Blindfold 2012 White Wine Blend

The Prisoner Wine Company makes some of our favorite wine with innovative red and white blends. Typically Jason and I would reach for a bottle of Prisoner, which is their signature red blend made of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Syrah & Grenache, but in these hot summer months a chilled white wine is the perfect complement to cooling off by the pool. I’m absolutely loving the 2012 Blindfold white wine blend. This blend truly has something for everyone in it. My mother-in-law typically drinks sweet white wine while my preference tends to more towards the dry whites. Blindfold provides the perfect blend to please both palates! This is one of the few white wines where I have seen people from either camp (Sweet or Dry) really enjoy the same bottle with equal satisfaction. Here is the blend break down from the winemaker:

• 35% Chardonnay
• 60% Rhone Whites ( Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc)
• 5% Aromatic Varietals (Semillion & Riesling)

Tasting Notes from the Winemaker:

http://www.theprisonerwinecompany.com/

Aromatic and inviting, the wine opens up with subtle notes of mandarin and meyer lemon zest, complimented on the palette with delightful flavors of Anjou pear, roasted marshmallow, spiced apple tart and a hint of minerality . The finish is rich and creamy with bright, balanced acidity.

Where to Buy:

I have seen Blindfold sold at most major grocery chains and in specialty shops. It is typically priced around $30, which is more than I like to spend on white wine. Keep your eye out for the sales. I stocked up at $22 a bottle during Safeway’s 30% off sale. At many of the grocery chains in Arizona, if you buy 6 bottles you get an additional 10% off (you can mix and match).

Peju 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

Peju winery consistently makes some of my favorite wines. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is a staple in the Taylor household. Their Cabs sell for a moderate to expensive price point that we consider to be an occasion wine. When we want to “pour to impress,” this is a sure fire success!  Peju Winery was actually the first wine club that my husband and I joined for several reasons. We consistently love their wine and our experience visiting the tasting room has always been an amazing! If you are up for a little comedy and serenading with your tasting then ask for Alan “The Yodelmeister” Arnopole. He guarantees a lot of laughs along with your tasting. Finally we joined because they have a very limited distribution so it is difficult to buy outside their property. However, I recently discovered that the Wine Wearhouse in Scottsdale Arizona is carrying their 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. I thought it would make a great share for our wine of the month, so local Arizona readers could try something that would typically require a trip to Napa! Enjoy and let us know what you think!

Tasting Notes from the Winemaker:

http://peju.com

“An elegant and enjoyable Cabernet that showcases light thyme and sage, vanilla, red fruits, and anise on the nose. Juicy plums and sweet oak come through on the palate with remarkably soft tannins from start to finish.”

Where to buy:

$50.00 at Peju Winery (Club Price $45)

$43.99 at Wine Warehouse 17025 N Scottsdale Rd #140, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Phone: (480) 284-8840