Keyshawn Johnson Starts His Own Wine Label

When you're at the store and need to pick up some wine for a meaningful occasion, are you really going to be perusing the selections and be stopped in your tracks by a Keyshawn Johnson vintage? The former NFL wide receiver and current ESPN analyst sure hopes so. He's started his own wine label, called KJ1, and the first offering, a "super-premium" 2007 Cabernet from Eastern Oregon, should be in your local wine store this fall.

In a press release, Johnson said that's he's "enjoyed wine for years and for me, Cabernet is king." One sommelier has already sampled Johnson's product and had this analysis:

To the eye, the wine has a purple core with electric pink highlights on the rim. The nose is powerful, with much black pepper and overtones of ripe black cherry and rich berry aromas. There are notes of tobacco, vanilla and clove mingling with damp earth. Unctuous and full-bodied on the palate, there are chewy tannins leading to a lingering finish. The wine tastes well on its own; pairing suggestions include Steak au Poivre, Rosemary Crusted Lamb Chops or BBQ-rubbed meats.

Johnson is far from the first NFLer to dabble in the wine business. Stars such as Dan Marino, Joe Montana, and Charles Woodson have all done so in the past. Each bottle of 2007 KJ1 will retail for $125, and it should be in stores after September 15.

[ KJ1]