9 Wines You Should Never Drink – Experts Reveal the Absolute Worst
When it comes to selecting wine, not all bottles are created equal.
Some options can leave a less-than-desirable taste in your mouth or even have a negative impact on your health. You might be surprised which wines experts recommend you avoid. From overly sweet Moscato to poorly made White Zinfandel, some wines just don’t make the cut.
Ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of wines available? 🍷 It’s important to know which wines deserve a spot on your table and which ones you should steer clear of.
We’ve gathered insights from wine pros to help you identify nine wines that you may want to skip next time you’re browsing the wine aisle.
1) Château Lafite Rothschild 1787
You might think a wine from 1787 would be amazing, right? 🍷 Not this time.
Château Lafite Rothschild 1787 is more famous for its age and price than its taste.
In 1985, this bottle was sold at an auction for a whopping £105,000. 💸 It was owned by Christopher Forbes.
Despite its high price, this old wine was not exactly a gem for taste.
The wine showed a very dark brown color with lots of sediment.
This doesn’t make it look appetizing.
The nose had hints of preserved fruits and cooked vegetables, which isn’t what you want from a high-end wine.
Experts think the wine could be a fake 🤔.
Even if it’s real, 1787 was a long time ago.
This means the wine is way past its prime.
So, if someone offers you this bottle, feel free to pass.
There are better wines out there!
2) 1983 Chateau Margaux
You might think a vintage bottle like the 1983 Chateau Margaux would be a dream. 🍷 Sadly, it didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Many tasters note the wine’s complex flavors, but they often find it lacks balance.
You’ll taste notes of cocoa, mint, and truffle, but they don’t blend smoothly.
It can feel a bit rough around the edges.
While some still enjoy it, you might find better value elsewhere.
If you do try it, pair it wisely to bring out the best flavors.
3) Oeniphiles Reserve
Oeniphiles Reserve sounds fancy, right? 🍷 But don’t be fooled by the name.
This is often just a marketing trick.
The term “reserve” doesn’t always mean high quality.
It might just be a way to charge more for a bottle that’s not any better than others on the shelf.
Many people think that “reserve” wines have aged longer or have better grapes.
Sometimes that’s true.
But with Oeniphiles Reserve, it can be hit or miss.
Always check reviews or ask an expert before buying.
Another issue is the price.
Oeniphiles Reserve wines are usually more expensive.
You’re paying for the name, not necessarily for a better taste.
Keep this in mind next time you’re wine shopping.
You deserve to get the most bang for your buck! 🤑
4) Red Bicyclette Merlot 2008
Red Bicyclette Merlot 2008 might look tempting with its lively label featuring a Frenchman on a bike, but don’t be fooled.
This wine stirred quite the scandal that’s hard to ignore. 🍷
Why the fuss? 🕵️♂️ It turns out, a French court found that some wine merchants sold gallons of merlot and syrah to E&J Gallo winery, which they labeled as pinot noir.
Not cool, right?
You might also be curious about how this wine tastes.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t win many fans.
A few community reviews rated it low, averaging just 81 points out of 100, making it a less impressive choice.
If you come across this bottle, you might want to think twice before popping it open.
There are many other great wines out there that won’t disappoint.
Cheers to making better choices! 🥂
5) Armand de Brignac Brut Gold Champagne
Armand de Brignac Brut Gold, also known as Ace of Spades, comes with a hefty price tag of around $300 per bottle. 📈 This champagne is often seen at flashy parties and celebrity events.
You might recognize it from the London 2012 Olympics, where Usain Bolt celebrated with it.
A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, this champagne has golden fruit flavors. 🍾 It’s slightly tart with a mild finish, which some people enjoy.
It’s not too sweet and has a balanced acidity.
Yet, despite the glitter, it may not be worth it for everyone.
Many experts argue that the high price is more about the brand and packaging than the wine itself. 💸 So, unless you love the idea of showing off a golden bottle, you might want to reconsider spending your money on this one.
6) Gallo Twin Valley Moscato 2000
When it comes to wines you might want to give a pass, the Gallo Twin Valley Moscato 2000 often pops up.
This wine has been critiqued for not living up to the standards of more recent Moscato offerings.
People find the taste too sweet.
With a sugariness that can be overwhelming, this Moscato doesn’t balance well with food.
Many also mention that it lacks complexity.
The flavors are simple, making it less interesting compared to other options on the market.
The smell can also be another drawback.
Some describe it as too perfumey, which can be off-putting.
Lastly, its price doesn’t justify the lackluster experience.
Even though it’s affordable, you might find better value elsewhere.
Think twice before reaching for this bottle.
Sometimes saving a few bucks isn’t worth it 😬.
7) Cantine Sgarzi Pinot Grigio
Cantine Sgarzi Pinot Grigio comes from the northeastern regions of Italy, like Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto. 🍇 It’s a light-bodied wine that’s easy to sip, featuring a very pale, bright yellow color.
You might think that a wine this light would be refreshing, but this one misses the mark.
The flavor can be weak and lacks depth.
It might leave you feeling unsatisfied.
Another issue is its aroma.
You won’t get many fruity or floral notes here, just a faint smell that doesn’t impress.
When you’re looking for a memorable Pinot Grigio experience, this one falls short.
Pairing this wine with food can be tricky, too.
It’s best with light dishes like chicken or seafood, and it doesn’t hold up well with anything spicy or rich. 🍽️ So, if you love bold flavors in your meals, this wine won’t be your go-to.
Drinkers have also noted that this wine doesn’t age well.
If you’ve got a bottle sitting around for a while, don’t expect it to taste any better than it did when you first got it. 🚫
When searching for a quality Pinot Grigio, you might want to give Cantine Sgarzi a pass.
There are plenty of other options that offer much more in terms of flavor, aroma, and versatility.
8) Chateau d’Yquem 2015
Chateau d’Yquem 2015 might sound fancy, but it’s not for everyone.
This wine comes from Sauternes, France, and boasts some special features.
The wine is made from 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. 🌟 It’s known for its high sweetness and acidity balance.
It has 144 grams of residual sugar per liter! That’s almost like drinking liquid candy. 🍬
Experts say it has notes of botrytis, a type of fungus that affects the grapes.
This might be a deal-breaker for you if you’re not into funky flavors.
Many wine lovers find this complexity delightful, but it can be a bit too much.
The 2015 Chateau d’Yquem packs a punch with 13.9% alcohol. 🍷 You might find it gets overwhelming quickly.
If you’re not a fan of sweet and strong wines, this one might not be your cup of tea.
People often give it high scores, but remember, not all high-scoring wines fit everyone’s taste.
It’s a good choice for some, but not for those who prefer lighter wines.
9) Kingfisher Bay Vineyard
Kingfisher Bay Vineyard is located in the beautiful region of Marlborough, New Zealand.
This place is known for its stunning scenery and top-notch wines 🍷.
One thing to know about Kingfisher Bay is their wines have a fresh and bright character.
They’re often described as having raspberry and cherry aromas.
Despite the potential for greatness, they haven’t been reviewed much lately.
The Real Review notes that no new wines from this vineyard have been tasted in the past two years.
So, you might be rolling the dice with a bottle from here 🎲.
It’s always fun to explore new wineries, but make sure to check recent reviews before buying a bottle from Kingfisher Bay.
Understanding Wine Quality
Knowing how wine is made and recognizing the key indicators of bad wine can help you choose better bottles.
This guide will walk you through the basics.
How Wine Is Made
Wine starts with grapes 🍇.
They go through several stages:
- Harvesting: Grapes are picked when ripe.
- Crushing and Pressing: Grapes are crushed to release their juice.
- Fermentation: The juice undergoes fermentation, where sugars turn into alcohol.
- Aging: Wine is aged in barrels or tanks for a certain period.
- Bottling: Finally, the wine is bottled for sale.
Each step affects the wine’s taste and quality.
The type of grape, how it’s grown, and the specific methods used all matter.
Some wines age in oak barrels, giving them unique flavors, while others are aged in stainless steel tanks.
Key Indicators of Bad Wine
Bad wine is easier to spot if you know what to look for.
Here are some signs:
- Off Smells: If the wine smells like vinegar or wet cardboard, it’s a bad sign.
- Color Changes: A dark or cloudy appearance can indicate spoilage.
- Bad Taste: Bitter or overly sour flavors are clear indicators.
Other factors include a lack of balance between acidity and sweetness, or if the wine tastes too “hot” from high alcohol content.
Always trust your senses – if something seems off, it probably is.
By paying attention to these details, you can avoid bad wines and enjoy the good ones.
Cheers! 🍷
Expert Tips for Choosing Good Wine
Choosing a good wine can be tricky, but knowing what to avoid and understanding labels can make it easier.
Here are some important tips from experts to help you find the perfect wine.
Common Red Flags to Avoid
First, avoid wines under $10.
Cheap wines often start with poor-quality grapes and add fillers to mask this.
This can lead to a less pleasant taste.
Next, watch out for too many additives.
Wines with numerous artificial ingredients might taste overly sweet or fake.
You can usually find this info on the label.
🚫 Red flags to watch for:
- Prices below $10
- Lots of added sugars
- Artificial flavors and colors
Lastly, steer clear of wines with cork problems.
If a cork seems dry or crumbling, the wine might be spoiled or “corked.” This can give the wine a musty taste.
What to Look for on the Label
Check for the grape variety first.
Certain types like Cabernet and Pinot Noir are known for their quality.
The grape type will give you an idea of the wine’s character.
Look for the region next.
Certain regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux are famous for their excellent wines.
🏷️ Key label elements:
- Grape variety (e.g., Merlot, Chardonnay)
- Region (e.g., Napa Valley, Bordeaux)
Finally, check the vintage year.
Older wines aren’t always better, but the year can affect taste due to weather conditions during that season.
Wines from good years are often smoother and more complex.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make better wine choices and avoid common mistakes.
Cheers! 🍷