I usually have both Villa Maria and KC SB in the basement, but I have not enjoyed the KC so much this year. It does seem as well balanced, a bit too dry and acidic compared to the VM. So I think I am done with it for a bit.

For the last two years, the Bodega Muga Rosado has been our summer wine of choice, though we also got 1/2 case of the Cline Grenache Rose through a friend and it was very nice, though a bit simpler and sweeter than the Muga.

For this winter, I expect my every day wine to be a 2005 Beaujolais cru, probably a Moulin a Vent or a Morgon. I picked up a few last week at Sam's and will see which are the best ones. From what I have read, and I have not tasted them yet, I think the taste profiles may indeed fall right between northern Rhone and southern Burgundy, just like the vineyards do. Prices ranged from $11 to $15, though it is possible to spend twice that, too.

Dicksond-

I didnt notice the decline in the KC, and mine is the 2006 so it is probably the same year. In fact I have not found much vintage variation in the NZ wines. A good time to buy rose is over the winter. A lot of retailers are blowing them out because the assumption is that they are only good for 1 year. I bought the last 8 bottles of the 2005 Muga at Binnys for only 2.99/bottle in February, and it is still good.

I have several of the 2005 beaujolais by Duboeuf, both flower label and single vineyard, and while they are fairly big for beaujolais, I am afraid that they arent close to northern rhone in style. To be geographic, I would say that they are closer to their northern neighbor Macon. Nice wines, but still beaujolais. Excellent for the fall, but you may want something with a bit more stuffing come January and February.

-Will

WillG wrote:Dicksond-

I didnt notice the decline in the KC, and mine is the 2006 so it is probably the same year. In fact I have not found much vintage variation in the NZ wines. A good time to buy rose is over the winter. A lot of retailers are blowing them out because the assumption is that they are only good for 1 year. I bought the last 8 bottles of the 2005 Muga at Binnys for only 2.99/bottle in February, and it is still good.

I have several of the 2005 beaujolais by Duboeuf, both flower label and single vineyard, and while they are fairly big for beaujolais, I am afraid that they arent close to northern rhone in style. To be geographic, I would say that they are closer to their northern neighbor Macon. Nice wines, but still beaujolais. Excellent for the fall, but you may want something with a bit more stuffing come January and February.

-Will

On the KC, I will not argue, so maybe I have just gotten tired of it. This is the third or fourth summer I have picked it up, so maybe it is just time to move on.

Yup, the roses can easily stand a year, and that is a wonderful price for the Muga. I will look for that.

As to the Beaujolais, I can only hope... Will report back once I start to taste them.

If you're still in search of everyday pinot noir, I have a few cheapie favorites.

Cono Sur from Chile
Gallo of Sonoma - I think its called Gallo Family Vineyards now
and
Sterling Vintner's Collection - Central Coast