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Monday, September 10, 2007

Picking Wine by the Label

I read Wine Spectator, and I go to wine tastings. I like to try at least one new wine each week. That said, I am definitely still a novice in the wide world of wine. Time for a little "vino confessiono": I will occasionally pick out a bottle of wine just because I like the label. If I were to design a label, it would have to combine something I like (maybe dogs, or in this case, cake); sound appealing (layer cake -my favorite treat); and be a varietal that I like (Shiraz.) Such is the case with this bottle we tried recently: the Layer Cake Shiraz. I had eyed this one in a local wine shop, and knew I wanted to buy it. Since I was the only one in the shop this particular afternoon, the clerk and I were talking about different wines and regions. When I picked up this bottle of shiraz, he mentioned that this one is flying off the shelves. He said it was the best shiraz under $30 that he has ever had. (It retails for about $16.)

Don't be misled by the label -- this is certainly not a "dessert wine". Filled with hints of blackberry and cherry, this shiraz did not disappoint. Done in a new world style, it wasn't as heavy and "in your face" as some of the big syrahs. Very smooth and velvety. We have had a few more bottles of it since then,and it has become my favorite shiraz. As an added bonus (purists and wine snobs can stop reading now) this is a screwtop instead of a cork -- perfect for those nights when you want to keep a glass to try the following day...although it is rare that we have some left for the next day...

Shown below with a layer cake we enjoyed earlier this week.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! It was your birthday!?! I hope you had a wonderful day! :)

Where did you buy the wine? From your description it sounds like something I'd love as well.

Anonymous said...

Duh - I noticed the link for the wine shop after I posted. I've never been there so I'll have to check it out.

Mo said...

Christine,

I've also seen the Layer Cake Shiraz at Cost Plus World Market. It is really good!

Thanks for the birthday wishes. :)

Kirsten said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Layer Cake wine, and the name just makes me like it more. I ADORE cake of any kind.

Happy Birthday!

PB opens again this week - as soon as I can confirm we have a reservation I'll get back with you & Chrissy!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Maureen!

(I like Layer Cake too).

Winnie Reeve said...

Interesting tthoughts