Wine: Brassfield Family Winery 2006 Rosé of Pinot Noir, High Serenity Ranch, CA
Alcohol Content: 14.1%
Price: $20
Plus: Natural cork closure


When Risqué first tasted Brassfield’s 2006 Rosé of Pinot Noir, he could not help but be reminded of one of his favorite childhood vices where he fervently satisfied his LUSH-like cravings by sucking on watermelon Jolly Ranchers.

The color is reminiscent of summer-ripe watermelon with delightful perfumed aromas of wild strawberry, red delicious apple, Bartlett pear and, of course, candied watermelon. Captivating in the mouth are flavors of watermelon, bright raspberry, subtle cherry and a hint of earthiness all combined with a resonating, enjoyable dry acidity and minerality that finishes clean.

Kevin Robinson, Brassfield’s winemaker, definitely achieves his goal of producing a wine that “offers intense, ripe fruit characteristics…balanced with perfect acid structure, full-bodied mouth feel and silky tannins.” Risqué enjoyed this libation paired with olives, Marcona almonds, gourmet cheeses and artisanal breads…sublime!

Risqué no longer sucks on watermelon Jolly Ranchers, although he might admit to a few ranchers here and there. Regardless, Risqué thinks this 2006 Rosé of Pinot Noir is definitely one Jolly Rancher you will definitely want to add to your LUSH-like vices.

Wine: Jacob’s Creek 2004 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley, S.E. Australia
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Price: $10
Pairs Fabulously With: Any thick piece of red meat...succulent!

Just because you’re on top, darling, doesn’t make you one. But Risqué, always looking for a fabulous "top" that’s versatile (L’ingOL) was treated by a favorite lush to a leading man wine from down under. As Australia’s most popular vintner, Jacob’s Creek exports 80% of their wine production throughout the world in 60 countries, topping all other Aussie vineyards.

To the eye, the huge Barossa blend is a garnet-rimmed dark aubergine unfiltered, medium-bodied liquid. It's potent, with cocoa-dusted dark chocolate truffles, pints of warm summer black and blueberries, spiced with spearmint and vanilla all dominating the nose. Dark ripe summer and briar fruit assert themselves against the tongue with more bitter Swiss chocolate and aggressive espresso through the lengthy sustained finish.

Back to the "top," darling—where do you find so much diversity, chocolate, ripe berries, rich dark fruit, vanilla and an espresso to boot? Sounds like dessert, sex, and breakfast if you ask Risqué!

First, there's the epic Democratic convention last week. I caught a bit of it, and, blustery and staged as it was, I have to admit it made me a little misty at times.

Then there was McCain actually congratulating Obama on his nomination in a national TV ad, even though it seemed a bit more self-congratulatory than anything else: