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.

And the Landslide Brought it Down... thanks wine

I haven't finished my holiday shopping yet. Sure it is a busy time of year but Christmas presents aren't going to buy themselves, so I'd better get to it. Still, after a long days work it is hard get myself motivated to brave the crowds, fight the congestion and deal with all the holiday madness as I seek out the perfect gift. Realistically I'm probably what you'd call a procrastinator.

Over a glass of Simi Landslide vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, I promise myself, tonight is the night I finish gathering gifts. Taking another sip of this wonderful California Cabernet I turn on the TV in search of shopping inspiration. Instead I see another news story warning of toxic made in China toys. Feeling my mood take a dip I flip the channel hoping for better news. This time its a story about the painful holiday travel season. The next story naturally is about bad weather further compounding the headaches of traveling. For me its just another reason not to leave the house. With such good news, no wonder the Holidays is the most stressful time of the year. Now I'm really in need of new inspiration. I take another long sip from my glass and think.

The sweet and balanced fruit of the Simi Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 goes down smoothly, bring an calming thought to mind. Why not enjoy the rest of this wonderful glass and worry about Christmas later. After another sip the wine whispers in my ear, "remember last year", and with that shopping is over. Getting up from the couch I pour another glass and go in search of those tasty cookies my neighbor gave me. It looks like the Holiday spirit has finally found me.

President's Blend - A Big Deal

91 points from the Enthusiast and normally twenty bucks a bottle but if you know where to look you can save over FIVE bucks a bottle. Some say that's a crazy cyber deal, but I believe it just another seasons greeting from our friends from Madwine. (I warned that the annual wine deals were near.) Here is an example of a malbec wine you can't afford to miss but you surely can afford to try, enjoy the sale. For now, I have nothing more to write, I'm too busy seeking they other hidden deals...

Thanksgiving - Have Another Helping

Before the bright lights, consumerism and greed of the Christmas season hits there is one last day to reflect and give thanks to giving. Tomorrow is the official kickoff of the Holiday season with gotta have gifts and door busting sales. (My favorite wine website always has a crazy week long sale with some super deals.) For then until the new year the country is consumed by consumption. But today is all about consuming,... food, great food.

But behind the stuffing, the gravy, the wine and the bird there is a lesson to remember. The Pilgrims probably would have starve if not for the generosity of the Native Americas. And so, we celebrate that tremendous kindness of giving by eating beyond our belt size. A full day of laying around with nothing more important to do than eat, sleep and eat some more. A great idea for a holiday.

It's just to bad that the spirit of Thanksgiving will soon be drowned out by carolers and jingle bells. If only we could extent the spirit of "giving to the point of gluttony" into a year round thing, but alas it only happens once a year. Cherish this day, pass the potatoes and have another glass of wine. You can't give enough so take in as much as you can. And once it all gone remember, you can get more because it all goes on sale tomorrow.

Red Guitar Wine - Feul for a Wanna be Hero

I awoke this morning feeling like a rock star. As I came out of such a deep slumber that I wasn't sure what city I was in, I took inventory of my state of being only to realize my head was ringing from a night of rocking. Its been awhile since I had the time to write for this blog but such is the life of a wanna be rock star. Well, maybe more truly stated, one might call me a wanna be wanna be rock star. For those out of the loop, allow me to explain...

The hottest game on the market now is the third addition of the ever popular "Guitar Hero". I of course am not immune to the power of seduction and Guitar Hero is perhaps as close as I can get to rock star fame. (An embarrassing addiction I know, but aren't all addiction embarrassing?) And of course their are always those that hope to capitalize on addiction. In this case by hosting a Guitar Hero Competition.

So I'm forced to dutifully prepare for my chance to publicly rock virtually. To fuel myself during my long and often stupefying practice jam sessions I turn to Red Guitar Old Vine Tempranillo Garnacha 2005. Deep purple in color like my style, hints of spicy vanilla aroma like my aura and tastes of medium-bodied and rustic tannins like my flare. This wine's full fruit flavors are well extracted and jammy and the finish is warm and dry. The perfect wine to get my courage pumped and my mind limber. After a bottle or two (like any rock star) I'm ready to rock.

With my digital ax in hand and an empty bottle of Red Guitar Old Vine Tempranillo Garnacha 2005 at my feet I'll be ready to take on all comers. After the show well see who drives home the hero.

South Africa - I Like What I See

Fresh off my prediction last week, fans have been asking me what to expect this weekend. Firstly, I'm no Jimmy the Greek. (Maybe a little Oracle of Delphi.) Visions just come to me, usually with a touch of help from quality wine. Mostly though, I just pay attention and call 'em like I see 'em. That said, I'm happy to report what I see. (Inspired by the pages of Esquire.) Great things are coming out of South Africa. A land full of physical beauty, exotic wonderment and very tasty wine. To experience my vision just try a bottle of Kumkani Pinotage 2004.

I've shared the wisdom of South Africa's Pinotage before, and I don't want readers to think it is the only varietal they grow. In fact, I'm here to argue that South African wines and wine producers will soon be making much more noise in these parts of the world. (Start planning your 2010 tour of Stellenbosch now.) Still, for those that have not yet experienced the beauty of South Africa I suggest starting with Kumkani Pinotage 2004.

Upon pouring the first glass, aromas of summer berries and exotic spice greet the nose. On the pallet the wine shows focused ripe berry, creamy spice and vanilla flavors. Make sure to enjoy the long silky finish before biting into a nice piece of steak, pizza or wild game.

Less than a prediction and more a statement of fact, I see many things of beauty coming from South Africa, one of which is Kumkani Pinotage 2004.

True - Opus One & USC good not great

I've made some crazy bets in my life but this one,... well I think I've out done myself. A couple beers into happy hour I found myself stuck talking to an arrogant USC fan. (Perhaps I should have stay more refined with a glass of wine.) Tired of hearing how great USC has been over the years, my beer soaked brain couldn't stop my mouth as I prophesied a Saturday loss befalling the blessed Trojans.

It wasn't all crazy talk, knowing that two fifths of the starting O-line was injured the week prior and knowing how lackadaisical the team's attitude seems to be regarding pac-10 play, I think I have a shot. But seriously, I was overcome by a voice not mine. (Maybe it is a prophetic sign). Mostly it was just a way to get the Tommy Trojan wannabee to put up or shut up. Which he did. On the line for me twenty bucks. (I think he wanted to feel generous) On the line for him slightly more. Forgoing the points, wanting to make him pay and more over wanting something to enjoy the upset, I felt my payout deserves to be a bottle of Opus One.

Constantly marketed as one of Napa's top Bordeaux-style wines, Opus One brings together the great wine-making tradition and innovations of the Robert Mondavi and Château Mouton Rothschild families. Thanks to the hype Opus One remain a hard to find wine.

I'll will be interesting to sample this wine. I'm guessing it will be good, velvety, expressive but much like the #1 team I'm betting against, overrated. Before I get the chance to judge for myself I'll need a little help from the boys in California wine country. I can't wait for the wine know as Opus One to kiss my lips,...fingers crossed

Tamarack Cellars - Wines Up to the Challenge

On a long road trip, lost, hungry and craving a great burger, I stumble upon my Shangri-La...
As summer drew to a close, I found myself on the road in search of adventure but found myself in wine country. I couldn't complain, having just left the Hanford Nuclear site (I was looking for WMDs) my journey brought me to the quaint Washington town so very nice they named it twice, Walla Walla. Located in the heart of the United States best grape growing region (even people in Napa have to agree) Walla Walla is the prefect destination of a weary traveler. Plenty of wine, food and logging.

Upon arriving all I wanted was food, preferably a cheese burger. After asking around consensus was,(it only took a couple people) "the place" to get a burger in Walla Walla was the Ice Burg. Which, from the look of things, was true. The parking lot of this old-time drive-in was packed. Luckily I had prepared myself to wait because it was worth it. Good burgers, great shakes, definitely a place to visit again. But what makes the story better is where my journey took me next.

Chatting with the locals as I wolfed down some burgers I learned the owners of the Ice Burg know more than just how to flip burgers. A like-minded soul in the parking lot poured me a glass of Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red 2005 and shared the story. As I drank in the wine's nose, beautiful and borders on exotic, my parking lot companion began explained the history of wine making in Walla Walla. There was a time when a handful of people made wine in the region. It turns out that the wine is was now enjoying was one. After taking a sip of the beautiful blend which offers ripe, sweet fruit, complex flavors, and a stylish elegance, that statement was easy to believe. Only a person intimate with the region could make such a fabulous wine. I spilled a bit of wine in surprised disbelief as the story went on. As the dark ruby colored stain set, my companion revealed that the owner of the "Burg" and the vintner responsible for the Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red 2005 are the same.

This I thought was my Heaven on earth. Where my passions collide and I'm allowed to wallow in the resulting pleasure. I love wine and enjoy the comfort of a great good burger. My trip couldn't have been planned any better. Nothing is more entertaining than hunting for adventure and finding it with a burger, some wine and served over interesting conversation. Needless to say, if I was hosting a cheese burger challenge, Tamarack Cellars wines would be up to the challenge. You never know where life will take you, just hope along the way you discover superior wine. Thanks Tamarack Cellars.

What's to Debate - Coppolla Wine is Great

Wine holds a wonderful power of bringing people together. Time with friends shared by wine is truly one of life's great pleasures. Amazingly though, it is not only with friends that wine can be enjoyed. Many times I've found myself in the mist of controversial debate with perfect strangers, the only thing holding the difficult conversation together, a superior glass of wine. I once again found myself in such a situation awaiting a table for dinner. The current debate was what to do with the recently sold Bond record-breaking home run ball. The wine that kept me enthralled, Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.

As I watched my wine bottle passed from one stranger to another I heard the rambling of personal thoughts of what should be done with the ball, Barry himself and the entire game of major league baseball. As points were raised and counter points suggested, my focused wavered from slight interest, to football season and finally settling on a desire to get one more glass of this wine. The intense flavors surrounded the pallet with layer upon layer of ripe, red cherries, plum, vanilla, cocoa, and toast.

My new friends continued their conversation as I slipped into a debate with myself. Per value I wondered, which of the Rubicon Estate wines that I recently enjoyed brought me the greatest joy. Each has a wonderful taste bond by a beautiful structure helping both wines earn high ratings in my book and the powers of the wine-rating world. My own question seemed answer as the muse of the original debate finally made its way back into my own hands. With the last drops of Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 racing my glass it all seemed so very clear.

Conversations, experience, timing and even luck always play a part in how one feels about a wine. So when forced to ponder the greatness of great compared to the excellence of excellent the debate can seem unsettlable. Rather then falling into the trap of absolutes, I chose to recall the perfection of my prior Rubicon experience after I fully enjoy the pleasures of the present one. Just like the debate over what to do with the homerun ball, I decided it’s a silly debate best suited for others to sort out. I'm content to drink my wine and chalk up one more memorable experience.

Surge Yourself George Bush Jr.

...and give me another drink while you're at it.
Don't insult my intellegence with lies or threaten me with terror, you have no credibility left. Don't hide behind General Petraeus. I can't get drunk enough to believe you anymore Mr. Bush. You have our troops lock-up in Iraq. While they fight and die for us, you use their sacrifice for political gain. (What happened to Pat Tillman?) And when they finally get out of Iraq, seemingly in the only way they can, in a coffin, you still are yet to meet with them and bare witness to the mess you have created.

How dare you make a photo-op of "Mission Accomplished" and then continue to order troops to the front line which is still so dangerous that you wouldn't dare send your own daughters to the area. Not to mention how on your own visits you sneak in and out like a theft, coward.

Now you call for America and the world to believe in "Return to Success", HA! F@$% you for even trying. By your own definition this new strategy as you put it allows our troops to return home according to the success we achieve. Again you trap them in a quagmire of your creating. Doomed to a mission with continued futility, means you doom our troops to continue to temped fate in Iraq. How much blood will it take? This coming from a boy who hide from his own call to duty, you Mr. Bush sure are willing to force others to serve.

Stuck in the Big House know as Iraq, I more then support our troops, I pray for them. Please Lord, smight this madman so we might bring our troops home.

Ghetto Big Mac

40 years of the Big Mac

Its creation has arguable reshaped America’s view of the burger. Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, all on a sesame seed bun,… magnificent. The party to celebrate the Big Mac lifetime will soon begin. So grab your favorite bottle and toast this slice of Americana. I intend to wash down my celebratory Big Mac with some Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose NV. In homage to the burgers ghetto fabulous roots, I just might spice my drink up with a bit of Alize.

A Letter & the Gift of Red Diamond Merlot

Mr. Murry please enjoy this gift, a bottle of Red Diamond merlot, a truly superior wine at an affordable price. The wine is perfect for a cheap bastard like you, more concerned with profit then safety. A man of your means has an image to keep, I imaging enjoying fine wine is part of that facade. I too, love a glass of wine and feel that Red Diamond merlot serves as a wonderful metaphor for a man in your shoes.

The wine’s name and thus the label invoke diamonds, fitting for a man (or should I say snake) who’s livelihood is dependant on coal. The earthy nose might be reminiscent of time spent in the mine, though I bet that smell is a distant memory for you now. In the glass the wine’s deep red color will force you to recall all the blood on your hands from countless fallen workers. No amount of idle talk by you will bring them back. On the palate the complex fruity characteristics will touch your conscious hopefully awaking you to the beauty possible in the world when one cherishes life rather than chases profit. (I can always hold out hope.)

As for the workers currently trapped, you said, “Only god knows their fate”, which is true. All of us pray for them. Yet, the words you speak are empty, they come from the mouth of a man lacking a soul. It is your actions and your forced practices that caused this tragedy. Worst of all Mr. Murry, you still blame this accident on an earthquake. I’ll need a few bottles of Red Diamond for myself before I can believe that lie. It was unsafe mining practices that caused the collapse, which after the walls fell, registered as a quake. (I know you’re a smart man and despite your words you know this to be true.) Also you should stop denying that retreat mining wasn't going on. The department of mines has your request on file, so stop the lying.

Please Mr. Murry, enjoy this gift and shut your trap. The quality of Red Diamond Merlot always brings a smile to my face. Perhaps a good bottle of wine can wake you up and change your life. Isn’t it time you started to care about life? At the very least you could care about the lives of others…

Need a drink – Enjoy Silver Oak

To be honest, I need a stiff drink. Luckily, I found some Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. So instead of just settling for a drink, I can calm my nerves with a quality glass of wine. To bad I’m not just opening a bottle of Silver Oak for the pure joy of the wine's elegant flavor. In all honesty, by cellaring the bottle, the more mature wine would bring me much more pleasure. However, the recent action of our President and congress make me fearful of the future of our nation. Thus enjoying my Silver Oak Cabernet now makes more sense. Besides, like I said, I need a drink.

It is hard to believe how much we will allow the Bush administration to destroy; our freedoms, our liberty and our very Constitution. It is appalling how quiet the media is regarding the fears that many of us patriots share. In the sea of newspapers I’ve found one published article that reflects my concerns. I urge you to read it and pass it along.

No more I say. This must stop now, I echo. The cry of the people must rise again and shout, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” Who knows, after a couple more glasses of wine and you might find me out there on the streets shouting. But for now, I need a drink to calm down. The only thing left to do is enjoy Silver Oak wine.

What's Your Legacy - Mine is Wine

Barry Bonds has finally done it. Thanks to a pitched fastball that became 756, Bonds, with the aid of his freakish talent, has left a lasting Legacy on America’s game. Perhaps it is perfect that in our times, were corruption is rampant and lies are more frequent then the truth, it was a character such as Bonds that is rewriting one of sports most cherished records. Say what you will about the way in which the record with set; the smaller parks, the devises on players arms, expansion, a juiced ball and of course the specter of drug enhanced players, the fact remains that when 756 left the yard tonight the all-time home run record will never be the same.

So as is custom with any momentous occasion I suggest a drink. A fine glass of Legacy Red Table wine 2001 ought to do. A rich yet elegant wine, it is the perfect choice to remind us of this moment. Grown in a region not far from where the homer was hit, on the palate the wine will remind us of the beauty of the land. While the nose holds deeper memories dating back to the year of it’s harvest, 2001. Prior to that September our world seemed much simpler, but since then everything has change, is more complex and it is hard to know what to believe. Like it or not that is the Legacy.

In the end what does it all mean? The Giants lost 8 to 6