So I opened up a bottle of House Wine, 2005 Columbia Valley red wine from The Magnificent Wine Company. Measures in at 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 3% Malbec, and an enticing 2% Cabernet Franc.
Almost mustard on the nose once it’s breathed a bit. Or maybe that’s just the burnt jalapeno seeds from the stir fry made a couple hours ago still clinging to my cotton shirt. Although there’s a fair bit of alcohol on the nose, the Cab Sauv delivers the expected big fruit, compensating in part. Also smells of lichen and moss berries. Reminds me of eating ripe figs from the market in Paris. All the aromas of the city streets mixed with grass in the parks, fleshy fruit, dirt, the river, old bridges. It’s solid.
It’s surprisingly smooth. And I know many might want something bigger, but tonight I’m going to give it a go. I’m watching Bionic Woman and discussing casting problems. This wine is a great example. The lead character isn’t bad. She’s cute, personable, a devoted sister. She’s got guts, kicks ass, and believes in her rights. A primary criticism of the show, however, is that Katie Sackhoff (as Sarah Corvus — “the original”) has such a strong presence on the screen that Michelle Ryan (as Jaime Sommers), the supposed lead, pales in comparison. Is there anything wrong with Michelle? No! But she’s no Katee.
That’s how I feel about this wine tonight. Is there anything wrong with it? No! It’s easy drinking, pleasant, fun. Yet it seems less in the company of some other Walla Walla reds I’ve been recently drinking.
Perhaps these are not fair comparisons. Still, at about $10 a bottle, House Wine is never a bad choice. And I happily pour another glass as “To be continued…” flashes across the screen.
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I agree with you about The Bionic Woman, and I know just what you mean about a wine that has all the parts but not quite the whole. Nice connection!
I fully lust after Katie.
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