The preview version of TheWineMuddler will feature wines that I consider to be outstanding. I will also post these wines to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (TheWineMudder on each of these platforms).
I consider a wine to be outstanding when its price is fair and the contents of the glass meet or exceed my expectations. I refuse to provide scores as I believe that scores serve only to make it easy for wine producers and retailers to sell mediocrity and that these scores mislead consumers. I will, however, make fun of wine scores, and the critics that provide them, as often as possible. Please don’t make your wine purchase decisions on dribble such as James Suckling 92 points.
A more detailed review of the release will follow and that review may include satire, wines for collectors, wines for wine geeks, wines to consider, and wines to avoid.
Outstanding wines
Need a pleasant white-house wine? Maybe a white wine for a reception, or one to sip on your deck/dock/ balcony? Then try the $15 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2018 | VINTAGES#: 698274. This wine has decent tropical flavors, pleasant acidity, and length at a price point that will not break your bank account. A crowd-pleasing wine, the type that you will serve to friends but you want something cheap because they will drink a lot and they are not great friends. This wine retails for the equivalent price in the good old USA and is 33% more in the UK.
Need a white wine with more body? One with some complexity that comes from time resting in the bottle? Then try the $26 Château-Thébaud Melon de Bourgogne 2009 | VINTAGES#: 541458. Most wines made with the Melon de Bourgogne grape are simple-fruit-forward deck wines and are consumed in their youth. This one is from a top producer and does not disappoint. A good wine for your dinner table or conservations with good friends. The KGBO (a.k.a., the LCBO) fairly priced this wine when compared to prices in Quebec and the USA.
I bought a case of the $14 Hacienda Lopez de Haro Rosado 2018 Rosé | VINTAGES#: 450775. Simply put it has the things that I look for in a decent Rosé and I can buy this one in quantity at a good price. This wine is enjoyable alone and will work with food. This Rosé retails for an equivalent price in the USA but the folks in sunny Spain can buy it for as little as the equivalent of $7CAD.
I’m in need of a decent house red-wine as I am fresh out. I prefer an Italian one, something that works with food, and a wine that I can also enjoy solo. I’ve spent a lot of money lately so I also need one that is cheap and cheerful. You too? Then load up on the Carpineto Chianti Classico 2016 Sangiovese/Canaiolo | VINTAGES#: 356048. This is a Sangiovese with some character at a decent price. What more can you want?
The Wine Muddler 
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