Hob Nob Wicked Red 2011

You may think that here on the CWT blog, I choose wines solely because I want to try/drink them. This is only partially true. I mean yeah, I have a say in what gets tasted, but I also consider other things when choosing a wine, like the time of year and what holidays/events are coming up. You want proof? This week I'm NOT reviewing a Spanish red. SO THERE. Instead, I'll tell you about a red blend from France that will be GREAT with your Superbowl party appetizers: Hob Nob Wicked Red!

I've had some of Hob Nob's other wines, and have been quite fond of them. Why, just last week I recommended their Pinot Noir to someone (yummy!). But I've never tried their blend before, and I was excited because, as a whole, I tend to really enjoy red blends (cue: Apothic, Menage a Trois, and Cupcake's Red Velvet).

This one has some serious color to it in the glass. It looks and smells intense, with a deep, mulchy, autumnal scent to it. This is true of the flavor as well. Unlike California blends, this one's not Zin based, so it doesn't have a whole lot of berry bursting on your tongue. Rather it's very earthy, with a warmth in the sip like pepper or cinnamon, without precisely having that flavor.This is a young wine that needs a bit to open, so let it air or give it a good swish in the glass before your drink. 

For the uninitiated, this is a chicken,
stuffed in a duck, stuffed in a turkey,
with stuffing. Boo-yeah!

The Hob Nob Wicked Red is wicked awesome (heehee) paired with salty foods like cheeses-- in fact, any apps would be a yummy addition (hence the recommendation to class up yer Superbowl party with a bottle). If you'd rather pair it with a meal, let me suggest steak, lamb or my Superbowl Sunday favorite: Turducken. Not even joking a little bit.

Price: $

My Rating: B

Canta Perdices Tempranillo 2008

*What??? It's cute and it took a long time to put up!

Well the Holidays are For-Real over now. Come on, it's mid-January, people! Time to return everything that doesn't fit, get creative with leftovers, and take down the lights... * note to self.

Did you make any resolutions for 2013? I did. I resolved not to make any resolutions. And as such...I'm not up to branching out the CWT blog at the moment, and I'm gonna go right back to the Spanish Reds that I so adore-- don't worry, it can't last forever. But for today, it's Canta Perdices 2008 Tempranillo.




In Spanish, Canta Perdices means "the little bird (or more specifically, the partridge) sings." It's a cute little name for a wine, and the bottle is reflective of it, with its row of music-note birds right on the label.

And, as the label suggests, this wine does indeed sing. Bold in the glass, the Canta Perdices is a deep inky purple. You'll notice some interesting smells, wood smoke, licorice, and dark fruits-- perhaps cherry, as the bottle suggests.The flavor is powerful, with a noticable bite of tannic acid that lingers long after the sip.

Singing birds with my wings!

This wine is definitely not what I would consider a "sipper"-- one to curl up on the couch with while you watch Masterpiece Theater. Nopers, this one's best with food. Bar food even. Meat and cheese platters are a good go to for the Canta Perdices, so you might want to serve it with appetizers. And a good tip from our friend and PWC employee Ben is that the acid in the wine is tempered nicely by BBQ wings. Yum! I think I know what I am doing for dinner.

Price: $

My Rating: B+