Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet 2011 – $8.99-$10.99

a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Our first blended red wine for Cupcake Vineyards has over the top aromas of chocolate, deep rich blackberries, red fruits that follow through the palate to a creamy mocha finish that is unmistakable in its intensity and length, with a hint of coconut. It’s reminiscent of a blackberry chocolate cupcake with a mocha coulis.”

Kim’s Tasting Notes: “Nom, nom, nommy in my tum, tum, tummy, Beotches!”

When I posted my first Cheapo Wino review, I asked my readers for their favorite “cheap” wine recommendation.  An overwhelming amount of people (4) suggested that I try Cupcakes’s Red Velvet.  At first I thought, “eh…looks too cutesy. They were probably suckered by the pretty label.” But then I thought “Meh…it’s on sale for $8.99. I should give it a try.” because, my friends, I can’t pass up a bargain.  I could be lactose intolerant and I’d still buy a diary farm if it was priced well below market value.

So after retiring to my bed (this is where I do all my best tasting), I poured it while reciting my life’s motto “Keep your goals small and your expectations smaller” (a sure way to feel accomplished and rarely disappointed).  I swirled, I sniffed, I held it up to the light, I didn’t know what the hell I was doing but I looked like a damn professional…if you ignored my Mickey Mouse pj’s and the cookie crumbs on my lap. Then I tasted it.  This shit is good! And not like “good for $9” good.  Good like “I just scored a Michael Kohrs dress for $29” good!

It smelled oaky (mmm, you know momma loves her oaky), it was smooth (like my legs after I shave for the first time in months), and it had a nice balanced body (the kind I hope to have one day).  The winemaker’s notes are dead on. However, I detected hints of raisin which don’t even appear in the description.  It makes me think I’m doing this whole drinking thing wrong despite years of intense practice.  Whatever winemaker, whatever.

This bottle of wine pairs well with chicken, pork, PMS, depression, really anything.  And it’s ready to drink now. No really, drink it right away because I noticed it gets a little bitter if it sits for a while.  In fact, if you’re drinking alone, I recommend skipping the glass all together and guzzling straight from the bottle.  But don’t let anyone see you do this or the next event you’ll be invited to will be your own intervention.

My Cheapo Wino Rating, on a scale of 1-4 glasses:  Um…I’ll take the bottle please!