"You had me at Merlot"

Okay, actually, my drink of choice is a full-bodied cabernet.  But these days I'll drink nearly anything that's red and ends in "wine".

So while doing the dishes (ahem, hand washing the crystal wine glasses) I got to thinking about all of my favorite wines and thought that perhaps I'd list them on paper.  Since virtual paper is eco friendly and easily transmitted, the blog seemed like a perfect fit.  I'll add to this list as time goes on.  So here goes....

***Disclaimer: Since I am only an enthusiastic wine drinker, rather than a true "wine enthusiast", I'll shy away from listing the actual vintages unless a particular vintage is noticeably outstanding to me.


Whites -
ummm.... guess I kind of have to be a white wine drinker for this one, huh?


Reds -

Joseph Carr, Cabernet Sauvignon:  MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.  Medium-bodied with a silky finish, semi dry and under $20 per bottle typically.

Bogle Vineyards outs out a fantastic blend of old vine zinfandel, petite sirah & old vine mourvedre with their "Phantom" wine.  Runs about $20 per bottle.  I was told by another customer at the wine store where I purchased this bottle that it's only available this time of the year.... not sure if it's true, though.

J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon: Medium-bodied with an oaky flavor, smooth finish and semi-dry, also under $20 (can usually find it for about $15 at discount wine stores).

Josh Carr, Cabernet Sauvignon: I go with this one if I want the Joseph Carr but want to save a buck or two.  Similar in blend and body.

Cupcake, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007

Casillero del Diablo, Cabernet Sauvignon: Great price, smooth taste.  From Chile.... pretty much can't go wrong with anything from Chile but this is one of my favorites.

Barefoot, Cabernet Sauvignon: Great wine with medium body and semi-dry for only about $8-10 per bottle.  GREAT VALUE.

Rex Goliath, Merlot: Also great price point with good flavor for a semi-dry.

Box wine..... (go ahead, roll your eyes) When I want to get the most bang for my buck, I was actually impressed with "Black Box Wine" Cabernet.  Was able to purchase a box at Empire Wines in Colonie for $18 (= 4 bottles).

Long time, no see!

Whew!

It's been a long time since I've written an entry and, well, for quite good reason.  Life, simply has caught up with me.  My journey through life with three children, a husband & a dog while maintaining a safe and clean home, and not to mention my own sanity, has been a challenge over the last year!

Alas, I feel as though, maybe, just maybe, I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  So, here I go again.... alongside my hubby who has recently decided to start blogging, I'll attempt to keep my thoughts and life in balance for those of you who are interested.

I continue to focus on my marriage, our children, and my close family and friends; helping out where I can but for the first time in my life, learning to say no when I just can't and finally attempting to "take care of myself" along with everyone else.  I figured out how to ask for help a while ago, which was a good start.  I've honed in on how I want to spend my career days and am actively pursuing a career change that I think will leave me with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment at the end of the day.  And I'm working on something that I think has been missing for a very long time; emotional confidence and strength.