Winey Tasting Notes: “The Empty Nest Series” Muddy Paw Cabernet Sauvignon

Rory, just before her 3rd birthday

My “Empty Nest Series” is dedicated to the Winey children who did NOT leave The Winey nest for college and jobs and – the  nerve – their own lives. Each Empty Nest Wine has something to do with those children who stayed: namely, the doggies. Woof. So from time to time, as I come across a doggie themed wine, another entry into this series gets posted.

When The Winey Nest emptied, we had two precious doggies to keep us company. However, one of those little ones, our Maltese named Chloe, has since left us for Doggie Heaven. We miss her horribly and there isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think about her. Especially her little sister, Rory, who is an about to be 3 year old Malshi (she’s a Maltese with a little Shitzu). The Empty Nest Series is still dedicated to both of our woofers, though. Because even after a pup crosses the Rainbow Bridge, they are always, always in your heart and memories.

I have a soft spot for people who do nice things for their canine pals…like rescue them and find them homes. And one day at work (yes, I decided that as fun as the empty nest can be, it can also be a bit..well….slow at times..so when the opportunity to re-join my friends at Fox 8 news in Cleveland came up….back I went to produce their website) we had some of these special people on. They were holding a benefit for the Lake Humane Society (Ohio) and it was called: Wag, Woof and Wine. That’s right….wagging and woofing and wining!!!!! I ran to the studio to say hello to these highly enlightened folks, and got to meet up with Cindy from Grand River Cellars, the winery that puts on the event. I also go to meet Harry, an amazingly mellow pooch who let me hug and pet him lots. Seriously, major TV news perk: meeting the guests, human or otherwise.

Cindy left me a bottle of Muddy Paw Cabernet Sauvignon (NV, 12%, Madison, Ohio), which is produced by the Trebets Estate Wine folks. When it isn’t being featured at Wag, Woof and Wine, it raises money for another local humane society in Geauga County. And it comes with the highest of approvals: Owner tested, dog approved. What more could you ask for????

Not much really, because I’ll tell you flat out that this is one of the best Ohio Cabernet Sauvignons I’ve ever had. We have a great wine growing region called The Grand River Valley Wine Region and if you ever find yourself up around Madison or Geneva, Ohio….stop and sips the wine.

Back to Muddy Paw. Let it breathe: not an option and you’ll be happy you did. It’s a dark pinkish maroon color that gives off aromas of coffee, mocha and raspberry. The flavors that hit your mouth are cherry jam, mocha coffee and vanilla cream. There’s a long line of oak running through the finish and the tannins hang around for a bit. It feels smooth in the mouth and is just everything you want in a Cabernet Sauvignon: fruit and oak and that hint of vanilla cream that smooths it all out.

A flavorful, rich Cabernet Sauvignon that is dog approved and helps doggies in need. Need I say more?

You can find Muddy Paws at Grand River Cellars, along with Grand River’s own line of wines. Safe to say that you’ll be hearing more about them in the near future.

Here’s the interview from the day I met Harry and his human pals:

Cheers and woof!!