Wine Wrangling Woman: Part 2-Travaasa Austin Weekend-Red Wines at the Tasting!

At Travaasa Austin, you can experience a peaceful, relaxing stay or take part in many fun activities that I mentioned earlier last week. I didn't show the casitas last week, so here's a peek of the property!

See that throw on the bed? One of the most comfortable throws I have ever slept with! And organic sheets too! Pillows larger than me, and comforters to keep you toasty warm while you crank down the air to 61 degrees (which ours was on for some reason)!

Pathways to the seven casitas-42 rooms total!

Now for the red wines we had during our wine tasting (all activities have to be signed up for in advance to participate).

Our sommelier Edward, put both wines side by side and we had to figure out which one was the California wine and which one was the French wine.

This is a 2010 Leviathan "Red Blend" from St. Helena, California. A deep ruby red color with aromas of dried black fruit, red purple flowers, lavender, chocolate, mint and dill. Flavors of black and red berries, cassis, chocolate, and sandalwood with vanilla, dill, currant, and spice box. A long, dark fruit finish that is balanced and layered. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc-Leviathan means unusually large or formidable. I'd say this wine is pretty large and keep in mind that these grapes were chosen from all over California. So while you might be able to pick out each variety as you drink it, Leviathan has a uniqueness all its own.

The bottle above is the 2000 Chateau Lanessan Haut-Medoc, from Bordeaux, France. This winery dates back to 1793 when Jean Delbos, a Bordeaux wine merchant, bought the property. His granddaughter married the Etienne Bouteiller. Their son, Jean, increased the size of the vineyard to 80 hectares (200 acres). So after eight generations of Bouteillers, a young woman took over the management of the estate. Many changes were made bringing it up to a sustainable and environmentally friendly, high-tech winery.

This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. It is amazing and I would recommend it. No price is given on the website. Good luck finding it! Try Specs!

One more thing about Travaasa Austin-the Fireside Room/library is full of cookbooks scattered around on the shelves along with some pretty amazing photos of historic Austin and those who remind us of that area. Here are pics of what I saw!