milbrandt vineyardsBrothers' Blend 11'

Naked Wine Review 141

Wine: Brothers' Blend (Red)

Grapes: tempranillo, grenache, malbec, cabernet, and petit syrah

Producer: Milbrandt Vineyards Winery

Vintage: 11'

Region: Washington>Columbia Valley

Price: 13.00 

Date tasted: 3/7/14

Place tasted: I woke the morning after a night of working as a waitress in a cocktail bar, in 1984. I was so relieved that all these years had just been a strange dream and I really had not screwed anything up yet. 

With my lifes journey just beginning and 'knowing what I know now', I pondered all the many new and wonderful mistakes I would get to make this time around; at least they would not be the same ones I made last time, that much I promised myself. 

As twilight approached I was inspired to savour a bottle of rare wine from the future with some cozy simple comfort food. Then later as I listened to my Talking Heads records I felt the strangest sense of hope. I love that feeling.

Ah life, here we go again.

Cheers all!

Served with: Fantastic lamb meatloaf. She's an exceptionally food friendly wine. An antipasto spread would be nice, or grilled red meats, roasts and stews, herby pasta dishes, hearty vegetable creations, a nice fruit and cheese spread, or just a nice chunk of good dark chocolate.

Appearance: A deep haunting pond of clear beautiful pomegranate.

On the snoot: Her scent brings on visions of lake side cherry blossoms, and plump ripe blueberries dusted with cocoa. 

Taste: Robust flavors of dark cherry and chocolate carmel splash around the mouth. A hint of oak on velutinous tannins gently caress the pleasant melange of flavors through a pronounced, wet, fruity finish.

Balance: Remarkably balanced, dry yet wet with soft naked tannins and gentle alcohol. Lovely legs darning sexy maroon stockings melt down the sides of your lucky glass.

Comments: This is such a tasty unusual blend; another amazing wine creation from Washington State. If you want to purchase it there though you can go ahead and add another ten bucks to the price for taxes... I kid you not. The former Washington State Liquor Stores do not look like such a bad thing now, do they? Voters chose, what can I say? It worked out well for Costco. 

Rating: 3.9 tipsys, excellent value (in most states)

Kings Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir 12'

Naked Wine Review 140

Wine: Kings Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir

Producer: Union Wine Company

Vintage: 12’

Region: Oregon>Willamette Valley

Price: 15.00

Date tasted: 2/22/14

Place tasted: I was dancing on a flame, or was I in the flame? Maybe I was the flame; hot, inspired, and all too volatile. Would I devour forests, feeding on wind and earth, or would I be quickly snuffed by those same elements? Fate, however, did not seem to be my concern. 

Prance the prance… dance the dance… spin and burn… twist and turn. There is no truth in naked shame; no guilt nor pride, no one to blame. 

As I burned away through the snowy night I thought of you. How the hell are you anyway? 

Here's to our eternal connection, and to being in touch with our inner Dr. Seuss. 

Skal!

Served with: Cornish game hens in apricot sauce. She’d go well with the lighter flavors of poultry, seafood, and mildly prepared beef. Soft cheeses, creamy sauces, and mellow herbs and vegetables are nice as well.

Appearance: Fills your glass with the color of clear polished rubies and violets. Very easy on the eyes.

On the snoot: Heavy with rich red fruit and roses. 

Taste: Dry delicate and gentle cherry spirits dance around the palate in naked joy on a bed of rose petals and cocoa. Soft polished tannins make a brief impression but quickly blend into the background echoing in a lasting juicy brushed velvet finish. It’s a beautiful thing.

Balance: Slow lava lamp legs hypnotize and encourage a calm reflective mood. Light weight with a perfect blend of soft acids, lively alcohol, just a tiny sprinkle of sugar and minimal muted tannins.

Comments: She has the most lovely enchanting perfume. She’s also well dressed, graceful and tastes of happiness and bliss. You can’t not like this wine. Once again, Oregon does Pinot proud.

Rating: 4 tipsys, excellent value