At least, that’s how we like to think it happened.

See, Armida Winery was purchased in 1994 by Bruce and Steve Cousins; sure they’ve transformed it into a Sonoma County powerhouse making hand-crafted, ultra-premium, single vineyard wines. Sure, offers like this POIZIN 3 Pack are an ultra-premium deal on a soft, berry-centric Zinfandel with a long vanilla finish.

So why the heck would they be dumb enough to label a delicious wine “POIZIN?” Here’s our completely-not-thought-out theory:

Like a lot of brothers, Bruce and Steve felt a competitive fire with each other. That fire would eventually lead to feelings of jealousy, even animosity. Each man knew deep in his heart that only he had what it would take to lead Armida Winery to the next level. For Bruce, it was his can-do attitude and entrepreneurial drive that made him entitled to the throne. Steve, however, had served as President and COO of a winery before; surely his foolish brother could never top his knowledge!

Then one night, the plan was hatched: Steve would poison his brother’s glass.

“Drink up, Bruce,” he said, “to our continued success!” And indeed Bruce drank for the wine in his goblet was quite good. “You fool,” Steve cackled, “you’ve only drunk to your doom! Mine shall be the only Cousins name to grace this winery! I’ve filled your glass with an extremely fast-acting poison! MWUHAHAHAHA!”

But Bruce just sat there, staring at his brother. Waiting. The poison never took effect, for unbeknownst to Steve, Bruce had spent the last several years cultivating an immunity to the strongest poisons, venoms, and such. It was just a hobby, really; but now it had paid off.

”...heh, uh, by which I mean…this, uh, ZINFANDEL!” Steve stammered, “I think we should call it Poison!” Only a fool would believe such a poorly-executed lie!

“Okay, but spell it with a Z and an I, so people will be able to pick up on the “zin” part,” was Bruce’s only reply.

To this day, an uneasy truce remains between the brothers, but you are the beneficiary! Enjoy your POIZIN, and look soon for what we can only assume will be Armida Winery’s I Thought I Gave You Malaria Merlot.

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