Un-wined of the Week - Catching Up

It has been a while since I've done an un-wined of the week.  Fear not - it's not because of a lack of alcohol consumption.  It's more because I've been traveling and things are busy and there are other things I want to write about.  Plus, I like to add a bit of a story behind an evening of wine drinking, and lately the story has been:  It's Wednesday and I am watching X-Factor and eating popcorn.  And that's kind of boring.

But last night departed from the mundane.

One of the things I love about the DC area is that it is so transient.  People are always moving in and out.  It obviously sucks when friends leave, but it also means that there is the potential for friends to come.  And lo and behold, a few weeks ago, one came.  And I am so happy about it!

Kristen and I went to college together, and were in the same (ahem, I'm going to say it) sorority. She was a year younger than me, so we weren't in the same core circle of friends.  But you know how there are those people that you may not be that close to, but that you just LOVE?  In that, you know if you had the opportunity, you would be great friends, no problem?  She was one of those. Love her.

Un-wined of the Week - Bloggers Unite

I have "met" so many people since starting this blog.  Most are virtual friends, who comment on my blog, or whose blogs I read.  These friends have given me advice, inspiration, and some much needed laughs.  I know it's weird to have friends you've never actually met, but hey, the internet is a crazy place. 

Every once in a while, I actually do meet someone through the blog, in the traditional, face to face sort of way.  A few months ago, I met Darcy.  Darcy has an amazing blog (which I actually recommended in a former post, prior to meeting her!), called No Monsters in My Bed.  She's an amazing photographer, an amazing writer, and what do you know, she is also a cool person, who happens to be a former lawyer.  I had actually met her about four years ago, when she interviewed me at her law firm.  We didn't put two and two together until just recently, but still, how crazy is that?  Little did we know in that interview that in a few short years we'd both be stay at home moms, with blogs, and meeting on a rainy Thursday night in downtown DC for drinks.

We went to Founding Farmers in downtown DC, right down the street from where I used to work.  I took the metro in, as I wanted to treat myself to a drink or two or three.  It had been a rough week.  A broken dishwasher.  Four straight days of buckets of rain.  A letter informing us that we owe a couple grand to the IRS from taxes we filed two years ago (I swear, it was an honest mistake).  I could go on, but suffice it to say, I wanted a drink.

Last night was just what I needed - good wine, good food, good conversation.  I had a few glasses of this:

Acrobat Pinot Noir
Oregon, 2009

It was a bit expensive at $12 a glass, but what do you expect from a downtown DC restaurant?  And it was very good - bright and smooth and a bit fruity.  It went perfectly with bacon lollipops (oh my gosh, were those good) and an ahi tuna salad.  I googled it, and it looks like it retails for around $20, which isn't bad, though it does compel me to go off on one of my rants about restaurant markups, of which I will spare you.

We had a great time at dinner, and decided to make drinks a regular thing.  Any other local bloggers want to join?  Just email me!  Lets be real friends!

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A quick note - I would be remiss not to mention that today is my husband and my five year anniversary.  Happy Anniversary, sweetie!  We done good!

Un-wined of the Week- Wills and Wine

My husband and I are flying to California for a wedding in a couple of weeks, and while pondering the terror of descending thousands of feet in a metal fireball, I figured we should probably go ahead and do a proper will.

We are both lawyers, so you would think we could do our own will, right?  Nein, fraulein.  If anything, our legal background just makes us realize how ignorant we are and how much we would mess up the disbursement of our assets and leave our children homeless and in squalor.  

So last night my husband and I were paid a visit by our lawyer (aka, neighbor, aka, husband of our dog walker, aka, bedmate of our dog when we go out of town) to go over the details.  There's nothing quite like contemplating your own death, the death of your husband, and the future of your children parentless and alone in the world.  So we figured we would add some wine to the mix!  Our attorney was happy to partake.

This week's wine was:  

Blackstone Pinot Noir
California, 2009

I know I really need to stop with the Pinot Noir and try something new, but to be honest, last night I wanted a sure thing.  This was cheap ($9.99), smooth, light in color, medium in body, and had a nice vanilla like aftertaste.  I had tried this before and knew I liked it, and hey, if I'm discussing my untimely death, I should be able to drink what I want.

Overall rating - 8/10

Un-wined of the Week - A Bit of Bubbly

I know my un-wineds are typically wine reviews, but a bit of champagne never hurt anyone, right?

My dad likes to call himself a "champagne connoisseur."  Connoisseur is probably a strong word, but the guy enjoys champagne.  Generally when we come to visit, he'll uncork one nice bottle.  For this trip, the bottle was:

Taittinger Champagne Brut
France

This bottle retails for about $40, which is outside of my general weekly bottle price range.  But, for a special occasion, I would definitely splurge.  The champagne was fabulous!  Refreshing and crisp, with a clean finish.  It was easy to drink quickly, so I had to pace myself.  Though I admittedly don't have the most discerning champagne palate, this was just yummy.  Perfect for a summer evening on the porch overlooking the ocean.  Just perfect.

Overall rating - 9/10

Un-wined of the Week - A Double Bust

I have to admit that when I started these wine reviews, a teeny tiny part of me had this hope that maybe someday it would lead to me getting free wine.  You know, the blog would explode, and wineries from around the world would send me bottles just begging for me to review them.

That hasn't exactly happened yet.  But, it seems my friends are filling in the gap.  On Tuesday night I had a playdate at a friend's house, and as I was leaving her husband reached into their fridge and passed me a bottle of half-drunk wine.  He said I should review it.  Who was I to refuse? He mentioned under his breath that it cost about $2.99 from Whole Foods.  Hmmmm, a red flag perhaps?  That, and the fact that he was giving it to me, when it was half drunk?  The wine was:

Three Wishes Chardonnay
California (no year specified)

Sabrina and Joe, while I totally appreciate the free wine, I must be honest.  This wine was, in a word, disgusting.  I don't like Chardonnay to begin with, but this just brought my dislike to a level I didn't believe possible.  It was bitter, flat, and made me scowl after just one sip.  I have the remainder of the bottle to return to you when I see you next.   I do like the label though.

Overall rating - 1/10

I decided move on to a different bottle we already had on hand, which was:

Alamos Malbec
2010

My husband picked this bottle up for $12.39, and I love Malbec, so it had promise.  But it seems that last night it just wasn't meant to be.  This wine brought new meaning to the term, "Blacktooth," which is my husband's nickname for me when I drink bad red wine.   Shortly into the first glass my teeth, lips, and surrounding gumline were bright red.  I had to brush my teeth multiple times to finally rid myself of the stain.  The wine was heavy, syrupy, and had bitter, thick tannins.   After one glass I felt a headache coming on and popped two advil, just to ensure a peaceful night sleep.

Overall rating - 1/10

What a bust.  The memory of it almost has me turned off of wine at the moment, which is tragic really.  I am thinking I may need to up my game (and my budget) to drink something decent next week.  Any suggestions?

Un-wined of the Week - Some Local Flavor

Long Island isn't just strip malls and diners.  There are actually some vineyards here.  And an unassuming beach community called the Hamptons. 

Since I am in Long Island for a couple of days, I figured I would sample some of the local wine.  Today's wine of the week is:

Duck Walk Vineyards Merlot
2008

This particular wine is bottled in the North Fork of Long Island, which is just north of the Hamptons (which is the southern part of the "fork").  (To see the website of the actual vineyard, click here).  I've actually driven through here before after taking the ferry from Connecticut, and I have to say, it is really beautiful.  My husband and I have even commented before that we should take a trip sometime to go vineyard hopping in this area. 

If we ever do this, I will probably visit this vineyard for the beauty, not for the wine.  The Merlot I sampled was just so-so.  It didn't even really taste like a Merlot, more like a Zinfandel gone wrong.  It was acidic and had a sour aftertaste, and was teethstaining.  That being said, it was drinkable, just not completely enjoyable.  At the price of $9.99 a bottle, if I ever make it to the North Fork again, I'd be willing to give good old Duckwalk Vineyards another chance. 

Overall rating - 4/10

Speaking of the Hamptons, I'll be heading out there tomorrow to hang poolside at my brother-in-law's summer home.  Real Housewives style.  So I may not have time to write tomorrow.  I hope this doesn't ruin everyone's weekend.  (Ha!)

Un-wined of the Week - "That Family"

Last night my husband got home from work early (aka, 5:30!).  We decided to take advantage of our vast evening hours and go out to dinner.  We went to Listrani's, a casual Italian restaurant that is pretty family friendly.

When we arrived we realized it was half price wine night.  Jackpot!  We ordered a bottle of:

Diseno Malbec 2009
Argentina

The normal restaurant selling price was $28.00, so we got it for the steal of $14.00 (which is probably more than you could purchase it for in a store anyway).

About a glass in, all hell seemed to break loose.  Casey started screaming.  Braden started whining and running around the restaurant.  We shushed, we scolded, we pleaded, we bribed. Nothing worked.  Pretty soon every other patron of the restaurant, including those who brought kids themselves, were giving us the stink eye.  We were definitely "that family."

We needed to get out of there, and quick.  We asked for the check and to go boxes.  Then we realized - there was still more than half of a bottle of wine left.  Sure, we were making a scene.  But leave wine in a bottle at a restaurant?  Never.  Ever.

My husband and I chugged down the remainder of the bottle in record time.  I tell you, people, we are classy.

We are lucky that the wine was actually easily chuggable.  It was medium bodied and acidic, but not overpowering.  It had a long finish to it, which was nice, given that our enjoyment of it was so brief.  It was dry and went well with our Italian food.  I have to say,  Malbec is quickly becoming my new Pinot.  I haven't had too many that I don't like.

Overall rating: 8/10

(*Author shout out - I want to welcome my nephew to the world, Mason Elias, born earlier this morning.  I can't wait to meet you, and have a long overdue glass of wine with your mommy!*)

Un-wined of the Week - Bachelor Style

It's hot in DC.  REALLY REALLY HOT.  So a white wine was definitely in order last night.

This week's wine is:

Firestone Sauvignon Blanc
Santa Ynez Valley 2009

For those Bachelor/Bachelorette fans out there, does this wine sound familiar?  That's right, it's the wine of the infamous Andrew Firestone, who was the Bachelor back in 2003.  Remember, he chose Jen Schefft, and then they broke up a few months later?  Which was hugely surprising (please note a hint of sarcasm here).  In any event, it has been 8 years, but I never forget a Bachelor.  This review is dedicated to Andrew and his long lost love, Jen (who went on to star as the Bachelorette and also came out empty handed).

This wine was refreshing and crisp.  A bit fruity, with a hint of oak, which I usually don't like, but it seemed to work well here.  It would be good with seafood.  We had it with pretzels.  My only complaint is it a bit acidic for my taste, but not too much ruin it for me.  At $11.99, it is a good buy.

Overall rating: 7/10

*Author's note - Keeping with the theme of reality star wines, has anyone been able to try the Ramona Pinot Grigio?  If so, let me know how it is!  Or better yet, send it to me!

Un-wined of the Week - This One's a Freebie

This week's wine is:

Domaine Alfred Pinot Noir

2006

I didn't actually choose the wine this week.  It was chosen for me, as it was the red wine served at my husband's firm event last evening.  It was nothing spectacular.  It was fine - full bodied, yet subdued, and non-teeth staining, despite its darker than normal color.  It went down easy.  A little too easy, in fact, as I ended the night on the dance floor - at a LAW FIRM summer event.  Never a good idea.  

Overall rating - 5/10

Un-wined of the Week - The Big Bitch

When my husband arrived in Cape Cod on Saturday, he made a liquor store run to make sure we were well stocked on wine for the week.  He came back with six or so bottles (we have hosted a couple of family dinners, so not all the wine was for just us!).  Most of the bottles were in in the $12-$18 dollar range, and seemed to be decent.

But then there was the big bitch.

What is a "big bitch" you may ask?  A big bitch is one of those magnum bottles of wine.  You know, the ones that are the equivalent of two bottles and are generally cheap and mediocre at best.  It is just a small step above box wine, in my opinion.  The big bitch he selected was:

Woodbridge Merlot by Robert Mondavi
California, 2009

Last night we went to have a glass of wine before bed and realized that the aforementioned bottle was the only one left.   Ugh.  We each had one glass.  My review is as follows:

This wine is just disgusting.  Flat.  Cough syrup like.  Teeth staining.  Very bitter finish.  After a half glass, I could almost feel the headache coming on.  There really isn't much more to say.  Except that at this stage in my life, I shouldn't be drinking big bitch wine anymore, unless it is at some BBQ where someone else is providing the wine and I'm just trying to get drunk instead of enjoying my beverage.

Overall rating - 2/10

Un-wined of the Week - A Blast from the Past

Before I give my wine pic of the week, I have to make a confession that I have indulged in wine on more than one evening in the past week.  I'm on vacation, so I'm allowed.  In any event, I had a few wines to choose from, and I went with:

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2010
New Zealand

I don't drink white wine all that often, but a friend of mine recommended this and reminded me that it was the wine served at our wedding rehearsal dinner here in Wellfleet.  Plus, I like white wine when it's hot outside.  So it seemed fitting.  My sister and I cracked open this bottle and drank it outside on the deck last night after the kids went to sleep.

I am thinking I should try some whites more often!  It was very smooth - it didn't have that bitter hairspray aftertaste that I find with so many cheap white wines.  It has hints of citrus (I can't believe I am using these highbrow adjectives, but it's actually true), though it's just dry enough for me.  Overall it was very refreshing.  I guess that's why we chose it for our rehearsal dinner, though I have no recollection of doing so.  At $12.99 a bottle, I'll definitely buy it again.

Overall score: 9/10

Un-wined of the Week - I Love Me Some Wine

If you know me, or you've been reading the blog for a while, you know I am a   wine-o.  I love, love, love me some red wine.  One weeknight per week, my husband and I treat ourselves to a bottle.  So I figured I might as well blog about it!  In any event, it will help me remember what I like and don't.

Our wine night is usually Wednesdays, but since my husband may have to work late tonight, we indulged last night instead.  Last night's wine pick was:

Smoking Loon Pinot Noir 2009
California

Pinot Noir is my favorite kind of wine, and this one was not bad!  For one, it did not stain my teeth red (I have very easily stainable teeth).  It was light and easy to drink.  My only complaint is that it was a tiny bit flat (does that make sense?) and musty.  But at the bargain price of $11.99 from the classy establishment of Talbert's, I would definitely purchase it again!

Overall score: 7/10

*Author's note: I am not being sponsored or paid by anyone to review certain wines.  But if you would like to send me some free wine, be my guest.  I am more than happy to sample it!  I am also open to any suggestions for future un-wineds of the week :) *

Reminder

The next time I decide to stay up past midnight drinking wine with my best friend from London, please remind me of the following:

1) I am no longer in my twenties, and can't hack it like I used to.
2) There is no "sleep" button for my daily 7am wake up call. 
3) I have two children, who are going to have a ridiculous amount of energy despite a hangover.  And they have to be fed.  And supervised. 
4) Advil can only do so much.  Only so much.
5) I will not be able to return to bed until 8pm this evening, which is a long, long time away.

That's all.