Highlighting just how much we actually drink..
A few months ago Jeff dared me to post every glass of wine that I drink, so I started posting #everyglass on Instagram and Vivino, and now, here. So here’s your WineDown for the past few weeks!
Sad Chipmunk
So the weather gets just a little bit nicer outside and I completely forget that I own a computer… Sorry about that! But it’s finally my favorite season – spring, which means my favorite wine season: rosé! Who doesn’t love rosés? I’ve been stocking up on them for make sure I have plenty of rosés to enjoy all summer long! (and into the fall too, because what goes better with turkey than rosé?!) Anyways… let’s get down to business. I haven’t had as much wine to drink over the last 5 weeks as you might have thought! I had my wisdom teeth out a little while ago and had to lay off for a bit. Although, they don’t tell you how bad it hurts, or that the pain killers start to wear off well under the 4 hours until your next dose, so I may have snuck a glass of whiskey here and there to help. Not that I would recommend that, but I did take five full days off and spent a lot of time catching up on Netflix!
Byron Santa Barbara Pinot Noir, California – Byron’s Santa Barbara Pinot Noir has loads of dark berries: blackberry, plum and black raspberry with subtle baking spices and vanillin oak. A hint of peppery earth is balanced by velvety tannins on the soft finish.
2012 Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, California – Soft aromas of black cherry, strawberry and black pepper. The palate is light with notes of strawberry, black cherry and spicy black pepper with a hint of earth. A light acidity is balanced by smooth tannins on the long, lingering finish.
Locations, CA, California – Dave Phinney’s (of Orin Swift) Location series is an awesome representation of wine regions around the world. The CA has big jammy fruit aromas of blackberry, currant and spice that lead to a rich palate of baked fruits, plum and vanilla. Creamy oak and soft tannins linger on the long finish.
2012 Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington – Semi-sweet with aromas and flavors of peach and apricot. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth fruit flavors and a balanced acidity.
2012 Benton Lane Pinot Gris, Oregon – Clean and crisp with notes of green apple, pear and a hint of nutmeg and clove. The palate is fresh with a soft, lingering acidity.
2013 Gravel Bar Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington – This first vintage offers a fresh and crisp nose of green apple and vanilla. The palate is smooth with rich notes of creme brûlée, lemon curd and custard. The finish is creamy and soft with lingering notes of vanilla and toasted nuts.
2013 Broadley Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon – This light-bodied Pinot has full aromas of dusty earth, blackberry and mushrooms. The palate is soft with notes of black pepper, tobacco and dark berries.
2012 Andrew Will Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, Washington – This 100% Cab Franc has full notes of cherry, earth and spice. The palate is dry with grippy tannins and notes of dusty earth, green bell pepper and bakers chocolate.
2012 Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington – Bright and vegetal aromas soften to show juicy berry notes. Reminiscent of a bordeaux blend, this Cab has notes of dark berries balanced by spice, earth, herbs and tobacco leaf.
Le Cirque, Grenache Syrah Mourvedre, Cotes Catalans, France – Light aromas and flavors if strawberry, green apple and herbs. The palate is light and fresh with berries and citrus notes.
Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, California – Cambria’s Julia’s vineyard has aromas of cherry, earth and mushrooms that lead to a bright bing cherry palate. It is soft and smooth with notes of baked cherry and sweet spices, balanced by hints of wild berries and earth.
Francois Chidaine Clos Habert Chenin Blanc, Touraine, France – Fresh summer fruits aromas. Clean notes of pineapple, peach and apricot are balanced by sweet honey scents. The palate is medium bodied with notes of baked peaches, honey, vanilla and cream. Hints of toffee and creme brûlée are balanced by a soft acidity on the demi-sec finish. A lovely summertime white.
Puech-Haut, Saint Drezery Prestige Rosé – Don’t let the color fool you, the Saint Drezery Prestige rosé from Puech-Haut is powerful. Hugely aromatic with notes of white flowers, peach and citrus fruits. The palate is soft and elegant with notes of white peach, Asian pear, fresh flowers and citrus and tropical fruits.
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand – Whitehaven is one of my favorite new world Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp but smooth with notes of grass, sweet grapefruit and gooseberry. The finish is soft with elegant notes of minerals, citrus fruits and white flowers.
Cocktail of the Week!
It’s Cinco de Mayo, and even though it’s not all that sunny outside, I know a lot of your will be breaking out the tequila for some margaritas. I myself have been craving a nice frozen cocktail lately, but how about something a little bit different?
Aguas Fresca is actually a Spanish drink, meaning fresh water. It is a blend of water with fresh fruits and herbs. But, adding a shot of tequila makes for a refreshing cocktail for your Mexican-themed Cinco de Mayo party, or just serve it up for your next backyard barbecue or picnic. Make a batch in a punch bowl and serve tequila, rum and vodka on the side so your guests can pick their poison, or simply stay hydrated and refreshed!
Aqua Fresca
- 8 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- About 30 basil leaves
- Juice of three limes
- 2 cups of chilled water
Blend the watermelon, sugar and half of the lime juice until a smooth puree. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheese cloth and discard the pulp. (But if you’re a fan of pulp, feel free to use it all!)
Muddle the basil leaves with water and the remaining lime juice. Add water and watermelon-lime pureé and serve over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and basil.
You can use pretty much any fruit and herb combination you want. Strawberry and pineapple is another great blend, or if you like a little heat: use mango and jalepeno! Serve your choice of liquor on the side.
What have you been drinking, something yummy I hope! What should I try next week?
Cheers!
Born Thirsty 