Arm’s Length
2006
A drink that warms when held in the mouth. Strawberry on the edges. Rounded center one would mistake for hollow—a globe. Best on an empty stomach, with bread after the initial sips to soak up the coffee grounds one might imagine on the roof of the mouth. Recommended for people who like caves, pepper plants, and experimental films.
Singularity
2005
Earthy is too predictable a description for this mineral dormancy. The aroma—a mixture of salt and wet paper—rises from a seed within the wine. Pairing with only the lightest-colored cheeses, this variety should be aged—not chilled. Best with dried peaches. Best after an afternoon that leaves the street wet with barely-noticeable pools of oil slick along the curb.
Staring Contest
2006
Although the first flavor is a jarring thickness, this wine lightens when consumed. Notes of butterscotch and edamame. Particularly good for pregnant women or for women who would like to become pregnant. If pairing with chocolate or raspberries, have a glass of water nearby. Best with pork. Best on a morning after.
Fundamentalism
2007
Our darkest variety. Too many berries to count. We recommend drinking it with someone you don’t quite trust. Best with crackers and oyster soup. Particularly memorable if consumed during a hurricane or blizzard. The first flavor is a ruse—soda water. Wait for the second and third flavors of velour and black cherry, respectively.
Changing Your Mind
2003
Initial flavor of lemon that hardens to green chile on the way down. Amber color as seen through pink-tinted sunglasses. Not unlike raindrops on a Cholla cactus. Caution: Risk of explosion if heated. Best when paired with potatoes and cream or anything that sticks in the throat.
The Good Life
2010
Aroma of candle wax and cucumber. A taste that brings out lint on the tongue. For relief—swallow. Best with your most shocking acquaintances. Notes of antique wood carvings and motorcycle chrome. It is only your imagination that detects a hint of lemonade. This wine may be aged or consumed immediately. In either case it will seem as though you’ve been drinking it for years.
Holly Sinclair 