Weekday Wine...

Josh and I drink a lot of wine...like, a lot. Don't worry, an intervention isn't needed, but a glass of wine on Mondays when the world seems against us seems to make the day a little easier to handle...that applies to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, well, you get the point. We have a few 'go to' favorites that we recommend to friends quite often. Now, we are dry, red drinkers so if this matches your taste, pick up one of these bottles and let me know what you think.

To put Monday's Madness behind you, try...
337 Cabernet Sauvignon

This is one of my favorite weeknight wines...and why we start on Monday's with this guy. Now, I am not a 'fancypants' wine drinker that can tell you about how the wine ends, where it highlights, and what notes you can find in it. I can tell you if it is good to sit and drink on the porch and discuss the day...and this one is very good. It has strong cherry flavors when you first pour it and as it sits it really mellows. It's a great 'balanced' wine...in my opinion, that means it is good from the moment it hits your lips until it begins to deaden the day. For $11-13 a bottle this is one of my favorites and is on the top shelf of our wine chiller right next to a few of these other selections.

For Tuesday's tension...
Try the Terrazas de los Andes Malbec

This wine is from Argentina. It can be found from $9.00-$12.00 a bottle. You can taste the dark red fruits in it and it has a bit of a bite at the end of it. This is a great wine with cheese, crackers, and even the occasional girl scout cookie. I can enjoy this wine while doing a bit of laundry, stirring whatever found it's way onto the stove, or while cuddled up in front of the fire with my hubby and dogs. I definitely recommend. If you haven't tried a Malbec before, give this one a shot.

After Wednesday's work has ended, try...
Avalon's Napa Valley Cabernet

According to the winemaker, "It is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Syrah. It exhibits aromas of raspberry, blackberry, mint and black cherries. Vanilla and short bread cookie notes from oak aging bring balance and frame the ripe berry flavors. Napa Valley characteristics show through with strawberries, red raspberries and a faint root beer note with quintessential Oakville dark cherries. The tannins are fine and chalky."

All I read in that is 'short bread cookie' (see where my mind goes!?!)...so, what I can say about the wine is that it is also a great balanced wine. It's not overly rich in flavor or spice...just a smooth, mild red.

To get Thursday rockin' (since the weekend is almost here), try...
Medalla Real's Cabernet Sauvignon by Santa Rita

This is a great wine from Chile. You'll feel like you a drinking a rich, lavish wine but with only a $15-$17 price tag. The first impression of this wine is excellent...very savory, filling your mouth and causing you to want another sip. It is a very 'structured' wine (if that makes any sense). Decanted the wine grows and pairs really well with dinner.

Friday's finally here...and it is time to celebrate! For something new, and a bit more pricey, one of our favorite wines right now is Paraduxx. It is $45-$48 a bottle, that is why I would wait for a birthday, an anniversary, a celebration of any sort... or just a reward for making it through a really rough week. There are a lot of different vintages you can purchase, but we have only tried and loved the 2005 and 2006 years.

The 2006 Paraduxx is a blend of 64% Zinfandel, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. You can taste the strawberries and raspberry in the wine. It is a robust wine but not overpowering at all. It is expensive, but SO drinkable! You'll love it and will continue to stock it for those special occasions.

I hope you try and enjoy a few of these selections. I'm always on the lookout for new wines to try. What are your 'go to' wines after a hard day?