Tino's Too Strawberry Margaritas

Had dinner at a Mexican Food Restaurant that we frequent.  Really like their entrees as well as their House Margaritas. This round went with the Strawberry Margarita!  Tasty....

Electra Moscato

Here is a light wine with low alcohol content that both Winos really liked.  Easily earns a Good Rating!  Comes from the Quady Winery in Madera, CA.  Made from the Orange Muscat grape.  Has a sweet taste.  Much sweeter than other Moscato Wines.

Barefoot Winery Sweet Red

Another offering from the Barefoot Winery.  This one is their Sweet Red.  It earns a Good Rating without a problem!

Santa's Contribution to the Winos.

Santa delivered a few bottles to the Winos this morning.  Will have to post as we work through these selections.  Some are familiar and we have had before.  Others look new... Barefoot Sweet Red and Riesling!

Davinci's Chianti

The Red Wine Wino has a weakness for Chianti.  In this case, Davinci's offering imported from overseas hit the spot.  Both Winos agree to buy it again.  Rating:  Good!

Update: 4/13/2014:  Not sure but this last bottle we purchased has us wavering on this one.  Re-rating it as Neutral.  Noticed an aftertaste that had the Red Wino confused.

Barefoot Bubbly - Moscato Spumante

Barefoot Bubbly - Moscato Spumante offered by Barefoot Winery.  It is a sparkling wine that we have had before.  Both Winos liked it then.  Both Winos liked it again!  Easily maintains a "Good Rating"!

Cavalli Pizzeria and Wine Bar - House Red (Merlot)

Happy hour last night at a pizzeria we like to frequent.  Pizzas cooked in a wood fired, brick oven and basically flash cooked at high temps.  Pizza is done in 90 seconds!  And, what better way to have pizza then a glass of red wine!

In this case, the Red Wine Wino opted for the Restaurant's House Red in a Merlot.  Very good wine,... the Winos are rating this one "Good"!  Will purchase this one again in the future!

Cavalli Pizzeria and Wine Bar - House Red (Merlot)

Franzia Fruity Red Sangria

Here is another one from Franzia.  It's their Fruity Red Sangria that comes in a 5 liter cardboard box.  The two Winos gave this one a "Good Rating".

We have no issues with wine that comes in a cardboard box as long as it tastes good.  In this case, it tastes good!  Keeping this one in mind when the funds are running low (but would also buy it if rolling in dough!).

Lindeman's Bin 50 Shiraz

Have not had a Shiraz in a while.  Pulled this one off the wine rack at home.  Been gathering dust, so better late than never... Crafted in Australia and priced right - less than $5!  Both Winos give this one a Good Rating.

Choctaw Casino's Diamond Back Lounge - House Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

Was out last night to try our luck at the gaming tables at Choctaw Casino.  Was sidetracked by a free concert featuring Lee Rocker , stand-up bass player for the rockabilly band Stray Cats!  While enjoying the live music, ordered a couple of red wines from the bar.  Both wines earned a "Good Rating" with the Cabernet Sauvignon having the slight edge over the Merlot. 

PS:  If you like live music and rockabilly sounds, you will like Lee Rocker and his band.  Outstanding performance in a small group setting!

House Merlot

House Cabernet Sauvignon

Lee Rocker and His Band!

Barefoot Winery Moscato

White Wine Wino opted for a bottle of Moscato.  This one remains a favorite and gets another "Good Rating"! 

Llano Sweet Red

Revisiting this one again.  Llano Sweet Red maintains it's Good Rating. The Winos agree again on this one.

PF Changs House Red - Cabernet Sauvignon

After trying the Angove Moscato while having dinner at PF Changs, decided to try their House Red.  Had a choice of a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon.  Went with the Cabernet.  Red Wine Wino had no issues with it; White Wine Wino did not care for it.  This one gets a "Neutral Rating" since the Winos can't agree on this one.

PF Changs - Angove Moscato

Had dinner at PF Changs.  Ordered an Angove Moscato.  Sweet tasting wine that reminds us of other Moscatos.  The two Winos have no issue rating this one as "Good"!

Augsburger Christkindlmarkt

Here is one that we liked. Red wine with spices added.  Imported from Germany and served hot.  Feels like an after dinner dessert wine! Giving this one a Good Rating - Augsburger Christkindlmarkt!

Kork - a wine bar

Stopped at a wine bar in New Braunfels in the heart of the Texas Hill Country! Ordered the House Wine.  Gets a Good Rating.  Coming back to this place!

Menage 'a Trois - Red Wine 2009

This one keeps on coming in as a favorite of ours.  Menage 'a Trois brings Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon into one blend! Both Winos agree to buy it again.  Easily gets Good Rating.

Franzia Sunset Blush

Franzia Winery offers its house wine Sunset Blush.  Cannot beat the price, cannot beat the taste,.... Easily earns a "Good Rating" from both Winos!  Will be buying this one again in the future.

Franzia Sunset Blush

Peter Vella Vineyard's - Delicious Blush

Here is one that we have not had for a while.  Peter Vella Vineyard's - Delicious Blush!  Wine in a cardboard box does not get any better. Can't beat the price, consider it a good starter wine as it has a sweetness to it.  Both Winos give it a "Good Rating".

Peter Vella Vineyard's - Delicious Blush

Simply Naked Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Here is one that we picked up recently.  Simply Naked Winery of California offers a fruity Cabernet Sauvignon that is "unoaked"!  Hence, the "simply nakedness" on the label.  Aged in something other than an oak barrel to focus more on the fruity flavor and less on the oak. 

Red Wine Wino liked it immediately (13.5% alcohol...).  White Wine Wino liked it too, does have a dry aftertaste,... yada, yada, yada.  Red Wine Wino says, "What can be bad about a wine that has naked on the lablel!"  Rating: "Good"!

Simply Naked Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Not Wine... Dog BIte High Gravity Lager and Tropic Chillerz!

Red Wine Wino broke away from the norm and picked up a 24oz can of Dog Bite High Gravity Lager and a bottle of Tropic Chillerz in strawberry.  The Lager has 10% alcohol and the Tropic Chillerz has 17% alcohol... ouch!

White Wino did not rate them (in Vegas this week for "business" (wink, wink)....

Wine Wino rated the Lager as "Bad" - no plans to buy this one again.  Something about the hint of sweetness in a beer that does not work for the Red Wine Wino.

For the Tropic Chillerz, 17% by volume almost always rates a "Good" rating in the Red Wine Wino's rule book.   Label says:

"Other than standard orange wine with strawberry and banana puree, pineapple and lime juices, coconut cream, and other natural flavors added."

Bota Box - Merlot 2009 and Moscato 2010

Picked up a Merlot and Moscato from Bota Box.  The Merlot and Moscato get a "Good" Rating with one comment from the White Wine Wino on the Moscato - "It was not as sweet as other Moscatos."   But, who wants sweet wine anyways?  FYI - These were the "mini-Bots" that equate to 3 glasses of wine per bottle.

Bota Box - Merlot 2009 and Moscato 2010

Vendange Chardonnay

Bought this wine, offered by the Vendange Winery, while on a grocery store run.  It comes in a cardboard bottle, is a Chardonnay, and is rated at 13% alcohol - not bad for a white wine!  White Wine Wino opted not to buy it again.... Go figure.  Red Wine Wino had no problems with purchasing it again, but he is biased due to the strong alcohol content.... Go figure.  Rating: "Neutral".

Vendange Chardonnay

Daily's Frozen Lemonade

Decided to try Daily's Frozen Lemonade.  We had tried the Strawberry Daquiri and the Mojito and liked them.  Same goes with the Frozen Lemonade.  Rating: "Good" but for the heavy weight Winos, suggest adding a shot of Gin or Vodka to fortify it!

Daily's Frozen Lemonade

Cavalli Pizzeria and Wine Bar - Costello Bonfino

Had dinner at a local pizzeria and wine bar.  Offers wood fired, brick oven pizzas using ingredients imported from Italy!  It's authentic Italian pizza.  Ordered a glass (actually two) of their red wine - Costello Bonfino.  This one earns a good rating!

Cavalli Pizzeria and Wine Bar - Costello Bonfino

Nigori Sake Snow Beauty

White Wine Wino decided to have some Sake.  Went with an offering from Nigori called the Snow Beauty.  Red Wine Wino deferred rating it to the White Wine Wino.  Bottom-line: It gets a "Good Rating"!

Nigori Sake Snow Beauty

Ravens Wood - Vintners Blend Shiraz

Here is a Shiraz made in California by the Ravens Wood Winery.  Bottled in 2008, this offering made for a pleasant surprise for the Red Wine Wino.  Liked the wine, liked the 13.5% alcohol content, liked the White Wine Wino's agreement to buy this one again!  Rating:  "Good"!

Ravens Wood - Vintners Blend Shiraz

Riunite D'Oro Moscato Trebbiano Puglia

Here is one that we liked... an Italian imported wine offered by Riunite!  It is 51% Moscato and 49% Trebbiano.  Don't let the screw top cap bias your taste buds.  This one gets a "Good" rating.  Sweet with a little bubbly mixed in.  Even better, cost less than $8.00!

House Wines from the Back Porch (Port Aransas, Texas)

While on the Texas Gulf Coast, stopped at a local bar named the Back Porch.  Live music and the "island" atmosphere pulled us in.  After a couple of Margaritas, the two Winos ordered a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Malbec, a Pinot Grigio, and a Zinfandel.  Not sure about the brands.... calling them House Wines for reference.  Both Winos were not disappointed; all earned "Good" ratings!

House Wines from the Back Porch (Port Aransas, Texas)

Beringer Sweet Moscato Holds Its Own.

White Wino purchased Beringer's Sweet Moscato.  Both agreed that it is holding its own with other Moscatos.  Both would buy it again in the future.  Rated "Good"!

Beringer's Sweet Moscato

Lucky Duck - Malbec

Here is another red wine offered by Lucky Duck.  This one comes from Argentina.  Slightly dry, rated this one as a "Good" wine.  Both Winos agreed to buy this one again in the future!  For more info, added a picture of the back  label.

Lucky Duck - Malbec

Rappahannock Cellars....

Here is a Winery in Virginia that is on our list of places to go next time we are in Virginia.  Rappahannock Cellars offering red and white wines in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Virginia Winery - Rappahannock Cellars



Beringer Red Moscato 2010

Here is a new one that we found and tried... it's a Moscato from Beringer.  We have tried Moscatos before but this one is a Red Moscato!  We tried it, we liked it, and would buy it again... so, it gets a "Good' rating.  Has a sweet taste that reminds us of Llano's Sweet Red!

Beringer Red Moscato 2010

Sangria Anyone? The Wino's Wine Guide Recipe for Sangria.

With temperatures in the 100+ Degrees, decided to make a batch of Sangria to help cool things down!  Below is our recipe for Sangria.  We make it on the light side to allow for "teetotalers" to enjoy but adding a shot or two of our favorite Rum or Brandy gives it the strength that "heavyweight" Winos like us require.  Mix up a batch, adjust as you wish, and do let us know how it turned out!

The Wino's Wine Guide Recipe for Sangria:

• 1 Bottle of Red Wine (750 ml bottle of Merlot, Shiraz, or Tempranillo works well).
• 1 Can of Passion Fruit Juice Concentrate
• Water per the instructions on the Passion Fruit Juice Concentrate Can
• 1/2 Liter of Seltzer of Club Soda
• 1 Lime skinned and cut into small pieces
• 1 Orange skinned and cut into small pieces
• 1 Peach skinned and cut into small pieces
• 2 Shots of Bacardi 151 Rum

Mix all ingredients in a suitable pitcher, and then chill overnight.  Add additional shots of your favorite Brandy or Rum to your glass to "fortify" as desired.

Sangria Anyone?



Lucky Duck - Tempranillo

Picked up another offering from the Lucky Duck wines.... This one is from Spain - a Tempranillo!  Red Wine Wino liked it and would buy again.  White Wine Wino was on the fence; could not say yes or no about a future purchase.  Since both Winos could not agree, this red wine gets a Neutral rating.

Lucky Duck - Tempranillo

Barefoot Winery - Riesling

Barefoot Winery comes through again.  This time in a Riesling!  Was questioning the "screw top" bottle and no cork to add to my collection.  But, one taste and both Wino's agreed to buy this one again. Rating: Good. Reminds us of a Moscato but sweeter!

Barefoot Winery - Riesling

Garcia Carrion Winery (Spain) - Don Luciano Merlot 2009

Bought this imported Merlot while shopping for groceries several weeks ago.  Have not tried it till today.  The back label describes the wine as:

A wine with character expressing the Mediterranean Merlot variety.  An elegant purple-blank color with violet tones.  A well defined fruity aroma to the nose, blackberry and raspberry.  Enjoyable on its own or with meats, salads, and pasta.

Both Winos agreed it is a very dry Merlot.  White Wino questions enjoying the wine on its own; would probably go better with Dinner.  Red Wine Wino cannot make up his mind about buying this one again.  The dryness really puts a damper on a future purchase.

Rating this one as a Neutral based on the indecision of a future purchase.

Garcia Carrion Winery (Spain) - Don Luciano Merlot 2009

Barefoot Winery's Moscato Maintains Its Good Rating!

Barefoot Winery's Moscato maintains its Good Rating.  The White Wine Wino bought a bottle the other day and is currently having a glass as I (the Red Wine Wino) watch in envy.  Both Winos continue to agree that this is their favorite white wine... it's sweet, tastes great, and low priced... doesn't get any better than that!

Barefoot Winery's Moscato Maintains Its Good Rating!

Barefoot Shiraz Maintains Its Good Rating!

Red and White Winos opted for a glass of Shiraz from Barefoot Winery.  Still agree that this is our favorite Shiraz.  It tastes great, and it is moderately priced!  We will continue to buy this one.  Rating: Good!

Barefoot Shiraz Maintains Its Good Rating!

Aniversario Pampero Rum

While out and about this weekend, the two Winos had a chance to taste a Rum distilled in Venezuela.  It is called Aniversario Pamero.  It has liquer-like feel to it compared to other Rums.  Also, has a hint of vanilla... we think.  Overall, both agreed to buy this one again if we can find it!

Aniversario Pampero Rum

Twin Springs Sweet Red

Sweet Red from Twin Springs Winery located in Tow, Texas!  A good starter wine for new enthusiasts.  Sweet... yes.  Low alcohol content... ~10%.  Almost like drinking grape juice.  But, both Winos agreed to buy this one again.

Twin Springs Sweet Red

Bay Bridge Merlot

Here is one that the White Wine Wino picked up at the grocery store.  Was on sale for $3.50!  Opened the bottle and had a glass... Red Wine Wino decided to pass on this one for future purchases.  Rating this one as "Neutral" because the White Wine Wino does not want to buy another bottle on price alone. 

Bay Bridge Merlot

"Menage A Trois" again!

While out on errands, noticed a bottle of Menage A Trois on sale.  Picked up a bottle to restock the wine rack.  Both Winos continue to agree that it is a "Good" wine as evidenced by another purchase!  Try this one when you get a chance.



"Menage A Trois"



Barefoot Merlot and Barefoot Moscato Again!

Restocked the wine rack with Barefoot Winery's Merlot and Moscato!  Still liking the Winery's many wines.  Both Wino's continue to rate the Merlot and Moscato as "Good"!  So it was no surprise that we picked up two bottles at the local store!

Barefoot Merlot and Moscato

Cavit Moscato

An imported Moscato offered by Italy's Cavit Winery.  White Wine Wino picked this one while grocery shopping.  Having an affinity for white wines, especially Moscatos, the White Wine Wino easily gave it a thumbs up. 

Red Wine Wino thought it was too sweet, almost like a "starter wine" for getting new wine drinkers hooked on this addiction....

Since we could not agree on purchasing it again,.... this Moscato gets a "Neutral" rating.

Cavit Moscato



Back Label



Sutter Home White Merlot

Another round of Sutter Home's White Merlot!  White Wino still likes it; Red Wino still agrees!  Rating: "Good"... will purchase again!

Sutter Home White Merlot

Cellar No. 8 - Pinot Noir

Offering from the Asti Winery in California....  Label says, "Seductive, earthy notes with hints of spice, open up to juicy strawberry jam flavors."  The two Winos describe it in more simple terms, "Good wine, will buy it again!"

The Red Wine Wino was running errands and grocery shopping for some essentials.  While at the store, noticed this one on the shelf and bought it on a whim. 

A few days later noticed the bottle was missing from the wine rack.  White Wine Wino had decided to have a glass (or two).  Good thing was able to try this one before it was all gone!

Cellar No. 8 - Pinot Noir

Barefoot Merlot, Moscato, and Cabernet Sauvignon

While on a run to the local drug store, noticed Barefoot wines were on sale ($4.99 a bottle).  Decided to go with three wines we have rated as "Good" in the past.  Good meaning we would purchase the wine again!

So, in keeping with our rating system, bought a Merlot, a Moscato, and a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Barefoot Merlot, Moscato, and Cabernet Sauvignon