Wine Appraiser

It is Austria’s most planted wine grape. Named after Dr. Zweigelt who developed the variety in 1922 from a cross of Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent. The wine is known for being bright, tart, and fruity. Zweigelt can also make great rose’ sparkling wines. In Austria sparkling wine is known as Sekt.People say the wine compares to a Pinot Noir.Tonight, we are tasting:2020 Johann Schwarz “The Butcher” Zweigelt. I purchased the wine from Gateway Market in Des Moines for $21.99. It is 100% Zweigelt and has 12.5% alcohol. It comes from Burgenland region of Austria and received an 85 rating from the WineEnthusiast. Aromas of cherry, dark berries, herbs, and spices. Balanced palate with firm tannins and flavors of cherry and oak.We both unfortunately did not like this wine and rated it a 2. We did not get the tart and acid that is described and found it to be flat and flabby. We promise to give the variety another try later. Next week, we are having a tasting that I am super excited for. We have two Chenin Blanc-Viognier blends. Both are inexpensive, but one was listed as #27 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines.

Tonight, we are tasting three wines. Two will be around $10, and a third wine will be over $20. Can we taste the difference?Tonight, we are tasting:2022 Epicuro Aglianico from Puglia, Italy. Purchased from Trader Joe’s for $5.99. Blackberry and cherry with light spicy notes. Smooth and velvety. 13% alcohol. Single varietal wine, fermented in stainless steel tanks followed by maturation on the lees for several months before bottling. Does have some residual sugar. 2023 Tribunal Red Wine from the North Coast of California. Purchased at Trader Joe’s for $12.00. Bold and full-bodied. Jammy fruit forward wine with lots of spice. People say it can be a little hot, but pairs well with burgers, pizza, and tacos.2017 Skylark las aves from the North Coast of California. This was purchased from Wine Styles for around $25. Mendocino County California. A Spanish inspired blend of 33% Carignane, 27% Syrah, 26% Grenache, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. Received a 92 rating from Wilfred Wong. Aromas of red cherry and raspberry, floral violet, and forest floor.Denise liked the $12 wine, the Tribunal. I preferred the $25 Skylark. However, if you like fruity, jammy, oaky red wines, and are looking for a bargain. You might want to try the Tribunal. I can really indorse the Skylark. I found this to be very smooth with good acidity and very well balanced. Next week, we are having our first Austrian wine, a Zweigelt.

Tonight, we are tasting a Champagne and celebrating the past year. We are drinking a LeMesnil Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne. It is 100% chardonnay and comes from the Grand Cru vineyards of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. It is a dry wine with flavors of citrus (lemon & orange), white flowers, peach, almond blossom, brioche, pie crust, biscuit, chalky minerality, and a creamy finish. It is aged on the lees for years and the grapes are grown in chalky soils. It costs around $50.Best show moment – top three count down.12/17/25 Dennis the wine grape going into the wine press.10/1/25 Ned and Mertal started the show.5/7/2025 Mothers Day we did 70’s slang.Next week we will have the first show of the new year. Budget show with 2 wines from around $10 and one at around $20.

Tonight, we are recapping some of our favorite wines of the past year.The winner for the best buy would be from our 6/26/2025 show on Italian wines. A 2022 Madia Torre Zambra Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. We purchased this wine from Costco for $7.99. We both loved the wine and scored it a 4.We also loved the Stone Hill Dry Rose which we tasted on our 5/28/2025 show about Rose'. We purchased this wine from the Winery in Missouri and paid $13.00. Again, we both loved the wine and rated it a 4.My favorite overall wine came from the 7/23/2025 show. It is a 2020 Infinito Monastrell that was purchased at Costco for $14.99. I loved the wine and scored it a 4, Denise was less enthusiastic and rated it a 3. We also had some Honorable Mentions. Oregon Pinot NoirCalifornia Petite Sirah Sonoma Old Vine ZinfandelTonight we are tasting two Cabernet Sauvignons from Chile. They are.2019 Santa Ema Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva from the Maipo Valley, Chile. It received a 90 rating from the Wine Spectator. Aromas of cherries and prunes with notes of menthol, tobacco, and toast. Ripe tannins and tremendous structure. Perfect for grilled meats. 13.5% alcohol. I purchased this wine from Costco for $7.99.2019 Vivendo Cabernet Saquvignon. It is also from the Cachapoal Valley, Chile, but comes from high altitude vineyards. (1600 meters) 14.0% alcohol and comes from the Calyptra Winery. Notes of black cherries, fresh plums, blueberries, along with a floral hint. Smooth tannins and juicy acidity. Tank-aged for 12 months and then bottle-aged for a least 12 months. I purchased this wine from Winestyles for around $20.00.We both liked this wines. Denise rated both wines a 4 and I gave them both a 3 rating. Very different wines, but both are good. The Santa Ema (#1) is a darker and very fruit forward wine. The Vivendo (#2) is dark fruit, but lacks the spiciness and oak of #1. However, the Vivendo is probably a more complex and earthy Cabernet.Next week, its New Years so we will be tasting some Champagne and talking about the past year. Things we are thankful for, list of things we have learned about wine this year, and what's in store for 2026.

Tonight, we are tasting and learning about the red-wine blend Amarone della Valpolicella.This wine is a dried-grape wine. It’s a red wine blend. I’m not going into the varieties because I’ve never heard of them.Amarone has to be aged for at least two years, four for wines labeled riserva.Until the 1950’s this wine was not really exported, but is now popular in Scandinavia, Germany, and the United States.By law the grapes must be dried at least until the first of December. The drying process results in a metabolization of the acids and a polymerization of tannins in the skins. (The wine becomes smoother) In normal language, the wine goes from bitter and tart to creamy.In recent years, the trend has been toward wines with less oak, less residual sugar, and less alcohol. Tonight, we are enjoying:2021 Tutela Amarone della Valpolicella. I purchased this wine from Costco for $30.99. The wine comes from the DOCG region which is from Veneto region of Italy, near the town of Verona. The grapes used are dried for 120 days on their clusters before a long fermentation process. the wine has 15% alcohol and a deep dark ruby red color. It has aromas of chocolate, herbs, tobacco, and currants. Full-bodied wines with pronounced tannins and a long finish. Drink now through 2038. Scored a 91 from the wine enthusiast.We both loved this wine. Denise scored it a 4 and I gave it a 5.Next week, its Christmas and we will do some recapping of the past year and talk about our favorite wines.

Tonight, we are tasting and learning about the red wine grape Blatina, and doing a quick overview of Bosnian wine.Blatina is a red wine grape variety mostly grown in Herzegovina region of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was traditionally used as a blending grape with Alicante Bouschet, Merlot, and Trnjak. With the main grape being Trnjak. It produces a dark red wine and is made both in stainless steel and oak barrels. It often has spicy and coffee notes, and developes more chocolatey flavors with age. It does not self-pollinate, so it has to be planted with other varieties to produce fruit.Tonight, we are enjoying:2020 Vinogradi Nuic Blatina Barrique. I purchased this wine from a local wine store Gateway Market for $32.00. It is made from the Blatina grape variety and comes from the Nuic Winery in the Mostar Wine Region. It is aged for 12 months in barrique and 3 months in stainless steel. The wine has 15% alcohol and a deep dark ruby red color. It has aromas of chocolate, herbs, tobacco, and currants. Full-bodied wines with pronounced tannins and a long finish.  Next week, we are having a new wine for us, Amarone della Valpolicella.

Tonight, we are tasting and learning about the red wine grape Petite Sirah.In the past, I thought Petite Sirah must be just a small grape variety of Syrah. I was wrong. Well then, what is it?The grape is also known as Durif, that is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. The grape has thick skins which give the wine a dark color. Today California has about 12,000 acres planted to Petite Sirah, making it the 6th most planted red variety. California is the main location where the grape is grown. You will also find some in Australia, but very little remains in Europe. Petite Sirah is known for having lots of fruit flavor, full-bodied, high tannins, and high alcohol. Acid is normally medium. Cooler climates will give you similar characteristics as Syrah such as pepper, cured meat, and violets. I read the grape was many times misidentified before DNA testing showed what it really was. Pairs with tomato-based dishes. Also pairs well with sharp cheddars, pecorino, or Parmigiano Reggiano. Tonight, we are enjoying: 2021 Criss Cross Wines Petite Sirah. I purchased this wine from a local wine store Gateway Market for $15.99. Aged in French and American Oak. 99.5% Petite Sirah, 0.5% other varietals. Comes from Clarksburg, California. 4.4 g/L residual sugar and has a 3.89 pH. Aromas of Black plum, cassis, chicory, spice. Flavors of black strawberry, raspberry, cinnamon, blood orange zest, mineral, bittersweet chocolate, and silky tannins. It received a 92 rating and a “best buy rating” from the Wine Enthusiast.  2021 Foppiano Estate Grown Petite Sirah. The wine comes from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. I purchased the wine at Gateway Market for $24.99. It received a 91 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. They say Juicy blackberries and black cherries are lightly accented by mint and chocolate. It is a full-bodied dark-colored wine. Tannins merge with fruit to produce a well-balanced wine.  We really enjoyed both of these wines. If you like a dark, fruit-forward, earthy, spicy wine – you should give these wines a try. Both wines received very good scores from the Wine Enthusiast, and we both agreed and gave both wines a 4-rating. Next week, we are having a Bosnian wine.

Tonight, Denise selected our wine because of it’s unique label, but it is also a new variety for us to taste. We have never had a single variety Macabeo. This grape variety is normally used in blends, and is one of the main grapes used in Cava.The wine comes from a newer winery, Parajes del Valle that started in 2018. The winemaker is just 28 years old, but it seems she is very well regarded. They are Certified Organic. One website said the wine is excellent with crab legs.Tonight, we are enjoying:2023 Macabeo Ecologico. It is described as having juicy pear, green apple and citrus with bright acidity and a fresh mineral edge. The grapes are hand-picked, fermentation is started in stainless steel tanks with wild yeasts, and is finished in concrete for 15 days. Minimal sulphur is added after fermentation. The wine is stored in the concrete tanks until bottling. Bright; clean and crisp white fruit on the nose with yellow apple; crunchy pear and a bit of ripe green citrus. The palate is super clean and fresh with heaps of upfront acidity; lime and crisp yellow apple. There is a subtle floral note at the back and a little softer pear and melon. Mouthwatering.Denise liked the wine a lot, but thought it really needed to be paired with some food. I was less of a fan, but mostly because it just isn't my type of wine. We both gave it a three rating, Denise being a high three and close to four, and myself a low three close to a two.Next week we will taste and learn about Petite Sirah.

Tonight, we selected our wine because of it's beautiful label. Oak Farm Vineyards is from Lodi, California. The wine is estate-grown. The bottle is clear with a small plaque identifying the wine, with a black sketch of a tree growing around it. The tree is a mass of branches, limbs, and leaves growing around the plaque. Albarino is one of the main Spanish white wine grapes. Characterized by high acidity and thick skins. Albo means white in Spanish. The grape does well in hot climates and can also withstand humidity. Most Spanish Albarino wine has an alcohol level below 12.5%, but tonight’s wine is 13.5%. Albarino is also known for its minerality, which makes it great for pairing with seafood. Tonight, we are enjoying:2022 Oak Farm Vineyards Estate Grown Albarino. It is described as a crisp, medium-light-bodied white wine with floral aromas and citrusy flavors. The wine was purchased from the Gateway Market, in Des Moines for $20. It has flavors of grapefruit, honeydew melon, and a bright, minerally finish. I believe it was fermented in stainless-steel tanks with a bit of lees aging. Next week, we are having the second of Denise’s label shows, a wine she picked because of it’s unique label. It is the 2023 Parajes del Valle Macabeo Manchuela Ecológico.

Tonight, we are tasting and learning about the hybrid wine grape Baco Noir. This is a French Hybrid wine grape. Baco Noir is an easy-to-grow grape that produces a medium to full-bodied wine with fresh acidity and dark fruit flavors hinting of black pepper and tobacco. Wines made of Baco Noir can also have notes of licorice, cedar, and smoke. Normally it will have medium tannins.Pairs with tomato-based dishes. Also pairs well with sharp cheddars, pecorino, or Parmigiano Reggiano.Tonight, we are enjoying:2020 Heron Hill Vineyards Baco Noir Reserve. This is from the Finger Lakes region of New York, specifically the vineyard is located on the western slope of Keuka Lake. I purchased it from Wine Styles in West Des Moines for approximately $25. Aromas of plum, black cherry, and dried blueberry. Medium to full-bodied. 13.9% alcohol, pH of 3.55, and 0% residual sugar. It is aged for 10 months in neutral French oak, and has medium-to-full body. The winery says this wine is great to be cellared for up to 15 years. 2023 Chloe, Monterey County Pinot Noir. Notes of strawberry and black cherry. This is around a $15 bottle of wine and can be found at many of the major retail stores. Subtle hints of clove and vanilla. Silky mouthfeel and soft finish. 14.0% alcohol. Neither of us cared for the Chloe Pinot Noir and both scored it a 2. We finished our glass but would not purchase this wine again. We both enjoyed the Heron Hill Winery Baco Noir. I gave it a 4 and Denise scored it a 3. I agree with Denise that it is not the most complex wine, but I just loved the easy and pleasing aroma and taste. It is very fruit forward with flavors of plum and blueberry. I got some earthiness and spice on the nose, but flavor is mostly over-powered by the fruit.Next week, we are having Denise’s show, a wine she picked because of it’s pretty label. It is the Oak Farm Vineyards 2022 Albarino.

Tonight, we are trying a Kabinett Riesling from Mosel, Germany. Just for some added fun we also have an Emma Reichart Dry Riesling from Rheinhessen, Germany. So what is a Kabinett (Cabby – Net) and what are other words used to describe the sweetness in German wines. Trocken is the German word for dry. Kabinett has crisp acidity, green apple, citrus and delicate floral notes. Good for an aperitif and pair nicely with light seafood dishes and salads. Dry to a little sweet. Spatlese is a late harvested wine so will have riper stone fruit, touches of honeyed and tropical notes, and acidity. These wines pair well with spicy foods and soft cheeses. Auslese is made from fully ripe fruit and may even have some “Nobel rot”. It has flavors of apricot, honey, and caramelized apple. Pairs with desserts and strong blue cheese. Hint: you can often tell the level of sweetness from the alcohol level. Anything over 11% alcohol will typically be dry. Less than 11% will probably have some level of sweetness. Tonight, our two wines are: 2023 Karl Kaspar Riesling Kabinett. It is an off-dry Riesling with a classic Mosel profile. Intense mineral and floral aromas, low alcohol and a wonderful balance between sweetness and crisp acidity. The grapes come from two single vineyard sites of stoney, slate soil. Grapes of different ripeness levels are used. 45% Riesling Spatlese from middle Mosel and 55% Riesling Kabinett from the lower Mosel. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Serve well chilled. Excellent aperitif or with fish or poultry. 2024 Emma Reichart Dry Riesling. This wine was purchased from Trader Joe’s for $5.99 and comes from the Rheinhessen region of Germany. Flavors of peach, citrus, and slate. Crisp. The wine received a Bronze Award and a score of 88 from Decanter. This is considered a medium-dry wine with residual sugar from 5 to 18 g/L. It has 11.5% alcohol.We both liked the wines and gave them a three rating. Denise liked the Emma Reichart, but I found it to be a little sweet and lacked the balance of the Karl Kaspar. Next week, we return to the USA. We will taste the hybrid wine grape Baco Noir. The wine comes from New York, and we will also talk about its wine industry.

Champagne must be made in the traditional method.A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The wine comes from the grand cru village of Verzenay in the Champagne region of France.Tonight, we are tasting:NV Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. The grapes come from the grand cru village of Verzenay. Matures in the bottle for 15 months. It is made by wine maker Manuel Janisson who doesn’t really market his wines in the US, but his least expensive wines range from $40 to $50 per bottle. The wine has a rich texture and has notes of gingerbread, orange, peaches, and citrus. The Reverse Wine Snob reports aromas of lime, lemon, apple, and a bit of freshly baked bread and some floral. Flavors of creamy yet crisp lemon zest, lime, and green apple. Also has some minerality.  Pairs with salty foods, white meat, and sweet potatoes. We both loved this wine and rated it a 4. Sparkling wine is not our go to wine, but we will buy this again. If you haven't tried it, put it on your list. Next week, we are trying a wine that is new to us. It is a German Riesling Kabinett. We will find out what that means and see if this will be our Thanksgiving wine. 

Kendall-Jackson's chardonnay is made using grapes grown in the cool, coastal regions of California, which gives the wine its crisp, clean flavor. Whole cluster pressed and made in small vineyard lots throughout the winemaking process. Sur lie aging with monthly battonage (lees stirring) giving the wine silky texture and creamy flavor. Aged for 3 months in 44% French Oak (4% new) and 50% American Oak (7% new).Tonight, our three wines are:2023 Louis Dailly Fondateur Chablis. This wine costs around $17.00 and was purchased at Costco. It comes from Chablis region of Burgundy. It has notes of apples, wet stones and lemons. It is medium-bodied, clean and fresh. Drink now.2023 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. This was purchased from Costco for $11.00. This is the #1 selling Chardonnay in the US for the past 30-years. It comes from cool coastal climates.  13.5% alcohol. Aromas of vanilla and honey. Flavors of pineapple, mango, papaya, with notes of citrus. Also has a hint of toasted oak and butter. Comes from California, 48% Monterey County, 29% Mendocino County, and 23% Santa Barbara County. Pairs well with fish dishes. We both enjoyed both wines, but we both preferred the Kendall-Jackson. This surprised both of us since we typically like unoaked Chardonnay.  Next week, we are getting ready for the holidays and will be tasting the Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne.

Asti is a town in the Piemonte region of Italy. It is a DOCG-recognized wine area, the highest level in Italy. I have heard that specifically looking for a Barbera from Asti is worth the search. Tonight, we will check out this theory.Barbera has a deep ruby color, light to medium body, and is known for its high acid levels. In the past it was known for being a high-production, every-day drinking wine. However, during the past twenty or thirty years, it has become a more serious wine variety, and many different styles can be found. Producers have started aging Barbera in barrels and producing the wine from vineyards with lower yields, which concentrates the juice. The DOC’s have different maximum yield levels, and Asti has the lowest production levels. The best Asti vineyards are planted with Barbera. The best Alba (a nearby town) vineyards are reserved for Nebbiolo.A tell for the style might be the alcohol level. A less concentrated Barbera may have an alcohol content of 11-12%, while a richer, more intense wine can be 13% or higher. Tonight, our two wines are:2022 Lavignone Barbera D’Asti. I purchased this wine from Gateway Market in Des Moines for $24.99.  According to the Wine Enthusiast, the nose on this wine jumps out of the glass with intense aromas of blueberries and plums, followed by violets and warm savory spices. The palate is very primary, with juicy and candied blackberries in the forefront, accompanied by subtle herbal and earthy notes that emerge and recede, finishing with energetic acidity. It received a score of 87 from the Wine Enthusiast, and has 13.5% alcohol. Cooper’s Hawk Barbera features a deep ruby color with a nose of boysenberry, sour cherry, tobacco, and nutmet shifting to a palate with tart berries, full tannins, and noticeable acidity on a persistent finish. It is described as medium-bodied with lively acidity, and the fruit intensity offers notes of ripe cherry and raspberry, with subtle spice and earthiness, and a soft, smooth finish. We both loved the Barbera d'Asti, and rated it a 4. So the next time you want an Italian wine, give it a try.Next week, we will blind taste three differently priced white wines and see if we can find a good affordable white wine.

Tonight, we are tasting the 2023 Kirkland California Signature Cabernet Sauvignon box wine. To make the tasting more interesting and less biased, we will blindly taste against a bottle of Cabernet. This is a 3L box. A typical bottle is ¾ of a L, so it is the equivalent of 4 bottles. They say the box will last 4-6 weeks after opening, but expect it to be half that long.Tonight, our three wines are:2023 Kirkland Signature California Cabernet Sauvignon. I purchased this 3L box from Costco for $15.99.  According to tastings.com https://www.tastings.com/ Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of black plum, leather and clove, pepper and purple flowers, and cedar and herbs with a velvety, lively, dry medium body and a tingling, appealing, medium-length finish displaying overtones of black cherry, black currant and boysenberry, herbs, and leather and spice with medium, well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. Approachable but still Cabernet fruit dominant; this is what California table wine should be. This wine received a 93 rating from The  Wine Enthusiast and was a “Best Buy”. The Wine Enthusiast says Juicy flavors of red fruit and black cherry with notes of lightly spiced oak and a soft finish. 2019 The Seventy Five Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon Feliz Creek Vineyard. This was purchased from Costco for around $20. It received an 86 from the Wine Enthusiast. It says bay-leaf, clove and juicy plum flavors give this smooth, medium-bodied wine a savory profile. From The Winemaker: Grown in Mendocino and Lake Counties, this Cabernet is filled with aromas of fresh cherry and cinnamon. On the palate, it's silky smooth with notes of strawberry and blackberry, culminating in a long, lingering finish with just a hint of dark chocolate from a year spent aging on French oak.We found both wines very drinkable, but we both preferred the Kirkland Signature Box Wine. We rated both wines a 3, but I was close to a 4 on the box wine. The Feliz Creek Vineyard wine was fruit-forward and oaky. Denise had a hard time with the Feliz Creek Wine and its higher alcohol level (14.8%). I found the Kirkland to have better balance, more earthiness, and better wine. Next week, can you tell the difference between a Barbera from anywhere and a (DOCG) Barbera d'Asti? We will find out.

Tonight, we have three red wines and each one cost under $10. As in most of our shows, we know the three wines we will be tasting, but we will blind-taste them. Can we find a wine that we like for under $10?  Tonight, our three wines are:2019 Badet Clement & Co. Revelation Cabernet-Merlot red Bordeaux Blend. I purchased this wine from Trader Joe’s for $6.99. It has 55% Cabernet and 45% Merlot. Nose displays very intense aromas of dark chocolate, cherries, and blackcurrants. Round mature tannins. Medium body with 13.5% alcohol. Fruit forward with some well-done spice, licorice and leather accents. Long finish. RWS calls it a bulk buy. 2021 Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. This wine was purchased from Trader Joe’s for $9.99. The winery calls this wine a dark and fruit-forward, balanced with structure, tannin and a long-lasting finish. Filled with currant, dark cherry, toasted oak, and pipe tobacco notes. Pairs with grilled meats and pasta with hearty sauces.2022 Jose Maria da Fonseca Anticiclone (an-ti-si-KLOH-ni). red wine blend from Portugal. I bought this wine at Costco for $7.99. This wine received a 90 rating from Wine Spectator and it also was named one of the Top 100 Wines of 2024. Wine Spectator says “Balanced and medium-bodied, this fresh red frames flavors of chopped black cherry, blackberry paste, espresso, tobacco, anise and graphite with light, fine tannins.” The Winery is family-owned and has been in business since 1834. We both liked wines #2 and #3. We both preferred the 2021 Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. https://corveliawine.com/ I would caution that you have to like an oaky Cabernet to like this wine, but it was an easy drinking wine.I had the #3 - 2022 Jose Maria da Fonseca Anticiclone wine in a very close second place, and thought this wine was better balanced. Next week, we will taste the Kirkland Cabernet Sauvignon box wine. To make it more interesting, we will also have a bottle of Cabernet and will (blind) taste these two wines to see if we can detect a difference.

Tonight, we are having our third Wine Cocktails Show! We love these shows and I can’t wait to make some of these cocktails for family and friends. We are expecting this show to be more of the same. Tonight, we will one White Wine Cocktail and one Red Wine Cocktails.Last year, our winning cocktail was the Caribou. I actually prefer the Blood Letter Trinidad Sour. So I am crowning it the new champion. We will see if one of the cocktails tonight can take the title. Tonight, we are enjoying:St Germain Cocktail. This is a simple drink to make. Put ice in a Collins glass, pour in 1½  oz. St Germain, 2 oz white or sparkling wine (we used Sauvignon Blanc), 2 oz. club soda. Stir and top with a lemon twist. That’s it – you are done. Enjoy. Devils Margarita. This is for Tequila fans. Pour 1½ oz. Tequila Blanco, 1 oz. fresh lime juice, and ¾ oz. simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake until cold, then strain over ice in a rocks glass. Then float ½ oz. red wine by pouring slowly over the back of a bar spoon. Garnish with a lime wedge.We both loved the St. Germain Cocktail and rated it a 5 and a 4. We both liked the Devils Margarita and rated it a 3.Next week, we will have a Budget Wine Show and all three wines will be under $10. Join us and see if we can find a great wine for under $10.

Tonight, we are having our second Wine Cocktails Show! We loved our first cocktail show and got many comments. We are expecting this year to be more of the same. Tonight we will focus on Red Wine Cocktails.Last year, our winning cocktail was the Carribou. Tonight, we will have one very simple to make drink and a second that is a little more detailed. Also, one will have bourbon in addition to the red wine.So here are our two cocktails for tonight.Tonight, we are enjoying:Kalimotxo. This is a very simple drink to make and is popular in Spain. Put ice in a tall glass, pour in 4 oz. red wine, and top with 4 oz. coke. That’s it – your done. Enjoy. Blood Letter Trinidad Sour. This is for our bourbon drinkers. 1 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. red wine, 12 dashes bitters, ½ oz. maple syrup, ½ oz. lemon juice. Put these ingredients in a shaker over ice. Shake, strain over ice in a regular cocktail glass. Garnish with a burnt lemon peel. Denise loved the Kalimotxo and rated a 5, the Blook Letter she gave a 4. I preferred the Blood Letter and rated it a 5 and gave the Kalimotxo a 4. I see the Kalimotxo more suitable for a patio party drink or summer sipper. Very informal and easy to make. The Blood Letter is more for your holiday party or a more formal gathering. Next week, we are continuing with our wine cocktails show. We will taste two white wine cocktails.

Tonight, we are tasting and learning about two hybrid grape varieties. The first is Traminette and the second is Vidal Blanc. We are tasting a white wine blend of these two grapes. It is the Stone Hill Winery 2022 Hellbender Blanc.First, the Traminette is a hybrid white wine grape originally bred at the University of Illinois in 1965. It is an offspring of Gewurztraminer. Like its parent, it is perfumed and spicy, but less aromatic than its parent. It is pretty versatile, but is normally made into a dry or off-dry wine. The dry wine pairs well with salmon or chili. The off-dry version pairs with spicy dishes such as Thai and curry dishes. The second hybrid grape in our wine tonight is Vidal Blanc. This is the white-wine grape most often used for icewine, but this versatile grape can also produce dry, crisp wines. It makes a medium-bodied wine with notes of pear, honeysuckle, citrus, and candied fruit. Pairs with tomato-based dishes. Also pairs well with cheeses such as sharp Cheddars, Pecorino, or Parmigiano Reggiano.Tonight, we are enjoying:2022 Stone Hill Winery Hellbender Blanc. I purchased from the winery for $15. A fresh and bright white blend with pleasant acidity. Notes of orange blossoms, citrus, green apple, peach, and apricot. Also has notes of minerality and lemongrass. Medium-bodied wine with 13% alcohol and 0.9% residual sugar. We both liked this wine, but didn't love it. We rated it a three. If you like an aromatic wine, you should give it a try. Next week, we are having a wine cocktails show.

Tonight, we are blind-tasting three Pinot Noir wines. All three wines are from the United States, but are priced very differently.Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied, high-acid, fruit-forward wine.Pinot Noir from Oregon is typically more in the Burgundian Style. California Pinot characteristically has a little greater ripeness and spice.Here are our three wines for tonight.Tonight, we are enjoying:2021 Firesteed Pinot Noir. This wine comes from Oregon and was purchased at Costco for $9.99, but I see it online for closer to $13. Reverse Wine Snob says it has aromas of black cherry, baking spice, touches of cranberry. The grapes are sourced from around the state of Oregon. Aging took place in a combination of small French oak barrels and larger stainless-steel tanks. Approximately 15% new French oak. The winemaker says it has red fruits, earthy notes, and toast. Silky tannins complement the long lingering finish of spice, vanilla, and French oak. 2022 Stoller Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, Oregon. This was purchased from Wall to Wall Wine for $23.99. 3.59 pH. No more than 15% in oak. This wine gets an 89 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. It says a dusty black cherry aroma dominates faint traces of earthy oregano and citrus. Invigorating acidity overshadows silky tannins. Blackberry and walnut flavors joined by a note of dark chocolate, green tea and lemon. 90 from Vinous.2022 Three Sticks Pinot Noir. I purchased this from the winery for $75. All of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation and is aged in 100% French oak (44% new) for 15 months. The wine has a pH of 3.4.We both gave all three wines a thumbs up. Denise gave the Three Sticks Pinot Noir a 5 rating, but still enjoyed the other two. I actually liked the Stoller the best, but gave a 4 rating to both the Stoller and the Three Sticks. It really depends on your preference in wine. The Three Sticks is much heavier oaked, spicy, and with darker fruit flavors. The Stoller is the complete opposite being very subdued and very balanced. Next week, we will be exploring more hybrid wines.