I like to drink a glass of red wine most every night. Two glasses in one night are sometimes nice. However, for me drinking three glasses means that's all I'll be doing that night. And my life is far too busy for that "luxury."
What this means is I need an affordable wine that is still good on the third day after opening the bottle. Sadly, the cap I placed on "affordable" keeps going up. Still, my limit for everyday wines is $10.00. Past recommendations appear at the end of this article.
For several years now the Fetzer Valley Oaks Cabernet has received my recommendation as my favorite vin ordinaire. I approach each new year's vintage with trepidation for fear that Fetzer will change their great product. I am glad to report that the Fetzer Valley Oaks cabernet for 2001 is every bit as good as previous year's efforts. It is not automatically the case that a vintner will produce an outstanding wine two or more years in a row. However, Fetzer succeeded with their 1998 Valley Oaks Cabernet, and did it again with the 1999 vintage. The 2000 vintage is also great. This wine retails in the $8.00 range. I have found it both at Spec's and in most grocery stores.
The wine has outstanding color in the glass. It is not burdened with an alcoholic taste. Bouquet is very slight, but there are tannins. It is nicely balanced and smooth on the throat. I like the total experience of this wine a lot. It is very well made for the price, and I would not be embarrassed to serve it to friends, even those who drink a lot of wine.
It also passes the last test of a great vin ordinaire. It still tastes extraordinarily good on day three. In the past I have used the Private Preserve Wine Preserver to keep the air in the bottle to a minimum. In 2002 I switched to the Food Saver vacuum system. They sell a wine bottle stopper that works with the system to create a vacuum. Works great. Try it.
This year I also discovered another excellent vin ordinaire. I was buying wine for a retirement party for a very special individual and got both the Fetzer recommended above and a 2000 Carmenet. I was astonished at how good the Carmenet was. It is smooth, yet full in the mouth. Color is a deep red and the wine is substantial. I have since recommended it to many wine drinkers, with good reports. It is every bit as good as the Fetzer, which is high praise from me for a vin ordinaire. I now alternate between the two. I don't know if next year's vintage will be as good, so get some now. Buy it by the case. You won't regret it. Available at Specs and other fine wine stores.
To read my recommendation for 1996, (click here),.
To read my recommendation for 1998-1999, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2000, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2001, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2002, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2003, click here.
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