It’s almost Friday and you are already thinking about your weekend plans and perhaps which wines to purchase. Weekly, I post two recommendations, one white and one red, for your weekend choices which are usually under $20. On occasion, I pair a wine with scrumptious recipe. A few days ago, I wrote an article suggesting sparkling wine choices for your Valentine’s Day/Night imbibement. But there are two more days left in the weekend after all and you may be craving something with a bit different. If your choice doesn’t include beer, I have two selections which may be just what you need.
The white and red samples reviewed are from California’s Deadbolt (the website is under construction) both of which you will have to “break in to” (as the label states) this weekend… what better name than that to counter the effects of Friday night! Both wines are blends and the recipes are a secret and most likely locked in a safe somewhere. Be sure to check out the video tasting with Josh Farrell, Wine Director at WineExpress, as he talks about the winemaker, Philip Laffner, and more on my Facebook page, Grape Experiences.
**Deadbolt Winemaker’s White Blend 2012 – This was a lovely wine which is a mesmerizing blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. The pale lemon color in the glass and aromas of light citrus, lemons, apples, and white stoned fruit indicated that this is a light wine which is clean and fresh. I loved the tastes of citrus, peaches, and spice with a crisp finish. Perfect for sipping or pairing with appetizers, salads, and white fish, this is a terrific, well priced, quality wine at $16.
**Deadbolt Winemaker’s Red Blend 2011 – Wow! Open this bottle! It’s not often that you can find a well balanced, delicious wine at the price of $14. The blend is of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, and Shiraz and it works beautifully. Deep ruby with shades of purple in the glass, aromas of spice, plums, dark berries, and some floral notes were enticing. On the palate, everyone who tasted this wine with me appreciated the rich cherries, spice, more plums, and hints of chocolate. The balance of subtle tannins, juicy fruit…but not too much, acidity, and alcohol (13%) were incredibly satisfying and this wine, too, is an easy-drinking, smooth wine to enjoy this weekend.
Cheers to finding quality wine at a price we can all afford! ~ Cindy
