2000
Field Stone
Staten Family Reserve
Alexander Valley
California

It is a thoroughly enjoyable, deeply tasty berry port and I love it. It is not as sweet as other ports I’ve had. Uncle Bob brought it for Thanksgiving and it of course tastes best with his leftover pumpkin pie - which, by the way, is the best (Bon Appetite, 1970!!!!!!).

I must warn you, in the style of Lemony Snickett, that you are about to embark on a depressing, lengthy tale of my birthday eve blues. (The port facts have been bolded so you can find them easily and move on without reading this tale of woes.) It’s just one of those birthdays hitting me hard. I’ve been melancholy, nostalgic, depressed and somewhat agitated for many a day lately. My heart aches and I feel lonely, though I am surrounded by people that care for me. I feel somehow exposed, starkly naked in the cold.

My health issue hasn’t helped. Unable to find the energy to exercise, I am spiraling into the depths of my troubled mind. Blood pressure high, neck aching, life flying by, I seem unable to pick myself up and shake it all off. Why is it, when you need friends the most, they seem to just not be around? Why does one have to be perky and happy and funny in order to keep friends? If I disclose too much of myself, I risk losing buddies. If I disclose nothing and listen to others’ troubles and smile and offer advice and friendship, they all love me. I’m the greatest. My boss tells me there is no one at work that doesn’t love me. That’s a great feeling. But the truth is, I’ve disclosed none of my life issues to them. You’re supposed to be able to do that with your best buds. What is that poignant saying? “A friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway.” I used to laugh at that quote, but now I fully understand and can appreciate its truth.

As I reflect on this latest year, I realize what started as a promising year has ended with me in the worst shape I’ve ever been – physically and mentally. I’ve lost my creativity which started the year out with a bang – taking drawing classes at a museum and taking photos and writing poetry. My budget squelched the classes, my health issues zapped my photo interests and, my writing, just followed suit. I’ve lost good buddies, and I’m not sure why, though I’m sure it’s something I did wrong or didn’t do quite right. My mother has always said it’s hard to find good best friends. But if you get through your life with one real good one, you’ve been successful. Two or more and you’re really blessed. My best bud from high school floats in and out of my life. Though I try not to, I take it personally and am hurt every time she goes away. It’s been two years now (almost). Yet, if she were to call me tomorrow, I wouldn’t hold a grudge, I’d just be glad to hear from her again. I think my problem is that I long for unconditional love. But I’m not so sure I give it. I expect too much and I don’t give back what I expect, I surmise. But I do believe I’ve tried my hardest to be there unconditionally for friends. There are two people in my life who have shown me unconditional love my whole life – my mother and my grandmother. It is truly a gift. One that I am only too happy to receive, but not sure I’ve done well at reciprocating to others. I like to think I offer it to my children. I have told them their whole lives thus far that I will always love them, no matter what mistakes they make or how badly they might behave, or if they break the law, or hurt me. I brought them into this world and I must steadfastly support them come what may.

But tonight I reflect on how I seem to once again be too needy. I chase friends off with my need for attention. Why do I need it so? This is a flaw in myself I don’t know how to correct. It is a goal I hope to attain in this next year of my life. This brings me back to Thanksgiving and Uncle Bob. He loves to sing. We now have a “new” tradition at the end of our Thanksgiving meal where we all go into the living room and my middle child plays Christmas Carols on the piano. Uncle Bob sings to her music (and the rest of us sing along less zealously). This year was no exception. But also this year, Uncle Bob sang our Thanksgiving meal blessing. I can’t fit everyone around the dining room table, so I inevitably have to place six others in the kitchen. But before the meal we all gather in the dining room and say grace or some sort of Thanksgiving blessing. This year, Uncle Bob broke into song – “We Gather Together” was the song he sang. We all did our best with the words of the first verse, but half of us dropped off with the second. And my aunt and cousin tried to tell my uncle one verse was good enough. He kept going. At the end of the second verse they tried to say “Thank You” and “That was good” “OK now”, etc. Bob kept going for verse three. I love to hear him sing and he gets much joy from it and it really warms my soul. Well, I didn’t mind him continuing and was laughing a bit at the others trying to coax him to stop. But then, I looked at my beloved grandmother.

She is 91 and life has been harder for her. Group gatherings tend to confuse her, especially a lot of people. We so want her to be with us, but we hate to have her feel confused. She does all right for the most part. My brother sat by her side and gave her wine and hors d’ouevres and reminded her who was who. She smiles and does her best to recognize and remember and hear and see. But lately, there’s a bit of a loss of recognition in her eyes and a distant look has begun to emerge. I’ve lived long enough now to know that look and start to recognize it as a sign of the years coming to and end. Each time I am with her is a blessing and I am thankful I got one more visit. I always wonder upon leaving her, was this the last one? When I glanced at her during Uncle Bob’s singing, she had a big smile, eyes were intently focused on him and she was leaning forward to hear every word of the song. She was singing too. She knows the song well. It is one of her favorites. My heart leapt as I saw not just recognition in her face, but joy. I thought: please do not let the song end!!!! My grandmother was back for those wonderful minutes.And being together, all of us, singing that awesome song, was all that mattered at that moment. And it created for me a memory to last forever.

Later, my mom and I drove her home (she has lived in a wonderful community for over the last 20 years where she and my grandfather retired to). She has just recently been moved into the Nursing Home part of the community. This was hard for us to do as she is mentally with it and mobile. But she has fallen too many times lately and shouldn’t be left in her own apartment as a result. It is difficult to bring her back to her room where most of the other people are in wheelchairs and appear catatonic. They are withdrawn into their own little worlds and most seem oblivious to visitors.

I have had an emotional time coming to grips with this phase of my grandmother’s journey. This is the woman who taught me water ballet and how to jackknife off the diving board of her swimming pool. She read me Uncle Rhemus stories under crisp, cool, ironed cotton sheets (Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby was my favorite). She confidently sang hymns as I stood by her side in church. She grew glorious flower beds. She bought me things I needed. She told me I was loveable and capable. She told me I was special, and I believed her.

When my mom and I brought her into her room, we sat her on her bed. The nurse’s aide had laid out her pretty floral PJ’s and my mom and I kissed her and started to say goodbye. With a sleepy look on her face, she raised her arms over her head for us to take her shirt off. In that moment, I saw my littlest child at the end of a long day, just wanting me to help her get ready for bed. So my mom and I undressed her and put her PJ’s on. Then she hugged us both and brought our heads down to her shoulders. As I wrapped my arms around her, she began to cry. And I cried too. We held each other, silently shaking with our sobs. It was all unspoken, but I knew what she was feeling. Life has changed again. A new phase has begun, come what may.

I can’t confide in her anymore. I can’t tell her what worries me or hurts me because it causes her too much pain to not be able to be make things better for me. She loves me so much that divulging my secret troubles to her would cause her strife. And I love her too much to attempt it. So I suppose I am beginning to realize that my days with my eldest unconditional mentor are running out. And I am frightened. And I am looking to friends that I’ve somehow lost. I am wondering who can fill that void for me. I suppose I am being selfish, trying to protect a very fragile psyche that she has always been there to nurture. I am embarking soon on unchartered territory.

On my way home from work last night I felt as if I were driving in a trance. I usually listen intently to NPR. I found myself hearing the words but none of the meaning. I hit traffic on the highway and pulled off to take the back roads - only to get stuck behind a policeman who had stopped his car in the middle of the road. I was vaguely aware of a mess of sorts on the road but hadn’t paid real close attention. Waiting for him to do whatever it was he was doing, I glanced out my window to the road beneath my car. There, to my left, right by my door, was a big, exposed bloody heart. All by itself. It had belonged to a deer. It had been hit hard and fast and was in pieces everywhere. The cop dragged what was left of its head and front legs across the road in front of me to the grass. He then got in his car and drove off. I felt like I stared at that heart forever. I remember thinking: that’s my heart, naked and exposed, out in the cold, separate from my body. I need to get back in touch with it. I need to move on. I need to do the best I can to pick myself up and dust myself off and forge onward. That’s what my grandmother would say to me if she knew how I felt. She’d encourage me not to wallow. She’d encourage me to shine, even if my shine isn’t that new anymore. She’d encourage me to do the best I can with what I’ve got to work with.

As my mom and I left my grandmother's room Thanksgiving night, I noticed just outside her room, hanging on the wall, the song we had sung before dinner. There it was – all that’s important in life: We Gather Together. An affirmation just for me. Awesome.


$40 / 750 ml.
8.25 out of 10
19% alc. by vol.

2006
Paso Robles
California

My mystery illness continues to plague me, so any docs out there with advice PLEASE post your thoughts in the comments section below (see the October post below for more symptom detail - chronic neck and ear pain with complete exhaustion that doesn't go away with pain killers, steroids, or antibiotics). I am about to put a WANT AD in for a good doctor. I've seen everybody and they all scratch their heads while absorbing my co-pays while I continue to plod along uncomfortably.

The Guy and I attended a Holiday wine, beer and food pairing event with my boss and his wife at the same place I wrote about in my October post below.

We had many pairings, but the wine we loved the most was the very smooth and distinct Justin Vineyards Cabernet. Ironically, it was a wine used to show that none of the foods served went well with it. But it was awesome on its own. I served it pre-food on Thanksgiving and it was a hit (the Justin cab is shown here on the right - Ommegang Ale is on the left.)

FYI - out of the two beers we tried, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA and Ommegang Abbey Ale, it was the Ommegang we brought home ($5.99 / pint). This Belgian-style sweet brew accompanied hard pretzels and spicy Chipotle Honey Mustard nicely. It also accompanied our sausage and buffalo mozzarella pizza well too.

We had a Gewurztraminer, a Crus Beaujolais, a Muscat, a Port, and a Rose Brut as well. Each was paired with various food items including whole grain bread and salami with rosemary infused olive oil, bruschetta, pears and bleu cheese (which the Muscat was awesome with - Bealieu Vineyards - $8.99), brie and cranberry, and dark mexican chocolate (paired well with Fonseca 10-year Tawny Port - $32.99). But the Cabernet was where it was at for me. I couldn't get it's flavor and scent off my mind. I knew as soon as I put it to my nose that I was going to enjoy it. And, after all pairings were complete, it was what I asked to have a refill of to end my night. It was very smooth, slightly sweet with vanilla and spice but nicely balanced with herbal, mushroom flavors.

Not exactly a budget wine at $25 a bottle, but nice for special occasions.








8.5 out of 10
14.5% alc. by vol.
$25 / 750 ml. bottle
JUSTINwine.com

I realize I have been absent. Since June I have been afflicted with a painful, undiagnosed illness that affects my ear and neck and/or carotid artery. I lived with it all summer and tried to keep posting and keep my chin up. But I'm going on month five now, and many co-payments and specialists, and x-rays and MRI's and prescriptions (and still no answers) have left me broke, fatigued, still in pain, fearful, impatient and depressed. I have not even had my usual zest for wine tasting - that alone is enough to make me depressed. While this strange pain I have affects me daily, I am lucky enough that it leaves me for anywhere from 4 - 8 hours at some point during the day or evening. My boss gave me his seat tonight at a wine and cheese pairing event that I accompanied his wife to. The stars lined up for me and my pain left me at 5:00 p.m. I have just returned from a wonderful reprieve of an evening pairing exquisite artisan cheeses with five wines. There is a new store in a local town that sells fresh, unbelieveable creamy goat, sheep and cow cheeses, as well as fine chocolates and artisan breads. The owner and his wife ran the event this evening. I was thrilled to meet the owner's wife who is a sommelier who trained under Kevin Zraly at "Windows of The World" in NYC.

As my zest for photo taking has left me as well, there are no photos of the evenings' pairings, but following are my two top favorite pairings of the evening.

I have tasted and reviewed both of the following wines previously (so if you want label info, look in the archives here). Both wines were unparalelled when paired with these cheeses this evening.

Drylands Estate, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.99) paired with Brigid's Abbey Cato Corner Farm cow cheese. The cheese being extra creamy and FAT, the citrus fruit of the Drylands was a perfect match.

7 Deadly Zins, 2006 Red Zinfandel ($17.99) paired with Timberdoodle Woodcock Farm Vermont cow cheese. The Timberdoodle cheese is very strong and complex on its own and the other wines we tried with it just petered out. But the 7 Deadly Zins was power packed full of flavor to match the cheese. The result was a fantastic smoke flavored finish of both cheese and wine. (This combo I hope to be able to serve as Thanksgiving appetizers.)

I can't promise I'll be posting again soon, but I am going to think positive and tell you when I have a good day, and a good wine experience, I will pass it along, even if just brief. Mid-November, this store is having a special holiday pairing. Focal points will be Chocolate and Cabernet and Port and Bleu Cheese. I am hoping the stars will align for me once again and I will forward my experiences on to you. :)

2004
Allegrini
Italy

Will definitely drink this very smooth wine again. Buy now to drink and/or cellar for a few years.

70% Corvina Veronese
25% Rondinella
5% Sangiovese

I thoroughly enjoyed this very smooth, full-bodied red. Deep velvety red in color, it was very fruit forward in scent and initial mouth full. Had a big blackberry scent and flavor up front for me. It 's finish was pleasant, not as long as I might have liked, but enjoyable. It was good all on its very own - no food influences. It wasn't as distinct in flavor once the addition of food was made (black bean and roasted garlic stew).







8.25 out of 10 (The Guy gives it a 9.0 without the addition of food. 8.5 with tonight's dinner)
13.5% alc. by vol
$20 / 750 ml bottle

2004
McLaren Vale
Australia

Loved this wine - would love to drink again.

(I was unable to snatch the bottle to get a pic before it was thrown away, however, the fab image to the right is found on the bottle.)

I reviewed Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz on New Year's Eve, 2007. See the review here: http://whattodrink.blogspot.com/2007/12/two-hands-gnarly-dudes.html.

Although the Gnarly Dudes had a slight edge over Angels Share, they are pretty darn close. The Guy and I went to his work picnic a few weeks ago and we were lucky enough to be given a choice of not-the-average-run-of-the-mill wine selections by his very nice and generous boss. Prior to our delicious main meal, we enjoyed this wine on its own. I also had it with home-made Clam Chowder (and shrimp cocktail) and still enjoyed it just as much.

This was a beautiful "dark ink" color and had that awesome McLaren Vale-specific taste to it. The Barossa and McLaren Vale are definitely two of my favorite Australian Shiraz regions. I found it to be smokey-mocha-oak-earth cherry in flavor and loved it. I highly recommend it, though it's not the average budget material :{

Tonight's reflection is yet another song that hits me personally (most that I post do in some way). It's my absolute favorite by "O.A.R". I hope it doesn't get overkilled on the radio (I fear it's starting to), but nevertheless it speaks volumes to me right now. I feel it represents Classic Co-dependency and wish I couldn't identify with it so. (And, as a side note, for my friend in the Netherlands who worries about my "broken hearts" poems and song choices - this is cathartic for me and it's who I am - but I am OK and so very grateful you care.)

. . .Stumble out, in the night
From the pouring rain
Made the block, sat and thought
There's more I need
It's always back to you

But I'm good without ya
Yeah, I'm good without you
Yeah, yeah, yeah . . .

. . .How many times can I break till I shatter?
Over the line can't define what I'm after
I always turn the car around
All that I feel is the realness I'm faking
Taking my time but it's time that I'm wasting
Always turn the car around

How many times can I break till I shatter?
Over the line can't define what I'm after
I always turn the car around

Don't wanna turn that car around
I gotta turn this thing around

O.A.R. - "Shattered"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzwAXlWkk3Y
(P.S. - It helps to turn this up nicely and belt it out with a look of anguish on your face)
(P.S.S. - while I enjoy YouTube for it's quick link videos, I ignore the comments and bad language by too many derelicts that tend to follow a music video - I suggest you do the same and don't read the comments - they are usually in no way a reflection of my personal tastes and I tend to find the majority either stupid or offensive or both)

(Robert Parker gave this a 95 if you're interested.)

8.5 out of 10
$29 / 750 ml. bottle
14% alc. by vol. (?)

2007
Rias Baixas
Spain

Will drink again.

Having been craving an Albarino for a few weeks, I purchased the only one a local wine shop had a lot of. This was it. I enjoyed it, though not quite as much as the Nora Albarino I reviewed here in November 2007. But I would still recommend this.

A friend from another planet recommended Albarino to me last year following a business-related trip he'd made. He loved it. I'd never heard of it. Months later, in 2007, I tried a Nora Albarino at a restaurant with my tuna entree and loved it. I haven't had one since, though I've read it is THE wine to have with shell fish and/or paella. So, tonight I was stir-frying shrimp and figured I'd try to locate one. We had shrimp with ginger, garlic risotto and spinach and this Albarino accompanied it perfectly. I am in love with the lemon and mineral notes I seem to pick up in the only two Albarinos I've ever had.

Though this one was more floral and citrus-y, and much lighter in color than the Nora, I still enjoyed it. It reminds me of a cross between a lemony Sauvignon Blanc and a woodsy Chardonnay. Nice. I may not be a connoisseur, or have big bucks to spend, so you may choose to believe I'm just blowing words out my ass, but this wine goes especially well with sea fish and shell fish. Trust me.

Josiah
Seven years old
AK-47 forced into your little hands
The weight of it causing you to lose balance and fall over
Forced into battle against the "rebels"
You never survived your first RPG experience
Your one and only day in battle
Crying out for your long ago separated mother
Your life ends
And my faith once again mocks me
Where was the God I trust?

(I've been reading the true and heart-wrenching Ishmael Beah's "a long way gone - Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" of his life in Sierra Leone. Josiah's story struck me especially hard as he was the same age as my youngest and I can't imagine a child having to experience these horrors at any age, yet so many have, are, and still will until the hatred and violence ends. But first, help must come from elsewhere. UNICEF saved Ishmael.) PAIX / سَلام / paz / 平和 / pace / ειρήνη / 和平 / 평화(의) / damai / мир / rahu / der Frieden / friður / PEACE

http://www.unicef.org/

Robert Parker gave this Albarino a 90.

$13 / 750ml. bottle
8.0 out of 10
12.5% alc. by vol.

2003
Super White Tuscan
San Gimignano, Italia

Will definitely drink again.

A wonderful blend of:
Vernaccia - 80%
Chardonnay - 7%
Malvasia - 7%
Vermentino - 6%

Sad to say, but I can't for the life of me remember what I served with this deletable little number Labor Day weekend. All I know is, The Bro and I really loved it. The Guy doesn't remember it. :0 Doh! He must have enjoyed it a little too much.

Called a "cult wine", this wonderful Tuscan white had a really nice texture and finish, and a wonderful taste combo of creamy, vanilla spice with a nice acid balance.






My Life's Aching Remorse

I dreamt we finally met last night
and you forgave me with your eyes

I sat in a rocking chair in an all white room filled with bright, warm sunshine; An angel came into the room and handed you to me

Your eyes - oh you had my blue eyes and they locked into mine as I nursed you

I was struck by the solace being with you finally, FINALLY, gave
to my unforgivable broken heart and mind as I quietly whispered
my sorrow to you through my tears

You smiled with all-knowing wisdom and I held your little warm
body so close to mine, knowing I'd never have to let you go again,
and I felt all the years' accumulated pain subside; having finally
relented when the long awaited apology left my lips to be heard
upon the only little ears I have ever cared to have hear it

Until we meet again . . .

8.0 out of 10
13% alc. by vol.
$22 / 750 ml bottle

2005
Cabernet Sauvignon
NAPA VALLEY
Reserve Selection No. 27

Would love to drink again, and again.

9/20/08 - Update: Had again with lunch - tostadas with black beans, kidney beans, garlic, tomato sauce, Greek plain yogurt and Chipotle topping. Very, very good together.

I still have (3) wines that The Bro brought Labor Day weekend to review, and (3) new reds from a picnic yesterday. But tonight, we had one of our own and this was it. I enjoyed it a LOT. It was good alone and with turkey meatballs, roasted garlic marinara and fresh basil from my kitchen garden, spinach and fresh parmesean. Especially excellent following a bite of the meatball. Scent of a meaty olive, the taste was pleasant blackberry with a little oak and vanilla with a lingering finish.

Quote of the Day - I told The Guy (who, in case you didn't know, writes for Comcast and Scout on the internet about the New England Patriots) with regard to the Patriots' Tom Brady replacement: "He makes me wish I was twenty years old again, and a New England Patriot cheerleader."

He quoted me, wryly, on his report: newengland.comcastsportsnet.com/wickedgoodsports/patriots/week-2-cassel-vs-the-hated-jets/


8.25 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$12.00 / 750 ml. bottle

2005
"The Broken Road"
Blend of Petite Sirah, Barbera, Zinfandel, Carignane California

I think I just had a glass of water with a little grape juice stuck in it.

You know, the old saying that you shouldn't pick a wine by its label just resonates so with me right now. I was captivated. Drawn in. It was me walking down Ten Mile Road, from the valley of The Broken Road. That, and I so LOVE eccentric blends.

The Guy really enjoyed it and got a berry burst of flavor and some heat. To me it smelled very promising and heady, but the flavor petered out immediately after swallowing. It was disappointing to me. With or without food - no change. It packed a punch, the scent drew me in, but I literally tasted little other than faint berry.

The saddest songs are the happiest
The hardest truths are the easiest
Put us both to the test
And tell me if you still need me
And I will swallow these words
And see if I can still believe

The biggest lies are the little ones
When the look in your eyes is the distant one
Angel or demon
You know that they can share one bed
I've laid awake so long
I've got them both inside my head. . .

. . . You were 80% angel
10% demon
The rest was hard to explain

Over The Rhine, "What I'll Remember Most"

7.0 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol
$13 / 750 ML bottle
www.ninenorthwines.com

2006
Sonoma County
California

My most wonderful mother has treated me to dinner out a few times recently and our dinner last week was fun and wonderful. We were both having the Salmon special and wanted the Greg Norman Chardonnay special but they were all out. They offered us this in it's place and we decided to wing it. It was very, very good. It accompanied our meal well and one bottle went down all too smoothly. In addition, I had fried calamari for my appetizer and was amazed that the S.V. went extremely well with it (especially as the calamari had marinara sauce with it that I consumed in it's entirety - I don't normally find tomato sauce goes well with white wines).

Cold, on the lighter side, but with a lasting tropical yet lemon-y slight mineral finish, we both enjoyed this wine.

No restaurant pics :( this time.

I don't wanna talk
About the things we've gone through
Though its hurting me
Now its history
Ive played all my cards
And thats what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
Thats her destiny

ABBA, The Winner Takes it All


8.0 out of 10
13.6% alc. by vol.
Approx. $12 / 750 ml.
http://www.stephenvincentwines.com/

2006
Colchagua Valley
Chile

Overall, this wine is a good deal for the price. Owned by one of the more premier older French vineyard owners, this wine was medium bodied and dry with a light oak flavor and scent, mingled with green pepper taste, slight black cherry and black pepper finish. Not a long finish, not a deep wine, but perfect for every day to have on hand. The Guy and I reviewed Los Vascos 2004 Reserve last year, and I think I like this more.




My Wine Eludes Me

In the midst of hardening reality
Questioning, praying, on the edge of delusion and then forsaking
Only to initiate the cycle again

Knowledge, religion, veracity, asseveration
Ebb and flow through the veins
Afflicting the heart and the brain
Even my wine eludes me

Ransacking for solace, or just a sign
Beholding the electronic medium
It is the lyrics to a song that taunt me in possessive irony
The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" offers me no mental release

Nothing is as it seems



7.75 out of 10
$10 (or less) / 750 ml bottle
14% alc. by vol.

2007
Agiorgitiko
Greece
I once again visited the world of Rose (accent mark necessary but stumps me again). 14-18h was pretty good. I actually liked it. It wasn't sweet. It was dry and flavorful. Reminded me a bit of "Turkey Flat" which is another Rose I like. Though it wasn't heady, like I like my whites and reds (I didn't expect it with a Rose), I enjoyed it with leftover Tortellini Alfredo and fresh, sliced Avocado. And I enjoyed it on it's own. On a hot summer day, this is a refreshing wine to drink, well chilled.

Although, not a strong wine, I found myself affected :) My children have been away having fun at the beach with their grandparents for several days, and I knew I missed them, but I didn't know how much until my little one called me tonight to ask me to say her prayers over the phone and sing "Silent Night" to her (our favorite bedtime song all year round). I answered the phone at 10:00 PM and heard a quiet "Hi Momma" (I LOVE it when she calls me that - normally she calls me "Mom" except when she's really sleepy or just out of sorts). She asked for "prayers and 'Silent Night' ". I choked up halfway through prayers, then again doing the second verse of "Silent Night". I blamed the wine in my mind. :)

2007
North Coast
California

This is just a brief comment on trying the 2007, thinking it was the 2006. The Guy brought this home last week to please me following a week of no wine. While I normally prefer "new" wines to review, I was so happy that it was my old standby (or so I thought). I tasted it and, though it was good, it was different and not as "minerally" or finish-lasting as my norm. So I quizically studied the label. It was 2007 in lieu of 2006. I was pretty thrilled to realize I can tell the difference a year makes! Anyway, still a good wine, but I will pay more for the 2006 flavor.

And you read your Emily Dickinson,
And I my Robert Frost,
And we note our place with bookmarkers
That measure what weve lost.
Like a poem poorly written
We are verses out of rhythm,
Couplets out of rhyme,
In syncopated time
Lost in the dangling conversation
And the superficial sighs,
Are the borders of our lives.

Simon & Garfunkel, Dangling Conversations

7.75 out of 10
$22 / 1.5 L bottle
http://closdubois.com/

2006
Tupungato - Mendoza
Argentina

Will drink again.

This was a very good deal for the price. It was on the dry side, but the finish was fairly long and good. Blackberry with slight smoke and mushroom, it had a dark purplish-black ink color and heavy fruit scent.

We had a simple meal tonight of black beans in red wine and garlic sauce over brown rice made in organic chicken broth. I added avocado and Greek plain yogurt to mine and this wine took on a spicier, more flavorful taste than when alone - although it was enjoyable alone too.

I sing alone,
while I watch the ocean,
my lover's gone,
no earthly ships will ever bring him home again,
bring him home again

DIDO

8.0 out of 10
$9 / 750 ml bottle
13.5% alc.by vol.
www.sophenia.com.ar

La Segreta
2005
Sicilian White Wine

I recently reviewed this wine, however, I wanted to check back to write of it's deliciousness with Parmesean risotto and grilled chicken and peppers. As it was my mother who treated me to dinner out when I first tasted this wine, I ordered a few bottles and had she and my stepdad over for dinner recently to enjoy the wine again with a slightly different menu. I made risotto and we grilled chicken and peppers (and zucchini too) and the wine accompanied it well. In addition, it went well with Cabot Sharp Cheddar and Carr's crackers (mixed variety).












Liberty School
2005
Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon


I reviewed this back on March 11th, but just wanted to add how good it tasted recently again with shrimp, bowties, fresh parmesean, and spinach. Also, it accompanied mushroom pizza very well a few nights later.












If you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now

-David Gray, Babylonoubt
el it now

2005
Bianco
Sicily, Italia


Will drink again. Very enjoyable.

A blend of Grecanico, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Fiano, I loved this wine that I had at one of my favorite local area restaurants. It very nicely accompanied a ricotta olive appetizer spread on crostini bread, as well as my walnut, gorgonzola salad and my main entree of salmon, risotto cake and asparagus. Full and dry, the flavor was very distinct with a fruitful combo of pineapple meets peach. It had a wonderful, slight mineral finish for a white wine.

Although it is not a staple in local wine shops, I've requested it and hope to get my own bottle soon.

Softly in her sleep
Pictures of the life she's longing
For slowly appear
She's seen them all before
But somehow never quite this clear
She just smiles, she don't want the world

The open wound she hides
She just keeps it bundled up
And never lets it show
She can't take much more of this
But she can't let it go
And that's ok, she don't want the world

All the things she says
While he's just lying there
Without someone to hear her cry
She slips off into a dream
About a place to hide
And that's ok, she don't want the world

3 Doors Down, She Don't Want the World

8.25 out of 10
$14 / 750 ml bottle

2003
Barbera
California

Might drink again.

This was pretty good I guess :# - The Guy really liked it. It was good, just too weak for my liking - more on the lighter side than medium. I thought it accompanied turkey meatballs and spinach well. The Guy liked it all the way around - alone, with food, in front of the computer, upside down with a spoonful of Italian Ice.

A spicy, hot cherry scent, it was slightly peppery, subtle fruit and a slight olive finish.

You don't know about my past, and
I don't have a future figured out.
And maybe this is going too fast.
And maybe it's not meant to last,

But what do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there's solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say,
What do you say?

Celine Dion, "Taking Chances"

7.5 out of 10
$10 / 750 ml. bottle
13.5% alc. by vol.
www.redwood.com

2006
California

Will drink again.

Good on its own and good with simple bow tie pasta, EV olive oil, sauteed garlic, broccoli and parmesean cheese. Scent was hot granite, black cherry and spice. Taste was similar with slight tobacco. Very good for the price range.

I’m one of the chosen few
Who went ahead and fell for you
I’m out of vogue, I’m out of touch
I fell too fast, I feel too much
I thought that you might have
Some advice to give on how to be
Insensitive

Jann Arden, "Insensitive"

7.75 out of 10
$11.99 / 750 ml. bottle
14.8% alc.by vol

2006
NAPA
California

Would drink again.

Badger fan - thank you for sticking with me and checking back. Glad I could help. I hope you will come back once you've been where you're going to get that Champagne! (If you do get your hands on it, come back and give your own review of it.)

This was enjoyable on it's own and with chicken and rice. Medium bodied with light oak and a bit of pineapple in the taste, I would recommend this as a summer accompaniment to lighter fare - grilled chicken, creamy risotto, lighter cheeses. What I don't like is any zip to my white wines - I like them smooth. This wasn't as smooth as my favorite Clos Du Bois 2006 Chardonnay, but it had very little noticeable zip, making me happy.

Lord give me the clarity to see through this smoke,
And salvage the woman comin’ down.
Lord make me an arrow to pierce through the lies
(comin’ down, comin’ down),
Lord make me a lens to better see my life
(comin’ down, comin’ down),
Lord make me an instrument to sing away the pain,
This rushing river, comin’ down.
I’m free, here in the mountains of peace may I be.
I see the greatness above and the smallness of me. . .

. . .So free, here in garden awake consciously,
I see the greatness within; the greatness in me.
Lord I’m your instrument, I’ll shoulder the weight,
Of feeling emotions in a deeper shade.
I’ll be the one who puts them to song,
And liberate the heartache comin’ down.


Paula Cole, Comin' Down

8.0 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$10 /750 ml bottle
www.cartlidgeandbrowne.com

2005
BAROSSA BABY!!!!!
Australia

Will so drink again.

Father's Day pick - I knew it would be safe. I find Shiraz goes nicely with grilled anything and I know the Barossa Valley produces distinct, flavorful reds.

Chocolate and vanilla meet smokey plum. Strong finish. Earthy and smokey scent. Great alone and with grilled chicken with garlic, sweet onion, red pepper, and creamy parmesean risotto.

So I hid my soiled hands behind my back
Somewhere along the line I must've gone off track with you
. . .Well, excuse me, guess I've mistaken you for somebody else,
Somebody who gave a damn,
Somebody more like myself. . .
These foolish games are tearing me apart,
And your thoughtless words are breaking my heart.
You're breaking my heart.

JEWEL / FOOLISH GAMES !
8.25 out of 10
14.0% alc. by vol.
$12/750 ml. bottle
www.thornclarkewines.com

2005
Old Vine Zinfandel
California

Would drink again . . . if I had to (just kidding). Worth the price.

Very fruit forward with blackberry and cherry too and then a little bitter olive. Has a medium finish that turns a little bittery. The Guy liked it quite a bit. I liked it better on its own than with turkey meatballs and spaghetti with roasted garlic tomato sauce.

Thoughts damage,
memories fade and
the deep bones within feel

Eyes brim,
heart aches and
just won't heal

Stomach churns,
as words break
that were never real

7.25 out of 10
$9 / 750 ml bottle
14.5% alc. by vol.
twistedwine.com

2006?
Nebilo Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, New Zealand
$10?/750 ml bottle(or more)
7.50 out of 10

2006
Kendall Jackson Chardonnay
California
$15 / 750 bottle
8.0 out of 10

Yes, yes, yes I know that I have a pic here of Clos Du Bois 2006 Chardonnay with my Kendall Jackson and Nebilo reviews. I am not crazy . . .yet.

Friday night I went out with a couple of co-workers to catch "Sex and The City" (it ended up being a pretty good movie but at first I wondered what the heck was wrong with the actors - it was like they needed the first 45 minutes to warm up into acting again - they were over-acting initially and I was disappointed. Then it got interesting during the second half -not to mention racey). Anyway, we went to a local pub/restaurant first and I decided to order the Nebilo Sauvignon Blanc as I've not had it before. It's scent was extremely peach-y which I loved though I worried slightly it might be sweet. It wasn't sweet, it's taste however, was very much peachy-citrusy but a little weak in the finish. However, it really accompanied my Shrimp Casino very well. "Welp", my arm got "twisted" and I was treated to another glass of wine and I opted out of the Nebilo and went with what I knew would be better in consistency - Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. I usually order this when I go out for lunch though I'm not sure I've reviewed it here. It's consistently good and I can pretty much count on it being enjoyable with shrimp or chicken or salmon salad. It tasted awesome following the Nebilo. It had vanilla and oak and buttery notes with a hint of mineralness - which I don't pick up on normally in the KJ. Following the Nebilo and shrimp it tasted so much more awesome.

Well, here I am on a Sunday drinking an old standby that I've reviewed before, Clos Du Bois 2006 Chardonnay (purchased in New Hampshire yesterday, TAX-FREE!!!) - wonderful. This will be my summer staple this year - like the KJ, it's got vanilla and butter and an awesome hint of mineralness - all that I long for in my Chardonnays.

The wild and windy night
That the rain washed away
Has left a pool of tears
Crying for the day
Why leave me standing here
Let me know the way

Many times I've been alone
And many times I've cried
Any way you'll never know
The many ways I've tried

But still they lead me back
To the long, winding road
You left me standing here
A long long time ago
Don't leave me waiting here
Lead me to your door

The Beatles, The Long and Winding Road

AUSTRALIA