Showing posts with label wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wine. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Wine Marketing 101: Convince me to buy your wine

Wine labels that stand out win in the liquor store

Literally every time I am in a wine shop I am completely flabbergasted and bewildered to see the hundreds or perhaps thousands of wines eagerly waiting to find a home, similar to dogs at the humane society.  But, like some of those dogs, the wines just don't make a good impression or draw you into their charming personality.  I'm not looking for a wine that humps your leg or begs and does tricks, but I am looking for a reason to try something new.  

Reality check.  Most of the time you're faced with a scene similar to the one pictured above without shelf talkers or anyone that has the time or the knowledge to help recommend a selection that they think you will enjoy.  After your eleven second interaction with the "wine clerk" and the customary "what kind of wine do you like" open-ended question, you're discouraged and disconnected.  You want to try something new.  You want a new tasting experience, so how do you decide what to try?   Wine marketing 101 should have a huge influence on your choice.  I'm going to share with you some success stories and some real wine marketing misses.

Just when I thought the garage sale style display of wines pictured above couldn't get any worse, I was proven wrong.   If you walked into this wine shop not knowing anything about the wines, which one would draw your interest?   "I'll try the one with the boring white label, please."

Boring wine labels equals boring wine shopping
I would walk in, roll my eyes, turn around and never go back.  Is this the generic wine store?

Of course, white wine labels aren't the evil here.  Creativity, or lack thereof, is what is lacking.  Don't get me wrong.  If you're Scarecrow and command $600 or more per bottle, then you don't give a crap about what anyone thinks of your label.  Cult wines could probably scribe the poop emoji on the bottle and wine fans would buy it anyway.  But cult wines (insert eye roll here) are another blog post for another time and 99% of wines on the market can't pull off this label.  Or at least, they shouldn't.

Scarecrow Wine:  Is the simple label better?
For the crazy prices that Scarecrow brings, they can put anything on the bottle that they want.

While I love for a wine label to stand out and wave at you like a crazed commuter trying to hail a New York cab, it has to be done smartly.  Don't look desperate.  Don't get too cute.  And, don't turn off half of your demographic with a stupid name because you thought you were funny, empowering or maybe just scarred after a relationship gone wrong.   I give you..........Bitch wine.  In the early 2000's, twenty-something and early thirty-something women were buying this wine up by the case, proudly displaying it in their three bottle silver wine rack on the kitchen counter and telling everyone that it was their "favorite wine" and how they "can relate to it".  After people tasted it and found out it was not good wine, the popularity quickly waned and people were trying to give away the plonk as gifts or adding it to the stew or sauce of the day.   Lesson learned?  Shock factor is good for quick sales and may even become viral (in today's terms), but it isn't sustainable.

Very popular at first, but now just a novelty.  Isn't that a bitch?

What makes a good wine label?  Flashing lights?  A bottle shaped like Kim Kardashian's butt?   No.  Let me start by saying that I personally am not a very creative person.  I recently painted a 50 year old pot with my daughter and I thought I was the DIY king of the year.  I might be exaggerating a bit, but I can't stress to you enough that I really don't have an eye for design, whether it's fancy emails, interior decorating or wine labels.   Hell, I keep changing the look of my blog because I just don't know what's cool or what is appealing to people.  I digress.  What I'm trying tos tell you here is that sometimes you need a second set of eyes - or a third.  Or a fourth.  Winemakers are some of the most talented people in the world.  They create white and red masterpieces that we adore, but that doesn't mean that they can get you to buy their wine because people may never pull it off of the shelf.

If you aren't creative, hire or borrow someone that is.  Ummmm, what color is this wine?

Build a brand.  Even if it's quirky - especially if it's quirky.  Make it memorable but make it fit what you're doing.   The folks at Mad Housewife wines started off with products that scores of housewifes could relate to, but it went beyond that.   These wines were for anyone who hated doing laundry, who didn't feel the need to be perfect or have a neat-as-a-pin house or manicured nails every day.  They even took marketing to Marketing 102 by labeling everything with colorful Mad Housewife pictures and logos including tchotchkes that included, among other things, kitchen gadgets like rubber scrapers.  They were building a brand.  And then it wasn't good enough.  Maybe they tried to grow too quickly?  Maybe they lost their identity.  Whatever it was, it resulted in new labels that weren't as appealing, lost the story in the translation and now you can find the wine on Amazon of all places.  

Mad Housewife WInes:  The story of a confused brand
Housewife wines was on a roll and then they fell off of their ironing board.

All is not in vain.   There are thousands of winners and hundreds of stunners in the wine label game of life.   These are labels that are innovative, eye catching, memory-jerking, clever and just darn good marketing.   Let's pay homage to those who understand how to get you to shell out your hard earned money for their juice.  Heck, with a solid bottle and clever label, you can probably get an extra 20% for that bottle over a boring, passe label and bottle.

Mollydooker wines:  The wine and the original wine labels are created by winemaker and owner Sarah Marquis.  The labels are entertaining, animated, welcoming, tell a story....and they're all personal to her.  Marketing costs money.  But not selling your wines costs even more.  

Mollydooker WIne display: They get an A+ in marketing
Check out the Mollydooker Wine labels.  Winner winner, chicken dinner!

Wines that jog a memory from a favorite time in your life or from your childhood are sure to get a second look from you while shopping for some new juice.  I really love the Cannonball Wine label (despite the fact that I can't swim and have a fear of water that goes over my head).  You get what I'm trying to say here, right?   Maybe if this wine label was of kids playing war I'd be really into it!

Cannonball Wine label - a reminder of simpler times
This label will remind you of summer camp and you'll be telling stories around this bottle.

I like wines that are steeped in tradition and are iconic by their name, reputation, quality and look.  This is the case with Dom Perignon.  While the quality of the Champagne has varied from year to year, most would agree that overall it is still one of most recognized wine brands in the world.  A few years back, DP came out with an Andy Warhol inspired series of bottles that took the wine world by storm.  I love the idea and the look.  And I love the fact that this is the only Warhol-inspired artwork that I'll ever be able to afford.  Smart marketing!  Create an exclusive or limited edition label and sell the crap out of it, despite how it tastes.  (And I'm not saying this vintage is bad).

Dom Perignon bottles that Andy Warhol would love
Colorful.  Smart.  Limited.   Collectors are required to buy these, right?

Two of my favorite wine labels of all time are Chateau Mouton Rothschild.  Here is a beautiful (overpriced) wine that displays some of the most original and beautiful wine labels ever.  And they really understand marketing, even if it is very understated.  You have to understand that this producer could have a seventy-three cent wine marketing budget and they would still have money left at the end of the year.   This wine is a first growth Bordeaux that everyone and their brother wants, it's incredibly expensive, it has name recognition and they throw beautiful labels at you.  I'd challenge that a bottle of this never makes it to the trash.  I bet there are thousands of CMR candles throughout France and the rest of the world.

Chateau Mouton Rothschild label
A very overpriced wine, but the complete package and a marketing home run.

Opus One is a label that cleverly depicts the winery's founders, Robert Mondavi and Baron Phillipe de Rothschild in a singular portrait.   Both of these wine pioneers were easily recognized and whether it was a brilliant marketing approach or vanity that brought this label into fruition, it works.  And the label doesn't waiver to this day, despite the fact that both men have since gone to the vineyard in the sky and the winery is owned by a massive beverage conglomerate.  

Opus One WInery: Two wine pioneers
Maybe the label should change to the Constellation Brands logo ..... or a pile of cash?

Innovation.  I love it.  I embrace it.  And now, with technology, some very creative techies bring us the Living Wine Labels.  These are interactive wine labels with the free LWL app.  It's not only innovative but also entertaining.  If marketed correctly, we will be seeing more of these in the American market (the French will not embrace this) in the future.  Then, we can all be like our kids with our faces planted in our phones and we will forget how to talk to each other.  But then again, we can speak to each other through the wine.  Cheers!

19 Crimes Wine labels talk to you through the free app
The future of the wine label is interactive labels.  QR codes, say bye bye!













Monday, June 18, 2018

Your First Impression of Wine Could Be Your Last

Drink Good Wine or Don't Drink Any Wine At All
As I sit here in a hotel room in Ohio for business for a few days, I decided to unwind a bit after a fifteen hour day of travel and work.  Luckily for me, the hotel is brand new, modern, comfortable and yes - it has a relatively-fully stocked bar.  The day didn't call for two fingers of straight Kentucky bourbon as travels often do.  So, against my better judgement, I decided to order the "house" Cabernet.  Those of you who have followed me both with this and the Midwest Wine Guy wine blogs know that I'm a Cab snob.  No, not a snob, but rather an aficionado of Cabernet and really any wine that is made well.  So, I order the Cabernet, walk outside to the lounge area and make a phone call.  

Wanting to unwind from the day before dinner, I thought I'd sip a bit and catch up on emails and text messages that had been given their pecking order throughout the day.  And when I put the wine to my lips, I immediately shook my head.  I wasn't mad at the hotel for serving the wine.  I was ticked at myself for ordering it.  While I'd like to believe that this mid-level hotel chain had a top sommelier picking their offerings for the national brand, I suspect instead that it was the general manager perusing the bargain aisle at the local Pick 'n Save who was eyeing the clearance section in order to save a few bucks and make the liquor budget for the month.

The wine was putrid.  It was a far cry from the wines around the world that I've enjoyed for many years and not even in the same stratosphere as those that I've shared with you.  It was purple.  It was wet.  And those were the good qualities!  But for someone who has tasted hundreds - actually thousands - of wines, I can ignore the obvious crap and force a few swallows while I am enthralled in my iPhone.   Maybe I'm a glutton.  Maybe I just expected this experience.  Maybe I didn't care.

A quick dinner at a local pub with a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale (that was the star of the evening) and I was back to the hotel.  I'd been up for about seventeen hours at this point and really, REALLY needed a night cap.  I strolled over to the hotel bar again, nearly laughed at the thought that the "bartender" (who also served as the bellhop and night time security guard) probably didn't know how to concoct an old fashioned, so I...............opted for................another glass of wine.  But this time I ordered...............wait for it............................................................a California Merlot.

I ordered the Merlot because I knew the producer and was very familiar with their work.  Keep in mind, this was still the low.............VERY low.........think bottom of the barrel offering from this producer.   Grocery store end cap is where you normally find this wine, but dammit I was going to have this and enjoy it, even if it gave me heart burn.   It didn't, but it still wasn't good.  It was almost marginal at best and I was glad I was alone and hadn't suggested this for anyone else.

What the hell is your point, you ask?  About fifteen years ago I got into red wine and it was really by luck.  Up until that point I was almost completely a white wine or sparkling wine drinker.  One day I thought I'd broaden my horizon and expand my palate, so I ordered a case of red wine online, knowing almost nothing about the wine, the producer, the AVA - nothing.  But, lady luck was on my side that day.   The case of 2004 Chateau Whatever the Hell it Was arrived and within a day or two I popped open the bottle.  It.  Was.  Beautiful.    A Google search later led me to learn that this wine was a top wine under $20 from Wine Enthusiast that year and had received warm accolades my professional and amateur critics alike.  Lucky me!

But what if I hadn't been so lucky?   What if my first wine experience was at the hotel in Ohio, or at a Lakers game, or at a restaurant that is trying to move their Chateau Poop because it tastes like vinegar and they don't want to be stuck with it any longer?  What then?   Would I try wine again or would I stick with my familiar Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer and find an excuse to shy away from reds at dinner parties?  I lucked out, but not everyone does.

When someone makes wine, they don't need to tell you how it tastes.   They need to tell their story.  They need to tell you about their land, their weather, their vineyards and their talents.   By the time they taste a wine until it is actually released to the general population can be many months.  Wine changes in the bottle and tastes so different as time inevitably has its way with the juice inside.   I want to hear from the people who drink dozens of different bottles of wine every year or every month from different producers.  I want to hear from the people who have no stake in the game and who aren't trying to sell you wine.  I want to hear from the wine bloggers and the amateur wine tasters.  They can really pick some wines and they won't steer you wrong.

There are bad wines in the world.  Avoid the bad wines.  Do yourself a favor.  Find a wine blogger and connect with them.  Get to know their wine tasting preferences and writing style.  Do you think certain flavors and aromas are appealing and important?  Do they paint a picture of the wine and make you feel like you are tasting it with them?   Those are the people you want to pay attention to.  Drink good wine.  Read about good wine.   Get to know good wine.

I used to ride motorcycles for many years.  I would often debate with friends about American versus Japanese bikes and why this one or that one is better.   At the end of the day I usually concluded that it didn't matter.   I thought that any motorcycle was better than having no motorcycle at all.  But you can't think that way with wine.   Wine doesn't have to be expensive, rare, single vineyard or any of the BS that wine snobs think it needs to be.  But it has to be good.  It has to provide enjoyment and create a good memory.  Life is too damn short to drink bad wine. 

Don't drink bad wine!
Don't give me a reason to buy you this shirt!

Sunday, June 10, 2018

2015 Galante Vineyards Olive Hill Petite Sirah

2015 Galante Vineyards Olive Hill Petite Sirah

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.  This 2015 Petite Sirah from Galante Vineyards is presented in a shorter bottle outside of a traditional bottle (but it's still 750ml).  Clever marketing and it confirms that good things are indeed found in small packages.  Jack and Dawn Galante really have wonderful wines and this 2015 PS is no exception.  Medium to dark purple with flowery fragrances of rose petal and dusty spring flowers combine with blackberries that are so ripe I picture them being as dark as night.  The flavors are well defined and don't mess around.   Cherry, blackberry, vanilla and peppery braised brisket are distinct and welcoming.  Sweeter on the exit and very memorable with a lingering finish.  This is my type of Petite Sirah.  Just over 250 cases made, so get it quickly!

2015 Galante Vineyards Olive Hill Petite Sirah label

ABV:  14.1%

Carmel Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $50.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

vSpin® Active Decanting Sytem - Innovative product or wine gadget?


vSpin® Active Decanting System
Add caption
"vSpin® creates a gentle, silent vortex which greatly increases the surface area of the wine exposed to air, accelerating the aeration process."  This is the information from the home page of the vSpin® decanting system web site.  That in and of itself isn't a bold claim to make, but the manufacturer goes on to say you will have enhanced aromas, a richer bouquet and mellowed tannin by using this product.  I stumbled across this decanting system while perusing the internet one day and I reached out to these folks for more information.   A couple of weeks later I had my own model to try, and here's what I discovered...

Your first thought might be, "I've seen this before" (or a product similar to this).  While there are other automatic decanting systems that were first to market, the vSpin® has more features, better construction and....oh yeah, it's wireless!   So what's in the box?

What's in the box of the vSpin® decanting system?

 In the box is the black base with LED read out display, a charging cord that allows you to charge from a standard 110v outlet or USB style (think iPhone) charger.  There's a little red bag to keep the charger in, which is great for those of us to have a drawer of cords that we don't know what to do with!  Next you'll find a round container with two white magnets.  You only need one, but they send you a spare too (great customer service).  You also have a funky metal pole that allows you to reach to the bottom of the decanter to remove the magnet.   What else is there......?  Oh yeah!  The decanter.   But this isn't just your ordinary wine decanter.  This is a German crystal decanter made by Spiegelau.  While simple looking, it's quite elegant and it allows the wine to be the star of the show.


The vSpin® uses magnet technology and a Spigelau decanter

After removing everything from the box, I quickly scanned the owner's manual to see how long I had to charge this system.  Well, it seems that I can charge it for repeated uses or me, being very impatient, plugged it in to use for the first time.  There are different settings on the control panel for the rotation speed and spinning time of up to 5 minutes.  The manufacturer, with help of their on-staff Sommelier, have even published their own "Spindex", which is a recommended time and speed chart for different wine varietals and ages.  But again, I just wanted to see this product in action and wanted to take pictures for the blog and Instagram, so I set it for top speed and 5 minutes after pouring in most of the first bottle that I had in the kitchen.   I kept a small sample of the wine in the bottle to taste it with and without the vSpin® decanting.

Time to test drive the vSpin® decanting system!

I was completely mesmerized by the action of the decanting system.  While I knew that alone wouldn't validate it's claims and use, it was really enjoyable to watch in person, similar to sitting around a campfire, gazing at the smoke and flames.  The first wine I chose was very young, only in the bottle for about a year.  To my dismay, the wine was corked, which was confirmed by the sample left in the bottle, so it was back to the drawing board with another wine.   Wine #2 was a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon blend, about 3 years old and relatively young by wine standards.  Five minutes in the decanting system and I compared it to the sample that I again left in the bottle.  What I found from the bottle sample versus vSpin® tasting was indeed mellowed tannin and richer flavors.  The bouquet was strong and comparable from both the decanting system and in the glass, but I have a tendency to vigorously swirl my wine throughout the drinking process and not just during the first sip.  (It's a habit I'm trying to break because I'm sure it's annoying for those who drink wine with me).

This is a spin class that I can get into!

In short, what you have here is a beautiful, well-constructed and innovative product that can indeed open up your wine and improve the overall drinking experience.  I personally feel that this decanting system will be more advantageous for older wines over young ones, although they both can benefit to some degree.  The vSpin® is exceptionally beneficial to those hosting wine parties where multiple bottles are being served simultaneously.  This product makes great conversation and would pair well with wineries, restaurants and wine enthusiasts.  Would I recommend this or is it just another wine gadget?   I would wholeheartedly recommend the vSpin® Active Decanting System.  With this system in your home or business, you could thin out your current decanter inventory!

vSpin® logo


Author:  Jeff Lawson, Drink The Bottles wine blog


Monday, June 4, 2018

2015 Jon Nathaniel Bodacious

2015 Jon Nathaniel Bodacious

This wine makes me super happy.  I'll be honest, I had to look up the meaning of the word Bodacious to even see if it was a legitimate word.  I found very quickly that Bodacious should not be the name of the wine, but rather the wine review.   Bodacious.   That's all you need.  Holy cow, this wine from Jon Nathaniel Wines is a head turner!  I'll tell you what's in it soon, but what you really need to know is how it tastes and feels.  This wine pops in the mouth with cherry cola, black raspberry jam, chocolate bits, some hints of coffee and what I can only describe as dust from an old book depository at the tail end of the finish.  Weird?  Sure.  But accurate?  You bet.   Aromas of ripe red fruit, funky earthy dampness, cedar, vanilla and mocha are most prevalent.  This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), Syrah (29%), Cabernet Franc (19%), Petit Verdot (11%), Merlot (10%) and Malbec (1%).   Can you cram anything else into the bottle?   Maybe, but why would you?  Deep red to medium purple in the glass and unmistakably memorable, you'll be sad when you tip this bottle for the last time.  Super easy drinking and one that I think you can enjoy right now!  If you love wines with tasty fruit, get it!

2015 Jon Nathaniel Bodacious label

ABV:  14.2%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100





2015 Frog's Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Frog's Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

It had been a spell since I had enjoyed any wine from Frog's Leap Winery, so I was really pumped about the opportunity to taste their latest Cab.   The 2015 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Merlot (13 %) and Cabernet Franc (9%).  Selfishly, I wish I had a case of this wine and if you want to invest in something that will pay you back ten fold in taste over the next 10-20 years, this wine is for you.  It's super young now, but you can discover some great  mocha, saddle leather, dark plum and medium spice on the nose.  Some might find full bodied flavors that you usually expect from a Cabernet at first, but thing wine is young and the Merlot addition adds structure and balanced flavors of black cherry, gravel, licorice and grilling spices.  I found this finish to be very long with a hint of peppery spice.  I'm loving this wine and I think it will continue to be fine polished if you give it some time.  Eat this one with a rare to medium rare ribeye and some hearty, starchy side dishes.   As a side note, I think this is an incredible value for a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.   If you're looking for a fine wine that won't break your budget, this is a very smart choice!

2015 Frog's Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon label

ABV:  13.8%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $55.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100



Thursday, May 24, 2018

2016 Dawn's Dream Winery Bel Sogno Pinot Noir

2106 Dawn's Dream Winery Bel Sogno Pinot Noir

So, here's the deal.  I've been lucky enough to taste several Pinot Noir from Dawn Galante's amazing team at Dawn's Dream Winery and each one is unique and pretty special.  Some are more fruit forward, some smoky, but this 2016 Bel Sogno Pinot Noir takes its own beaten path and stands out from the rest.  Wonderful dark purple in the glass with aromas of muted currant, black cherry, rose petal and vanilla cream.  This wine isn't a high acidic bomb and has a more mellow characteristic in the mouth, creating a finish that is welcoming and leaves you yearning for more.  The flavors are muted at first, but mid palate the sour cherry, black raspberry and red currant jelly blend for a tasting experience that really is satisfying.  When Pinot Noir is made this well, I prefer to sip it with good company, sans food.  I do think that a lighter, brothy soup would be a good pairing as would a braised duck breast or just good 'ol fried mushrooms!  Lovely bottle.

2016 Dawn's Dream Winery Bel Sogno Pinot Noir Label

ABV:  14.1%

Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Suggested retail price:  $70.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100


Wednesday, May 23, 2018

2017 Abacela Albarino

2017 Abacela Albarino

I'm always looking for a new and interesting wine, especially one made with a grape that isn't mainstream or widely produced.  Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love a velvety Chardonnay, but the 2017 Abacela Abarino introduced me to a grape that I had nearly forgotten but don't want to lose sight of again.  This wine is very light and made of a Spanish grape that presents wonderful floral and orange blossom aromas with canning spices.  The wine is crisp but not overly sharp, which allows it to be a great hors d' oeuvres accompaniment or a refreshing cooler on a hot summer day.  I really think this mildly sweet, fruitful wine would pair well with empanadas on the back deck.  With it's low alcohol content and light mouthfeel, you can easily forget that this is a wine, and not in a bad way.  I suggest drinking this lovely wine slightly chilled.

2017 Abacela Albarino label

ABV:  13.2%

Umpqua Valley, Oregon

Suggested retail price:  $21.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2015 J Bookwalter Winery Conflict

2015 J Bookwalter Winery Conflict

The J Bookwalter Winery team never ceases to surprise me with their wines, whether with their more "value priced" Readers Merlot or with this savory and heart-warming red blend.  The 2015 Conflict is a product of the Conner-Lee Vineyard consisting of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Merlot (45%) and Malbec (8%), making it a powerhouse in color and flavor.  Black fruits with violet and whisps of peppered rare beef swim in the glass.  This wine is immediately mouth-watering and has a welcome brightness that is married by the vibrant red colors throughout.  The black fruits carry over in the flavors and I think a hint of cardamom is carried by the spicy, slightly woody finish that to me, is as beautiful as the legs in the wine glass.  This is such an easy drinking wine and one that I would avoid with food.  It would pair well with a number of beef dishes, but I enjoy this wine so much that I want to remember it just as it is.  I think you'll get enjoyment out of this for 15 years easily.

J Bookwalter Winery logo


ABV:  14.9%

Columbia Valley, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  97/100


2016 JACK Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

2016 Jack Winery Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
I had the pleasure of tasting this 2016 JACK  Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, but I missed the mark by not enjoying it over a major league baseball game.  (Check out their story to see what this means!).  What first catches the eye on this specimen is the beautiful golden color and the logo that ties into the story of the founders.  This bottle is as handsome as Vernon and Chris are and popping the cork permeates the air with wafting aromas that suggest something special is about to happen to you.  I love California Sauvignon Blanc because it doesn't express overly grassy aromas like its New Zealand counterparts and it spotlights more fruity and floral aromas, which is the case here.  Honeysuckle and spring bouquet are dominant and inviting.  In the mouth is a silky example of a wine that has been well refined and initially has me dreaming of pineapple whip ice cream. This wine has bits of honeycomb and loads of baking spices along with a crisp green apple finish that is long and does not overpower the pineapple and spice.  I taste nearly all wines at room temperature so the flavors aren't muted, but I suspect this wine would be enjoyed best slightly chilled with a couscous salad or accoutrement of cheeses and herbaceous breads.  This is such a wonderful wine and I think it will drink amazingly for 3-5 years without hesitation!

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

Jack Winery


Monday, May 21, 2018

2015 Krupp Brothers The Water Witch

2015 Krupp Brothers The Water Witch
I have long been a fan of Krupp Brothers wines and absolutely love the story of the determination and passion behind how this winery became to be today.  Some of the best terroir in the area was there, but getting to it by removing a nearly infinite amount of rock and having little to no water were two huge obstacles.  This wine pays homage to the dowser that found water for Krupp Brothers and helped turn it into.......wine!  This 2015 Water Witch is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Malbec (24%) Petit Verdot (10%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Tempranillo (9%), Syrah (6%) and Merlot (3%).  This blend is a home run with a medium to dark ruby red color and long legs that run parallel to the glass stem. Aromas of cherry turnover, clove, cigar box and floral bouquet dance in the glass and sing loudly with some vigorous swirling.  This wine is very young but you know that it will continue to gain weight in the bottle over the next 10+ years.  Velvety in the mouth with a finish that seems to linger for minutes, the cherry leads the way with semi-sweet chocolate, cigar smoke and dried earthy spices falling in suit and helping create a memorable and delicious treat.  With just over 500 cases made, this wine is an exceptional value and would be a great accompaniment to smoked brisket if you're wanting to show off your taste of great wine to friends.
Krupp Brothers Winery logo
ABV:  14.8%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $70.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100


2015 Betz Family Winery Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Betz Family Winery Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

I do not drink many French wines for one reason or another, so when I tasted this 2015 Betz Family Winery Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon I was incredibly pleased and surprised by what I found.  I did absolutely no research on this wine before decanting and tasting it, and this wine immediately moved me to a quaint cafe, sipping this gem with good friends along the Champs Elysees under a mid day sun.  This medium to dark purple wine has very balanced aromas of blackberry pie, campfire smoke, seeping tea and cocoa powder, and none of these are overpowering.  This wine is an eyebrow raiser for sure and the flavors of blackcurrant, blueberry, smoke, dark chocolate-covered coffee beans and hints of grilling spices all combine for a velvety, savory broth-like feel that fills the mouth and lingers for many moments.  This wine was such a lovely surprise to taste and could end up as a "perfect" wine with a few more years under its belt in the cellar.  You'd never know that this is tipping close to an alcohol content of 15%.  It is made so beautifully and really puts a smile on your face. Simply incredible!  

2015 Betz Family Winery Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Label

ABV:  14.7%

Red Mountain, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $110.00

Drink The Bottles score:  96/100


Saturday, May 12, 2018

2016 Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz

2016 Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz

I fell head over heels for Mollydooker wines about seven years ago.  It was an accidental tasting on my previous wine blog, Midwest Wine Guy, that allowed me to taste a bottle from everything they produced, and I was like a kid in a candy store.  Fast forward to the 2016 Carnival of Love and once again, I am completely enamored by the quality, value and overall loveliness of Mollydooker wines.  Gorgeous dark purple colors with plum, vanilla, country gravel road and raspberries that you just picked and squished in your hands are the wonderful, wafting aromas that leap out of the glass.  The balance on this wine is incredible and despite a 16% alcohol content, this wine does not come across as hot or with any type of medicinal feel.  This is truly skilled wine making at its best.  The mouthfeel is full, warm and inviting.  Flavors of raspberry cream, vanilla custard, earthly herbs and grilling spices blend beautifully and leave you wanting more....and more!  You cannot and will not go wrong with this Shiraz.   And yes, I did the Mollydooker shake!

2016 Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz Label

ABV:  16.0%

McLaren Vale, Australia

Suggested retail price:  $75.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100


2011 Arns Winery Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Arns Winery Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the first selection I've had the pleasure of tasting from Arns Winery and I will say without a doubt that they have spoiled me.  Sandi Belcher, winemaker for Arns Winery, had a challenging year as did most in California for this vintage.  But persistence pays off and it has paid off in a BIG way with this 100% varietal 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon!  Bright garnet in the glass and solid to the rim, this wine is not a big fruit bomb and certainly doesn't present itself like a wine of this age.  This gorgeous Cabernet is more reminiscent of an old world Bordeaux style, with muted fruit being replaced by rose petals, barn wood, ripening vegetables and shoe leather.  Instantly, you are transported to a place that is surrounded by people who don't just pop and pour, but truly savor wines that are complex like this with chocolate bits, braised beef, crushed black cherries and again with that beautiful, old world style barn wood and damp earth.  The finish isn't exceptionally long, but it is satisfying and you'll be going back for seconds and thirds of this wine.  The tannins are small and juicy and this wine is absolutely perfect for drinking right now.  I anticipate that it will continue to age gracefully for another 10 years.  After this, I am super excited to taste the 2012 and 2013 vintages soon!

2011 Arns Winery Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Label

ABV:  14.0%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $85.00

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100




Tuesday, May 8, 2018

2014 Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

If you're looking for a very affordable and spicy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvinon, this 2014 Truchard Vineyards wine should be on your radar.  Forward aromas of cherry, plum and spice box are framed with similar flavors that also include raspberry marmalade, vanilla and red licorice.  While the flavors all blend very evenly and compliment each other, the finish on this wine is the star, in my opinion.  The finish is long, spicy and very memorable.  Some air time in the decanter or some intense swirling really opens up this wine and softens the focused tannins.  You really can't go wrong with this wine and it should age gracefully for a very long time.   This would be a fun one to try again in 5 and 10 years as I think it will go through a beautiful transformation that will only further reward the wine fanatic.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Petit Verdot (1%) and Malbec (1%) and is beautifully blended.  Well done!  We are planning a trip to Napa Valley this summer, and Truchard might just have to be on our "must visit" list.

2014 Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Label

ABV:  14.2%

Carneros, Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $40.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100




Sunday, April 29, 2018

2016 1000 Stories Zinfandel

2016 1000 Stories Zinfandel

When we think of red wine, we commonly think French or American oak barrel aging.  We wouldn't normally think bourbon barrel aging in present day when the aforementioned are so prevalent and readily available, certainly more than they were 50 years ago.  But aging Zinfandel in new and used bourbon barrels in small batches is exactly what 1000 Stories Wines is doing.  The use of used barrels is smart because the barrels provide a mellowness that makes this wine ripe for immediate drinking and the barrels also add some character to the wine.  Not overly complex but beautiful in a medium red color, this California Zinfandel exhibits primarily bright cherry aromas with spicebox and vanilla.  In the mouth is a softer Zinfandel with flavors of cherry, strawberry hard candy, carmel and hints of vanilla syrup.  This is a fun and very drinkable wine that I personally wouldn't pair with a food due to it's softness and sweet flavor.  It packs an alcohol content that is nearly 16% but it is so mellow that it isn't a distraction.  Pick up a bottle and enjoy it for yourself!

2016 1000 Stories Zinfandel Label

ABV:  15.5%

California

Suggested retail price:  $18.99

Drink The Bottles score:  86/100


2015 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2015 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that can be enjoyed immediately and often with its incredibly soft tannins and welcoming mouth feel.  Smooth and supple, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Merlot (6%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petite Verdot (2%) offers a solid medium purple color and slender legs in the glass.  The aromas of rapsberry, cedar and licorice aren't necessarily the stars here, but rather the supporting cast to a wine that offers the same in the mouth and adds red licorice, roasted coffee beans and soft spices to the mix.  Even with the four blended grapes, I had anticipated a much younger feeling and more acidic wine that would be bright and benefit from a few more years in the bottle.  That was certainly not the case here!  This wine is completely approachable and one that I think you will enjoy with a pot roast dinner if you're looking for a food pairing.  But, it can certainly stand on it's own merit.

2015 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Label

ABV:  14.3%

Knights Valley, Sonoma, California

Suggested retail price:  $36.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

2014 Gamble Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Gamble Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

I was super excited to taste my first (and certainly not last) wine from Gamble Family Vineyards.  This 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a flavorful and classy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Malbec (8%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Merlot (1%) and Petit Verdot (1%).  On the britgher red side in the glass with fiery red streaks at the rim, this wine expresses well-blended aromas of black fruits, blackberry jam, well toasted French bread and pencil lead.  In the mouth is a medium bodied wine that feels polished and refined.  It's really difficult to imagine that this wine is so young.  It drinks like a wine that has been in the cellar, aging appropriately and gracefully for ten or more years.  In the mouth are flavors of the same dark fruits, cocoa powder, mocha, clove and some sweet spices.  The finish isn't extremely long, but this wine is one that keeps you wanting to tip the bottle in your favor.  I am genuinely impressed!

2014 Gamble Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Label

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $50.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100


Watershed Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  Everyone probably knows by now that bourbon is distilled in all 50 states in the US.  One perk we have with this passion project is discov...