Since it is commonly known that I enjoy libations of a certain variety, I thought I'd share what I actually drink so certain CI members no longer need to blindly, laughably speculate.

Last night, I shared several bottles with our servers.  I had opened them during our weekly Wine School, which covered the Veneto region of northern Italy.  We sampled some lovely Amarone della Valpolicella, among other things.

Tonight, I already know I will, at the very least, be enjoying the following:

https://www.vivino.com/US-ME/en/hundred-acre-ark-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon/w/1637962?ref=nav-search

It will be the third time in as many weeks that, through the generosity of wealthy guests, I have enjoyed this $1200/bottle Cabernet Sauvignon.  The gentleman, who buys two bottles and leaves half of the second for the enjoyment of the staff, always slips me two $100 bills on his way out the door.  Greasy Spoon indeed, Mark79   The following is one of the 1200 different wines on our list.  Maybe you'd like to come buy it and share your life-changing insights about myriad topics.

https://www.vivino.com/US-ME/en/petrus-pomerol/w/1166837?year=2017

Most of the truly great wine I have enjoyed -- and I have tried many amazing wines, bourbons, etc -- has been shared with me by generous guests, many of whom have also become friends.

Wine makes the heart glad.  Enjoy a glass or two tonight.  Cheers!  Salud!  Godspeed :)

Back in the late 1990’s my wife and I accidentally came across several cases of high end 1995 Bordeaux wines that were at a fantastic price, just before Bordeaux prices went crazy. 1995 was one of the best vintages for Bordeaux. We auctioned them off, but we did try a few bottles first.  They were young but very very good.

Since it is commonly known that I enjoy libations of a certain variety, I thought I'd share what I actually drink so certain CI members no longer need to blindly, laughably speculate.

Last night, I shared several bottles with our servers.  I had opened them during our weekly Wine School, which covered the Veneto region of northern Italy.  We sampled some lovely Amarone della Valpolicella, among other things.

Tonight, I already know I will, at the very least, be enjoying the following:

https://www.vivino.com/US-ME/en/hundred-acre-ark-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon/w/1637962?ref=nav-search

It will be the third time in as many weeks that, through the generosity of wealthy guests, I have enjoyed this $1200/bottle Cabernet Sauvignon.  The gentleman, who buys two bottles and leaves half of the second for the enjoyment of the staff, always slips me two $100 bills on his way out the door.  Greasy Spoon indeed, Mark79   The following is one of the 1200 different wines on our list.  Maybe you'd like to come buy it and share your life-changing insights about myriad topics.

https://www.vivino.com/US-ME/en/petrus-pomerol/w/1166837?year=2017

Most of the truly great wine I have enjoyed -- and I have tried many amazing wines, bourbons, etc -- has been shared with me by generous guests, many of whom have also become friends.

Wine makes the heart glad.  Enjoy a glass or two tonight.  Cheers!  Salud!  Godspeed :)

I'm not sure I have ever had any wine with a liquor store price of >$40.

But as you are apparently educated in the field, is there anything you could recommend in my gutter-dwelling price range ($25-40) that would be worth a shot?

I find cabernet sauvignon a bit too tart, so merlot is generally my stopping point on the dryness spectrum, and I despise sweet/fruity flavors (but don't mind a buttery/softer finish, like a chianti). 

From memory, the best wine I ever had was a Portugese red (Mith: remember Charles's wedding reception?).  Have no idea what that brand or cost was, but it seemed to be somewhere between merlot and chianti.

Very possibly my price range will not get me into a noticeably better tier?

I find cabernet sauvignon a bit too tart, so merlot is generally my stopping point on the dryness spectrum, and I despise sweet/fruity flavors (but don't mind a buttery/softer finish, like a chianti). 

I generally dislike sweet/fruity also ... but I make an exception for some good Sangria.  I also don't generally care for white wines, but the Tokaji wines are amazing.

I have to put away today's wine order, but maybe I will start another thread that provides some info, advice, etc. to help people enjoy one of the truly great pleasures of this short life.  Have a great weekend, everyone.

That would be awesome.  Thanks.

https://www.vivino.com/US-ME/en/famille-perrin-chateauneuf-du-pape-les-sinards-rouge/w/1720012?ref=nav-search

Chateuneuf-du-Pape is wonderful and has a very cool history that very much relates to Holy Mother Church.

Left Bank Bordeaux is Cab-dominant, but also contains Merlot, sometimes some Cab Franc, etc.  Right Bank Bordeaux is Merlot-dominant, but usually includes some Cab Franc.  You can find good wines from $15, but $25+ will be delicious.

Spanish and Portuguese Reds are both delicious and, usually, very affordable.  This is actually a pricey one, but it is magnificent:

https://www.vivino.com/US-ME/en/alto-moncayo-garnacha/w/98782?ref=nav-search

Thank you for this!

Of course!!! It is Hungarian

If you like Tokaji, you should try some Sauternes.  Awesome stuff!

The Master Sommelier for whom I used to work shared a 1955 bottle of Sauternes with us on opening day at his wine bar in Orlando.  Stunning wine, incredibly generous gift :)

I'll give it a try.  I almost splurged for a $120 bottle of Tokaji last Christmas, but then changed my mind (and regretted it within 10 minutes of leaving).

This one is out of my price range however ...
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/expensive-wine-hungary/index.html

There are no accidents, only Divine Providence!!  God provided gorgeous wine and a little extra cash for you.  Great story and thank you for sharing it.

One of our regulars was born in 1982. He buys 1982 wines, especially from Bordeaux, whenever we have them.  Last week, he bought a 1982 Calon-Segur, but decided he didn't really like it.  He paid the $900 for it but only had two sips, leaving the rest for myself and the staff.

I wish I waited longer, I would have made much more. Here are the three we tried: