Cork Poppers Taste Wines to Die For!

I thought that now I was back with posts about our Life Back Home for a bit, I'd share another spirited outing. Our Cork Poppers wine tasting group met in early November with a post Day of the Dead theme, "Wines to Die For" at member Bob's house, assisted by his daughter, Heather, and her son, Andrew. (Note to self: I really need to write these posts up immediately, even if I don't post them, as my notes are a tad sketchy!)

But we were all happy to get our take-away gift early -- these very fun black skull wine glasses that Heather found at Home Goods! Now it was time to start filling them up! 

We started with a Mionetto Prosecco from Roger. We've had this one before and really didn't talk about it, just enjoyed catching up with each other.  

 

My personal recommendation? It's good, it's reasonably priced and it's Prosecco -- what's not to love?

Then Dick started with the white wines and Takoli Lattu Getariako Txakoolina DDO, a dry white from Spain's Basque country. (And no, we couldn't pronounce it either.) Rick noted that it was definitely drier than the Prosecco and it had the slightest bit of fizz. Both Rick and I liked it (And Rick isn't a big white wine fan.)

Txakolina is a slightly fizzy Spanish equivalent to Vinho Verde, produced primarily from the Hondarribi Zuri grape variety, which is native to the Basque Country and know for its fresh, zesty character.  (And I have no idea what that means, but Dick was kind enough to share his wine notes, which has especially helped this time!)

Then Dick offered "Naughty" from Chateau Chantal, a Michigan wine from the Grand Traverse area. I described it as "rather nice and fruity." Cheryl, who only drinks whites noted "I liked it at first, the then there was an aftertaste." This one was $25, and while I noted it would be good for a hot night at the lake, I didn't think it was $25 good!

The Velvet Devil (another wine brought by Dick) was the third offering. This wine is from Washington State. It was a blend of Merlot wth Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grapes. I noted that it tasted kind of flat, though a little peppery on the tongue, but the aroma was "to die for."  Kate, however, liked it. Other comments ranged from "It does have a flavor, doesn't it?" to "It tastes like Turpentine." Price was $14.50.

Next up came Heather's choice, Grateful Dead Gnarly Head (a suitable choice for Day of the Dead!). This Cabernet Sauvignon came from our grocery and was $15. 

I love this," I wrote while Kate said, "This is my favorite so far!" (It remained my favorite of the day.)

Then Heather offered "Deary Beloved, I Thee Red," from the Lodi area of central coastal California. This one used four grapes and had the worst label graphics we'd ever seen. We could hardly read the bottle, which used red type on black. (Pity, because it had such potential!) It came from Trader Joe's for $9.99.

"I'm not sure I'm a fan," I said, and Kate added "Put me down in the same category." Dick noted it was a little sweeter than the last one. (We don't have huge  pours, but most of this one went down the sink for me.)

(Couldn't resist this view of outside from Bob's window!)

I had brought "Submission," a red blend of Grenache, Malbec, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grapes. It was $13.50 at our local wine store. It was dry but a bit fruity. I decided it wasn't my favorite, though was second to Grateful Dead Gnarly Head. If I'd had it first, I think it would have been my favorite.

But Roger loved it and in fact, came back to it later in the tasting with the affirmation, "I love Submission!"

Kate brought us a Parducci Small Lot Pinot Noir from Mendicino City 2022, California. It is the oldest winery in the area and we liked it. (Rick said "If I started with this one, it would never be surpassed.") And at $13.50, it was a good price. 

Kate said she went to the wine store and asked "What's a wine to die for?" and the wine guy said "This one." I'd get it again.

Bob was last with our most expensive offering of the day, "Chateau Neuf du Pape" or "The Pope's Wine" at $56. It was from the vineyard where the Pope used to get the wine in France in the 10th century. Kate said, "For $56, I think it's over priced" and Rick said, regretfully, "I'm sorry, Bob, but I liked Jeanie's Submission better. 

Lest you should think we are just guzzling wine on empty stomachs, think again. Today's offerings were accompanied by a rich array of delicious snacks, appetizers and treats, which we enjoyed throughout. In addition to the usual cheese and crackers we enjoyed a fabulous (and most appropriate) South of the Border layered dip, sliders, deviled eggs, and cookies and brownies for dessert. No one left hungry!

Special kudos to Heather for her beautifully decorated table, too! I loved her fiesta-themed table "runner" and flowers in a cork-filled vase.

While we enjoyed the post-tasting (just to be clear, post-tasting doesn't mean we STOPPED drinking, we were just eating more heartily!) we stepped out onto the balcony of Bob's home and were greeted by six deer, happily enjoying whatever bounty was on the ground.

I always love seeing deer. This was an extra treat.

Meet your Cork Popper tasters for this Day of the Dead tasting! (Photos courtesy of Cheryl Rice)

 

 

(Left to right: Jeanie/Rick; Roger/Meredith; Dick/Cheryl; Heather/Bob/Andrew; Mike/Kate)

Here's looking at you, Kid!

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