Any Slump Busters?

I've been in a big time wine slump recently. Other than a few old standbys, everything I have tasted in the last couple of months has been boring to down right bad. Any recommendations for a can't miss wine to snap me out of this funk? Widely available and under $25 would be good.

[David M. Bueker]

Find a 2007 Cotes du Rhone.

Brezeme 06 Cotes du Rhone by Texier. Yum!

Ridge. Sorry, nothing new or exciting. But it always gets me happy.

[David M. Bueker]

Selbach-Oster works too

Foillard for me.

But this is all so personal, it depends on your personal trajectory through the world of wine.

10-12 year old Ridge Geyserville or Lytton Zins (which were under $25 at the time)!

[James Roscoe]

Find a 2007 Cotes du Rhone.

David, I still don't see any '07 CdR. I love the 05 and 06 models at $10 to $12 though. Am I correct in assuming that you are of the opinion that '07 is even better?

I've been in a big time wine slump recently. Other than a few old standbys, everything I have tasted in the last couple of months has been boring to down right bad. Any recommendations for a can't miss wine to snap me out of this funk? Widely available and under $25 would be good.

Time for new varietals -- get out of your comfort zone!
It's summer, maybe enjoy a refreshing Prosseco (Sacchetto Colli Trevigiani )? Eating grilled meat, how do you feel about Malbec's? The Argentinians are making some great ones and you should be able to find the Catena. How do you feel about hybrids? I am not sure how much Marachel Foch you see in Indiana, but you might like the change up.

You've been drinking wine for a while, is there a region you have not explored? Try some wines from Austria or the hidden gems from the less known regions of Southern France. The South Africans are making some darn nice juice -- availability might be an issue for some, but the Els wines are probably in your neck of the woods.

Give us a hint Sam, what is new to you and we'll have some ideas.

Or go for something familiar - an old favourite.

Also dessert wines / fortifieds which I often find easy to like and packed with complexity.

Thanks Gang. Just getting all of the thoughtful replies puts me in a much better frame of mind for wine drinking. I've got a shopping list based on your recommendations. I will give them a shot and let you know how they did.

PS: Ruth - Prosecco is about the only thing that IS working for me right now.

I don't think I've ever had a prosecco that didn't brighten my mood immediately!

08 Bone Jolly Rose, summer sipper that is guaranteed to pick up your spirits. An old wine geek named JBL would say a double yum.

[David M. Bueker]

Find a 2007 Cotes du Rhone.

David, I still don't see any '07 CdR. I love the 05 and 06 models at $10 to $12 though. Am I correct in assuming that you are of the opinion that '07 is even better?

From what I have tasted 2007 is better, and I really liked 2005.

So far the '07 Rhones have been outstanding. In the past, I've bought a few CDPs and a few CDRs for everyday stuff. This year I've several cases of CDP coming. Also, I'm not looking at the CDRs as daily drinkers for this vintage. They are too good. They (most, or at least the ones I've tasted), seem to have the ability (I'm betting on these) to age for the mid-term.

Anyway, one, I picked up a couple of cases: Chateau de Segries Clos de l"Hermitage. Right around $25/btl. When first tasted with a few friends (not exactly wine people), tasted against a few CDPs and this was the first bottle drained. Not very scientific, but telling. Ready to drink now. Needs very little time on opening but a quick decant won't hurt. Big round silky mouthfeel with blue, black, red fruit intertwined with each other. Creamy feel. Great balance, long finish, and a general desire to keep putting this wine on your tongue.

Give it a shot.

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