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As you guys and gals already know, I have a passion for red wine.

And considering that I’ve only been drinking it for the past 6 years because I had such an adverse reaction to white wine that I stopped drinking ANY wine for over 17 years, I’ve become very interested and open to trying all types and brands of red wine. I love experimenting!

I’ve tried Beaujolais, Chianti, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and even blended reds.

I’ve tried wines from California, Australia, Europe and Chile.

But what I had never tried was a Merlot because for some reason I thought it would be way too intense, even though I prefer a fuller-bodied wine. I always assumed that a Merlot was the heaviest of all reds and that everything else fell below it, when in actually, a Cabernet Sauvignon is more intense than a Merlot because it contains more tannins. And I discovered this when I pulled out my trusty Wine for Dummies book and read about their different personalities.

Also, my brother Tom is a chef who knows a lot about wines and he told me the same thing.

DUH! And all this time I was avoiding a Merlot because I didn’t think I would ever like it. I should have investigated it more thoroughly or asked Tom years ago. Oh well, live and learn.

Anyway, last month I decided to try my first Merlot from Rex~Goliath. And can I just tell y'all something?

I FELL HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE!!!!


From my very first sip I thought I had died and gone to Merlot Heaven. I felt as if little celestial cherubs were hand-feeding me Merlot grapes, while I laid supine on a white satin chaise lounge. And I even heard harp music!

It was so velvety-smooth and flavorful, and not at all intense or biting like I thought it would be.

In fact, I liked it more than a Cabernet Sauvignon because I did a taste comparison about a week later and discovered that the Merlot had a ‘softer’ feel, enabling me to taste the grapes without it being sweet.

However, one thing I didn’t realize was that a Merlot has a higher alcohol content than a Cab because after drinking only ONE glass, I found myself dancing around my apartment to Mary J. Blige singing, Just Fine, wearing only my underwear briefs and white athletic socks.

*sorry I don't have a picture to show you, but I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot to take a selfie in a mirror.

Yes…I’m a lightweight when it comes to drinking wine. One glass and I’m done. Except with a Merlot, I think half a glass will be MORE than enough for me.

So there you have it folks, I am no longer a Merlot wine virgin.

And I think I just discovered a new love affair...


Have a super weekend everyone!
X



*If any of you are red wine drinkers and have a favorite type or brand, please feel free to share it in your comments because I'm open to trying something new. Thank you!

58 comments:

  1. I can't even comment about this subject, Ron, because red wine and me just don't get on. In fact I would say red wine hates me. It presents me with a headache to beat all headaches, that sometimes last for days. Consequently I stick with the white which to my mind is more of a social drink than one which intoxicates. Or perhaps I haven't found the right one yet... haha. Hope you have an enjoyable weekend, my friend x

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  2. What the heck? How did you miss the merlot explosion last decade? I still like Cabs the best. My husband likes Malbecs, so there's something new for you to try!

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  3. Ron, I love red wine too! I drink white as well, but as I've gotten older I'm finding that reds are appealing to me more. This past winter I drank primarily reds. I've been drinking the two red wines that you reviewed on your blog last year and love them! I've never tried a Merlot, but now you've got me curious. Rex Goliath is such a good brand because it's a quality wine, but not pricey.

    BrandsI've tried are Yellow Tail, Cavit, and Kendall Jackson, but it's a bit more expensive. I tend to like California and Australian wines.

    I love that quote by Ben Franklin!


    Have a wonderful weekend Ron x

    P.S. Just Fine by Mary J. is such a great song!

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  4. Congratulations, Ron! You know, I don't think I've ever had Merlot, but you've inspired me to go out and give it a try.


    I'm more of a white wine drinker myself--with a manic love for Prosecco--but it's always good to expand your horizons. Thanks so much for tipping off about Merlot.



    Oh, and by the way--a 47-pound rooster? That's one big cock! (Sorry, I had to do it!)


    Have a great weekend, buddy, and may the Merlot flow like water!

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  5. As a red wine lover, I'm so glad your *first time* was enjoyable. :-) I like almost all reds, except Cabs! Have you tried the Malbecs from Argentina? They have a completely different taste. Hope you have a wonderful, wine, weekend!

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  6. Gooood morning Valerie!

    OMG...that's right, I forgot you don't drink reds.

    "red wine and me just don't get on. In fact I would say red wine hates me. It presents me with a headache to beat all headaches, that sometimes last for days."

    Yes, I know so many people who share the same experience with reds. They say it's because of the higher level of tannins.

    For me, white wine has a similar effect (dizzy, nauseous, headache) which is why I stopped drinking wine altogether because I thought that maybe ANY wine was just not right for me. But then about 6 years ago, I tried a red (Beaujolais) and it loved it. Not only the taste, but it didn't have the same effect that whites do. I don't know, maybe it's the sugar in white's that do it for me?

    MUCH thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a lovely weekend!

    X to you and Joe!

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  7. Hey there Bijoux!

    "What the heck? How did you miss the merlot explosion last decade?"

    I know...can you BELIEVE that??? As I shared, for some odd reason I thought a Merlot was waaaay over the top in heaviness, so I avoided it. But OMG...I love it!!!

    "My husband likes Malbecs, so there's something new for you to try!"



    Thank you for sharing that because there are several people at work who have suggested I try a Malbec because they think I would really enjoy it. So yes, that will be my next try!


    Have a faaaaaabulous weekend, my friend, and thanks for stopping by!


    X

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  8. Hola Denise!

    " I've been drinking the two red wines you reviewed on your blog last year and love them!"

    Great to hear that, girl! Glad you're enjoying them :)

    The brand Rex-Goliath was recommended to me by a woman I work with several years ago and I LOVE it. Yup...good quality, but not pricey.

    "Brands I've tried are Yellow Tail, Cavit, and Kendall Jackson."

    Thank you for your recommendations. One of my close friends in Florida loves Kendall Jackson as well. She said it's such good wine!

    "Just Fine by Mary J. is such a great song!"



    I love Mary J. Blige!!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a WONDERFUL weekend too!


    X

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  9. Hey there Rob!

    " You know, I don't think I've ever had Merlot, but you've inspired me to go out and give it a try."

    I honestly didn't think I would like it, but it's AWESOME!

    "I'm more of a white wine drinker myself--with a manic love for Prosecco--"

    Yes! Someone else I know who only drinks white wine said the same thing - they love Prosecco!!!!

    "Oh, and by the way--a 47-pound rooster? That's one big cock! (Sorry, I had to do it!)"



    Bwhahahhahahahaha! No apologies needed because I thought the same thing when I first saw the bottle. In fact, I was trying to remember the name brand one time and asked the woman who had originally recommended it to me, "Hey..what's the name of that wine you recommended that has the big cock on the label?"


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super weekend!


    X

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  10. Helloooooooo Lisa!

    "As a red wine lover, I'm so glad your *first time* was enjoyable. :-)"

    OMG...it's was AWESOME!!!!!

    "Have you tried the Malbecs from Argentina? They have a completely different taste."



    No, but you are like the 10th person who has recommended a Malbec to me, so I have GOT to try it. I read a bit about it online and it seems like the kind of wine I would enjoy. So yes, that'll be my next try. Thanks for the recommendation :)


    Have a wonderful, wine, weekend as well, my friend. And thanks for stopping by!

    Cheers!
    X

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  11. I love me some Merlot...let's just say I drink more than your half a glass, ha! So glad you enjoyed it. I used to only drink white wine because the tannins in red gave me a headache (or at least that's what I thought caused it), now I much prefer red wine, especially Merlot.

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  12. Happy Friday Ron :) I will confess I am basically a wine virgin. I have had sips here and there to be polite at various dinners but I have NEVER had a full glass of wine. I am a beer girl all the way. Actually to be specific I am a Corona girl. When I tried to switch to other beers I was getting sick to my stomach. I guess even my stomach is a creature of habit? I really do want to get into wine just not sure how to convince my stomach its a good idea.

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  13. " I felt as if little celestial cherubs were hand-feeding me Merlot grapes, while I laid supine on a white satin chaise lounge. And I even heard harp music!"

    ROFLMAO! Ron, you are too damn funny!

    If you like red wine, you have got to try a Malbec from Argentina, dude. It's slowly becoming my favorite red. The brand I sometimes get is Bodega Norton which is reasonably priced. I think you'll like it because it's a full-bodied wine but smooth.



    Great quote from Ben!

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  14. Hey there Suzi!

    "I love me some Merlot.."

    You too??? Isn't it faaaaaaaaabulous? But OMG...I had no idea about the higher alcohol contend - HA!

    " I used to only drink white wine because the tannins in red gave me a headache (or at least that's what I thought caused it), now I much prefer red wine.."



    Yes, so many people say the same thing about reds. However for me (and maybe it's the higher sugar content in whites) but they flip me out. I get very dizzy, nauseous and a headache). Yet, reds don't do that to me.


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super-duper weekend!


    X

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  15. Happy Friday Shae!

    "I will confess I am basically a wine virgin. I have had sips here and there to be polite at various dinners but I have NEVER had a full glass of wine."

    That's okay because I know SO MANY people who feel the same way about wine, it just doesn't agree with them. I only started really drinking wine (or any alcohol) about 6 years ago because alcohol in general didn't agree with me.

    " I am a beer girl all the way. Actually to be specific I am a Corona girl."



    You GO, girl! I don't drink beer (and I don't know why) however I LOVE the smell of it.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and have a FABU weekend!


    X

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  16. Ron, here's a link to Bodega Norton in case you're interested

    http://www.wine.com/v6/Bodega-Norton-Malbec-2011/wine/115022/Detail.aspx?state=CA

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  17. Ron, you heard HARP music after less than one glass of this stuff?? May I say, I want what's you're having??! That sounds positively heavenly!

    I'm not much of a drinker (despite being half-Italian and half-Irish, ha!). Still, I find it terribly interesting to learn new things -- one never knows when a conversation will come up, and I can join in with some "authority"!) That said, the Aussies over here (http://thewinewankers.com.au/) regularly review different wines, so you might hop over and check 'em out.

    Red wine IS supposed to be quite good for you, health-wise, so if that's become your new passion, feel free to "enjoy responsibly" now and then!

    Have a fabulous weekend!

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  18. Rob beat me to the punch with the rooster joke. You might say he "cock blocked" me.

    I'm more a fan of white wines, but when it comes to red, I do dig merlot. It was actually the first red wine I really got into. I find it has a nice body but is mellow. Which, come to think of it, is exactly how I like my women, too!

    Happy wine drinking, Ron. Have yourself a merry little weekend.

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  19. "Ron, you heard HARP music after less than one glass of this stuff?? May I say, I want what's you're having??! That sounds positively heavenly!"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yes...I actually heard HARP music, I kid you not. And after only one glass, I was dancing around my apartment like a crazy person in only my underwear and socks!

    THANK YOU so much for sharing the link because it sounds like something I am going to REALLY enjoy reading. Also, I LOVE the title...Wine Wankers!!!!!

    "Red wine IS supposed to be quite good for you, health-wise, so if that's become your new passion, feel free to "enjoy responsibly" now and then!"

    Yes, red wine is good for you. I drink a glass almost every night while watching a movie and munching on cheese, bruschetta and crackers, drizzled in olive oil.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have an awesome weekend!

    X

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  20. "Rob beat me to the punch with the rooster joke. You might say he "cock blocked" me."

    Bwhahahahahahahaha!

    Mark, I have TEARS streaming down my face, laughing so hard at that. HILARIOUS, man!!!!!!!!

    "I do dig merlot. It was actually the first red wine I really got into. I find it has a nice body but is mellow."

    Yes, you described it PERFECTLY!

    "Which, come to think of it, is exactly how I like my women, too!"

    You KILL me!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X to you and Tara!

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  21. Ha Ha! Great imagery there. I love red wine! Became a new fan when I met my husband. I absolutely go crazy for Malbec. Pretty much *any* brand that produces Malbec. Oh it is so wonderful and smooth. I don't drink as much wine anymore as it makes me super hot. I stifle and turn red. Maybe, I am a lightweight too or need to drink it in an ice bar. :-)

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  22. Congratulations on trying your first Merlot, Ron! I am big time Merlot wine lover. I do drink Cabernet Sauvignon's too, because like you, I enjoy a dark and full-bodied wine. I enjoy some blends as well. I've tried Beringer, Blackstone, and Cavit. I also like the Barefoot brand because it's super cheap and good.

    After reading everyone's comments here, I think I need to purchase a Malbec because that's a red wine I've not tried.

    *sorry I don't have a picture to show you, but I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot to take a selfie in a mirror.



    LOL!

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  23. Wow, you ARE a lightweight! :) I like pretty much all dry reds, although I generally order pinot noirs, malbecs, and syrahs. Still I wouldn't turn away a glass of merlot! At the moment I'm having a glass of Lazy Day Pinot Noir, which is tasty,

    I like Rex Goliath - always a solid choice. But it always makes me think of an old boyfriend who couldn't resist obscene jokes about it.

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  24. Hellooooooooo there Angelia!

    " I love red wine!"

    Isn't red wine the BOMB? For some reason though, white wine just does not agree with me. Also, I have this psychological thing in my head that wine HAS to be RED. Isn't that silly?

    "I absolutely go crazy for Malbec. Pretty much *any* brand that produces Malbec. Oh it is so wonderful and smooth."

    Sooooooooo many people have left comments about how great a Malbec is, so I have GOT to try it. That will be my next experiment!

    "I don't drink as much wine anymore as it makes me super hot. I stifle and turn red. Maybe, I am a lightweight too or need to drink it in an ice bar. :-)"



    HA! Wine does that to me during the hotter summer months as well. I got HOT FLASHES.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a glorious weekend!

    X

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  25. Hey ho Robert!

    Thank you! Yes, I am no longer a Merlot VIRGIN!!!!!

    " I've tried Beringer, Blackstone, and Cavit. I also like the Barefoot brand because it's super cheap and good."

    Yes, I've tried most ALL of those. The only one I haven't tried is Blackstone, however, I've seen it in the wine store I shop in. And you're right about Barefoot...cheap and good! I especially like their Shiraz.

    "After reading everyone's comments here, I think I need to purchase a Malbec because that's a red wine I've not tried."



    Me too! Everyone has got me so curious to try a Malbec. That'll be my next experiment!


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a SUPA' weekend!


    X

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  26. "Wow, you ARE a lightweight! :)"

    I know, aren't I such a lightweight? The most I ever drank in one night is ONE glass. My resistance to alcohol is so low that any more than that makes me VERY tipsy. I'm dying to try a martini one of these days, but I'm afraid it's gonna flip me out - HA!

    "I like pretty much all dry reds, although I generally order pinot noirs, malbecs, and syrahs."

    You and I have the same taste in wines because I've tried and enjoyed all of those, with the exception of a Malbec. But I've got to try that one soon because so many people here said they love it. The only wines I don't like are sweet because I prefer dryer wines.

    " At the moment I'm having a glass of Lazy Day Pinot Noir, which is tasty."

    I have to look for that brand because I'm not familiar with it. However, Pinot Noir is one wine I adore. I drink it more during the summer months because it's a bit lighter.

    And don't you love Rex Goliath? Super brand!

    "But it always makes me think of an old boyfriend who couldn't resist obscene jokes about it."



    HAHAHAHAHAHA!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a fantabulous weekend!


    Cheers!
    X

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  27. You are welcome. Hope you enjoy it, Ron!

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  28. I'll be sure to email you and let you know, Matt :)

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  29. I switched from ONLY drinking white wine to almost always drinking red (organic!!!) a few years ago and I haven't looked back.

    Now, I love dry red wines soooo much. They do take some getting use to but I prefer the taste now to white and they are suppose to be a healthier choice too, especially organic types. I don't know very much about wines but I do know what I like in terms of taste. Merlot is one of my favs.

    Great post, as usual Ron. You know you have a hit wine on your hands when it makes you want to dance in your undies!!!

    Happy Weekend, G

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  30. Hellooooo there Geraldine!

    "I switched from ONLY drinking white wine to almost always drinking red (organic!!!) a few years ago and I haven't looked back."

    YAY...reds!!!!! And I have to see if I can find organic wine because you've mentioned them before, so I'm curious to see how they taste in comparison non-organic wine.

    "Now, I love dry red wines soooo much. They do take some getting use to but I prefer the taste now to white and they are suppose to be a healthier choice too, especially organic types."

    You're so right, they do take some getting use to, which is why when I first started drinking reds, I tried a Beaujolais because someone who knew a lot about wines told me that it was lighter. However now, I like reds a bit more hearty and dry.

    "Merlot is one of my favs."

    I have say, I think they're now one of favs as well. I like Pinot Noir too.

    "You know you have a hit wine on your hands when it makes you want to dance in your undies!!!"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You said it, my friend!

    Much thanks for stopping by and have a Happy weekend!

    Cheers!
    X

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  31. PS: DO check out the organic reds Ron, they are so superior health-wise and IMO, taste wise too, as is so often the case with all things organic.


    They use a lot of undesirable chemicals to control pests etc, when growing non-organic grapes that's why I don't buy any non-organic wines now at all.


    I made a commitment at the beginning of the year to REALLY go organic and Non-GMO whenever possible from now on and I think it's a very good plan. We get bombarded with enough toxins in the air,water etc..when we CAN control those levels in foods, cosmetics etc, I'm all for it.I've always thought organics were important. Now, I'd rather skip something altogether if it's not.


    Ok, now I'm getting off my organic box of soap!!! ;-)


    Hugs and Happy Weekend, G

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  32. HA HA! Only YOU could describe such a heavenly encounter with a glass of wine. Glad you found something you love so much.
    I have just never acquired a taste for wine and I get a little ping of jealousy when friends talk about their trips to this vineyard or that. Oh well, after I have a few martinis, I feel like I'm on a trip anyway!
    Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

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  33. "and IMO, taste wise too, as is so often the case with all things organic."

    You're so right, Geraldine! I can taste a HUGE difference in the produce I purchase that is organic versus not. I eat a lot apples and pears and try to always get organic at Trader Joe's. Also, the spring lettuce, spinach, and peanut butter I purchase is organic as well.

    "We get bombarded with enough toxins in the air,water etc..when we CAN control those levels in foods, cosmetics etc, I'm all for it."

    Yes, we do.

    I'm not totally organic, but I do try to read labels and purchase it when I can.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your information with me. Appreciate it :)

    Have a grrrrreat Sunday!

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  34. Hello there Chrissy!

    "Glad you found something you love so much."

    OMG...Merlot is my NEW wine love affair. It's the BOMB!

    "I have just never acquired a taste for wine and I get a little ping of jealousy when friends talk about their trips to this vineyard or that."

    I totally understand because I was the same way when it came to wine. I slowly developed a taste for it over the years. But to be honesty, I was never a big drinker most of my life because my resistance to alcohol (which is obvious from this post) is very low, so I pretty much stayed away from ALL alcohol.

    "Oh well, after I have a few martinis, I feel like I'm on a trip anyway!"



    HA! I would love to try a martini because I love the presentation of the drink (the glass, the olives, etc.) but I fear it would be too much. My mother LOVED martini's!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a great rest of your weekend!


    X to you and the gang!

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  35. Hahaha...I had a fairly good visual going on without the "selfie", tyvm! Apparently you enjoyed the stuff. Go figure, a picture of a cock sells. LOL. I'm glad for you. Might wanna stick with that half glass and keep the neighborhood safe. ;-) No wine recommendation. I was more of a tequila drinker. LOL. PRETTY sure I won't be recommend any brand of that to you. We'd be scraping you off the ceiling. LOLOL

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  36. Ron, I read the comment from one of your readers about organic wine and wanted to share the brand I've tried in the past. I don't drink it organic wine all the time because it can be expensive, but it's very good. The brand is called Benziger from California.

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  37. Thank you soooooo much for sharing your recommendation, Denise! I had no idea where to even start with looking for an organic brand. I'll see if I can find it in the wine store I shop at :)


    Hope you're having a marvi weekend!


    X

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  38. Hiya Mel!!!

    "I had a fairly good visual going on without the "selfie", tyvm! "

    Good, because I was kinda disappointed I forgot to take a picture - HA!

    "Apparently you enjoyed the stuff. Go figure, a picture of a cock sells. LOL."

    Bwhahahahaha! Yes, it SURE does!!!! And yes, I REALLY enjoyed it. I can't get over how much I loved Merlot, when I always thought it would not be a wine I would enjoy.

    "No wine recommendation. I was more of a tequila drinker."

    I only remember tasting tequila once. A friend of mine who lived in Florida LOVED Margaritas, so he let me have a sip of his one night. And I have to say, it was very good!

    "PRETTY sure I won't be recommend any brand of that to you. We'd be scraping you off the ceiling. LOLOL"



    Absolutely!!!!


    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Hope you're enjoying a super-duper weekend!


    X

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  39. I'm with Mel...great "selfie image" going on in my head too! I miss drinking wine. I have not been able to drink it for many, many years due to the meds I'm on for my RA. I always favored white because it was a little less umm potent shall we say!! It is pretty easy to get carried away...just like you did with your merlot!! And by the way...I think you meant your brother is a chef...not a chief?? I'm sure he is a chief of something too though!! Have a fabulous Sunday!! xo

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  40. Hellooooo Jeanne!

    Thank you so much for pointing out the typo :) I swear to god, I need to hire a PROOF READER - HA!

    "I always favored white because it was a little less umm potent shall we say!! It is pretty easy to get carried away...just like you did with your merlot!!"

    I find that people either drink only white or red, but yet there are some people (like a woman I work with) who drinks both - whites during the summer months and reds during the winter months.

    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Hope you're having a fab weekend on your road trip!

    X to you and the girlz!

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  41. well you're my go-to person when it comes to wine and i don't have a clue about what's good. my sister knows about wine too. i like the hard stuff myself.


    does a rooster have anything to do with wine. i thought that was an interesting choice of mascot.


    later, my friend.

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  42. I am salivating! This merlot sounds so good! And this is coming from a white wine drinker.

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  43. Hey there Val!

    " i like the hard stuff myself."

    HA! Well, one of these days when I decide to try something other than wine, you'll be my go-to person too because I have no idea about any other alcohol other than wine.

    "does a rooster have anything to do with wine. i thought that was an interesting choice of mascot."

    They use a rooster as their mascot for this brand of wine because it represents how PROUD they are (struttin' their stuff like a rooster) of their wine. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope your weekend was FAB.

    X

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  44. Hey there Jean!


    OMG...it's soooooooooo good! And many people who primarily drink white like a Merlot because it's not too-too heavy.


    However, this brand of wine has whites, as well. And it's a great brand but not at all expensive.


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week!


    X

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  45. Curious if you've ever seen the movie Sideways? Sure, the main character bemoans that he's "Not drinking any f*#king merlot!", but don't let that dissuade you. It's a brilliant movie that demands to be experienced, especially while imbibing in a glass of your favorite wine :-)

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  46. I live in the wine-growing Santa Ynez Valley and am fortunate to be surrounded with some of the best wines in the world. Both Brander and Sunstone make excellent Merlots. Outside the U.S., some of my very favorite reds come from Spain. Delicious and very affordable. And damn... that's a selfie I would have liked to see. :)

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  47. "Curious if you've ever seen the movie Sideways?"

    HA! Herman, I cannot believe you mentioned that film because my brother Tom keeps telling me that I need to watch it because he thinks I'll really enjoy it.

    "It's a brilliant movie that demands to be experienced, especially while imbibing in a glass of your favorite wine :-)"

    Will do, buddy! It'll be next on my list of movies to watch!

    Thank so much for stopping. Hope your weekend was great and that you got some R&R after your long work week.

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  48. "I live in the wine-growing Santa Ynez Valley and am fortunate to be surrounded with some of the best wines in the world."

    OMG Jayne, I would DIE to live out there because I bet the wine selection you have is faaaaaabulous! California wine is actually my favorite. I also like Australian wine as well.

    "Both Brander and Sunstone make excellent Merlots. Outside the U.S., some of my very favorite reds come from Spain. Delicious and very affordable."



    Thank you so much for your recommendations because I know how much you enjoy wine, like me :)


    (and dark chocolate too)


    Have a super week, my friend. And thank you for stopping by!


    X


    P.S. I will look for wines from Spain.

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  49. Herman is right, I was going to mention Sideways too, great film.
    I've never liked red wine so I'll have to take your word for the merlot though.

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  50. Dale, I have GOT to get that film and watch it because my brother, as well as so many other people, have mentioned it and thought I would enjoy it.


    Yes, people either have a 'taste' for red wine or they don't. Yet, i know some people who enjoy both.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super week!

    X

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  51. Of course you liked the Rex Goliath... after all it has a big cock right on the label!


    Having lived and worked in Sonoma County, CA for many years, I used to drink some pretty nice reds back in the day. Clos Du Bois has (or at least had) some fantastic Merlots. You might give them a whirl sometime.


    Hope all is well with you my good man.

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  52. "Of course you liked the Rex Goliath... after all it has a big cock right on the label!"

    Bwhahahahahhahaha! You said it, Jeff!!!!!!

    Cock-a-doodle-doo!

    " Clos Du Bois has (or at least had) some fantastic Merlots. You might give them a whirl sometime."

    Yes, I think I've seen that brand in the wine store I shop in. Thank you for your recommendation, buddy!

    Have a super week and much thanks for stopping by!

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  53. Sorry Ron, I can't offer you any advice on wine because I've never liked it, quite frankly, especially red. When I did drink (back in the dark ages) I preferred the taste of rum or a really good Scotch. I find all red wine too intense for me & I just don't like the taste at all, but I'm glad you've found a new favorite! Sorry I'm too late to wish you a good weekend!

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  54. Hellooooo there Benze!

    I totally understand you're not liking wine because I know MANY people who feel the same way. Wine is an acquired taste. And to be honest, when I first tasted wine I really didn't like either. It's only been the past 6 years that I've developed a fondness for it.

    " When I did drink (back in the dark ages) I preferred the taste of rum or a really good Scotch."

    My father LOVED scotch as well. I love the smell of scotch, but not the taste. It's the same with beer. LOVE smell!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week!!!!

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  55. My parents always had red wine with beef meals. Then when we got older we were able to sip it to taste it. Then on Sunday in High School we were able to have a SMALL glass of wine. Like an inch ha ha. But these were dry red wines half the time and my parents bought "the good stuff" at the package store... so I was raised to appreciate good wine. Not crazy expensive stuff... it was always a hunt to find a good wine (red or white) at a reasonable price. My mom always buys "rooster wine" as I call it - a standard. :) I don't buy wine myself but I always enjoy the weekends in Corolla when I can have a glass of Mom's wine at dinner!

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  56. Helloooooo Katherine!

    "My parents always had red wine with beef meals."

    OMG....my parents too!!!! In fact, my parents always had a crystal carafe of red wine (with a top) sitting on our living room coffee table to offer anyone who came to visit us. Usually a nice Chianti.

    " so I was raised to appreciate good wine. Not crazy expensive stuff... it was always a hunt to find a good wine (red or white) at a reasonable price."

    Amen! And I honestly don't think you have to spend A LOT of money on wine to get GOOD wine.

    I especially enjoy wine with any kind of Italian food. Red wine goes flawlessly with Italian food :)

    Much thanks for stopping by, girl Hope your week has been super!

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  57. Matt, thanks so much for sharing the link! I'll look for it in the Wine and Spirit Store.

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  58. Hiya Matt!

    "If you like red wine, you have got to try a Malbec from Argentina, dude. It's slowly becoming my favorite red."

    OMG...you're like the THIRD person in this post to recommend a Malbec to me, so it's obvious I really need to try it. I think this weekend I'll pick up a bottle and give it go.

    "I think you'll like it because it's a full-bodied wine but smooth."

    Yup...sounds exactly like my kinda wine!

    Isn't that quote from Ben Franklin AWESOME? I saw that online, but I've also seen it in the Ben Franklin museum here in Philly.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an fantabulous weekend!

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