Books & Bottles: Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels & Dusted Valley Malbec

Hopping right into this post today because I cannot begin to tell you how much I want to re-review this entire Books & Bottles series. I’ve decided to do that in January for you guys and also let know the changes I’ll make to it going forward.

That said – longest title ever but here we go!

November’s Books & Bottles: Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels & Dusted Valley Malbec.

Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels Review

Table of Contents

Books & Bottles: Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels & Dusted Valley Malbec

A very tasty paring today, my darlings. I’ve been meaning to swing into Dusted Valley Winery forever. Plus, this book was a topic of conversation with Shanna (over at Rainy Days and Cliches). So much so, I borrowed it from the library.

The Book: Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

This book is super quirky and definitely had more of a YA vibe to it than I was expecting. However, there are loads of references to strong female book nerds alike. Loads of Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre… the Bronté sisters, quote specifically. Which I love.

A brief synopsis:

Cecilia Bassingwaite is an anxiously awaiting her opportunity to join the infamous all women pirate sorority: The Wisteria Society. As her grandmother, a founding member, and her late mother.

Set in Victorian England with as much lady-like eccentricity as a thief can be. These women lead active lives of crimes, black mailing and treasure hunting, all while drinking afternoon tea.

When her Aunt gets kidnapped by the dreaded Captain Morvath, Cecilia and the others team up with the ever-so-handsome (and assassin, that was hired to kill Cecila…) to save the woman who raised her.

Honest review:

This book had the most driest and morbid sense of humors that I’ve ever read. After chatting with a gf about it, we concluded the best way to describe it would be Wednesday Addams humor.

I cracked up a few times by the witty banter of Cecila & Ned. The two are insanely proper and polite, even though they’re trying to kill each other at every possible corner.

With all this said: I have not finished this book.

This book is a real hit or miss between readers. Some people cannot get into the historical make-believe magical world it’s depicted in and other had a hard time with the plot. I’m having a tough time keeping it all together. There are a lot of characters and even though the dialog is humorous, it’s taken me awhile to get into. It reminds me of Jane Austen when I could only get through a chapter a night.

Book rating: 3 stars

I wanted to fall in love with this book. They got me with the cover (which I’m not upset about – that’s just good marketing). I would totally recommend to the younger gen due to all of the feminism and “down with the patriarchy” attitude though. You cannot ask for more than a fiery young lady out for equality, all while wearing a gown.

_{Note: if you’re thinking of buy this book, check out bookshop.org. You can pick it up at your local bookstore or support a small shop near you and have it delivered!}

The Bottle: Dusted Valley 2018 Malbec

I’ve been waiting to go to Dusted Valley’s Wine Tasting room in Walla Walla since my last visit! I was beyond excited to uncover that they also have a tasting room in Woodinville, WA.

Needless to say, one of my best wino friends and I took a little tasting trip last weekend to stock up for the Holidays. We were able to snag a reservation and we were beyond impressed with their selection. Every single bottle, was good.

I’m not too surprised because… well, I love Malbecs but every bottle? That’s pretty rare for me.

What I’m tasting:

Earthy, rocky minerals with a hint of spice that makes you want to savor it the tongue… and then take another sip!

What I’m smelling:

Herbs and mouth watering iron minerals. Which might sound gross to you guys but I’m constantly anemic so the smell of soil will sometimes make my mouth water. That’s what’s happening with this bottle.

Overall wine grade: A-

Here’s the deal, I want to give this bottle an A but I’m on the fence due to the fact that it’s $45. I know that’s outside of a lot of people’s price range for wine. However, this 2018 Malbec is limited to only 2,400 bottles. Making it more reasonable and understandable on the price.

This specific year also hasn’t received any points since 2016 and I’m wondering if that has to do with the fires Washington State got over the past few years. Either way, I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed stopping into their tasting rooms. This bottle made me want to join their wine club. I think that says a lot.

Perfect for Christmas Eve dinner.

Only one more Books & Bottles of the year?! HOW??

What are you planning to read next month?