Cork Break

There’s probably a reason people insist on ordering the same entrée at their favorite restaurant, or in taking the same route home every day, or in avoiding change at all costs. Most recently I’ve been wanting to expand my wine palette so every now and then, (and by that, I mean, at least two or three times a week) I’ll stop off to peruse the wine aisle at the most conveniently located wine/liquor store on my drive home from work.

Tonight, Ecco Domani’s 1996 D’ Alberta as well as a 1997 CabSauv struck my attention. When I got home, I went to open the goods and the cork broke with little, if any abrasion on my part. At first, I was horrified at my sudden inability to successfully uncork a bottle of wine, especially being in the hospitality industry for quite some time now. Gaining control over the situation, I managed to pour myself a glass of the brownish, pinkish, foul smelling wine. Now, I’m no wine connoisseur, but even I can decipher a quality wine from one that has long exceeded its shelf life.

I thought, maybe the CabSauv would make up for the first flop. Negative; I had my mom open the bottle just to make sure it wasn’t in fact an inaptitude I may have. The same freaking thing happened!! You can only imagine my distaste for Ecco Domani at this point.

I did discover a great bottle of wine while rummaging through the garage; Carmen’s 2006 Syrah, a red wine from Chile. It poured a beautiful deep purple red color; infused with black cherries, blueberries, and cassis. The hints of leather and spices lay remnant following each sip. Considering my immense disappointment in my attempt to try an older vintage from an unfamiliar winery, Syrah blew me away. It really made up for the first TWO flops. I’d highly recommend sampling this red wine next time you are tempted to reach for the usual bottle of Merlot or Cabernet.