Cabernet Savuvignon vs. Merlot

[Ralphy]

Nice one! Perfect for BBQ's  

Reminds me of my youth down the park with a 3 litre bottle of white lightening  

[flammableBen]

Nice. Really am uninspired by mine. Was gonna give it the benefit of the doubt because it was a bit cool where it had been in the kitchen, but it hasn't improved. Think I'll get the bottle down me and hope that the rioja is more interesting.

[Ralphy]

Rioja? Good choice!

Me and my workmate often consume a bottle or two of it while cooking up a chili or curry.

[land_of_bo]

Rioja is ace. Was in Spain recently and drank loads of it, good stuff for only 2/3 euros a bottle as well (if bought in local supermarket - same bottles were 12 euros in restaurants) May go back there later in the year, if I do I'm bringing a suitcase full home with me!

[Ralphy]

I'm in Gran Canaria in 4 weeks time.

Any local red's to try?

[flammableBen]

Right ready to crack onto the Rioja. Took the first bottle pretty slow. Hopefully this will be more inspiring.

[land_of_bo]

I'm in Gran Canaria in 4 weeks time.

Any local red's to try?

Pretty much all the rioja is good, 2002 seemed to be a good year if memory serves me right

[flammableBen]

Bit dissapointed with the Rioja, bit overly sharp. Could be a bit corked, although I think it's more likely my taste buds are getting an unexpected hit after the blandness of the last effort. It's possibly the 'light peppery finish' it describes on the back.

[land_of_bo]

How you getting on with the rioja now?

[flammableBen]

3/4 through. got better after I clensed my taste buds with the power of a rollie. Still a bit dissapointing, I'll give it another go and make it my first bottle to see how it tastes on a clean pallet.

Got the Chillean Cabernet Sauvignon next, drank it last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Will be interesting to see if it meets up to standard on the second time.