Wine of the Week - STO Gambler's Mark 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Another winner from Sort This Out Cellars.
Strawberry, black pepper and cloves on the nose turn into sour cherry on the tongue.  Interesting tannins balanced against some tasty acids.  Some sediment offers a nice texture.  Sort of a quick finish.
13.5% alcohol

April showers - Strawberry lemonade

I loves me some lemonade. This time, I went with a fruity one based on the recipe from CraftaholicsAnonymous.net.

I would recommend some changes though:
1. Be sure to strain the strawberries after pureeing them. I didn't, and the lemonade comes out pulpy.
2. Don't add sugar, or just a tiny bit if you need to. The strawberries are sweet enough, and the sugar hides the sour lemon taste.

Wine of the Week - Buttonwood 2009 Cabernet Franc

This is a medium dry wine, with tastes of blackberry and blueberry.
I found this to be a nice, simple, straightforward wine.  Nothing surprising, but easygoing; something reliable to serve at any gathering.
14.5% alcohol

April showers - Citrus spritzer

A very sweet drink with a little kick from GoodHousekeeping.com.

For the lemon-lime seltzer, I used sparkling limeade from Trader Joe's. But I'm sure a little gin wouldn't hurt either...

Wine of the Week - Thomas Fogarty Skyline 2007

On initial tasting, this wine had a strong acidity and tannic tastes.
Returned to it after a day of decanting and it had developed nicely, revealing flavors of dry strawberries and the slightest bit of leather and licorice.
This is a good wine.  Just give it its time after opening.
14.3% alcohol

April showers - Raspberry water

Can't get simpler than this:

1 pint of raspberries and a pitcher of filtered water. Raspberries are full of fiber, anti-oxidants, and vitamin C. And low-cal! Couldn't find a better natural drink.

Give it 2-3 days before drinking. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful the water!

Wine of the Week - STO 2008 Vino Nostra

This premium wine from Sort This Out Cellars is one of the best wines a lover of bold flavors will ever taste.
The scent is a potent and rich strawberry, black pepper, and a little bit of pepperoni.
Strong plum flavor on the tongue, surrounded by rich, dark flavors that I love: cloves, tobacco, incense.  An overall smokiness permeates this wine.
A rich and flavorful experience you won't forget.  To be enjoyed on its own; don't pair this with food.  I can't recommend this wine enough.
15.1% alcohol

April showers - Lemon water

Happy April! Signs of spring are popping up and its time again for fresh fruits. This month, I'm celebrating hydration - tasty sweet drinks to hold us over until summer!

Google it and you'll find perks all over - lemon water helps to detox your body, aids digestion, and also provides a natural source of vitamin C. And it's sure tasty!

Ingredients

1 pitcher fresh water

2 lemons, thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh mint