Category: Wine by Type
September 29th, 2010 by admin
Because that Big, Fat, Nasty wine was so….
…Good! I’m taking this one for the team!
When you find a lusty bottle of wine that commands respect, you give it up! This bottle of Kaleidos wine is beyond words. Imagine exotic cherries dipped in chocolate spices that linger on your tongue. The creaminess of the coffee flavors enhances the earthy minerals. Oh, this is love on the taste buds.
Shut up and kiss me Syrah!
Posted in < $25, Featured, Syrah Tagged with: < $25, Syrah, Wine Review
September 16th, 2010 by admin
I just can’t contain myself when I find great “Every Day” wines for a bargain!
1. Category: Vibrant
2. Wine Type: Blend Tempranillo (80%), Granacha (5%), Mazuelo (5%) and Graciano
3. Country: Rioja, Spain
4. Price: $6.99
5. Notes: Yet another find that has Rioja written all over it. This blend called Antaño has plenty of character without the attitude. You’ll find vibrant rich black cherry flavors finished with vanilla notes with every sip. Can be enjoyed with pasta or chicken dish. At $6.99 a bottle, I’m keeping a few in my stash.
Posted in < $10, Featured, Graciano, Granacha, Mazuelo, Spain, Tempranillo Tagged with: Blend, Spanish
August 25th, 2010 by admin
Yet another celebrity that makes wine has emerged. Last night at my best friend’s place, I was introduced to a great Chilean wine called Único Luis Miguel, but I never made the connection with the famous Latin Pop singer that has a Grammy under his belt – Luis Miguel. I confess, I’m not a fan of his, but as of last night, I’ve become a fan of his wine. I give him credit for selecting a well-known region in Chile. Maipo Valley produces some outstanding high quality Cabernet Sauvignons and it shows in this particular bottle of Único Gran Reserva. I highly recommend this solid wine for the price.
Wine Notes
1. Category: Earthy, Peppery
2. Wine Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Country: Chile – Maipo Valley
4. Price: $13.00
5. Notes: Deep cherry red color with strong notes of black currant, black pepper, and a hint of earthy tobacco. After enjoying the wine for an hour, hints of cocoa appeared.
Posted in < $15, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile Tagged with: Chile, Earthy, Peppery, Wine
August 11th, 2010 by admin
I finally got a date with Chicago’s new wine on the scene, Apothic Red. Vanilla notes with soft cocoa flavors that were complimented by sweet berries. For all those first dates, it’s seriously a great wine selection. It had character with every sip. For the price, I highly recommend it for everyday wine.
Note: I found it $2.00 cheaper at Binny’s compared to the $10.99 at Whole Foods in Chicago.
Posted in < $10, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel Tagged with: < $10, Blend, California
Getting ready for World Cup 2010? I’m starting off with a unique Zinfandel from California – Paso Robles to watch the game today – U.S.A vs. England. This old vine Zin is bursting with flavor. I recommend this for an everyday wine that is easy on the pocket. I’m going to enjoy the game with this wine…..GO U.S.A!
Posted in < $15, Zinfandel
Cheers to you Antonio Banderas! Anta a10 is wonderful.
From the moment I could sniff the wine glass, I was impressed and my only thought was, “please don’t disappoint on the delivery”. Oh what a surprise! The wine delivered and had a long French oak finish. Full of character and flavor. I highly recommend the Anta a10 blend! I still need to try the others.
Posted in < $30, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Spain, Tempranillo Tagged with: Blend, Ribera del Duero
April 27th, 2010 by admin
El Chocolate del Loro
One of the great things about walking in Madrid is finding that particular unique place you can call “my place”. I found just the bar…El Chocolate del Loro. Small, charming, and friendly bar located steps away from the trendy alternative scene Malasaña.
Juan Carlos, co-owner/bartender, will surely show you a good time when behind the bar, and if you’re lucky, he’ll make you Spain’s best espresso. Most locals don’t know this, but he is deemed Spain’s best coffee Barista, title given by Illy Coffee. It gets better, if you are looking for some outstanding wine selection (they have a resident wine guy), this place has it all! I’ve just polished a couple of glasses of Albae Esencia while writing this entry. Come join me as I sit around with my laptop drinking and laughing with the locals.
El Chocolate del Loro
C/SAN BERNARDO 73
Map
Posted in Wine by Type Tagged with: Bar, Madrid, Wifi
When was the last time you found lust in a bottle? Alto Moncayo 2006 has made my taste buds sing with its seductive flavors of blackberries, nutmeg, and soft tones of lavender. This wine is out to please you with no regrets.
Granacha, “you’ve already won me over in spite of me.” (Alanis Morissette)
Posted in < $40, Granacha, Spain
February 6th, 2010 by admin
Puerto Viego – Cabernet Sauvignon
Every so often Thai food is a necessity when in Chicago. Opart Thai House is your place to go for some amazing appetizers. All appetizers on the menu are great, from the Chicken Satay to the Crab Rangoons, but the ONE I call my favorite at Opart is the skewered tender beef called Tiger Cry. In the past I have walked in with a wine bottle and ordered three appetizers of just Tiger Cry for dinner…it’s that good. Oh, the Pad Thai noodles, Fried Curry rice, and all that jazz is also good.
We enjoyed our Thai dinner with a new bottle on the scene – Puerto Viejo Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile ($8.99)
Opart Thai House
4658 N Western Ave
(at Leland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 989-8517
www.opartthai.com
Posted in < $10, Cabernet Sauvignon, Featured, Thai Tagged with: Restaurant, Thai
January 27th, 2010 by admin
Not bad for $7, love Trader Joes’ for their deals! This easy to drink, quietly sweet Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed by any new wine drinker. Soft tannins compliment the plum, anise and vanilla flavors.
1. Category: Sweet, Anise, Vanilla
2. Wine Type: Cabernet Souvignon
3. Country: USA – California
4. Price: $7.00 (Trader Joe’s)
5. Notes: Soft tannins that compliment the vanilla, anise, and plum flavors.
Posted in < $10, Cabernet Sauvignon, USA Tagged with: Anise, Sweet
