Unrefined and Still Divine - Wolftrap Wine

The bottle before me has a stylized wolf on the label and it's getting me drunk.  Not the usual, I'm gonna puck drunk, but drunk never-the-less.  I'm drunk on ideas.  The wine itself, Boekenhoutskloof "Wolftrap" Shiraz-Mourvedre-Viognier 2008, is an tasty unrefined bottle of South African juice.  A nose of red fruit, spice and violet is followed by fresh but lush aromas of cherries, blackberries and a touch of smoke and dark chocolate.  The wine goes down smooth and integrated.  In fact it drinks so well that Wine Enthusiast proclaims it a "Best Buy".

Still, this bottle of Wolftrap is nothing fancy.  It is simple, affordable and in my mind best described as primal.  Both the taste and the label inspire the inner caveman in me.  Which is what has me drunk on ideas as I type.  A couple glass in and a couple left to drink I find myself seeking more tasty ways to live well, while still enjoying my inner savage.  And that is how I stumble on the cavemanbistro.com

As I pollish off the last half of the bottle I have plenty of reading to enjoy.  Looks like the next time I enjoy the unrifined pleasure of Boekenhoutskloof Wolftrap 2008, I'll have some divine eats to pair with my wine.

Is My Glass Really Empty

When a glass is empty their is no half full.  From that point, the brighter side only happens when you open another bottle, at least that's what you hope, that's what they tell you and usually that's what you want to believe.  But when you enjoy a special bottle of wine, and when that bottle is enjoy in the right environment and further more when that wine is given the opportunity to fully express itself, you know, no matter what a similar label claims, their is no other bottle.

It was the bluest of blue eyes that taught me that.  She shared a bottle with me once that would've pleased the gods, and likely did.  I however was to drunk from the night before to even taste it.  I sucked that wine down like it was two buck chuck.  Asking for another glass before my first glass was gone.  Without stopping to enjoy the bouquet, without appreciating the deep crimson color, without even trying to taste the juice, I rushed in. I gulped down another drink.  Who needs to feel, just keep me drunk.

And drunk it kept me, so much so that I never realized we (as in I) drank the entire bottle.  Nor did I realize that she was gone.  I thought she had just left to find another bottle.  I heard later that she had brought one and only one bottle for me to enjoy with her; a special bottle that she'd been saving to share at the right time with the right man.  Looking back I wished she had found him.  Had he been me, I would be sharing a fabulous tale of a fantastic wine with a beautiful woman.  Instead, I'm left feeling like shit, head pounding and wondering what did I drink.

Sober now, glass fully empty, blue eyes haunt me now, where did she go.

And So It Goes And Continues to Go

Barely into the new year and already the newness of the year ahead has begun to tarnish. For me, 2011 started with much promise and excitement. Life it seemed was finally feeling effortless, a fantastic flow that carried me seamlessly to each joyful moment. However, a new storm has blown in, testing me and apparently my reslove. 

It all began with a rain drenched weekend. A minor treat to activities outdoors, the prospect of being soaked to the bone was easily overcome by a coupious amounts of homebrew wine. Though slightly watered down by the ever increasing rainfall, both the wine and the accompaning party rocked on, through the blustery night. It wasn't until the next morning that my entire world was rocked, a death has away of doing that to people.  This time it wasn't just one death but two.

Death, though has another effect; just as every rain cloud has a silver linning.  Death has a way of reminding us about life.  I choose to celebrate that.  Still, I would be lying if I said everything is flowing smoothly now, far from it infact. My brief glimpse of a carefree life as regained the weight of seriousness (at least for now).

I'm not sure what the lasting effects of this rainy weekend will have on the rest of my life but I take solice in what a wrote not long ago. They were words a muse shared with me, "It's just energy, you get to decide how the feeling goes through you."

Let it Flow, Let Your Self Go

"It's just energy," she tells me. "You get to decide how the feeling goes through you."

Like a tuning fork those words humm in my head. Hanging there just amount before reasonating throughout my entire body. As I drift off into thought, the room melts away. I decide how the energy flows threw me...
Powerful little creature are we, specks in the grand scheme of the planet but undeniably able to re-shape the world around us. Together we can move mountains, change environments or if enough of us to loose our minds in unision, we can shake the earth. We are a powerful people.

Look no further than the vineyard to see the power of people. Land, crops, earth, water have all been moved to focus all the regions energy to grow the perfect sugary grape juice. Fermentated, that juice becomes a beautiful expression of all the goodness the world has to offer. A great sip of wine releases memories of season past, stories from special moments, secrets treasures hidden in the universe; wine, in it's sexiest form, is a conversation with god.

Wine is but one of the many expression of people power. The energy we have access to is limitless. It is up to us to let it flow, and once it begins to flow we choose how it flow through us. As I think that thought the room returns to my conciousness. Those I left behind are once again among me. As I look back, outward onto the world, I make eye contact with her once more. She smiles. As I feel that energy flow through me, I smile back.  A New Year begins...

Hello 2011 - Have a Drink on Me

On the eve of New Year's eve I find myself deep in thought. Part of me wants to scream, part of me wants to cry and all of me wants to drink; I'm just not sure what is motivating that craving.

I'd like to think my craving to drink is simply excitement for a newly popular Portuguese wine in my possession. I few month back I happened on a couple of bottles of wine that at the time seemed like a nice value selection. Little did I know, a few month later that wine would be one of Wine Spectator's top Ten wines of 2010. Had I known the wine's future pedigree I likely would have enjoyed the juice long ago. In truth, I would have purchased a few more bottles of the wine with the intention of selling this (now) hard to find vintage. And their in lies the problem...

As 2010 comes to a close I reflect on another year fraught by harsh economic times, the worst environmental disaster in know history and a country still at war. Please reflect on that moment yourself, so perhaps you can help me understand what have we learned?

With the a new year fast approaching it seems the biggest concerns facing the world is what outfit to wear, where is the "best" spot to be seen on New Years and what is Brett Favre up to now. I can't help be think we are all missing something. Something that is great, something important, something that is in all of us but we are scared to find out what it is. Instead, we remain in the now, ignoring that curiosity for something better in an effort to stay focused on chasing what we know, a buck. As the saying goes, "money makes the world go round."

My written ramblings brings me full circle to my current craving to drink. Tomorrow, I'll enjoy a fine wine with friends and strangers. We'll enjoy, enjoyment together. A feeling that is the perfect way to end one year and a blessing to start a new year. Top wine or not, best place or not and what I'll be wearing or not won't matter. If only for a moment we'll connect to the fact that what we have in enough and what that is, is each-other. Cheers to having "enough" in 2011, first drink is on me.

Until You Get Your Way, Hold Your Breath

Like a four year old child, a New Zealand man is holding his breath until he gets his way.  Frankly, I don't blame him.  You can scream until you are red in the face but people seldom listen.  So maybe, making no noise at all, not even breathing will be more effective.  With that type of focused silence, a person can accomplish some amazing things.

The goal for this quiet tantrum; save the Hector Dolphins of New Zealand.

Yes, save the "dolphins".  I know it sounds a bit ridiculous with all the other turmoil in the world, but that is just it.  If we don't start appreciating all that is beautiful and strive to save it, what are we left with but turmoil.  Besides these beautiful creatures are pretty cool.  

I first laid eyes on them on a sailboat off the coast of New Zealand.  While enjoying a bottle of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (the wine that put New Zealand on the map) a pod of Hector Dolphins thought they'd pay us a visit.  Perhaps it was the wine's distinct bouquet of ripe passionfruit, yellow plums, juicy limes and freshly picked basil that attracted our companions.  All I can remember was drinking in the grace of these animals while enjoying the wines long, crisp finish.  The white streak marking that runs the length of these classic grey dolphins looks almost like an artistic flame on a 50's hot rod car.  I was messmerized by these high performance "vehicles" as they crested and rode the bow wave of our modest little vessel.

A vision like that is worth saving.  In this season of giving, the best thing I can receive is the knowledge that I will have the opportunity to experience the majesty of the Hector Dolphin once more.  Until then, I hope that guy in New Zealand keeps holding his breath,... for all of us.

Grab Sum Booze, Let's Fire a Gun

Today the US Army announced a new infantry weapon with all the fanfare that only a great cliche line can capture, this weapon is "a game-changer".  However, I'm not sure what game the army plans to play with this weapon.  Briefly scanning the description of this weapon it becomes clear that the lethality of the new XM25 is not designed for any game my friends and I play.  In fact, when the XM25 is involved most enemies wouldn't want to play that game either.  This weapon system was not built for games, it was built to destroy.

The army proudly touts the guns ability to kill over, around and through any cover a target might hide behind.  When "smart" explosive rounds are unleashed, this is no game.  The gun was built to kill.  They military goes on to claim that this type of pinpoint technology will dramatically slash civilian death and damage on the battlefield.  One can only assume therefore that the more we fire this weapon in combat the more the "smart" explosions will find the "enemy".  In turn, we just might be amazed by the amount of "bad guys" that really exist.

The image of the weapon alone has me drooling to hold it in my hand.  Second amendment rights I say, this futuristic gun is exactly what the forefather had in mind.  Picture me, John Hancock, GW and Aaron Burr enjoying some fine french wine while shoot'n stuff up with our fancy XM25.  Now that is a history lesson any kid could get into.  

Forget the Red Rider BB Gun this Christmas Santa, I've got something better in mind.

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".

Here Comes the Rooster - Tierra Del Sol Malbec

Chill'n on the train with some local kids. Funny anyone under 30 these days is a kid to me, even though I'm not much older than them.  I break out a bottle I happen to have on me.  It was for later but I'm sure I can find another. They are going nowhere and honestly I have no clue where I'm going.  So we decide to sample the wine.  I say cheers and pass around a bottle of Tierra Del Sol Malbec 2009.  

When it returns, I turn off my computer, take a healthy swig and catch a glimpse of the passing landscape. It is soggy out there.  Not good news for the grape harvest. The report of continued downpours must have farmers rushing to pull their fruit.  What might be a bad year for grapes has part of me smiling though.  The chill in the air tells me this same storm is dumping white gold at the Mountain.  I'll be skiing in no time; maybe I do know where I'm going after all.

Craig's Sale - BYOB

When you read on craigslist that Craig is having a garage sale and then you get a FB invite to attend, it's kinda something you can't ignore.  

"This is going to be a party", were the first words that went through my head.  Immediately, I go to the calendar to save the date.  At that point I realized I already have a pretty nice little weekend planned, pretty nice little weekend indeed.  Shoot, if we have enough time you might see me sleeping it off in Bed Bath and Beyond.  (They have the comfiest beds)

Fall for me is always a busy time of year.  Winter is right around the corner, and for those that don't know were to find me, like a bear I tend to disappear once the snow starts falling.   Also being harvest season there are lots of loose ends to tie-up.  But maybe the busiest part of fall is football season.  You never want to miss a game, especially one at home.  The demise of my first business can be traced back to the time I missed the season opener.

So wouldn't you know, "the garage sale to end all garage sales", happens this weekend.  A classic busy weekend in the fall.  But if you're like me, you realize you can bare down and get it all done.  Weekends with the fun potential that this weekend promises are weekends that you need to go out and enjoy. 

Looks like it's time to breakout the wine I made from last harvest, dust off the old debit card (I hear they'll have paypal at the event) and get after it.  Cheap stuff to buy, a good buzz and laughs with friends; who can turn that down? who'd want to, especially in these interesting times.  I'll see you at the sale. 

Rubicon Wine On My Mind - Wash This Bad Taste Away

After last night's rant, I tried to chill out with a little TV.  For that, I turned to AMC.  I was hoping to find a smart, entertaining show that would allow my mind to peaceful drift into a different world.  The show I turned to shares the name of a wine, that vintage after vintage, I continue to enjoy.  One sip of Rubicon, the superior wine from Coppola's estates in California, always takes me to a happy place.  Without a bottle of Rubicon on the shelf (in these tough times I've had to reduce my cellar inventory) my hope was that Rubicon the new AMC show could produce a similar pleasure.

The show states, not every conspiracies is theory; true I say.  I'd add, not all conspiracies are entertaining either.  Maybe I missed something, this was episode ten.  With no background on the series, perhaps I dove in over my head.  Then again perhaps not.  I may have been asking too much from a show simply because it shares it's name with a great wine.  Or maybe that is the conspiracy of the whole thing; a writer who's dreams were destroyed by Coppola, decided the best way to get revenge was to destroy Coppola's best wine by creating a disappointing show of the same name.  That is Diabolical.

The show did have one highlight.  A piece of dialog, that for me, will be a classic line, "what is the significance of 4:20."  Maybe if I'd taken that thought to heart the show would have made a lot more sense.

A Open Letter to Dawgs - Still Reason for Cheers

All season long we'll be pouring wine, drink beers, and clinking glass cause no matter what it's Husky football season.  But after what I saw at the last home game, I just can't stay quiet...

New Rules For Husky Nation.

It's a bye week so, I took sometime to reflect on last weeks game.  Sark says not to dwell on the past, and that's good advice for the team, they've moved on.  But as a nation, I don't think we've taking the time to think about the mistakes we made last week.  I know as a fan I did.  You might say, "who me?", I wasn't out on the field. But remember as fans they can feel us, feed on our energy, fight to the end and walk-off knowing I scraped for every extra inch today because I know those people were entertained.  Remember that feeling we all had last year, walk out of that stadium after beating SC.  Remember that feeling on the field.  (note: to me that is sacred ground, and you don't go down there unless invited) But, the feeling after that game was electric.  You don't think the players felt that?  True Dawg fans make a difference.  So, I'm calling out fans by laying down some new rules to live by until the next home game.  Simple rules:

Have I thanked a Dawg? Who gets a game ball? rule one: Thank a Dawg.

Have you made your apologize?  I did, my aunt and uncle were in from out of town and I had to apologize for getting my brother kick-out of the stadium.  They are from the SEC and thought it was funny that we got kick-out of Husky stadium for cheering to loud.  ("Legendary Husky Stadium" my uncle jokes, "home of the wave.")  Sometimes you want to punch them, but when you've been out "played", you tip your hat and make apologize if you have to.  After being beat at home I say we have to. rule two: Man Up.

Have you reviewed the tape? Are you ready to be apart of next weeks game? rule three: Do Your Homework.

Have I done my part? This is simple are you part of husky nation or not or do I really know what that means?  rule four: Step Your Game Up.

These are the rules Dawg fans, be ready for ASU.

Break Out Another Box - We Still Have Wine

Cardboard it seems has a bad reputation.  Why that is, I don't know.  Cardboard, in my opinion is a versatile invention, that like a good friend will be there when you need it.  And in these current tough times, we all could use a good friend.  

Dream homes going up for auction.  Families struggling to make ends meet.  Smart people out of a job or worse settling for any work they can get.  Geez, when was any of this part of the American dream... never.  But just when things look their bleakest, true friends step up to the challenge.  Enter my pal cardboard.

Admittedly, I don't have the same buying power I did a few years ago, but to my buddy cardboard, that doesn't matter.  Thanks to cardboard I still have a home.  And though to many, a cardboard home might not be glamorous, my other good buddy wine would beg to differ.  Tasty and more affordable I'm not ashamed to be seen in public with cardboard and wine.  In these still scary economic times they've been their for me, and I thank them for that.

...honestly though, I do miss my other friends, million dollar home and stocked wine cellar.  Once you get to know them they aren't as pretentious as they sound.  

Greed Works, But For Who?

For a lack of a better word, "Greed" Gordon tells me, "is good."  In his thinking greed is the motivator.  Rather than siting on one's ass, greed pushes people forward to strive for the best in life.  Greed "clarifies, cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit". Greed it turns out keeps us accountable, it weeds out the weak and rewards the strong.  In Mr. Gekko's way of thinking we can thank greed for making things better.

For sure, it is greediest fruit that produce the most sugar, that become the riches in nutrients and thus is able to transform into the most complex of juice.  The richness of the greedy grapes makes the Barolos that I lust for possible.  In a sense, I must admit that old Gordo is right, greed works.

I'll make sure to tell him that when he is finally released from prison.  I'll pour him a glass of wine and let him enjoy it before asking him to elaborate more on greed.  I'm sure the greedy actions of his ex-wife have helped form some fresh opinions on greed which he will undoubtedly be moved to share.

Step Your Game Up

 Yes we can, just hasn't been getting it done, most of the problem being people would just rather not.  Personally it has been driving me crazy.  With unemployment inexcusably high in this country, environmental issues on the rise and corporate malfeasance seemingly out of control, I turn more and more away from society, choosing instead to go deeper down the trail of a solitary existence.  Good wine, long walks and video games would be the the contents of my data sheet should I have a centerfold layout.  Some people might think of me (and the many other like me) as a burnout, wasting time in rather than making a difference.  But maybe we are just a reflection of the times, laking a uniting voice to rally our generation to make a difference.  It seems crappy jobs and bad ties are all we have to look forward too.

...But suddenly a leader has emerged, and now I am compelled to make a difference.  Tell it like it is Marcus.  It's time we all stepped our game up.  Crack me another bottle of Malbec cause I'm all in to make a difference.  Let me just complete one more level on this game.

We Don't Have to Be Stuck - Make it Simple

Sitting down with a good book and a glass of wine, it is amazing what you might learn.  Simply opening a hundred year old first edition and reading the forward my mind is blow away.  Holding in your hands a direct a connection to knowledge gives time for pause.  A sip of wine during that pause allows for contemplation.  I'm left to explore the first shared thoughts that catch my eye.

"On my road to Deli I passed a hundred travelers, each was my brother."

After another sip, I swirl my wine before sipping again.  Such contrast on the roads today.

I'm Ready For Some Delicious Fruit

rather than living in frustration I close my eyes and imagine a new tomorrow.  one by one the troubling realities of today transform.  taking shape first as a dream, I can see the outline of their reality.  isolated in the wilderness I have increasing become reconnected.  I am not alone.  great prophets already live among us, calling out, hoping to stir us awake.  turn off the tv, tune out the hatred. Open up your eyes and see all that is beautiful before us.  The world is bountiful, it is time once again to taste the fruit of knowledge... I will proudly be cast out of the garden in which we currently live.