Ginerosat - Priorat 2007

Dedicated readers of this space know that I'm crazy for Roses on a hot summer night - while Mrs. Vino is more selective - leaning towards the bolder (and redder) of the Roses - if that makes any sense. Wine is meant to be shared so I inquire about some bolder Roses at my favorite wine store in Holliston. The proprietor suggests this Grenache and Merlot blend from the Priorat region in Catalan Spain. This DOC region in Spain is known for their bold wines where the vine roots thrive in slate and quartz soil. This Rose may be the boldest I've ever enjoyed - so good suggestion! Now that I've probably purchased 5+ cases of wine from the propietor do you suppose I should get to know her name? What a reserved Yankee I really am. Next time. Anyway, the wine screams cherry at me - but I also keep finding other strong flavors: citrus/acid and perhaps the power of suggestion has taken hold - but it has a slatey flavor. I'll certainly save some for Mrs Vino for tomorrow night. Tonight she's cooing over Bon Jovi with her Book (drinking) Club buddies. What an interesting wine! I hope you can find it. I paid $15 - prior to my 20% case (plus:) discount!

Line 39 Cab - Lake County 2007

On a recent weekend, Mrs. Vino and I stole away for a visit to some Massachusetts wineries. (Our dedication knows no bounds!) That evening we weren't interested in lots of wine, so we ordered glasses and Mrs. Vino chose the parellell 39 Cabernet. She liked it immediately and tonight we tried our own bottle at home. Apparently some of the best wines in the world come from wineries along the 39th parallel. This wine comes from Lake County which is just north of Napa. Lots of flavor and very fruit forward. Mrs. Vino dug deep and noted that it was like a fig newton - which was accurate both in flavor and texture. I see other web wine reviewers saying it is a summer sipper - so maybe we've picked the right summer night to open this one - because it is 85 degrees - and we've got it chilled a bit! Look for it before the summer ends! I think you'll find it and be pleased with the wine - and it's value, of course!

Domaine du Chateau d' Eau - Moillard

Comfortable in my masculinity, I'm never afraid to go pink - at least in the summer. This 2008 somehow survived last summer in my basement and I couldn't motivate to pull it out over the winter. So while I'm a little late in getting to this one, I threw it in for the 4th of July weekend (2010) in Maine and very glad I did. The color of this rose stands out as my whole family notices its' deeper rustier colors. I find it has just a bit more weight than most roses and that finding is confirmed when Mrs. Vino tries - and likes this wine. She's typically not a rose fan. As the wine is 70% syrah, I wonder if the boldness of that varietal is giving it more oomph. This wine would go with almost any foods - but we actually enjoyed it with lobster by the lake - on a warm summer night! Happy Birthday USA! (70% Syrah and 30% Cinsault)