Tag: California

Tobaccology’s Mysterious Cigar and Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon

Exciting! Don’t you love when your favorite Tobacconist hands you a cigar and says, “Try this and let me know what you think? Or the winemaker shows up to your tasting bring out a bottle of wine that hasn’t been released to the public. The logical response with that huge Chester cat grin, “It will be my pleasure”. Ok, maybe not that response, LOL but it is an exciting experience. Experiencing the unknown and excited about what’s to come. I find it honorable to be asked of your OPINION. 

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The Cigar Experience 

IMG_2144Amoxes (the husband) and I was given a Tobaccology’s Mysterious Cigar, a cigar we never tried; and you know me, a perfect opportunity for a blog. 

Out of habit when trying a new cigar, I sniff the foot. It is the same premise as sniffing wine before sipping. Sniffing prepares your senses and gives insight to what’s to come-sets up the cigar and wine experience, most of the time. The foot has barnyard aromas, wet wood, very earthy.  

First draw – smooth with a white pepper flavor. The second and third draws, which I find myself licking my lips, the wrapper has a slight sweet note. Right from the beginning, the cigar is producing bold earthy flavors and the spice is growing on the palate.  I will preference, prior to smoking the cigar (few hours), I singed my tongue on some black tea.

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Amoxes is picking-up some herbal notes.  However, he could not wait to pop the cork on a bottle of 2015 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon.  He mentioned the cigar enhanced the tannins. Hmmm… I’m going to wait to pair with wine until I’m half -way through the cigar. It’s safe to assume Tobaccology’s Mysterious Cigar will continue to evolve for the good.

Another puff… GOODNESS, this is a smooth complex smoke; now I’m detecting floral notes. I will mention that the cigar has a nice even burn.

Wine Time

Screen Shot 2018-08-01 at 1.34.12 PM.pngI can not wait any longer, WINE TIME! 

Oh My! Chateau Ste. Michelle is fruit-forward with big black fruit flavors. I agree with Amoxes, the wine paired with Tobaccology’s Mysterious Cigar creates bold and firm tannins.

Second sip, DELICIOUS and JUICY fruit flavors mmmm….  I LOVE Chateau Ste. Michelle wines!  The cigar paired with the wine produces bold earthy flavors with a soft grassy finish.

Lately, Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Noir has become our everyday drinking wine. I most definitely will be adding the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon into the rotation.  What is fantastic? The wine is under $20. If you’re intrigued, check out Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 CabSauv Tasting Notes.

Conclusion: Tobaccology’s Mysterious Cigar is an elegant smooth complex medium-bodied cigar and pairs perfectly with Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Enough writing, time to enjoy this experience and PSSITA!

Salute!

P.S. The last quarter of the cigar, the floral and pepper notes have dissipated and Tobaccology’s Mysterious Cigar has evolved into a full-bodied smoke. WOW! 

“This is Good Sh..!” – Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Does Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon measure up to our first experience? Hmmm, I hope so.

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I’m watching the wine flow through the aerator and I find myself asking, “What is this grape juice?” 

Decoy’s is thin-watery with deep plum coloring. The husband has already taken a sip and immediately Decoy receives multiples nods of approval, which was followed by “This is Good Sh..!” O_O with more nodding. YUPPER! (Can’t make this up; remember the blog is called, “Treevinos, Not Your Ordinary Wine Blog!”)

Let’s see if Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon measures up to MY first experience, which was at Burke Cigars, Burke, VA or were we just caught up in the ambiance of good company, celebration, cigars, wine and art. Before I continue, I have to give thanks to Shami-Owner of Burke Cigars, and All for the warm hospitality, THANK YOU!

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wine, cigars and Dominoes

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Omar Fratello new cigar blend. Complex & Great Smoke from beginning to end!

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Amoxes Art at Burke Cigars, Burke, VA

Sniff and Taste time: smokey and peppery aromas and flavors of black pepper, fruit-forward and grapey. YUP! “This is good Sh..!” 🙂Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is pairing well dinner: Digiorno pizza and salad.

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In addition to pizza, Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon  paired well with Omar Fratello of Fratello Cigar new signature cigar. A complex blend that immediately produces vanilla bean flavors and evolves to herbal and floral notes. Also, you can not help to admire the fine-smooth construction. A Great Complex Smoke!

 

Well folks, Decoy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon has measured up to our first experience and more. 

Another good find in the Target wine aisle and for only $20.00.

Salute! Sante!

Yes, the Glass Matters! – Cosentino Winery “The Red”

Does the Glass Matter? YES!

I thought he knew better; but he is so not in the mood to care. I am poured a non-aerated glass of The Red in a white wine glass. The aromas are not affected by this neglect to detail, but it most definitely is effecting the taste. All I am experiencing is a mouthful chalky tannins with a hint of cocoa and black fruit. 

 

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Love this chart! Future Wine Blog 🙂

After a glass change and some breathing time, the tannins are still commanding and juicy cherry, cocoa, pepper and tobacco flavors emerge with a slight mineral finish on the front-end of my palate. The longer The Red is allowed to breathe, the aromas and flavors magnify. YUMMY!

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The Red is composed of 96% Petit Syrah and 4% Petit Verdot . If you are not familiar with these varieties, Petit Syrah has dark hues, firm tannins and is typically used as a blending wine to provide color and structure. Petit Verdot is a Bordeaux varietal with dark fruit, cedar and spicy flavors and bold tannins.

 Another good selection from Target’s wine aisle. Average cost: $22.00

For more information and to purchase Cosentino wines visit http://www.cosentinowinery.com.

I think this is the shortest wine blog I have written, hooray for you. Short and Sweet!

Salute! Sante!

Ghost Pines – Red, Black and Blue Berries Galore!

At First Taste

I’m so impressed by Ghost Pines Red Blend! A last minute wine selection turned to a wonderful surprise. We are greeted with BOLD aromas of strawberries that my husband and I in unison said, “Do you smell that, wild strawberries?!”

Eyes bright and head nodding in agreement, acknowledging this wine is good. Fruit-forward and juicy berry flavors. No disrespect to the wine, we are force to drink the wine out of plastic cups. Goodness, I can only imagine the flavors that will emerge if were sipping from a wine glass.

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A Proper Tasting

Yes, we had to see if Ghost Pines Red Blend held up to its initial “hype” and I am here to say, YES INDEED!

Ghost Pines Red Blend is a delicious fruit-forward red wine, filled with fruity blackberry and blueberry flavors with hints of spice. The only other wine I have tasted that delivered blueberry flavors was “Carnivore”. I was in the middle of SAQ in Montreal, Canada and was blown away. Well Ghost Pines Red Blend you have done it; I am blown away! A GREAT TARGET FIND!

Ghost Pines Red Blend is produced by Louis M. Martini family, who has been producing wine since the 1960’s. Ghost Pines is named after the 178 acres vineyard in Napa Valley and for the grey pines that “loom” the Northern California hillsides.

Ghost Pines Red Blend consist of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Syrah and Primitivo (isn’t this same as Zinfandel) from multiple wine producing counties, such as Sonoma County, Lake County and Napa County and aged nine months in oak to create toast, vanilla and cola flavors.

For more information view  Ghost Pines Red Blend Winemaker Notes at www.ghostpines.com .

As you can see, Ghost Pines wines are readily available in Northern Virginia. WOWZER!

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Average cost: $18.00

SALUTE!

2012 “Frenchie”, Benjamin Franklin Red Wine – Not Just for Dog Lovers!

14798848_10208066560678160_1247250745_nI am so impressed with how my girlfriend’s appreciation for wine has progressed. I remember when she would only drink Glen Ellen White Zinfandel. (Yes, I’m sure many of us can relate; in the beginning, White Zinfandel was our wine of choice. Shoot, at one time, I recall when White Zinfandel was the number consumed wine). Over time she has come to appreciate light to medium-bodied red wines. The full-bodied tannic red wines are still not her cup of tea, but in due time :).

On her travel to California, she visited Frenchie Winery at Raymond Vineyards and brought me back a bottle of 2012 “Frenchie”, Benjamin Franklin red wine blend. The wine label TOO CUTE!

AROMAS: Bold fruity aromas with hints of cocoa and a slight spice/black pepper.
TASTE: Big juicy flavors that reminds me of a Zinfandel, full-bodied ripe cherries.  
COMPOSITION: 46% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 9% Petit Syrah.

“Frenchie” is not available to the public, only available to wine club members. It was explained that the tasting was held in beautifully lush red/cranberry private room with cranberry colored drapes that hung from the ceiling. The tasting room setting made you feel like you were in another era of time.

What is so fantastic that she had a wonderful experience and is intrigued to try other red wines. Two-thumbs up for Frenchie Winery!!

For more information on Frenchie Winery at Raymond Vineyards visit: www.frenchiewinery.com.

Frenchie Winery (at Raymond Vineyards)
849 Zinfandel Lane
Saint Helena, CA 94574

Salute! Sante!

Pinnacoli 2012 Primitivo & LaGloria Series R

The Cure for Mars-Mercury Retrograde

You know you are in for treat when you pop the cork and you are greeted with a blast fruity aromas. There’s a haze of aromas in the air and a slight breeze just carried it away. Mmmm… thus far, Pinnacoli 2012 Primitivo Di Manduria is off to a great start.

Color – beautiful shimmering crimson red color.

Taste – OMG! Fruit-forward black cherries flavors with soft mild tannins on the finish. The third sip introduces earthy and spicy notes with a slight herbal on the back of the palate.

Pinnacoli Primitivo is the perfect cure to Mars-Mercury retrograde. Mars-Mercury retrograde??? Yes, Mars-Mercury retrograde, let me explain:

 

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courtesy of almanac.com

Excerpt from Farmer’s Almanac:

“Meaning of Mercury Retrograde
… Sometimes the other planets appear to be traveling backward through the zodiac; this is an illusion. We call this illusion retrograde motion. 
Several times a year, it appears as if Mercury is going backwards. This time was traditionally associated with confusions, delay, and frustration. Perhaps Mercury’s retrograde periods can cause our plans to go awry. However, this is an excellent time to reflect on the past. Intuition is high during these periods, and coincidences can be extraordinary.

What to Do When Mercury is Retrograde
The planet Mercury rules communication, travel, contracts, automobiles, and such. So,when Mercury is retrograde, remain flexible, allow time for extra travel, and avoid signing contracts. Review projects and plans at these times, but wait until Mercury is direct again to make any final decisions.
About a week or two before Mercury retrogrades, finish any tasks or projects at hand.  You can’t stop your life, but plan ahead, have back-up plans, and be prepared for angrier people and miscommunication.”

To make matters worse, Mars is also in retrograde. Yes, the universe is giving us a double-whamming. If you are curious, per the Farmer’s Almanac, following are the 2016 Mercury Retrograde dates and Do’s and Dont’s during Mars-Mercury Retrograde:

• January 5 to 25
• April 28 to May 22
• August 30 to September 22
• December 19 to 31

MARS is Retrograde – Be Careful of Your Actions: 5 DOs
and 5 Dont’s – Mars Retrograde Do’s and Dont’s.

“… Once every 2 years the planet Mars goes retrograde, as it will from April 17 through June 29, 2016. During this time span we may want to think “twice” about initiating certain actions because the retrograde can lower our energy level and bring frustration and obstacles to our major efforts.”

In less than a week, I began to experience the effects of Mars-Mercury retrograde:

  • First incident, my federal taxes were rejected due to someone used my social security number to files taxes to receive a refund;
  • Second, family crisis; and
  • The third incident, my lawnmower that I utilized for only one season started leaking gasoline. In my attempt to save money, I told my lawn service that their services were no longer required this season.

I surrendered to the universe and allowed the system to correct itself. So, I did what I do best, sip, puff and write.

 

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Enough astrology; now, it’s time to see how well Pinnacoli Primitivo pairs with a full-bodied La Gloria Cubana Series R cigar. I typically would not pair a full-bodied cigar with a Zinfandel. For those of you who do not know, Primitivo is the same as Zinfandel (Zin).

DNA testing confirmed that Italy’s Primitivo and Crljenak Kastelanski, an ancient Croatian variety, are genetically identical to California’s Zinfandel grape. However, there are some differences in vine strength and the size of the grapes cluster. In April 2002, U.S. government was considering Zinfandel and Primitivo as synonyms. However, a decision has not been made and the U.S. requires Zinfandel and Primitivo be identified separately on wine labels. (wineinstitute.org and winespector.com)

You can’t discuss Zinfandel without mentioning Ridge Vineyards in Paso Robles, CA, which in my opinion produces MAGNIFICENT Zins!

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Courtesy of lagloriacubana.com

 

LaGloria Cubana is one of “go-to” cigars that never disappoints. I have to mention, you have to respect the workmanship that goes into designing a cigar band. It by far doesn’t represent the quality and taste of a cigar. But, as consumers, we are attracted to the flashy and the Series R band is a nice piece of art.

LaGloria Cubana Series R has a nice draw and I’m detecting cocoa flavors -smooth smoke. The LaGloria has soften the cherry flavors and reintroduced herbal notes in the wine. My wine covered palate has also produced spicy and herbal notes in the cigar. FANTASTIC smoke!

Smoking a cigar and sipping a delicious wine unwinds the mind and relaxes the soul; I am content.

 

I will say Pinnacoli 2012 Primitivo Di Manduria is holding up well to LaGloria Cubana Series R. FOLKS, WE HAVE A MATCH!

 

 

P.S. In my attempt to be healthy, I’m consuming one glass of wine a day. On day three, Pinnacoli 2012 Primitivo is still yummy and flavors continue to intensify.

Salute!