Dom Perignon or Cristal

[MuggsyB]

I'm not a champagne drinker.  Are either of them worth it once a year or what have you? 

[cheebs09]

I think you need to pump the brakes after a win against the Dolphins. Still a long way to go.

[PointWarrior]

I would save the champagne to after Marquette's "must win"  (or least after 10 or 11 must wins they have this year)...

[WarriorFan]

In a blind test most would struggle to differentiate either from a $10 Prosecco.
I actually prefer the $10 Prosecco.

[4everwarriors]

Purple Jesus or Pagan Pink, hey?

[Uncle Rico]

Drink Krug instead.  Dom pricing is outrageous. 

[dgies9156]

In a blind test most would struggle to differentiate either from a $10 Prosecco.
I actually prefer the $10 Prosecco.

I wouldn't quite go that far as to favor the cheap stuff but generally, you're right.

Save the money for a great cab.

[MuggsyB]

Drink Krug instead.  Dom pricing is outrageous.

This is why I'm asking.  Ty.

[Uncle Rico]

This is why I'm asking.  Ty.

Dom has doubled in price in over 18 months.  It’s not worth it.  Between the two, Cristal is better at the price.  Like others have said, you can find less expensive and better stuff out there.

I do disagree it’s all similar or the same.  Krug is very unique in taste profile and just bananas good, imo.  Ruinart in that $90-$110 price point is quite good as well.  I’ll never buy a bottle of Dom again

[MUBurrow]

Dom has doubled in price in over 18 months.  It’s not worth it.  Between the two, Cristal is better at the price.  Like others have said, you can find less expensive and better stuff out there.

I do disagree it’s all similar or the same.  Krug is very unique in taste profile and just bananas good, imo.  Ruinart in that $90-$110 price point is quite good as well.  I’ll never buy a bottle of Dom again

Just when you think you know a guy.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I'm not a champagne drinker.  Are either of them worth it once a year or what have you?

Muggs, stay local in Cali. Roederer Estate Brut MV. $28.  Cristal family owns it.

[lawdog77]

If you want something unique, try a coteaux champenois rouge (red wine champagne). There are some good ones out there.

[JWags85]

If you want something unique, try a coteaux champenois rouge (red wine champagne). There are some good ones out there.

In a similar vein, some turn their noses at it, but I love a good Lambrusco.  We had a couple at Christmas, one with a very fine bubble that was fantastic

[MuggsyB]

My mom is turning 65 so I thought I'd step it up a bit.  Maybe I'll opt for a good Cab or something.  I dunno. 

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Miller High Life is the Champagne of Beers. A couple of 40oz'ers should do.

[WhiteTrash]

Miller High Life is the Champagne of Beers. A couple of 40oz'ers should do.

I like to serve mine chilled in a brown paper bag; preferably around a 55 gallon drum fire.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Miller High Life is the Champagne of Beers. A couple of 40oz'ers should do.

And as a bonus will also take Ma Mugs back to the time he was conceived.

[Galway Eagle]

I wouldn't quite go that far as to favor the cheap stuff but generally, you're right.

Save the money for a great cab.

Ew most overrated wine style along with Malbec

[Galway Eagle]

Moët and Chandon is the highest id go for champagne.

[MuggsyB]

Ew most overrated wine style along with Malbec

Okay....what should I do?  Bordeaux?  I just drink good beer Galway. 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Ew most overrated wine style along with Malbec

Or people like what they like…

[MUBurrow]

Ew most overrated wine style along with Malbec

(the Malbec take)

[JWags85]

Or people like what they like…

Yea, I get calling certain vineyards or years or whatever as “overrated” especially when it comes to price or acclaim, but a type of wine? Come on man

[panda]

Nothing says I don’t know wine like saying cab sauv stinks.

[cheebs09]

Nothing says I don’t know wine like saying cab sauv stinks.

[Uncle Rico]

Okay....what should I do?  Bordeaux?  I just drink good beer Galway.

Bordeaux would be fine as long as you get a good vintage.

Cabs are not overrated.  Over priced?  Sure, but so is Bordeaux

[Uncle Rico]

Moët and Chandon is the highest id go for champagne.

That’s too high in price now, too.  I’d rather drink a domestic sparkler than overpay for Moët

[Galway Eagle]

Nothing says I don’t know wine like saying cab sauv stinks.

Sure I have a wine fridge filled with a ton of > 4 star wines but because I don't jizz my pants for overpriced Napa crap and would rather get a great brunello or Sangiovese then I must not know wine. But I'm sure your tour guide from that drunken weekend in Napa was totally impartial when they sold you on overpriced crap.

The majority of cabs found around me come from cali. Cali wines are overly sweet and oaky with like no other notes. Is this true across the board? Nope. Is it true enough that I'm more likely to enjoy a random glass from France or Italy than a glass of the Napa cab? Most definitely. They're also too high in alcohol relative to such a simple wine.

Yes I've been lucky to find some French cabs that are much better but in my experience mostly are going to be high alcohol sugar bombs from cali.

[Uncle Rico]

Sure I have a wine fridge filled with a ton of > 4 star wines but because I don't jizz my pants for overpriced Napa crap and would rather get a great brunello or Sangiovese then I must not know wine. But I'm sure your tour guide from that drunken weekend in Napa was totally impartial when they sold you on overpriced crap.

The majority of cabs found around me come from cali. Cali wines are overly sweet and oaky with like no other notes. Is this true across the board? Nope. Is it true enough that I'm more likely to enjoy a random glass from France or Italy than a glass of the Napa cab? Most definitely. They're also too high in alcohol relative to such a simple wine.

Yes I've been lucky to find some French cabs that are much better but in my experience mostly are going to be high alcohol sugar bombs from cali.

Eh

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Sure I have a wine fridge filled with a ton of > 4 star wines but because I don't jizz my pants for overpriced Napa crap and would rather get a great brunello or Sangiovese then I must not know wine. But I'm sure your tour guide from that drunken weekend in Napa was totally impartial when they sold you on overpriced crap.

The majority of cabs found around me come from cali. Cali wines are overly sweet and oaky with like no other notes. Is this true across the board? Nope. Is it true enough that I'm more likely to enjoy a random glass from France or Italy than a glass of the Napa cab? Most definitely. They're also too high in alcohol relative to such a simple wine.

Yes I've been lucky to find some French cabs that are much better but in my experience mostly are going to be high alcohol sugar bombs from cali.

 

[MuggsyB]

Bordeaux would be fine as long as you get a good vintage.

Cabs are not overrated.  Over priced?  Sure, but so is Bordeaux

Do you know anything about Lynch Bages? 

[StillAWarrior]

Sure I have a wine fridge filled with a ton of > 4 star wines but because I don't jizz my pants for overpriced Napa crap and would rather get a great brunello or Sangiovese then I must not know wine. But I'm sure your tour guide from that drunken weekend in Napa was totally impartial when they sold you on overpriced crap.

The majority of cabs found around me come from cali. Cali wines are overly sweet and oaky with like no other notes. Is this true across the board? Nope. Is it true enough that I'm more likely to enjoy a random glass from France or Italy than a glass of the Napa cab? Most definitely. They're also too high in alcohol relative to such a simple wine.

Yes I've been lucky to find some French cabs that are much better but in my experience mostly are going to be high alcohol sugar bombs from cali.

[MuggsyB]

Is Opus One also overrated?  TY.

[Uncle Rico]

Is Opus One also overrated?  TY.

Yes

[Uncle Rico]

Do you know anything about Lynch Bages?

Always depends on vintage.  You’re paying a lot for the name and history but some of the wines will be amazing.

Do you want your mom to drink right away or age the wine?  Any great Bordeaux needs to age

[JWags85]

Sure I have a wine fridge filled with a ton of > 4 star wines but because I don't jizz my pants for overpriced Napa crap and would rather get a great brunello or Sangiovese then I must not know wine. But I'm sure your tour guide from that drunken weekend in Napa was totally impartial when they sold you on overpriced crap.

The majority of cabs found around me come from cali. Cali wines are overly sweet and oaky with like no other notes. Is this true across the board? Nope. Is it true enough that I'm more likely to enjoy a random glass from France or Italy than a glass of the Napa cab? Most definitely. They're also too high in alcohol relative to such a simple wine.

Yes I've been lucky to find some French cabs that are much better but in my experience mostly are going to be high alcohol sugar bombs from cali.

Did a Napa wine guide steal an ex of yours?

That’s a lot of words to sh** on a French wine, also notable in Spanish foundation, that also produces excellent varieties in Italy, as well as underrated regions like Chile and South Africa, in an hilariously arrogant argument centered around only California cab, highlighted by you apparently having access to mediocre wine stores.

It’s like castigating pizza as a food because you live near St Louis and hate their pizza

[MuggsyB]

Always depends on vintage.  You’re paying a lot for the name and history but some of the wines will be amazing.

Do you want your mom to drink right away or age the wine?  Any great Bordeaux needs to age

I'm basically looking at a price range and drinkable relatively soon.

[panda]

Sure I have a wine fridge filled with a ton of > 4 star wines but because I don't jizz my pants for overpriced Napa crap and would rather get a great brunello or Sangiovese then I must not know wine. But I'm sure your tour guide from that drunken weekend in Napa was totally impartial when they sold you on overpriced crap.

The majority of cabs found around me come from cali. Cali wines are overly sweet and oaky with like no other notes. Is this true across the board? Nope. Is it true enough that I'm more likely to enjoy a random glass from France or Italy than a glass of the Napa cab? Most definitely. They're also too high in alcohol relative to such a simple wine.

Yes I've been lucky to find some French cabs that are much better but in my experience mostly are going to be high alcohol sugar bombs from cali.

 Sangiovese is not one of my personal favorites so it’s most definitely universally accepted as overrated….

[StillAWarrior]

I will preface this by saying my wife and I really aren't wine aficionados...so, take the remainder for what it's worth.

This year my wife picked up a wine advent calendar from Costco. Twenty-four half bottles of wine; one for each December day leading up to Christmas (for those not familiar with advent calendars). All were foreign. There were some hits and misses...and we've still got probably 6-8 left since we didn't drink one every day.

But, we enjoyed it.

[Galway Eagle]

Did a Napa wine guide steal an ex of yours?

That’s a lot of words to sh** on a French wine, also notable in Spanish foundation, that also produces excellent varieties in Italy, as well as underrated regions like Chile and South Africa, in an hilariously arrogant argument centered around only California cab, highlighted by you apparently having access to mediocre wine stores.

It’s like castigating pizza as a food because you live near St Louis and hate their pizza

No but a Napa wine salesman did throw me under the bus for taking acid as he tried to steal my uncles boat. Wonder if that's the root of a lot of my hatred.

But fine I retract my statement to "california cabs are the most overrated wine around up there with malbec". Happy?

[Uncle Rico]

I'm basically looking at a price range and drinkable relatively soon.

Then, unless you have access to a wine store with multiple vintages available, you’ll probably want to steer clear of Napa Cabs and Bordeauxs. 

If you’re unsure, find a reputable wine shop and they’ll happily guide you in the right direction.  If you’re in the Milwaukee area, Ray’s or Discount Liquor Milwaukee are safe choices.  They won’t steer you wrong and Discount Liquor Milwaukee has a huge library of great wine.  Don’t go to Total.  They’ll sell you one of their “exclusives”

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

It’s like castigating pizza as a food because you live near St Louis and hate their pizza

Uh-oh.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Uh-oh.

The Mississippi Valley produces the finest yadietals on earth.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Sure I have a wine fridge filled with a ton of > 4 star wines but because I don't jizz my pants for overpriced Napa crap and would rather get a great brunello or Sangiovese then I must not know wine. But I'm sure your tour guide from that drunken weekend in Napa was totally impartial when they sold you on overpriced crap.

The majority of cabs found around me come from cali. Cali wines are overly sweet and oaky with like no other notes. Is this true across the board? Nope. Is it true enough that I'm more likely to enjoy a random glass from France or Italy than a glass of the Napa cab? Most definitely. They're also too high in alcohol relative to such a simple wine.

Yes I've been lucky to find some French cabs that are much better but in my experience mostly are going to be high alcohol sugar bombs from cali.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/27/dining/drinks/wine-school-cabernet-sauvignon-california.html

[Galway Eagle]

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/27/dining/drinks/wine-school-cabernet-sauvignon-california.html

"In wine and politics and too many other areas, broad, simple messages seem irresistible. They support dogma and perhaps make life seem easier. But by ignoring complexities and nuance, they diminish understanding. That’s the worst possible outcome."

If we stopped doing this scoop would cease to be.

[Dr. Blackheart]

"In wine and politics and too many other areas, broad, simple messages seem irresistible. They support dogma and perhaps make life seem easier. But by ignoring complexities and nuance, they diminish understanding. That’s the worst possible outcome."

If we stopped doing this scoop would cease to be.

It is my belief that many Scoop posts are Cabernet fueled.

[JWags85]

I will preface this by saying my wife and I really aren't wine aficionados...so, take the remainder for what it's worth.

This year my wife picked up a wine advent calendar from Costco. Twenty-four half bottles of wine; one for each December day leading up to Christmas (for those not familiar with advent calendars). All were foreign. There were some hits and misses...and we've still got probably 6-8 left since we didn't drink one every day.

But, we enjoyed it.

Totally agree.  Didn’t do it this year cause my wife nursing a 2-3 month old didn’t lend itself to sampling a bunch of wines, but got it last year and it was fun.  Some were crap, some were good, some were great.  Great way to expose yourself to a lot of regions and varieties, without buying a bunch of full priced bottles blind

[Uncle Rico]

Totally agree.  Didn’t do it this year cause my wife nursing a 2-3 month old didn’t lend itself to sampling a bunch of wines, but got it last year and it was fun.  Some were crap, some were good, some were great.  Great way to expose yourself to a lot of regions and varieties, without buying a bunch of full priced bottles blind

Too many of the ones I’ve seen and tried don’t have great representation of the regions, though. 

[TSmith34, Inc.]

I'm basically looking at a price range and drinkable relatively soon.

High Life, then.

[WhiteTrash]

Or people like what they like…

So true Sultan. My mother in law, who can afford to drink anything in the world, prefers Sutter Home white zin. 

[StillAWarrior]

Or people like what they like…

When I was in school and interviewing some of the places took me to some pretty nice dinners. One was with a guy who was really into wine and could afford to buy whatever he wanted. He definitely seemed like he had all the makings of a real wine snob. I asked him what was good. I'll always remember -- and appreciate -- his answer: "The best wine is the wine you like." Words to live by.

[Galway Eagle]

When I was in school and interviewing some of the places took me to some pretty nice dinners. One was with a guy who was really into wine and could afford to buy whatever he wanted. He definitely seemed like he had all the makings of a real wine snob. I asked him what was good. I'll always remember -- and appreciate -- his answer: "The best wine is the wine you like." Words to live by.

Larry Bell told me something similar regarding beer years ago when I was in college and definitely not into good beer yet.

[panda]

Larry Bell told me something similar regarding beer years ago when I was in college and definitely not into good beer yet.

Sage advice. Glad to see you carry those words with you even to this day.

[Jay Bee]

So true Sultan. My mother in law, who can afford to drink anything in the world, prefers Sutter Home white zin. 

How many daughters she got tho??

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Solved.

[rocky_warrior]

My mom is turning 65 so I thought I'd step it up a bit.  Maybe I'll opt for a good Cab or something.  I dunno.

This is going to sound a little judgmental, but are you gifting your mom booze, or going to take some to share with her on her birthday celebration?

Sure, I've gifted good beer/wine/liquor to friends before, but with family I would always try to do something a little more personal.  For family, I always take good drinks to gatherings in hopes we share, and leave it behind if we don't. 

[MuggsyB]

This is going to sound a little judgmental, but are you gifting your mom booze, or going to take some to share with her on her birthday celebration?

Sure, I've gifted good beer/wine/liquor to friends before, but with family I would always try to do something a little more personal.  For family, I always take good drinks to gatherings in hopes we share, and leave it behind if we don't.

My sister and I are cooking dinner for her and my Aunt and Uncle so we would all share the wine. 

[rocky_warrior]

My sister and I are cooking dinner for her and my Aunt and Uncle so we would all share the wine.

Ah, well then I'll echo what others have said - take a bottle or two* of what you like (or what a good store associate recommends based on the dinner plans), and have a ball!

* especially with 5-6 people drinking!

[MuggsyB]

Ah, well then I'll echo what others have said - take a bottle or two* of what you like (or what a good store associate recommends based on the dinner plans), and have a ball!

* especially with 5-6 people drinking!

Ty Rocky.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Sure I have a wine fridge filled with a ton of > 4 star wines but because I don't jizz my pants for overpriced Napa crap and would rather get a great brunello or Sangiovese then I must not know wine. But I'm sure your tour guide from that drunken weekend in Napa was totally impartial when they sold you on overpriced crap.

The majority of cabs found around me come from cali. Cali wines are overly sweet and oaky with like no other notes. Is this true across the board? Nope. Is it true enough that I'm more likely to enjoy a random glass from France or Italy than a glass of the Napa cab? Most definitely. They're also too high in alcohol relative to such a simple wine.

Yes I've been lucky to find some French cabs that are much better but in my experience mostly are going to be high alcohol sugar bombs from cali.

Did you row down The Seine in this douche canoe?

[real chili 83]

Half the worlds rojo consumption is in PR.

[WarriorFan]

I agree with and will expand upon the previous recommendation.  This takes some preparation.  Know a little about what you like... dry, sorta sweet, red, white, bold, light, tannic, etc.  Then go to a good wine shop and ask their advice and buy 5 bottles.  Take them home and drink them.  (Try not to do all 5 in one night).  Find what you like the most. Make some notes in your own words.  'Tastes like goat piss with a hint of gunpowder... never buy again!' for example...  When you find something you like,  make that your go-to for this type of situation.

This process can be repeated ad-infinitum to the great joy of the wine shop owner and the sampler. 

Alternatively, I had a very nice 2022 PBR last night...

[Dr. Blackheart]

Half the worlds rojo consumption is in PR.

Yep. Seems to be concentrated in the West Coast PR and Ponce area.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1999-09-12-9909100403-story.html

[21Jumpstreet]

In lieu of bubbly, I Bought a really nice Barolo for some friends recently, and I’ve enjoyed Paraduxx from Duckhorn a time or two in the recent past.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Cook's extra dry.

[Uncle Rico]

Cook's extra dry.

Now that’s overpriced

[drewm88]

I agree with and will expand upon the previous recommendation.  This takes some preparation.  Know a little about what you like... dry, sorta sweet, red, white, bold, light, tannic, etc.  Then go to a good wine shop and ask their advice and buy 5 bottles.  Take them home and drink them.  (Try not to do all 5 in one night).  Find what you like the most. Make some notes in your own words.  'Tastes like goat piss with a hint of gunpowder... never buy again!' for example...  When you find something you like,  make that your go-to for this type of situation.

I like the Vivino app for this. Snap a picture, it identifies the wine, I add a rating and some brief notes that are entirely unhelpful to any other user. Helps me remember what to buy again (or not) or to guide the owner of my local wine shop in suggesting new ones.

Also if you're looking to get into wine, it can help you learn more about wine by looking at others' reviews while you drink.

[CreightonWarrior]

Vivino is great. Anything over 4* should be a solid choice.

[WarriorFan]

I like the Vivino app for this. Snap a picture, it identifies the wine, I add a rating and some brief notes that are entirely unhelpful to any other user. Helps me remember what to buy again (or not) or to guide the owner of my local wine shop in suggesting new ones.

Also if you're looking to get into wine, it can help you learn more about wine by looking at others' reviews while you drink.

After years of keeping a spreadsheet I now also use Vivino.  If you see any reviews referring to goat's piss, they are probably mine.  I always put one simple phrase in my review... either "buy again" or "do not buy again".  Also I have a category of "good wines for finishing the night" which means they are cheap but very drinkable for those evenings when quality is overcome by quantity. 

[Galway Eagle]

After years of keeping a spreadsheet I now also use Vivino.  If you see any reviews referring to goat's piss, they are probably mine.  I always put one simple phrase in my review... either "buy again" or "do not buy again".  Also I have a category of "good wines for finishing the night" which means they are cheap but very drinkable for those evenings when quality is overcome by quantity.

Vivino is fantastic. Wife and I's system is 4.5-5 means go out of the way to search for said bottle. 4-4.5 would definitely buy again. 3.5-4 wouldn't thumb our nose at or would get if we're on a budget. Below that we pawn it off on her siblings.

[PorkysButthole]

Champagne Gosset is outstanding for the $$.   It's not something every place has so it may take a few calls to identify a wine shop that carries it, but it's not so uncommon that you won't be able to find it anywhere.   It generally runs $55-60 which is a helluva lot less than Dom or Krug or Cristal and their ilk.

Porky is a big fan of single vineyard grower producer champagnes.  They're generally a great value but somewhat more difficult to find.   Porky's local purveyor recently started carrying GAMET, which Porky has tried a few times, both white and rose.   Their Rose Champagne in particular was very unique.  Grab it if you can find it!

https://www.eater.com/wine/22263123/best-champagne-is-grower-champagne-bottle-to-buy-bubbly

https://www.champagne-gamet.com/

Of the big houses, Porky Prefers Pol Roger.  Happy New Year Scoopers!

[real chili 83]

Sooooo Mugster, what did you end up going with?????

[MuggsyB]

Sooooo Mugster, what did you end up going with?????

We went with two mid priced Bordeaux's (thx scoopers for the tips):

Siran Margaux and Bonalague Pomerol. 

But in case I or my uncle don't like them I also snagged two large bottles of premier Belgian beer.    All together it was significantly less than a bottle of Dom or Cristal.    Assuming my sister allows me to do all of the cooking my mom should be happy. 

[JWags85]

Enjoy the Stella!!

[MuggsyB]

Enjoy the Stella!!

LOL.

Chimay Blue & La Trappe.