Guess what?! Today’s my birthday! Woo hoo! Sure, it’s a little overshadowed by the whole ‘birth of our country’ thing happening tomorrow, but whatever, it’s cool.
As you’re probably aware, today is Wednesday, meaning Cheapo Wino Review Wednesday. But sorry folks, I’m 41 today (gulp) and I insist on celebrating the closing of my 40th year with the pricey stuff!
So instead, I thought I’d share with you the birth of Cheapo Wino Wednesday, my first bad review!
Enjoy!
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As you know, on Monday I decided that I was going to start doing wine reviews on inexpensive wines. You just wet your pants, didn’t you?
This might be a little TMI, but I’ve always experienced a tingling rush of excitement when stumbling across a bargain, it’s almost sexual-like. No lie. In fact, Collin was conceived after a winning bid on Ebay.
But these reviews are about more than just me and my bargain-erotica (bargotica?), they’re about you! I believe that mothers everywhere deserve access to affordable yet delicious mental health care, and I’m determined to make that happen.
Now before I officially begin my review, let’s define my idea of a “bargain” wine. Before I was married, I was quite content with drinking a $5.00 bottle. It provided both the essence of grape and the warming sensation of grainy alcohol that I required. But over the years, Brian has spoiled me by frequently supplying the good stuff…the-we-can’t-afford-this-every-night- good stuff. As a result, my “el cheapo” price range has continued to rise. So for the purpose of this and future reviews, let’s set the maximum dollar amount to $15.
Now for my first review…
Wait!
Back up a sec. Let me quickly warn you that I have no clue what the hell I’m talking about. I mean, I know what I like but I’m not sure what all the fancy terminology means. So I’ll be using my own personal descriptors and preferences. Good luck with the deciphering.
Horse Haven Hills (H3) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 by Columbia Crest
from Washington State – $11.99
Winemaker Notes: “This bold medium-bodied wine delivers aromas of cherry blossoms and rose petals, with a perfect balance of earth, mineral and deep berry flavors leading to a soft tannin cocoa finish.”
Kim’s Notes: “This shit is good!”
No really! Wine Spectator gave it a 90 point rating, which is amazing for a wine that costs only $11.99. Originally, Brian purchased this bottle for me so I didn’t know the price. After drinking it, and factoring in what Brian would spend, I guessed the value at $24.99.
My description…
It’s a nice deep, dark red…almost like the color of freshly clotted blood. I know, Mmm. The first time I opened the bottle (I drank 3 bottles this week to prepare for this review) I was immediately struck by a nice oaky smell, and I love me some oak (though, not a fan of oak furniture). And unlike a lot of “value” wines, this wine was smooth, it didn’t have the jagged glass feeling that I’ve come to expect in anything under $12. While it wasn’t totally chewy, it had a nice weight & feel to it, like that velvet blanket you frequently stuff in your mouth to keep from screaming.
This wine is ready to drink now through whenever (all my wines are “drink now” or “drink tomorrow”). It’s the perfect choice for mommy playdates, your next book club, or for guzzling while discussing this month’s electric bill with your spouse.
This wine pairs well with pizza bites, Hot Pockets, tacos, or handfuls of chocolate chips eaten directly from the bag while crying.
Go out and buy it today!
Throw a girl a birthday vote? Shameless, right?
