Welcome

Just a quick post to Welcome our newest contributor.

And a reminder to share any new adult beverages you enjoy over your various holiday celebrations.

Cheers!

Drinking Barefoot

You know what's better than wine? Free wine. Actually, free wine that comes in a gigundo-sized bottle. Allow me to explain. The other night I had event at work. When we do these types of things, we usually get some food to nosh on and a few bottles of wine (yes, since you asked, I do love my job). Well, I picked up some puff pastries (similar to calzones, but made with, what else, puff pastry) from the Gourmet Kitchen and my boss brought two large bottles of Barefoot Wines - a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay. We had a decent turn-out but we had plenty of leftovers and, surprise, surprise a nearly full bottle of the Cabernet. Needless to say, I didn't feel right just leaving it there, so home with me it came.

I have to admit that I have a bit of a wine snobbery streak in me. I look at large bottles of wine almost like I do the ubiquitous box-o-vino and they both invoke a similar image: a bunch of woo-girls sitting around, drinking wine with ice cubes as they ready themselves for a night of clubbin'. Thankfully, with this particular bottle of Barefoot, I have put my prejudice aside and welcomed the fact that the bottle seemed never-ending. It is very fruity and I was able to taste the raspberry and blackberry flavors. I also found the tannins to be well-balanced - it didn't leave much of a bite on the back of my throat, but it wasn't like drinking a fruit punch either. As far as value wines go, I don't think you'd be disappointed in this choice.

Wear it proudly

Two posts in one day.... I know, can you believe it?

I was just reading some news, and stumbled on this article -- about this nifty little company -- they make all kids of cool wine apparel -- neck ties, scarves, tote bags, headbands.... all with subtle, tasteful wine designs.

Check 'em out!

Not exactly wine, but.....

I've posted here before (or, well.... I think I have) that I'm a big fan of Bailey's Irish Cream. Last year, a co-worker recommended using the new caramel variety Bailey's to spike egg nogg. I was pregnant last year, so I didn't take her up on the recommendation (although I probably will try it this year) but I posted it here for you guys to try..... did anybody try it?


Anyway, this year Baileys has come out with a new flavor Bailey's -- it's Bailey's with a hint of coffee. At first, I'll admit it -- I thought this was kind of silly because..... that's generally what I use Bailey's for ... to amp up my coffee. What's this going to do for me? Coffee flavored coffee?





But, I was curious enough to get a bottle and Yum! I just had it on the rocks and it was a lovely sipper --


Give it a try!

Buen Vino de la Argentina - Si!

So, now that we're on Twitter, I figure it's probably a good time to get back in here and do some reviews.  It's been a while since I wrote about any wines we've enjoyed (or not), but I'm not alone - look at that list of contributors - seen any of them lately?  No, neither have I.  I hope they know I'm just kidding.  I am you know.  Really.  Anyway.

Last week we decided to give another Malbec a try.  In the rack we had a Bodega Norton Malbec 2007 (you'll excuse me if I hear Jackie Gleason's voice in my head right now) that we decided would be a good match for some pasta we were having.  I opened the bottle, poured two glasses and let them sit for bit.  I took a sip a few minutes later and was a bit overwhelmed by tannins and some acidity.  I'll admit, I was more than a little nervous that this a poor choice.  However, after letting it sit a while longer, eating some dinner, I picked up the glass again and was pleasantly surprised by how it had mellowed and accented the pasta quite well.  It is a fairly fruity wine with plum and cherry accents and a hint of currant.  It should definitely be given ample breathing time to bring out its more subtle notes and allow its character to develop.

It lists anywhere between $7.29 and $9.99 and is quite a good bargain.  Quick story: I went into a closet where we have more wine stored (the rack is full) looking for another bottle for this evening and grabbed another bottle of the very same Norton 2007.  This was bought two weeks ago and about five days before we enjoyed the reviewed bottle.  Apparently the wine gods influenced this purchase knowing we would find one we would like.

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Being the wine and football freak that I am (and I really am, normally I don't discuss both of these things in the same place but I know you guys are cool.)

I haven't tried it yet, but as soon as I can track down a bottle I will be reporting back to you.

I mean seriously, it is a Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet. What is not to love?

Well, assuming it isn't $129 per bottle.

Has anyone else tried this yet?*



* Never mind that last part. According to the TwentyFour website it won't be released until November.

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