Long time no post (part one)

It's been a long time since we updated, so we don't have notes on every wine we've tried. But we do have info on where the wine comes from, if that matters...


Cayuga White (off-dry American table wine)
Fox Creek Vineyards
Olney, IL
Crisp, somewhat spicy, and somehow still sweet. One of E's favorites. Was told this pairs well with many Asian foods, which would certainly be true. Yummy.

Vin de Tabula Rasa (white wine)
Andrew Rich Vintner
Carlton, OR (Columbia Valley)
We bought this one on a whim and enjoyed it. We didn't know what to expect at first, but found it a pleasant pairing with chicken. It's worth buying a bottle if you happen across it at your liquor store.

2008 Red Top (semi-sweet table wine)
Berryville Vineyards
Claremont, IL
We found this one at the Taste Illinois wine festival last summer, and just now got around to trying it. Red Top is juicy and fruity, but with a hint of an unexpected zing. (As a side note, we enjoy that every bottle is hand-numbered by the winery.)

2002 Merlot
Cary Talbot
Santa Rosa, CA
A good dry red, it went well with steak. Kind of woody.

Pinot Grigio
Kate & Cassie
Santa Rosa, CA
No good memories of this one, unfortunately. We know it wasn't bad, though, if that counts for anything... Nice label design, too.

Vintage Zin (American dessert wine)
Fox Valley Winery
Oswego, IL

Really, really sweet red wine, complex in flavor. This is a wine you'll either love or hate. We're split on our decision for this wine.

Spumante (American sparkling wine)
J Roget Champagne Cellars
Canadaigua, NY
An inexpensive spumante which came to us free of charge. Not the sweetest we've tried, but slightly sweet with tight bubbles that lasted for a good amount of time. A good bang for your buck.

2008 Norton (American's first red wine grape)
Illinois Cellars
Carrollton, IL
Bought because Norton was the name of E's family dog, we found this wine to be pleasant and easy to drink. Fruity, juicy, and sweet without overdoing it, this was a good all-around table wine.