The Wine to Die For.

Hailing from Armida Winery in Healdsbug California, brothers Steve and Bruce Cousins have been producing wines in Sonoma County for twenty years. Some of their most coveted wines include Maple Vineyards Pinot Noir, Durell Vineyard Chardonnay, and Gold Mine Ranch Zinfandel. 

Well, from their seven acre estate comes a wine that's simply to die for. Packaged in a hand etched and hand painted bottle complete with wooden coffin, PoiZin is the Cousins brother's 2011 hand-crafted Zinfandel. An intense and deep maroon color, this full-bodied wine features a nose of plums, raspberries and blackberries. The mouthfeel is sharp, but never overbearing with flavors of red-vine licorice, anise, mocha, strawberry and red currants just bursting to connect with your taste buds. The Petite Sirah and Grenache grapes lends black pepper spice, pungent acidity, and pastoral charm to the slightly spicy flavor generally associated with the typical Zinfandel varieties. Aged for eleven months in equal parts American and French oak, it's moderation contributes to it's smoky nuance and long vanilla finish. 

Perhaps what I love most about this wine is it's fun bottling, slightly unorthodox blend and brooding personality that shows that the Cousins brothers aren't afraid to take risks and have fun - even with their wines. 

This medium-bodied wine is diverse and pairs well with a wide variety of foods including roast meats, lamb and beef dishes, as well as wild game or a tomato based pasta sauce. Stored best at room temperature, and cooled for 15-20 minutes in the fridge before serving, enjoy this supple, velvety wine. And for only $25 it could easily be yours. Enjoy with caution however, because this wine truly is to die for.

Vineyard picture courtesy of Armida Winery and wine bottle image courtesy of total wine.