Meet This Crazy Wino - Jess

Name: Jessica Rose
Alias: "Boo"

Occupation: Biz Dev Coordinator @ Artist Arena

When you brag, you brag about: Work haha! I literally don't brag about anything else in life, do I?

What would you do if money was no issue? I would go shopping alllll the time (I'm convinced it's a stress reliever) and build myself a ginormous closet of shoes and never ever have the problem of "I have nothing to wear" ...what can I say, I loooove to dress up!

Favorite Vintage: Gazella Vinho Verde

Why? who knows... most people don't even like it but I feel like it's a nice light wine and I feel fun drinking it.

Your First Wine Experience: I don't remember........... clearly there was too much wine involved.

What makes you a crazy wino? At the first wine night I was hugging the porcelain before everyone even left... Wine & Tequila baby.. BOO-YAH! (not quite patting myself on the back for that.....)

Favorite Quote: "You got your passion you got your prideBut don't you know that only fools are satisfied?Dream on but don't imagine they'll all come true" My theme song!

Personal Motto: Anything you can do I can do better (it's the competitor in me... don't judge!)

Top 3 items on your Bucket List: 1. Follow through and travel everywhere I say I want to go, 2. Be & stay ridiculously happy, 3. Actually make the "money is no option" thing a reality :) yayyy shopping!!

Top Choice Actor to play you for Our Monthly Wine Club - The Movie: Amanda Bynes

November Wine Night - Montepulciano

Host

Phil & Jennie

Date

November 19, 2010

Bottles

2003 Rocca dei Bottari Riserva - Kevin
2006 Vigna Franca - Phil & Jennie
2006 Rocca dei Bottari - Brett & Katie
2007 Cantina Zaccagnini - Nicole
2009 Colle Sori - Evan & Jess
2009 DaSole - Sean & Tara

Montepulciano

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a type of red wine made from the Montepulciano wine grape in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The grape is however recommended for 20 of Italy's 95 provinces. Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. It is typically a dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often consumed young. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is classified as DOC and DOCG in Teramo (where it is officially called Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane). If aged by the winery for more than two years, the wine may be labeled "Riserva." This wine should not be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a Tuscan wine made from Sangiovese and other grapes, but not the Montepulciano variety.

The Results

WINNER: 2006 Vigna Franca - 59.5 points out of 90
Producer: F. Ili Barba S.r.l.
Vineyard: Vigna Franca
Country/State/Region: Italy/Montepulciano
Price: $15.99
Aroma: Herbal, Spice, Oak
Appearance: Purple
Body: Light
Nose: Pepper, Vegetables, Prune, Cedar
Taste: Cherry, Blackberry, Prune
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 8,5,6,7,8,6,7,5,7.5

2007 Cantina Zaccagnini - 59 points out of 90
Producer: Az. Agricola Cicco Zaccagnini s.a.s.
Vineyard: Cantina Zaccagnini
Country/State/Region: Italy/Montepulciano
Price: $15.99
Aroma: Oak
Appearance: Purple
Body: Medium
Nose: Prune, Raisin, Cedar
Taste: Coffee, Prune, Raisin
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 7,6,5,5,8,8,7.5,6.5,6

2009 Colle Sori - 57.5 points out of 90
Producer: C.V.B.C. & C. S.p.A.
Vineyard: Colle Sori
Country/State/Region: Italy/Montepulciano
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Spice
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Light
Nose: Raspberry, Cherry, Pepper
Taste: Raspberry, Cherry, Pepper, Peach
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 8,7,8,4,7,6.5,6,6,5

2009 DaSole - 54.5 points out of 90
Producer: Velenosi S.r.l.
Vineyard: DaSole
Country/State/Region: Italy/Montepulciano
Price: $15.99
Aroma: Herbal, Spice, Oak
Appearance: Purple
Body: Medium
Nose: Violet, Cherry, Blackberry
Taste: Allspice, Cedar, Cheese, Blackberry, Cherry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 6,8,7,7,7.5,2,7,5,5

2003 Rocca dei Bottari Riserva - 54 points out of 90
Producer: Rocca dei Bottari
Vineyard: Villa Cervia Com S.r.l.
Country/State/Region: Italy/Montepulciano
Price: $20.99
Aroma: Oak
Appearance: Purple
Body: Medium
Nose: Plum, Cedar, Raisin
Taste: Plum, Cedar, Raisin, Blueberry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 6,6,6,7,6,4,6,6,7



2006 Rocca dei Bottari - 46 points out of 90
Producer: Rocca dei Bottari
Vineyard: Villa Cervia Com S.r.l.
Country/State/Region: Italy/Montepulciano
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Purple
Body: Medium
Nose: Pepper, Cedar, Raspberry
Taste: Cedar, Raspberry, Cherry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 5,4,4,5,7,1,7,5,8

Meet This Crazy Wino - Jennie

Name: Jennie
Alias: The Assassin (my friend’s husband calls me that… don’t ask)
Occupation: Duhhh, an assassin (well really it’s Manager, Sales Administration & Distribution Services… Say that one 5 times quickly… And in case you’re wondering, I agree, assassin sounds much more interesting)

When you brag, you brag about: how incredibly intelligent I am… just kidding… well, I am incredibly intelligent. I just don’t brag about it.

What would you do if money was no issue? Buy an enormous house on enormous property and travel the world. Donate to a ton of charities. Knowing me I’d also open a home for homeless animals.

Favorite Vintage: if you need an actual year, forget it.. favorite wine was always Pinot Grigio (don’t make fun!) but I’ve actually moved onto really liking Malbec and Shiraz. Ok, so I named several wines.. sue me!
Why? um, I like how they taste

Your First Wine Experience: no clue, but was probably sneaking a taste from my dad’s glass or something

What makes you a crazy wino? I use wine instead of milk in my coffee and cereal.

Favorite Quote: “I’m at the corner of 1^st and 1^st. How could the same street intersect itself?! I must be at the nexus of the universe!" - Kramer

Personal Motto: "Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut."

Top 3 items on your Bucket List: make sure I visit every state in the U.S., become a real CSI, be the next Food Network star (well at least the first one is feasible).

Top Choice Actor to play you for Our Monthly Wine Club - The Movie: Idina Menzel…I only chose her because crazy Nicole thinks I look like her, though I don’t see the resemblance. I don’t have her beautiful green(?) eyes, gorgeous hair, or amazing voice… but I’ll take it!

October Wine Night - Merlot

Host

Derek & Joe

Date

October 22, 2010

Bottles

2006 Franciscan - Jess & Evan
2006 St. Francis Winery - Tara & Sean
2007 Brisco Reserva - Joe & Derek
2007 Blackstone Winery - Danielle & Anthony
2007 Clic Delle Venezie Rosso - Nicole
2007 Cupcake Vineyards - Danielle & John
2007 Hansom - Jennie & Phil
2008 Fetzer Vineyards - Katie & Brett
2008 Bodega Navarro Correas - Danielle & Anthony
2008 Yellow Tail Reserve - Jodi & Tim

Merlot

Merlot is a red wine grape that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to derive from the Old French word for young blackbird, merlot, a diminutive of merle, the blackbird (Turdus merula), probably from the color of the grape. Merlot-based wines usually have medium body with hints of berry, plum, and currant. Its softness and "fleshiness", combined with its earlier ripening, makes Merlot a popular grape for blending with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, which tends to be higher in tannin.

Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, Merlot is one of the primary grapes in Bordeaux wine where it is the most widely planted grape. Merlot is also one of the most popular red wine varietals in many markets. This flexibility has helped to make it one of the world's most planted grape varieties. As of 2004, Merlot was estimated to be the third most grown variety at 260,000 hectares (640,000 acres) globally, with an increasing trend. This put Merlot just behind Cabernet Sauvignon's 262,000 hectares (650,000 acres).

The Results

WINNER: 2007 Hansom Wines - 122.5 points out of 170
Producer: Hansom Wines
Vineyard: Hansom Wines
Country/State/Region: Healdsburg, California
Price: $18.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Full
Nose: Chocolate, Prune, Plum, Cinnamon, Blackberry
Taste: Brown Sugar, Blackberry, Raisin, Prune, Plum
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 8, 7, 5, 9, 7, 8, 8, 10, 7, 8, 8, 7.5, 10, 2, 6, 5, 6

2006 Franciscan - 119 points out of 170
Producer: Franciscan
Vineyard: Franciscan
Country/State/Region: Oakville, California
Price: $16.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Blueberry, Vanilla, Oak, Blackberry, Raspberry, Cherry
Taste: Oak, Pepper, Vanilla, Blueberry, Cherry, Raspberry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 7, 7, 5, 8, 6, 7, 7.5, 9, 6, 7, 9, 10, 8, 7, 8.5, 4, 3

2008 Fetzer Vineyards - 117 points out of 170
Producer: Fetzer Vineyards
Vineyard: Fetzer Vineyards
Country/State/Region: Hopland, California
Price: $10.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Light
Nose: Vanilla, Cherry, Plum, Strawberry
Taste: Spice, Cherry, Earth, Strawberry, Blackberry
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 5, 7, 8, 7, 9, 9, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 6.5, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6

2008 Bodega Navarro Correas - 107.5 points out of 170
Producer: Bodega Navarro Correas
Vineyard: Bodega Navarro Correas
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Herbal
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Light
Nose: Rose, Cherry, Strawberry, Plum
Taste: Plum, Prune, Blackberry
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 9, 8, 8, 8, 7, 7.5, 7.5, 7, 4, 5, 0, 5, 9, 4, 7.5, 6, 5

2008 Yellow Tail Reserve - 103 points out of 170
Producer: Casella Wines
Vineyard: Casella Wines
Country/State/Region: Yenda, Australia
Price: $11.99
Aroma: Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Full
Nose: Blueberry, Raisin, Raspberry, Chocolate, Vanilla, Smoke
Taste: Oak, Raspberry, Cedar, All Spice, Coffee
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 7.5, 8, 7, 9, 5, 4, 5, 3, 3, 7, 10, 7, 7, 5, 5, 5, 6

2006 St. Francis Winery - 85 points out of 170
Producer: St. Francis Winery
Vineyard: St. Francis Winery
Country/State/Region: Santa Rosa, California
Price: $23.99
Aroma: Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Blackberry, Blueberry, Vanilla, Rose
Taste: Raspberry, Coffee, Smoke, Olive
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 6, 6, 6, 8, 3, 4, 5, 8, 5, 4, 4, 4.5, 4, 3, 5.5, 4, 5

2007 Briseo Reserva - 84 points out of 170
Producer: CVSCS
Vineyard: CVSCS
Country/State/Region: La Consulta, Mendoza
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Oak, Herbal
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Blackberry, Raspberry, Grass, Blueberry
Taste: Blackberry, Raspberry, Blackberry, Cedar, Pepper
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 6, 6.5, 6.5, 7.5, 6.5, 7, 6, 4, 5, 5, 0, 3, 9, 5, 4, 2, 1

2007 Blackstone Winery - 82.5 points out of 170
Producer: Blackstone Winery
Vineyard: Blackstone Winery
Country/State/Region: Woodbridge, California
Price: $12.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Cinnamon, Pepper, Vanilla, Hazelnut
Taste: Cedar, Smoke, Earth, Pepper, Coffee, Grass, Vegetables
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 2, 2, 2, 8, 8, 6, 7, 3, 3, 5.5, 7, 5

2007 Clic Delle Venezie Rosso - 77 points out of 170
Producer: Ronco Dei Tassi di Coser Fabio & Co.
Vineyard: Ronco Dei Tassi di Coser Fabio & Co.
Country/State/Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Price: $13.99
Aroma: Spice
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Blackberry, Raspberry
Taste: Pepper, Prune, Mold
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 3, 5, 7, 7.5, 1, 6, 7, 6.5, 2, 3, 0, 9, 4, 2, 5, 4, 5

2007 Cupcake Vineyards - 58 points out of 170
Producer: Cupcake Vineyards
Vineyard: Cupcake Vineyards
Country/State/Region: Livermore, California
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Rose, Pepper, Raspberry
Taste: Rose, Pepper, Strawberry, Black Cherry, Mocha
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 6, 6, 3, 3, 6, 3, 3, 2, 2, 8, 1, 3, 1, 1, 2, 4, 4

Meet This Crazy Wino - Derek

Name: Derek
Alias: Derka Derka Muhammad Jihad
Occupation: Songwriter

When you brag, you brag about: how much I can eat! I love food!

What would you do if money was no issue? Take a ride into Space

Favorite Vintage: cars
Why? they are functional

Your First Wine Experience: Well... I remember I was about 15 years old when I found myself in a forest. I was alone but I heard foot steps from somewhere around me. Then, a gnome came out of the bushes and surprised me with a plate of cheese and crackers. I was hungry, and the gnome looked harmless so I ate the cheese and crackers. The crackers were really dry though and I felt I really needed a drink and as I thought that another gnome came out of a different bush holding a bottle of wine and a glass. He poured me a glass and again thinking, "why not", guzzled the vino down. It was delicious, but immediately felt drowsy and fell asleep instantly. I woke up surrounded by many gnomes and they had me hog tied over a fire pit and then I woke up for real. You see, that was just a dream and my real first experience was probably at dinner one night trying some of my parent's wine. The moral of this story is to not trust gnomes, they are sneaky, but they do have excellent wine....

What makes you a crazy wino? That story

Favorite Quote: "True Science, unafraid to explore the dark passages of our ignorance, always begins with an unpopular question, even if there is no prospect of an immediate answer-- even if the answer threatens to overturn every last one of our cherished beliefs." - Lynn McTaggart in "The Intention Experiment"

Personal Motto: "Whatever Works"... good movie too!

Top 3 items on your Bucket List: go sky diving, design and build a house, travel into Space

Top Choice Actor to play you for Our Monthly Wine Club - The Movie: Jim Carrey

September Wine Night - Malbec

Host

Tara & Sean

Date

September 10, 2010

Bottles

Bonifado - Brett & Katie
2007 Navarro Correas "Colleccion Prirada" - Jess & Evan
2007 The Gaucho Club - Emily
2008 Trumpeter - Danielle
2008 Trapiche - Phil & Jennie
2008 Trapiche - Amanda
2009 Colores del Sol - Tara & Sean
2009 Escorihuela Gascon - Alissa & Brian
2009 Alamos - Nicole
2009 Alamos - Derek & Joe

Malbec

Malbec is a variety of purple grape used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins. Long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine, the French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in the South West France region. It is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine varietal wine and is being grown around the world.

Called Auxerrois or Côt Noir in Cahors, called Malbec in Bordeaux, and Pressac in other places, the grape became less popular in Bordeaux after 1956 when frost killed off 75% of the crop. Despite Cahors being hit by the same frost, which devastated the vineyards, Malbec was replanted and continued to be popular in that area where it was mixed with Merlot and Tannat to make dark, full-bodied wines, and more recently has been made into 100% Malbec varietal wines.

A popular but unconfirmed theory claims that Malbec is named after a Hungarian peasant who first spread the grape variety throughout France. However the French ampelographer and viticulturalist Pierre Galet notes that most evidence suggest that Côt was the variety's original name and that it probably originated in northern Burgundy. Despite a similar name, the grape Malbec argenté is not Malbec, but rather a variety of the southwestern French grape Abouriou. Due to the similarities in synonyms, Malbec has also been confused with Auxerrois blanc, which is an entirely different variety.

The Malbec grape is a thin-skinned grape and needs more sun and heat than either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to mature. It ripens mid-season and can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to claret blends. Sometimes, especially in its traditional growing regions, it is not trellised and cultivated as bush vines (the goblet system). Here it is sometimes kept to a relatively low yield of about 6 tons per hectare. The wines are rich, dark and juicy.

As a varietal, Malbec creates a rather inky red (or violet), intense wine, so it is also commonly used in blends, such as with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create the red French Bordeaux claret blend. The grape is blended with Cabernet Franc and Gamay in some regions such as the Loire Valley. Other wine regions use the grape to produce Bordeaux-style blends. The varietal is sensitive to frost and has a proclivity to shatter or coulure.

The Results

WINNER: 2009 Colores del Sol - 109 points out of 160
Producer: Bodegas Colores del Sol
Vineyard: Bodegas Colores del Sol
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $11.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Cinnamon, Strawberry, Pepper, Cherry, Blackberry, Rose, Mocha
Taste: Pepper, Peach, Cinnamon, Cherry, Blackberry, Rose, Mocha
Finish: Medium
Individual Points: 8, 6, 8, 8, 9.5, 5, 6, 6, 5.5, 6, 7, 6, 8, 6, 7, 7

2009 Escorihuela Gascon - 107 points out of 160
Producer: Bodegas Escorihuela Gason
Vineyard: Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $11.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Full
Nose: Plum, Prune, Oak
Taste: Pepper, Raisin, Prune, Blackberry, Cherry, Mocha
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 7.5, 9, 8, 7, 7, 5, 6, 5, 4, 8, 6, 8, 6, 6.5, 7, 7

2008 Trapiche - 106.5 points out of 160
Producer: Bodegas Trapiche
Vineyard: Bodegas Trapiche
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $12.99
Aroma: Spice
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Brown Sugar, Cherry, Raspberry
Taste: Brown Sugar, Pepper, Raisin, Raspberry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 9, 5, 8, 7, 7, 7.5, 6, 7.5, 4, 5, 6, 5, 6, 9, 7, 7.5



2007 Navarro Correas "Coleccion Prirada" - 106 points out of 160
Producer: Bodega Navarro Correas
Vineyard: Bodega Navarro Correas
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $7.99
Aroma: Spice, Herbal
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Cinnamon, Raspberry, Feta
Taste: Raspberry, Peach, Cinnamon, Plum, Cherry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 8.5, 7, 8, 6, 7, 6, 5, 4, 8, 9, 7, 6, 8, 4, 7.5, 5

2008 Trapiche - 99.5 points out of 160
Producer: Bodegas Trapiche
Vineyard: Bodegas Trapiche
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $12.99
Aroma: Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Raspberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Blackberry, Chocolate
Taste: Raisin, Prune, Brown Sugar, Tabacco, Coffee
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 2, 7, 7, 6.5, 7, 6.5, 7, 6, 7.5, 7, 4.5, 5.5, 6, 4, 8, 8

2009 Alamos - 96 points out of 160
Producer: Alamos
Vineyard: Alamos
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Spice, Floral
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Light
Nose: Cheddar, Plum, Rune
Taste: Raisin, Raspberry, Cherry, Blackberry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 6, 6, 5, 6, 6, 4, 7.5, 7.5, 6, 6, 6, 4, 8, 7, 5, 6





2007 The Gaucho Club - 94.5 points out of 160
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $11.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak, Floral
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Light
Nose: Pepper, Rose
Taste: Rose, Raisin, Prune, Raspberry, Cranberry, Blackberry, Earth, Plum
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 7.5, 7, 7, 7.5, 4, 7, 7, 4, 6, 4.5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 7, 6

2009 Alamos - 89 points out of 160
Producer: Alamos
Vineyard: Alamos
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $10.99
Aroma: Spice
Appearance: Tawny
Body: Full
Nose: Pepper, Prune, Raspberry
Taste: Vanilla, Pepper, Prune, Raspberry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 3, 4.5, 6, 5, 7.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7

Bonifado - 84 points out of 160
Producer: Vinicola Galadino
Vineyard: Vinicola Galadino
Country/State/Region: Trentino, Italy
Price: $7.99
Aroma: Spice
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Plum, Pepper, Cherry
Taste: Smoke, Cherry, Strawberry, Blackberry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 5, 7, 4, 6, 6, 5, 6, 3, 6, 5, 5, 7, 5, 6, 3, 5

2008 Trumpeter - 83.5 points out of 160
Producer: Rutini Wines
Vineyard: Rutini Wines
Country/State/Region: Argentina
Price: $10.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Full
Nose: Pepper, Tabacco, Cinnamon, Berry
Taste: Coffee, Raisin, Plum, Pepper, Cherry, Blackberry, Ginger, Vanilla, Toast
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 8.5, 4, 5, 6/5, 4, 4, 4, 4, 8, 4, 6, 7, 6.5, 7, 3, 2

Comments

I think Sean & Tara should win at every wine night, just so we can see Tara dance. Not pictured here is a special cameo from Tim via webcam! We sort of passed him around, but I found it difficult to make him feel uncomfortable across an internet connection.

Interesting - to me only, maybe - is the fact that all of the Malbecs tasted got average ratings. The winner wasn't rated high enough to go into my Top 5 and the loser wasn't low enough to fall into my Bottom 5. The highest rating had a 6.8 average and the lowest had a 5.1. I think it's safe to say that you could pick any Malbec on this list and enjoy it, even if it isn't extraordinary.

Also - there was crumb cake. Which I ate. And loved.

Evan - I'm never very good at commenting, can't you pick it up???

Meet This Crazy Wino - Tara

Name: Tara Maureen
Alias: Not many, but for Evan, TL!!
Occupation: Social Studies Teacher, Track Coach, Sean's Wife/ Laundry Lady

When you brag, you brag about: I brag about my ability to drink an insane amount of liquids. I can drink more than anyone I know! You give me a soda, I’ll have three. Want a glass of milk with that cookie? I'll drink the quart. This ability to drink an insane amount of liquids does lead to some issues when it comes to my ability to drink alcohol.

What would you do if money was no issue? If money was no issue I would quit my job, and I would have babies, a ton of babies. I would probably be like that Dugard lady with 20 children. I would have concerts come to my house. I would have Phil Collins over for lunch. I would have people do our lawn, I would finish our basement, and I would be able to buy all the clothing in the world!!! Oprah would want to have me on her show, because my life would be so awesome.

Favorite Vintage: 2006 Bogle Pinot Noir
Why? I love all things Bogle. You can buy a bottle of Bogle and feel fancy. More importantly, it is wonderful wine and it is well priced.

Your First Wine Experience: I really don't remember, but when I really got on the wine was in Ireland 2004. I was studying abroad, and I would spend some crazy time in the library trying to figure out the entire history of Ireland, which was really hard, because, I am AMERICAN. So long story short, the GAS STATION down the street from where I was living with my fellow wine loving roommates, sold Ernest and Julio wine for 3 euro! Let me just say, there were many nights of Ernest and Julio, the Sopranos, and cereal eating. Now doesn't that sound just like Ireland?

What makes you a crazy wino? Sean and I have never missed a wine night! We are pretty serious when it comes to our wine drinking.

Favorite Quote: "You know I dreamed about you for twenty-nine years before I saw you, I missed you for twenty-nine years." -The National

Personal Motto: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger? I think?

Top 3 items on your Bucket List: 1. Being happy 2. Being happy 3. Being happy

Top Choice Actor to play you for Our Monthly Wine Club - The Movie: Sally Fields, as Sybil (multiple personality person for the 1970’s), I think it would bring a new strangeness to the wine club.

August Wine Night - Syrah/Shiraz

Host

Selina

Date

August 13, 2010

Bottles

2005 Little Boomey - Tim
2006 Oak Cask - Nicole
2007 Bogle Petite Sirah - Evan & Jess
2007 Boxcar Wine Company - Kevin & Matt
2007 Ravenswood - Sean & Tara
2008 Fat Bastard - Alissa & Brian
2008 Oxford Landing - Katie & Brett
2008 Rosemount Estate - Selina
2009 Steeple Jack - Derek & Joe

Syrah/Shiraz


Syrah or Shiraz is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines. Whether sold as Syrah or Shiraz, these wines enjoy great popularity.

Syrah is used as a varietal and is also blended. Following several years of strong planting, Syrah was estimated in 2004 to be the world's 7th most grown grape at 142,600 hectares (352,000 acres).

DNA profiling in 1999 found Syrah to be the offspring of two obscure grapes from southeastern France, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. It should not be confused with Petite Sirah, a synonym for Durif, a cross of Syrah with Peloursin dating from 1880.


The Results

WINNER: 2008 Rosemount Estate - 94.5 points out of 130
Producer: Rosemount Estate
Vineyard: Rosemount Estate
Country/State/Region: Nuriootpa, Australia
Price: $11.99
Aroma: Spice
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Black pepper, Blackberry, Fig
Taste: Black pepper, Raspberry, Blackberry, Fig, Cranberry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 9, 8, 6, 8, 6, 10, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8, 6, 7.5



2007 Bogle Vineyards Petite Sirah - 86 points out of 130
Producer: Bogle Vineyards
Vineyard: Bogle Vineyards
Country/State/Region: Graton, California
Price: $13.99
Aroma: Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Light - Medium
Nose: Vanilla, Raspberry, Cherry
Taste: Oak, Vanilla, Strawberry, Cherry
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 7.5, 4, 7, 4, 4, 5, 6, 5, 7, 7, 8, 10, 8, 5, 9.5

2008 Fat Bastard Wine Company - 84 points out of 130
Producer: The Fat Bastard Wine Company
Vineyard: The Fat Bastard Wine Company
Country/State/Region: Languedoc - Roussillon, France
Price: $10.99
Aroma: Spice, Oak
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Light
Nose: Cherry, Rhubarb, Blackberry
Taste: Oak, Blackberry, Black pepper, Cherry
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 7, 4, 8, 7, 8, 5, 2, 8.5, 4, 3, 7.5, 8, 7.5



2008 Oxford Landing Vineyard - 80 points out of 130
Producer: Oxford Landing Vineyard
Vineyard: Oxford Landing Vineyard
Country/State/Region: Adelaide, Australia
Price: $10.99
Aroma: Spice
Appearance: Ruby
Body: Medium
Nose: Vanilla, Blackberry
Taste: Raspberry, Vanilla, Cranberry, Oak, Black pepper, Cherry, Liquorice
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 6, 6, 5, 5, 4, 6, 5, 6, 7.5, 7.5, 7, 7, 8

2007 Boxcar Wine Company - 77.5 points out of 130

Producer: Boxcar Wine Company

Vineyard: Boxcar Wine Company

Country/State/Region: Sonoma Coast, California

Price: $22.99

Aroma: Spice, Oak

Appearance: Ruby

Body: Medium

Nose: Cherry, Vanilla

Taste: Cranberry, Blackberry, Black pepper, Vanilla

Finish: Long

Individual Points: 5, 8.5, 8, 8, 6, 5, 8, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5

2007 Ravenswood Winery - 72.5 points out of 130

Producer: Ravenswood Winery

Vineyard: Ravenswood Winery

Country/State/Region: Sonoma, California

Price: $13.99

Aroma: Spice, Oak

Appearance: Ruby

Body: Full

Nose: Vanilla, Cherry, Raspberry, Pepper

Taste: Sugar, Black pepper, Blackberry

Finish: Long

Individual Points: 3, 6, 4, 3, 3, 6, 5.5, 6, 6, 7, 7.5, 6, 5

2009 Steeple Jack - 69.5 points out of 130

Producer: Ballast Stone Estate Wines

Vineyard: Ballast Stone Estate Wines

Country/State/Region: Currency Creek, Australia

Price: $8.99

Aroma: Spice, Floral

Appearance: Ruby

Body: Light

Nose: Cranberry, Raspberry, Cherry, Rose, Pepper

Taste: Blackberry, Rose, Fig

Finish: Short

Individual Points: 3, 4, 5, 7, 6, 3, 4, 4, 6, 4, 9, 5, 9.5

2006 Oak Cask - 64 points out of 130

Producer: Bodegas Trapiche

Vineyard: Bodegas Trapiche

Country/State/Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Price: $12.99

Aroma: Spice, Oak

Appearance: Ruby

Body: Full

Nose: Tobacco, Mold, Red pepper, Blackberry

Taste: Cedar, Red pepper, Raspberry, Cranberry

Finish: Long

Individual Points: 4, 5, 3, 3, 6, 8, 4, 7, 4, 5, 6, 5, 4

2005 Little Boomey Wines - 24.5 points out of 130

Producer: Little Boomey Wines

Vineyard: Little Boomey Wines

Country/State/Region: Adelaide, Australia

Price: $7.99

Aroma: Turned

Appearance: Ruby

Body: Light

Nose: Turned

Taste: Fig, Cedar, Mold

Finish: Long

Individual Points: 8, 4, 1, .5, 1, 0, 2, 3, .5, 0, 0, .5, 4

Comments

Until we realized that the numbers had been counted wrong and that Selina was the official winner of July's wine night, there was some major debate as to who won. Evan and Jess thought they had won with their bottle of Petite Sirah and some of us (ehm, see Tara's photo above) thought the bottle didn't even qualify to play. Sort of like Jesse's grape juice last month, but you know. Actually alcoholic. The Petite Sirah definitely ISN'T a Syrah/Shiraz, though it is related.

Still - it's a super good wine.

Oh, wine night controversies. How I love you.

Announcement for September Wine Night

For September's Wine Night:

Theme: Malbec
Date: September 10, 2010
Time: 8:00
Location: Sean & Tara's

You are all invited to Sean and Tara's house on the aforementioned date and time for our tenth wine club gathering. The night's theme will be MALBEC, a robust RED wine that has become uniquely identified with Argentina despite being produced throughout the world. As such, every couple/uncoupled individual is responsible for bringing a bottle of MALBEC, which you can find at any liquor store for under $25, to the tasting. Sean and Tara will be providing food pairings to accompany the wine.

GET EXCITED FOR ROUND 10 YOU CRAZY WINOS!!!

Don't forget to RSVP to the Facebook invite!

Meet This Crazy Wino - Selina

Name: Selina
Alias: Belina, Bean, Beanie
Occupation: Occu-what? Well, I am a sociology graduate student if that counts.

When you brag, you brag about: My family is very unique (well, mostly my father) in that we have an organic "farm" with chickens and fresh fruits/vegetables, and we also make our own wine (and it's all so good). Although I admittedly never help on the farm and I'm hardly on Long Island to partake in the wine making, I think all of it is pretty awesome and I feel super lucky to be able to reap the benefits.

What would you do if money was no issue? I would absolutely travel the world, I would actually get those front row center tickets to Radiohead next time around, buy a big boat, a house in New York and another home in Florence, Italy.

Favorite Vintage: 2009 Labriola - Zinfandel (red) OK, so we didn't even personally grow those grapes, but that's the answer I'm giving.
Why? I helped make it!

Your First Wine Experience: I have a terrible memory, so this was definitely not my first wine experience, but it's the earliest one I can vividly remember. It was Valentine's day my freshman year of college and my boyfriend at the time asked someone with a fake ID to buy us a bottle of red wine (how romantic). He wound up bringing us a bottle of Kelly's Revenge Shiraz. We sat down on my bedroom floor where we had set up an indoor dinner picnic of sorts (who knows why) and realized we didn't have a corkscrew to open the bottle. Ultimately we pushed the cork all the way down inside and every time we poured ourselves a glass the cork would obstruct the flow and red wine would spray out everywhere. I'm pretty sure I ruined my shirt, and probably the carpet.

What makes you a crazy wino? I think I read somewhere, "You know you're a wino when you brush your teeth and you spit out purple." True story.

Favorite Quote: "I saw this wino, he was eating grapes. I was like, 'Dude, you have to wait!'" - Mitch Hedberg.

Personal Motto: As the respected philosopher and great friend Darafucious always says, "You must be like the jello mold... just jiggle with it."

Top 3 items on your Bucket List: Get married, explore all 50 states, create a bucket list.

Top Choice Actor to play you for Our Monthly Wine Club - The Movie: Snooki

July Wine Night - Sauvignon Blanc

Host

Alissa

Date

July 9, 2010

Bottles

2006 Gordon Brothers Cellars - Kate
2008 Rapura Springs - Tom
2008 Chamarre Grand Reserve - Evan & Jess
2008 Bogel - Wil
2008 Nobilo Regional Collection - Ari
2008 Monkey Bay - Selina
2009 Francis Ford Coppola - Jon
2009 Puerta Viejo - Amanda
2009 Monkey Bay - Jamie
2009 Rock Rabbit - Derek & Joe
2009 The Infamous Goose - Tara
2009 Groth Vineyards - Sean & Tara
2009 Oyster Bay - Nicole
2009 Les Jamelles - Arianna
2009 Tablelands - Kait & Mike
2009 Monkey Bay - Dane
2009 Hay Maker - Nick

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon blanc is a green-skinned grape variety which originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The grape gets its name from the French word sauvage ("wild") and blanc ("white") due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France. It is now planted in many of the world's wine regions, producing a crisp, dry, and refreshing white varietal wine. Conversely, the grape is also a component of the famous dessert wines from Sauternes and Barsac. Sauvignon blanc is widely cultivated in France, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil and California.

Depending on the climate, the flavor can range from aggressively grassy to sweetly tropical. Wine experts have used the phrase "crisp, elegant, and fresh" as a favorable description of Sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley and New Zealand. Sauvignon blanc, when slightly chilled, pairs well with fish or cheese, particularly Chèvre. It is also known as one of the few wines that can pair well with sushi.

Along with Riesling, Sauvignon blanc was one of the first fine wines to be bottled with a screwcap in commercial quantities, especially by New Zealand producers. The wine is usually consumed young, as it does not particularly benefit from aging, except for some oak-aged Pessac-leognan and Graves from Bordeaux that can age up to fifteen years. Dry and sweet white Bordeaux, typically made with Sauvignon blanc as a major component, is the one exception.

The Results

WINNER: 2009 Les Jamelles Winery - 131 points out of 190
Producer: Les Jamelles Winery
Vineyard: Les Jamelles Winery
Country/State/Region: Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
Price: $11.99
Aroma: Citrus
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Light
Nose: Butter, Apple, Lemon
Taste: Green Apple
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 8, 9, 8, 6, 7, 5.5, 8.5, 7.5, 4.5, 5.5, 8, 8.5, 7, 9, 8, 6, 5.5, 1, 8.5


2009 Tablelands Wine Company - 130.5 points out of 190
Producer: Tablelands Wine Company
Vineyard: Tablelands Wine Company
Country/State/Region: Martinborough, New Zealand
Price: $11.99
Aroma: Floral
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Light
Nose: Butter, Honey, Apricot, Rose
Taste: Rose, Honey
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 7, 7, 6, 3, 6, 6, 6, 7, 6.5, 9, 8, 8, 7, 8, 6.5, 6.5, 7.5, 7

2009 Monkey Bay - 121 points out of 190
Producer: Monkey Bay Wine
Vineyard: Monkey Bay Wine
Country/State/Region: Monkey Bay, New Zealand
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Citrus
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Light
Nose: Lemon, Apple, Honey
Taste: Lemon, Honey, Apricot
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 7.5, 10, 6, 8, 5, 5, 3, 5, 6, 6, 2, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6, 8.5, 8, 9

2009 Hay Maker - 116.5 out of 190
Producer: Mud House Wines Ltd.
Vineyard: Mud House Wines Ltd.
Country/State/Region: Riverlands Estate, New Zealand
Price: $11.99
Aroma: Citrus
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Medium
Nose: Pear, Grapefruit, Honey
Taste: Grapefruit, Honey, Lemon
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 7, 2, 5, 5, 7, 2, 1, 7, 6, 5.5, 9, 5, 10, 10, 9, 6, 7, 5.5, 7.5

2008 Rapaura Springs Ltd. - 115.5 points out of 190
Producer:Rapaura Springs Ltd.
Vineyard: Rapaura Springs Ltd.
Country/State/Region: Spring Creek, New Zealand
Price: $16.99
Aroma: Citrus
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Medium
Nose: Pear, Grapefruit, Orange
Taste: Grapefruit
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 3, 4, 4, 4, 7, 8, 6, 5, 7, 9, 5, 8, 8, 5, 6, 7, 5.5, 6, 8

2009 Groth Vineyards - 104 points out of 190

Producer: Groth Vineyards and Winery
Vineyard: Groth Vineyards and Winery

Country/State/Region: Oakville, California

Price: $18.99

Aroma: Floral

Appearance: Lemon

Body: Light to Medium

Nose: Blue Cheese, Rose, Butter, Brass, Hay, Cheddar

Taste: Cheddar, Almond, Vinegar

Finish: Short

Individual Points: 5.5, 10, 9, 7, 6, 5.5, 5, 3, 4, 6, 7.5, 5, 6, 6.5, 5.5, 6.5, 4, 2, 5

2009 Oyster Bay - 102 out of 190
Producer: Oyster Bay Wines
Vineyard: Oyster Bay Wines
Country/State/Region: Oyster Bay, New Zealand
Price: $13.99
Aroma: Floral, Citrus
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Medium
Nose: Rose, Orange
Taste: Orange, Vanilla, Grapefruit, Lilac
Finish: Short
Individual Points: 4, 5, 6.5, 8, 7, 2, 2, 6, 3, 2, 10, 5, 7, 6, 6, 5.5, 7.5, 6.5, 3

2008 Chamarre Grand Reserve - 99.5 points out of 190

Producer: Chamarre/EMB

Vineyard: Chamarre/EMB

Country/State/Region: Vin de Pays d'Oc, France

Price: $16.99

Aroma: Citrus

Appearance: Lemon

Body: Light

Nose: Grape, Apple, Lime

Taste: Apple, Butter

Finish: Long

Individual Points: 4.5, 5, 8, 4.5, 2, 1, 7, 2, 1, 5, 7, 8, 4, 8, 7.5, 6, 6.5, 6.5, 6


2008 Bogel - 99.5 points out of 190

Producer: Bogel Vineyards
Vineyard: Bogels Vineyards

Country/State/Region: Clarksburg, California

Price: $13.99

Aroma: Citrus, Oak, Floral

Appearance: Lemon

Body: Light

Nose: Butter, Oak, Rose, Honey

Taste: Butter, Oak, Lime

Finish: Short

Individual Points: 7, 9.5, 4.5, 6, 2, 6, 2, 6, 9, 4, 6, 6, 4.5, 5, 6.5, 4, 4, 3.5

2008 Nobilo Regional Collection - 98. 5 out of 190
Producer: Nobilo Wine Group Limited
Vineyard: Nobilo Wine Group Limited
Country/State/Region: Auckland, New Zealand
Price: $13.99
Aroma: Citrus
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Full
Nose: Grapefruit, Lemon, Grass
Taste: Pear, Grapefruit

Finish: Long
Individual Points: 3, 5, 8, 6, 6, 2, 2, 4, 3, 2, 5.5, 5, 7.5, 6, 7, 7, 6, 8

2009 Francis Ford Coppola - 97.5 points out of 190

Producer: Francis Ford Coppola

Vineyard: Francis Ford Coppola

Country/State/Region: Geyserville, California

Price: $14.99

Aroma: Floral

Appearance: Lemon

Nose: Pine, Rose

Taste: Lime, Apricot, Sour Apple

Finish: Short

Individual Points: 3, 2, 3, 6.5, 7.5, 7, 7.5, 2, 7, 8, 5, 6, 5, 6, 5, 6.5, 5, 7.5, 6.5, 7, 5

2009 Puerto Viejo - 93 points out of 190

Producer: Vina Requingua
Vineyard: Vina Requingua

Country/State/Region: Curico Valley, Chile

Price: $12.99

Aroma: Citrus

Appearance: Lemon

Body: Medium

Nose: Butter

Taste: Coconut, Pineapple

Finish: Short

Individual Points: 2, 3, 1, 2.5, 1, 1.5, 5, 4, 8, 5, 6, 8, 6, 7, 6.5, 4, 7, 8, 7.5

2009 Monkey Bay Wine - 91.5 out of 190
Producer: Monkey Bay Wine
Vineyard: Monkey Bay Wine
Country/State/Region: Monkey Bay, New Zealand
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Spice
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Medium
Nose: Apricot, Jalapeno, Honey
Taste: Apple, Jalapeno
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 6, 2, 6, 6, 6, 2, 8, 1, 0, 6, 8, 5, 1, 6, 6, 6, 8.5, 6, 6.5

2009 Rock Rabbit - 90 points out of 190

Producer: Rock Rabbit Winery

Vineyard: Rock Rabbit Winery

Country/State/Region: Graton, California

Price: $9.99

Aroma: Citrus, Floral

Appearance: Lemon

Body: Medium

Nose: Lime, Grapefruit, Lemon, Butter, Rose, Nectar

Taste: Butter, Grapefruit, Lemon, Sour Apple

Finish: Short

Individual Points: 6.5, 8, 7, 9, 1, 1, 1, 5, 3, 4, 6, 7, 5, 5, 6, 4, 5, 3, 3.5

2009 The Infamous Goose - 81.5 points out of 190

Producer: Mother Goose Wines Ltd.
Vineyard: Mother Goose Wines Ltd.

Country/State/Region: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Price: $12.99

Aroma: Citrus

Appearance: Lemon

Body: Medium

Nose: Lime, Grapefruit

Taste: Pineapple, Pine, Grapefruit

Finish: Long

Individual Points: 4, 5, 2.5, 2, 2, 2, 3, 5, 3, 2, 4.5, 4, 8, 3, 5, 7, 5, 6, 6.5

2008 Monkey Bay Wine - 79 out of 190
Producer: Monkey Bay Wine
Vineyard: Monkey Bay Wine
Country/State/Region: Monkey Bay, New Zealand
Price: $9.99
Aroma: Floral
Appearance: Lemon
Body: Light
Nose: Pear, Grass
Taste: Grass, Butter, Sour Apple, Earth, Hay
Finish: Long
Individual Points: 2, 2, 6, 7, 5, 3, 2, 5, 3, 5, 4, 5, 2, 5.5, 5, 6, 5, 2, 4.5

2006 Gordon Brothers Cellars - 19 points out of 190

Producer: Gordon Brothers Cellars Inc.

Vineyard: Gordon Brothers Cellars Inc.
Country/State/Region: Pasco, Washington

Price: $14.99

Aroma: Spice

Appearance: Lemon

Body: Light

Nose: Sea Salt

Taste: Oil, Acetone

Finish: Long

Individual Points: 2, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1.5, 0, 0, 0, 0.5, 3, 0, 0.5, 1, 4, 5, 2, 1, 0, 0

Comments

By far the largest wine night we've ever had, with over 25 in attendance and 19 votes. (Derek and his friends left early because they were too cool for us, so their votes didn't count.) I have to say - we definitely hit the max amount of pours per bottle. 20 odd pours tapped each bottle out with a little more than a sip for each person.

Still, as evidenced by the photo above, everyone managed to still get pretty sloppy. And then they went in the pool! And then that ended really well! Just kidding - drunken swimming is safe and fine. You're sure to only have one concussion per. (WINK).

Jesse made his wine night debut - with a bottle of cider which he sneakily entered into the running. I mean, I thought it tasted great. A bit like green tea Snapple and I was all over giving that shit a 9.5. But Jamie and Evan weren't tricked. They both gave it a 0. Sauvignon Blanc doesn't taste like this, they said. (SNOBS) Still, the bottle came in FIRST PLACE. It was only then that Jamie read the label - 100% GRAPE JUICE.

Thanks, Jesse. Thanks.