Author Archives: rudybelle

A love that lasts forever – Gargiulo’s Aprile “Super Oakville” blend

Posted on May 8, 2012 by rudybelle

A few years back, I was introduced to the gem that is Gargiulo Vineyard’s Aprile “Super Oakville” blend.  A riff on a classic Super Tuscan, Aprile is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (4%)  and Sangiovese grapes (the other 96%).  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Chillin’ with the Corkcicle

Posted on April 22, 2012 by rudybelle

We Americans tend to drink our whites too cold and our reds too warm.  So I was psyched to discover the “Corkcicle,” an ingenious new device for keeping wines chilled to their ideal temperatures without bulky tabletop ice buckets. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

As I was saying…. In My Cups returns!

Posted on April 21, 2012 by rudybelle

Gentle reader, I’m recovering from a serious attack of bloggis interruptus.  Life has gotten in the way of my posting these past few months.  But I’m back, baby, with a renewed commitment to spread the word of great wine finds and general musings … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Quaff of the Week (and a bargain, to boot): 2010 DaVinci Opula

Posted on January 8, 2012 by rudybelle

Sometimes a beautiful label beckons to me when I’m browsing the aisles (this picture doesn’t do it justice).  More often than not, I’m disappointed once I pop the cork.  But this week’s Quaff of the Week not only had Sophia … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Unwrapping presents under the tree

Posted on January 1, 2012 by rudybelle

Happy 2012, everyone! Enjoyed some delicious Moet Imperial and Mumm Napa Valley to ring in the New Year last night.  But now I’m polishing off a gift from under the tree: a 2007 Elements by Artesa blend.  This is one … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Box Wine: Dreck or Delicious?

Posted on December 3, 2011 by rudybelle

For awhile now I’ve wanted to taste for myself whether box wines have come a long way, baby, or if they still deserve their “white trash” label.  In the liquor store today, a fairly large offering of box wines caught … Continue reading →

Posted in Wines, wine reviews | 2 Comments

All-Star Drinking: Ridge 2009 Geyserville Zinfandel

Posted on November 28, 2011 by rudybelle

I had a “Dang it, I wish I’d bought more!” moment yesterday, when I had my first sip of a Ridge 2009 Geyserville.  The Cupertino-based Ridge Vineyards is known primarily for its elegant, high-end Zinfandels.  Now, I’m not normally a … Continue reading →

Posted in Wines, wine reviews | Leave a comment

Quaff of the Week: Mary Elke Brut

Posted on November 26, 2011 by rudybelle

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a member (and huge fan of!) the Wine Garage in Napa.  I belong to their wine club, which means twice a year (it’s normally a quarterly shipment, but I’ve arranged to receive mine less frequently … Continue reading →

Posted in Wines, wine reviews | 1 Comment

In praise of pretty things – like Jack D’Or and Cantata Singers

Posted on November 21, 2011 by rudybelle

I’m sure I’m a latecomer to the Pretty Things beer and ale party, but I’m totally onboard now.  I recently discovered this Someville, Ma. “gypsy brewery” that’s producing some pretty spectacular stuff.  I’ve found Pretty Things on the menus at … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Plonk go the strings of my heart

Posted on November 14, 2011 by rudybelle

Life got in the way of my posting last week about the Boston Globe’s annual “Plonkapalooza” feature, in which expert wine tasters select the top red and white buys under $12 a bottle.  No one (in this or any economy) … Continue reading →

Posted in Wines, wine reviews | Leave a comment