Taste the Yummy Madness - Allegrini La Poja 2001

A interesting challenge arose the other day as a friend and I shared a spectacular bottle of wine. Fully take by my glass of Allegrini La Poja 2001 I may have unwittingly bought another bottle which I may never have the pleasure opening. Then again, if luck does prove to be on my side, I will once again enjoy the big, full-bodied Italian wine, characterized by velvety tannins and a long, dreamy finish, that is Allegrini La Poja 2001. Oh, the situations one can find themselves in when you allow your senses to become seduced by a great bottle of wine.

As is the case when great wine gives birth to good conversation, my friend and I meandered through the hot topics of the day. Always intrigued by a fun bet, a interesting challenge arose when our conversation jumped between politics and the madness of March. While we debated the out come of the US attorney firings and wondered if Alberto Gonzales would be able out last the storm, it became clear we disagreed on the proper outcome. Rather than allowing that topic bog down our conversation and diminish the enjoyment created by the Allegrini La Poja, we shifted the topic to discuss our upset picks for this years NCAA tournament. Again finding disagreement, instead of getting angry (as can sometimes by the result of passionate debate over sport or politics) we saw an opportunity for a unique bet.

As it stands, the bet is who from Texas will lose first in March. Will Gonzales lose his job as attorney general first or will the Texas basketball team lose in the NCAA tournament. On the line is a bottle of Allegrini La Poja 2001. After Texas underwhelming performance yesterday, I must admit, I questioned my chances of partaking in the spoils of victory. However, as it stands the bet is still alive but for how long...

Antinori Solaia 2003 95 points - Now That's a Reality

"How do you explain these kneepads?" That was the question posed by my girlfriend.
Knowing the truth is never as fun as reality, I tried to ignore the question before me. Perhaps now, I should explain myself. (If only to clear my conscious.)

The reality in which I choose to live, I am a writer. Also in that reality, I know something about wine. But you already know that since part of your reality is spending time reading my work. In truth however, this blog may just be the bullshit ramblings of a delusional man. In my opinion though, that doesn't sound as fun. Especially since I'd have to admit I'm the delusional one. So I of course, I choose my reality over truth. Besides, referring to oneself as a writer sure sounds good to the ladies. And trust me, they like it even more when I surprise them with a fine wine selection.

And yet, no matter what I choose for my reality I come in contact with other people's realities. In this case, the reality that my girlfriend is holding a pair of scuffed-up kneepads wondering what I possibly use them for. The reality in which I sometimes do hard labor to pay the bills might shatter my ladies belief that I'm a writer. (Life can get interesting when differing realities collide) Rather then allowing my girlfriend to suffer the mind blowing effects that occur when someone is suddenly awaken to a new reality, I decide it would be best if I help ease her into the truth among the reality.

For those that have tried this feat, you know, helping someone into a new reality can be perilous. For those that have not yet tried to introduce someone into a new reality, know this... Choose your tools wisely. I happened to have a bottle of Antinori Solaia 2003 to help us on her journey.

Antinori Solaia 2003 is the perfect tool for a guided reality transition. The wine's elegant blend of tannins support a the sensation of sweetness and weight. In addition the lack of harshness that is sometimes associated with big red Italian wines make Solaia a very approachable beverage during such a delicate situation. But perhaps the biggest advantage of the Solaia is the balance the wine shows, with distinctive sweetness from riper grapes. Finally the long impressive finish of the wine, with hints of liquorice and coffee, truly mellow reality.

After some talking and that exceptional bottle of wine we were again able to mesh our realities. I'd like to think I thoroughly explained the reason behind the kneepads. At least that is how I remember that conversation in my reality. However in truth, the smart money is on the reality of rambling bullshit.