Tasting – Trader Joe’s Shiraz

Trader Joe’s – Bronco Wine Co. – Shiraz – California, United States – 2015 – $1.99 Yes, $2!! ‘Round these parts, we call them “Two-buck chuck.” I really need to start going to Trader Joe’s more often, because the prices are just unbeatable. But, I recognize how special it is to go to a wine […]

Tasting – Cook’s California Champagne

Cook’s – California Champagne – Madera, California, United States – 2017 – $9.99 Winemaker Review: A light-bodied, off-dry, juicy sparkling white wine with apple and pear, balanced by toasty yeast. This is a classic “I need a cheap champagne to make mimosas” champagne… Can I even call it that? Anyway, this bottle has been sitting […]

Tasting – Black Box Merlot

Black Box – Merlot – Lodi, California, United States – 2016 – $4.99 Winemaker Review: Hearty plum, vanilla, and cinnamon aromas with flavors of black cherry and red berry fruit. Black Box Wines Merlot is smooth across the palate with soft tannins and supple acidity. Oh, how I love that I have a glass of red […]

Tasting – 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon

14 Hands – Cabernet Sauvignon – Columbia Valley, Washington, United States – 2016 – $10.99 Winemaker Review: The 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, juicy red that features aromas of dark cherry, black currant, coffee and subtle hints of spice. These flavors are complemented by a touch of spicy oak and emphasized by refined tannins. […]

Drink This NOW! – Lesson 4

Got Wood? The Influence of Oak on Wine. This was a really cool exercise to do, because the difference between the oak-aged and metal-aged wines was SO NOTICEABLE! I really didn’t think it would make that dramatic of a difference. More importantly, I learned that I like oak-aged Chardonnay and Trey likes oak-less Chardonnay. Just […]

Tasting – Colliano Sauvignonasse

Colliano – Sauvignonasse – Goriška Brda, Slovenia – 2015 – $14.99 Winemaker Review: Colliano Sauvignonasse is a premium wine of a pleasant and full taste. Its aroma is reminiscent of elder flowers, almond and pine needles. In the mouth, the wine is tastes smooth it is medium-bodied and pleasantly warm. Its after taste recalls the characteristic […]

Tasting – Bota Mini Cabernet Sauvignon

Like I said, I am on the search for the best boxed Cabernet Sauvignon. I really like the Bota Box Malbec I have, so I wanted to try the Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon. This way, I could try it without the commitment of 3 liters of it! Jack at Corkscrew helped me with this one, […]

Tasting – Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon

Preface: I really hope I like this, because I need to find a good boxed Cab… Black Box – Cabernet Sauvignon – Chile – $19.99 Winemakers Review: Black Box Wines Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied, displaying enticing aromas of black currant, toasty oak, and a hint of vanilla. Ripe blackberries and chocolate fill the palate with balanced […]

Dinner WITH MOM! – Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Chianti with Pesto Pasta, Sautéed Squash, and Olive Crackers

This week, my sweet mother and I enjoyed a meal together. (EXTRA CREDIT?) I was in Tulsa for an interview at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (EEEK) so I figured we would make a nice meal together. We haven’t had a meal together since we were in Europe at the beginning of August! […]

Cheese Pairing – Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot with Brie, Goat Cheese, and Gouda

I peaked during this cheese tasting. WOW I see what pairing the right cheese with the right wines can do! The last cheese tasting I did was tasty, but this was luxurious. I did some research online for some suggested wine-cheese pairings and 3 friends and I went all out. The online article I found […]