Deliciously Smooth Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Cresta

Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 is a very tasty full-bodied wine.

You can really taste the dark jammy fruits in this wine. It is a bold one in flavor but easy to drink with soft tannins. Somewhat oaky with a little spice, touch of chocolate and a long, smooth finish.

At less than $15, this is a great one to have on hand this winter. I enjoyed mine in front of the fire. So much so that my husband did not have any.

Definitely a Pink Happy Face. Cheers!

Happy New Year!

By: Cresta

Hello, wine lovers. Happy New Year to all! I took more time off over the holidays than I have in years past, and I admit it’s a little hard getting back in the swing. But I’m getting there.

I don’t have a wine review today. To be honest, I was a bit underwhlemed by some of the wines I tasted over the last couple weeks. Nothing really excited me. But I’m confident something will very soon.

Also, while I don’t believe in making true New Year’s resolutions, I am among the many that vow every year to be more healthy when it comes to eating (and drinking). That doesn’t mean I am abandoning wine! That will never happen. But I will likely be more selective in what I choose to drink. Just wanted to throw that out there.

So as we kick off a new year, I am asking for your help on a few things:

1. Tell me what you’d like to hear more of this year – wine reviews, news about tasting events, best places around town to have a glass of wine, etc.

2.  Tell me what wines I absolutely must try. I want to know your favorites.

3. I am planning a wine exchange with some friends in March. Have you ever hosted or attended one? Have any good tips for me?

Thanks for reading… and sharing.

Here’s to a fabulous 2013. Cheers!

Low-Key, Easy Wine Clubs

by Michelle

In the last few years, I’ve tried all sorts of wine clubs, ranging from winery specific to the New York Times. Those wine clubs send cases – some monthly, some quarterly. Either way, it’s a lot of wine at once. Our house was once overrun with all the wine.

Once I moved to San Francisco, I realized I needed to restock. All my wine was left at home. I did a few BevMo runs (buy one, get one for 5 cents), but that only does so much. Then I discovered a couple of wine clubs.

The one I ultimately joined, Club W, was picked because they’re local and have a nice attitude – very fun. I get three wines per month and I pay $39.00, including delivery. The Club W site is friendly and easy, with videos and wine reviews. I can just let them send me their “selected” 3 bottles for the month or I can go in and modify the order. Occasionally, my modifications up the price by about $2, but it’s no big deal. I was traveling a bit earlier this year and I put Club W on hold for a few months. It was a 1-button option and no questions or charges for the suspension.

Today I ran across another option, similar to Club W, called Wine Awesomeness (WA).  WA takes it one step further than Club W by tossing in some extras with your order. Each month, you’ll get three wines – reds, whites, or a combination based on your preferences. The cost is the same – around $40/month. WA also includes recipe and music pairing suggestions. Once again, you can modify your order and skip a month whenever you like. I’m considering putting Club W on hold for a few months and trying WA, just to see which I prefer.

Both wine clubs offer selections from unique and small wineries from all over the world, so you’re really getting your hands on something unusual.

I have a small apartment and not a lot of space. It’s somehow easier for me to deal with 3 bottles per month than a case at a time. Plus I really enjoy the “fun” that these wine clubs are adding to the field. They make sure their wines are approachable and understandable.

Taste the Tables Event This Saturday

By: Cresta

This Saturday, December 15, The Wine Guy Bistro, Wine Shop & Wine Bar in Rookwood Pavilion is offering a fantastic opportunity to try a variety of different wines.

The Wine Guy’s seventh annual Taste the Tables event takes place from noon until 4 p.m. They will open 50 different bottles of wine for you to try… 50 wines for just $15. To me, there’s nothing more disheartening than buying a bottle of wine that you end up not enjoying. So this event is the perfect chance to find some varieties that you like and then purchase them to take home. You can mix and match cases to stock up for yourself or purchase Christmas gifts.

I would suggest grabbing a bite to eat before you taste. They won’t be serving food at the bar during Taste the Tables. But The Wine Guy Bistro will open for lunch (and dinner).

 A few things to note:

• They are not taking reservations; it’s first come, first served.
• Standing room only; there won’t be any barstools at the bar so that they can accommodate the crowd.
• It could get pretty crazy up at Rookwood with all the holiday shoppers, so remember you can park in the garage located behind The Wine Guy.
• Wines that are left over will be sold during dinner that night for $4 per glass.

The Wine Guy Bistro Wine Shop & Wine Bar is located in Rookwood Pavilion, 2692 Madison Road. Call 513-834-5712 or visit http://thewineguywineshop.com for more information.

If you go, please comment here and let us know how it was. Or you can always email me. If you find some fantastic wines, we want to know that as well.

Cheers!

Apothic Red – Great Full-Bodied Blend

By: Cresta

I normally don’t drink red blends, but I happened upon a bottle of Apothic Red a couple weeks ago and I will definitely be making this purchase again.

Apothic Red is a delicious blend of spicy Zinfandel, fruity Syrah, bold Cabernet Sauvignon and smooth Merlot. The winemaker’s blend includes grapes from a variety of California vineyards. It is fruity on the nose with flavors of cherry, chocolate, vanilla and a little bit of spice. Sounds like a dessert to me!

I think this is a very versatile wine as well. A nice everyday selection and a great value at around $10. It also would make a good hostess gift to take to holiday parties you may be attending over the next couple weeks.  And although a somewhat bold full-bodied wine, I believe it’s a good choice for white wine drinkers who might be hesitant to try a red.

Now I must try its companion, Apothic White – a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Moscato.