So, I’m a tease… it’s not the first time I’ve been told it! But at least I meet the standards and follow-up to my actions. And while last week I may have left you hanging with “4 Whites” to get you jazzed up for Spring, its only fair I give a little love to my red (and rose) wine lovers too. So its time we cue, “4 Reds to Jumpstart Spring”.
’04 La Noble Merlot
Everyone needs a good screw… cap that is (get your mind out of the gutter!). This screw cap red comes from the Vin de Pays region in France and offers great flavor at a stunning value. That’s right, for just $10 (or under) you’ll get a medium bodied mix of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, prominent with a decadent cherry flavor. Best news… you can sip it now or 2-3 years down the road. And who said your money couldn’t go a long way?
Cost: $10/bottle
Where to Buy: NJ Wine Center
Olympic Cellars “Rose the Riveter”
Work it, work it! No seriously… this semi-dry Rose is made by Working Girl Wines and has a satisfyingly sweet taste that’ll “work it” on your tongue. Its bright ruby color matches its juicy currant and raspberry flavors. Serve it chilled and it’ll be like a fruit explosion in your mouth and a memory all its own during any Springtime picnic. And if you really want to go buck-wild, pair it with a cheese plate.
Cost: $14/bottle
Where to Buy: Christopher’s Wine & Cheese
’04 Stanley Lambert Black Sheep
When you think “black sheep” you likely think about some crazy uncle or even one of your siblings. There’s always someone or something that can be a little different than the rest of its kind, and the same goes for wine; hence the name of Stanley Lambert’s medley of Shiraz, Malbec and Merlot. Because of the diversity of the grapes, this medium bodied wine offers a variety of flavors, from blackberry to raspberry and even some cherry and oak. Its silky smooth texture makes it an easy red to toss back on a midsummer’s night.
Cost: $22/bottle
Where to Buy: Stanley Lambert
’06 Elderton Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’re looking for a fuller body, put a little south in your mouth. Elderton is one of Australia’s most notable, and for good reason. This fuller bodied blend of Shiraz and Cab is not only a rich color of purple, it’s also rich in its properties. With hints of violet and cherry, this wine was aged in American oak so don’t be surprised if you also get coconut and vanilla flavors. It’s a pretty versatile wine, so you can even pop it open during a BBQ!
Cost: $14/bottle
Where to Buy: Sam’s Wine
As founder of WinoBee.com, Stacy enjoys being spontaneous with her selections and aims to provide a forum for wine lovers of all levels, sans the snobbery.
Vin de pays region? Not exactly. NIce find on that Elderton.
Woops – I think it was meant to say “origin” vs. “region.” Thanks for catching!
To clarify for beginners, Vin De Pays is a term used by the French that identifies the wine carries a certain geographic designation… it essentially means “country wine.” Its not quite at the level of a wine being classified by the AOC, but not table wine either. Vin De Pays producers actually have to submit their wines for analysis and tasting, and their wines must be made from certain blends/varieties.