Wine: 2003 Cobblestone Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2003 Cobblestone Cabernet Sauvignon was Big, Bold, Spicy, and packed a bit of punch. I'm still in my early stages of wine tasting, but I tasted a bit of cherry with a big hint of spice. I have really enjoyed spicy wines and was in love with this particular one. We had it with filet mignon--absolutely great together--and finished it off with dark chocolate.

The 2003 Cobblestone comes from Napa Valley of which I have many vivid memories. My brother and I complained during every trip to Napa Valley because we were bored out of our minds. My parents were busy tasting wine and my brother and I were busy trying to find creative ways to have fun (which probably was beating one another up). I've been to many of the wine regions in California, but still have not ventured to Napa Valley as an adult. I'm quite sure when I do get there that I'll have a totally different experience. Cheers.

Wednesday Wine: 2007 Red Bicyclette French Rosé

When I walk into the grocery store Rosés are not high on my list of wine to buy. In fact, they aren't on the list at all. However, this afternoon I was inspired by an article about rosé wines.

"Slightly chilled dry rose wines, especially those from Europe, can be a delight at the end of a summer day, with a lunch of chicken salad or with a nice piece of fish for dinner."

I wanted something light to relax with in this South Carolina heat, so I headed out to the nearest grocery store -- Piggly Wiggly (This name makes me laugh every time). After searching the shelves for a nice rosé, I settled on the 2007 Red Bicyclette French Rosé.

What: Rosé wines are light in color and range from orange to pinkish. The wine gets its color from the limited amount of time the grape skins stay in contact with the grape juice. The grape juice of the 2007 Bicyclette Rosé received only 12 hours of contact with the skin and was fermented for 3 weeks in steel tanks. This particular rosé comes from the Languedoc Roussillon region in southern France ( OOhh La la....I think I want to take my next trip here) . Rosé wines are great for warm summer time weather. You can pair it with light meals such as fish, chicken, and even sandwiches.

Taste: This particular wine isn't too sweet and is definitely light and fruity.

Rating: I don't particularly like the 2007 Red Bicyclette Rosé. But, I can be easily encouraged to give it another shot one day. I'm not going to shy away from rosés either. I will venture into other labels.

Price: $10.49

What I've learned: Don't be afraid to go out there and try something different. You might find something you like that you would have otherwise passed up.

Wine at Starbucks?

From Bizjournal

Starbucks Corp. will add beer and wine to its menu of coffees, teas and snacks at one of its Seattle locations. The store has been named “15th Avenue Coffee and Tea inspired by Starbucks” and will open Friday.

Starbucks plans to serve alcohol at two additional stores in Seattle and is determining locations for these stores, which will open in the coming months, a Starbucks spokeswoman said. The performance of the Seattle area stores will determine if Starbucks will sell alcohol elsewhere.