Quenching: Isla Negra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015

Isla Negra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015

Light and neither oaky nor bodied… whatever that means. Strong as iron and friendly as flowers, yet dark and conversational.

I wouldn’t take it with beef, as it’s just neither dry nor tannic enough, though a little. I’d take it with lamb, poultry, cheese, or vegetables with some oil, like olive, butter, or coconut. Great with snacks, a 4 p.m. meal, dinner and a movie, or a night cap.

Taken with the usual roll of Monterey Jack, Swiss, Cheddar, Colby Jack, and the special occasion of a Star Trek TNG rerun.

Delectable: Corbieres 2015

Corbieres

Not so sure whether oaky or mapley, but full, half-dry, and half-tannic . Thick and deep, almost a cherry. Every bit as intoxicating as the cheese.

Plan on lamb or half a steak. Tasted with the whole roll of Swiss, medium cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack, over a few pages of Pagan Christianity on the Kindle. Always take wine with your cheese.