No tags yet.
It's Friday evening and quitting time at the office is approaching. You have decided to do one of the following after a long week on the grind: Option 1) Go out with a group of colleagues for a night on the town; Option 2) Head over to a friend's place for a house party to celebrate a birthday/promotion/engagement, etc; or Option 3) Make it a Netflix n'chill night at home. Along with your choice, you have been assigned the task of picking up a bottle of wine for the evening. Most of us who have found ourselves in this predicament at one time or another have experienced pressure with the ultimate question: How much do I spend?
I recall my days as an undergraduate student where I felt rather special for bringing a bottle of Boone's Farm to a house party and it was a hit. But then again, I was in a room with other juvenile, college-aged kids who didn't have a clue, so who really cared? Now, as a mature adult, I realize that my choices in college did not reflect the maturity and thought processes of the seasoned adult I have become, nor would my behavior at this stage in my life be easily forgiven if I were to make the same decisions today.
I recently attended a West of West Wine Tasting event in Philadelphia, which hosted over 20 winemakers from Sonoma and Napa Counties in California. This year's event showcased plenty great spring and summer vintages from the region, so tasting was plentiful. Prices of the wines ranged from $35 to $150, with more of the wines falling in the over $50 range. I will say that the ones I enjoyed covered the whole spectrum leading me to write this article. I have always wondered if spending more on a bottle of wine guaranteed a better tasting product. Years later in my wine journey, I know this to be false.
Wine is such a subjective experience to the drinker that most labor over whether spending $15 or $150 on a bottle will make a difference in quality. Don't get me wrong, I have tasted many wines across a wide price spectrum and I will go as far to say that I do believe there is a disparity in the quality of cheaper vs. more expensive wines. However, the quality of wine is not impacted solely by its price.
First on our comparison is the Apothic brand to the right.
I became acquainted with Apothic about 4 years ago while looking for a less expensive, everyday drinking wine in between pay periods. This wine comes in three reds and one white varietal and is currently evolving into including other blends, with a new one infused with cold brewed coffee.
The Apothic brand is just as distinguishable as their individual varietals' price points. The Red renders a fruit forward bouquet with hints of jam and plum, while the Dark holds true to its name, resulting in a deeper, more richly textured, peppery, spicy finish. The Crush was bright and tart and the White has a crisp, citrusy finish which is great for warmer months. Of this brand the Dark is my favorite and Apothic is a go-to wine for any casual or special occasion or if you just want to have a nice cheap glass without the fuss. You should stay tuned to this brand for more unique varietals coming out this year.
Apothic: $7.99-$15
Next up is Oberon. I was introduced to this wine last year after moving to Philadelphia and while looking for something "different" and out of the ordinary. Because I love all things Cabernet, The Cab was my first choice and entree into this brand. At first taste, this wine is unlike many other Cabernets. It's not as heavy, but does render a nice aroma and yields some mild spice and bright, red fruit notes on its finish. This wine is easy to drink but I noted that the flavor components change within one day after uncorking the bottle. If you don't intend to drink the bottle within a day or two, you may not like it much after it has oxidized from the open air. Like most robust Cabernets, this one tastes younger but is no less enjoyable.
Oberon also produces a Merlot and Sauvingon Blanc. These are classy wines and they don't break the bank. They also drink well with no lingering after taste.
Oberon has become a favorite when I don't want to spend too much but still feel as if I have splurged a bit.
Oberon: $19.99-$22.00
The third wine is Wayfarer. The birth of Wayfarer came from a brand known for more luxurious wines from the infamous Pahlmeyer winemaker. Cleo Pahlmeyer, President of Wayfarer, has developed great wines in her own right. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Cleo and sampling the Wayfarer brand at a recent tasting event. Just like her wines, Cleo is pleasant, funny, knowledgeable and passionate about making great wines. The 2015 Pinot Noir is a great one to have in your collection. It has a light garnet hue and renders bright floral scents on the nose. When it first hits the palate, you taste some bright, red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Its finish is slightly dry but packs a great flavor. I liked it so much that I purchased two bottles and already plan to re-order more. This wine will surely get you noticed as someone who can recognize a good wine when s/he sees it. Wayfarer primarily makes Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays and I will say after trying this particular varietal, I will pay more attention to Wayfarer.
Wayfarer: $80-$115
Last but not least, Pahlmeyer is a brand to be reckoned with. Jayson Pahlmeyer, father of Cleo Pahlmeyer (Wayfarer above), has dedicated himself to producing some of the country's great wines. The Pahlmeyer brand is reminiscent of France's great wines from the Burgundy Region. Having tried the Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red shortly before my last promotion as managing partner of my firm in January, 2018, I quickly understood why it was served at a formal dinner that included the decision makers of my firm. This wine is sophisticated, hearty, bold, and strikes a well-balanced finished of dark lush fruits, pepper and spice. The Pahlmeyer brand leaves a big impression on its drinker. If you ever have the opportunity to try Pahlmeyer, savour it sparingly because you will want more. On the pricier side of the spectrum, Pahylmeyer will definitely have you included as a regular favorite on the guest lists of many occasions. Everyone will know your name and if you're looking to impress a close friend, significant other or boss, this is your brand.
Pahlmeyer: $150-$175
I have compared only a small spectrum of wines out of a vast universe of varietals on the market. Wine encompasses a large portfolio of price points. No one bottle is better than the other simply because it costs more. What it ultimately comes down to is the love, care and patience that goes into cultivating the fruit and the land that yields a perfect bottle. One should not be pressured to spend a mint on a good bottle of wine. Although if you have the budget, you should not be shy about splurging on a great bottle either.
I have been surprised at some very good wines that I spent $20 on. Conversely, I have ended up with some pretty mediocre ones having spent $50 bucks or more. When in doubt, ask the store clerk for assistance in choosing a wine. Read labels and look for descriptions. Whether you want to spend $20 or $200, drink what you are led to after making reasonable inquiries. And if you end up with a bottle that you don't like, drink it anyway. You'll end up liking it after making it halfway through the bottle! Remember to drink responsibly and enthusiastically!!