When a Beast is Not so Beastly

  This week I opened up a bottle that I have been holding onto for awhile now.  I can't say why I have, I guess I was waiting for the perfect occasion.  Fortunately for all the perfect occasion came up.
  I had a few friends over, nothing special, just to giggle and talk.  A perfect time to try something new!  I decided to open up a Big House Wine.  I thoroughly enjoyed the last Big House wine I tried, Big House Red and was eagerly anticipating my first sip of Cardinal Zin Beastly Old Vines.

 
Since most wine newbies tend to go toward the sweet, I'll put this right out there, this is not a sweet wine.  But do not fret, it is not a dry wine either.  This is a delicious zinfandel.  Not familiar with zinfandels?  I wasn't either.  This was my first and from this experience I will definitely be drinking more.  I would classify this as a slightly heavy wine...what does that mean?  To me, it is a wine that has some substance to it, a couple of sips on an empty stomach and you will feel it.  It coats your tongue and the flavor stays with you from lips to back of throat.  I wouldn't call this a summer wine, but let's be real, a good wine is good all year round.  Check it out and let me know your thoughts. 

Some Summer Wines

  Summer is quickly approaching.  Hot days, warm nights, lots of cook outs and time for friends and family.  What you drink during the summer tends to be a little different then what you sip over the cooler months.  Again, I'm far from an expert, but here are my suggestions of some fantastic summer wines.  All of these are perfect to enjoy sitting outside enjoying the sun with friends, or tucked away in air conditioning watching a movie while a summer storm passes by.  Pick up a bottle, grab an opener and enjoy!!

• Moscato by Lulu B Wines
• Vine Smoothie
• Big House Red
• Sam's Smith Organic Raspberry
• Stella Rosa
• Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc and Viognier
• Van Ruiten Vineyards Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir Rose Boedecker Reflection
• St Innocent Pinot Gris
• Two Vines Riesling
• Spiced Apple Wine
• Fish Eye Pinot Grigio

Wine in the Big House

I read a review some time ago about a wine called Big House Red. After reading it, I quickly added it to my shopping list. This week I decided to try this interesting red blend.

This wine is a blend of quite a few varieties: 27% Petite Sirah, 14.5% Syrah, 8.6% Montepulciano, 8.2% Barbera, 6.4% Nero d’Avola, 6.1% Tempranillo, 3.3% Malbec, 2.4% Aglianico, 2.4% Souzao, 2.3% Charbono, 2.2% Petite Verdot, 2.1% Cabernet Franc, 2% Tannat, 12.5% Other Esoteric Reds. I can honestly say I wasn't too sure about this. All the various types of wine, one would think they may not all work well together. But these combine together beautifully!

The label looked fun and inviting and I'm a sucker for an interesting label. It was love at first sip. I found it to be a very easy wine to drink. I tasted blackberries and raspberries and a touch of spice. It was fruity, light and slightly sweet.

Big House Wine company is located in Soledad, California. The name derives from it's proximity to the Soledad State Correctional Facility. I love to look up the website of the wines I enjoy. Check into their history and not only learn about how they make their wine, but also any other tidbits they decide to share. Big House Wine, has a great site. Not only is it easy to use and move around, but they offer some fantastic pairing suggestions and recipes too.

Will I buy again? You bet! I cannot wait to try some more of their wines.

Have you tried any of the Big House Wines?