2022 Meiomi Pinot Noir
Smells of sweet spices, cinnamon, faintly cranberry. Tastes similar minus the cranberry, slightly dry but primarily sweet.
2022 Josh Chardonnay
Smells very fresh, green, almost get a sense of licorice. Tastes slightly dry, moderately high acid, grapefruit mainly.
2023 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Smells citrusy, again grapefruit. Tastes of lemon grass, well adjusted acid, very pleasant to drink.
I've worked at a winery for a year on maintenance side but have been getting into wine recently. I usually prefer reds but the Sauvignon Blanc was our favourite out of these. I've heard a lot of hate about Meiomi but it seemed like a pretty simple beginner wine, just sweet and nothing special I suppose. Looking for guidance maybe, any recommendations what we should try next?
by you_are_strange
26 Comments
🍿
Meiomi and Josh are mass market trash that I would never suggest. Very high residual sugar in the red.
Crawford is also mass market, but at least it is a correct expression of New Zealand Sauvignon blanc. Wouldn’t buy it, but I wouldn’t say no to it.
EDIT: since some people have pointed out that OP is looking for suggestions I’ll add the following.
SANCERRE: if you liked the sauv blanc definitely look into a good bottle of Sancerre. It is widely considered the most traditional or “OG” Sauvignon blanc. Pay attention to the name of the producer because there are probably over a thousand producers making this prestigious Loire valley white sauv blanc.
WHITE BORDEAUX: definitely less common than the red wines, white wines from Bordeaux are typically a blend of sauv blanc and another grape called semillion, which can provide aromatics and tropical fruit notes like lychee, honeysuckle and starfruit.
CALI: you’re gonna find Sauvignon blanc from Cali, but I find that my $$$ doesn’t go nearly as far here. Wines from st. Francis and stags leap are notable exceptions, but a lot of Cali stuff below $20 can just kinda taste like “I just mowed my lawn and smell like grass”.
MARLBOROUGH: this is peak New Zealand sauv blanc. Their expressions tend to show note of gooseberries, and grapefruit which can be awesome if you like those flavors.
Sauvignon blanc was the wine that got me into wine. Grab some salmon or goat cheese and enjoy it thr next time you feel like having dinner. Cheers bud!!!
Happy you found some things you like! I would take the notes from what you liked about these and visit a local wine shop. Give them the notes from these and ask them for more wines that are similar.
Sine you work at a winery you probably also have access to the wines you make there. Ask for samples (if appropriate) and take notes!!
If you enjoyed a “sampling” I’d recommend trying to find a local wine bar that does tastings. Many will even have a theme for each tasting so that you can get an idea of your preferences! You’ll likely get to try some much better wines than these mass market options.
What? No Bread & Butter Chardonnay to complete the set?
If you can, I would suggest looking for Cloudy Bay Te Koko. Awesome Sauv Blanc from New Zealand with a bunch of fresh citrus and a bit more conplexity
Try something a little nicer next time, maybe Caymus or Silver Oak!
Edit /s sorry didn’t know it was necessary
I’ll be honest those are some of my least favs but I think it’s awesome you got to try those. I would suggest trying side by sides of a single varietal from two different places to see just how different a single grape can be expressed from terroir and wine making! Have a blast in your journey and don’t listen to the haters. I’ll never yuck someone’s yum unless youre drinking boones farm (but even then, I’ll have a sip lololol)
This has to be rage bait
Sounds like you’ll have some fun. 🍷
I thought there was suppose to be four horsemen?
Samples are fun! You get to try new things without any risk. I enjoy the Kim Crawford. Hope you guys had a lovely evening 🩷
Kim Crawford is our preferred “it is 100° outside and we are eating dinner on the porch under a ceiling fan” wine. Serve chilled with lots of condensation on the glass. It goes down well, and you don’t get silly on a bottle.
Welcome to wine 🙂 it is a delightful place to be! Another commenter suggested checking out a local wine bar for tastings / possible options – this is an excellent suggestion. If you’re like me and live in the middle of nowhere… Then here’s what I’d do:
1. Walk down your grocery store isle and grab a six pack (hopefully you get a 10% off discount) of different varietals. Try a couple reds, white, roses, and see if any strike your fancy. Then check the label for the type of grape and where it’s from and make note of anything you like.
2. On your next big city trip, check out a Total Wine or similar big box wine store (not sure what you might have in your area). Enjoy the Costco for wine experience, grab six random bottles and get the discount – ask an attendant if you want suggestions.
3. If you have $100 USD to spare, check out Primal Wine for their three-bottle monthly club. There’s no longterm commitment and I’ve been happy with the variety – you’ll get some really nice wine and try something new you won’t get at your grocery store.
4. When you head to a wine bar per the other commenter’s suggestion, lettem know you’re just getting into wine BUT also say you’re open to trying their favorite, their unusual pour, their hidden bottle that’s not on the menu. Some of my favorite pours at bars have been unique, off the menu stuff that they have lying around.
Basically, try as much as you can and see what you like. There’s no wrong answer. Excited for yall on this wine journey!
Oregon Pinot (decent burg style chard too), Loire sav blanc or Bordeaux blanc. White burg also seems appropriate but that’s a higher price point.
Did you file for divorce?
Yuk
Wines to get drunk. Yes. Wines to really taste and savor??? Ahhhh…No!!!
Do you have any beer?
This community is so toxic I’m all here for it
This is a good start. I started out drinking Josh and other $10ish wine. Of course as time goes on, you’ll try different wines and dive more into this world and likely find ones you really like (usually higher price tag than Josh).
The only way you could claim your masculinity back is to chug all three and tell your wife her taste in vino is shite
Round it out with Martha’s Chard. /s
Costco baby!
Surprise! She sells awful wine. Truly, rotten to the core that she should hang her head in shame in order to sell, or…. What America wants,
Kim Crawford? As a kiwi….. does your wife hate you?