Past Issues: Easy to Find One Figure Wines, dec99/jan00

Let me just say that Lindemans is working it with their Bin Range wines. Lately, I've felt surrounded by Lindemans. Their Bin wines have been displayed everywhere from my local market to the aisles of Cost Plus World Market. I also received several emails from readers recommending Lindemans wines. Sometimes a truly ubiquitous wine frightens me. Despite my quest for ETFOFW, I still want to feel that my wine is somewhat special. That is, I don't buy my wine at the Texaco (that's where I buy my Fritos and cold beer). My fears were unfounded. Lindemans rocked the house (but, at least at this point, not the Texaco). This is the definitive ETFOFW. It is not just good wine for the price, it is good wine. And very easy to find.

I tried three wines from the Bin Range label: Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 1998 ($5.99), Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 ($6.99), and Lindemans Bin 40 Merlot 1996 ($6.99). As an aside, the wines were purchased at my local Cost Plus World Market. I checked the Cost Plus website at www.costplus.com and found they have a handy dandy store finder (their home page is a little slow to load, but stick with it). Looks like they have 99 stores in 16 states.

As for wine particulars, the Chardonnay was what a Chardonnay should be (or at least what I want it to be) -- smooth and not too sweet with a tasty citrus-melon thing happening. And a great golden color. 

Generally speaking, I'm not much of a Merlot kinda girl. I like a red wine that smacks me around a bit like a spicy Zinfandel, but I liked this one. It has a bit of spice and berry character with a nice finish. 

When it comes to Cabernet, I have been somewhat spoiled by the esteemed Richard Tinsley. He has, for better or worse, introduced me to some of the best (and most expensive) Cabernets I've ever had the pleasure of tossing down my gullet. And being so spoiled, I approach less expensive Cabernets with a degree of trepidation. Nevertheless, I am happy to report that the Lindemans Cabernet passed muster (and for heaven's sake it was only $6.99!). It was a sound red wine with some cherry and coffee notes that would have gone really well with a big juicy burger and a mess of fries, but, alas, there was only a head of lettuce and soy cheese in the fridge.

If you would like to learn more about Lindemans, check out their website at www.lindemans.com

For previous ETFOFW picks, click here.