BajaNomad

Great red blend and good prices

Santiago - 7-26-2018 at 12:30 PM

In our humble opinion, Alximia does a pretty good job. We opened our last bottle of 2013 Gaia, a cab/temp/syrah blend that has hit its peak. Their website only has the 2014 and these blends can vary quite a bit year-to-year, so taste first. At $300 pesos, this competes very well with NorCal areas such as Lodi, sierra foothills where anything below $20 is becoming a rarity.

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BajaBlanca - 7-27-2018 at 03:29 AM

A good wine is so wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

Hook - 7-27-2018 at 01:32 PM

I am in Idaho now so, geographically, I have been trying a lot of red blends from the Big Two; Columbia Crest and Chateau St. Michelle. Particularly like the ones from the Horse Heaven Hills area and the Indian Wells area. These are generally one up from their cheapest classifications. Also like stuff from the Canoe Ridge area.

I know I should give some attention to Idaho wines, too, but I havent, really.

mirko - 7-27-2018 at 05:19 PM

i have been a fan of Chateau St. Michelle wines for many years. Terrific wines and a good value. Washington Merlots are world class.

Santiago - 7-27-2018 at 08:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
I am in Idaho now so, geographically, I have been trying a lot of red blends from the Big Two; Columbia Crest and Chateau St. Michelle. Particularly like the ones from the Horse Heaven Hills area and the Indian Wells area. These are generally one up from their cheapest classifications. Also like stuff from the Canoe Ridge area.

I know I should give some attention to Idaho wines, too, but I havent, really.

What prices are you seeing? NorCal west slope sierras are starting to push $25 unless you are club members.

Hook - 7-28-2018 at 12:16 PM

You can buy CSM Indian Wells Red Blend at Costco or Winco for around 12-14. The CC Grand Estates Cab or Merlot are usually around than 10-12, or even less, on sale.

These are wines that have some tannic structure, rather than just a jammy fruit bomb. If the bomb is what you want (and I do want them, occasionally) then it's hard to beat blends from Lodi or Columbia Valley (Washington) or even the Apothic Dark or Apothic Crush, in terms of price point. The Apothic Red is too much like a berry Kool-Aid for my palette.

There are a ton of red blends out there now for well under 10.00. I have to admit that the buyers for Trader Joes has a real knack at getting these.