SUB-ZERO WINE BLOG

As a foodie and football fan one of my favorite things to do when it’s freezing outside is warm up the house with a slow-cooked oven roast (such as lamb shanks or short ribs), then curl up in front of the tube for a football feast, complete with a big, brawny red to match. Although the pro teams outside my wine country door haven’t had such a great year, California’s red wine vintners have certainly scored with the 2002 vintage, which is what you’ll find in the market now. From a winery that became famous for its Merlot, look for Blackstone Cabernet Sauvignon, which is tasting just incredible for the price – full of cassis flavor and a velvety texture. And for something completely different, try Bogle Petite Sirah, an omigod delicious, muscle-man red. The Petite Sirah grape isn’t related to Syrah, though the names sound similar and the styles are, too: inky-purple color, black raspberries-and-pepper flavors.