Two Casual Summer Wines

Two Casual Summer Wines

In these days of high unemployment and wild uncertainty, it’s nice to relax with a bottle of wine that doesn’t break your pocketbook. I’m here to sort out the memorable from the truly awful, and each bottle is under $10 unless noted otherwise.

butterfly kissButterfly Kiss Chardonnay 2011 Vinted and bottled by Diageo Wines, Sonoma, California Alcohol 13.5% by Volume

On the Label: “Treat yourself to sheer bliss with a glass of Butterfly Kiss.  In this delightfully soft Chardonnay, you’ll taste a kiss of lush pineapple, pear and vanilla bean flavors.

Please Enjoy Our Wines Responsibly. www.ButterflyKissWines.com”

My Take: I was in a rush. Making a garden veggie dinner for the fam, and I needed a bottle that wouldn’t break the bank and that was already cold. Luckily, there was this bottle of Butterfly Kiss in the refrigerated wines section of Vons, and it was in my budget. Plus, hello. Screw top!

I was completely prepared to love this wine, but like the label said, it’s soft. As in, almost taste-free. NOT something you particularly want in a white wine. I needed more flavor, and didn’t smell or taste the pineapple, pear or vanilla bean. It was a meh wine that cleared my palate between bites, but did little else.

My Rating: ~ Barely Drinkable ~ I mean, it wasn’t bad. It might be a good wine to give to folks who don’t usually drink wine; this one will certainly not offend anyone (but neither will it make them jump up and down with glee).

flipflop Merlot 2009 Vinted and bottled by flipflop Wines, Livermore & Ripon,flipflop California  Alcohol 13.5% by Volume

On the Label: “Medium bodied, silky Merlot with plum and mocha notes, soft tannins and a balanced, luscious finish.

“Jammy aromas and soft tannins pair well with TExas chili, black & blue sliders or cheddar cheese broccoli.

“Serve at room temperature now or store away from direct sunlight for up to 3 years after purchase.   www.flipflopWines.com “

My Take: Bland in a bottle. Inoffensive. Would I pair it with chili? Not chili that has any kind of heat behind it (and I’m not talking temperature here). Again, this might be a good beginner wine, as it doesn’t have a big mouth feel and isn’t too dry. It’s an easy sipping wine, but not very flavorful. I didn’t find any “luscious finish”. I doubt I’ll buy this again, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the perfect wine for you.

My Rating: ~ Drinkable ~ But not my first, second or third choice of wines.

When it comes right down to it, my tastes most likely aren’t yours. It doesn’t matter what I think of the wine. The only criteria that matters when it comes to purchasing wine is: Do you like it? and Can you afford it? (Because there are many wines I adore but can’t afford!) But I do hope that I give you a place to start looking, and when confronted with the daunting selection at your local grocery store, you will come to recognize the wines – which ones you like, and which ones you’d like to try – all while staying within your budget. (Yes – I am doing a public service, lol!)

As usual, this is just my honest opinion and depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ.

~ Until the next time, cheers! ~

~oOo~

My Rating System: Undrinkable; Barely Drinkable; Drinkable; Very Drinkable; and the ever-popular “Stay Away! This is MY wine, you Slut!”

Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are available for the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?

 
Rose´ Wines for the Summer Solstice

Rose´ Wines for the Summer Solstice

In these days of high unemployment and wild uncertainty, it’s nice to relax with a bottle of wine that doesn’t break your pocketbook. I’m here to sort out the memorable from the truly awful, and each bottle is under $10.

What to drink to celebrate the longest day of the year? With a getting-close-to-full moon on board, to boot.  Well, if you’re looking for something different to try, may I direct your attention to the lovely rose´wines? And for those of you who know me, by all that is holy PLEASE stay away from the dreadful “white zinfandel” wines. They were only made to get non-wine drinkers to drink wine, not because anyone in the wine world actually LIKES them. (My opinion! And if someone in the wine industry DOES like the “white zins”, I’d love to talk to them and ask them – why?!!) 

But – onward. To Rose´, which is not and has never been “white zinfandel”.

Wrapped up in paper, it makes a cute gift!

Wrapped up in paper, it makes a cute gift!

Fuchsia Rose´ Wine 2011 California Alcohol, 13.9% by Volume; $8.87 on sale at Vons

On the Label: The label won my heart. It’s got a lovely 50’s design on it, and there’s no folderol on the back.

My Take:  This is a light, easy-sipping wine that surprises with its high alcohol content. You might want to splash this over ice, and add a nice berry-flavored sparkling water. My hubby gave that to me yesterday and it just tasted of summer. Earlier in the week, we had it “full strength” so to speak, and it blended with the day – it didn’t demand I pay attention to it, for good or bad. So…

My Rating: ~ Drinkable ~ Plus it’s got a pretty package!

Folie a Deux Menage a Trois   California Rose´ Wine 2011 Alcohol

A pretty color, yes?

A pretty color, yes?

13.5% by Volume $7.39 on Sale at Vons.

On the Label: “A delightful blend based on three varietals – Merlot, Syrah and Gewurztraminer.”

My take: Again, loved the simple labeling. The wine was fruitier than the Fuchsia, deeper in color and flavor and went well with the night’s fish offering. But it would have handled chicken salad or a white pizza just as well. This wine would ALSO make a wonderful spritzer.

My Rating: ~ Drinkable ~ 

So whatever you end up doing on this longest day of the year, may there be laughter, good food, excellent company, and a wine that doesn’t make you think too much.

Note: apparently, our summer solstice hit at 1:04am…so tonight, enjoy the summer solstice aftermath, lol!

As usual, this is just my honest opinion and depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ.

~ Until the next time, cheers! ~

~oOo~

My Rating System: Undrinkable; Barely Drinkable; Drinkable; Very Drinkable; and the ever-popular “Stay Away! This is MY wine, you Slut!”

Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are available for the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?

Father’s Day Edition of Wine Friday

Father’s Day Edition of Wine Friday

There are two full shopping days left before Father’s Day. Two days to decide what to buy that Dad in your life. What to feed him. Where to go. Oh, the pressure! But never fear, I am here to help you with your beverage choice for the Father’s Day grilling!

Not All Dads Drink Alcohol.

My much-loved Dad, Chet Cunningham, author of over 300 novels and many non-fiction titles.

My much-loved Dad, Chet Cunningham, author of over 300 novels and many non-fiction titles.

Mine doesn’t. Never did. As he likes to say, he managed to live through both college and the Army (Korea), and came home without a taste for alcohol or cigarettes. He was, however, more attached to his Coca Cola than ever.

So, what to bring for the festivities to the dad that doesn’t drink? There are a wide variety of sodas out on the market that are both fun and very adult, and I’m not talking about the type you find in your typical grocery store.

You can go your normal soda (because there ARE a lot of options in a grocery store), or you can give him something a little different. For instance, have you heard of Drank? Or the  Superliminal Purple Stuff Pro-Relaxation Formula? How about the iChill? These sodas are the counter to all the Red Bull and Monster energy drinks. They are non-alcoholic “relaxation” drinks.

“Funktional Beverages created Purple Stuff, packed with herbs and amino acids that supposedly calm the mind and body, and aimed it squarely at the urban 18- to 35-year-old males who once pledged their loyalty to amped-up energy drinks.” That’s a quote from an article at the Washington Post – you can see the whole article here.  Okay, so – 18-35? Most dads are older…

Blenheim Ginger Ale

Not Your Momma's Ginger Ale.

Not Your Momma’s Ginger Ale.

I admit, the above relaxation drinks intrigue me…but not exactly right for my dad, you know? He’s chill enough! So I’m going to go with a standard – The Blenheim Ginger Ale. Why?

It’s Nuclear!

No, really. Even a bunch of early 20’s young men had a hard time drinking this. My 19 y/o likes it in a shot glass (and he’s the only one in the family who can finish a whole bottle with dinner). As a side benefit, the ginger in the ale clears your sinuses right up.

I went to their website, and apparently they have two (or maybe three) different strengths of ginger in their ale. I can guarantee you, if you bring a six pack to the party, you’ll have people buzzing about your cleverness! (At least, my son enjoyed a certain notoriety when he brought a six pack to the party. He also came home with three bottles, lol!) Pricing: $7.00 a six pack but I’ve only found them “in person” at BevMo , and they were selling them by the bottle I think for about $1.50 (not that I’ve looked anywhere else).

Not sure if this is right for your dad? Go with the excellent standbys – Henry Weinhardt’s creamy Root Beer or Orange Soda (both favorites with my family). And those you CAN pick up at the grocery store.

Is Dad a Beer Drinker?

If your dad is a beer drinker, please keep in mind what kind of beer he prefers. If he’s a Bud Lite or Coors Lite fan, then look for a new “lite” beer that he might like and stay away from the Beers Around the World. IF, however, he prefers a Guiness, then go visit your neighborhood Costco or Cost Plus World Market and pick up a box ‘o beers from

Create your own Six Pack at Cost Plus World Market!

Create your own Six Pack at Cost Plus World Market!

far-flung places. Or at World Market, you can create your own six pack – and finally put that Bud Lite up against the Coors Lite. Can you say Blind Taste Test?!!

But – Where’s the Wine???

Ah, you wine lovers! I haven’t forgotten you. I’ve got a brilliant, easy-drinking wine that’s also easy on the pocket book. I’m foregoing the typical outline that I usually do (but heck yeah I’ll be rating ’em!)

First up? My new favorite, CDR – Cotes Du Rhone AOC, a dry red wine that is a

Cotes du Rhone, NV from Costco. See the wine stain on the label? Taste-tested! Christine approved, lol!

Cotes du Rhone, NV from Costco. See the wine stain on the label? Taste-tested! Christine approved, lol!

product of France. Alcohol content, 14% by Volume – and priced at $8.95 at Costco. This is an easy-sipping wine that is rapidly becoming my new favorite go-to. The color is a deep purple-red, the fruit is lush and the finish is silky. It will go with anything you decide to grill on the BBQ this Father’s Day.

My Rating: ~ Very, Very Drinkable ~

 

KV_SauvBlanc_ScrewIf your dad likes white wines, well this is the perfect time of year for a Sauvignon Blanc. One of my favorites is the Kenwood Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, with a screwtop (no cork issues!). 13.5% Alcohol by Volume. My original posting on this wine is here, if you’d like to read it. Price was $8.99 on sale at Vons.

My Rating: ~ Very, Very Drinkable ~

So There You Have It!

Options for Father’s Day, to suit almost every taste. As for my dad? He prefers a Coca Cola. He’s had to cut WAY back on his soda intake, but I think for Father’s Day he’d be allowed one…

As usual, this is just my honest opinion and depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ.

~ Until the next time, cheers – and may your Father’s Day be filled with Love! ~

~oOo~

Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are available for the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?

My Rating System: Undrinkable; Barely Drinkable; Drinkable; Very Drinkable; and the ever-popular “Stay Away! This is MY wine, you Slut!”

Two Reds for BBQ Season

Two Reds for BBQ Season

In these days of high unemployment and wild uncertainty, it’s nice to relax with a bottle of wine that doesn’t break your pocketbook. I’m here to sort out the memorable from the truly awful, and each bottle is under $10 unless shown otherwise.

Ah, June. In my neck of the world, that means a marine layer in the morning, and sun in the afternoon. Every now and then heat blasts down. But since we’re in So Cal, it’s also (and always) barbecue weather.

Today I’m talking about two big reds that are a little more expensive than what I usually highlight. In California, you’re just as likely to have a spicy Mexican recado on your brisket as you are a sweet and tangy southern barbecue sauce. At times, I’ll admit, a cold beer or ale goes a long way with the Mexican flavors. But a big, bold red wine is almost always good.

kjKendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Sonoma County Alcohol, 14.5% by Volume  $15.99 on Sale at Vons (normally $26.00)

On the Label: “Our Grand Reserve Cabernet is crafted with grapes hand-selected from specific areas of our Jackson Estates Grown vineyards on Alexander Mountain estate and other nearby properties.  Growing vineyards on these mountains and hillsides has produced intense, concentrated grapes.  This Cabernet has cassis, currant and black cherry tones with enticing aromas of mocha, nutmeg and cinnamon that are the efforts of 17 months of barrel aging.” – Jess S. Jackson, Founder

My Take:

This is a wine drinker’s wine. By which I mean, it’s not an easy sipping wine unless you REALLY like complex wines. Which I do. You want to serve this wine with the meal, and preferably before your guests have imbibed too much. With it’s deep garnet color, smoky rich scent, and a vibrant taste it’s a wine that deserves attention. It will stand up to almost anything you toss on the barbecue.

Or, if you’re like me and want to give cooking a pass, you can serve it with rich cheeses and crackers and some salume as you watch the stars come out while having a summer picnic. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can’t drink a big wine!

My Rating: ~ Very, VERY Drinkable ~ though pricy! Watch for sales at your favorite grocery store.

J. Lohr Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2010  Seven Oaks Estates, alcohol 13.5%jlohr by Volume $12.99 at Vons on sale.

On the Label: “Our Seven Oaks Cabernet is grown in our vineyards in the Estrella Hills area of Paso Robles, one of only three appellations in California that produce “world class” Cabernet Sauvignon. The Seven Oaks Cabernet has aromas and bouquets of cherry blueberry, violets, and vanilla.  The flavors are lusciously full, balanced by firm tannins. Serve it at 65 to 68 degrees F with grilled or roasted red meats.

“J. Lohr Estates wines are best characterized by their intense flavor and remarkable balance. Jerry Lohr practices the French system of planting each grape variety in its ideal appellation.  With over 3,000 acres of vineyards, quality control is ensured from selection of optimum rootstock and clones through all facets of artisan winemaking.  Each of these steps is focused on one goal…flavor second to none.”

My Take: My husband and I have a fondness for the J. Lohr label, as it was one of the first, affordable, bottles of wine that we remember ordering in a restaurant that wasn’t a half carafe of the house wine.  Now of course, J.Lohr is up there in price in restaurants, but you can usually find it in the grocery stores for between $10 and $15 a bottle (which puts it out of my usual price range).

The wine? Juicy. Rich. A hint of oak. Perfect with a nice steak, grilled chicken, vegetables. If there’s any left after the meal, enjoy with a chocolate truffle. Your mouth will thank you. This is an easy wine to drink, and will likely appeal to a broader spectrum of people. I enjoyed it, but for me, this isn’t my first go-to wine.

My Rating: ~ Very Drinkable ~ A good bottle for that intimate barbecue.

Next Week: Father’s Day Drinkables, from Sodas to Beer and Beyond.

As usual, this is just my honest opinion and depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ.

~ Until the next time, cheers! ~

~oOo~

Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are available for the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?

My Rating System: Undrinkable; Barely Drinkable; Drinkable; Very Drinkable; and the ever-popular “Stay Away! This is MY wine, you Slut!”

Susie Strong, and Wine Friday

Susie Strong, and Wine Friday

Today an amazing woman who is a WANA friend is undergoing surgery for breast cancer. As today is also the day I get a mammogram, I felt that I had to give a shout-out to Susie Lindau (along with a LOT of our other WANA friends), tell her that I’m thinking about her, and to remind my other dear friends to not forget about scheduling your mammograms. I’ve been scolded for not getting one since 2010; both my doctor AND her nurse chided me about it. So here I go, into the squeeze machine, and you can bet I’ll be thinking of Susie and her doctors while I do so.

In Surgery Today.

In Surgery Today.

Susie writes with humor and grace, and you can find her at Susie Lindau’s Wild Ride. Go check her out; she’s totally a blogger worth following. And to show your support, tweet her at #SusieStrong – Susie know you’re thinking about her!

For more information about the WANA Revolution, check out Kristen Lamb’s blog today. Talking about wine after discussing Susie seems a bit trivial, but – onward!

Wine Friday – Two Chardonnays for Summer

In these days of high unemployment and wild uncertainty, it’s nice to relax with a bottle of wine that doesn’t break your pocketbook. I’m here to sort out the memorable from the truly awful, and each bottle is under $10.

seekerThe Seeker California Chardonnay 2010 Alcohol 13.8% by Volume  Website: TheSeekerWines.com

On the Label:  “The Seeker relentlessly tracks down the world’s finest wines across time zones and continents.  Our wines are made with care by talented winemaking families, crafting flavorful, individual wines from selected grapes where they grow best.  The first Seeker wines come from France, New Zealand, Argentine, California, and Chile.  If you share the joy of discovery, this wine is for the Seeker in you.

“The grapes for our Chardonnay were discovered across California’s finest cool-climate vineyard sites to deliver a wine with ripe pineapple, golden apple, and pear flavors with a smooth, creamy finish.  Pour a glass and transport yourself to Sunny California wine country.”

My Take: I’m not usually a fan of what I like to call “consortium” wines (though that’s probably the totally wrong word); by that I mean, I prefer wines from a winery. From what the label says, these people go all over the world to find wines, then put their own label on them and import them. So it makes me kind of wiggly tentative about trying the wine.

But luckily, I bought before I read the label. This was a nice, easy-sipping wine, perfect for summer and fish on the grill. Barely any oak, so you stainless steel Chardonnay fans will be happy (though I’m glad I can say there’s no “tinny” taste at all). To top it off, it’s got a screw top, which makes it easy (especially for arthritic hands) to open.

My Rating: ~ Very Drinkable ~

Ooh La La Chardonnay 2011  California Alcohol 9.0% by Volume  oh lala                     Website: Oohlalawines.com

On the Label: “Ooh La La wines are light and refreshing with just at touch of mouthwatering zing that allows the fresh fruit flavors to rush forward.  The Chardonnay is lush and juicy with flavors of apple, tropical fruit and vanilla.  The perfect start to any occasion! SERVE WELL CHILLED.”

My Take: At 9% alcohol, THIS is the white wine you want to serve at parties. It is ever-so-slightly effervescent, which was a delightful surprise; and it stood up to appetizers just fine. Plus the bottle is – wait for it – capped, like a soda. How innovative! I’ve only seen that on a couple of bottles in the past. (Bonus – they also put out a Rose´, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling.)

My Rating: ~ Very, Very Drinkable ~ Stock up, so you’ll be ready to go all summer long, no matter where you’re invited.

As usual, this is just my honest opinion and depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ.

My Rating System: Undrinkable; Barely Drinkable; Drinkable; Very Drinkable; and the ever-popular “Stay Away! This is MY wine, you Slut!”

~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to get that mammogram! ~

~oOo~

Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are all available for the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?

 
Red Wine and BBQ

Red Wine and BBQ

In these days of wild uncertainty about everything, it’s nice to relax with a bottle of wine that doesn’t break your pocketbook. I’m here to sort out the memorable from the truly awful, and each bottle is under $10 unless noted otherwise.

We’ve arrived at Memorial Day weekend – the tail end of May (already!!). In the northern hemisphere, this heralds the beginning of summer. And while Memorial Day is the American holiday to remember and reflect on all the soldiers who have died for our freedoms, it also tends to be the kick-off to barbecue season.

So what better way to get back into the swing of Wine Fridays than with a blog about wines to go with your barbecue? Many people think you need a big wine to go with the sometimes really zesty flavors of BBQ, but I say, not always. Below are two wines that work beautifully with bold flavors and yet are also terrific sipping wines.

Blackstone Winemaker’s Select Red Blend 2010 Alcohol 13.5% by Volume; $8.99 at Vons.

On the Label:  “Our Blackstone red wine is produced from vineyards located throughout CAlifornia’s finest grape-growing regions.  After harvest, each vineyard lot is carefully developed to capture its distinctive flavors and aromatic qualities.

“Our wine is a blend of California’s best red wine varietals and emulates Blackstone’s style; smooth, flavorful and balanced.  This wine is soft and silky with flavors of ripe plum, blackberry and dark chocolate with a long, lush finish.”

My Take: The hubby brought this home one night and we had it with barbecued chicken, smashed potatoes and a big salad. The wine is definitely as advertised – soft, easily drinkable, yet it held up against the strong flavor of the barbecue sauce just fine.

My Rating: ~ Very Drinkable ~ A good wine to bring to a Memorial Day cookout, or any summer party.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2008 Columbia Valley, Washington  Alcohol, 13.5% by Volume $9.99 at Vons

On the Label: “Grand Estates is synonymous with quality, consistency and value. Combining the best vineyards fromt he columbia Valley with artisan winemaking results in a world-class wine.

“To add a layer of complexity to our Grand Estates Merlot, we ferment our juice with whole berries to create a rich aromatic profile, highlight exceptional fruit flavors and exhibit a lush, velvety-smooth texture.”  – Ray Elnberger, Winemaker

My Take: Many people have been swayed by the movie SIDEWAYS and no longer drink Merlot, which is a pity. A good merlot has a wonderful mouthfeel; not too big, but definitely big enough to handle anything a barbecue can spit out at you. We had this wine with grilled sausages, grilled veggies, with a side of pasta parmesan (no red sauce, just butter, pepper and parmesan cheese). It handled the spicy sausage just fine and was a lovely complement to the veggies and pasta.

My Rating: ~ Very Drinkable ~ Yet another good value, and a crowd pleaser. I think I might have snagged the last bottle of 2008 at my grocery store; if you find the 2009, I’m expecting it to be just as solid a wine.

As usual, this is just my honest opinion, which will depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ. Enjoy the weekend my friends, and stay safe out there.

~ Until the next time, cheers! ~

~oOo~

Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are all available for the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?