It's the most wonderful time of the year...

I am so excited for Christmas.  I love this holiday.  My best memories from my childhood are all centered around Christmas Eve at Gram and Pap O'Rourke's.  Gram made her famous sauerkraut balls, crabbies, and cookies with the Hershey's kisses.  Pap wore his Christmas socks and passed out the gifts.  Those were some of the best family gatherings.

This year we will be celebrating at our own home with our little family.  We have started some of our own traditions that I hope one day my boys will look back on as some of their favorite times.

This past week I have had some amazing wines.  Let's start with Marchigue Carmenere Reserva 2012 from Chile.  I had tried my very first Carmenere a few weeks ago and really liked the flavor.  This wine hails from the Colchuga Valley which is home to the Chilean "cowboy".  I am a sucker for a cool label and the wild hare on the front of this one had me.  I have to say this might be my new favorite from Trader Joe's.  There are so many
I have yet to try...each time I try a new one I am impressed.  There are a few others shown that I have yet to try, but we still have a few days left in the year.  Highly recommend this one...again, $8.99 for the bottle.


I had to go back to my wine expert on the side for some additional recommendations for the week.  Let's just say that I was highly impressed with both bottles that I bought and neither was over $10.  With wine prices like this, you can afford to stock up and save for a rainy day.

Again, the bottles were so pretty!  Honora Vera 2011 Garnacha from Spain.  This is a wonderful spicy/fruity medium-intensity wine that truly blew me away based on its price.  http://www.wine.com/v6/Bodegas-Ateca-Honoro-Vera-Garnacha-2011/wine/120398/detail.aspx  This wine is from the Bodegas Ateca Winery and apparently there are plenty of other varieties that I must try in their repertoire. This would be a perfect wine to have on hand over the holiday's.

The second selection is Blau 2012.  This is another beauty from Spain which is a combination of Grenache Noir, Samso, and Syrah.  Great combination.  Great taste.  From the Can Blau Winery, which is a small family owned winery in Montsant known for their high quality wines.  And again...value priced.  I need to give credit where credit is due and that Cramer for these wonderful options.  I have 2 more on my list from Cramer that I have to pick up as soon as possible.  http://www.enterwine.com/blau-2012

It's definitely the most wonderful time of the year.  Only two days left until Christmas.  Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases!  I hope your stocking is stuffed with everything you want.  Of course, that is assuming you have been good this year...

Wine Gifts

So what do you get for the wine-lover in your life for Christmas?  I have actually come across some really great ideas over the past few weeks that I will share with you.  I know you are getting down to the wire, but you might still have time to check some of these out and purchase in time for Christmas!

1.  I actually purchased this little number for myself because I HAD to have it. But I know you know someone that this will really speak to as well.  I feel great every single time I put this bad boy on.  And 99% of the time, the wine I am drinking is making me awesome.  (In my own little world).

http://chrisstuff.com/hot-stuff/awesome-t-shirt.html

2.  Wine cork jewelry.  OK, I have to admit I didn't even know this stuff existed.  But Pinterest opened my eyes.  To A LOT.  There are some really great items out here...If I was the least bit creative I would attempt to try some of these on my own.  But I can already hear the comments now..."how much did you have before you started this project?"  So let's just say I will leave the craftiness to the professionals.
http://www.pinterest.com/debjfields/wine-cork-jewelry/

3.  Wine cork cork boards:  OK, I have to admit, even thought I am not crafty, this one I think I can handle.  As a matter of fact, if I do not get this for Christmas or my birthday, I am going to buy myself one.  I have actually seen some of the finished products of others who have done this and they look great!!!  (hint hint...If you see Mark, give him this link).
http://www.wineenthusiast.com/wine-cork-board-kit.asp

4.  Wine refrigerator.  A must have.  (I don't have one).  Perfect temperature for your wine at all times?  Who doesn't need this???  I did toss this hint to Mark, but I am not sure if he caught it.
http://www.wineenthusiast.com/storage/wine-refrigerators/

5.  Wine!  Duh!  Find a special one that you like and share it with your wine loving friend.  It is always great to discover a new wine and I love when I get recommendations from others.  I just picked up 3 bottles last night based on recommendation from my favorite wine snob, Cramer.  He has provided me with some really great picks over the past few months and I am very eager to test out these latest and share the findings with you.

I will post later this week on the absolutely great wines I discovered and have been enjoying this week...until then...

Cheers!

Circulation

For the past several weeks I have been having issues with my fingers tingling post-run.  It doesn't necessarily have to be freezing for this to occur.  It happens sometimes after my Pure Barre classes and those are done in very hot rooms.  Its annoying.  Poor circulation?  What if I drop my wine glass?

I have had a busy few days with getting ready for the holiday's.  I am not one who LOVES to wrap presents so in order to partake in that chore, it involves a bottle of something to keep me entertained.  So I have tried a few new ones over the past week and stuck with some goodies that I have mentioned before.  I also had a delicious massage to get me ready for a full weekend of basketball and other mom stuff.  I need my relaxation in many forms.

It is winter time, so I generally tend to stick with reds...but I had bought a bottle of Michel Leon Gewurtraminer at Trader Joe's after my pleasant experience over Thanksgiving with this type and had yet to try in out.  I like the Gewurtraminer's, but it's a bit too sweet for me to drink too often.  The funny thing is, I gave it to Mark to try and he actually liked this one.  Don't get me wrong...this is a very very good wine if you are up for the type.  It would have worked better for me on a warmer day, if that makes sense.  I will definitely continue to explore the Gewurtraminer type because its so different from what I am used to and I am enjoying branching out.  Plus, you can't go wrong with a TJ bottle under $10!

I scored a bottle of Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles:  http://estanciawines.com/artisan-wines/estate/cabernet-sauvignon/  A mere $16 retail and I enjoyed this.  This is a California Cabernet and while not overly rich, has a good taste.  Not too heavy.

I also finally tried the bottle of Triptych White blend that I had been given a while back.  I have to be honest...I am not sure if it was merely because I was not in the white wine mood, but I did not like this blend at all.  Maybe I need to give it another shot this spring or summer.  http://www.brokenearthwinery.com/index.cfm?method=products.productDrilldown&productid=0d8c83a4-edd4-4649-c676-fbe835db0a18&pageID=153138c1-fdaa-db6f-4e87-fa8a8e7a4618&sortBy=DisplayOrder&  I think the problem for me is that I am not a huge Chardonnay fan, and that flavor came through in this blend a bit too much for me.  I will try again at a later date to see if my mind changes.

I did enjoy some of my standard favorites.  I scored one more bottle of Cade Cabernet Sauvignon and finished that off after a rainy afternoon of relaxation and wrapping more presents.  I also finished off my favorite Trader Joe's Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Republic.  Again, if you have not tried this one, treat yourself for a mere $8.

Drink the Wine and Save the Water

I love music.  I loved music before I loved wine.  I can remember using a tape recorder and holding it close to the radio so that I could tape my favorite songs and trying to stop the recording before the DJ burst in for his spiel.  OK, so I am telling on my age.  I remember how amazing it was when they created the tape recorders that were built in to the radio so that you didn't have to make everyone be quiet while you were recording...you could actually TALK while recording a song.

One of the best lines ever in a song is "drink the wine and save the water..."  Anyone know where that comes from.  Popular group, obscure song.  It is called Still Remains by Stone Temple Pilots.  Listen to it.  Don't save things for something that may never happen...or not do something because the timing isn't quite right...drink the wine...save the water.

I had quite a week.  Leak in the ceiling, washing machine broken beyond repair, and just your regular everyday other "stuff".  I also had some great things happen.  Saturday I came in second overall female at my 5K on a very humid, rainy day.  I had a great dinner party with my Strictly Running Racing Team Ladies.  And I nailed my workout this morning.  So I'll take the good with the bad.

I will be the first to admit that I am very, very lucky to have the job that I do.  I have been able to taste some really great wines over the past several years.  This one may be one of the best.  I just so happened to be back in the warehouse "shopping" the breakage and came across this little number.  Cade Napa Cuvee, Cabernet Sauvignon.  Holy Mother of God.  http://store.cadewinery.com/SHOP.AMS?LEVEL=BOT

This is a $60 retail bottle of wine.  I cannot tell you how absolutely delicious this was.  It was worth my Friday night off to wait for this little gem.  If you get the chance to try this, please do.  I will be on the lookout for more of this in the back.  If I find some more maybe I will invite some of you over for a tasting.  (If you share my blog!!!)

So, Sunday came and how could I possibly follow up the Cade?  I had been recommended a bottle by my friend Michelle at work.  A red blend called Triptych.  http://www.brokenearthwinery.com/Wines/Triptych

This is a wine from Broken Earth Winery out of California.  The retail value is $15.  There is both a red and a white blend of Triptych.  I do have a bottle of the white at home that I have yet to try.  This was a nice blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.  Would go with just about anything.  I am looking forward to tasting the white blend to see how that one is!

One more surprise for you.  Monday night was our SR Ladies night out at Pawley's Front Porch.  For those of you that have been there, you will understand this is a place to get a beer...not wine.  I have to just tell you that I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful beer I had.  RJ Rockers First Snow.  A very good Holiday beer.  I am not in to very hoppy beers, so this was right down my alley.  Very enjoyable.  So a little beer bonus for you today!  

Cheers!

Parasaurolophus

I am a dinosaur genius.  I use this knowledge to impress all of the kids at Chase's school.  And it works.  The Gravitholus had a very think skull and used it to fight against other Gravitholus' in a show of power.  I guess kind of like lion's defending their pride.  The Euoplocephalus had a really cool clubbed tail that he used to fight off other dino's.  My favorites, though, are the Parasaurolophus and the Stenonychosaurus.  Why?  Because I can say them and sound really smart and impress 3 year olds.  The Parasaurolophus had a horn on his head that was used to communicate with other Parasaurolophus buddies.  Its a skill that comes in handy at the most random of times.

One day, like my dinosaur genius, I hope to be a wine genius.  This may take a little longer.  I am willing to put in the time though.  I just got one of my early Christmas presents to myself in the mail.  I think it will help in my work to become better.

So what have I gotten in to this week so far?  I am happy to report that I tried a new to me Cabernet Sauvignon:  Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (2011).  This is a Napa Valley wine and I must say it was very good.  Very smooth.  http://www.mtveeder.com/index.cfm?method=products.productDrilldown&productID=3fbf81db-ad8d-0303-e603-400f2665d5be&originalMarketingURL=product/2011-Mount-Veeder-Cabernet-Sauvignon
Little did I know until researching this wine that it is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Pinot Verdot, 1% Malbec, and 1% Syrah.  This went great with my margarita pizza I selected for dinner after a very rough day.  It's listed at $40/bottle, but you can find this in the $30 range by shopping around.  I would highly recommend this bottle and will definitely be looking for more "gifts" of this kind from work.

Tomorrow is race day, so tonight I will not partake in wine festivities.  Be sure to stop back early next week to find out about the weekend wine fun that I am sure to have!

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Its always a little bit of a let down going back to work after a long Holiday weekend.  I actually had one of the nicest low-key Thanksgiving's this year.  Sunday was a great day for me.  I had a gorgeous 13 mile run with my friend Jen...her final long run pre-marathon.  Sunday night was our get back to reality check.  Patrick came home from his excursions and we had his belated birthday dinner that he specifically requested.  Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.  I compromised and used turkey, since we had left overs!  It was a hit.  I opted to open a bottle of Sauvignon Republic, a glorious Sauvignon Blanc from my faithful Trader Joe's.  This is another New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that I am partial to.  For some reason I enjoy the extra crisp finish of this areas wines.  If you enjoy Kim Crawford, you will enjoy this.  I stock up on this shit when it is on sale at Trader Joe's because it is not going to go to waste.  I think this was the last bottle in my stash though...

Monday we all had to head back to work and school.  We were all dragging.  I did a very short run knowing I was headed to stretch out at Pure Barre later that afternoon.  I had picked up a new bottle of Pinot Noir over the weekend from Trader Joe's that I had heard about.  Cosmia.  I have to say that although this was a decent Pinot Noir...I did not enjoy it nearly as much as their Mission Point.  I wouldn't turn away a glass if it was handed to me, but I will most likely not purchase another one of that label.  Just not enough umph for me.  Pretty bottle though.

My Tuesday was CHAOS.  I had a very rough morning.  I had low air in my tire again (I swear someone is stalking me and doing this on purpose...), I had to go back to the house twice before actually making my way to work, and once I arrived at school I found out that that very afternoon parent-teacher conferences were being held.  I blurted out a few expletives, and was corrected at the inability to be a "son" of a bitch by my 3 year old since I was a girl.  (He is a genius!!!) I knew when I got home I wanted something good.  I didn't want to worry about testing something out, so I went for one of my old standby's that I have already talked with you about here:  Dearly Beloved Red Blend.  It made the evening a little more bearable.

So...next blog I promise to try some new vino.  Enjoy the rest of the week!!!

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

My ass has still not thawed out from my race on Thanksgiving morning. Holy Gee... 28 freaking degrees. I was bundled up nicely for our warm up, but knew eventually I would have to shed the layers and (wo)man up.  The bad thing about breathing in sub freezing temperatures in to your lungs is that it makes you hack for the rest of the day. I truly was nauseous upon finishing this race. My lungs were on fire. My toes were numb the entire time. I can honestly say that I was just happy to be done. 20:00 flat, although rounded up for the results as per protocol. My brilliant teammate Kenzie suggested we cool down by running to Starbucks for coffee. That made us feel much better! My SR teammates kicked ice. (Get it?). Kenzie was second overall, Linn won her age group, and I won mine. Turkey time.
Which means wine time. For our Thanksgiving dinner, I had a beautiful bottle of Estancia Meritage.  This was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verde, and Malbec. You need to know I do not eat meat, so a Thanksgiving dinner is a bit different for me. I make all the traditional fare for the folks that live with me. We had turkey, Boston butt, sausage stuffing, wild mushroom risotto, smashed potatoes, and dinner rolls. My Estancia was a good choice for the event. This is a California wine from the Central Coast. Looking at about $30 per bottle. It made for a very nice ending to a cold start.
So how about Black Friday?  I do not partake. I am an on-line shopper from way back. I have been doing it way before Cyber Monday meant anything. My plans today centered around a run, a few hours at work, Pure Barre, and then putting up the Christmas tree with Chase. The perfect companion for this activity was Trimbach Gewurtztraminer.  I have never had this variety before and have definitely found a new love. It's a spicy white that made decorating that tree an event in and of itself.  I really enjoyed this taste. Dry, spicy, and could pair well with some spicy little meals. Will be going back for more. This is a French wine and sells for about $24 a bottle.  Chase and I did a bang up job on the tree. I think the Gewurtztraminer was partially responsible for the beauty!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Redemption!

After my disastrous wine weekend I was in major need of something completely amazing. I woke up Monday determined to redeem myself.  I had a better than expected shake out Monday morning with my neighbor after my ridiculous 14+ mile run Sunday.  Tired, but not sore.  I have one other passion that I have yet to mention that was introduced to me a few months back. If you have heard of Pure Barre, you too might be addicted. I managed to sneak in a class Monday before heading home to enjoy a treat.
If you have not yet tried 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon, go find a bottle now. What a wonderful, fulfilling, full bodied red! It truly is a new favorite. I had a bottle of this a few months back when my boss was in town at dinner at Ruth's Chris...so I would have to say if they are serving it there they know what they are doing. I actually got this on sale at World Market. It's a Washington state wine, which I have discovered I am quite a bit partial to. At about $12.00 a bottle it's a wonderful deal. And it rocks. The bottle is pretty, too. I finished it off and enjoyed each and every sip!
So what the heck do you follow that up with? I decided Tuesday to try something brand spanking new. This led me to select the Sterling Vintner's Collection Meritage. This is basically a blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.  I enjoyed this one.  I had never had a Meritage before and was pleasantly surprised  by the blend. I would definitely get this again.  Another bargain scored at World Market.
This morning I had to get up at 4:45am to drive my ass to Myrtle Beach. I was none to pleased about this, but a job is a job. I got lucky on the way home...I stopped at Trader Joe's and found something I was not looking for. 14 Hands makes a red blend called Hot to Trot. I had to buy it and try it for a pre-Thanksgiving treat. Wow. I truly thought this was just just as enjoyable as the Cabernet! I am now officially a fan of 14 Hands! Visit 14hands.com for more information. I will now have to try their others. There is a Hot to Trot White Blend as well! There is also a Reserve Red Blend, a Reserve, merlot, and a Reserve Cabenet Sauvignon. Cannot wait to try!
Thanksgiving morning I will be running a 5k with my friend Kenzie. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and will be in touch soon with my a Thanksgiving selections.
Wine on friends!

Time to Kick some Ass!

It’s a racing week.  I have one and possibly two 5K’s that I will be participating in this weekend.  I am coming off a PR high set at my most recent 5K about a month ago.  19:23 which I am still giddy about.  So, this week’s workout was to prepare me for my post PR 5K.  While I never want to get stingy with my running…I know deep in the recesses of my soul I want to do even better this week.  But, hey…I am just happy to be improving at this stage of my running career.  So fresh off my wicked great 10 x 400m workout which I crushed, I needed to relax with a glass of wine, or two. 

I had a smidge of Dearly Beloved Red that I polished off and then decided to open something that was given to me.  Something I had not tasted before.  Sovinello Private Collection Pinot Noir (2011).  This is ass in a bottle.  I cannot even describe to you what this tastes like, but I completely had to abort the tasting right away and sacrifice the bottle.  I could not do it.  Save yourself.  If vomitous was a word, I would use it.  So, now what?  I could not leave myself to an evening of disdain.  I had an old standby on hand for just such occasions.  By no means is this my favorite, but for a cheap Pinot Noir, I will drink it.  Woodbridge.  I have been ragged for drinking this several times, but it’s an easy drink and an easy pick.  You know what you are getting.  Plus, I needed to get the ass taste out of my mouth.  One little glass and I chalked this Wednesday up and decided tomorrow would be better. 

 

Friday on the way home from work I decided that I would stop off at World Market to do a bit of Christmas shopping.  It just so happened that they were also having a little wine sale, so what the heck.  If I bought 4 bottles I got 20% off.  OK.  I found 14 Hands Cabernet which was recommended to me by a fellow wine drinker in Chicago.  I also picked up Line 39 Pinot Noir and was recommended two bottles from a relatively cute guy who seemed to act like he knew his stuff; well…he had on a World Market uniform and was standing in the wine section…so I obliged.  Formation Pinot Noir and Sterling Vintner’s Collection Meritage were the two new ones that came home with me.

I usually do not drink the night before a Saturday race, but I wanted to test out the Line 39 Pinot.  I figured one itty bitty glass would by no means hurt me.  I liked this one.  I have had the Sauvignon  Blanc Line 39 before so I was hoping the Pinot would be pleasant as well.  For the money, it’s not a bad Pinot Noir.  http://www.cecchettiwineco.com/Our-Brands/Line39/Pinot-Noir  I will admit I do like their Sauvignon Blanc much better. 

Saturday I ended up winning my 5k in Pinopolis with a 19:40.  It was actually very humid, but the course was nice and I was pleased with the win.  With my $100 winnings we packed it up and headed home.  I was also ready to drink some wine as my week thus far had not produced anything I would consider fantastic.  I don’t know what forced me to try the Formation Pinot Noir instead of one of the others, but that is what I went for.  I also decided I was not going to go for the double dip in racing the evening run.

This weekend just wasn’t the wine weekend for me.  I hate to say it, but I was less than impressed with the wine guy’s recommendation of Formation.  There was no oomph.  It was watery and forced me to do something I rarely do…switch to iced tea for the remainder of the evening. 

This week we must redeem the wine testing.  The good thing is I have saved you from some potentially bad choices. 

Round Trip: November 13-November 20

I hate traveling for work.  I do not like getting out of my routine.  I hate leaving my boys.  Its all enough to induce a minor panic attack.  Seriously.  Once I actually get on the plane, I am fine…it’s the sheer act of packing, driving to the airport and getting inside that kills me.  As much as it pains me to admit it, I sometime must rely on medication to get through this process.  Last Wednesday, I had the unfortunate problem of not being able to get in touch with my MD, so I had to take matters in to my own hands.  Wine. 

After crushing my Wednesday workout which consisted of a very ambitious tempo run progression in 30 degree temperatures, my pre-flight routine took a turn for the better.  I decided to open up the bottle of Smoking Loon Pinot Noir.  http://www.smokingloon.com/wine-pinot-noir.html  This wine is a good inexpensive yet tasty little Pinot Noir.  We are talking about a $10 bottle here.  I decided to have a few glasses, check my Facebook, and relax as much as possible before taking off.  It worked perfectly.  I was nice and calm by the time I had to depart to the airport.  Best part of the flight, besides having the one seat side all to myself, was that it was a direct flight to Dallas!

Dinner with the boss and a co-worker Thursday evening we had a bottle of Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon.  http://www.gottwines.com/jgw/2012/06/01/815-california-cabernet-sauvignon/  This is a California wine.  I am finding my way back to Cabernet’s after a very long period of being away.  Cabernet’s used to be my all time favorite go-to wine.  Let’s just say one year on the Eve of New Year’s Eve I had a bit too much.  This is about a $17-18 bottle of wine.  It went very well with our cheese plate and steamed edamame that we decided to call dinner.  I actually wanted more of this, but we all split a bottle…this is one I will definitely try again. 

My flight home was delayed…so what do you do in the Dallas Airport when your flight is delayed?  You go to Chili’s bar.  After taking my first sip of Century Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, the man next to me asked how it was.  My response:  “better than I thought it would be.”  To which he tossed back: “If you aim for the cellar, there is nowhere to go but up.”  Not sure if it was truly a play on the fact that I was drinking Century Cellars, or not.  Regardless, I probably would not go searching high and low for this locally.  It was drinkable, but nothing to write home about.  It went well with my black bean burger and the bar company. 

Home sweet home for the weekend and I had a lot to do.  I made a quick trip to Trader Joe’s and bought my go-to reds:  Mission Point Pinot Noir ($7.99) and Dearly Beloved Red Blend ($8.99).  These wines are really great every days wines.  So I generally drink them every day.  Just in case, I also picked up my favorite white from Trader Joe’s as well:  Sauvignon Republic, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  I am very partial to the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc’s.  I like their crisp flavor more so than the oak flavor in some California Sauvignon Blanc’s.   If you have ever tasted Kim Crawford and enjoyed that, you would also like Sauvignon Republic.  And if not, you are only out a few bucks!  I have found it to be very fun to try out different Trader Joe wines.  I actually picked up the Dearly Beloved because a 5 year old boy was trying to get his mother to buy it.  It’s a cool bottle.  She declined, but I told him I would try it.  Now if only I could thank him. 

Monday was Mark’s birthday!  In celebration we went to Mr. Friendly’s for dinner.  Oh my gosh…if you have not been you MUST try this place.  It is wonderful.  I think it is my new favorite place to eat in Columbia.  They have half price bottles of wine on special.  Not sure if this is just a Monday night thing, but I decided to go for it.  Keep in mind, Mark doesn’t partake in my vice, but he scored himself a very cool Belgium Farmhouse Ale:  Sofie.  I opted for Simple Life Pinot Noir, another California wine.  http://www.simplelifewinery.com/   It was great.  And half off!  From what I have found, I think the retail price is around $15.  I will be looking for this one.  I got scolded the next day at work when I let Cramer know this is what I had.  He kicked me out of his office and slammed the door behind me.  Ouch!

Tuesday night was another night on the town for me.  This is rare.  I am a homebody, but I have just had several opportunities this past week to get out and enjoy myself more than usual.  And what better way that at a Birthday party for a couple of friends!  We met at Liberty Café.  After I begged Cramer to let me back in his office, I asked him for recommendations on what RNDC wines I should have while out.  I was told I should get Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon.  Must not disappoint Cramer again.  Wow.  I really did like this one.  http://www.hopefamilywines.com/wines/liberty-school.php?product=53    I say wow, again because I am happy to be enjoying the deeper reds again.  This was great.  I will be looking for some breakage around the office.  (wink, wink)  Probably should not have thrown the shot of tequila in there, but live and learn. 

If you have any specific questions about the wines from this week, please let me know.  I will be back again next Wednesday with more wine adventures!

My very very first post!

Initial Sips...

I have liked wine for a very long time.  The scary thing is...in thinking back to my early wine days, they involved Franzia boxes and most likely were riddled with White Zin.  Not knocking that, it's just that thankfully, for me, my tastes have evolved.  

I am a novice.  I am by no means a snooty wine snob that can give you ridiculous advice on exactly what I taste when I taste a wine.  I know what I like and while I have picked up on some lingo, I am still learning.

I landed my dream job about 2 years ago.  I work in Human Resources for a wine and liquor distributor.  (WHAT?!?!?)  I have really been able to hone my interests and have tried so many new brands, types, and labels over these years.  

In addition to my wine passion, I have one other vice you will probably read about if you partake in my blog.  I am a runner.  I am a runner who drinks more wine than I probably should.  Maybe I would be better if I didn't drink as much.  But then I wouldn't be as happy!  So there is a trade off!  And I choose to continue to test (and taste) those wines!!

My plan is to write a review of the wines I have opened within the past week.  Since I am a creature of habit, I may mention some more than once, but I will attempt to throw in a new one each week.  In addition, I am thinking about starting a wine club with some running pals to get their input as well on the tests of the week.  

So...how much do I drink.  Here we go.  (Don't judge...)  I usually drink about a bottle of wine each evening.  This translates in to about 3 glasses for me.  Maybe I pour big glasses.  I have no idea.  Its what I do.  I mean how can I impart knowledge and recommendations if I don't finish the bottle?  If I had a partner in crime it might help...my my partner is strictly beer bound.  (More wine for me!!!)

How much do I run.  Again, don't judge.  I run an average of 50 miles per week.  It is my primary exercise and stress relief.  I have 3 boys.  OK, actually 2 boys, ages 3 and 12...and my man who I have to lump in the category.  I am not saying they cause all of my stress, but running gets rid of a lot of my excess stress and energy!  So forgive me if I impart some running information amid my wine drinking advice!  

So...stay tuned.  This will be a fun time.  If you have a recommendation for something I should try...by all means let me know.  I am open to test out a few new bottles!

Cheers!  

Shannon