The Sunday Morning Sommelier: Middle Sister Rebel Red
Sep 26th, 2010
Name: Middle Sister (Rebel Red) California Red table wine
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Price: $12.99
Description per label: A sassy blend of our three favorite red varieties perfect for sipping before, during and after our favorite family meals.
This week’s review is my tribute to the life of Mrs. Vera Eleanor Moroni (1918-2010).
Review: I’d just opened a 2006 cabernet and was savoring it on my veranda when I saw the paramedics carry away Mrs. Moroni from her abode. She appeared ghastly white, clutching a small flowered blanket, and was positioned at a rather unnatural angle on the gurney. At the pace the ambulance driving orderlies moved, I could tell this visit would be their last. I realized then, with a heavy heart, I was losing my pinochle mentor, poker partner, fellow wine enthusiast and cherished neighbor. For a 92-year-old she had a tolerance for wine and an appreciation for spirits I’ve seldom observed in my notable career. She held court at the card table and maintained her lady-like decorum after a dozen or so glasses of her favorite red table wines. She separated many a fool from his money in her hay day. Sadly, towards the end she was dabbling in Internet poker without much success and had run into financial straits. Never one to miss an opportunity, I surreptitiously purchased the tax lien on her residence.
Her most recent wine fixation was Middle Child Rebel Red. Mrs. Moroni was in fact a middle child and an obvious rebel. I’ll miss our days spent gambling, drinking and smoking good cuban cigars. She was a lady well ahead of her time.
This California red blends zinfandel, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. After tasting thousands of varietals I can say with almost metaphysical certitude, this is a California table red suitable for the person that is keen on table wine. The cost is fair, the alcohol content run of the mill, and the experience is, well, “table winey”. When sampled, the aroma underwhelms. It presents a mildly sweet berry-like effect on the front palette with a hint of lingering spice falling flat on the backside. All in all, a typical wine that can meet most any drinking occasion. I would however give the caveat, this is no morning libation. The flavor doesn’t suit breakfast fare.
On the world-renowned SMS Scale (1-10) the wine scored a 5 and Mrs. Moroni a perfect 10.
Suggested pairings: Italian comfort food, card games, and Cohiba Torpedos (cigar).
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