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. 

I'll have Another of The Other

  I first heard about The Other Red Wine by Peirano Estate Vineyards, from a fellow wine blogger, D'Vine Wine Time.  I love this blog, well written, informative, funny and it seems we have similar taste (very important when reading wine reviews).  Awhile back she wrote a post titled, Liquid Artwork.  After reading her review I added The Other Red Blend to my list.

  I wasn't able to find it at my usual wine store, so it moved to the back burner.  Then one day, while strolling around a local strip mall I spotted a new wine shop.  I felt like a kid discovering a new toy store.  As I slowly walked up and down the aisles, swearing i was just going to look, I saw it.  Let me first say, the review I read, included a picture.  Once you see a picture of this bottle, it stays with you.  I knew right away when i saw it, that I had to get it.

How can you forget a label like this?

  
First sip, soft and smooth as silk!!  It's difficult to believe this is a blend.  According to their website it is "45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 10% Syrah"  I loved every drop of it.  Like I said, soft, easy to drink, not sweet, but not overly dry.  I think this would be the perfect wine for a dinner amongst friends that enjoy various types of wines.  Try it out and let me know your thoughts.


I just saw they have a white blend, I'll definitely have my eyes out for that!!

Judging a Wine by its Name

  Have you ever decided on a wine because of it's name?  I admit, I have.  Awhile back I fell head over heels in love with Cupcake Vineyards pinot noir.  That infatuation lead me to Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet.  I was wandering around my wine shop and for the first time in a long time their Cupcake Vineyards display was pretty full (typically this display in particular empties just as soon as it is filled).  When I saw the bottle sitting there I couldn't help myself.  Red velvet, all I could think about was a sweet, luscious make-my-teeth-ache yumminess.

  I could not have been more wrong.  This is not a sweet wine.  But don't get me wrong, it is a delicious wine.  According to their site Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet "is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah".  I noticed a slight hint of chocolate with red and blackberries.  The combination works out perfectly. The velvet in the name must come from the absolutely smooth, velvety finish.

  Check it out, and let me know how you enjoyed you red velvet.