Gratefully Not Dead – Jerry Garcia Wine

I realize it’s been awhile since I penned my last entry. And for a time, like many other bloggers, I thought perhaps I might have already created my last post. With so much craziness in the world I began to wonder what was the point.

Between the distractions of the growing wars, the political lies and the faltering state of current policies (healthcare, energy, immigration, etc) I’ve found myself emotionally drained. “No excuse” I heard somewhere in the distance. Birthdays, holidays and gifts have kept me busy. I’ve been feeling exhausted. On the roof a flicker tapped out, “keep typing”. Apparently needing to relax I’ve been spending time with the TV, sports, video games and movies. “Get something done” my dog looked at me crossly. But what does he know, that lazy sucker lies around all day while I work, read and scheme.

Finally taking a break from it all, I grabbed a bottle of wine and headed to the deck to summon an old friend for some spiritual healing. His aura all around me, and his tunes on my I-pod, I released him from his bottle. Like a genie he granted my wishes. The nose was full and magnificent. As it hit my pallet, the juice, was rich, velvety and generous with subtle flavors of black cherries, cocoa, vanilla, dried herbs and spice. Like the man himself, an adventure with Jerry Garcia North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 is a memorable evening.

I took another sip and understood what I had to do.
[Cue "Truck'n" and fade to black...]

Honor Amisfield Pinot Noir 2005

As I enjoyed a glass of Amisfield Pinot Noir I realized that rarely have I loved a Pinot ever since the “Sideways” factor. For the first time in a long time I realized I was enjoying a Pinot Noir worth the price. It was then that I asked, is there no honor left in the world? If the “new Halo maps” are an example, there doesn’t seem to be.

After having to pay a misers sum for the honor of downloading the new maps I soon realized I couldn’t play them in my normal mode. I don’t know what type of geek you are but for me it took a moment to figure out how to “experience” the new maps.

For now it appears the only way to play the new maps is on a solo mission, or as us samurai do, arrange to meet a foe on the field of combat. (My sources assure me next week that will change.) I’ve decided not to hold my breath, maybe someday I’ll be playing team slayer in Tombstone.

Beyond the lack of access, the design of Tombstone also had me questioning honor. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the multi-dimensional landscaping that interweaves terrain, lines of fire and weapons placement, I was bothered by the presence of two shields. Among friends what is the honor in shields, much less two?

While that question haunts me, I did find happiness in the crown of the Tombstone Keep. Rather than a power weapon like the energy sword (though its high placement is predictable) or the rocket launcher (again predictable placement, yet slightly harder to find). The “Keep” was crowned with my favorite weapon, the pistol. When you’re stuck at the top of the world, what better to have at your side then a pistol? Me, I’d prefer a bottle if wine that taste great, looks good and drink above its price point. But this is Halo, and just like a bottle of wine, a pistol among friends is honorable.

Celebrate the NBA's ROY with Rubicon 2002

For me, April is the month of transitions. As one season begins to bloom and the activities of life change, so do the things we do for sport. I welcomed this years change by sitting on my deck; notebook on my lap and glass of wine at my side. Before I settled down to write I tuned the radio to catch my first baseball game of the year. The boys of summer are back. The headline match-up of the day featured some big name "boys" from the land of the rising sun. Although the game proved to be entertaining, like the weather, the full transition to the summer season had not yet arrived. An evening chill moved me indoors and I decided to seek inspiration from the passing season.

With the madness of March firmly behind us, basketball fans attention is left to focus solely on the upcoming NBA playoffs. While the playoffs promise many intriguing match-ups this season, the most exciting new-comer (the Rookie Of the Year) will be left out in the cold. Luckily, much like the bottle of Coppola wine I was drinking, this years ROY promises to retain his phenomenal quality even with age.

If I had to compare Brandon Roy to a bottle of wine, he would definitely be a bottle of Coppola's Rubicon 2002. Silky smooth skills, which paired with anything can subtly enhance the flavors of the team or a meal. When needed, he and the wine can overwhelm the palate with robust intensity and flavor that, even after a long subtle finish, keeps the audience so impressed that they beg for more.

However any true basketball/wine fan would know that only the 2002 vintage of Rubicon fully describes the flavor that is Brandon Roy. the quality of Rubicon is superb year to year, but the 2002 vintage stands above all else, just ask the "Wine Enthusiast". In that same regard Roy's skills would have qualified him as great, had he followed his original plans to skip college and go straight to the NBA out of high school. Luckily wisdom prevailed. By allowing him to mature for a full four years, like a fine wine in a cellar, Roy's release on the NBA this season has allowed him to showcase his greatness. Not only has Roy proved he is the finest newcomer this season but also shown he is a player who's team is one to watch for years to comes. Cheers to this season ROY, a taste I look forward to enjoying for seasons to come.

As for the Rubicon 2002, if you hope to enjoy it, I'd suggest you act now. My sources tell me few bottle are left in circulation.

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.

Usually Wine In A Box Is Enough

Since I was a child, I’ve found great enjoyment in receiving mail. Tempered slightly over the years by the constant onslaught of junk mail and bills, I still none the less find a sly grin on my face when I realize the postman has brought a personal note from a distant friend. Lately, the absence of arriving parcels has been more anticipated than those from my favorite wine shop, Madwine.com. Perhaps there is nothing greater in this world than opening a box only to discover it contains wine, thank you Jesus!

But this rant stems from the arrival of my most recent shipment. As always my shipment arrived in a timely manner, inside was the case of Kestral Lady in Red wine, the 1st Holiday addition. (I intend on cellaring the wine until next season, where I suspect it will be a fan favorite and perhaps even an Ebay hit.) I had hoped that I might enjoy the in-box holiday chocolates Madwine ships this time of year, but I opened the box to find that there was none. Knowing the holidays were over I was un-phased and proceeded to cellar my cherished new collection of wine. It wasn’t until I heard from a friend that I became disturbed.

Apparently, a pal of mine who also received a package from Madwine was luckier than I. Contained within his package was a sample of, what he described, superb gourmet tea. The sample was labeled Green Goddess, named for Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion. Apparently this tea is currently China's most popular oolong. In contrast to its sister tea 'Iron Goddess', this tea is remarkably floral and produces a stunning, rich aroma reminiscent of tropical flowers. Needless to say I wanted to sample this tea for myself.

Normally, I simply would have been happy for my friend, but I stumbled across a site that left doubts in my head. Surely my rational mind knows that the government had no reason to open my package prior to delivery and even if they did there is little reason to believe that they might remove a sample of gourmet tea meant for me. Yet the possibility that the opportunity even existed somehow penetrated deep into my psyche; just one more thing to diminish that childhood wonderment of the meaning of personal mail.

A New Year to Toast

After only one year of aimless mental wondering and questionable wine insight I have apparently made an impression on more than a handful of not so loyal readers. In fact, it appears that I have stumbled upon an award that many have worked a lifetime to achieve. So then, how does one celebrate being named person of the year and having their picture on the cover of Time magazine? Well, for a mild manner bloke like myself, you party like its nineteen ninety nine.

With a glass of Penfolds Bin 138 Old Vines Shiraz 2002 in hand, I watched with tempered enjoyment as Seattle simulated the demolition of the Space Needle. Billed as the greatest New Years fireworks building display, I found myself more enthralled with my New Years kiss and glass of wine than the spectacularly lacking visual extravaganza. (Don’t get me wrong, the fireworks are great, but like most things, the display couldn’t live up to the hype.)

In contrast, my glass of Penfolds had no trouble living up to the billing. In the mouth the wine is a rich, rounded collection of ripe berries, with floral high notes with softly stated yet firm tannins. The juice is a contrast between the spicy generosity of the Shiraz and muscular structural contribution of the Mourvedre. This combination leads to a long, persistent finish. Just another example of a Penfolds' wine that drinks well above the value.

To me however the lingering flavor in my mouth was a bit more abstract. In the glass the wine exuded colors of joy and happiness for the accomplishments of the past year. On the nose were hints of prosperity in the near future. But once in the mouth the wine displayed a perfect balance of enjoyment, love and appreciation for those that made this and the many other happy new years possible.

Dom Perrion Gift Box - Expense it

The best way to say thanks at years end is with a bottle of Champagne. So why not thank those you know with a Dom Perrion Gift box. Take it from me, I know the power of the gift.

When you're self-employed, it's a ride of boom and bust. The better you get at your craft the smoother the sailing. For my part as a writer the sailing is well,... let's just say I write my own blog. Take that as you will, the point is it's Christmas time, the season of giving. The gifts you give have meaning, if not power.

As I'm reading my list of gifts:
Mom
Dad
Sister
Brother
Uncle
Grandma
Cousin
Special Lady Friend
Niece
Friends
Co-workers
Bla
Bla bla bla bla

I suddenly realized my expenses have shot way up. Every penny I thought was spare has just been spent. So knowing it's almost time to make my New Year's wine order, naturally I'm thinking about what I should be drinking for the new year. Taking into acount the storms on next year's horizon, (not to mention the bills I know have to get paid) I realized it's great to celebrate, however as a business I need to keep my cost down. Perhaps the gift to myself should be a bit more conservative. I'm just a bill. So why not order a Dom Perrion Gift box, it's a reasonable exspense.

Just Drink It

This year when I finally snapped out of the holiday emotional purgatory I was holding a bottle of Columbia winery Syrah 2003 in my right and a bottle of Lindemans Bin 99 Pinot Noir 2006 in my left. Can you believe I was debating which wine to drink?

The funny thing about the moment was the selection of wines that I had passed, I've never felt like such a wine snob. Other than the bottle I brought, A-Mano Primitivo 2003, the wines left on the table were an interesting selection of personality but definitely lacking quality. I learned long ago, you can’t judge a book only by its cover. Figuring it would be poor form to drink the entire bottle of wine that I brought I turned to the two bottles previously mentioned, as the only options suitable for my consumption.

Lindemans, a fine Australian import that for the price, can suits ones needs. And let me just say it is a “very affordable” wine. I’m sure the gifter was pleased to find a Pinot Noir at such a low price. Pinot’s popularity and thus the rise in price seems to continue thanks to a certain movie. (It’s funny to see what advice people will follow blindly.) I was confident the Lindemans Bin 99 Pinot Noir 2006 would be fine.

In the other hand was a Washington Syrah, one of the best grapes grown in Washington state. Though I’d argue that Columbia winery makes a better Cabernet than Syrah, the Columbia winery Syrah 2003 is perfect for a holiday party. (I know the gifter of this wine would agree, since I saw her stash the bottle for herself once it got down to the last glass.)

I looked about the room and laughed at myself, who cares which wine I choose. Surely I’ll be back to try the other. In fact, I sampled quite few wines on that table. When it comes to the holidays there is plenty of time to find joy. I just need to relax and stop worrying about finding the perfect thing. Instead, I just enjoyed what life threw my way. Turns out, any wine can be a great wine, when you allow yourself to enjoy the experience.

My Candidate of Change - Glen Carlou Grand Classique 2002

When asked which winemaking region to watch, I reply, “South African wine is the next big thing.” Sure, the safer bet is Spanish wine, but who has time for the safe bet. True reward comes from standing up for what you believe, even if that means taking a risk. And though Spain is gaining popularity with those that like to travel and thus is gaining popularity among “wine tourists”, drinkers of wine will note that Spanish wine still has plenty of room for improvement. Not to say there aren’t great Spanish wines to be had. Rather, in my opinion, in the last 10 years no nation has improved their image and their wine as much as South Africa.

Glen Carlou Grand Classique 2002 is a perfect example of the quality wines South Africa has to offer. A classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Grand Classique opens with intriguing aromas of clove, sandalwood and fresh blackcurrant that are followed by a velvety smooth palate brimming with ripe berry fruit and well supported by supple tannins on gentle oak.

Of course listening to my opinion is just as silly as listen to those that will handy cap midterm elections. My guess is as good as theirs, but never the less it is only a guess, educated as is maybe. The future is for the people to decide and even a fortune teller can’t always be sure how the public will choose to speak out.

So while we wait for the passing of time to reveal our fate, I’ll continue to enjoy my bottle of Glen Carlou Grand Classique 2002. Don’t worry though, “I told you so” is such a cliché thing to say. I prefer a simple wink, a sly smile and the knowing statement “cheers.” Even when you are lucky enough to see the future their is no reason to brag, your time is best spent enjoying the wine.

Bow Down to Washington - Wines and All

"Hello Dawg Fans",..."Hello Lou" we reply. It's homecoming week! And for those celebrating it around the country, it’s time to give in to the fun, soak up every moment of the festivities and recall how it was in your day; the pre-game rituals, the sound of the crowd, the smell of the barbeque, the noise of the pack stadium, the scent of beer on your breath. Yes, college was a time full of good and bad, so why not enjoy this one day a year when you can actually return to your home.

As a Dawg fan I plan to pack the House that James built. On the way to my seats I'll touch the 91 plaque and remember one of the toughest team to ever play the game. Next, I’ll enjoy a good laugh, remembering all the talk before Whammy in Miami. (By the way we still want those rings Dwayne.) It was after that game we started holding up four fingers at the end of the third quarter. (But I don't know why the rest of ya'lll do it around the country.) Once at my seats I'll give in to the stadium, becoming part of the infamous crowd who’s deafening cheers rain down on the players,..."GOOoooooo!,.......HUssKiessssss,....GOOOooo!,.....HUSsKIesssss!." At the half I’ll likely miss the homecoming court presentation and sadly the hall of fame inductees, (If ever a dawg deserved a ring) you'll find me enjoying a fine Washington wine at the tailgate. But surely I'll be back to my seats in time to catch the Husky Legend before the forth quarter. And soon another Homecoming will have come and gone. But before it’s over make sure to stop by our tailgate and celebrate 80 years. Just make sure to wear some purple and bring something good to drink.

A Sweet Sound - Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

When I first started experimenting with wine, the world was a much simpler place and it seemed we had more time for simpler pleasures. Thinking back on those carefree times always brings a warm smile to my face. One activity that I dearly miss is grabbing a bottle wine (Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a personal favorite of the era) and making my way over to the sound garden.

There on cool summer nights, a steady breeze could awaken a concert of sound, that coupled with a fine wine would intoxicate the senses. Alone or with friends the power in that moment would transcend the present, creating a trance like state were in my mind I could explore the beautiful possibilities of tomorrow. It was and still is in my memory a place of peaceful harmony.

However, thanks to Homeland Security, the Patriot Act and other post 911 changes the sound garden has been closed to the public. Though I was disappointed, at the time I understood because the sound garden resides on land owned by NOAA, a government organization. And as we all know after 911 all government facilities needed to be secured.

Now that times has passed questions have grown in my heads as to why NOAA needed to be protected from terrorist. Perhaps, if those evil doers did stumbled upon the sound garden they too would be soothed by its charms. Sadly though I’ve come to the conclusion that the current administration didn’t care about a terrorist treat, it was me they didn’t want accessing NOAA land. Though people thought I was crazy current events support my thinking. It makes me wonder what other “crazy people” might actually know.

For now, I’ll revisit simpler times, enjoying a bottle of Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, and think positively about the future.

Vote to Enjoy a Glass of Francis Coppola Diamond Merlot 2004

November is almost upon us, time once again to vote. So weather you call, email or work a phone bank for your favorite candidate of change; make sure you remind everyone you know to get out and vote. Don't tell people to vote because it’s their civic duty, (nobody wants to think they have more work to do) remind them to vote because the voting process brings the community together.

When I was a kid I loved the energy at the polling place. We'd see all the neighbors, new and old. My parents would take time to chat with everyone there. If we ran into the old lady from next door she always give me a piece of candy from her purse. Sometimes I'd wait out front, playing with the pets who's owners where busy inside. Other times one of my parents would take me in the voting booth and actually let me pull the lever, showing me how I might vote someday. The grandness of that small event always made me feel like a piece of a special process. Wearing the little "I voted" sticker on the walk home always filled me with pride.

Unfortunately, these days that sticker doesn't seem to embody the same prestige. Like many people I don't even go to the polling station anymore, instead choosing to vote absentee. I miss my neighbors, their pets and the candy. But more than that, the older I get the smaller my vote seems. Some of what I read makes me wonder if my vote even counts. Voting can feel like a chore that won't hurt anybody if left undone. You are not alone, many of us have lost faith in what use to matter.

When I think back to what people here and around the world went through to get a vote I'm reminded how sacred the right to vote is. I urge you, talk with your friends, your neighbors or even strangers. Invite people out to celebrate their vote. That small act is part of the the history that made this country great. Maybe over the generations we forget, but when you talk to an immigrant like my father they remind us that through voting we can have a peaceful transfer of power in this country.

I plan to celebrate my vote over a glass of Francis Coppola Diamond Merlot 2004, more than the wine's great taste I like the "blue" label. I hope you too choose to celebrate your vote. If you wear your sticker I’ll be happy to pour you a glass.

Found: One Muse. Where: in glass of Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc.

Summer is over and what do I have to show for it? Apparently a blog doesn’t write itself nor does a writer blog when he’s too busy living, thus the life in this blog was lost in the search for the inspiration to write. Basically when you dance to close to your muse you risk being seduced by her charms and soon find yourself chasing that muse. For me that translated in a summer of stories but no desire to share them. Rather, my muse and I danced late into the summer nights, drunk on joy and full of great times.

But as the days shorten and the nights are much cooler I find myself and my muse settling back in to a healthier symbiotic relationship, once again inspired to share my stories of life, wine and levity.

Warming myself by a fire, Ibrahim Ferrer croons in the background; I pour myself a glass of Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc. All at once my muse is with me, and our stories from the summer past pour out as I drink her in.

The floral bouquet of Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc fills my nose reminding me of the joy, love and passion experienced at the many ending I endured this summer. In the height of wedding season I often find myself overwhelmed by the perpetual party that is weddings. However, given the time to reflect, like a good bouquet the lasting impression of a wedding brings a smile to one’s face.

The bright golden color in the glass brings me back to the long summer day spent worshiping the sun and hiding from the work day. For ever more Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc will be the color of enjoying life.

On the palate the full bodied and dry wine shows great intensity, much like the long bar nights where I discover new friends, balanced by a fruity, refreshing acidity finish. The flavor of old friends, some sweet and then at times bitter but always entertaining. For memories without ones old friends might be pleasant but never lingering. Time spent with friends are the moments the last.

As I finish my glass I realize the summer has past and though I may not have shared the stories of a glories summer with you, thanks to my muse those stories will always be there for me to recall in a glass of Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc.

If A Friend Must Die, Enjoy Good Wine - Penfolds

The current box-office hit teen comedy is John Tucker Must Die. But for me, see this movie would be a waste of 8 bucks on a Thursday afternoon. I’ll see this drama play out this weekend.

Sometimes in life of friend of your will get themselves in over their head, trying to bite off more than they can chew. And when it is women his it trying to chew on, it always come bite him back, usually in a public place. In my case, my friends undoing will be at party. So as a good friend I need to ask myself, how should I haddle this situation. In short, what type of wine should I bring to the party.

A box of Franzia could help move the festivities along nicely. The Chardonnay is an excellent, dry California white wine with apple and pear flavor. When pour from the box this semi-dry and medium bodied wine exudes a crisp and clean wine finish, all the while packing a sweet little punch. Chairs should be flying in my friends direction in no time. For most this is a safe route.

However, my taste is a bit more refined. I’d rather linger in the romance of a moment that a great wine can help create. That’s why I’ll be sipping on Penfolds RWT Shiraz. This wine is not for use by children. Mouthfilling and expansive, yet at the same time contained and tightly structured. Penfolds RWT Shiraz is bigger and richer than the cues afforded by the nose, and undeniably assertive and defined. This generously flavored wine opens with dark berry fruit, with a touch of spice followed by ripe and rich tannins. Layered, long and luscious with excellent aging potential, Penfolds RWT Shiraz is a wine to be enjoyed.

And enjoying this weekend promises to be. While teens flock to movies in hopes of catching a hilarious drama unfold on the big screen (better bring the Franzia box), with popcorn in hand. I’ll be watching the real thing play out with a new good friend by my side.

All the Elements for a Great Day

Needing a break yesterday I sat down for some lunch and later discovered I real treat. Though a replay of stage 17 of the Tour de France was playing in the background, my focus was on a glass of Artesa Elements 2001. I had mostly given up on the tour after team Discovery (Lance's old US Postal team) had conceded defeat and Floyd Landis (the top American) had fallen behind by 8 minutes after stage 16. It seemed that once again America would come up short on the international sporting stage.

Lucky for me Artesa Elements 2001 was a wine worth enjoying. The wine is a wonderful blend exhibiting lively black fruit flavors. Supple and spicy, the wine finishes with hints of mint, cinnamon, oregano and some say camp fires. (But I'd argue its a smoky oakish flavor.) As I sat there sipping my wine I realized Floyd was making a move. (I wish I could say I realized this was a specail moment not to be missed, but in truth I thought, hey this is a good enough excuse to enjoy a second glass.)

In a brash American style Floyd raced up and down the mountainous stage 17 on a defiant solo mission to prove one bad day does not define a man. I was rivited to this replay. Though the results could have easily been obtained on the internet, I was able to enjoy the moment as if it where a live event. As Floyd continued to chop into the Yellow Jersey's lead, down to 7 minutes, then 6 and half, then only 5, then 3, can you believe it down to 2 minutes; the bottle of California blend emptied, my buzz grew and I began to cheer at the TV. Come on Floyd!

Suddenly, I have a new appreciation for the Tour. To be in road side in France with a bottle of wine in hand as cyclist fly past sounds heavenly.

In the end Floyd fought all the way back to only 30 seconds off the lead, which many are calling the greatest performance in the Tour ever. I polished off a bottle of wine for lunch which is no small feat either. And after today only 30 seconds, the stage 19 time trail and the final stage 20 ride into Paris seperate Floyd from Yellow. Firmly back on the band wagon I'm left to ponder what should I do in a show of support.

Fine French Whine

One simple act can spoil a legacy. Sadly France fans, no amount of aging will soften the bitterness of that moment. Instead, while all of Italy enjoys the sweet taste of victory, the French are left with only thoughts of what could have been. Don't fret Les Bleus, you still have your memories of the 98 World Cup in France. I suggest grabbing a bottle of fine wine from 1998. Sip it slowly, allowing it to help you recall happier times. There is no hurry, we all have until 2010 to enjoy this fine French Whine. See you in South Africa.

Oooo, Aaaah, Wine

Happy 230th America, I enjoyed the party and lots of great wine.





Now it's time to get back to work restocking my empty wine cellar.

No More Crissy to Make You Pissy - Drink Deutz

Lovely ladies, lots of bling and copious amounts of Cristal, use to be the classic signs of the hip-hop high roller. And why not, Cristal has all the trappings of elegance. In the glass the wine reveals a lustrous amber yellow color with an exuberant bouquet of ripe fruit and toasted wooded notes, complemented by a classy, well bodied palate with a long persistent finish. A beverage recognizable from across the room. Of course those in the know saw Cristal more as a mixer, adding it to equal parts of Alize over ice to create the smooth and refreshing beverage known as Thug Passion. For those not in the know listen to Tupac’s All Eyez on Me disc 2 track 6 for tasting notes.

Until recently there was no substitute for the Cristal experience. However that all changed when Jay-Z got hold of his subscription of the Economist. An interview with Frederic Rouzaud, the managing director of Louis Roederer, Cristal's parent company, left such a bad taste in Jay-Z mouth that no amount of Cristal could wash the taint away. Thus Jay-Z is calling for a boycott of Cristal, vowing to keep it out of his clubs and personal life.

This is drastic news for young playas hoping to impress the ladies. How now are you supposed to exude flair and refinement: Dom P, Krug or Cooks? No, the true baller will reach for Deutz.

Duetz Brut Classic greets the nose with floral aromas, toasted notes and ripe white fruit. On the palate the freshness of the chardonnay grape, the power of pinot noir and the suppleness of pinot meunier, bring together in an elegant ensemble perfect for blending with a fine bottle of Alize. At less than half Cristal’s price there is plenty of money left over to upgrade your bling.

Buy a Rolling Stone and Put it on Ebay!

In our world of abundance it can be difficult to discern what is quality in all the quantity. Most of the time basic economics dictates where the quality lies. Think supply verse demand. In theory quality products are automatically more expensive. Of course there are ample examples where this theory fails. Just as some things are over priced, others can be under valued. A whole art form has evolved around understanding price in relation to value. In every industry these people are called collectors. Given time, a good collector is rewarded for their investment.

Wine has long had collectors. These are people often thought of as obsessed with wine, they can’t get enough. More accurately though the wine collector shares the same qualities found in collectors from other industries. No, not a crazy fetish gene, (though I’m sure the human genome project will soon show evidence that a hording gene exists) collectors are driven by discovering something before its value has peaked.

The best way to understand the rush of collecting is by starting a collection. I started with a bottle of Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh of the shelf Frog’s Leap is a quality organic wine. This California Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of minerals and spice. In the glass flavors of blackberry, pepper and vanilla pick up as the wine builds to a lush mid-palate which eventually gives way to a long clean finish with soft resolved tannins.

Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent wine, ready to be enjoyed. With age however, these flavors only seemed to intensify. Allowing for even softer tannins and more complex mid-palate flavors.

As with anything of quality, time allows the true beauty to shine through. In our busy world it is hard to always see quality in the moment. Collectors help grab moments of history for us so we can revisit greatness years later. With fresh eyes we can re-evaluate the collectible to discover how true quality holds up. For Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon I’d say it held up extremely well. When ever a $30 bottle of wine drinks like a $130 bottle, it’s a worthy investment.

If you’re the sort that likes to collect I strongly suggest Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 and the current issue of Rolling Stone. The wine will drink great especially given 5 years cellaring. The Rolling Stone should increase in value over the next 25 years. Kennedy Jr’s article will be remember for bringing the magazine back to its roots. Finally, Rolling Stone is more than a pop culture icon from years past; it is one again the magazine that represents the voice of a disgruntled generation. In the comming years I bet the June 2006 issue will fetch a nice price on Ebay. The truth about election fixing will eventually shine through. Until then, I'll need another glass of wine.