Uncorked

'Winers' partake, rank submissions

I've had an idea for many years: to gather a group of Uncorked readers, throw out some wines and observe. I've always thought it would be a candid way to gain a better understanding of readers' likes and wants, and what price range readers prefer for everyday drinking wines.

A few weeks ago, I received an invitation giving me just this opportunity, as well as an exceptionally wonderful evening of meeting new friends. I will keep the group anonymous, but will say they call themselves "the winers."

The invitation came in an email to Uncorked explaining the wine group and its quarterly gatherings. What got my attention was this comment, "It might be interesting for you to see what is consumed by those of us who drink wine with dinner and on a frequent basis." Rules were straightforward: Each couple was to bring a bottle of wine they'd consider having as an everyday drinking wine and a savory appetizer.

Each person tasted through the wines in a casual social setting with no formal tasting format. At the end of the evening everyone scored the wines in the order of their top three whites and top three reds. It was interesting to see the results, knowing these are wines easy to find on most retail shelves. The prices were much higher than I assumed most people consider a "value" for everyday wines. I also found it interesting that all of the wines the group preferred were from California producers.

These were the winners.

THE WHITES

2012 Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, California (about $24 retail)

2013 Cupcake Chardonnay, California (about $11 retail)

2012 Bell Wine Cellars Pinot Gris, California (about $16 retail)

THE REDS

2012 Cupcake Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $11 retail)

2012 Ghost Pines Red Blend, California (about $21 retail)

2012 Sebastiani Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $16 retail)

Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:

[email protected]

Food on 07/09/2014

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