A couple weeks ago, while visiting my sister, brother-in-law and seven of my favorite nieces and nephews, I was treated to a belated birthday dinner at the Garlic Rose bistro in Madison, New Jersey. It was a guy’s night sort of deal — just my two oldest nephews, my brother-in-law and myself.

The Garlic Rose is byo, so Steve (my brother-in-law) brought a red wine blend along. I have always had a sweet tooth when it comes to wine — gravitating more toward a Riesling or Pinot Grigio than a Merlot or Cabernet. But the blend he brought for the occasion was rather good, even in my novice opinion. I started to think maybe I haven’t given the reds a fair shot, so the other day I was shopping and I decided to stroll into the Wine and Spirits store* adjoining my local supermarket and try to find a decent red blend on my own.

I walked out with two bottles: An A to Z 2005 Night and DAy Oregon red blend (pictured) and a 2007 Red Truck Pinot Noir. Both domestic, but both were also on sale, so I figured the disappointment if I don’t like either one should be negligible.

I sampled the A to Z first, and while it didn’t live up to optimistic visions put in my head by the wine we had with dinner a couple weeks ago, it was drinkable. I suspect it’s a slightly different sort of blend than the one that inspired me to try it. I found a review at winewaves, in case anyone’s interested in that. I think the reviewer liked it a little better than I did, as I suspect my brother-in-law also would.

Nonetheless, I’ll keep trying out the reds from time to time. Maybe I’ll solicit some suggestions from Steve (or any of the other wine-savvy folks I’m lucky to know). Or maybe I’ll just pick the most interesting label I can find.