Do you drink much Ruby, Ruby Reserve or Basic Tawny?

[Andy Velebil]

....I've come not to like Six Grapes so much and Warres Warrior is ok

For what reason?

[John M.]

Seems like the last few times I've had Six Grapes I was not too impressed--and when having with another Reserve I seem to like the other one better. To add to this, it it usually priced higher than most in the same class.

[John F. Newman]

Seems like the last few times I've had Six Grapes I was not too impressed--and when having with another Reserve I seem to like the other one better. To add to this, it it usually priced higher than most in the same class.

Was there a tasting for basic rubies by FTLOP members?

[John M.]

Yes, back in March 2012. The results were published in a subsequent newsletter (May 2012; #69)...there were 3 USA tastings and one in England.

[Glenn E.]

Seems like the last few times I've had Six Grapes I was not too impressed--and when having with another Reserve I seem to like the other one better. To add to this, it it usually priced higher than most in the same class.

Was there a tasting for basic rubies by FTLOP members?

The Ruby Reserve Taste-Off. Andy started it as a taste-off between Graham's Six Grapes and Noval Black, but it morphed into a larger taste test as we progressed with the organization. There were 6 tastings involved in the Taste-Off around the world. Sammamish WA, 2 in Los Angeles CA, Highbridge NJ, Longmont CO, and London UK.

And as John M. said, the results were published in FTLOP newsletter #69, May 2012.

[Andy Velebil]

Seems like the last few times I've had Six Grapes I was not too impressed--and when having with another Reserve I seem to like the other one better. To add to this, it it usually priced higher than most in the same class.

Ah, ok. thanks

As for pricing, I find pricing for this and most Reserve Ruby's all over the map. For example, I was getting Noval Black for around $14, but the wine shop down the street was $19. A big difference at those price points. Same for Six Grapes. It tends to go for between $15-22 around me. I usually only pick these up when the price is on the cheaper side, unless I have to get it for a special gathering. Regardless, I would love to know what accounts for such a drastic price difference for the same product.

[John M.]

Around here in NJ Six Grapes usually $18 or more. ... same with Noval Black. Fonseca Bin 27 & Cockburns ReserveI can get for $14 to $17. Taylor usually $16 to $18. Never see Six Grapes or N Black cheaper.