Bling in a Glass

Has anyone picked up on the fact that I've been celebrating my birthday during the entire course of this weekend and the big day isn't even until tomorrow? Call me selfish, but I'm enjoying getting my drink on in celebration. And why not when you're sippin' on wines worth your time!?

Tonight I hit up Oz Chophouse in Fulton, MD with mom and dad, and instead of indulging in a slice of chocolate mousse pie (another favorite of mine) post-dinner, I opted for a dessert wine... the '05 Selaks Ice Wine to be precise.

The '05 Selaks Ice Wine is made of a blend of Gewurztraminer and Reisling grapes (both sugary in taste) and was straw-like in color. The combination of these varietals offered a moderatley rich balance of spice, apricot, and honey with floral overtones.

For beginner WinoBees who are unfamilar, ice wine is a type of dessert wine produce from grapes that have been frozen while still on their vine. The sugars from the grapes do not literally freeze, but the water surrounding it does allowing for a more concentrated grape, thus yeilding in a very sweet wine. Because of this rigourous process, ice wines tend to be relativley pricey on the pocket. However, this bottle only runs about $17.99 for 375mL. And although my glass was ridiculously marked up (I paid $9), I enjoyed every last sip of it and highly reccomend to each of you!

Where to Buy: Berns Fine Wines
Wine Spectator Points: 87
When to Drink: Now - 2010

Poppin' Bubbly

To most people turning a decade older is cause for an elaborate celebration. Well, I find joy in celebrating half decades with the same enthusiasm. You may wonder, "What's so great about turning 25?" Well, for one, you become legal to rent cars without having to buy extra insurance. Ok, check.

But, for me, turning 25 is my way of saying "buh-bye" to my adolescent beveraging behaviors. Call me a wine snob, but being nearly 3 years out of college, its time I parlay my personal attributes alongside those of my wine (e.g. a bit more established, a bit more mature, a bit more refined and mostly better with age!)

So to pre-celebrate growing another year wiser, my friends and I had a triple birthday gathering last night. While many retraced their college Andre Champagne drinking tendencies, I spoiled myself with a mini bottle of Moet and a full bottle of Le Borgate Cide Prosecco from Italy... it's no wonder its 11pm and my head is still pounding. Nonetheless, I wanted to share the scoop on this delicious prosecco with you because I honestly think I enjoyed it more than the White Star quality.

Made in the region of Veneto, Prosecco is Italy's answer to refreshing, well-made sparkling wine at a reasonable price. Particularly, my experience with the Le Borgate Cide was delightful. The pale yellow color mimicked into a light, delicate flavour. The hints of green apple and white peaches were crisp and left for a smooth, clean, dry finish. The fine bubbles and fragrant bouquet were not at all overpowering, but rather refreshing. For just $19.95/bottle you'll feel as lavish as the taste it leaves in your mouth. I picked this bottle up at Candelight Wines in NYC, but haven't been able to locate online. Check with http://www.palmbayimports.com/ to see if they can order for you if you are unsuccessful in locating it at your local wine store.

Does Your Wine Need a Hug?

Seasoned wino, W.R. Tish, just tweeted about this product and I thought it was so great I had to drop a post and share the "buzz" with all my WinoBees...

Ever traveled with your favorite shiraz? Ever picked up your lugagge from baggage claim and discover your brand new white blouse and black trousers were saturated in crimson red from the explosion that took place in your suitcase?

Well, now you don't have to worry about rolling your vino bottles up in cushiony clothes when packing. WineHug™ is a self-inflating protective travel pouch that is lightweight, compact, and adapts to hug a 750ml bottle of vino (doesn't matter the shape of the bottle). Its velcro seam helps keep the bottle snug so you bypass explosions. Best part? It's re-uasable. Simply collapse the WineHug when its not in use, and re-inflate during your next trip. Did I mention its only $20? Definitley worth the investment!

Let's Detox to Retox!

Looking to take a little reprieve this winter? You're in luck...  Spa Week announced a great deal to Milliken Creek Inn & Spa in Napa Valley perfect for those of you looking detox and retox. Milliken was rated the top hotel in Napa by Zagat, and for just $275/night, you can pamper yourself and your sweetie with:

• One night's accomodations in a Milliken Room
• $75 credit toward a luxorious spa treatment
• Breakfast for 2 each morning
• Daily sunset Magic Hour (featuring reserve wines and cheeses)

So what are you waiting for? Snuggle up in a lavish king-size bed amidst the warmth of your fireplace, and devour those decadent chocolates that come with turn-down service! To book, call 800-215-0684. Valid through February 12th. 

Spritz Me!

I'm back from another work stint in California where this time I truly put my "PR diva" skills to work by boozing and schmoozing with the folks at Palm Bay, a wine and spirits importer who was showcasing Italian favs, Ferrari sparkling wine and Aperol orange liquer at this year's Access Hollywood "Stuff You Must" Lounge. So of course, it was only appropriate for me to give you a low-down of both!

Ferrari Sparkling Wine -- from the Trentino region of northern Italy, this bubbly is made from 100% chardonnay and has a finesse all its own. Its ultra dry texture leaves a long finish on the tongue, but the is balanced with fruity flavors like apple and pear. They also have a Rose made from 40% chardonnay and 60% pinot noir! Estimated Retail: $23.00

Aperol - made from a blend of spirit, rhubarb, chinchona, genziana, and a secret comination of herbs, this apertif adds a bitter orange taste to your beverage selection. Aperol is produced by the Compari company and has recently gained alot of momentum as a spritzer addition in cocktails in Europe.  Estimated Retail: $20.00

Looking to make something refreshing? Combine the below ingredients for an Aperol Spritzer: 

• 1/4 Aperol
• 3/4 Ferarri Brut Sparkling Wine
• Splash of Seltzer
• Orange Slice

We're Getting a Makeover!

Please stay tuned as we re-brand the site! Oenobee will soon revamp into WinoBee.com -- same great blogsite, same ole' fun! Feel free to follow in the interim via Twitter.com at @WinoBee

The Bottle Is Definitley Half Full...

Happy 2009 WinoBees! I've been traveling for the holidays and am heading out on a business trip to California tomorrow (where I will hopefully consume some tasty selections). But before I head about on my adventure, I wanted to re-post yesterday's Daily Candy discovery of HalfWitWines, an online shop that vends solely half bottles of booze.

Perfect for the nights you want to enjoy a glass (rather than not remembering having dovoured an entire bottle the morning after), and a great way to expand your palette, by testing wines you may be otherwise nervous to sample.

The vintner’s shelves are stocked with more than 1,000 bottles from all over the world, and it’s easy to navigate by region and varietal, especially with the option to peek at the label. Check out http://www.halfwitwines.com/ for more!