Tag: Wine

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! 

What a Success! Southern Draw Cigars and Tobaccology “Cigars for Warriors” Veteran’s Day Event!

Updating the TAPassions.com Cigar page to showcase a Great cause and event evolved to creating a cigar with a hint of wine and beer blog. 

 

TAPasssions.com “Today’s Cigar Delight” is brought to you by Southern Draw Cigars and Tobaccology “Cigars for Warriors” Veteran’s Day Event! A GREAT and SUCCESSFUL EVENT! Over 100 five-packs of Southern Draw cigars was donated to the Cigars for Warriors!

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Note.  “HIGH FIVE” did not mean you get a free 5-pack. You get a “HIGH FIVE”, which is just as good! 🙂

Who Are These Guys: 

Cigars for Warriors  is a 501 c (3) charity who mission is “to provide premium cigars and accessories to US troops serving in active combat zones“.

Tobaccology is a veteran owned and operated small business that has a “state-of-the-art walk-in humidors oferring a wide selection of premium and boutique cigars as well as pipe tobaccos, and a wide range of member-only perk“.

Tobaccology has two locations: 11001 Nokesville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110 and 6710 Madison St, Haymarket, Virginia 20169

Southern Draw Cigars is “founded by U.S. Veterans with a desire to recognize and defend our southern traditions, while honoring the history of tobacco and those resilient families who have cultivated, fermented and aged it to perfection”.

Amoxes’ favorite Southern Draw Cigar is the Jacobs Ladder, a full-bodied cigar offering peppery flavors in the beginning and continues to evolve into a complex smoke. I prefer the Southern Draw Firethorn, which also evolves throughout the smoke creating smooth, fall spicy notes to toasty nutty flavors.

I love that the Southerndrawcigars.com website provides wine and beer pairings for their cigars. Southern Draw recommends the following wine and beer pairing for the Firethorn cigar:

CRAFT BEERS: Cream Ale, Lager, Pale Ale, Belgian, Wheat, Pilsner, and Irish Red Ale.

WINES: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Petit Sirah (no relation to Syrah/Shiraz) Zinfandel, Bordeaux and oaky Whites.

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The beauty that deserves some attention is the “Rose of Sharon-2017” cigar. The Rose of Sharon-2017 comes in a beautiful wooden pink coffin containing two cigars. This limited and unique cigar is a mild to medium cigar with blends from Southern Draw current cigars: Kudzu – Oscuro and Firethorn – Rosado. Rose of Sharon-2017 has Ecuadorian Sun Grown Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan Viso/Seco filler.

“The release is a celebration of Grace and the devotion of Sharon Holt as she continues her daily service via strong faith and daily fellowship. “Much like a Rose, Sharon exemplifies our brand with her beautiful soul, humility and a “subtle” boldness which has made an incredible impact on so many lives. We truly needed to acknowledge her.” – Southern Draw

Get your hands on the Rose of Sharon-2017 cigar! As I said before, the Rose of Sharon -2017 is a limited blend, when they’re gone, they’re gone!

 

PSSITA!

Mediterranean Cellars – “Diamonds, Wine and Tradition; What More Can You Ask For!”

 

“The wine doesn’t start in the barrel; it starts in the vineyard.” — Louis Papadopoulos (Southern Living, October 2006)

This quote describes perfectly the experience my husband and I had at Mediterranean Cellars. The memorable moment began in the parking lot of the vineyard. Immediately, we were welcomed by a beautifully spirited (yes, felt this instantly), woman (Katie, the owner). Surprisingly, she recognized me and welcomed me back to the vineyard.

Yes, this was not my first or second visit. My first visit, which was years ago was not pleasant (there’s no need to rehash the experience :\ ). What kept me coming back to the Mediterranean Cellars was its beauty, in particular the grapevine pathway to the tasting room that transferred you to the Mediterranean. In addition, Mrs. Papadopoulos’ interest in the guests opinions of the wines; just that personal touch kept me coming back and the beautiful views.

 

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Background

One cannot write a blog on Mediterranean Cellars without discussing the owners Louis and Katie Papadooulos unique background. Did you know, the owners of Mediterranean Cellars are jewelry designers? YUPPER, DIAMONDS! Louizos E.L.P. Goldsmiths, Inc. is a family own business for four generations. For the past twenty-three years, they sell diamonds at wholesale prices. The jewelry store is operated by their son and located in Oakton, VA, (www.louizoselp.com).

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The Wines

The 2013 Chardonnay, which is the first wine in the tasting have Vidal Blanc flavors. The 2011 Moscato does not possess true Moscato characteristics. The 2013 Viognier, the last wine in the tasting is aged in oak and produces hints of butter and creaminess and taste like a Chardonnay. ???? Perplexed, my mind is flooded with questions; what is the winemaker’s thought process? What is his reasoning behind restructuring the composition, creating flavors that we are not accustom to tasting? I check the wine bottles wondering if they are mislabeled; the Tasting Room Clerk smiles. My senses are like a circuit board that is misfiring. Feeling confusion and delight, I find myself wondering if we are merely part of the winemaker’s experimentation and there’s some hidden camera evaluating each guest reaction to the wine :).

Foot stopping, head swaying from side to side, tongue gracing my lips with every sip. I’m trying to find logic of what I’m experiencing, searching for some form of “traditional” characteristics of each varietal, which only produces more questions. The Tasting Room clerk explains in maintaining the true winemaking tradition, there’s less filtering, which allows the grapes true characteristics to emerge. Hmmm…. interesting. 

2008 Calypso – a rose’ aged in stainless steel and french oak. fruit aromas and citrusy flavors. STAR 

Time for Some Reds:

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2013 Chambourcin – 100% full-bodied red wine with spicy flavors – STAR

2008 Cabernet Franc – aged french oak with plum and spice flavors. Yes, I gave it a STAR.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – rich garnet color, full-bodied; yes, I’m picking up blueberries flavors. FANTASTIC – STAR

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Then there’s Rechina, known as “Retsina” in Greek. Retsina is only produced in Greece and the U.S. exclusively by Mediterranean Cellars. Mediterranean’s Rechina is refreshing, “mentholing”. Retsina has an unique taste because pine resin is added to the white wine. Folks, this is indeed an unique wine. – STAR

Being red wine lovers, we are very impressed with Mediterranean Cellars red wines!

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Perfect Summation – With traditional European and American winemaking techniques, “the end product is a unique combination of tradition and new ideas, as the winemaker’s spirit and inspiration is experienced in each sip of every wine.”

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If you’re looking for warm hospitality and unique wines, I encourage you to visit Mediterranean Cellars and maintain an open mind. In addition, if they’re not crowded, you can even enjoy a cigar :).

Salute!

 

Mediterranean Cellars
8295 Falcon Glen Road
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-42-1984
website: http://www.mediterraneancellars.com
email: info@mediterraneancellars.com

Distasteful Wine = Wine Slushies

 

I do not like talking bad about a wine, so I decided to use the term “I’m not able to appreciate the wine at this moment”. However, there comes a time when a wine is not good. It is not about not being able to appreciate a wine or your pallet is not mature enough. Do not make excuses for wines that are not good for consumption. Yes, you can call me a wine snob and I will nod in agreement. However, I try very hard to appreciate all wines.

Unfortunately, I am having one of those wines this evening. After a very stressful day and working 11 hours on a Friday, I am too tired to go to the store or the Vineyard to pick up some wine. My palate is rejecting every sip, body is physically cringing, trying to shake off the distasteful flavors.

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Crazy enough, I was told the wine won many awards, a Governor’s cup, with that being said you know that I am referring to a Virginia wine. GOODNESS! What other wines were in the competition?! The wine does have a beautiful color and the label is nice. This is the second bottle I have tasted (not this evening 🙂 ) and the experience is the same, UGH! I should have selected another wine. But, I thought it was just a bad bottle; maybe it’s two bad bottles?  I will not reveal the winery because Mama always said (in her southern accent), “If you don’t have nothing nice to say, then don’t say nothing at all.”  Time to head downstairs and select another wine. 

Folks, life is too precious and  time is too valuable to waste on drinking BAD wine. I need to remember my mantra: “Amore Vita (love life)”. Loving life does not mean wasting your time drinking nasty wine.  Better yet, turn a bad situation into something good and make wine slushies or wine popiscles.  Here are a couple recipes:

Blackberry Wine Popsicles from Real Simple 

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courtesy of Pastryaffair.com

 

Wine Slushies by Woman’s Day 

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courtesy of purewow.com

SALUTE!

An Evening with Erich Sattler & Alec Bradley

 

The thunderstorms have passed and we are taking advantage of the mild warm temperature of 88 degrees fahrenheit.  For the past few days, temperatures reached 100 – 114 degrees fahrenheit with the heat index. The tiki torches are lit and the cicadas and frogs are keeping us company. 

The wine and cigar selections for the evening are Erich Sattler, St. Laurent 2015 and Alec Bradley Sanctum and Maxx.

We were introduced to Erich Sattler, St. Laurent 2015 doing a wine flight at Trummer’s Coffee and Wine bar in Gainesville, VA. Check out my first blog on Trummer’s . 

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Erich Sattler, St, Laurent 2015 is an Australian red wine; an offspring of the Pinot Noir grape. The color is so deep and rich, it looks like I’m pouring a glass of Welch’s grape juice.  Fruit-forward, plummy and cherry flavors with firm tannins coat my palate.  Mmmm… it was a great idea to purchase 3 bottles. 

Erich pairs very well this big bazooka Alec Bradley Sanctum that is producing rich earthy and chocolate notes with a slight spice on the finish.

My husband is having the Alec Bradley Maxx with Erich, which has rich earthy flavors with little hoppy on the finish. Paired with Erich, the wine and cigar does not compete with each other. Eric brings out Maxx’s nutty flavors.

When we purchased the cigars, we thought it was for novelty purposes only. Due to my passion for Alec Bradley cigars, I could not pass plus the cost was under $10.00.

We both are please with our selections. The aromas in the night-humid air are intoxicating. By the way, we are more than half-way through with the cigars and the flavors are evolving very nicely. If you are wondering, it took us approximately 3.5 hours to finish the cigars. 

(background; Fear of the Walking Dead and the sound of cicadas) 

SALUTE!

 

I’m Back! Stay Tuned!

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#growingouteyebrows 🙂

It has been a very long time since I posted a blog and it feels good!  I will let you know my hiatus was not due to no content; merely, “life” (career, health, high school senior activities, graduation parties and college tours and prep) consumed all my energy.  The thought of sitting at a computer created more stress. So, I sip and wrote. 🙂 .  

Stay tune for interesting articles and more audio and video blogging. 

Remember…

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Salute!

“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!

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!

Mariana Vineyard – 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles – A Wine Worth Writing About

Reflection

We are relaxing after a very busy work weekend, watching “Regarding Henry” and enjoying our Digiorno (must be spoken with an accent 🙂 ) and salad.

Watching this movie, it is difficult not to reflect on your life and how important it is to appreciate the good things life has to offer. Henry (played by Harrison Ford) was shot and went into a coma. He had to learn how to speak and read and his first word was “Ritz”. His caretakers thought he loved Ritz crackers; he even painted a picture of Ritz crackers. Later we find out that Ritz was the memory of the “Ritz Carlton”, where he met his mistress. WOWZER! That sucks! Come out a coma and your first memory is of your mistress, not even your child. :/

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Explosion

To ensure we are enjoying the good things life has to offer, I found this beauty at the bottom of the wine cooler.

I wasn’t going to do a wine review until I took my third sip. After the chill has subsided, I was hit with an explosion of lemon and grapefruit flavors and the words “GOT DAMN THIS IS DELICIOUS!” escaped my lips. A wine that makes me curse is a wine worth writing about.

Mariana Vineyard 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles posses true Sauvignon Blanc characteristics of delicious citrusy flavors of lemon and pink grapefruit; this California Sauvignon Blanc reminds me of a Sauvignon Blanc produced in New Zealand. Mmmm… I love Sauvignon Blanc! 

What is amazing the wine has aged for 5 years and upheld very well! I recall purchasing the wine through a Groupon, which I typically evade. But it could not pass up a deal of $40 for 6 bottles; it was worth the risk.

A great way to end a busy work week and weekend! Now, time to find more Mariana Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Unfortunately, my researched revealed Mariana Vineyard wines are only available through “Wine Shop At Home”.

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!