The Lie about the Truth

We all know that saying about two sides to every story.  I have recently found out (the hard way) there are actually about 36 sides to every story.  Keeps life interesting.  If you tell me something, I will believe it.  I am a complete sucker.  Gullible to a fault.  Seriously, make something up and tell me about it.  I will believe you.  This has gotten me in trouble several times.  Yet, I continue to make the same mistake.  I don't mind this fault of mine.  You know why?  Because the truth is that sometimes its not a bad thing to just believe.  While it may cause me some uncomfortable moments, it's really not about me.  I choose to trust. The thing is that truth always has a habit of coming to light.  I always seem to get hit in the face with it when it would be much easier to just simply be kept in the dark.  Nope, if I had a dollar for every time I was hit with the truth in the face after believing, I would be in my mountain house in Brevard sitting in the hot tub sipping a gorgeous bottle of wine...

And speaking of wine...I made a stock up trip to Trader Joe's this week to pick up some new goodies.

Going to tell you about two that I have tried this week.  As you are aware, I love Trader Joe's wine selection because you can experiment with several wines and not break the bank.  So far on the taste o' meter, I would say I have hit the jackpot with what I have tried so far.

Let's talk about 2012 Benefactor Cellars Shiraz.  This is a gorgeous bold and spicy Shiraz from South Eastern Australia.  And at $5.99 per bottle, can you say grab two?  Deep color and the spice that I am drawn to.  I will definitely add this to my routine stock ups at TJ's.  Cool freaking bottle, too.

Winemaker's Description:  "There are those who have mourned your passing with many a tear, many a boo hoo.  But we celebrate the generosity of your death.  Those wines which once taunted us from beyond our price range now pour happily - affordably, deliciously, attainably - into our glasses, thanks to you.  A toast to failed predictions!  To bloated, insupportable markets! Here's to the benefactor!"

I also got lucky with the Pascual Toso 2012 Malbec from Argentina.  The winery was established in 1890 by Pascual Toso, a winemaker from Italy.  This wine is 100% Malbec.  This wine has a perfect blend of both red and black fruit with that smokiness/leathery spice mixed in.  I would highly recommend an aged cheese as the perfect companion to this wine.  Some other recommended pairings include creamy pastas, barbeque or spicy dishes.  Again, a find at under $10/bottle.  

I am telling you my truth when I tell you these are some fabulous wines.  Go ahead, you can believe me.  

The Voice in my head

Sometimes the little voice in my head is annoying.  You know why?  Because its usually right.  I hate being wrong.  Especially when it comes to feelings and emotions.  Those who know me well know that I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve.  I would love to be able to hide this fault in my persona, but it's there...for the world to see.  Good days, bad days, sad days, you will know it.  I can't hide it.

But, I can pair it with some wine to make myself feel a bit better, right?  I have some wines to catch up on.  I've had quite a few surprises over the past week and I have actually tried a brand new varietal that I can tell you about for the first time ever in my blog.

My first treat is Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa 2011 Shiraz.  All I can say is this was love at first sip.  (I still believe in that.)  Grand Barossa Shiraz epitomizes the premium international reputation for Shiraz which has made the Barossa Valley famous.  Aromas of blackberry, plum and black pepper are accompanied by spicy, dark berry fruits.  Absolutely glorious!  This wine from Australia hails from the oldest and grandest Chateau- the site of the very first vines planted in the Barrosa in 1845.  Retailing for about $25/bottle it is well worth it.

And for something brand new for me.  Zinfandel.  I finally made the leap of faith.  I kept being told if I liked it spicy I needed to get a bottle of Zinfandel.  I debated and debated while I was in the wine section of Trader Joe's.  I stocked up on several bottles and one lone bottle happened to be the Trader Joe's Zinfandel Paso Robles Lot #84.  This wine is bold and fruit driven with raspberry, black cherry and the much anticipated peppery finish.  It truly was a treat treat treat at $9.99 a bottle.  I will definitely be heading back to grab a few more of these before they are gone.

Gonna keep working on that emotion thing, too.   Maybe one day I will learn.

Bring It

I think we just skipped right over Spring.  We went from nice cool weather to heat.  No real transition.  I know I just need to suck it up and deal with it, because the heat isn't going anywhere.  We are just getting started.  In a few weeks I will be begging for temperatures like they are right now.  Then we will get hit with the humidity.  So I picked a great time to start training for my very first marathon.  Bring it.

I have had the pleasure of trying out some additional wonderful wines over the past week.  First is Zaca Mesa 2009 Syrah.  This is a California winery located in Santa Barbara County.  The wine is 99% Syrah, 1% Viognier.  Interesting.  There is a rich blackberry, mocha, sage spice flavor and aroma.  There is a very silky finish to this wine.  I have to admit I am liking these Syrah's more and more as I continue to delve in to this varietal.  This wine retails for about $25 per bottle.

My next super ridiculous find...super ridiculous because the bottle was under $10 and insanely superb, was Iuvene Rioja.  This Tempranillo from the Rioja region of Spain was truly a great find.  I purchased this at Best Bottle based on its description:  dark fruit flavors with a peppery spice.  Yep.  My kind of wine.  I describe is as super spice right from the start.  I went back for more only to find it was sold out.  Next time I find this I will be smart and buy as much as possible.  At this price it's possible.  

I am looking forward to my drive home tonight.  It's Friday and in addition to a few treats I scored at work, I will most likely be stopping by Best Bottle to see what new treats I can pick up.  Unfortunately, I will be dry tonight in preparation for a 10k race tomorrow morning.  But I will make up for it Saturday.

Sip on!