A Rockin' Valentine's Gift for Your Man

I recently watched the insightful documentary, “Blood Into Wine” about Maynard James Keenan, the powerhouse lead singer of Tool and A Perfect Circle who left the hot stage lights in the mid-’90s to start a Vineyard in Arizona.

Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner and we’re always trying to think of heartfelt, out of the ordinary presents for our better halves, how about presenting a bottle of a “Rockstar Vintner’s” vino along with a burned CD mixed with tracks from the musician. Write the V-day date and wine brand on the CD with a Sharpie (CDs and Sharpies… very vintage). Really, what goes better together than a kick ass music mix and decent wine? Not much, except maybe you and your sexy man after you present him with this gift. Here are a few wines and songs to get you started. Just an fyi, not all of the songs listed are slow and romantic. Good music mixes and “life in general” are about, um…changes in rhythm (especially on Valentine’s Day)!! Add your favorite mood songs to the mix. Enjoy.

Dave Matthews

Blenheim Painted Red

Blenheim Vineyards
Painted Red: $30
Blenheimvineyards.com

Mix suggestions for Painted Red:
You and Me
Stay or Leave
Crash into Me
When the World Ends
You Are My Sanity

Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac

Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar 2004 Merlot

Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar
Private Cellar 2004 Merlot: $23.95
Mickswine.com

Mix suggestions for Mick’s Merlot:
Gypsy
Dreams
Over My Head
Bleed to Love Her
Gold Dust Woman (not all songs should be lyrics driven – ha!)

Maynard James Keenan

Merkin 2006 Chupacabra Caduceus California Red Wine

Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards
Merkin 2006 Chupacabra Caduceus California Red Wine: $19.95
Napacabs.com

Mix suggestions for your Merkin:
3 Libras
Passive
Judith
Schism
Vicarious

Lil Jon (get out your Pimp Cups!)

Lil Jonathan Central Coast Chardonnay

Little Jonathan Winery
Lil Jonathan Central Coast Chardonnay: $15.99

Mix suggestions for your Crunk Juice:
Get Low
Salt Shaker
(Lil Jon should be presented in small doses so I thought two songs was enough…)

Vince Neil (Red, White and Crue!!!)

2006 Vince Neil Central Coast, California Petite Sirah

Vince Neil Vineyards
2006 Vince Neil Central Coast, California Petite Sirah (pricing not available)

Mix Suggestions for Vince and Crue:
Without You
Home Sweet Home
Dr. Feelgood
You’re All I Need
Piece of Your Action (what better song for the day of love!)

Bruce Cohn (He wasn’t a musician, but was manager of the Doobie Brothers, so it’s a great excuse to incorporate some Doobie Brothers tracks)