New and Improved Website!

Ever since I created my (very first!) website a couple of months ago I felt that it was lacking in quality. I thought that it looked like a first website and I wanted something better.

I checked out a website called Free Website Templates and found exactly what I was looking for. With just a few minor (okay, not so minor) alterations, the new Wine Diva Designs is up.

When you get a free moment I'd love to know what you think!

For the most part everything is up and running. There are a few changes I want to make, but they're not critical.

Bennett Family Cabernet Sauvignon The Reserve 2004

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

We took this wine with us to dinner tonight. When we first opened the bottle, the wine seemed a bit thin and flabby. Tom said to let it open up a bit and not to judge it right away. With dinner it was a bit better, having some more body and fruit. We didn't finish the whole bottle, so we corked it back up to finish at home. It didn't hold up. It seemed too astringent and made my face scrunch up when I drank it. Needless to say, I didn't finish it. Definitely not impressed, especially at $25.00 per bottle.

Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

This was everything you'd expect from a good Napa Cabernet: rich, luxurious, ripe fruit, not overly oaked, vanilla notes, hints of tobacco. This is one of those wines that make you go "mmmmmm..."

Another one purchased at Wine Warehouse, for the terrific price of $24.99 (what a steal!). I think I'm going back to get some more!

Dominio de Eguren Codice 2005

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

This is one of Tom's and my favorite wines. Wonderful aromas of dark berries and sweet vanilla that follows through on the palate with a burst of flavor. Smooth tannins, good acidity, very easy-drinking. This is a wine that you'd expect to pay at least $15 or more. We got it for the unbelievable bargain price of $7.99 at Wine Warehouse. Delicious!

Bodega Norton Privada 2003

photo © Linda Blakely 2008

A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Wine Spectator says this wine is "burly" and I have to agree. Full of body and very quaffable. We drank it with a spicy fried rice, but it would have worked best with a nice rare filet. Still delicious though.

Hubby just poured me some more, so why am I still sitting here typing? I'm off to enjoy the rest of it ;-)

Notes from our Open That Bottle Night (from what I can recall)

There were nine of us gathered at Blue Bamboo Restaurant and Wine Bar to share some special wines. There were a lot, and I'm pretty groggy this morning, so I'll do my best to recall the tasting notes. Listed from the first wine drank to the last.

Weingut Dr. Zen Zen Riesling Spatlese Valwiger Herrenberg 1989 - heavy petroleum aromas. I do mean heavy! I swear we could have put it in our gas tank and driven home. It was definitely not sweet. Tom's comment: "this is...interesting".

Helena View Cabernet Franc Estate Proprieter's Reserve 1997 - We were a bit worried about this one, having opened a few bottles of the same vintage some time ago and they were far gone. This one held on though. Gorgeous aromas of vanilla and ripe berries. Smooth and silky on the palate. *swoon*

Mollydooker Cabernet Sauvignon The Maitre D' 2006 - We labeled this one "a moaner". In my humble opinion, Sarah and Sparky Marquis (the winemakers) can do no wrong. This wine was luscious and full-bodied and delicious!

Monte Cristi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2000 - clearly the Belle of the Ball! I honestly can't remember exactly what it tasted like, but I do remember at one point exclaiming "this doesn't suck!"

Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino 1998 - Big. Earthy. Tobacco. Yum!

Neyers Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard 2002 - Raspberries, raspberries and more raspberries on the nose. Smooth and silky on the palate. Another yum!

Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1986 - This was no slacker! Berries and vanilla on the nose, oak and beries on the palate. Good body, good acidity. Impressive for its 22 years in the bottle!

Broadbent Rainwater Madeira - smelled like caramel syrup on toast! Nutty on the palate. Awesomeness in a glass :-D

All in all, they were some terrific wines. We laughed, we drank, we laughed, we ate, we laughed, we drank, we laughed, we ate. Now...where's the aspirin for my headache?

A New Business Venture

I've just started designing wine gift bags featuring my photography and I'm selling them on Etsy. I'm pretty excited about this. I've gotten lots of positive feedback from friends who've encouraged me to move forward with the idea. Check them out when you get a chance and let me know what you think.

Wish me luck!