Can you recommend me a good red wine?

[DaintreeDream]

I do not drink (well maybe one or two glasses a year) so I have no idea where to start.

It is my cousins 21st and apparently he enjoys sharing a bottle of red wine with his girlfriend so I would like to buy him a nice bottle.

So please recommend your favourite

[Kitt3n]

The best bottle I ever had was a cleanskin that we scored for $60 (case), one of those never to be repeated, damn I should have bought them all, kinda things.

What sort of red is his flavour?

[DaintreeDream]

What sort of red is his flavour?

What?! *puzzled look on face*

Um, all I know is last night he had a shiraz. I have no idea, is that a flavour?

[Hollybolly]

If he was drinking a Shiraz, either go for a Shiraz or a really good Cabernet Sauvignon

How much are you looking at spending on the bottle?
Then I can help you... I do love my vino

[Kitt3n]

lol yeah I meant shiraz, cab sav, etc...

Does he like a good cheesy pizza? Most guys that age do (well, who doesnt really!!) ..... if he does I would recommend a Sangiovese.............

ah man now I want some!

[DaintreeDream]

I am happy to go up to $50 so maybe between $30-50.

I have no idea if he likes cheesy pizza but as you said who doesn't?

[*Beema*]

Reality is you don't have to spend $50 for a good bottle of wine Perhaps if you want to spend a little more think about a decanter or a good wine bottle opener to go with it.

I would go with one from a very recognised area ie Barossa Valley, McClaren Vale, Limestone Coast, Clare Valley.

A shiraz or Cab Sav would be the safer options as some of the others can be a bit more risky on a flavour point of view. And get something that is a couple of years old.

A few good winer makers.... there are so many I can't think of some of the rippers we have had

Peter Lehmann
Penfolds
Annies Lane
Lindermans
Jacobs Creek
Wyndham Estate

Skillagolee

But there are some amazing boutique wines, that you may be able to get at a good, if I think of some others will let you know

[NaeNae]

my fav red is made at a SA winery Majella. I think its the 2005 Shiraz I can only tell from the label its about $40 ish per bottle and its not very common, i am yet to find it other than online or direct from Cellar

Also a decent Penfolds $50+ can't go wrong

[Nai]

For Shiraz a

Peter Lehman,
Penfolds Magill Estate,
Wolf Blass Grey Label
Pepperjack

Are all ones to have a look at.

[Tan2705]

OH I WANT A GLASS...

My favourite pre pregnancy was "Three Little Pigs" it's a Jim Barry wine Shiraz Cabernet Malbec. I used to order it by the dozen online... oh the memories!

The label has three pigs playing cricket.. very blokey HAHA

Price??? um it's been awhile so I can't remember but not overly expensive and must say I like Beema's idea of the decanter or decent bottle opener to go with it!

[AnyDream]

Here are my clueless wine-shopper tips for turning up with a bottle that will impress others...

Shop from the top two shelves - that's where the good stuff is.

Look for a bottle that is already aged...2007 at least or earlier - that makes it more likely it will be good for drinking sooner rather than later.

Don't be afraid to ask the wine shop person.

Look for bottles that have gold or silver 'medal' stickers on them...this means they have won prizes at wine shows. Who's gonna argue when the wine show judges say they're good

Look for heavier reds like Shiraz or Cab Sav as most dedicated wineys like the more robust flavours. Definitely don't go for anything pink, white or fizzy!

[Ree*Ree]

West Cape Howe 2004 Cab Merlot mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

And NaeNae is right - a pricier Penfold's is always good

[DaintreeDream]

Thankyou all for your suggestions.

I ended up chatting with the guy at the wine shop, he sounded rather posh like he knew what he was talking about even though he looked about 5 years younger than me!

I ended up buying a 'Blue Pyrenees 2006 Shiraz', I hope he likes it .