Favorite Things: Wine

I LOVE WINE.  However I am by NO means a wine connoisseur.  My Sauvignon Blancs have to be Marlboroughs and I don't care for Merlot or Riesling (sorry for those of you who love these, I won't be featuring them).  Here are some of the regulars at our house...and they don't break the bank.  Keep in mind that a 'NICE' bottle of wine in the Reynolds house is like $30 max.

#1: CUPCAKE SAUVIGNON BLANC
“It’s the long cool seasons in the South Island that allows our sauvignon blanc grapes to mature slowly, giving the wine levels of complexity and a vibrant zing. This Sauvignon Blanc is reminiscent of a lemon chiffon cupcake. It’s made up of integrated flavors of Meyer lemons, Key limes and a finish that awakens the appetite There are hints of grapefruit, gooseberry and citrus, and comes together with a long, creamy finish.” -CUPCAKE VINEYARDS



#2: MONKEY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
"Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is a charming, elegant wine, displaying intense varietal character. Crisp and refreshing, with vibrant flavours of ripe citrus and tropical fruit, the palate has excellent weight and length." -MONKEY BAY VINEYARDS




#3: THE CROSSINGS SAUVIGNON BLANC
"Displaying flinty, mineral undertones - classic features of Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc - this wine shows intense flavours of tangy limes on a finely textured palate with a wonderful length of flavour. Lovely aromas of Vine Passionfruit mixed with citrus notes. Pale yellow hue with highlights of green." -THE CROSSINGS VINEYARD


#4: RAVENSWOOD CABERNET SAUVIGNON

"Cab credentials? No need to carry ’em. Our 2009 vintage is as real as it gets, 
with strong tannins and juicy fruit aromas backed by bold blackberry, black 
currant, toasted oak, and vanilla flavors." -RAVENSWOOD VINEYARDS
  

Thanks

I realized that I have not given "thanks" recently and know that I have ALOT in my life to be thankful for.

Leftovers from a friend's winetasting (he is a wine rep).  Loved this Cab we had a FULL BOTTLE of on Monday:

 

• Pictures like this saying "stretch the kitty" that make me laugh out loud:

 

• Only 10 more days until VACAY & 58 more days until CHRISTMAS (how early is TOO early to start listening to Christmas music?)

• Mr. R actually considered going to get me PUBLIX CHOCOLATE MOOSE TRACKS ICE CREAM last night at 9pm (next step...actually going!)

• Great surprise that we are getting visit Monday night from our sister in law AGR!

• October weather

• The CONSTANT love and support from my family and friends and that I got to see my SEEESSSTTTER this past weekend (ps thanks for watching the animals KDE).

• POTTERY BARN's Christmas Catalouge that came in the mail at work today AND they are offering FREE MONGRAMMING through November 2nd on Holiday Goodies!

• College Football: We have a house divided this weekend, I'm pulling for the Wolfpack and Mr. R is pulling for the 'Noles...should be interesting!

• PINTEREST

• Phillippa Gregory's (author of The Other Boleyn Girl) new book The Lady of the Rivers

• the Halloween episode of MODERN FAMILY--if you have not seen it, you are missing out. period.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Mr. R and I had our regular date with our friends the MacCoys last night for dinner and our weekly Amazing Race viewing.  We are still trying to come up with a catchy name for our get togethers so if anyone has any suggestions, please pass along! 

Last night we dined on "gourmet grilled cheese," salad, Mrs. Fearnow's Brunwick Stew (yes in a can, its the closest to Eastern NC I can find AND Walmart sells it!) and wine (duh).  Here is ours (I had brie, munster & tomato on sourdough) and some other stomach growling renditions for you to try!

  


OTHER IDEAS:

Brie, Goat Cheese, Bacon & Green Tomato
found HERE

Jalepeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Jalepeno Peppers, Cream Cheese, Jack Cheese & Tortilla Crumbs
found HERE

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Blue Cheese Dressing, Cream Cheese, Bleu Cheese, Shredded Cheddar, Shredded Chicken Breast & Hot Sauce
found HERE



Tomato, Mozzerella, Pesto & Basil
found HERE



Avocado, Bacon & Apple Slices
found HERE