How do you feel about treasure hunts? When you were a kid did you ever attend a treasure hunt party where you would go door to door in the neighborhood asking for items on the treasure list? Have you ever dreamed of being a pirate? Certainly the wildly successful Pirates of the Caribbean movies indicate we love pirates in search of the golden booty. Buying wine to me is often like a treasure hunt. I know more than the average consumer yet when standing in the aisle of the mega wine retailers or even my favorite local wine shop I am at times stumped to find the hidden treasure. What about a wine list at a restaurant? Talk about a treasure hunt! I am not sure in that situation who is the pirate, me or the restaurant owner. I am seeking a “steel” but the owner is determined to mark up the wines so much I feel robbed. Additionally, there is so much wine produced each year sometimes those hidden gems are beyond reach….until now!
Allow me to introduce you to Uncorked Ventures, The Best of Wine Country. Brothers-in-law Mark Aselstine and Matt Krause go treasure-hunting into California, Oregon and Washington wine country to bring you the very best wines that few people have ever heard of. Building relationships with the winemakers and vineyard proprietors, Mark and Matt find themselves offered access to special limited production wines that astonish and impress. This “feet on the ground” approach allows them to offer you both high-scoring wines and wines that would score highly—if they weren’t such a secret.
Mark and Matt sent me a couple of bottles of their outstanding wine finds to demonstrate the hidden gems they are able to find and sell through Uncorked Ventures.
Cougars Leap Black Rock 2009 Zinfandel Red Hills Lake County, CA: Crafted of 100% Zinfandel from vines planted in 1997 on St. George root stock. Garnet in the glass, cherry marmalade, plums, cranberries, spice box, and black pepper with rich tannins and round acidity that linger on the palate creating a dry, rich finish. Oak: French and American barrels. 14.5% alcohol. This full body zinfandel pairs beautifully with grilled and braised meats and pizza. A juicy, big wine.
Ranchero Cellars 2012 Carignan: This 100% Carignan features grapes sorced from 56% Columbini Vineyards, Mendocino County and 44% Self Ranch, Paso Robles. Rich garnet with scarlet highlights in the glass; red cherries, raspberries, pomegranate and cranberries wrap around a nice touch of spice, toasted hazelnuts, tobacco, savory herbal notes, a touch of dark chocolate and a light vanilla finish on the back of the palate. This wine is rich, round on the palate with well integrated tannins and persistent acidity that leaves a mouth-watering finish. Oak: 30% new American, 70% Neutral French Oak. 14.2% alcohol. 94 pts Wine Advocate, “one of the top examples of varieties coming out of California.” ~ Jeb Dunnuck. Another full body red that will pair beautifully with steak, lamb, braised wild boar and hamburgers. A versatile and delicious wine.
These two outstanding quality wines represent the hidden wine treasures that are located all over the west coast. If you don’t know about these wines chances are you will never enjoy them. These two wines represent one of the many wine club offers from Uncorked Ventures. These two wines are part of the Special Selection wine club, offering 2 boutique red wines per shipment for $95. And the great part is you can decide if you want to receive the shipment every month, every other month or every quarter. Or if you prefer to try Uncorked Ventures on before buying you can make a one-time purchase for the same $95 price. Totally customizable for your wants and needs! If you prefer a red and a white wine per shipment sign up for their Explorations wine club for $40 per shipment or if you are a true connoisseur join the Reserve Selection wine club featuring 2-3 wines per shipment that are highly prized, cellar worthy for $195 per shipment; all fully customizable. Furthermore, each wine club is available to give as a gift!
Sometimes you want to give the wine lover in your life more than just wine. Uncorked Ventures has you covered with wine gift basket sets that include Riedel glasses, chocolates and gourmet oils and vinegars all paired with wine. Items any wine lover, including me, would enjoy! And with the holidays around the corner now is the perfect time to place your order with Uncorked Ventures to WOW your west coast wine lover!
As Uncorked Ventures explains they are something different, something more.
The world of flavors and pairing possibilities Uncorked Ventures can open up for you comes from the unparalleled expertise of the winemakers we discover. When we work alongside them to see their process, or take the time to get to know them beyond a casual phone call, they become inspired to take a hidden bottle out from behind the counter and say, “I don’t usually share this, but…”
Fresh. Original. Exceptional. Precious. Unforgettable.
You know when you put your trust in Uncorked Ventures that you are dealing with a family business. You will receive personal attention to your needs and a customized experience. Mark and Matt work hard to connect the consumer with the boutique family wineries that are producing high quality wines but lack the revenue for mass marketing. These are the wines you want to be drinking!
How did Uncorked Ventures come to fruition?
The concept for Uncorked Ventures emerged during a family vacation to South America. While sipping on Pisco Sours along with wines from Chile and Argentina, two brothers-in-law (Matt Krause & Mark Aselstine) discussed their passion for food and wine, as well as their desire for something different, something better. That something different, something better is Uncorked Ventures. As a family business, we appreciate your support and look forward to sharing our passion and wines with you. If you have any questions or want to find out more about us, feel free to drop us and e-mail or give us a call. We would love to talk with you.
As I said early, the holiday are near, time to shop is now so don’t delay, visit Uncorked Ventures web site and order your own special wine club selection or gift basket for yourself or as a gift today!
My Song Selection: “Welcome to the party!” The wines shared with me by Uncorked Ventures were totally rocking wines; full body yet balanced for full throttle enjoyment! “Welcome to the carnival…welcome to the edge of your seat!” Join the party and join Uncorked Ventures today!
Sign up for Uncorked Ventures wine club and let me know what song you pair with it. Cheers!
