Summerland Sauvignon Blanc

It's bitter cold these past 2 weeks. Yet each time I've gone to the wine fridge, I've selected a white: best served chilled and one that makes me long to sit on the deck and watch the sky turn from light blue to deep purple. Perhaps it's my subconscious wishing for warmer weather. Or maybe I'm just grabbing the first bottle within reach.

This is a great Sauvignon Blanc from my wine club. Citrus and apple flavors lead the palate and I can really detect the steel -- especially after the bottle spent the night in the fridge. It's a little harsh with the wine so cold though I suspect the harshness will subside as the wine warms up.

Summerland is a Central California coast winery. They do have a wine club as well, and if South Dakota ever joins the 21st century, this is one I'd love to join!

Protea Chenin Blanc

Butter-yellow color, citrus-y, fresh. I'm enjoying this wine as much as I love the bottle! This Protea Chenin Blanc is a South African wine; the bottles are designed to be reused. I think it is time for me to purchase the bottle pourers I've been looking at for so many years. I think this would be nice for hand soap and would look good in my kitchen window sill.

This wine is easy [like Sunday morning], boasting pear, citrus & honeysuckle; an enjoyable drink. The entire bottle could disappear before you even realize!

I don't drink a lot of this grape, but it's nice. I think it would be better enjoyed on a summer's evening sitting by a fire or enjoying the sunset, but I will settle for drinking it this snowy, dark night listening to Maggie explain the characters in her book.

Brown Cow

Not sure if this is a South Dakota invention -- produced & bottled by Stawbale Winery. Brown Cow is 18% alcohol and therefore best for sipping over the evening. Sold only in 375 ml, it reminds me of an orange Tootsie Roll. It is fortified with brandy (hence the 18% alcohol level) and blended with chocolate, coffee and oranges. A unique drinking experience, one to be savored, not rushed through. This is a very sweet wine and probably not for everyone.

I first tried this when my mother in law & I visited the winery. We both purchased a bottle -- little did I know she was actually purchasing it as a Christmas gift for me! Well played, Bonnie!