Moose's Red barks up a great response.

Moose is a Mastiff mix who greets visitors to B.R. Cohn winery in Sonoma Valley. He's an older guy who spends a lot of time looking around and letting customers pet his belly. There's not a viscious bone in this lovable Mastiff's very large body.

His wine, dedicated in honor of Moose's mission "to eat well, be loved, get petted, and sleep a lot," delivers a wonderful rich berry flavor, soft hints of vanilla, and nose that offers herbaceous goodness.

I bought a bottle and a shirt because I thought Moose, the dog, was a special treat during my visit to the vineyard two years ago. Now that I have enjoyed Moose, the wine, I feel that it is as special a treat as its namesake. Though a bit on the pricey side at $40 online and in the winery, Moose's red is worth a look and a taste.

A New Mad Dog

The Rampant Oenophile enjoys labels as much as wine sometimes, and with 8 dogs at home, enjoys wine dog labels most of all. So, it was inevitable that I picked up Mad dogs and Englishmen, a 2003 Shiraz Cab blend.

According to the website, this Mad-dog is from Madrid and offers a deep crimson color. I tasted subtle fruit and spice, so the wine paired very well with Mojo chicken and a ginger tinted salad.

At under $10, but over 88 points, this Mad dog sits and stays. I heartily recommend enjoying a bottle or two with a hearty meal.