Originally Posted by
USA_flyer
I typically pay £8 for a bottle of wine but up to £15 for a special occasion wine.
I'm into Carmenere's and Malbecs at the moment.
For European wines, I'll go for a good Italian wine over a mediocre French wine which is typically price comparable.
Most Californian wine that makes it to the UK is cheap swill so I've given up on it.
I love Carmeneres and Malbecs, as well. Unfortunately, you're probably right that much of the California wine that makes it to the UK is not of the best quality...but I assure you there are some amazing California wines. Import taxes likely price them too highly, I'd guess, especially with the favoring of other Euro imports. If you visit California, however, I'd recommend them highly!