Whether you’re looking to have a Valentine’s Day dinner at one of the area’s many bring-your-own restaurants or planning a romantic dinner at home, below are 10 wines whose names are a bit provocative. They’re available in New Jersey and won’t break the bank.
All tasting notes are by the wineries.
2013 Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling ($16.99): “Sweet lime and tangerine aromas and subtle mineral notes. The mouth-watering acidity is beautifully balanced by flavorful Washington Riesling fruit.”
2011 Alexander Valley Vineyards Temptation Zinfandel ($10.99): “This is a dark purple wine with aromas of red and black fruit, plum, black cherry and spice. There are ripe flavors of red cherry, black pepper, blackberry and wild strawberry highlighted by slight vanilla and black tea. This is a juicy wine with a fruity finish.”
2013 Peirano Estate The Other Red ($14.99): “The aromas of black cherry, raspberry, candied fruit and dried cranberries are complemented by spicy, toasty oak notes. Upon washing this liquid across the palate, a wave of sweet dried cherries, cranberry, and raspberries, with a hint of light toast, leads to a long, totally seductive, finish. This wine has a to-die-for rich velvety mouth feel.”
2013 Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.99): “Deep dark red, tending towards magenta at the meniscus. Lovely notes of warmed currants, cocoa dust, lavender, scorched earth and bay leaf. Flavors mirror the aroma with everything in proportion with lovely balance.”
2013 Fifty Shades of Grey White Silk ($17.99): “Floral aromatics of lychee, honey and pear are tempered by flavors of crisp grapefruit, mineral and lush pear with a faint hint of butterscotch.”
Pro•mis•Q•ous Red ($8.99): “Ripe red and dark berry fruit with hints of black pepper. Yummy with meat grilled, roasted and pan seared. Pizza. Any time you want a red that’s not ridiculously serious.”
2012 Monogamy Cabernet Sauvignon ($10.99): “Classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of black olives, cassis, plum and dried herbs. Completely committed flavors of blackberry, black cherry, cassis and plum with a smooth velvety texture followed by a lingering and slightly toasty finish.”
2013 Some Young Punks – Passion Has Red Lips ($19.99): “Bright ruby. Deep, powerful aromas of cassis and blueberry, with a smoky topnote. Round, supple and sweet, with plush black and blue fruit flavors brightened by a peppery component. Finishes with velvety tannins and good breadth, on a sweet berry note.”
2012 Château Julien – French Kiss: “This refreshing blend of Chenin Blanc & Viognier was made for everyday enjoyment, from grapes grown in premier regions throughout California. Explore the beautiful aromas of luscious peaches & ripe apricots, complimented with vibrant acidity making this wine just as memorable as your first French kiss.”
2013 Bodega Valentin Bianchi – Cabernet Sauvignon Sensual Mendoza ($10.99): “Classic Cabernet aromas of black pepper, cedar and berry. The nose carries through to the palate to a medium-to-full bodied wine. The berry-vanilla finish is soft and well balanced.”
Here are some of our favorite New Jersey wine shops:
Amanti Vino – Montclair
Bottle King – Multiple locations statewide
Gary’s Wine – Bernardsville, Madison and Wayne
Joe Canal’s – Multiple locations in South Jersey
Princeton Corkscrew – Princeton
Sterling Fine Wines – Sterling
Tewksbury Fine Wine & Spirits – Oldwick
Wine Library – Springfield
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Veronique
Veronique Deblois is a food and wine blogger based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.
