DeLille Cellars Doyenne Signature Syrah

It is a good thing I cannot afford to drink DeLille wine everynight because if I could, I would.  DeLille's Chaleur Estate is worth every penny of $70 and if you can afford it you should absolutely buy it.  However, if you are like me you cannot justify spending $70 on one bottle of wine when you can spend $72 and get two amazing bottles of wine.  Therefore, I recommend DeLille's more affordable, but no less delicious, option the Doyenne Signature Syrah ($39).  This Syrah is hands down my favorite out of the many Washington Syrah's I have tasted. It is very bold and full-bodied but silky smooth. DeLille is available at Sip City Wines.

Dunham Cellars Trutina & 3 Legged Red

I don't usually make wine buying decisions based on the label, but I understand some people do. If you are one of those people, you will be immediately drawn to Dunham Cellar's Trutina and 3 Legged Red and you will not be disappointed.  The label on Trutina has an interesting texture and shine which make it a standout on the shelf. The 3 Legged Red has a picture of a 3 legged dog and what's not to love about that?!?  Beyond the label both wines satisfy and Trutina is without question one of my favorite wines under $35.  Trutina is a bit more expensive ($26 compared to $19) and a bit better so if you have both drink the Trutina first (assuming you are drinking both in one night).  Both wines are blends of cab sauv, syrah and merlot.  They are pretty mellow, very smooth and hold well overnight, though between my husband and I the Trutina rarelys makes it past 9:00 p.m. QFC and Safeway both have 3 Legged Red but you should go to Sip City Wines, or your local wine shop, for Trutina.

Swiftwater Cellars Syrah

Swiftwater Cellars is a relatively new winery and they claim their wines represent the "best of the best of the northwest." I disagree.  Recently I was given a bottle of Swiftwater Syrah and I brought it to a dinner party hoping to impress some friends; thankfully my friends were drinking whiskey when I arrived and they left the wine drinking to my husband and I.  Perhaps this "young" wine simply needs some time to sit in a cellar, if so it clearly isn't for me, I don't have a cellar and wine never lasts more than two weeks in my house.

Swiftwater Cellars has a beautiful winery at Suncadia and I rarely drive past Cle Elum without stopping by.  I am willing to shell out $7 for a glass of Swiftwater's cheaper "No. 9" brand when I am sitting in the gorgeous restaurant (the atmosphere and view make the wine worth it), but there is no way I am willing to pay $55 for a bottle of the syrah.  Swiftwater is simply in too good of company of lesser-priced syrahs (DeLille's Doyenne, Dunham, Five Star, Waters, K Vintners) to command $55 a bottle.

Airfield Estates Unoaked Chardonnay

This is a wine that all other wines are jealous of.  If this wine were a kid on a playground it would get picked first for every game. I would pay $25 for this chardonnay, but remarkably it only costs $12.  I can drink this wine all day and the best part is when I do literally drink it all day ~ I don't get a headache!  It is crisp and refreshing with a slight taste of citrus.  If you don't like this wine, we clearly don't have much in common.

Cougar Crest Cabernet Franc

If you are lucky you might be able to get your hands on a bottle of Cougar Crest at your local Safeway for 30% off. If not, buck up and pay the $38 for it.  This wine is great, it is smooth, bold and doesn't give you cotton mouth. Don't open this wine if you only plan on having one glass and/or you need to stay sober because you will end up drinking the whole bottle.

Brian Carter Cellars - EVERYTHING!

I am a huge fan of Brian Carter Cellars. I like the wine, the tasting room and the employees. If you want to impress someone, bring them a bottle of Brian Carter.  It really doesn't matter which wine you choose, they are all good. The Solesce, a bordeaux-style blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, is my favorite but it is also the most expensive ($50.00).  The Tuttorosso is also fantastic and at $30, more reasonably priced.  The Tuttorosso is a super-tuscan blend of sangiovese, cab sauv and syrah. 

Maryhill Winery Cabernet Franc

Maryhill Winery produces many of my favorite red wines, they are moderately priced and hold well overnight (meaning you can open the bottle on Wednesday and still enjoy a glass on Thursday). Maryhill is available at QFC, Safeway and Sip City Wines.  Cab Franc is one of my favorite varietals and Maryhill makes a great one.  The Cab Franc is really smooth with a deep flavor similar to cabernet sauvignon, but unlike some cabernet sauvignons, it doesn't dry out your mouth.  The cab franc is very reasonably priced at $18.00.  I highly recommend buying no less than 2 bottles at a time.

About This Blog

"Snobby Mommy" is the name of this blog, but I assure you the name is a sham.  "Snobby" is a lot catchier than the adjectives that more accurately describe this mommy (such as "frumpy," "cheap," or "exhausted"), and given that I am now limiting my wine consumption to no more than two glasses during the work week, I am indeed a snob about what I am willing to pour into my much coveted two glasses. 
Here you will find a very basic assessment of wine, put simply I will let you know whether it is worth the calories and your money, or not.  Though I consider myself an "advanced" wine drinker, I have never tasted tobacco, currants or blackberries in wine and I really don't care what wine smells like, unless of course the smell is so obnoxious that I can't bear to get it anywhere near my nose and lips.  My descriptions will be plain and simple, "this shit is good so run to the store and buy a case," or "drink this bottle when you are half lit and taste doesn't matter."  Occasionally this blog will also include reviews of products that, much like wine, are essential to me and make life as a mom easier. Please feel free to comment or email me if you have your own reviews or if you disagree with mine.