What do you do when your girlfriend calls you and asks, "You want to go to Vegas for the weekend?" Clearly the answer should be yes, but first a little context about what Vegas means to me....
I don’t think anybody can disagree that Las Vegas is a pretty exciting place, whether you gamble or not (amazing shows, world class food and wine, beautiful casinos, among the few reasons). Myself, I am not much of a gambler but I can appreciate spending a day in a Vegas mega-hotel poolside, catching some rays, getting in a good swim, and of course a poolside drink (or two). I’m not much into spending $20 for one cocktail (like I did on my most recent trip) but hey, when in Rome (or Vegas for that matter) what are you going to do? When I am by the pool I look for a reasonably priced, thirst quenching drink that I don’t really have to think too deeply about... Because I am either daydreaming, listening to music, or reading a fun book, and I want what I am drinking to reflect that spirit.
When I came home I thought, "Oh, I've got this wine, with a Vegas theme", the 2006 Viva Las Vegas California White Wine from Sort This Out Cellars, a boutique winery in Buellton, California.
I received this particular bottle of wine from Felicia (also known as @winefinesse on Twitter), then partner of the winery, at the Wine Bloggers Conference this past July and had been waiting for the appropriate “occasion” to pop open this bottle. I’d say a trip to Vegas is more than appropriate don’t you think?
According to their website, the wines from Sort This Out Cellars (STOC) “were inspired by a vintage photo of the "Rat Pack" taken outside the Sands hotel in 1961, we called upon the values of a time when men had character, and women had curves. A time when you could smoke, drink, curse, and have a good time without apology. We built our wines around this classic American adult spirit, so eroded by political correctness and fear, to create wines that were unapologetic in their character. Wines that pair with good times and friends. We make wines that are just as at home at the poker table as the dinner table.”
I’d have to say that about captures the overall spirit of Vegas as well as the spirit of their wines.
2006 Viva Las Vegas California White Wine
The wine had subtle aromas of apple, pear, lemon, grapefruit peel, melon, and slight cooking spices on the nose followed by a mouth full of honey, citrus, and mineral undertones. Overall, it had a medium and somewhat creamy body with a crisp finish. This is indeed the style that hits the spot on a hot day or sitting by the pool. There was nothing overly complex about this wine, but for a $15 poolside sipper you can’t go wrong. And a full bottle of wine this is cheaper than a single cocktail from a poolside bar in Vegas, so beat that! Just the type of easy drinking thirst quenching wine that will hit the spot on a hot day!
Winery: Sort This Out Cellars
Region: California (no specific AVA within CA stated)
Grapes: Pinot Gris blend
Retail: $15.00
Alcohol: 13.5 % vol.
Where to find: Contact the winery for retail locations, or order direct through the winery
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