North American Red Wine?

[Wagtail]

I have a friend who lives in Washington DC (her husband (RAAF Squadron Leader) is on exchange) who is trying to find good red wine, especially Shiraz, in the U.S. She would like to experience good North American red wine but has, so far, been disappointed in the quality of 'local' North American vintages.

What are your recommendations?

 

[NHBX]

In the very old days
”What’s the word, Thunderbird. What’s the price, thirty twice”

(HUMOR)

 

[NHBX]

WAG, I’m not much of a wine drinker and I’m sure others will not agree but any red wine I’ve had that I liked was from Chile or that other place, Australia.
I wish your friend well on her quest!

(also interested in others recommendations)

 

[alexpops]

Napa or Sonoma wineries. As I remember, Folie a deux (Napa) had a decent Syrrah. I like Ravenswood (Sonoma) reds as they were relatively cheap & all Big & bold (No vinos sin huevos is their motto). Pricier stuff from Grgich Hills, Far Niente, and Stag's Leap. Lodi has some decent wines (mainly Zinfandels) that are relatively cheap. Never got into Pinots, but there are some Southern CA wineries that are known for their Pinots. Best Cabernet Sauvignon I've ever had was from Far Niente ... never seen in a store, they mainly sell direct to higher end restaurants. Francis Ford Coppola used his "Godfather" profits to buy two wineries (the old Inglenook which had devolved to "Gallo" type jug wines) and Niebaum/Coppola. He gets good reviews, but I've always been disappointed except for his more expensive (outrageously) stuff. Opus One is also highly rated, but as I remember, they are mainly a blend as opposed to single grape varietals.

Most of this stuff will be direct from Winery or expensive restaurants, but occasionally, Costco or Sam's will get a few cases ... problem is their storage. I've had some expensive wines that were "cooked" in southern Costco/Sam's warehouses.

 

[jeff9366]

I have a friend who lives in Washington DC who is trying to find good red wine, especially Shiraz, in the U.S. She would like to experience good North American red wine but has, so far, been disappointed in the quality of 'local' North American vintages.

What are your recommendations?

Affluent Washington, D.C. is one of the top fine wine markets in the USA.

If this person is willing to pay USA wine taxes, they should make acquaintance with a wine specialist in a wine and spirits store near their home or employment. Larger Washington, D.C. wine and liquor stores have at least one, usually several, very wine knowledgeable staff. Competition demands it.

The Washington Post newspaper reviews wines in the $8 to $15 price range weekly. A search of the Washington Post archives may yield multiple Shiraz comparative reviews, most with retail venders noted.

I spent 37 years in the wine business. Nine of those years I worked in the retail or wholesale wine business within Washington, D.C.

Many embassy people will only purchase tax exempt wine and spirits through their embassy commissaries. If this is the case, selection will be limited.

 

[Oz_Kioti]

Wagtail, yeah - we really are spoiled with the range, quality & price of decent full bodied reds here. Back in 2020 I went to an aviation conference in New Orleans (NBAA) and one of the aircraft companies took a few of us Aussies out to dinner one night. The Penfolds Bin 389 flowed like water. It was a fabulous night. But I did see the reps eyes bulge when he saw the bill!

 

[dusty3030]

Try a Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir.

 

[ddbackhoe]

I have a friend who lives in Washington DC (her husband (RAAF Squadron Leader) is on exchange) who is trying to find good red wine, especially Shiraz, in the U.S. She would like to experience good North American red wine but has, so far, been disappointed in the quality of 'local' North American vintages.

What are your recommendations?

Wine is such a subjective matter of taste issue, too dry, too sweet, too much tannin.
My suggestion, there are alot of small bottlers in her nearby area, go visit, taste and enjoy.

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[Larry Caldwell]

Try a Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir.

The Valley is great for pinot, but too cool for Shiraz/Syrah. Southern Oregon has a better climate for that grape. Most Shiraz on the market seems to come out of Australia, I think for that reason.

 

[dusty3030]

The Valley is great for pinot, but too cool for Shiraz/Syrah. Southern Oregon has a better climate for that grape. Most Shiraz on the market seems to come out of Australia, I think for that reason.

Did you read the original post? They asked for recommendations for a North American red for someone who prefers an Australian syrah and I made a suggestion.