The 2005 Bordeaux reviews have not been unkind to the region. And with that said I decided I wanted to find out what everyone is talking about. I choose a wine from Graves, Albert Duran, 2005, Chateau Beauregard Ducasse. With Graves’ dignified reputation, and eloquence about it, it seemed like a good way to start. I wouldn’t say that 2005 is a year of extra outrageous wine, but I would say that it does bring together. I certainly have tasted the same quality in a table wine at a café in Paris. It has an easy drinking-ness around it that makes you want to open a bottle with friends and just chill out. I would say that this is a conversation wine, not for the fact that you will be discussing the wine, but you will be talking amongst yourselves and indulging in each others banter. This wine makes me want to call up a friend and chat. I just might, actually.

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This place rocks, South African vibe, outdoor patio, indoor chillin with lounge in the back — wireless access. Fans flowing in unison and friendly staff serve awesome teas and coffee from around the world. They also serve a few wines by the glass from South Africa to take the edge off. Great soul and r&b music always playing, with a touch of African folk. Overall awesome place, if ever in Charleston this is the place to come to chill and work - ***** (5 stars)

The press release below was brought to our attention today, and with our love of music and wine, we wanted to share. I’d also like to point out, that in reading Josh’s website , it appears he has done several things for charity, including a recent donation of a song to the WHY Foundation, founded by Harry Chapin. The foundation released an album “All-Star Charity CD SERVE2: FIGHTING HUNGER AND POVERTY”, featuring tracks from many great musicians, Bruce Springsteen, OAR, Citizen Cope, and Natasha Bedingfield just to name a few.

A MÉNAGE À TROIS WITH JOSH ROUSE AT CARNEGIE HALL
NEW YORK-November 28, 2007- Fresh from Spain, Josh Rouse comes back to delight fans and make some new ones with his latest release, Country Mouse, City House. His seventh proper full-length album on his imprint label Bedroom Classics (through Nettwerk Music Group) was released this past summer.

Following the release, Josh has partnered with Ménage à Trois wines in a new marketing venture. The promotion, which starts November 1st, will display a hang tag or tear pad with Josh Rouse information (tag line, URL, and code for downloads) on over 2 million bottles of Ménage à Trois wines, inviting them to download samplings of Josh’s music. Fans can also enter to win a trip to see Josh perform live at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The winning fan will receive all expenses paid trip to New York for two to see Josh’s concert on April 18, 2008 - plus receive $1,000 in spending money. Fans can find bottles of wine to purchase in major supermarkets. In addition to the sweepstakes, a free song preview off the new album is available at menageatroiswines.com. Read the rest of this entry »

I have have been in Charleston, SC all weekend doing wine tastings and I have two great recommendations to get everyone on their way to discovering their tastes in wine.

Da Vinci Chianti is a reasonably priced and easily accessible Chianti from Italy. Chianti is Italy’s most famous red wine, which takes name from the eponymous traditional region of Tuscany. It used to be easily identified by its squat bottle enclosed in a straw basket, called fiasco (”flask”); however, the fiasco is only used by a few makers of the wine now; most Chianti is bottled in traditionally shaped wine bottles. Low-end Chianti is generally fairly inexpensive, with a basic Chianti running less than US$10 for a bottle. More sophisticated Chiantis, however, are made and sold at substantially higher price points.

And Ravenswood Zinfandel, a great Zin from California. Typically, Zinfandel wine tastes spicy and fruity. Vintners use Zinfandel grapes to produce a wide range of wine styles including sweet White Zinfandels, light-bodied reds reminiscent of Beaujolais nouveau, full bodied dry reds, sweet late harvest dessert wines, and port-style wine.

After championing Malbec as the Argentine prize, I thought I should balance my statements and so turned to the Hacienda’s Del Plata Mayoral 2004 Syrah.

This wine doesn’t beat around the bush and launches right in for the contact with blood and a really full bodied and opulent aroma. The palate is rich in heady hints of cigar box, cedar and fresh fennel.

Although perhaps a little austere compared to what I’ve been drinking recently - I’m reminded of my early days drinking red wines that were far more rustic and earthy than the modern trend of being full of berries.