We have two reasons to select the Ruffino Modus 2009 for tonight. The first is that it’s Friday and second is that we’re making meatballs for dinner. Starting with the wine, Modus is a Tuscan red blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot. The understated cherry and dark berry aromas support theContinueContinue reading “Modus and Meatballs”
Author Archives: J Reilly
Oak Ridge Zinfandel Throw Down
We’ve recently been enjoying wines from Oak Ridge Winery in Lodi, California. For our throw down we’ll pit a 2012 Oak Ridge Old Vine Zinfandel at a cost of about $14 against their 2011 Reserve Zinfandel which costs $24. Our goal is to see if we can taste a $10 difference. The $14 Zinfandel exhibitsContinueContinue reading “Oak Ridge Zinfandel Throw Down”
Gin Drink Lab – Discovering the Martini
Who knew that making a “perfect” martini could be so controversial?
Manhattan Cocktail Drink Lab
New Year’s Eve with a few friends may not present the best opportunity to conduct a scientific drink lab but it sure is a fun way to get the party started! The Tiki lounge is set up with three whiskeys, three sweet vermouths, and Angostura regular and orange bitters. The buffet table offers a varietyContinueContinue reading “Manhattan Cocktail Drink Lab”
Gnarled Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
We went to a trade show recently and were very impressed with the wines from Oak Ridge Winery in Lodi, California. Moss Roxx Ancient Vine Zinfandel is especially first-rate and the Oak Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon and Ancient Vine Zinfandel are very good value wines at about $14 retail. At our local wine store, the OakContinueContinue reading “Gnarled Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2012”
Still wine tastes fizzy
We had a curious tasting experience with a bottle of organic Argentinian red wine, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec. The pour had a dark ruby color and lively cherry nose. Blackberry and bittersweet chocolate presented on the palate. So far, so good. Then we noticed a slight fizziness. Why would a still wine beContinueContinue reading “Still wine tastes fizzy”
H3 Horse Heaven Hills Les Chevaux Red Blend 2011
The H3 Red Blend from Columbia Crest Winery can be categorized as a value wine that delivers a lot for the price. The winery is located along the Columbia River in eastern Washington State. This dark ruby blend is comprised of Syrah and Merlot. The nose starts with blueberry jam followed by a layer ofContinueContinue reading “H3 Horse Heaven Hills Les Chevaux Red Blend 2011”
A Night of Frank Sinatra in NYC
We live only a short trip to Manhattan, but for all the City has to offer, we don’t go there nearly enough. Saturday was the exception with a fun-filled itinerary of adult activities organized by my brother-in-law. We arrived a half hour before the meeting time and found a small park to admire the buildingContinueContinue reading “A Night of Frank Sinatra in NYC”
Sidecar Drink Lab
The classic Sidecar is made from brandy, triple sec and lemon. For this drink lab we are using Hennessy VS Cognac, Rose’s lemony Sweet and Sour Drink mix, and testing four different triple sec ingredients. Alternately, E&J Brandy works well instead of cognac. If you prefer fresh natural lemon juice over Rose’s but like someContinueContinue reading “Sidecar Drink Lab”
Bogle Essential Red
In keeping with drinking on a budget, we tend to save our better, and usually pricier wines, for the weekends. Our weekday wines are of the “best bang for the buck” value variety. Bogle Essential Red is the newcomer to our weekday wine collection. This red blend is comprised of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. TheContinueContinue reading “Bogle Essential Red”
Boozy Lifestyle© 