Simple Living

Reevaluating My Relationship with Alcohol While my overall alcohol consumption was low, having a drink almost daily began to take a toll on my body. I noticed that alcohol no longer provided the same satisfaction it once did. Even if it was just one beer or a glass of wine each day, it started to feel like a habit rather than a choice made for enjoyment. Taking a Break: Three Weeks of Abstinence To address this, I decided to abstain from alcohol for three weeks. Initially, I committed to just one week, but I quickly realized that I wanted to see how it felt over a longer period. So far, I’ve noticed a significant change—I no longer feel the same need for alcohol. The first day was definitely the toughest; I craved a beer. However, by the third day, that desire subsided, and after a full week, I found that I no longer had any urge to drink. While looking at an alcoholic beverage can still spark a bit of desire, it doesn’t carry the same weight as it did on that first day of abstaining.

I’ve recently enjoyed Argentinian Malbecs and am continually impressed by the incredible value this often-overlooked grape offers. I found a delightful, inexpensive red wine priced at just $6, and I’m already on my second bottle—it’s that good! It’s easy to see why this particular Malbec is a bulk buy. Unlike many other Malbecs I’ve tried, this one is enjoyable right upon opening. Typically, other Malbecs require some time to breathe and are better on the second day. Taste Profile Fruit Forward Medium Dry This combination makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore the world of red wine without breaking the bank.

While La Vostra offers a delightful sparkling wine experience, it lacks the bubbles I would expect from a sparkling wine. Upon initial pour, it does present a sensation of carbonation along with a bit of foam, but it doesn't deliver the effervescence I crave. What it lacks in bubbles, it compensates for with its utterly dry (brut) profile, which is one of my preferred characteristics in sparkling wines. The taste features a light fruit profile, and I find online reviews spot on, noting hints of green apple and peach. Taste Profile Very Dry (Brut) Not Sour (Low Acidity) Not Sweet Need More Bubbles, but Kirkland is 2x Cheaper If La Vostra had more bubbles, it would be an amazing choice. However, its dryness is a highlight for me. That said, considering the price difference—La Vostra is $14 compared to Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco at $7.69—I’d have to lean toward Kirkland and skip La Vostra. The value simply cannot be ignored.

Kirkland Sauvignon Blanc: A Bulk Buy Worth Exploring The Kirkland-branded Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough Ti Point is an excellent bulk buy, priced at just $7. This wine is a remarkable value, offering an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank. Taste Profile Dry Not Sweet Slightly Sour (Acidity) The higher acidity gives it a puckering sensation that indicates both dryness and slight sourness. This characteristic makes it an excellent pairing with food, as it effectively cleanses the palate between bites. Whether you're enjoying it on its own or with a meal, this Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious wine lovers.

Exploring Sparkling Wines: Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco DOCG While I enjoy champagne, I can only afford it for special occasions. To broaden my sparkling wine experience, I decided to test the waters with options like Prosecco. I’ve heard great things about Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco DOCG, and at just $7.69, it’s ten times cheaper than my current favorite, Bollinger. I’m pleased to report that it doesn’t disappoint. Considering its price point, this Prosecco offers a fantastic experience. It’s categorized as Extra Dry, which means it’s slightly sweeter than a Brut. However, as noted in various reviews, it’s not overly sweet. It delivers a dry and crisp sensation that I appreciate in sparkling wines. If I could find this in a Brut, it would be exceptional. Nevertheless, for $7.69, this Prosecco is a keeper for any time I want the delightful sensation of a sparkling wine at an incredible price. I’m planning to keep a couple of bottles in my collection for future enjoyment. Flavor Profile Dry

A Remarkable Find: $4 Pinot Grigio I was blown away by how amazing this ridiculously cheap $4 Pinot Grigio tastes. You really have to remind yourself that this wine only costs $4 and is almost as good as an $18 Santa Margherita. Let that sink in! It’s also a far better deal than the $12 Italo Cescon. Flavor Profile Dry Slightly Sweet Slightest Sour (acidity) The subtle sweetness is enough to make the slight sourness barely noticeable. It’s so smooth and dry, pairing nicely with a crisp salad and grilled pork. Stocking Up I’m stocking up by the case because it’s such a fantastic deal!

Santa Margherita vs. Italo Cescon: A Pinot Grigio Showdown Santa Margherita remains my #1 choice, but Italo Cescon is a close second. What holds it back is the higher acidity, which gives a sour pucker sensation. Fortunately, it’s not sweet and leans towards the dry side—two reasons I love Santa Margherita. If Italo Cescon had less sour acidity, it would easily take the top spot, especially since it’s half the price at $11, while Santa Margherita typically goes for around $20. However, bulk buy discounts can sometimes bring it down to $17. Because Italo Cescon is such a good price, I’ll carry a few bottles whenever I don’t want to open my Santa Margherita. Flavor Profile Dry Not Sweet Sour / Acidity

Exploring Affordable Wines from Costco I finally got around to purchasing some wines at Costco that were recommended from various online sources. I had already tried the St. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, which is decent, but I was particularly impressed with how delicious and affordable the Kirkland branded wines are.  *BB denotes Bulk Buys Red Wines Kirkland - Bordeaux Superior - Grand Vin   *BB 2019 Kirkland Signature Châteauneuf-du-Pape   *BB Kirkland - Signature Malbec   *BB Kirkland - Gigondas - GSM   *BB Ste. Michelle - Indian Wells - Red Blend Ste. Michelle - Indian Wells - Cabernet Sauvignon Ste. Michelle - Cabernet Sauvignon D'Angelo White Wines Kirkland - Marlborough - Sauvignon Blanc - Ti Point   *BB 2023 Kirkland - Friuli Grave - Pinot Grigio   *BB Kirkland - Moscato   *BB Kirkland - Asolo Prosecco   *BB Italo Cescon - Pinot Grigio Bulk Buys: Malbec & Friuli The Malbec and Friuli are bulk buys that I recommend stocking up on, as they punch well above the

Exploring White Wines I’m liking white wines more and more. Sometimes I do want something chilled, and I’m gravitating towards those with a dry finish. I found that the Santa Margherita Valdadige Pinot Grigio really hits the spot. About the Wine This Italian wine hails from Tyrol in Northern Italy, and interestingly, the grape is identical to the Oregon variety known as Pinot Gris. From the few Oregon samples I’ve tried, I’ve found them to be a bit sweeter, which makes me partial to the Italian version. I also plan to try some French Pinot Grigio/Gris to compare. Buying Strategy When this wine is on sale, I try to buy several bottles, as it pairs nicely with a variety of dishes, from pasta to steak. Flavor Profile Dry Not Sweet Balanced (not sour / low acidity)

Exploring Champagne: Tasting House Taittinger My next stop in the world of Champagne brings me to House Taittinger, and I look forward to comparing it with my previous tastings from Veuve Clicquot and Bollinger. I’m currently preferring dry wines with hints of apple, pear, or citrus, and I’m eager to see how this one tastes. Review After tasting Taittinger, I’ll rate it below Bollinger but above Veuve Clicquot.

My Champagne Journey: Bollinger Special Cuvée I wanted to try a Bollinger Special Cuvée as I learn more about this brand’s history and contribution to the craft. They developed the riddling process that helped usher in the production capacity of champagne. I’ll save it for a special occasion and see where this fits in my recurring rotation. Tasting Review This is a delicious drink, and I’m getting hooked on champagne. It’s better than the Veuve Clicquot I had previously. It’s perfectly balanced in terms of dry and hint of fruit. Flavor Profile: Dry Slightly Sweet (hint of fruit) Balanced (not sour / low acidity)

Trader Joe Wine Choices: I’ve tried enough wines to curate a revolving selection of fun, drinkable table wines at affordable prices, mostly sourced from Trader Joe’s, Target, and Costco. My taste ranges from fruit-forward, slightly sweet reds to dry white wines. Occasionally, I enjoy an earthy GSM or Bordeaux, but typically, I prefer wines without any overtly strong taste profiles. Variety is key for me, so I like to mix things up. Here are my favorites and experiences from Trader Joe’s: BB - Bulk Buy Red Wines Rancho Viejo Reserva BB La Sonriete - Garnache BB Fruit forward. Campi Rudi Appassimento Rosso Puglia IGT Passito BB Syrupy sweet, similar to Meiomi. B by Fonbadet Bourdeaux BB Revelation - Cabernet Merlot Maison Barboulot - Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah Sweet. Patroferno Appassimento Puglia Primitivo Sweet. Javier San Pedro Randez - Tempranillo White Wines Revelation - Chardonnay Sweet with a slight bitter aftertaste; drink it on the first day only.

Dining Experience at Al Biernat's Steakhouse, Dallas, Texas I had the pleasure of dining at Al Biernat’s Steakhouse in Dallas, Texas, where I ordered the 22 oz Cowboy Ribeye cooked medium rare. Priced at $70, the steak was absolutely worth it—cooked to perfection, tender, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Meal Highlights 22 oz Cowboy Ribeye : Perfectly cooked to medium rare, the ribeye was tender, juicy, and easily one of the most enjoyable steaks I’ve had in a while. Every bite was packed with flavor, making it well worth the price. Salad and Bread Selection : The fresh salad and the large, varied bread basket were delightful complements to the main course. The variety and quality of the bread selection were a nice surprise, adding to the overall dining experience. New Wine Discovery This meal also marked my introduction to the Santa Margherita Valdadige Pinot Grigio , which has quickly become my new favorite. Its crisp, refreshing notes paired perfectly with the richness

New Year's Champagne Tasting: Veuve Clicquot In preparation for New Year's, I picked up a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and decided to practice with more white wines and champagnes. This was my first real experience with champagne outside of a wedding or major celebration, and I'm really enjoying it. The Veuve Clicquot was dry, reminiscent of sake or Pinot Grigio, yet it had enough sweetness to make it pleasant. I learned that it needs to be served cold and consumed at a good pace to fully enjoy the bubbly experience. There's still much to learn about champagne, but I'm excited to add more options into my rotation!

J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon: A Budget-Friendly Find I recently tried the 2020 vintage of J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, which I picked up at Costco for just $11 . Eager to expand my wine experience beyond Trader Joe’s offerings, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. This Cabernet is incredibly easy to drink, making it a great first-day pour. Interestingly, it has a lighter color that almost resembles a Pinot Noir , giving it a translucent quality. While it’s smooth and approachable, I found it a bit bland, lacking depth and complexity. Although I wouldn’t choose this as my everyday wine, it’s a solid option for those moments when you want something simple and familiar without venturing into the unknown. Overall, it’s an easy choice when boredom strikes!

First $100 Bottle Experience: Barnett Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon For my first $100 bottle of wine, I went with the Barnett Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon—a Napa Valley red that set the bar high and left me thoroughly impressed. The flavors were beautifully balanced, fruit-forward with just the right dryness, reminding me of a good sake. This was a New Year’s treat to welcome 2023, and it made the celebration memorable. I’ve since learned that wines like this are often best enjoyed after a decade of aging. While it was still absolutely delicious, I’ll now be rotating these special bottles, letting some age for future milestones.

Wine Haul Update: Expanding the Collection I've made more bulk buys, including some Bordeaux and Cabernet-Merlot blends. I'm eager to see how they compare, especially since I've been impressed by the Garnache and GSM blends. Current Wine Collection My wine rack is now full with 24 bottles , a feat made easy by the inexpensive yet delicious options available at Trader Joe's . Recent Tasting Notes Fonbadet Bordeaux: This one has been a pleasant surprise! I’m quite pleased with its flavor and plan to bulk buy it along with the La Sonrieta Grenache . GSM Blends: I'm hopeful these will round out my collection nicely. It’s exciting to keep exploring different wines and finding affordable options that deliver great taste!

Reflections on Wine Journey: From Charles Shaw to Finer Selections I’ll admit that I’ve become a bit of a wine snob after diving into the fascinating world of wines. Initially, I thought it was all about the types of grapes and that wine was just wine. My go-to was the infamous $4 Charles Shaw red wines, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon, as finding a good Pinot Noir was challenging. The Transition to Finer Wines As I began to sample finer wines in the $30-$50 range, I noticed a significant difference in quality. The Charles Shaw wines started to taste quite mediocre in comparison, prompting me to shun them for a while. I was enthralled by the complexity and nuances of better wines, which made me reassess my earlier preferences. A Full Circle Appreciation However, I’ve come full circle. While I now recognize that Charles Shaw wines may not taste as good (and probably never did), I can appreciate them for what they represent—they were my gateway into the wine world. Today, I still ke

Wine Discoveries: Trader Joe’s Gems and New Additions I’ve been diving deeper into the world of wine, and my latest finds have been quite satisfying. The online reviews don’t lie; the 2021 La Sonriente from Trader Joe’s is a gem at just $7. This pure Garnache/Grenache is a fantastic addition to my collection and is the main component of many red blends, especially my growing favorite GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) wines. I also scored the 2016 Rancho Viejo , a GSMT (with Tempranillo), which has been a delicious complement to the La Sonriente. Impressions of the New Purchases Both wines have earned their bulk-buy status at just $7 each. The Rancho Viejo was particularly delightful, providing a smooth transition from the pure Garnache of La Sonriente. I’m pleased with these selections and confident they’ll keep my wine rack vibrant. To round out my growing collection, I decided to go upmarket and picked up a 2019 Margaux Grand Cru from Chateau Giscours. My plan is to grab one nicer

I’ve been liking the French reds now and especially the GSM’s and Côtes de Rhône’s.  I also grabbed a Cabernet to round out this month’s haul. I got 2 bottles of the Ponticifics GSM as I really liked that one, so doubled up.  I’ll try the others and if I find more labels I like and stock up on those. Moon X - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2021 - 🫤 meh Pontificis - GSM - 2020 - 👍  Laurent Dublanc - Cotes de Rhones - 2021 Vignobles de la Vallee du Collection Rhones - Cotes de Rhones - 2020 Maison Barboulot - Cabernet Syrah - 2021 - 👍    So far only dud was Moon X Cab.  Issue is the finish feels like drinking a sugary juice and hurts my teeth. The Pontificis and Maison are good and I’ll buy more.