SUB-ZERO WINE BLOG

Great wine may cost more than $10.00, but great wine what ever the cost is a matter of taste. Some people never spend more tham $20.00 for a bottle of wine, and they feel that they have had "great" wine. And in some cases maybe they did! But I understand the concept of your article; just looking out for us "little guys and gals!"

Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is "great wine". A well known master sommelier once told me the "holy grail" of wine is a good $10 dollar bottle.I understand he said good,not great,but I believe we should appreciate all wine regardless of price. So the next time you choose a wine, whether it is corked, screwtapped, or even in a box, at least you are drinking wine.

Your post seems to suggest that great wine can't be made without new oak barrels. Do you really believe that?

Traditionally made Barolo, anyone? Expensive, sure--but no new oak. Chablis? Often unoaked. Sancerre? Frequently unoaked.

I certainly agree that great wines tend to be more expensive. But the categorical declaration that $35 is some sort of magical cut-off is absurd. And the stated reasoning--the cost of oak barrels--is demonstrably false.

My earlier post regarding my feelings that great wine starts at $35 a bottle was taken fron an interview I did with SUB-ZERO. In it I was asked what wines do I like? I said that 80% of what I own is from Bordeaux and Burgundy and they all start at $35 a bottle. I wish I was excited by less expensive wines from these categories...I'd save a whole lot of money!

I got a bottle of Ironstone 2002 Cabernet Franc. It was around $11.00. I had never experienced Cab Franc, but I liked the fact that it had a lighter weight like a Pinot Noir, but complexity like a fruity cab with other flavors like cedar, and an earthy component. I loved it for this time of the year. We are moving into Fall and this wine fits the bill!

I just tasted Cline 2005 Zinfandel for the first time last night. If you like a bright fruit forward red wine, this one at $10.99 may be one to look into. So, price is not an issue all the time in determining a good wine.