I’ve got a two-fer review for you today, as the title above suggests. We begin with information and tasting notes on the Sangrias and will finish up with chocolate:
About Decadent Saint
Decadent Saint (www.whatwelove.com) produces unique concentrated wine infusions in three flavors: Decadent Saint White Sangria, Decadent Saint Fire or Ice Sangria and Decadent Saint Rocky Mountain Rescue. The award-winning, unfiltered products are based on a homemade recipe that Hasler created while he owned a ski lodge in New Zealand.
They are pushing the boundaries of what wine is, and can be.
Tasting
Decadent Saint White Sangria 20.5% abv (from concentrate)
White Wine, Real Fruit, Fresh Spice
RETAIL: $20.21 (750ML)
I made this in the “Sparkling White” suggested recipe of 1 part Sangria to two parts Seltzer water. The concoction was frothy, even with ice, and very inviting with the Luxardo cherry I dropped in. I got bright fruit aromas and flavors of orange, apricot and pineapple. It would make a great addition to a restaurant brunch, and after dinner on the front porch. I also tried this with Sparkling wine instead of Seltzer; the flavor profile was the same but it did up the alcohol a wee bit, for those that don’t mind that.
Decadent Saint Fire or Ice Sangria 20.5% abv (from concentrate)
Drink hot or cold
Red Wine, Real Fruit, Fresh Spice
RETAIL: $20.21 (750ML)
For this wine I made their “Cold and Bubbly” recipe: one part Sangria to two parts Seltzer. Astounding aromas and flavors reminiscent of a rhubarb pie, as well as apple pie, apple sauce and mulled wine with an abundance of spices. Perfect for your holiday table, celebration, or just after dinner with vanilla ice cream. Quite unique.
Decadent Saint Rocky Mountain Rescue 20.5% abv (from concentrate)
Red Wine, Dark Chocolate, Decaf Coffee, Berries and Spice
RETAIL: $23.89 (750ML)
Getting lazy I just went for the “Black Russian” recipe: Just poured an ounce or two over ice for easy sipping. Wowza. My mouth was thickly coated with milk chocolate, coffee, blackberries and winter spices. You could try making a chocolate martini with this, or just serve as I did, alone, as a dessert.
##
About Endangered Species Chocolate
National brand Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) recently released a new premium bar – Dark Chocolate bar with Carmel and Sea Salt – dubbed the “Eagle bar.” Purchases of the Eagle bar will send support to help protect at-risk species – ESC donates 10 percent of net profits annually to partnering conservation organizations.
ESC is also known for their delicious spreads. Coming in three flavors: Almond, Cocoa, and Hazelnut – all spreads can be added on toast, fruit, desserts, and more.
Tasting
After a long day running errands in 80 degree weather I decided to treat myself with this chocolate bar by Endangered Species, and what a treat it was. Smooth for a dark chocolate bar, with no bitter qualities, a hint of salt to complement the extra silky caramel that was shrouded in each square. If I were judging it as I do wine I would have to say it had an extravagantly long finish, so long that the flavor never reduced even as I reached for another bite. I could see this with any full-bodied red wine from a Cabernet Sauvignon to a Zinfandel, a cup of espresso, your favorite single malt scotch or just some ripe strawberries. 96 Eve pts.
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com
