This was one of our favorites when we lived in Barcelona:

Most of the Turley (Paso) and all the Biale (Napa) red zinfandel's are great. Look for a bottle of Biale Black Chicken

Anything from Rideau (Santa Ynez) is really interesting and less expensive; Rhone or Burgundy style.
I buy all 3 by the case direct from the wineries.

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Originally posted by 229DAK:

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I'm after bold flavors

Old vine zinfandel.

This.
If you're chasing that big, bold flavor, an old vine zin will do it. Cabernet will also have that big flavor but, with more nuance, hence the big range of prices, try a $75+ bottle and see if there's more complexity than what you've been drinking. Also try a Brunello de Montecino, it's out of Southern Tuscany and it's my favorite when I want to splurge; here in the US a good one will run $50+ minimum, however Costco's Kirkland (if you can find it) has been sold at $25-30 and its surprisingly good. I drink more Pinot's these days but, a good Brunello is fantastic.

As others have pointed out, continue to chat-up the staffers at a specialty shop, they'll appreciate someone who's actively looking to develop their pallet. Sounds like you're getting close to what you like, just a matter of zeroing-in on a region, then you can focus-in on the wineries there.

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It just seems to me that the Germans ship a lot of their sweeter stuff to the US

I've been told Germans drink their whites dry and send us and the Brits that 'sweet' Reisling garbage they won't drink.

Years ago, I used to take a couple of bottles of Hungarian wine to Fr. Toth whenever I visited his church. At his request, I always took Bull's Blood wine because he would say that it was like being home.
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If you are looking for bold flavored red wine and cabernet isn't cutting it, I would suggest a Petite Verdot.

Petit Verdot

I have had good luck with Australian and Chilean Petite Verdots.



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Update. I found a red that is without a doubt my favorite so far. Guy Mousset Cote du Rhone. I really enjoyed this one. That Total Wine guy knows his stuff. I may have to redefine what I'm after. First stated bold flavor, but the first thing I noticed about this wine was it was smooth. Almost as if it had little legs that knew which way to run. Effortless to drink. Also directed to try some Rhone Valley whites. Tried Grand Marrenon Luberon. Didn't care for this one.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: goose5,

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Guy Mousset Cote du Rhone

Thank you for mentioning that. I'll plan to ask Rebecca about that when I see her next.

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Originally posted by redleg2/9:

Years ago, I used to take a couple of bottles of Hungarian wine to Fr. Toth whenever I visited his church. At his request, I always took Bull's Blood wine because he would say that it was like being home.
.

I'm writing all of this down. Next up after I've finished the two I have open now is Rio Madre Rioja. It features Graciano grapes.

I've looked at the label on the Guy Mousset and it has 80% Grenache and 20 % Syrah. Perhaps I need to look for that combination in other offerings.

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Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by redleg2/9:

Years ago, I used to take a couple of bottles of Hungarian wine to Fr. Toth whenever I visited his church. At his request, I always took Bull's Blood wine because he would say that it was like being home.
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And that makes fabulous (and potent, considering how much brandy is added) sangria.