Vacation!!!

I know its been WEEKS since I have posted anything at all about my wine adventures.  I have a semi-excuse...vacation!  One of my favorite places in the WORLD is Brevard, NC.  We spend a week there each summer in search of cooler weather, cooler running, and relaxation with the family.  This year did not disappoint.  Brevard is situated near Pisgah Forrest in Transylvania County in North Carolina.  Close to Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Moutain, and a bunch of other little mountain town gems.  I truly would pick up everything and move here if I could.  We hiked, we swam, we ran, we entertained friends, we shopped, we relaxed, we ate, we read...and I drank a LOT of wine!!!

I decided before we left town that it was probably in my best interest to go ahead and order a full case of wine for the week.  I decided on the Trapiche Broquel Malbec, and the Seghesio Zinfandel.  Wonderful selections for my mountain week.  

Lets start off with the Trapiche Broquel Malbec.  This wine hails from the Mendoza region of Argentina.  I have to admit, it is by farone of the best Malbec's I have tried as of late.  You are looking at blackberry and raspberry with layers of mocha, and my much needed SPICE.  This wine is a definite find, retailing from $11.50 - $15.00/bottle.  It really was wonderful in the evenings sitting on the patio looking out over the mountains with the cool air.  That being said, I will drink this throughout the warm summers of Columbia as well.  There is just something about this wine that I am drawn to.  Highly recommend.  

The next selection with the Seghesio Zinfandel.  I am still new to this varietal, and becoming more and more transfixed.  I like it, I am still searching for a favorite.  I really have to say that this wine was exactly what I was expecting in the Zin category.  Spicy, bold, smokey peppery flavor.  I liked it.  I think my issue was that I was enjoying the Malbec during this particular vacation a bit more.  I am not taking anything away from this wine, as it was enjoyed by our group the entire week!  We finished all 6 bottles.  This wine retails for about $20/bottle.  I need to try it again completely on its own!  

With either one of these bottles you cannot go wrong.  We had a fantastic vacation and I am ready to head back next July!  

More Lodi

It's been a while.  I really have no excuse.  I am as busy as I always am.  I have been enjoying wine like I always have.  I've just been especially tired.  I am sorry.  I do have a few bottles to tell you about.  I received a recommendation a few weeks back from a friend living in California.  My last post raved about my fascination with Lodi.  I was told to try Klinker Brick.  http://www.klinkerbrickwinery.com/

I truly cannot say enough positive things about these two bottles that I tried.  They were absolutely wonderful!  I had the Old Vine Zinfandel and the Farrah Syrah.  We were out of the Old Ghost...but I can promise you I will be trying that as soon as we get it back in stock.  Very deep flavor, very rich and spicy.  I fell in love at first sip.  Both retail at about $20/bottle.  I will have to say it is well worth it.  

Drink it up!