Love red wine?! We’ve got you covered! Here’s all the reds we’ve sipped on! Have a fav you want to recommend? Let us know at hello@swirlandsippodcast.com!
The Complete Wine List | Red Wines | White Wines | Rosé Wines
EP 3 – Instructions Not Included
The Cosentino Winery says The Dark is “super inky in the glass with deep aromas of blueberries, blackberries and plum…jammy notes are layered with black pepper spice and hints of herbes de provence.” Our first red of the season and we are fans. It definitely feels more luxurious and is a great date night wine.
EP 6 – #BrownLove
Flo describes it’s Red Blend as a “smooth, silky Merlot and blended Cabernet Sauvignon to add a backbone and lengthen the finish” and as red wine drinkers we think this one is a winner. While we didn’t taste the peppery finish, we did get the fruit notes from the Zinfandel and thought that this was a good blend overall.
EP 7 – The Family We Choose
Dreaming Tree – Crush Red Blend
This Crush Red Blend is described as having “smoky berry and a pop of raspberry jam… with good mid-palate weight from the Merlot, ripe, jammy flavors from the Zinfandel, and dark fruit and structure from the Petite Sirah and Tannat.” This wine is definitely for the meat eaters. It’s not a heavy wine and is pretty balanced between sweet and dry. Shara doesn’t like raspberries but this is definitely a wine she (and Sasha) would have again.
EP 8 – Retreat, Refresh, and Reset
This Merlot is described as “packed with rich flavors and aromas of blackberry, plum, cherry and mocha.“. Sasha and Shara were super excited to their first Merlot of the season and guest Brianna could definitely taste the cherry and mocha in this wine. You can’t go wrong with a Merlot so this is definitely something we’d recommend.
EP 10 – The Choice Is Yours
Oak Ridge Winery OZV Zinfandel
This Zinfandel is described as having “raspberry and blackberry aromas and flavors [that] are surrounded by subtle and balanced acidity plus soft and pleasing tannins.” Our review – we like it! You know we love a good red and this Zinfandel is a good middle of the road wine. It’s definitely a fruity wine but not a sweet wine! Shara can attest that it does, in fact, pair well with pizza!
EP 12 – Becoming…Mama
Old Westminster Winery – Rev (5th Edition)
We were lucky enough to be gifted this wine from the local Old Westminster Winery in New Windsor, Maryland and we were thoroughly impressed! Although we tasted the 5th Edition Rev, the 6th Edition is described with “vibrant aromas, smooth texture, silky tannins and a lingering finish. The aromas are fruit driven while the palate turns more savory with notes of sage and basil. Crafted with minimal intervention and aged in French oak barrels for eighteen months.” Sasha snuck in a taste before Shara during a date night with her hubs and she can confirm, it is an excellent dinner wine!
EP 13 – Where My Girls At?!
Beringer Bros Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
With #TheRona upon us, we decide to make the month of April “Red Wine” Month. We started with the Beringer Bros which “is bursting with aromas of ripe black cherry, dark chocolate, and vanilla.” The ladies definitely thought that it had the bourbon smell and it came in at a solid 14.5% ALC (alcohol by volume) which you know makes it a must-drink! Sasha and Shara can confirm that it is an excellent dinner wine!
EP 14 – Love Me in a Special Way
2018 Matchbook Estate Bottled Dunnigan Hills Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon
Our second Cab Sav of the month, Sasha and Shara thought this wine was strong! According to Matchbook this wine has “mouth-coating flavors of blackberry, black cherry, clove and star anise“. Of course the ABV in 13% which makes it a good contender for drinking but it has an overpowering flavor. We agree with the tasting notes that it works well with beef or even a rich dessert. As Shara says, this seems like a manly wine.
EP 15 – Snap Back?
Murphy Goode Cabernet Sauvignon
We’ve made it to our third Cabernet Sauvignon of the month and this Murphy Goode variety is such an improvement over our wine last week! Coming in at a ABV of 13.5% its a good dinner wine. With tasting notes that include “aromas and flavors of black cherry with a hint of black licorice…the finish will add notes of chocolate, vanilla, and just a touch of toast.” The ladies think that this is a much smoother wine and a lighter blend. If you’re a red wine drinker, it’s a good everyday wine and it’s even a twist top!
EP 16 – I Do, You Don’t
Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon
This week we’re sipping on two wines! The ladies are sipping one of their favorite blends – Apothic Red. Described as having “notes of black cherry and dark red fruit“, Apothic Red is actually one of Sasha and Shara’s go-to wines!
Our guest Marcus finished out our month of drinking Cab Savs with this wine. According to Jacob’s Creek, this wine has “vibrant cassis aromas with mint, dark olive and caramel notes.” It’s our first wine that had flavors of olives but we were thoroughly impressed by Marcus’ selection.
EP 17 – Who Raised You?!
Since #TheRona is still keeping us in lock down, we had to record this episode separately – which means two wines! By happenstance, we’re both sipping on 19 Crimes with Shara choosing the Shiraz. The Shiraz is described as having “vanilla aromatics…balanced with ripe raspberry and plum fruits.” Shara agrees with that description and the 13.5% ABV makes it a great choice!
Sasha choose the Red Blend (coming in at a solid 15% ABV) which also has “vanilla aromatics [that] carry through on the palate and complement subtle flavors of chocolate and a cedar spice.” For a “slightly” sweeter wine, it’s more fruity than it is sweet. And even though Sasha isn’t a fan of sweet wines, she’s okay with this blend.
EP 18 – Keeping That Spark Alive
#TheRona is still growing strong which means we’re sipping on two wines again. Sasha decided to forgo a traditional wine this week and instead grabbed a sangria. This sangria, while only 9% ABV an “organic superfruit blend of pomegranate, blueberry, blood orange and acai juices“. As we know, Sasha isn’t really into sweet wines, although she doesn’t mind sangrias. This one was a tad bit to sweet for her liking but an overall decent sangria.
Shara chose Cupcake Red Velvet has her wine this episode which is described as “rich, silky red blend [with] notes of cherry, blackberry, chocolate and mocha“. Shara describes it as a light wine with a good taste but it’s actually the perfect #rona wine since it “pairs with staying in on a Friday night“.
EP 20 – Are Pinterest Moms Real?
Josh Cellars – Cabernet Sauvignon
Because we’re still all in #TheRona, it’s another two wine episode. Sasha is sipping one of her favorite brands. This Cab Sav is described as having “flavors of blackberry, toasted hazelnut and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak.” You’ll never hear Sasha complain about Josh wines. It also comes in at 13.9% ABV so it’s Sasha and Shara approved!
The makers of Menage a Trois are definitely going for “sexy” wines. This wine is described as having “alluring fragrances of violets and berries…and ripe raspberries, with such a delicate touch of rose petals and toasty spice, you’ll experience a thrill like no other.” Shara says she’s gets all of that! She can taste the cherry and the tang of the raspberries. With 13.7% ABV it’s a good wine to drink!
EP 22 – The Wisdom of Our Mothers
Woodbridge Wines – Cabernet Sauvignon
19 Crimes – Uprising Red Blend
This episode is another 2-wine special! Sasha started with the Woodbridge Wines Cab Sav. According to the website this Cab Sav has flavors of “berries, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker follow with a toasty caramel finish“. She definitely agrees with the taste of s’mores and it’s a Shara and Sasha approved wine at 13.5% ABV.
Shara is sipping on a newly favorite brand, 19 Crimes Uprising Red Blend. This wine is described as “bright raspberry fruit and plush tannin structure…blackberry fruits…spice and fruit sweetness on the palate.” Shara is slowly becoming a fan of aged wines. We’re both a fan of 19 Crimes wines and this one is no different.
EP 23 – Earning Your Seat at the Picnic
After being apart for almost 3 months, Sasha and Shara are finally back together sipping on the same wine. This episode it’s Underwood Pinot Nior which is described as having “aromas of ripe cherries, plum and bacon.” After months of sipping on dark red blends and Cab Savs, it was hard for the ladies to adjust their palette to a lighter Pinot Nior. But once making the adjustment, both Sasha and Shara enjoyed the taste of this wine and agreed that it’s a good summer drink. At 13% ABV it’s not quite Sasha and Shara approved, but it’s still a good choice.
EP 24 – Classy, Bougie, Ratchet
The ladies actually recorded this episode before last week’s episode when they were still long-distance recording. So Shara is the only one sipping on something new this week. It’s described as giving your “palate with our bold blackberry and plush spiced plum flavors“. Shara likes the flavor and it’s also Sasha and Shara approved at 13.5% ABV.
EP 24 – #RonaLife
The ladies actually recorded this In the final episode of Season 1, we’ve ended of course, with a red! According to the website, this wine has “complex layers of smooth acidity, dark berries, and warm vanilla flavors“. Shara is able to taste the vanilla flavors and both ladies can taste a little spice! At 13.5% ABV the season is ending with a Shara and Sasha approved wine.
EP 201 – Brown Skin Girl
We had to start Season 2 off right so you know we picked a red! This Zinfandel has “heaps of jammy berry fruit…aromas of leather, oak and spice notes…and flavors of dark fruits, currants, and toffee…“. It is definitely a way to start the season off right! Sasha and Shara agree that this is a great tasting Zinfandel. Not too sweet or dry and at 15% ABV, we’re starting the season off right!
EP 202 – Let’s Talk About Sex Baby!
19 Crimes is one of our FAVORITE brands, so when we heard Snoop himself was coming out with a wine, we knew we had to try it. Described as “Full and dense, with strong black & blue fruit notes up front from the Petite Sirah, complemented by bright red, slightly candied fruit in the background from the Zinfanedel.”, it did not disappoint! It’s not too sweet for Sasha and light on tannens for Shara. And of course we checked the ABV! At 14.5%, it’s Shara and Sasha approved!
EP 203 – Mommy Unfiltered
Described as “lush with predominate notes of blackberries, black cherry and plum with a hint of dried herbs.“, we’re both fans of this Merlot. Shara appreciates the soft tannins, whereas Sasha didn’t have a strong opinion about the wine. In fact, Sasha thought this Merlot was on the slightly sweeter side. At 14% ABV it’s still Sasha and Shara approved and would probably be a favorite whether you like sweet or drier wines.
EP 205 – Ask A Husband
Good Luck Cellars – Inheritage 2015
We were lucky enough to have this wine gifted to us by a good friend who works at Good Luck Cellars Winery in Kilmarnock, Virginia. The Inheritage is there “top-selling red” and “is one of two top award-winning red wines at GLC”. It’s described as “a classic blend of three Bordeaux-style grapes aged in French oak: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Smokey cherry and black pepper are apparent on the nose and palette followed by a silky finish.” Shara definitely tastes the black pepper and it lacks legs. It’s a smoother wine but at only 11% ABV it’s not Sasha and Shara approved.
EP 207 – More Than A…
Y’all should know by now we LOVE a good Merlot! This wine is described as “rich and structured palate with flavors of cherry, vanilla, and chocolate,leading to a supple finish“. Surprisingly, Shara wasn’t really a fan. In her words, “This wine gives me RBF“. Sasha has found few Merlots that she doesn’t like so this one is a a good one in her book. And it’s Sasha and Shara approved at a whopping 14.5%!
EP 209 – Beauty After Broken
Described as “dark and brooding with ripe currents, cherries and plums backed by white pepper and cedar.“, Shara definitely says this wine it has a bite to it. Sasha doesn’t think it tastes like a Merlot but at 14.5% ABV, we’ll drink up this Sasha and Shara approved wine!
EP 210 – Woman Crush…Whatever
We don’t sip many Pinot Noirs on the show and this wine lets us know that we need to drink more! Described as having tastes of “raspberries, scandalous with…dark chocolate, and carried away with…vanilla and kisses of mocha”, Luscious is surprisingly tasty. This is a great wine for those who want to get into red wine drinking. Not too sweet or dry it’s the perfect combo. And at 13.8% ABV, it squeaks by as Sasha and Shara approved.
EP 212 – Healthyish Holiday
You know we love us some 19 Crimes and we love a good Pinot Noir! Described as “medium-bodied with soft, round tannins, cherry and strawberry fruit sweetness“, both Sasha and Shara were fans of this wine. This was the first time we had wines that had different ABVs! Shara was lucky enough to have a 14.1% while Sasha sipped on a 13.5% blend! We definitely recommend the 2019 blend for added alcohol consumption (safely of course!)!
EP 213 – Get That Ol’ Thing Back
This Merlot is described as having “balanced flavors of blueberry, raspberry, and milk chocolate and scents of fragrant violets and vanilla” and it’s not a disappointment. It’s actually Sasha’s favorite wine and a frequent guest at wine night. At 13.5% ABV it’s Sasha and Shara approved and is a great wine to have with dinner or on a date night.
EP 215 – Loving Me
Sterling Vintner’s Collection: Cabernet Sauvignon
You all know Shara and Sasha love a good Cab Sav and this Vintner’s Collection doesn’t disappoint! This Cab “offers rich black fruit flavors with hints of toffee and chocolate from the toasty oak.” We both thought this wine was a good, medium body, sipping wine. Shara was definitely a fan and it’s even made it on “her shelf” of wines to keep sipping. And as always, it’s Sasha and Shara approved 13.5% ABV!
EP 217 – Home for the Holidays
We’re celebrating the holidays with one of our favorite types of wine – Merlot. Described as having “aromas of blackberry, vanilla and cocoa nibs, mingled with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg spices.” We both thought this was a good Merlot. Shara loves the softer tannins and we both agree it has a smooth taste. At 14% ABV, it’s Sasha and Shara approved!
EP 218 – I Turn To You
We’ve got another red on deck and of course it’s one of Sasha’s favorite types of wine – a Classic Merlot. We’ll start by saying this is Sasha and Shara approved at 14% ABV. This wine is described as having “blackberry with spice and leafy notes; vanilla and sweet dark berry fruits with mocha oak and lovely silky tannins.“. Shara doesn’t mind the tannins in this one since it didn’t make her mouth pucker and managed to pair it with pasta as recommended. Sasha has no complaints, because – Merlot.
EP 224 Raising Kings Part I
The Federalist – Cabernet Sauvignon
We’re closing at the season with our favorites – a red. In this two-part episode, we’re starting with a Cabernet Sauvignon. Described with tasting notes of “blackberry, cinnamon spice, and American craftmanship” this wine is Sasha and Shara approved at 14.9% ABV. Shara was a fan. It didn’t give her a mouth pucker or an ugly face and of course, Sasha was a fan. Our guest, Shara’s husband, was a fan, despite not being a fan of wine!
EP 225 – Raising Kings Part II
The Federalist – Honest Red Blend
We’re closing out the season with a red (because you already knew that’s what it was going to be!). We went with a red blend that’s Sasha and Shara approved at 15% ABV! The wine is described as having a “rich, round mouth feel with lush black currant flavor and the subtlest hint of North Coast, California spice.” This is a five-part blend with all the wines that Sasha loves! Shara could taste the spice but doesn’t it doesn’t linger as a rich wine for her. As a blend of a lot of dry wines, it didn’t taste super dry to Sasha but she was a fan.
EP 301 – When The Dust Settles
This the first Chianti that we’ve had on the show. Described as a”well-balanced wine of medium weight with jammy flavors of ripe plums, cherries, and red fruit.”, Shara initially had to get over the first sip before deciding if she liked it while Sasha immediately liked it. Shara was also able to taste the peppery notes. It’s along the lines of a good Merlot and while Sasha’s bottle was only 13%, Shara’s was a solid 13.5% ABV.
EP 305 – Embracing Ambition
We’ve finally made it back to a red and we’re happy! A brand favorite, Dark Horse never disappoints. Shara thinks that it’s a pretty basic red blend and we both agree it’s on the lighter end. Described as having “waves of velvety red fruit, smooth tartness, and notes of toasted oak“. If you’re venturing into reds then this is a great red to start with. It’s not dry and a slight sweetness that can ease you into drinking reds.
EP 306 – Blended to Perfection
If you’re a long-time listener then you already know that Merlot is Sasha’s favorite wine type and Apothic is one of her favorite brands. This wine has “depths of black cherry, boysenberry, and wild blueberries with subtle hints of vanilla and coconut.” Shara described it as jammy but agrees that this is one she can have on her shelf. It is Sasha and Shara approved at 13.5% and a great wine if you love reds or Merlots.
EP 307 – Positive Parenting
We’ve been on a red blend kick lately which is what we’re sipping on today. This wine is described as having “aromas of chocolate-covered cherries, baking spices, and vanilla bean. Flavors of strawberry preserves, cherry cola, and milk chocolate…” Shara can taste all the notes of this wine while Sasha can taste the hints of cherry cola. According to Shara it tastes almost like baking chocolate – it has hints of sweet and bitter tastes and has all the hints of a dessert without the sugar because it’s not sweet.
EP 308 – Color Struck
We’ve made our way back to 19 Crimes and you will not hear Shara and Sasha complain about any 19 Crimes (except Hard Chard). Shara was shooketh because she was able to taste all the notes of the wine! Described as “full & round on the palate with a distinct sweetness…the dark chocolate & vanilla aromatics carry through on the palate & compliment subtle flavors of cloves & cinnamon spice. The palate has a long rich plush finish“. Sasha agrees that it definitely has a full-mouth taste and is definitely a full-body wine. You’ll never go wrong with 19 Crimes and of course, it’s Sasha and Shara approved at 13.5%.
Hi! We're Sasha & Shara - the co-hosts of the Swirl and Sip Podcast! 