[eucariote]

^ Here's your xmas present then..  

  These are Consumer Report's recent picks of good, inexpensive wines chosen in blind tests by professional wine tasters (listed in order of preference).  Enjoy!
 
Cabernet sauvignon (20 bottles tested):
Rosemount Diamond Label 2008 $9
365 Everyday Value Trackers Crossing 2008 (from Whole Foods) $7
Mirassou 2008 $10
Root 1 2008 $11
Casillero del Diablo 2008 $10
 
Pinot noir (12 bottles tested):
Estancia 2008 $15
Redtree 2008 $9
Angeline 2008 $12
Castle Rock California Cuvee 2008 $10
Black Mountain Painted Ridges 2008 $7
 
Chianti (8 tested):
Toscolo 2008 $10
Melini Borghi D’Elsa 2008 $8
 
Chardonnay (20 tested):
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve 2008 $12
Alice White 2008 $7
Bogle 2008 $9
365 Everyday Value Trackers Crossing 2008 $7 (Whole Foods only)
Yosemite Road 2008 $4 (sold only at 7-Eleven stores).
 
Merlot (12 tested, at prices up to 45$):
Yellow Tail 2009 $6.50
The Little Penguin 2009 $7
 
Pinot Grigio (12 tested):
Cavit 2009 $8
Estancia 2008 $12
Venetian Moon 2008 $6

 

[Uncle Erik]

^ Thanks!  I've been enjoying the Castle Rock pinot for some time.  Sure wish I could get to Oregon regularly, though.  I could usually pick up local pinots for $8-$15 or so.

 

[strawBoss]

Interesting original post. After 20 years in the food and wine industry, during which a good portion of those years were spent hosting wine seminars, writing about food and wine, and conducting DBTs, I've found that the "results" are generally novel and good for stimulating conversation, and drinking more wine. For myself though, the real value of a DBT isn't the final score, or which was most popular (he'll I've seen blindfolded tasters unable to tell white from red). The real value was for the tasters and what they were able to discern as different. If you taste, or hear a difference, chances are you're going to want to communicate those differences. Then the fun begins.

 

[FlatNine]

I started getting into wine about 5 years ago. My friend, who is fanatical about wine and makes about 10-20 gallons per year, started inviting me to his wine club's winemaking contests. There would be 20 unmarked bottles that were voted on by all. My first year voting, I was a little worried I might offend one of these "experts". Being a programmer, I decided to write up a grid, and rate each wine on qualities such as bouquet, color, finish, body, and my overall "happiness" with the taste. I was very methodical. As it turned out, out of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, my results matched the experts on 2 out of 3. The takeaway for me was this - to trust myself and my own judgement. I know what I like and don't like, and oddly enough, my newbie perceptions matched those of the more experienced people. This goes way beyond wine, and even into head gear. If you like it, it IS good, despite what anyone else says. Beaty is in the eye/ear/taste buds of the beholder/listener/taster.