So Lisa was curious what this amazing bottle cost [link]. It turns out this is not a bottle you can just Google for and the cute UPS guy shows up and pours you a glass next day.
Answer is that you can find these at the Costco in Westlake Village, California for $17.
California
I really wanted to like this wine. It’s dirt cheap, and came highly recommended from the guy at Whole Foods. But the truth is that I didn’t even finish my glass. Having said that, for $2.99, you could do worse.
It smells horrible: musty, old cherries and rotting cedar. Luckily, it tastes better. Strawberries at the start, cranberries at the end, and kind of sweet in the middle. Surprisingly light bodied for a Cab. My problems with it: just not a lot of “there” there (where did the tannins go?), and a nasty aftertaste.
At the risk of sounding like a snob, I suspect those who aren’t particularly discriminating will enjoy this wine. It’s got that fruity, slightly sweet, everyman’s quality that makes a wine “easy drinking.” It beats Two-Buck Chuck by several lengths, and the price is right. Good for a party of not-so-choosy drinkers, or better yet: turn it into sangria or hot spiced wine for seasonal celebrating on the cheap.
Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Take a deep sniff, and you’ll be thinking turkey dinner at the Bradys. Cranberry sauce is the front runner here–and I don’t mean the homemade stuff. Think Grandma opening a can and sliding the gelatinous form onto the Princess House crystal serving boat.
Which totally belies every other characteristic of this luscious and refined wine. Yes, it’s lighter bodied compared to most Cabs, but Enlace has *so* much going on! Sophisticated, cultured, a touch courtly, maybe–don’t even *think* “big and jammy.” That deep, inky red color seems practically medieval, like papal vestments or royal robes. Surrender to the fruit-forward boysenberries; savor the dark chocolate and clove; let your tongue be seduced by the smooth tannins and leather; embrace the long, elegant finish. Enlace demands to be taken seriously.
A cheerful little wine from the happiest place on Earth!
So Hubs and I took the wolflings to Disneyland recently, and decided to explore California Adventure. Partly because we had never spent much time there on previous trips (Pirates of the Caribbean vs. Bug’s Life–no brainer) and largely because it’s the park that serves alcohol. Oh, California!
After an ill-advised late start and numerous temper tantrums courtesy of Infant Terrible #1, we were desperate for a drink, which is how we found ourselves at Golden Vine Cellar. We *were* at a theme park, so expectations weren’t high. However, there was shade…table service…and a sizable wine list. As long as there was something better than Boone’s Farm, Dean and I agreed we’d be content.
We were pleasantly surprised by our knowledgeable waiter and this fruity charmer he recommended. Now, interested readers should take note that this “dry” Riesling is still pretty sweet; much sweeter than I’d expect even from an off-dry wine. But it was perfect for a hot September day, with its sunny yellow color and flowery melon bouquet. A mouthful of apples is tempered by honey notes, and a hint of grapefruit keeps it from being cloying. The honeysuckle finish lingers forever. I relished every sip.
Kirkland Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon
2008
Napa Valley
Damn…what squid did this inky Cab ride in on? Black and opaque with some cuh-razy legs! You would not believe how smooth this black beauty is, though…and I still find it hard to believe it’s the Kirkland label! Delectable aroma of vanilla and raspberries and spice, with soft berries up front, a gentle pepper edge, and a silky finish with a touch of coffee. Elegant from start to finish; Costco does the varietal proud.