Vino Keeno, The Grapevine for the Recreational Wino

The White Knight Clarksburg Viognier
$9.99

Wine label said:
In days of yore when wines were bored and palates unrestricted, there was a knight whose only plight was to see white wine revised. To free all souls from oak untold and tired Chardonnay, he came to fight, this brave White Knight, for the Maiden Viognier.

Grape Lady says:
I happen to enjoy an oaky Chardonnay, but must admit that this light almost floral white with no oak and a good taste of citrus was really enjoyable. It’s a great summer patio wine but also would pair with most foods quite well, especially spicy items. I’d buy it again and of course… would drink it again!

Shoofly Buzz Cut 2006
$11.99

Wine label said:
Something about flicking your wrist to make a fly shoo? Something only an Aussie would understand.

Wine Doc says:
Although you can’t tell by the label, this wine is a Sauvignon Blanc. It is a very nice summer screw top wine. It is white and crisp with flavors of tropical fruit and citrus. I’d say it is very similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

2004 Léal Vineyards Chardonnay
$28

Wine label said:
Your palate will be delighted when you introduce this smooth silky wine that is soft, creamy and buttery.

Vineyard66 says:
We asked Todd, the owner of Vintij in Destin, FL, for his best value Chardonnay and the Léal was his first choice. And what a fine wine it was! We tasted pears, honey, vanilla and a touch of oak. It was a great wine with a nice long finish. I have had the Léal Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir and both are excellent wines.

Pictured is the image on a pack of drink napkins that accompanied my Mother’s Day present this year. (Full disclosure: My name is WebWino and I’m a girl. Don’t worry, I’m cootie-free.)

I must say that the woman about to fall into the glass of wine is a kindred spirit. I always considered myself somewhat of a wino, but with the description of W.I.N.O.S. (Women In Need Of Sanity) I guess I’m one of those too. Yeah, a new club! When do I get my secret decoder ring?

To find out more about these fun napkins and see the other designs, visit the website Winos Have Fun!

Justin The Orphan Paso Robles 2005 Red Wine
$11-ish

Wine label said:
When we blend wines from our various lots each year, we find there are always some who don’t fit in. Rather than abandon them and deprive them of a home, we united these mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah “Orphans” and offer them for your adoption.

WebWino says:
After a ten hour drive with the kids, we finally made it to Rabbi Tuchman’s house for Memorial Day weekend. Thankfully, they had the RoJaus fired up awaiting our arrival. We started the evening off with Justin, The Orphan. Then we powered through not one, but two bottles of Hahn Meritage. For the fourth bottle, we uncorked a Marquis Philips 2005 Shiraz. Now I love the work of Sarah and Sparky and normally they would rate much higher than a fourth bottle of the evening, but that’s just an indication of what a classy establishment the good Rabbi runs.

Anyway, this is a review of Justin which has a lovely flavor. I’m learning I’m a fan of blends. Whether it is labeled a blend or Meritage, or just a mix of leftovers (like The Orphan) and simply called “Red Wine,” those always seem to be my faves. This particular red was very smooth and just darn tasty. I’d give you more details, but I didn’t take notes. I was power drinking!

Interesting side note for my tens of readers. We actually stumbled onto the movie where the name Rabbi Tuchman came from. Anyone know what it is? Give up? It is from Robin Hood, Men in Tights. Thought is was appropriate the movie was on cable while I was busy drinking wine with the reviewer known as Rabbi Tuchman! The funnier part? They’ve been spelling it wrong all this time. It is Tuckman. Open another bottle, Rabbi!

Kali Hart Chardonnay 2005
$14.99

Wine Doc says:
“Kali Hart is named after Robb & Cynthia Talbott’s youngest duaghter, Kalin Hart Talbott. The Wine portrays the youthful and vibrant characteristics of its namesake.” So says the tasting notes from the Talbott Vineyard website.

I’d have to agree. We felt that the notes of melon, citrus and pineapple lend appeal to this youthful wine. There were loads of tropical fruit with just a touch of oak. Excellent body in this very good value wine. It’d be great this Summer!