*this is not a sponsored review post
About two weeks ago my brother Tom and I were talking on the phone, and he just so happened to mention a wine that he enjoyed. No wait, he didn't just say that he enjoyed it, he RAVED about it. Tom is the head chef of a restaurant; therefore I trust his opinion when it comes to food and wine recommendations.
It’s funny, he told me that the only reason he tried this wine was because when he first spotted it on the shelf in the store, it resembled our family’s last name, Carnavil, so he decided to buy a bottle. He also said that the label design attracted him. And he was right, it’s an alluringly seductive label - dark and mysterious.
So, the next day I went to my local wine and spirits store and purchased a bottle. I actually tried it on Christmas night while gabbing on the phone with one of my friends who lives in Florida and also loves red wine like I do. And after taking my first sip, I said to her, “Okay, listen up girl, tomorrow you have GOT to go out and buy a bottle of this wine because you are going to die and go straight to hell because it's THAT deliciously decadent. You're gonna love it!"
I also recommended this wine to two people I work with, and after buying a bottle, they both came back and told me how excellent it was.
And the wine I speak of is, Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where do I even begin to tell you why I love this wine so much?
First of all, just look at the color. It's so dark and opaque, it almost looks like ink.
And the flavor...
As you all know, I adore bold, full-bodied wines. And this one hits the mark. Yet, it is not so full-bodied that it's dry or biting. Nor, is it overly-sweet. It's a perfect balance of robust flavor and luscious weight, but remains smooth and refined with soft tannins.
This rich Cabernet reveals hints of blackberry, caramel, dark chocolate, roast coffee and toasted oak.
If there was a word that I could use to accurately describe this wine, it would be, sexy.
And it's a wine I recommend sipping slowing because it's one that needs to be savored.
On the night that I first tried Carnivor, I nibbled on some sharp Romano cheese and crackers. And it was fabulous. But I could also see pairing this wine with a salad, pasta or meat.
So, if you're looking to experiment with a red wine, I can highly recommend Carnivor. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Yes, your CAB has arrived...
Price range: $9.99-12.99
Have a delicious weekend everyone!
X
Ron, isn't it great to discover something you really, really like? This wine sounds delicious, if delicious is the right word to describe a wine. If I was a red wine drinker I would appreciate a sip or two of this one. Unfortunately, red doesn't suit me - except in clothes! Do you find that wine keeps you awake at night? This is a new experience for me, midday wine tasting is good, evenings not so. And I do need my sleep... haha.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the weekend, although I expect you will be a busy bee.
Hey, Ron, I think I'll take a ride in your CAB! I'm more of a white wine person, but I want to branch out and try new things in 2015 and this sounds like an excellent way to start.
ReplyDeleteYour description of this wine makes me want to run out and buy a bottle right now! And plus I trust your judgment. Thanks for the tip, buddy, and Happy New Year!
Could this post have come at a more perfect time?? I was just thinking to myself that on my way home from work I need to pick up a nice red wine for our one year anniversary. Problem is I know nothing about wine and I dont wanna ask him because I dont wanna spoil the little surprise. Now I know exactly what I am looking for! Thanks Ron!
ReplyDeleteRon, I love when you share these wine reviews because you always introduce me to something I've not tried before and end up really liking it. You should be writing wine reviews professionally because they're great!
ReplyDeleteThis wine sounds delicious. I'll be stopping by an ABC this weekend to pick up a bottle for sure! Thanks for the recommendation.
Hope you had a Happy New Year. Have a wonderful weekend, Ron x
" because you are going to die and go straight to hell because it's THAT deliciously decadent." Lol Ron, you have such a way with words!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had known about this wine a few days ago because my girlfriend and I went to a party on New Year's Eve and brought two bottles of wine, and I think this would have been a hit. I love a dark, rich, full-bodied wine so I'll be looking for this the next time I'm at the wine store.
Great review, dude. Thanks!
Good morning Valerie!
ReplyDelete"Ron, isn't it great to discover something you really, really like?"
Yes, it sure is! And I like to experiment with new wines because I've discovered some really good ones. I've also discovered some really BAD ones too - HA! And what amazes me is that some of the lower priced wines have been better than the higher priced ones. My brother Tom always says that it's not the price of the wine that makes it good or bad.
"If I was a red wine drinker I would appreciate a sip or two of this one. Unfortunately, red doesn't suit me - except in clothes!"
That's right, I forgot, you don't drink red. I wish I drank white wine so that I could share some reviews, but white wine just doesn't agree with me.
"Do you find that wine keeps you awake at night?"
No, not so far. In fact, I can only drink wine in the evenings because it makes me sleepy after a while.
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a super weekend!
X to you and Joe
P.S. I actually have off today, can you believe it? I'm going spend the afternoon outside enjoying this nice, cold weather we're having, and taking photographs.
Whoa! Thank you for this recommendation! I have seen it at my store, but haven't tried it yet. I trust your judgment ever since your Apothic review! I will give this a try and let you know how I liked it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know your brother was a chef. How interesting!!! Does he have a lot of stories about the business? I love to read books written by chefs. I find their lives fascinating!
Hey there Rob!
ReplyDelete"I think I'll take a ride in your CAB!"
Don't you LOVE the clever advertising this wine company uses?
"I'm more of a white wine person, but I want to branch out and try new things in 2015 and this sounds like an excellent way to start."
I wish I could drink white wine and share some review, but it just doesn't agree with me. I've tried it several times, but I get VERY tipsy after only a few sips. Maybe it's the sugar?
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Hope you had a super New Year! Have a grrrrrreat weekend!
X
"Problem is I know nothing about wine and I dont wanna ask him because I dont wanna spoil the little surprise. Now I know exactly what I am looking for!"
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way, Shae. Which is why I like take recommendations from other people. Sometimes, I'll just go into a wine store and shop for an HOUR; looking for interesting labels and reading them. I've discovered some really good wines doing that.
If you try this wine, I think you're going to LOVE it. Let me what you think.
Have a fabulous weekend, my friend, and thanks for stopping by!
X
A good cab is so delicious, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHola Denise!
ReplyDeleteI love writing reviews if I REALLY LIKE a wine or some other product. And I can only share reviews if it's something I've tried and believe in. I don't share negative reviews, only positive ones.
"This wine sounds delicious. I'll be stopping by an ABC this weekend to pick up a bottle for sure!"
Great! And I think you're really going to enjoy it! If you don't find it at ABC, try Publix, because that's where my brother bought it. Oh, how I miss Florida and how you can buy wine at a grocery store! I wish we could do the same thing here.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend too!
X
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteOMG...this wine is sooooooooooo deliciously DECADENT!
" I love a dark, rich, full-bodied wine so I'll be looking for this the next time I'm at the wine store."
Great! And I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. But, I think you will. Let me know what you think, okay?
Have a most excellent weekend, buddy, and thanks for stopping by!
X
Amen, Fiona! I adore CABS! I also like Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and some blended red wines.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fabulous weekend!
X
I was SO thinking of YOU when I discovered this wine and knew that I wanted to post a review about it! I have feeling that you would REALLY enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, I never noticed it in the wine store, so I was very glad my brother recommended it.
"I didn't know your brother was a chef. How interesting!!! Does he have a lot of stories about the business? I love to read books written by chefs. I find their lives fascinating!"
Yes, he's been the head chef in the same restaurant for about 12 years. And what's interesting is that he never went to an actual school to become a chef, he learned cooking from a French chef in Florida. But he, like my father, has a natural talent. When I was in Florida two years ago, he made me some killer meals! And what's amazing is that he never measures anything when he cooks, he does it totally by intuition.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaabulous weekend!
X
Ron, this wine sounds like a winner. And 90 points! I drink both red and white wines, but tend to drink more reds during the winter months, so I will be checking out this wine soon!
ReplyDelete"This rich Cabernet reveals hints of blackberry, caramel, dark chocolate, roast coffee and toasted oak."
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing this great review!
Hey ho Robert!
ReplyDeleteYes, can you believe it? 90 points! And after trying it, I know why. It's excellent!
As soon as I saw the words, "dark chocolate" in its description, I knew I would love it. Oh, how divinely decadent!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. If you try this wine, please let me know what you think.
Have a fabuloso weekend!
X
Thanks, Ron. If I ever get into red wines, I'll be sure to give this one a try. I have to confess, the last dark-colored wine I had was Mogan David grape, something my late grandmother kept around "for medicinal purposes," Ha!!
ReplyDeleteYour description makes this one sound lovely, though. Who doesn't enjoy caramel and dark chocolate??
Happy Weekend to you, dear! By the way, you didn't let Shannon see you bring in this new bottle, did you?!?
"I have to confess, the last dark-colored wine I had was Mogan David grape, something my late grandmother kept around "for medicinal purposes," Ha!!"
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHA! Debbie....I laughed out loud at that!! I am such a lover of dark chocolate, so when I saw that listed in the description, my mouth watered! And what amazes me is that for the caramel and chocolate notes, this wine is not the slightest bit overly-sweet because I don't like sweet wines.
"By the way, you didn't let Shannon see you bring in this new bottle, did you?!?"
Bwhahahahahaha! OMG...that CRACKED ME UP! And no, I had to sneak it into my apartment in brown paper bag and then hid it in the closet. Because you know Shannon, she SUCH a little lush!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Happy weekend to you!
X
I've never heard of this wine before, will have to look for it. I've purchased many expensive wines at our gourmet wine store, but I still like Apothic best...I love trying less expensive wines that boast a bold flavor. I should be able to remember the name of it (since it's so close to yours, ha!) so next time I go shopping I hope to score it.
ReplyDeleteWell...I think my wine days are over. But that's okay, I was never really *that* into the stuff. Fortunately, Bloody Marys are diabetic-friendly! Yay!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Carnivor, my friend. (Great name, btw. I want to drink it just because it sounds fierce).
Great wine review, Ron! My husband and I are very much into wine and drink both red and white. During the summer though, we drink primarily white or a light red. This wine sounds wonderful. I will look for it in our wine and spirits stores here in Philly.
ReplyDeleteHope your New Years Day was a great one! Did you have to work?
" I've purchased many expensive wines at our gourmet wine store, but I still like Apothic best...I love trying less expensive wines that boast a bold flavor."
ReplyDeleteMe too, Suzi! And I have found that many of the less expensive wines are often better than the more expensive ones. My brother Tom always says that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a GREAT wine!
I think will really like this one!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend!
X
Hellooooooooo Mark!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see ya!!! Hope you're doing well and at home today! I've been sending you LOTS of positive vibes with the hope that it's helping you.
"Fortunately, Bloody Marys are diabetic-friendly! Yay!!"
YAHOO! And you're right, wine is FULL of sugar.
Don't you love the name of this wine? And yes, it's a fierce one!
Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaabulous week!
X to you and Tara!
Hello there Elaine!
ReplyDeleteBoth you and your husband both drink wine? That's great! Isn't wine faaaaabulous? I drink only red, but will drink lighter reds during the summer as well - Pinot Noir and Shiraz. I can't drink white wine because it just doesn't agree with me. You can find this wine at any of the Wine and Spirits store here in Philly. I think you will LOVE it!
No, I didn't have to work on New Year's day, as well as today. It was so nice to have two days off. I stayed inside all day yesterday because the city was so crowded and noisy with the parade and New Year's festivities.
Have a super weekend, my friend, and thank you for stopping by!
X
How cool about the name Ron!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great tasting wine. I'm all for the dark reds, dry and for me now, only organic. It's nice to have one recommended as there's SO many to pick from and hard to know what is good and what's not, at the store. Obviously the sales staff are going to say they are ALL good. ;-)
I hope your new year is off to a great start. I've been busy, busy here...but managed to do some posts today.
Hugs from BC Canada, G :-)
Ooh, a delicious red that is reasonably priced! I will definitely pick some up. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteSounds good! I was just going to accuse you of being a meanie when I looked it up and discovered that I CAN buy it here, so I'll give it a try. As you know, I'm an Italian wine girl, but since you make this one sound so attractive, what can I do?
ReplyDeleteYou should look out for one called Lacrima di Morro d'Alba - IF you can find it! Lacrima is one of the more ancient grape varieties and isn't grown widely so maybe it doesn't flow as far as the US. If not, you'd better make that trip to Italy!
OK, here's my blog URL for those who might want to take a look:
www.sparkingsynapse.com
Thanks Ron!
Ron, I just wanted you to know that you made this wine sound so good, I picked up a bottle last night and loved it! So did my girlfriend, and she is very picky about wine. It was an awesome suggestion! Thanks for the recommendation, dude!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling you're going to LOVE this wine! Let me know what you think if you try it, okay?
ReplyDeleteHave a super weekend, my friend, and thanks for stopping by!
X
Helloooooooo Geraldine!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a faaaabulous tasting vino! It's currently my favorite :)
"It's nice to have one recommended as there's SO many to pick from and hard to know what is good and what's not, at the store."
Which is why I am so glad that my brother recommended this one. Sometimes, though, I do enjoy walking through a wine store and picking a new wine just to try it. The gentleman who works in the store I shop is so knowledgeable and has always given me such great suggestions. I totally trust him.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had a glorious start to the new year!
X
"I was just going to accuse you of being a meanie when I looked it up and discovered that I CAN buy it here, so I'll give it a try."
ReplyDeleteYay! I am so glad you said that because I was wondering if this wine was available in Europe because I have several readers who live in various countries. I think you will enjoy this wine because it's very full-bodied and rich.
And THANK YOU for the recommendation on the wine. I will definitely look for it in the store I shop. They offer a great selection of European wines, so hopefully they'll have it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for stopping by!
X
P.S. glad you were able to leave your link!!!!
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteYahooooo! I am so glad to hear that you and your girlfriend enjoyed the wine! Isn't it delicious? Thanks so much for taking the time to stop back and let me know!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, buddy!
Haha...neither red nor white agree with me. Or maybe they'd agree too much? ;-) Ah, but himself enjoys a good red wine. The bottle generally lasts near three weeks, so you know what kinda drinker HEis. But I'll give him the name. Maybe he'll wanna give it a go. I'll let ya know if he wants to give it a go, cuz I'm blaming you if it's good or notsogood! ;-)
ReplyDelete"Haha...neither red nor white agree with me. Or maybe they'd agree too much? ;-) "
ReplyDeleteHA! God love ya, Mel!
((((((((( You ))))))))
Hey listen, let me know if he does try it and likes it or not. But I have a feeling he WILL :) A bottle usually lasts me about 4-5 days because I like having a glass most nights. But hey, with Shannon around, I have to hid my bottles because she likes to drink it all up when I'm at work - the little LUSH! HA!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
X
Just wrote the name down, Ron. It sounds delicious. Isn't it amazing how one vineyard's, e.g. cabernet, can be so different from another's? But, in general, I enjoy a cabernet so am looking forward to your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteAm not sure if you follow any wine blogs, Ron, but I think you'd enjoy this one. It's called "On the Wine Trail in Italy" by Alfonso Cevola http://acevola.blogspot.com/. He's a recipient of the Vinitaly International Award although I believe he lives in the U.S.
cin cin, Ron! :))
ReplyDeleteHellooooo there Petra!
ReplyDelete". Isn't it amazing how one vineyard's, e.g. cabernet, can be so different from another's?"
Yes, you're absolutely right, it can. And I find that with not only cabs, but so many wines; especially Pinot Noir, which is one of the hardest grapes to grow. How of all red wines though, I think a cab is my favorite :)
Thanks so much for sharing the link to that wine blog!!! I click over quickly to check it out but will be going back to read more thoroughly. It looks like a faaaaaabulous blog too! Thanks again, my friend!
Hope you had a super weekend!
Cin, cin!
X
I will absolutely try. Mom and Dad always loved red wine so I was introduced to it early... I LOVE a good red wine!
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I have a feeling you will LOVE this one because it's heavenly! If you do try it, please let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, friend! Have a terrific week!
Cheers and X
I don't drink any alcohol at all anymore but even when I used to drink I never liked the taste of red wine or brandy or any of the other liquors with a red wine base. I'm glad you found something you really love though!
ReplyDeleteHi Benze!
ReplyDeleteYes, I know many people who feel the same way about red wine. And I oddly enough for the longest time, I also didn't like red wine. It's only been over the past 5 years that I've developed a taste for it.
OMG...I LOVE it.
Have a great week, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
X