Wine of the month? Cliche? Of course, but how many brands of OJ can you compare? I mean, if we really look into the different varieties of puss-milk from neosporin-nippled cows we could make for a great, disgusting dinner conversation. So, yes, I’ll stick to the grapes.

Don’t “they” say the best job is the one that makes every day a vacation? If that’s the case (no pun intended), Mark Beamen, has it made. He’s a wine maker for Wines that Rock. It’s a wine label dedicated to Rock n’ Roll.

Mark Beamen, the luckiest, spends his time listening to rock music and blending grapes from Mendocino Co. to their individual tunes.

This week, while relaxing at Palm Coast Cafe, SSI, I got to experience one of these Wines that Rock.

It was a 2008 Merlot, their tribute to The Rolling Stones’ album “40 Licks”. It was no Stag’s Leap Petite Syrah, no Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, and not even a Wild Horse Merlot, but it wasn’t bad! It has a slight earthy after taste, hints of vanilla, cherries, and raspberries. Am I saying it’s like eating a cherry or a strawberry? No, and it wasn’t sweet. It was a great, take-to-your-friend’s-house type of wine, or a bottle you keep around the house for decoration, or what you drink when having a board game night. It’s a fun wine.

The best part was that it didn’t burn my esophagus while drinking it. Some wines just have too much acid and after each sip you can tell it’s going to send your stomach swirling the next day. Not to mention, wine headaches are by far the worst to wake up to in the morning.

Other Wines that Rock include a Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon and Woodstock Chardonnay. I think they have a good concept going on here, as long as they don’t endorse a Patsy Cline Viognier or a Pearl Jam Pinot Noir.

Cheers to the weekend,
Coleman