Leaving them behind......

I've never been much of a New Year's Resolutions girl, but I am a reflections girl. I reflect upon my life and experiences all year, but at the end of each year I become quite introspective. I realistically set goals for myself throughout the year and don't feel it is justifiably necessary to do so at the end of each calendar year just because society dictates it be done.

What I started to do about four years ago, and have continued to do, has done wonders for my mental health and heart. At the end of each year, I decide to "leave" people in that year and not bring them with me to the next year and subsequent future years of my life.

What is she talking about, you ask?

Well, there have been toxic people in my life and in order to rid myself of that toxin, I do not bring them with me into the next phase/year of my life. Most of these individuals have already been kicked out of my life prior to the end of the year, but at the end of the year I ceremoniously and permanently leave them in the current year when the clock strikes midnight. They are out of my life, out of my heart, out of my mind and never to be given a second thought.

Does this really work, you ask?

Well, it has for the last four years so I can't imagine it would stop working now.  These individuals are not worthy of my time, my energy or my feelings. They have hurt me deeply beyond repair or they simply add unnecessary burdens and negativity to my life.  They most likely have been given chance after chance all year long and while I may forgive them (for they know not what they do - oh, but some of them definitely do), I simply do not have the desire to reward them by wasting time in my world.  Some years there is only one person left in the current year. Some years there are numerous individuals. There are no requirements on numbers.  In order to continue to keep myself healthy (physically, mentally and spiritually), this is something that I absolutely must do.

Ironically enough, as soon as that clock strikes 12, I don't even give these people (or their past actions) a second thought. It's quite rewarding and I feel such a relief being lifted off of me.

With only 19 days left in 2014, thoughts and meditations on those who will not be coming with me in 2015 are definitely on the horizon. It isn't something I am bitter or angry about. In fact, it's just the opposite. It's rather cleansing and rejuvenating.

 

 

“Not everything is supposed to become something beautiful and long-lasting. Sometimes people come into your life to show you what is right and what is wrong, to show you who you can be, to teach you to love yourself, to make you feel better for a little while, or to just be someone to walk with at night and spill your life to. Not everyone is going to stay forever, and we still have to keep on going and thank them for what they’ve given us.”
— Emery Allen

Is there one "right" person for everyone?

Is there one "right" person for everyone?

I grew up as a little girl thinking that there was, but as time has passed, and I have lived what is probably half of my life, I often wonder.

I come from a long line of love. Both sets of grandparents would still be married if one of the pair had not passed away. My parents have been married for over 40 years. Happily married, that is. They still hold hands and still gaze into each other's eyes. They are still very much in love with each other, if not more so since they met and married. That is the kind of love that I grew up expecting and wanting. I'm still wanting, but no longer expecting.

I waited until I was 30 years old to get married. Most of my friends were already married; some to their high school sweethearts. I waited and didn't jump the gun.  Thinking that I was 30 and had all kinds of life experiences behind me, I knew that this was the right thing to do and that he was the '"right" one for me. (I won't bore you with the reasons but believe me they were all 100% valid and put through a rigorous analyzation process.) I always say that I don't regret getting married but I would have regretted STAYING married.

By the time I was 35, I was divorced and proclaimed that 35 was the new 21. Did I really feel that way? Not exactly. But I had to do what I could to make myself believe it and move on. My marriage wasn't perfect and although he decided he wanted a girlfriend along with a wife and that was a deal breaker, the marriage had other problems too. It wasn't easy. It was damn hard and I was heartbroken. No one gets divorced in my family. I felt ashamed and as if I had let my parents and my grandmother down. But I knew staying married to someone I couldn't trust or believe in anymore, just wasn't an option.

Now, almost seven years after my divorce, I am better and stronger than ever but it took a very long time for me to get to this point. I give a lot of credit to one specific person that came into my life, by the grace of God, not long after my separation. I would never have imagined being with this man (or any man at that stage of my life) and perhaps that was the greatest gift of all. He and I were complete opposites and we fell completely in love. I trusted him more than anyone, including my husband and my marriage, which says a lot in itself.

It was then that I realized that perhaps there wasn't one "right" person for everyone. But perhaps there was one right person for different stages in our lives. I believe that people come in and out of your life for a reason. We may not understand that at the time but eventually the truth will reveal itself. After my separation and impending divorce, that relationship I entered into lasted for about four years. When that relationship ended, it devastated me more than the ending of my marriage. In fact, there are still moments when I feel lost, alone and often just downright sad. They are just moments though; they don't last long or overcome me.  However, I felt no anger or regret at the relationship ending; just sadness because it didn't work. There was no one to blame. We will always love each other and share a special bond because of the good that we did for each other; how we made each other better - individually and as a couple.

I am eternally grateful for those four years and, most importantly, for the moment that he came into my life and literally saved me. Being with him allowed me to be "me" again - the strong, independent, fun-loving person I was before I got married. When I got married, I changed. I lost "me" and became "us". I have learned there needs to be a fine balance between those two.  You can still be yourself and be part of "us". But if you're not happy being you, you surely can't be happy being "us". I'm not jaded anymore about marriage like I was when I first got divorced although I may act like it because it's just so easy to do and quite entertaining for most people.

I still very much believe in true love and the sanctity of marriage. I also believe that there isn't just one person for each of us. There IS one person for each stage in our life, though. The stages may last a short time or they may last for months or even years. But when we have overcome whatever we need to overcome and that person has served its purpose in our life, it is time for them to leave, or in some instances, for us to let them go.  We are now strong enough, have learned and no longer need them. They may still be a part of our life but in a different capacity...... or they may not be a part of our life at all any longer. That doesn't mean that our love didn't exist. That doesn't mean that these relationships aren't real and powerful because they are and some are stronger than we could ever possibly imagine or anticipate. Some are unexpected even. But we will live and learn from each one of them. It will hurt when it ends, no matter what the form, but eventually we will realize the purpose it served and be better as a result.

I have experienced this many times since my divorce; not just with the immediate four-year relationship. I had a relationship which came out of nowhere, was extremely powerful and ended after eight months. However, in those eight months, I felt a love and connection like I never had before. He was there for me when no one else was in ways that no one else was. Was I sad that it ended? Of course, because I'm always hopeful that a new relationship will work out. But I was the one who ended the relationship and while it was difficult, I know it was the right thing for me to do. Hence, I am strong enough to be alone and on my own now. I couldn't say that for the majority of my life. It doesn't mean I don't have days that I spend in a deep, downward spiral but I believe in myself and I know that everything happens for a reason. I know that I am strong enough to defend myself, protect myself, not settle for anyone and yet still leave myself open for love. I depend on no one but myself and my God.

It is so important to live each day as it is given to us because we never know when it will be the last - ours or those who are in our lives. I believe in living with no regrets. That doesn't mean that I am nonchalant, hurt feelings or constantly throw caution to the wind without considering the repercussions, but it means that I do my best to embrace each day..... each moment... and each individual..... who comes into my life.

Is there one "right" person for everyone? I think that in a different time, in a different era, that could be true, but unfortunately I didn't grow up in that time. I think society has changed a lot of us and experiences have jaded us. I don't believe there is one "right" person for everyone but I do believe in "real" love. I think that if you believe in yourself and believe that anything is possible, then you will find "real" love.

In fact, you may even find it more than once, if you're lucky.
I consider myself very lucky.

“When you love to the point where you don't even have to utter the words "I love you".

When it is felt with the eyes, heard through their smile and seen whenever their touch graces your body.

That love is real.” 

 -Darion Bentley

A simple Cab comparison

When it comes to wine, I am typically a California girl.

When in doubt, I can't go wrong with a California wine, specifically a Napa Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. 

 I have my other preferences of course, Oregon Pinots and Washington Merlots but other than those, I usually am pretty darn satisfied with California.

Lately, I have been trying to "branch out" and learn more about French and Italian wines.

I have found quite a few that I enjoy and quite a few that I do not, but it's all a learning process.

While participating in a "me" day one Friday, I decided to take a huge chance and try a Cab that was not from California.

GASP!!

Some would think I had lost my mind or even hit my head on something forcing me to make this decision.

It is so unlike me to stray from California for a Cab.

Why did I do this, you ask? 

For a few reasons.

1.  I was feeling adventurous.

2.  I have never had a French Cab - how bad could it be?

3.  I was at Maggiano's in the middle of a work day - it warranted something exciting!

4. The wine list is not extensive and rather pricey. The French Cab was one of four wines at $38 a bottle; the cheapest price on the wine list.

5. I cheated a little and researched the $38 bottles before going to the restaurant.

6. This French Cab seemed interesting based on its description.

2012

Cadet d'Oc

Cabernet Sauvignon

First of all, it was so nice for Maggiano's to bring me a monogrammed glass to drink my wine.

How thoughtful!

This French Cab was deep in color and smelled of a jammy, spiced vanilla with a hint of pepper on the end. So far so good! In fact, I was pretty darn happy!

The taste instantly confused my tastebuds because they were, naturally, expecting a big hearty California Cab and instead this was much lighter. However it was quite delicious!

I would definitely refer to this wine as a "food wine".

It is lovely without food but it shines with food.

It was a nice compliment to the bruschetta appetizer of baked garlic toast topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar and roasted garlic. It was even better with the baked ziti entrée with Italian sausage, pomodoro sauce and Italian cheeses. I hadn't been to Maggiano's in many years and what a delight to enjoy their food once again!



Normally, I wouldn't get dessert but it was included in the lunch special so how could I hurt its feelings and turn it away?

Introducing.........

 Chocolate Zuccotto cake layered with Sambuca mousse!!

The cake was so incredibly rich but the mousse was heavenly. The cake made the French cab taste similar to a port and was an absolute melt-in-your-mouth explosion of happiness.

Pretty proud of myself, with a full belly and happy taste buds, I left Maggianos with leftovers (food; not wine that is) and a skip in my step!

 Later that same afternoon, I stopped at my happy place for the weekly tasting which happened to be J. Lohr wines (which I tend to really enjoy!) from California, of course!

Deciding upon a Cab to share at my happy place, I was presented with three options depending on my tastes that afternoon.

Since I started off with a French Cab, why not stay the adventurous course, and go with another

 non-California Cab!

2010

Penley Estate

Tolmer

Cabernet Sauvignon

Coonawarra, Australia





Evidently, Coonawarra is the area of Australia that is known for their Cabs so I suppose I chose the correct one for comparison purposes.

This Aussie Cab smells dirty but fruity with a hint of pepper.

On second whiff, it reminded me of a blackberry rolled in dirt.

Its taste was flowery and tangy but had very soft tannins, hence no lingering aftertaste.

Quite enjoyable.

California Cab

vs

French Cab

vs

Australian Cab

First of all, I must say, there really is no reason to compete.

Each of these areas can obviously produce lovely cabs.

It's really personal preference as far as who "wins" this comparison.

While I enjoyed the French Cab over the Australian Cab, both were delightful.

However, again, wine is different when paired with food and that does truly make a difference.

Bottom line is, while I enjoyed the wines and also am proud of myself for taking a chance on two out-of-my-comfort-zone wines on the same day, I still would take a big, heavy, tannic, California Cab any day of the week!

There are days when solitude is a heady wine that intoxicates you with freedom, others when it is a bitter tonic, and still others when it is a poison that makes you beat your head against the wall.”

― Colette, Oeuvres complètes en seize volumes

A Christmas present to myself

I have been contemplating buying a Coravin system for a while but wanted to see it for myself first. It's quite expensive and I wanted to make sure I could operate it and also that it would function the way it says it does. About a month ago, I was able to see it in action and after having all of my "fears" resolved I decided to bite the bullet.

 

When I upgraded my wine membership, I began acquiring more expensive and higher quality wines. I receive them quarterly but then I also am being introduced to more in general.  That doesn't mean I don't still drink inexpensive, good quality every day wines but I am creating quite an eclectic collection.

 

I also am not one to drink an entire bottle of wine by myself at home on any given evening.

 I often would like to enjoy a glass or two with dinner every so often at home but have the problem of it only "lasting" another day, maybe two, before it loses its original flavor. I have a preserver but have found that it only works but so well and I'm not completely satisfied with it.

As a result, I end up acquiring wine but not enjoying the wine. Something had to change!

 

Hello, Mr. Coravin!

 

 

The Coravin system basically allows me to have a glass of wine without removing the cork. Removing the cork is what allows oxygen to get into the bottle of wine and hence allows it to "go bad," for lack of a better term, quicker than you want - meaning a day or two. I can usually get another day out of a bottle of white and close to two days from a red. However, contrary to popular belief, I don't always want to drink wine every night.

 

The Coravin is genius.

 I can have a glass of wine and then put it back on the shelf and nothing changes!! Argon gas, which doesn't affect the flavor of the wine, pressurizes the bottle and then a small needle pierces the cork to allow the wine to flow through. The needle is then removed from the cork, the cork reseals and then the wine is protected from oxidation!

 

Is it right for every individual? Of course not. Is it right for me? I sure do think so!

Once I realized that it not only allows me to enjoy a glass of wine at home without wasting the rest of the wine in the bottle but also that it is an investment, I was convinced.

 

I say that the Coravin is an investment because it is not inexpensive. However, I played my cards right and found it with free shipping, four additional argon capsules (along with the two that already came with the system) and a $50 gift card from Wine Enthusiast. Knowing that at the least I spend $250 a quarter on high-end wines, and I'm not going to pop open a $100 bottle of wine and chug it while watching "The Big Bang Theory," the pros outweighed the cons.

 

Every year I purchase a Christmas gift for myself and this year it's the Coravin. I received it in the mail last week and tried it for the first time on a wine that I purchased in 2012 during my birthday Chef's Table wine and food pairing at my happy place. 

 

I had been saving this wine for a special occasion but what that special occasion was, I don't know.

So what better wine and what better time to have a glass!

 

2010

Negre

Scala Dei Winery

Priorat, Spain

 

 

Scala Dei is Latin for "Ladder of God".

This wine is 100% Garnacha and produced in one of Spain's smallest and most recognized regions. The terroir surrounding the winery is extremely steep and covered in black slate. Very low yields, sometimes only two pounds of fruit per wine, produce highly concentrated grapes.

As a result, Priorat wines are often ones of superb quality and rather costly. 

 

Using the Coravin was so easy which further confirmed that purchasing it was the right decision.  After drinking a glass, I remembered that this wine was full of ripe, red fruit and rather "big".

I know now that I will open the bottle when I'm ready to make a big beef stew with red peppers and spices! Perhaps I'll even share that meal with someone who enjoys food as much I enjoy food!

 

Merry Christmas to me!

Definitely the right decision

In March of this year, I attended my first IYI members only event at my happy place and was impressed. This month, I attended my last IYI members only event of 2014 and it was even better than the first one. I think it's safe to say, upgrading my membership was a wise choice.

 

I took my dad to the first IYI event as my guest and it was only appropriate to take him to the last IYI event of the year.

 

2013

Y3 Sauvignon Blanc

Jax Vineyards

Napa Valley

 

 

 I should have known from the first wine we tasted that this was going to be a phenomenal line-up. 

 I am not a fan of Sav Blancs because they smell and taste like grapefruit and I despise grapefruit. However, this one didn't smell or taste like grapefruit at all! It had a citrus smell and a clean, mineral taste but absolutely no in-your-face grapefruit.

On that fact alone, I was tempted to purchase this wine.

 

2011

Maldonado Family Vineyards

Los Olivos Chardonnay

Calistoga

 

I absolutely love a beautiful, Napa Chardonnay with depth and elegance. This Chardonnay blew me away. It has a perfectly balanced smell reminiscent of hay dotted by tiny white flowers.  Its color is of honey and its smooth taste was delightful with baking spices and an incredibly long finish. I long to pair this wine with shrimp and scallop seafood pasta with a creamy cheese sauce.

This is a Chardonnay of which I would never tire.

 

 

2011

Attune

Pinot Noir

Carneros

 

I was not looking forward to tasting this wine because it is a Pinot Noir from California.

At this point in the blog, you all know how I feel about non-Oregon Pinot Noir. (If you don't know what I'm talking about then you need to take a boring, rainy day and start reading the January posts and work your way through the 2014 year.)

 

It is truly amazing how this wine tastes nothing like a Pinot Noir to me. It doesn't taste like the earthy, dirty Pinot Noirs from Oregon. It doesn't taste like the light cherry cough medicine from California.

It is smooth and bigger than a Pinot Noir. It smells of a salad with rotten radishes and strawberries with pepper on the finish. I didn't necessarily like it but it was definitely intriguing.

2012

Sangiovese

Venge Vineyards

Oakville

 

Sangiovese? Really? Arthur has outdone himself with this IYI event. I love it!



 

My least favorite wine of the night, this Sangiovese has somewhat of a chalky smell, a big but peppermint flavor and a tangy finish. I can imagine this having promise with food though.

 

 

 

2010

O.P.C.

Buoncristiani Family Winery

Napa

 

"Our motto is quality not quantity and we craft our wines without compromise.

Handcrafting these limited production wines ourselves allows for the utmost attention to detail of every drop of every gallon in each barrel."

 

And it shows....

 

O.P.C. stands for "Ol' Pa's Cuvee" and is the four Buoncristiani brothers' red blend of Cab Sav, Syrah, Malbec and Merlot sourced from some of Napa's most prestigious vineyards.

It is a tribute to the winemaking fathers who came before them and a way to honor the family tradition of handcrafting blends that help accentuate the enjoyment of life.

We couldn't have shared a more perfect wine for my last IYI date with dad!

 

 

 

What a breathtakingly beautiful wine that is just going to get better with decanting. I took a deep breath with this wine and became intoxicated by the smell alone. I didn't rush to taste this wine because the aroma was so incredible.  I was proud when Dad smelled it and immediately said with an approving smile on his face, "This smells dirty!"

 

2012

"Silencieux"

Cabernet Sauvignon

Venge Vineyards

Napa

 

"The Silent One" is sourced from six different vineyards, and spent time in concrete, stainless steel and oak barrels. It has aromas of chocolate flowers and a plummy flavor.  The last sip that I took of this wine took me to a pier overlooking the ocean on a summer day at the Outer Banks. 

Doesn't get much better....

 

 

 

2011

Experiment No. G8.1

Ovid Vineyards

St. Helena



 

Primarily, Cab Sav, this seductive wine is also blended with Cab Franc, Merlot and 100th of a percent of Petit Verdot. The deep, sensational aromas of mulberry and cassis give way to elegant flavors of plum, blackberry and pomegranate. 

 

The winemaker has always been intrigued by alternative closures for wine. For this wine, he decided to try out the glass stopper. Not knowing how customers would feel about easily being able to remove the stopper and not have the ceremonial cork pulling, he took a chance. Not knowing how the stopper would seal the wine and in fact what will happen in 5 to 10 years with a bottle of this wine is taking even more of a chance. This wine truly is "an experiment".

 

 

It was difficult to choose which wines I wanted to purchase from this event. I then realized, you only live once and I most likely won't have an opportunity to purchase these wines especially at these prices again. As a result, the Silencieux, the OPC and the Chardonnay came home with me. There is no doubt they will be savored and enjoyed for an upcoming special occasion.

 

 

 

 

 

Almost a year has gone by and after much contemplation, it didn't take long for me to know I made the right decision by becoming an IYI member. 

I also had no doubt that taking Dad as my date to this event was also the right decision!

 

 

 

 "Wine has been a part of civilized life for some seven thousand years. It is the only beverage that feeds the body, soul and spirit of man and at the same time stimulates the mind."

 ~ Robert Mondavi

 

 

 

Drink what you like but drink wine!

 In the 1980s, the historic Spanish winemaking family, Codorniu Raventos, began to acquire and develop land for vineyards in the Carneros region of Napa Valley.

In 1997, they changed the name of their winery, which opened in 1991, from

Codornui Napa to Artesa.

Artesa is Catalan for "handcrafted". 

Artesa has been the leading producer of the well-known artisan varietal wines of  the Carneros and Napa area - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

On November 20, I was fortunate enough to not only try Artesa wines but to share them with two good friends and be one of the first to try these wines outside of the California tasting room!

 

 

 

While we were partaking of Chef Mike's delicious heavy appetizers and mingling, we were given our first wine to enjoy.

 

2012

Chardonnay

Carneros

 

100% in French oak

18 months vine to bottle

apple, pear, crème brulee

I enjoyed the smell of this Chardonnay much more than the taste.

 

 

 

2012

Estate Reserve Chardonnay

Carneros

 

 

 

This Chardonnay didn't smell as delicious as the first Chardonnay we tried and was definitely more mineral tasting.  It had a grassy smell with a tartness to the palette ending with a hint of cream.

It was fresh and clean and screamed for cheese!

 

Laurence, the regional director for Artesa, who was tag-teaming on the presentation this evening, said that this wine sees oak but uses it wisely; doesn't overdo it. I can appreciate that explanation but I prefer more of an oaky Chardonnay.

 

To be an "estate" wine means that the grapes are grown and the wine is made and bottled right there on the premises.

 

 

2012 Estate Reserve

Pinot Noir

Carneros

 

 

Pinot Noir is a very thin-skinned grape and considered a "girly grape".

 It also made me think of a helium balloon upon first whiff.

 

 

The flavor of this Pinot Noir is not as cherry as usual and actually had a hint of earth over the sweet cherry.  The aroma and aftertaste is better than the actual flavor. It was better than most Cali Pinots but still no comparison to Oregon.

 

At this point in the night is when my love for college basketball came out in full force.

How did that happen, you ask? Well, in Laurence's narrative he mentioned that he lives in Durham, NC and that Coach K is his neighbor. Most people there probably didn't know who Coach K was but I sure did because he is the basketball coach for my favorite college team, the Duke Blue Devils!

 

Laurence: "Coach K is... well....."

In that slight hesitation, although it was probably not absolutely appropriate, I exclaimed, "A God!"

Little did anyone know I had just received a new Duke shirt in the mail an hour before the event.

 

 

2010

Merlot

Carneros

 

 

 

This Merlot smells of wet dirt; dirt after a rainfall, with hints of blackberry and pencil shavings with vanilla on the finish. This Merlot smells nothing like a typical Merlot to me.

It tastes more cherry than the Pinot did too which was very odd!

 

 

 

This event was Anne's first time at my happy place and she gave me some blog-worthy quotes indeed, starting with this one which is quite appropriate:

"A Merlot when left to its own devices can be pretty phenomenal!"



2011

Tempranillo

Alexander Valley

 

When I first saw a Tempranillo (temp-rah-knee-oh) on the tasting table I was surprised.

However, once I realized the family was from Spain, it made perfect sense. 

Tempranillo is the red grape of Spain and while I've had plenty of them, they have always been made in Spain.

 

 

 

This Tempranillo is grown in Artesa's Ridgeline Vineyard (which was referred to as "up on the ridge") in the Alexander Valley which clings to Oak Mountain and overlooks the Russian River in Sonoma County.

Hence, I immediately referred to this wine as "Dierks Bentley Wine".

(He is a country music singer and has a song called Up on the Ridge. You don't know who Dierks is? Man, you're missing out.)

 

 On the nose is licorice wrapped in plastic and while I was optimistic it would taste different than a typical Tempranillo, it did not.

 Kudos to the winemaker though because he totally pulled this off!

I'm just not a fan. Everyone else at the event raved over it.  Good for them.

 

2011

Cabernet Franc

Alexander Valley

 

These grapes stay on the vine longer than usual because the winemaker wants the wine to have more sugar. It was upon this realization that my dear friend, Anne, remarked,

"What man DOESN'T want more sugar?" Yep. No doubt.

Artesa's Cab Franc has aromas of currant and flowers. Upon opening up, I immediately was reminded of my great aunt Lil's perfume with a cherry twist.  When I "get" these things, I don't analyze them, I just go with it. She was obviously there in the room at that moment and made me smile. In fact, this Cab Franc had, by far, the best aroma of the wines at this point in the tasting.

 

As with most Cab Francs, this wine was not overwhelming with green pepper taste which was a nice surprise. Must be the sugar. My lamb ragu would pair nicely with this wine. 

 



 

 

2010

Atlas Peak Estate Reserve

Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa

 

 

This wine has a beautifully jammy smell with a smooth, spicy flavor. On the immediate finish there is a huge vanilla smack in the face which is outstanding! Upon first taste, my reaction was wanting to wrap it in phyllo dough and devour it. Yep, it's that delicious.

 

 



Artesa prides itself on creating balanced wines because they believe balanced wines create longevity.  If this tasting was any indication, Artesa will be in the California wine world for a very long time. 

 

It was great to see my buddy, Laurence, again. In the five years that I have been frequenting my happy place and attending events such as these, Laurence set the bar for presenters. Not only does he have incredible knowledge of the Artesa wines but it is obvious he enjoys his job and his fun-loving personality is contagious.

 

 

 

The Evil Red Genius and I were happy to bring our newbie Winestyles friend, Anne, with us to the event! I think it's safe to say she'll be coming back!

We decided to purchase a bottle of the evening's Cab Franc to share....

I always say you like what you like and you don't have to explain it. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to what you smell or taste in a wine or the type of wine that you like.
At this event, Laurence summed it up even better when he said,

"Drink what you like..... but drink wine!"



"The best kind of wine is that which is most pleasant to him who drinks it."

~ Pliny the Elder, Natural History

From wine what sudden friendship springs....

 

You have to be pretty special to accompany me to my "happy place."  Very few people have been fortunate enough to be my guest. However, if you ARE fortunate enough, I not only think you will enjoy and appreciate it, but you also need to realize you are representing me and if you act up, you'll never be asked to join me again. (Try me, it's happened.)

 

I say all the time that there are people at my happy place who I would never have come into contact with if it wasn't for our common love of wine. I also say that wine is one thing that has allowed me to connect with some of my co-workers as well.  If it wasn't for work, the Evil Red Genius and I would have never met and look how wonderful that friendship has become! It truly is interesting to see the paths that life takes us down. It is definitely interesting to see the friends I have made as a result of this libation that comes in a (usually) beautiful bottle.

 

One Friday evening, my friend from work, "my numbers guy" joined my parents, myself and the Evil Red Genius for the weekend tasting and dinner. It was his first time there and while I knew he'd enjoy himself, as he is quite the wine connoisseur, I had no idea that after conversing throughout the night, our families would be connected!

 

 

 

 

Who would have ever guessed that I worked with his late Uncle Anthony in 1996 in my first "real" job and adored that sweet man!

Who would have guessed that his Aunt knew my grandfather and his brothers!

What a small but fascinating world!

 

 Our first wine of the night was the

2012

Ramey Claret

Napa Valley

 

 

With aromas of hay and barnyard, this wine got even funkier as it decanted. As it opened up, the California fruit came out but with a dirty aspect. What an intriguing bottle of wine! I only wish we had decanted it longer. This truly would be worth experimenting with again. 

 

With the lasagna, it still tasted fruity but also brought out a tangy aspect.

 



Or maybe that was the urinal effect.....Don't tell me you don't see it..

 

 

Question: How many glasses do you get out of one bottle of wine?

Answer: Not enough

 

 

When I asked my Dad what he smelled after the Ramey had decanted, he showed me his glass and replied, "Empty".

Guess he liked it....

Our second bottle of wine of the night was:

 

2011

Buena Vista

The Count

Sonoma, CA

 

 

This selection didn't come easy. I usually know what I want or at least an idea of what I have a taste for but this evening I was completely indecisive. Arthur brought out 3 bottles of wine for us to choose from and we chose this one through a process of elimination. We also chose it for the interesting story behind it. I love a wine with a good story!

 

 

 

"Buena Vista winery's colorful founder Agoston Haraszthy, The Count of Buena Vista, pioneered premium winemaking in California. A tireless and passionate devotee of California wine, The Count imported hundreds of premium vines from Europe, dug Sonoma's first wine caves, introduced innovative viticulture techniques and wrote the first treatise on California wine. Buena Vista Winery honors his legacy, bold vision, and commitment to excellence through this red wine - the Founder's Red Wine."

Arthur then told us that there used to be someone from this winery (and maybe there still is) who dresses in costume like the Count and promotes this wine. Intriguing, yes?          

 

  What do you smell, I asked?  

 

 jammy, flowers, a funeral home

 

What do you taste, I asked?

 

Toasted marshmallow, dark cherry, smooth but tangy

 

What do you hear, Dad asked....

Oh Dad....

It's always a party when Dad's around!

 

 

I can't introduce someone to my happy place for the first time and not share chocolate!

What kind of guest would I be?

 

 Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the wines of the night. Two very different reds which none of us had tried before and while it's always good to try something new, I'll keep trying.

 

If I had to chose the best of the two, I'd have to chose the Ramey. It was fascinating to see how it changed once it was decanted and then how it continued to evolve. I'd definitely buy that again just as an experiment if nothing else.

 

 

"There must be always wine and fellowship or we are truly lost."

- Ann Fairbairn
 

We're always up for a little creativity at my happy place.

It's never planned; it just happens.

 

 

This piece of art was designed by my mother.

Yes, my mother. My mother,  the one who 1) doesn't drink and 2) worked at an elementary school for almost 30 years. Explains a lot, yes? I added the wine bottle. I mean come on, he was thirsty!

 

 My kind of creativity is often done with a camera. For some reason I thought this was pretty alluring. Good to the last drop, perhaps?

 

 

 

Richard and I knew we had a fabulous friendship but we chalked it up to our love of wine (even though he favors Rieslings) and our loving, generous personalities (cough, gag) and of course our disdain for online dating (Match, Schmatch)!

All along, our families were connected and we never knew it until we broke bread and drank wine at my happy place! There was no doubt that my grandfather, Carlton, and his Uncle Anthony were looking down on us and smiling.

  

"From wine what sudden friendship springs!"

~ John Gay 1685 – 1732