Eric writes, on another thread

>
>Folks,
>
> I found a very decent and inexpensive Cabernet: Oak Creek 2002. At
>$4.00 a bottle it is well worth a try and I must say at twice the cost of
>Two Buck Chuck it is more than twice as good ;-).
>
>Thanks,
>Eric
>

Eric--thank you for the recommendation!

Actually, there are dozens of decent $4 (US) cabernets on the market right
now---and that's as it should be.

There is a huge glut of quality wine in the US right now, and it affords all of
us some opportunities. Perhaps we should open up a thread here, on wines under
$6, and solicit recommendations.

However, it would be more fun if we found some members to post the results of
blind tastings on some of these wines (Robert Parker obviously isn't reviewing
them).

Industry people will often "plant" posts to newsgroups, posing as consumers,
and recommend--depending on the newsgroup-- a particular video game, rock
album, Hollywood film, mutual fund, etc.

However, in this group we have to take it on faith that the recommendation is
genuine---and at 4 bucks, who could go wrong, anyway?

Eric, I believe your recommendation is genuine and I welcome you to the
discussion.

I think it's high time we talk about the everyday stuff we drink with chicken
or pot roast.

A favorite and long-dead writer, Leon Adams, once said (and I am paraphrasing),

"Why are we always talking about Sunday wines? [that's what he called them]

"There are plenty of other wines which can bring enjoyment to everyday
situations".

I agree. Even in the Medoc they drink Bordeaux Superior on weeknights. In
Burgundy, they drink Beaujolais.

I open this to the group:

Some of these brands, such as Two-Buck Chuck, or Sea Ridge (Safeway's $3 wine),
or Oak Creek, may disappear when the wine lake dries up.

Industry forecasts for the late 00s in California suggest that we may return
again to shortages of quality everyday wine. But the vinicultural engines of
Italy, Spain, Argentina and Australia are already starting to pump massive
quantities of really decent, affordable wines to our shores, and also to all of
the countries represented in this newsgroup.

Some of these made-up brands, such as Oak Creek, go out to target geographic
markets, and may be a passing phenomenon.

Even Two-Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw) is essentially a localised, California
phenomenon--though it is available in some other states.

But there are several "hot" international brands, now, from Australia, Chile
and Italy. Why not review them?

Many years ago, Mouton-Cadet (from Baron Philippe) became an international
supermarket wonder, and a number of Burgundy negociants created their cheaper
blends of "Chablis", "Puilly Fuisse" and such. And then there was Blue Nun,
from Germany.

Should we perhaps include some discussions here of these "weekday" wines?

Ten years ago, I would have dismissed this idea. But now, with the cost of a
"good" bottle of wine surpassing the price of a fine restaurant dinner course
for two, shouldn't we reconsider?

There ARE, after all, a number of supermarket brands to avoid.

I leave this to the newsgroup. What say ye?

---Bob