Thirsty Thursday is the quest to drink good, cheap wine that is $10.00 and under. Want some more recommendations? Check out the past cheap wine posts on Thirsty Thursday.
Today’s wine received 87 points from Wine Spectator.
For some, this is a standard of amazingness. For others, you may be wondering “What is Wine Spectator?”
I’m sure you have seen the various tags with different amazing reviews below a wine at the store. But it’s hard to know what is a good review and what’s a review made up by the distributor.
As a general rule, the higher the “point” value, the better the wine according the source who is tasting the wine. This points system is determined by experts blind taste testing different wines and giving them a rating. And while the point system is pretty consistent overall, the people tasting the wines are not.
Case in point….one man’s 90 point choice is another man’s Franzia Box Wine.
In addition, points are given based on taste only, not taste to dollar ratio. This means when you find an inexpensive wine with a higher rating (85 points or more), you should have a good value for your money.
So are points the end-all-be-all? Not necessarily. The general rule is that Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, and Wine Enthusiast ratings are pretty spot on.
However, as you try more wines and see how each source rates them, you will begin to see which critics you agree with and which ones you think are out-to-lunch. Follow the ones you agree with and you will find the best wine for your pallet.
But enough about wine ratings, let’s talk about wine.
Today’s selection is the Line 39 Petite Sirah from Lake County, CA – an emerging area for quality and well-priced wines.
This wine had a wonderful nose of ripe fruits and a dark and inky middle, with just the right amount of acidity to give it a zing at the end (or as like to call it – party in my mouth). It would be an excellent wine with a steak or heavy meat because of the richness and subtle tannins. It won’t overpower food, but will be an amazing complement.
This wine is worth much more than $8.99. I’ve tasted $20 bottles that would have a hard time comparing to the complexity of Line 39 Petite Sirah. So buy it, save it (or drink it) and enjoy it because there aren’t many wines in this range that are this amazing.
Note: This wine should be available at most liquor outlets. Please be responsible when you drink wine – and never drive drunk…seriously, that is just stupid in this day in age.
Don’t forget to use the Thirsty Thursday Wine List when creating your wine shopping list.
Have a new favorite wine? Please share or link up! Because life is too short to drink bad wine.
