This is the time of year I get the most questions on what to buy, consume, serve your family (don’t spend money on these people when it comes to alcoholic consumption), and everything in between…
I thought I would break it down, get out of my OWN snobbish wine box, and taste new wines under 20$! Yes, the luxury wine girl is stepping aside and looking into her own pockets; which are bare and depressing. In reflection of my bank account, my partner in crime (you may see him in a few of my WGGW videos) and I picked up a few bottles that are popular enough to find in your favorite wine shop. (or grocery – who are we kidding) These are wines that I have never tasted. You are getting a snap shot of what I think, what my reactions are, what would be good to serve now, and what I may like or may not like. So, onto the first victim.
I’ve been seeing Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon all over the place. It’s a play on words; noble grapes consist of the seven major grapes that are most recognizable in production of quality wine. So, Noble Vines must be from exceptional vines and provide kick ass flavors, right? Well, it does to some degree. I really liked it. Maybe because of the fact it comes from Lodi California. Lodi fruit is textural; you feel it and then taste it. That may not make sense, but do me a favor; close your eyes and take a sip. Don’t think WHAT you should be tasting, but rather WHAT is happening on a sensory level. Feel this wine; I know – sexy, right?
Classic Cab in style; black cherry and a little roasted coffee on the flavor profile, deep and rich. Everything you want in the grape and slightly more. Does it linger and set my world on fire: nope. Is it supposed to; maybe. I only paid 10$ for this wine which blows my mind. At 10$ I wasn’t expecting integration of fruit flavors, balance of body, and textural foreplay. I was, quite frankly, expecting a dud.
I had pasta with this. I don’t like pasta. I never eat the stuff. However, last night I was feeling a little, well, cranky. You need hearty, but not to over the top hearty with this wine. Remember, wine should be the pedestal for the food, not the other way around. You don’t want to mask flavors. My mother always makes a spiral ham on Christmas Day which would pair up nicely; Cinnamon and nutmeg flavors love this kind of Cab. Side dishes will thank you later.
Stay tuned for the rest of the haul!
