Josh Cellars Cabernet Savignon

Josh Cellars Cabernet Savignon

The bouquet is rich with dark fruits, cinnamon, clove and toasty oak flavors. The wine is juicy on the palate with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors prominent, accented by roasted almonds, vanilla and hazelnuts, finishing long with fine, firm tannins. {josh cellars}

{photo credit: wine-by-benito.blogspot.com}

Cantina Zaccagnini Il Vino Dal Tralcetto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

A new favorite . . .

"Aged in French oak barrels for eight months, followed by several months in the bottle prior to release, this is a wine – rife with succulent ripe fruit and soothing touch of vanilla – that has truly come into its own. So much so, in fact, that James Suckling of the Wine Spectator bestowed a whopping 91 points (out of 100), and Tastings.com rated it 89 and highly recommended."

{photo from liquorama}

Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet

We first received this wine as a gift.

From the description on the bottle we thought it would be sweet . . . 

Experience a wine as rich, soft and elegant as red velvet. Our Red Velvet blend delivers over-the-top aromas of chocolate, deep dark blackberries and luscious red fruits that follow through to the palate. Finish with a hint of coconut and creamy mocha that shows unmistakable intensity and length. Red Velvet combines Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. Each varietal adds distinct characteristics and lends structure, aroma and depth of flavor. We ferment each varietal separately before blending. Finally, a unique oak regime infuses creaminess. {Cupcake Vineyard ~ California}

What a pleasant surprise that it was just to our liking . . . 

a dry blend with a nice warm finish.

a smooth easy drinking wine.

Who can say no to a "cupcake"?

{a bargain at $8.99}

If you invite us for a porch sit

we'll bring it along . . . .

bolla valpolicella

We recently tried this wine on sale at Publix.

Then . . . we bought more.

From the bottle:
"For more than a century Bolla wines have been recognized for trusted quality. Made with hand-picked grapes from northern Italy's Veneto region, Bolla Valpolicella offers berry, almond, raisin, and spicy black-cherry flavors.

12.0% Alcohol"

From their website:
This sumptuous wine has flavors of berries, cherries and almonds, enhanced with subtle oak, vanilla and spice complexity from aging in new oak casks. This wine pairs well with rich pastas, grilled red meats, salmon, and soft cheeses.

Valpolicella is a new variety to us and we really enjoyed it. 

($9.99 on sale)

337 Cabernet Sauvignon

We recently tried this wine compliments of Chris and Scott.

Then . . . we bought a case.

From the Noble Vines website:

LUSH, SUPPLE and DELICIOUS

The 2009 337 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits appealing aromas of black cherry, ripe currants and lightly roasted coffee. Supple tannins and balanced acidity support core flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, intertwined with sweet herbs and accents of black pepper spice.

So who writes this stuff?

We thought it was hearty and smooth with a warm finish. 

It is named for a French vine clone. 

($9.99 on sale)

Lab Red {Lisboa, Portugal}

Casa Santos Lima Lab Vinho Regional Lisboa

Decanter.com rating {87pts}:
Uplifting attractive aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis and plums
with nuances of spice. Good complexity and structure.

a go to favorite
The price is right @$6.99
with a screw top {no wine snobs here}

We recently mixed
Chocolate Lab wine with Blackberry Merlot wine
for a surprisingly delicious treat.



We are generally dry red wine drinkers but
this mixture was full of flavor and full bodied.
I wouldn't drink it with a meal but it was perfect
with hors d'oeuvres
on an autumn evening
with our friends
in their new garden house.

left bank [south africa]

One of our new favorite wines is
Left Bank Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa
bonus: sells for about $10

Do you ever wonder who writes these descriptions?
long brooding palate
an uplifted intensity
mineral gravely texture
powdery tannins
balanced explosion of cherry

winemaker's notes:
A full-bodied red wine with purple-red hues and good depth of color. Concentrated red berry fruits of dark cherries, plums and spicy fruit cake layers provide an uplifted intensity. The nose is clean and pure with layers of rich dense fruits. Oak provides a caramel/mocha complexity. The long brooding palate has an abundance of soft, round, juicy red berry fruits. The vibrant, sweet palate has aniseed spice and black pepper complexity with mineral gravely texture providing some dryness. Fine, soft, powdery tannins add structural focus and length.

critical acclaim:"This full-bodied red from Neil Ellis starts with aromas of cherry, coffee and plum, leading into a fruity but balanced explosion of cherry, anise, black pepper and tobacco. Structured but still juicy, the wine will improve with age."

90 PointsWine Enthusiast

barrel tasting

Some of the WoW friends had another fun outing to a barrel tasting at McGregor Winery on the east shore of Keuka Lake.



This year they showcased samples of the 2009 vintage
red wines developing in the barrel.



The tasting took place in their oak barrel building
and was held in candlelight with crystal glasses.



Later we were treated to an outstanding buffet in their tasting room where
the regular wine list was available to sample along with hors d'oeuvres.



Here’s the menu . . .

Slow Cooked Mexican Beef
Locally raised beef is braised and slow simmered with onion, garlic,
tomato, chilies and dark beer then shredded and served on cornbread
squares with a local extra sharp cheddar cheese.
Smoked Turkey Canapés
Locally raised and hickory smoked turkey thigh is sliced thin and served
on a water cracker with a drizzle of Chef Lerman’s blackstrap molasses
Yankee B.B.Q. sauce then garnished with fresh chives.
Breaded Artichoke Hearts
Steamed artichoke hearts are rolled in Lively Run Goat Dairy’s Chevré
cheese then coated in a delicious parmesan, toasted breadcrumb and
sundried tomato mixture.
Salami Cornets
Spicy, dry cured Italian salami rolled with herbed cream cheese
and secured with a roasted red pepper strip and green olive.
Baked Mussels with Melted Brie and Toasted Garlic Chips
Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and herbs are topped with triple
crème French Brie and crisp, pan fried slices of garlic.
Served with slices of toasted baguette.
Smoked Salmon Tartar Style
Finely chopped smoke-roasted salmon is marinated in citrus and served
in cucumber cups then garnished with a lemon/dill sour cream.
Roquefort Canapés
Belgian endive leaves filled with creamed Roquefort Cheese,
fresh grape halves and pralined bacon.
Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars



For the weekend event we rented a cozy log cabin on the bluff
and had a great two days sharing meals, chatting and playing games.

word reflections

Every spring we each choose a word and then reflect upon it the next year.
Soon I will post our 2010 words but here are thoughts about our 2009 words

Jim – active ~ I am recently pleased with my more "active" life. There were a few months where active was not part of it.

Mary – moments ~ I am well on my way to enjoying (and recording) my everyday moments. My blog has been a great way for me to focus on my moments.

Amanda - experience

Benjamin - evolving

Mike - build ~ Grade B, I wanted to rebuild our finances, relationship with kids, and relationship with Marty.

Marty – health ~ On the way to being attained – I am more in control and that is a good thing.

Doug – survival ~ I’m still here so I guess . . . attained.

Leslie – anticipation ~ There were many good things to anticipate this past year...and more to anticipate in 2010! I think my anticipation was for a possible retirement decision. Difficult as it has been to truly decide, now that the decision is made, I am happy about it. More time with Dougie, more time with friends and family, time to get organized, and hopefully more time to plan some new adventures! I look at all of my retired friends, and not one has an ounce of regret on their young, smiling faces!

Debbie - timely ~ For me that's the key, "for me", I think I'm doing a bit better. I've actually been at appointed places within five minutes of the designated times.

Dave - focus ~ He thinks he didn't do well. He's thinking of a new word for this year.. . but he .just needs to" focus".

Val – opportunity ~ I believe I was successful at being open to opportunities that helped me grow as a wife, mother (and mother-in-law! )friend, and teacher. For me, half the battle is recognizing an opportunity when it seems to be a celebration, event or challenge . . . That is the part I will always be working on!

Ed - please ~ Please, did not work too well. I am taking suggestions for my new word. Help Please.

Maryellen – thankful ~ It was the theme for our somewhat-annual Mortonian Valentine Letter

Ali - wedding ~ attained :)