Wine Asylum

Posted by triodesteve (A) on February 28, 2005 at 08:35:02

In Reply to: Charles Shaw 2002 Shiraz holding well, any other opinions on it? posted by clarkjohnsen on February 27, 2005 at 10:49:13:

...that there is no consistency. I've only tried one and it was bad enough that I wouldn't try another. Shaw is made up of wines that they purchase in bulk from all over CA. ( I think I'm right about this). Because they have so many different sources and I'm assuming that they can't blend it all at once (not enough tank space), then what you have in yout Syrah bottle is not going to be the same as what I get.
There is nothing wrong with buying and reselling bulk wine ( I have plenty of friends that do it to get started or to fill a hole in their line-up), but you have to be consistent.

Looking for more bargains? In addition to Columbia Crest and Hogue, try Snoqualmie, House Wine, and Sagelands from Washington. We have pretty ideal growing conditions here and have more control over moisture more than most places.
Also look to Spain. They are some changes going on with growing and winemaking that are leading to much better wines all around.
Steve