This week I’ve had an well-deserved and ongoing affair with Jacob Franklin – the dark purple color gets me every single time. I think I’ve blogged him before, but he’s certainly worthy of another mention. Online. Elyse Winery. $65.00 and worth every penny.

Toxic’s comment reminded me its been a while since my last wine review. Here’s one sponsored by Chie Mihara, my new obsession. (See previous post) I’m considering adding a section to my site for shoe reviews, whatcha think?

Indecisive. I know, how odd. For some reason I remember liking the wine more the last time I had it. It’s pretty woody and, I hate to say it, just okay. I have another bottle, perhaps I’ll like the next better. In-store, $35.99.

Migration, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir, 2007. It’s not Goldeneye, but it’ll do. Oh boy, it’ll do. $34.95, online.

A lovely ruby color, very seductive. An earthy cherry berry color – just like my cherry berry. Grapes 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano. A delicious wine with a smoked Gouda, suffering ovaries and a handsome Chef. $30.00

This was our wine of the weekend. Full deep red and a sexy label. I’ll make it simple for you – if it says 2005, Napa and Cabernet, Buy It! Doesn’t matter if it costs $5.00 or $100.00 it’s gonna taste fabulous. Found this wine online at wine.com and on sale for $59.00.

I discovered Elyse when about the same time I discovered Grenache and fell in love with both. After my visit with the Elyse winery I also discovered the brotherly side of Elyse: Jacob Franklin  – our shipment of Petite Sirah just arrived, and it is very good. $65.00 online.

I’ve been on a Merlot kick this holiday season and Rutherford has certainly helped me put on my happy fat suit. This wine is the perfect example of why Rutherford Hill is truly the King of the Merlots! Smooth and full. This wine goes with more than my sassy red boots. And cheaper too, at $18.59 a bottle you can stock up big time or use the extra to stock up on glassware! I’ve recently delved into the world or Reidel and Spiegaleu and I’m a much better person for it! Is that lint or are those spots on my glass? I can’t tell and I don’t remember. At least I don’t think that interferes with the taste.

Oh sweet Internet People, I’ve got some catching up to do – and let me start with a wine review because there has been no shortage of my wine drinking these past few weeks. We discovered The Oracle on our Napa trip this past summer. It is no surprise that it’s inspired by the ancient Greek Oracle, the center of prophecy and wisdom. The flavor is very deep and Boudreaux-ish. I’d add a little dancing-butterfly eye roll tasting comparison, but that description might be confusing for the unwisdomy . . . so let me just say – I love it.  $90.00 online.

56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot

Alcohol 14.2%

See ya soon.

I’ve said it before, but if I’m going to drink a Pinot Noir, I like it to be a bold and manly. And good. If there is one wine I can’t drink mediocre, it’s a Pinot Noir – I’m spicy like that. In my opinion, and I’m no expert, the darker the Pinot the better and this one has great color! Delicious. Of course, at $75.00 a bottle, it should be.

You guys are gonna get sick of my Napa Valley reviews real quick, I fear.

If you are a Cabernet Sauvignon fan you can pretty much pick up any vintage from 2005 Napa and be sure it’s going to be good. Here’s a 2006 from Oakville that I’m enjoying tonight. I can’t find the price, but I’m sure it’s under $40.00.

Please ignore the water spots on the glasses – air dried due to momentary lack of a towel – and it’s making me mentally ill just looking at the picture.

I’ve been on a Merlot kick the past few days, and this is one on the nicer Merlots I’ve had in a while. I wish I had some fancy pants terms like “exhibits loads of black cherries, currants, chocolate, mocha, and caramel”, but I don’t. I just like it and you will too. I believe the 2005 vintage is out of stock, but I hear the 2006 is just as good. Around $35.00.

This is one of those really good Pinots I was talking about – and true to the Oregon persona it is also corkless – you know I love that. But it doesn’t screw . . . it has a glass cap which pops right out of the bottle as smooth as silk. Very cool. Elegant and refined – you’ll like this wine. $35.00.

I’m a cab girl, I can’t help it. I love the color and the boldness. I used to be a pinot girl, but now I can only drink a pinot if it’s a really good pinot. I’ve loved Chappellet varieties for a while and I love the deep lasting impressions this cabernet brings, it is so rich you can smell it all the way across the room. Makes me want a glass right now. Priced around $45.00.

Our friends, Michelle and Phillip, brought this wine to share with us during a recent visit. And. Oh. My. God. If you ever want to make it to 4th base on the first date – this is the wine you need.  It’s a naughty, smooth, deep, bold and complex.

I can’t thank our friends enough for turning us onto this wine or for their generosity – at $98.00 a bottle, it is worth every penny. They brought three fabulous bottles of wine, so look for the other two reviews soon.

Deep, smooth and velvety. Lick it, love it, savor it, cover it in chocolate and then have passionate sex with it. I’ve certainly had my share of posh over-priced wines but there are few I’ve enjoyed as much as Rocket Science. One of my all time favorites, and not because it is 14.4% alcohol. $45.95.

33% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, 9% Tannat.

The Chef liked this wine, but it was a little on the sour side for me – although, it didn’t stop me from drinking it. Then again, maybe it tasted sour because my palette has been focused on cherry flavored NyQuil lately. Mmmm, NyQuil. Guenoc Petite Sirah is affordable at $13.00 a bottle if you like tart and peppery.

Those crazy Aussies – The Stump Jump? Yeah, that’s a weirdo name for a wine – but go figure, it’s from d’Arenberg  – the same producers of The Dead Arm; which is one of my favorites – but pretty pricey at $60.00 a bottle. But The Stump Jump? $7.99. No Joke. I wonder if all amputated wines are so delicious. And, of course, the cap screws like a good Aussie wine. This wine is 70% Grenache, 20% Shiraz and 10% Mourvedre blend.

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This is a seriously deliciously soft and earthy wine, although at $60 a pop it’s not your everyday table wine. This wine made me want to dance on the ceiling.

78% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc, 9% merlot, 4% Petit Verdot

I like this wine, it opens nicely and has hints of raspberries with wild dancing butterflies . . . and it’s an economy-friendly wine at $9.99. I’ll give it 82 points.

If you ever wondered, I’m always guilty. Full-bodied and peppery, with a little bit of fruit. Smooth tannins on the finish. 90 points. $19.99.