Oh We Got Trouble!

As a going away present, our good friends gave us 2 bottles of wine. As I'm still trying to save my "good" wine, I debate before opening the bottles I have left (we don't get paid until the end of September, so it's not like I can run out & pick up more!) Yet, last night, the Troublemaker called to me. Perhaps it was because Diane had opened a bottle earlier this week and posted about it on Pinterest. Perhaps it was because I wanted to share with my Mother in Law and her sister. Perhaps it was to celebrate my first week at my new job. Whatever the reason, I certainly enjoyed it!

This is a great red blend from Austin Hope & Hope Family Wines. I've enjoyed wines from them in the past (their Liberty line). This does not disappoint. Fruity, full bodied and a grape-y finish, even my mother in law liked it (she's more of a sweet wine drinker). This is mostly Syrah and Grenache, with Mourvèdre, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah for balance.

The 2nd glass was a little better as the wine had a chance to breathe.

As this was a gift, I'm more than certain it is a splurge. But definitely worth it. I plan to look for this once we are settled!

Santa Alicia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

I believe this is one of the wines from last months' selections from Simply Wine. I am rather rationing my remaining bottles as money will be tight until payday, which will now be only once a month. It's kind of hard to select now as I have very nice bottles left -- hard to open a nice Cab Sav on a Tuesday :)

This is a deliciously complex, rich wine with plum, blackberry, spice. The label mentions chocolate and vanilla, which comes out in the aroma. 

My on laws wi-do blocks all alcohol related sites (not sure why as my husband set it up -- probably for the grand kids), so I'm unable to check prices. As it is part of wine club, I'm going to assume it is a splurge. It certainly tastes like a splurge!

Redwood Zin

Crappy picture for a GREAT Zinfandel. This is a classic Zin, smooth, fruity and easy. Enjoying this while at my in-laws in South Dakota to celebrate an offer on our house in Billings.

I believe this was part of my last wine club at Simply Wine. I will definitely miss Sue & her selections! I am hopeful I'll be able to find a club in the Brookings area or depend on my friend Diane to share Sue's selections so I can try to find them myself!

It's My Birthday

Having a quiet birthday this year, but we did hit the Yellowstone Farmers' Market this morning to pick up some fresh berries. So yummy!! And to celebrate my birthday, being done with work AND having sparkling wine in the fridge, I added some fresh, juicy blackberries to my Pink Moscato Barefoot Bubbly.

This is a nice lighter Moscato, perhaps because it's bubbly. It is sweet, but nice this Saturday afternoon. A nice way to celebrate a new year and adventure!