Hey wine people! I can’t believe February is already here. There really is no turning back now, 2020 is moving full speed ahead. I don’t know about you, but January was a blur. However, I can say that I feel centered around my goals for the year and that gives me a lot of hope. Part of getting centered involved going on a fast and not drinking alcohol for three weeks. Let me just say that was the hardest three weeks of my life AND I did a six week fitness challenge last year! I really don’t know how I’m going to go nine months without wine if I every get pregnant. You might want to send an S.O.S signal on that day! #justsayin #lordthelpher
Needless to say I’m back on the wine wagon as of this past Sunday and my sip game is STRONG!
Just ask aunt Becky….although she may not be available for comment right now. A new month means new wines to share! Since it’s February, I’m sticking with all reds in honor of ValenTINE’s Day (please stop saying ValenTIME’s in 2020), as well as Black History and Heart Awareness Months. Check out my three picks below!
2016 McBride Sisters Red Blend ($19.88)
I can’t say it enough….it’s Black History Month!! I hope you had to read my For the (Wine) Culture post, because on first February wine pick is from the McBride Sisters who I featured. Their Red Blend is from the Central Coast of California. Can I just say that this red smells amazing? I just want to walk around with a glass of it all day. Or better yet, can they just make it into a candle that I can burn at my house? It’s sooooo calming. It has these deep cedar oak aromas mixed with blackberry and a hint of chocolate. It’s kind of bold and masculine, which is a combination that I really like when it comes to scents. This red is full of plum, cherry, and blackberry flavors. I really like how this wine is smooth until the finish, then you get a bit of the tannins and peppery spice. You can find the McBride Sisters Red Blend at Kroger/Ralph’s or one of its affiliates.
2015 Doolhof Vineyards Cabernet Franc ($24.99)
Now, you know I LOVE Doolhof Cabernet Sauvignon, but I wanted to switch it up and introduce you to their Cabernet Franc. For those not familiar with Cab Franc, it’s a parent (aka Big Papa…queue Biggie) to Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s baby mama is Sauvignon Blanc and together they make Cabernet Sauvignon. This Cab Franc is heavy on the bell pepper and earthy aromas, which may be an initial turnoff but let me encourage you to stay the course. This Cab Franc is complex, but structured to perfection. It’s a medium bodied red with flavors of red plum and strawberry with a kick from the bell peppers. If you’re in Houston, I know that you can find Doolhof at Spec’s. If you don’t live in Texas, try your local major wine retailer or online.
2016 Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir ($34.99)
So, I actually visited this vineyard around this time last year. I was so happy when I saw it at Kroger here in Houston that I had to pick up a bottle! For the 50-11th time, Pinot Noir is my favorite red wine and especially when it’s from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I thought it was time to soften things up with my last recommendation. I don’t know if my nose was off, but I actually got a mix of cherries and cocoa on the aromas….very different for a traditional Pinot. However, when you take that just sip, it tastes like world peace in your mouth. Yes, let’s just say if there was a wine that you’d drink following the removal of an off-the-wall president after an impeachment, I’d imagine this is what victory would taste like. But, unfortunately that won’t be happening, so I’ll hold on to this glass for that feeling. This Pinot is silky and very light with flavors of blackberry and cedar. I didn’t really get a lot of tannins. I found this Pinot at Kroger, so you might want to start there or one of its affiliates if you’re not in Oregon.
These are my February wine picks!. A group of reds for any kind of palate. Have you tried any of these before? What’s your favorite red? Drop a line below. Until next time…glasses up!
