Even after years of spending time in the wine country of northern Spain, I continue to visit Ribera del Duero and fall in love with it every time. This spring was a bit different as I took an unexpected road trip to Ribera del Duero with some very special wine experts. The wine universe put one of Spain’s top leading wine critics in my path: Mr. Andres Proesnsa. I consider him to be the Robert Parker of the Spanish wine world, and although some may argue this, he is no doubt an expert on Spanish wines.

My divine experience with Mr. Proesna was unforgettable… we broke bread together, enjoyed wine, and talked shop. Oh, did I mention the 50+ wines we tasted during an intense 2 hour period? I couldn’t have dreamt up anything better than this experience. Honestly speaking, I found it funny how, in the middle of our conversation, we both smiled at each other and saw nothing but purple…. You know life is good when you share purple lips and teeth.

I invite all Spanish wine lovers to read the electronic version of Mr. Proensa’s wine guide.

I found the perfect marriage between a decadent chocolate cupcake and a velvety apricot Sauternes.

There are no words to describe this culinary climax between my love for chocolate and white wine.

Haut Charmes | Sauternes | 2007 | Appellation Sauternes Controlee | 14% | $23

Molly’s Cupcakes | 2536 North Clark Street | Chicago, IL. | (773) 883-7220 | $3.75

Hands down, Layer Cake Shiraz from South Australia was the crowd pleaser!

The dark exotic creamy layers of chocolate notes made the wine stand out from the rest. The University of Chicago Grad students from OMSA and LGBTQ couldn’t get enough of this bottle. Cheers to my new wine newbie’s… Kenneth, Madsion, Jimmy, Kasey, Sasha, Rebecca, Fiyinfolu, Sham, Hussein, Emily, Thandiwe, and Marta.

Let’s do this again!

Because that Big, Fat, Nasty wine was so….

…Good!  I’m taking this one for the team!

When you find a lusty bottle of wine that commands respect, you give it up!  This bottle of Kaleidos wine is beyond words.  Imagine exotic cherries dipped in chocolate spices that linger on your tongue.  The creaminess of the coffee flavors enhances the earthy minerals.  Oh, this is love on the taste buds.

Shut up and kiss me Syrah!

I just can’t contain myself when I find great “Every Day” wines for a bargain!

1. Category:  Vibrant
2. Wine Type:  Blend Tempranillo (80%), Granacha (5%), Mazuelo (5%) and Graciano
3. Country: Rioja, Spain
4. Price: $6.99
5. Notes:  Yet another find that has Rioja written all over it.  This blend called Antaño has plenty of character without the attitude.  You’ll find vibrant rich black cherry flavors finished with vanilla notes with every sip.   Can be enjoyed with pasta or chicken dish.  At $6.99 a bottle, I’m keeping a few in my stash.

Yet another celebrity that makes wine has emerged.  Last night at my best friend’s place, I was introduced to a great Chilean wine called Único Luis Miguel, but I never made the connection with the famous Latin Pop singer that has a Grammy under his belt – Luis Miguel.   I confess, I’m not a fan of his, but as of last night, I’ve become a fan of his wine.  I give him credit for selecting a well-known region in Chile.  Maipo Valley produces some outstanding high quality Cabernet Sauvignons and it shows in this particular bottle of Único Gran Reserva.  I highly recommend this solid wine for the price.

Wine Notes

1. Category:  Earthy, Peppery

2. Wine Type:  Cabernet Sauvignon

3. Country: Chile – Maipo Valley

4. Price: $13.00

5. Notes: Deep cherry red color with strong notes of black currant, black pepper, and a hint of earthy tobacco.  After enjoying the wine for an hour, hints of cocoa appeared.