Top Reason to Enjoy - #7 Schild Shiraz

Since the advent of the TSA we've been conditioned to leave behind liquid containers of over two ounces when traveling to the airport.  However, recent "security innovations" should have you rethinking that belief.  I have found that a 750ml bottle is the only way to deal with the ridiculous headaches and long lines that are the new reality of airplane travel.  With the busiest travel day of the year fast approaching, you'd be wise to bring a few bottles so friends and line-mates might also enjoy this festive time of year.

 

Being that it is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, not only do I bring a bottle of wine to drink while I wait in line, I also make sure to dress in my finest holiday attire.  My choice: the national formal-wear of the Philippines.  Not only does festive clothing enhance the revelry of the already chaotic atmosphere, it also serves a more practical purpose.  The transparent nature of the burong  makes the need of x-ray scanning obsolete.  No longer hassled by silly security as to what I might be hiding, I am free to share what I am enjoying.

Currently my enjoyment is focused on the #7 of Wine Spectators top wines of 2010. Schild Barossa Shiraz 2008 is a true expression of generous Australian Shiraz.  This wine exudes great presence, lingering flavors and all the hallmarks of premium juice form Barossa.  Once available at an affordable price this wine was a steal that I am now happy to share with anyone you needs a little reminder of the good things in life.

Rather then give in to the frustrations of the season, take a moment to rethink the wonderment of the world at hand.  Rather than worrying about how to change the fate of the world, share the beauty of what is available now.  If it feels like a hassle then you just aren't taking the time to make it fun.  

 

Three Legged Dog - A Change of Perspective

I want to be outside playing today, but it's wet.  I have a cough, I have work that needs to get done, I need to be responsible.

Rather then diligently typing away in an effort to meet my deadline, I catch myself staring out the window, mesmerized by the falling rain.  I'm feeling like a little kid; trapped inside, safely tucked away from the fun adventure of a blustery day.  Instead, I rebelliously decide to enjoy a glass of last nights wine.

The pace of my typing has not picked up but thanks to the Dunham Three Legged Red 2008, my enjoyment has.  Having spent a night in a half drank bottle did this juice some justice.  This already very approachable blend was able open to up a touch more giving the wine a slightly silkier, smooth finish.

Looking at the black and white dog on the label, as the wine slides past my lips, I thinks about an article I just read about the majestic moves of another beautiful black and white animal.  To gracefully slide on water like the orcas of the south, that would be a dream.  
More rain falls outside my window but finally I agree its time to work.  I'll pass on stomping in puddles today if it means floating through piles of powder this weekend.

It's funny how one glass of wine can change our perspective.

Day

Just another day, could you feel it?  Another day to think about it, yes you know it.  It was another day to, did you miss it?  Another day to be alive and thankful.

But looking back only allows one's vision to go so far.  Turning around and looking forward allows one to see into forever.

Cheers to the veterans on 11-11.  It is time we stop riding on their backs to carry us through war.  The time is at hand to transform.   Wage Peace.

Not Oregon's Year - Poor Pinot

Leave it to Oregon to not get the memo about global warming.  Rather than joining the rest of the planet by setting record summer temperatures, Oregon chose to chill.  Western Oregon has posted the coolest growing season in 50 years, on pace for the coldest on record.  Normally, I'm all about enjoying a greener planet and a chilled out attitude, but not in this case.  There's only two things that I enjoy about Oregon, hot hippie chicks and tasty Pinot Noir.  And it looks like the weather down there is helping me with neither.  

Cold temps is a killer for hippie chicks.  When there free loving, let's get naked style is cramped by cold weather, they tend to allow body hair to become another layer of insulation.  In that same regard, cold temps hold back the beauty of the Pinot Noir grape.

Ever since that movie turned the wine industry sideways, Pinot has been the favorite grape of many Americans.  And those in the know, know Oregon grows the best Pinot Noir in the world; normally.  However with this unseasonably cold year in Oregon wine country, grapes have suffered, especially the delicate Pinot Noir grape.  The result will be less fruit, lower brix and all around lower quality wine.  For the wine drinker I suggest, start hording your favorite Pinots now.  And for the Oregon wine maker, with less to work with, I have some advice,... time to "Step Your Game Up".