Doesn't Feel Like a Champagne Day

Although it should be an exciting champagne moment the images struck me differently,...Shades of 9/11.

Souless Sinner and Chief

In the wake of all the death and destruction left behind by "W", I'd hate to see what things would have looked like had he sold his soul. That is assuming he has one.

Shoes Are Not Enough - Give Bush the Boot

As I watched the infamous shoe incident once again, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. Pausing to pour a glass of wine I was suddenly struck by the symbolism of the moment. Perhaps it was the rich bright crimson ruby of the wine that brought the tragedy of the moment into focus. Or maybe the complex layered nose of ripe black cherry, overlaid with dark chocolate and violets that sparked my thinking. But it could have been simply the wine's label that made the shoes incident so clear. Trevor Jones Boots Grenache.

Unlike other commentators that contrast this shoe throw spectacle with toppling of the Saddam statue. For me, this moment awakens memories of the traveling boots memorial that visually brings to life the lives lost in this needless war.

It is bad enough to see all the boots let behind by the brave soldiers who lost their life because the Bush administration lied us into war. But an equally shocking part of the display is the piles of shoes that represent the now millions of Iraq's that have died since the invasion.

For now W was able to avoid a pair of shoes but I pray the souls of the many lives he has effected will continue to haunt him.

Happy Repeal Day

Thankfully no more prohibition. Need I say more.

Say it Ain't so - No More MOJO

A guess I should have seen it coming. Had I spend more time with my favorite channel on the web rather than watching it on my HD TV I would have know this day was coming. But since I was unaware of the looming doom, I was surprised to discover that today the MOJO channel was been cancelled.

For me MOJO had become a mind numbing desert, enjoyed after dinner with a nice glass of wine. With the stress of the work day now behind me, I would relax with TV pals like Zane Lamprey. Together we'd learn how best to catch a buzz all over the world. As I wine greek, I have been looking forward making a new friend in Billy Merritt on UnCorked. But that is all on hold for now.

Instead I stare at a simple text message on a black screen. Wine in hand and sadness in my heart. I've lost my MOJO.
Let's have a drink.

Enjoy the Excess of Thrift

Naturally the news of a continuing recession forces one to start thinking. The safe bet is to close down and guard every penny, wait out the down turn so you're ready to enjoy life when the sun starts shinning again. But what is life if not enjoyed. So rather than taking pennies to the bank, why not just spend those dime more wisely.

Old curmudgeons like Andy Rooney have been doing that for years. Recently he shared his advice and for the most part his money saving ideas aren't half bad. The one thing I'd add is when dinning out, amp-up the enjoyment with a bottle of wine. Just be smart, bring the bottle, pay the corking fee. For the price you pay for a crappy bottle at a restaurant, you could buy the entire case on-line.

A Day to Celebrate with a Bottle of Cristal

Still a glow from last night's historic results, it felt like a morning toast was in order. Eyeing that special bottle for a special celebration, we wondered for a moment if we could open a bottle of Cristal to start the day. The answer was simple and resounding. Like the sweet buzz from the holy water we would soon be drinking, the delight of that answer would stay with us all day. That inspiring answer to our simple question will cure this nation and delay my celebratory hangover. So as the cork popped we yelled the answer...

YES WE CAN

Waiting for? - No Ready for Change

Tonight I plan to stay home. Just relax, drink some wine and watch the game... but tomorrow things will change. Tomorrow, I'm going to wake-up and make change happen. Tomorrow, like many other great Americans I will do my patriotic duty. Tomorrow I will vote,... vote for change. So What'sssss Uuuuup!!!

Did you vote yet?

What the F@#K ?

Am I drunk? I must be. Maybe I'm reading this map wrong, right? I started with only a glass of Broken Stone Pinotage 2003, but as I read this unbelievable article I guess I must have poured another glass, or two. Either way the bottle of Broken Stone Pinotage 2003 is gone and I can't believe what I'm reading.

If this article makes sense to anyone please let me know what it means. If like me this map surprises you, ask a friend what it means. Maybe they can help explain to us what is going on, because this isn't the America I grew-up in. Now days it sounds more like the South Africa of my youth... But I must be drunk, maybe another glass of Pinotage will help make sense of this.

Mad About Wine - Buy It

The housing market is in turmoil, the stock market is volatile and commodity market is sinking. And yet it seems the dollar, at least for now is holding strength. But it makes one wonder were one earth is it safe to invest. Is this the end... or the perfect time for a new beginning? I suggest people invest in jobs, that is the future of America.

For the wine lover here is a bold, full-flavored idea to drink-in:
"Online wine store has 8000 customers, 2000 wines online and can ship to 30 states. Online sales annually around $500,000 and growing. Everything is already in place to succeed."

Instead of always seeking wine on the web, why not start selling it? A heady idea for some, but these are heady time, and if all goes well in November, investing in change now will be something you can believe in.

Help Joe - Vote, then Enjoy More Wine

Gather some friends, grab a bottle of wine and give five minutes of your attention to understand what is going on...

There is no perfect candidate, or perfect party. It isn't a choice of the lesser of two evil but it a choice about the better of two options. Obama is not an anti-American muslim terrorist and McCain isn't for the average Joe. These are simple facts.

So take the time to get educated and then vote. Voting is our right and voting is the basis of our Democracy. Make sure you Vote.

Both candidates understand the importance of voting. One wants all eligible voters to vote, the other fears it. One has worked with and for the average Joe, the other thinks $250,000 is average. It only takes 5 minutes to watch... but it tells you so much about the candidates motives.

No Vote No Freedom

Cheers to Joe - Your Night, Your Wine.

As the final debate of this Presidential season wore on I quickly realized these candidates were not talking to me they were talking to who they thought I am, Joe. A basic, easy to characterize, average American, a basic Joe. Well guess what fellas, and miss Hockey mom USA, we are tired of you talking down to us as basic Joe's.

We are not numb skulled Joe six-packs with little brains and even less depth. We are not just GI Joes that you can continue to sacrifice on the alter of "nation pride" without having to know who I am. We are not just Joes that own a road side dinner hoping you pull over for a cup of Joe and a slice of pie. And we are not just Joe who needs help with his small business, but it plumbing or something else.

We are Americans, so stop calling us Joe. The problems we face as a nation are not small, nor are they simple, so do not dumb down your answers so that any old "Joe" can understand them.

Any Joe would agree, given the state of the world, tonight's debate was the biggest waste of time. If you don't know by now where these candidates stand you are a simple Joe. But for all of us that do, it is time to end the talk and time for someone to start leading again because currently we are being "lead" by a guy dumber than Joe.

W is a jackass and compared to him any Joe will do.

BTY - I thought "my friends" would be the drinking game key word, who know it would be Joe.

A Bottle of Deutz Blanc de Blanc 2002 Waiting on the Shelf

I have a bottle of Deutz Blanc de Blanc 2002 just waiting on the shelf. I can hardly wait to hear that cork pop and the release of the wine's powerful nose. Aromas of grapefruit, dried flowers, white peaches and hints of toast fill my head as I envision the palate, crisp and lively. As my imagination drinks in the wine I'm reminded of peaches and fresh lemon peel. The beauty of this wine will only be matched by the happiness of the moment for which I have been holding on to this bottle. The moment that "W" is out of office will be the moment to celebrate.

In the eight long years that he has been occupying the White House our country has experienced a glaring lack of leadership. On his watch our nation was attacked, cities were destroyed, infrastructure has crumbled, debt has ballooned and the economy is in crisis. And the only constant throughout has been George W Bush is slow to react.

As the Market looses again, this time over 600 points, the President continues to remain silent. Fear is gripping the nation, NIE's regarding the wars are even scarier and all we are left with only faith that an election will change things. Unfortunately that new President can't start until next year which means our nation has nearly three months to survive without leadership. God help us.

Still, this is the United States of America and I still believe in "We the People..." Together we can make our country great again, but first we need to throw out the Corporatist regime that has torn down this nation for a quick buck. Once they go I'm ready to pop my bottle of Deutz Blanc de Blanc 2002 to celebrate.

Dominus - Enjoy the Freedom to Drink Lavishly

Any fan of California wine should take the time to enjoy Dominus Estate Red Wine 2004. At first blush the price might seem out of reach for most, especially given the current state of the economy. However, after the first sip you quickly realize life is to short. Having the freedom to enjoy this wine is one of many freedom we should not take for granted. I strongly urge everyone to enjoy the freedoms we have while we still have them. I fear that by the 28th of this month freedom in America will look very different.

In America We Do Not Believe in Torture

Visiting with friends last night I was confronted with the torturous offer of 2 Buck Chuck. (Why waste your money and your guest's time with such horrible wine, especially when better options at equally affordable prices are available.) This is America and we don't believe in torture,... or do we?

Truth is, as a nation we do not believe in torture. In fact we have clear laws forbidding the practice. Our nations anti-torture roots date back to orders issued by General George Washington (the nations 1st president) during the Revolution. But as we've discovered the truth is less clear under the current administration. Yet it doesn't need to be. Torture is torture and it is a horrible way to treat people, even those people that we know to be our enemy. So when people admit to torture or admit to planning how and when torture should be carried out, or worse plan on how they can get around torture laws; these people should be subject to the law and stand trail.

Rice has admitted holding torture meetings in the white house. CIA operatives have admitted they tortured prisoner, in fact they had the torture interrogations on tape. Even President Bush claims knowledge of torture meetings. In fact he states, "..No. I mean, as a matter of fact, I told the country we did that. And I also told them it was legal. We had legal opinions that enabled us to do it."

We shouldn't be surprised by all the crisis our country is currently facing. Our so called leaders have no regard for this nation and our laws. By allowing them to run wild for 8 long years we've facilitated this mess. It is time to correct our error. The laws of this constitutional democracy should be enforced and this torturous regime must be brought to justice.

Prosecco - All Day Drinking Wine

With October just around the corner its time to celebrate what we have, mourn what we have lost and start working towards bring back what this nation once stood for,... but alas unfortunately things will get worse before they get better.

If you haven't been reading what is going on you might not understand what it is I'm ranting about. I urge you to google "Army Homeland Tours" and read for yourself.

In my judgement after today we have one last day of freedom under the constitution, who knows what is coming next. So I suggest a bottle of Prosecco an excellent all day drinking wine. Enjoy tomorrow because the rules change in October.

House Wine is Fine but We All Need a Home

Coming home after a hard day and enjoying a glass of wine is one of my favorite simple pleasures. Any wine will do, I often enjoy Magnificent Wine Company House Red an excellent everyday wine that both excites the palette and sooths the soul, but it is the act of enjoying home that makes that end of the day glass so appealing.

For many Americans today however, this simple pleasure has become a true luxury. With prices rising, along with unemployment it is no wonder that foreclosures are also on the rise. It is no secret that the economy is in shambles. Even this idiot President has finally seemed to have caught on. And while the power brokers in Washington debate how to handle a bailout bill, average citizens are losing their homes. Worse still, those without out homes, trying to live with some dignity are being forced from their personal sanctuary.

We can't sit back anymore and watch as the rich get richer, the leaders bicker and the rest of us get screwed. We need to get back to doing what Americans have always done when times were tough. Roll up the sleeves and pitch-in with your neighbor. We don't need to give $700 billion in Wallstreet hand-outs, we just need to give those in need a hand-up...
All of US.

Perhaps McCain Needs to Relax with a Glass

Sounds to me that someone hasn't done his homework thinks he found an excuse to skip the Friday test. Granted, with all the uncertainty in the world I wouldn't want to debate an intelligent person like Obama either. Than again, I'm not running for President so I have the luxury to pick and choose what I do and don't want to do. But as a candidate for the highest position in the land, it is the duty of that person to speak to the people and debate their opponent. In times like these, before we vote, we need to know how these people act and think.

McCain, if you are nervous, I suggest a glass of Cloudline Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007. The soothing blue label and the wine's soft, round palate, with a delightful core of cherries and red fruits makes it an superb sipping wine. Perfect to calm the the soul in these troubling times.

Sit Down with a Glass of Wine and Read

Ignorance may be bliss but it is no longer acceptable. The election of the next US President has begun, some mail-in ballots have already been released. So please make sure you not only vote but make sure you are an informed voter.

With a glass of Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 I sat down and read Naomi Wolf's article from the Huffington Post: The Battle Plan II.

As my blood pressure began to rise from what I read the wines powerful aromas of ripe dark fruit, with notes of vanilla, cocoa and rose petal helped to settle my nerves. The richness and a finely-grained “cocoa” texture, of every sip allow me to think clearly as I continued to read. And as the reality of this scary vision sank in, it was Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 flavors of chocolate, dark berry fruits and the classic cabernet cassis that reminded me of the good that survives in this world.

We are the world that we create; so speak out, take the right of your vote seriously and help restore the grandness of a Free Nation.

Put Down That Glass of Wine and Pay Attention

Wake-up America. This "Bail Out" is not for you, it's for those that caused this problem.

No more time to joke about how mentally sophomoric the current president is.
No more time to laugh at how grossly unqualified the current GOP VP candidate is.
No more time to ignore the endless wars in which we are sacrificing our troops and our treasure.
No more time to just drink wine and hope for a better tomorrow.

It's time to get back to work making this nation great again, not sitting idly by watching as our current misleadership continues to scare us into taking money from our pockets to give to their friends.

A New Day - Enjoy With a Delicious Wine

Perhaps we will all look back one day to remember the day the country changed. Moving forward to rediscover the ideals of our past. When confronted by such a possibility their is no better way to anchor the moment in one's mind then enjoying with a delicious wine. Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is how I will remember a night in Denver 2008. A lingering taste that will stay with me for a lifetime will always remind me of the night hope returned to our great nation. Cheers.

Let's Be Clear on the Present Danger

Drunk on cheap (and yet tasty) wine, I was again applaud be the current state of our nations affairs. It is hard to believe and even harder to except that the greatest nation in the world is involved in torture. How has this happened?

Let's be clear about the real present danger. Terrorist are not the threat. Rather they serve as a warning from which a nation is tested, how we react is how we are judged. Driven by fear we have clearly created a present danger that threatens to destroy our country. Again and again, we allow chicken hawks to hide behind the flag while they shred the Constitution. Is their no one left in our government willing to stand-up to tyrannical power?

Where is a real Jack Ryan when you need him?
Perhaps I should just settle down, and like to rest of the country be content to look for him at the bottom of this bottle.

Buy American - Drink Silver Oak Wine

After a few days rest I thought the ringing in my head was finally dying down. But what I miss took for a cross between the lingering effects of explosions and a weekend long hangover wasn't at all what it seemed. It turns out my headache wasn't the residue of celebrating our nation's birthday; my headache was actually a thought that had been bothering me. In these troubling times of an economy lagging, inflation looming and our troops still caught in a pointless war it is important to stay focused on what we as Americans can do to help. Thus my nagging thought... BUY AMERICAN.

Sure, we all love the bounty of wines the world has to offer, but at least for now I suggest you buy American wine. At the very least just give them a try (even if only for the rest of this month). My guess is you'll be happy on the return of your investment.

The the value of the euro going through the roof, labor problems in South America and the cost of shipping only going higher, the price of imported wines continues to rise. Imports that were once seen as good value are now just mediocer and quality wines are now becoming price prohibitive. Why grab a decent Italian table wine when you can get a tasty Walla Walla wine for a better price. Sure theirs always a reason to buy a good import but as those prices climb their is a good argument to be made in investing in great American wine instead.

Take for example Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. A dark ruby with a purple to red edge, this wine displays bright aromas of dark chocolate, cherry, black tea, allspice and ginger. In the mouth this full-bodied California grown Cab is round, balanced and shows an extremely long finish accented by savory ripe fruit. With a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet you can't go wrong. Properly cellared, Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 can give drinking pleasure until 2026.

...By then the dollar will have recovered its value and while your wine will have become even more sought after. Come to think of it I'd better get a couple cases while I can. (On for the cellar and one to mellow this lingering "thought" in my head.)

Always Sunny with Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc

Stretched out on a picnic blanket, the aroma of fresh cut grass fills my nose. Looking out over a sun drenched lake, watching the seaplanes land, I try to imagine what it would be like landing a plane on water, especially on a hot day like today. Boats of every shape and size vying for space become a maze. The noise of the police boats intercom breaks me from my thoughts. Apparently some teens need to watch their wake. Another seaplane fires up its engine as they prepare to take-off. In an effort to quench my thirst I reach for my bag of wine.

In a public park the camouflage of a brown paper bag goes a long way. If you happen to stumble across me during one of these glorious days of summer don't be fooled by my non-assuming company. Even sheathed in paper the superior quality of Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc shines bright. Refreshing, crisp and fresh the wine displays an herbal palate with excellent fruit finish. Clean and complex, this New Zealand wine is the perfect pairing for a relaxing afternoon and the waters edge. Weather enjoyed under a clear sky or not life is always Sunny with Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc.

Lies, Lies sweet BIG Lies.

For this any wine will do. No reason to discuss it, just drink it. It takes a lot of wine to numb the pain inflicted by the big lie. Of course, long ago we knew we'd been lied to. But finally it comes at that it is true,... they lied about Iraq.

Now that the lies are public, (finally) the only question remaining is what will happen next. I have 52 good ideas of what should happen next... Then of course we all remember what happen the last time a President lied to the public.

To that thought, I enjoy another drink.

Travel with a Happy Camper

Attitude is everything. Solo time and open space help keep our attitude right. Even when the rest of the world seems to be trying to dampen the mood it is important to control our attitude. I find without the right attitude life seems much harder. Thus I checked out for a while to sharpen the "tude".

Travelling is my refuge, so recently I dropped everything and hit the road. Out among the world I was able to free myself from my stresses. That's where I was able to rediscover me inner peace and joy. To see me now you'd like say, "no there's a "Happy Camper".

Alone with my thoughts divine wisdom suddenly struck me as quickly as opening a bottle (A screw top that is)... "Approach life happily and you'll be a Happy Camper."

A simple thought, almost nonsense, but of course that's what a nay saying unhappy person would say. Life is beautiful. All one need do is look around to see that, you're bound to find something to find happiness in.

Try a bottle of Happy Camper wine for example. Worth the price and tasty. Beauty, simplicity in the bottle and a great way to adjust the "tude". One sip after work and I become another Happy Camper.

From Sour Grapes - Wonderous Wine

...Obama makes a speech that turned the sour grapes of the moment into a wonderous wine.

Easy Being Green - Benton Lane Pinot Gris

Glass in hand I watched the news headlines. "Obama's ex-pastor hates america... Barack Obama is half black and may be muslim... Bla Bla, bogie bogie!!... to sum it all up he is different. Which even has half looped as I was from my wine I realized. So I thought it interesting that on the day we celebrate the original hated immigrant, (Happy St. Patrick's Day) Barack Obama had to announce he would be giving a big speech on race in America tomorrow.

Throughly enjoying my wine now, I can't wait to hear what Obama will have to say. It's sad that what little steps we make in this country. It's even more sad that when we do make progress we forgot what brought us here and why it was important. Instead we settle for drinking beer. It's all clear to me as I enjoy one more sip of Benton Lane Pinot Gris... more people should enjoy wine.

Another Reason to Enjoy Wine - Water

In ancient times when societies couldn't trust their water supplies they relied on alcoholic to purify beverages. The low cost and less nuanced beverage, beer became the drink of the working class masses. Those with more elite tastes and the means to procure the fruits an artisans labor, wine was the beverage of choice. In fact, wine was so cherished that it transcended the status of a simple beverage, rising up to become a holy sacrament. Across cultures and throughout the ages, wine has held an important role in society.

As the world became more modernized, mankind's attachment to the mystical powers of wine has diminished. We no longer relied on it to purify our water, lowering back to the status of a beverage for elitists. Water, safe and pure is so abundant that it flows freely from the tap. Even more specialized waters can be bought that fulfill any need or desire. All the body needs in the brave new world is water. Thanks to human ingenuity reliable drink water is everywhere... or so we thought.

Not to be an alarmist, for the water you drink today will likely not kill you tomorrow. No, with such trace amounts of pharmaceuticals it will take time to built up to a danger point in the system. We likely won't need to lose sleep about polluted water, rather we can once again pass this dilemma on to the next generation.

However, for those that live their life on the safe side; now you have a good excuse to drink in the beauty of healthy living. Forget water, enjoy wine.

Menage A Trois - Makes For a Happy Valentine

There is something to be said for the right wine. Because the right wine at the right time makes the day so memorable. Many times have I experienced the magical effect that wine can have on a special moment. On this day it was Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red 2006 that will linger on my mental palate for years to come.

Life has kept me busy lately. I've been reading and I've been working but it feels like forever since I've been writing (Except the occasional letter). But one must remember that life is meant to be lived not just remembered. Better said, sometimes we need to remember to take time for love. Things we love to do,... Loves we like to be with,... to be apart of the world that is love. Even if it takes a label like Valentine's Day. Love is important.

Thus I write. Wisdom like this comes to you in a flash when you are experiencing the pleasure of Menage a Trois. A delightful blend based on three grape varietals. This rich, red, ripe and relaxed wine remain remarkably complex. A bottle can age well over the next seven years but not all of us can wait. Taken now, a glass of Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red 2006 is a delight to enjoy again and again and yet again. It is said it takes two to tango but when there is three,... now that is making love.

If Your Collecting That, I'll Need To Finish My Glass.

People collect all manner of things; some good, some bad and some indescribably weird. What possibly would one do with some of these odd collection. Yet, we all have our quirks and one person's junk is another's others choice of strange fascination. Mine of course is wine. Which I was forced to tap into last evening as I endured one final state of the union address from the boy who who'd be king, aka W. It took a bottle of Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 1999 to stomach the President's lies. (Nothing like a good "freedom wine" to dull one's pain.)

But all that politics and lies aside, it wasn't the speech that bothered me it was is actions afterward that had me scratching me head. What was with the signing of autographs? Why is a statesman, the so called leader of the free world, signing autographs? In a room of his peers, following a an address to the entire nation regarding its health and future. Why, following such an important speech does our current President chose to parade around like he's a ballplayer or a starlet. What happened to the days of the regal statesmen? Besides doesn't he have important work to attend to like a looming recession, growing unemployment, a war?

More over who are the fools that want to collect his autograph. A President's signature seems like a silly collectible. Not to mention a signature of the worst President ever. But then again maybe in the future people will want to remember the first man that was not elected (in 2000 Bush lost Florida) but rather appointed to the Presidency by the supreme court.

Like I said, "...one person's junk is another's others choice of strange fascination." I'd rather stick with a collectible that I believe in the value. It might be pricey but just taste Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 1999 once and you'll understand the fascination.

12 bottles of Bookwalter Lot 21 - A Exceptional Case

A fortune I received recently promised a prosperous new year. Since I've always been a betting man I figured, now is a good time to bet on myself. Having recently earned some extra cash thanks to my performance in fantasy football I decided to double down (so to speak). Thus I grabbed a bottle of Bookwalter Lot 21 for inspiration, plopped down in front of the computer and went to work.

I've always thought that the key to placing a quality bet is as simple as understanding the numbers. Take for example the NFL game that I settle on for action, Washington Redskins at the Seattle Seahawks. As I worked on deciding my bet began in a traditional manner, breaking down records, stats and player match-ups. Then factoring in weather, location, momentum and experience; I soon realized that on paper this looks to be a very close match-up. Hence, a 3 point spread divides the teams in the bookies minds. Knowing I'd need to look deeper to find an advantage, I poured myself another glass in an effort of limbering up my thoughts. It was then that the numbers came alive to tell me the outcome of the game. It is as simple as 12 vs 21, 21 being the refection of 12 and the power of the sum of each pair of digits which is of course the power of 3, the trilogy.

At this point you might think you need a glass of Bookwalter Lot 21 to understand my thinking. (Of course it wouldn't hurt to enjoy the sweet, almost caramel like palate that transitions seamlessly into a voluminous flavors of all spice, black berries and cherries followed by long silky finish of lush tannins.) But really my thinking on this matter is quiet clear. For tomorrow this game is larger than the normal 11 on 11 expected in most football games, nope this game is about the extra player booth teams draw power from.

Bet the over.