about his bottle, which I assume he opened. I went to bed pretty early since we had wine earlier in the day at RdV during their release party.
And, should we stick with Sunday nights? What time works best? Who wants to pick the next wine varietal / area / etc.?
I am really sorry, Al. I did not read all the words in your post. I thought the Merlot event was for Tuesday.
Completely, my bad.
No problem. Is next Sunday a good one for you?