Kelly Joe Phelps and Monthaven Merlot from Octavin wines

Kelly Joe Phelps has established himself as a virtuoso guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He mixes folk, blues, and a little bit of jazz and has garnered accolades from the likes of Bill Frisell, Steve Earl, and Cameron Crowe. He’s been featured on NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’ and ‘Prairie Home Companion’ as well as numerous BBC and other national radio shows throughout Europe, Australia and Japan. Kelly Joe is a versatile improviser with the ability to put a new spin on a song every time he plays. His imaginative style merges multiple styles of music into his own unique blend. I hope you like him.


Country Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aSCeN01BFA

Beggar’s oil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p7DUKzMR30&feature=related

Tight to the jar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBmqfM74sIY&feature=related

Window Grin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO8oFckRLM8&feature=related

Big Shakey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJZKb7up8vE&feature=related

Handfull of arrows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMI9_P0_sNw&feature=related

Hellhound on my trail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clnMRT-VK74&feature=related

I been converted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX7MSOjdeGk&feature=related

River Rat Jimmy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP1O7ogdkyE

I’d be a rich man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09ddTXpDUek&feature=related

Plumb line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NH-0GtqpYg&feature=related

With Corrine West, River’s Fool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbb9xDj8KtM

With Corrine West, Whiskey Poet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZk_r7aud3E&feature=related

I used to keep the fact that I drink wine from a box a family secret. That was before I discovered Octavin wines. I reviewed their Silver Birch New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc back on July 27th, 2010 and was blown away at the incredible quality and value in this box of wine. Well, I’ve got two more to review and tonight, we’re pairing Kelly Joe with their Monthaven Merlot. It’s a well-balanced Merlot with aromas of cherry, plum, and dark berries that follow on the palate. It’s more on the dry side than jammy, which for me is just how I like my Merlot. Nice long finish. I’m astounded by the quality of these wines-in-a-box. They’re enough to make me give up glass—then again, maybe not. So tell Paul Giamatti and the movie Sideways to take a long walk off a short pier, get your self a box of Octavin’s Monthaven Merlot, and relax to the soulful sounds of kelly Joe Phelps. Enjoy!

Cheers!