Review: Cupcake 2008 Riesling and 2007 Petite Sirah

Review: Cupcake 2008 Riesling and 2007 Petite Sirah

Readily available at your typical supermarket, the Cupcake Vineyards label is a solid value for everyday drinking. Some thoughts on two recent varietals follow.

2008 Cupcake Riesling is extremely dry for this varietal, harvested from Washington’s Yakima Valley and fragrant with aromatics. Herbal notes give way to a curious collection of fruit flavors — melon, pineapple, green table grapes, and maybe some apricot. The finish is a touch astringent, making this pair better with food than as something to drink on its own. Not bad for the price. B- / $14

2007 Cupcake Petite Sirah is kind of the opposite of the company’s riesling, a fruity and jammy wine from California’s Central Coast that reminded me a lot of a zinfandel, but with a smoky, tobacco, cedar-box character beneath it. Quite enjoyable, with a touch of chocolate on the finish. Not terribly complicated, but sometimes simple is good, even in a red wine. Again the price is a knockout. B+ / $14

2008 Cupcake Riesling

$14
7

Rating

7.0/10

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

1 Comment

  1. Heather Obsessed on November 30, 2009 at 11:56 am

    What is better than cupcakes, and wine??!! The answer… NOTHING! I was searching my local liquor store for a yummy bottle of wine that was moderately priced. When low, and behold, I found a bottle from Cupcake Vineyards.

    2007 Cabernet Sauvignon http://www.heatherobsessed.com

    Cupcakes are pretty much the best thing ever invented. Individual little cakes that come wrapped up with frosting on top, they are practically delectable little presents, unwrap and enjoy! So, I thought I couldn’t go wrong with a bottle of “Cupcake” wine, right? I mean, who in their right mind would jeopardize the good cupcake name by putting out a bottle of horrible wine, with cupcakes on the label? That would be just be horrible and mean to trick someone like that! So, I made my purchase, and I had plenty of $$ left over to buy some cupcakes too!! Well, I couldn’t have cupcake wine without cupcakes too, now could I?
    Cupcake Vineyards definitely lived up to the GOOD cupcake name! I loved this wine, and not just because of the name!
    That’s it!! I’m obsessed!!
    xoxo- Heather O

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