So after a really long week and then the fun of this Sunday (I really couldn't eat my all beef Best Wurst fast enough it was soo yummy), I'm sick with a cold and so is my one-year old and wife. This winter thing is bad on my temper and mental well-being, I hope the sun comes out soon.


On a happier note, Superbowl Sunday was an excellent blowout date for the Whip In, and I hope to have more fun like that for future big games (like any other game is as big as the Superbowl).


On another happy note, I finally got to talk with Niki of Ruta Maya Stage Manager fame and have set the ball rolling regarding my Whip In Beer of the Month Happy Hour. Every first Monday at their locale, I'm offering our beer of the month for $1 a beer from 4:20 to 8:20pm at their bar and on stage is a band to listen and enjoy. My fantasy is to get the South Austin Jug Band for the first Monday of March, which is all the way to the 7th. I got six other months lined up as well, and this'll fill my need to be musical and DJ spin-master outside of my shop.


Oh, yeah, I've got some great tasting notes:  once again our ever-talented and diplomatic rep Jacques poured for us the following lovelies from Artesa Vineyards, and I've got them on the shelf right now!


Aretesa Carneros Chardonnay 2002: a wonderfully svelte and buttery round mouth feel of melons and viscous clear finish. Super good and ready for quaffing at $14.99


Artesa Carneros Pinot Noir 2001: the big smokey rich nose leads deep dark cherries and spices with an unusual and profound tarry finish. Bigger than most pinot noir out there thats become an easy favorite of mine now, its almost chewy like a Cab, yet delicate like a true Burgandy. Its also wonderfully priced at $13.99, making it an easy table wine to enjoy or for special dishes, even a good side of beef its so well structured.


Artesa Elements: this was a true knockout for me, especially as my proclivity of wineau flavors doesn't include Merlot. This quaff is predominately Merlot, with Cab Sauv, Cab Franc heathily represented and then just a tiny smooch of Syrah, Petite Verdot and one more grape that I forget. The dimensionality is tremendous, starting with a tarry nose and thick palate of cherries essence and dark earthy mushrooms. The luscious tannins coat thru the finish and leave you wow-ed. Its awesome stuff and I get to offer it at $17.99, I can guarantee the big houses (Whole Paycheck and Central Markup) can't offer it at that.


BTW: all the tasties from the Feb2nd entry below are also on the shelf and ready for quaffing. Each at a great table wine rate for repeated enjoyment!


BTW encore: did I mention that I did a beer and wine count. We here at the Whip In are proud to offer over 500 differ beers and 500 different wines. How many 3000square foot corner shops in Texas can say that?!