Malbec, anyone?

I love a good Malbec, and always enjoy venturing outside of my go-tos... This week, I tried a new Malbec: 2011 Piper Ranch. Lots of body, plummy and fruity, with some spice! A bit young, but true to the varietal's roots in Cahors, France, this wine is a delight!

"Merry"vale Cab and a Reinvigorated Love for Cheese

Day 3 of post-grad has been a winner! I discovered a magnificent , local fromage today! Our best find at the Boalsburg farmer's market is lovingly called "Scary Monster"...hell yeah! The farmer lady actually called me brave/hardcore...i may actually be a bit flattered! It's a dense and stinky chain of Muenster, I think. Nice.

Paired it with one of my standbys...MERRYvale Cab (2008). Black fruits, oakiness, tannins. We shared a gorgeous porterhouse from our local butcher shop, and some fresh broccoli with organic shallots from a local farm. Wow, what a culinary dream night. Ryan had a piece of our homemade blackberry pie, with psu creamery butter pecan ice cream for dessert. Alternatively, I had (another) taste of cheese and wine...surprise, surprise.

Tonight we order my first supplies for cheese-making; new adventures abound.

Troegenator

One full week since I've been finished my MBA. Wow- life is nice!

Today, a beer blog...

I love a malty brew. Troegenator from Troegs near Hershey/Harrisburg is a gorgeous Doppelbock, with carmels, brown sugar, and dark fruits...raisins and plums. Yummy!...reinvigorating memories from our last trip to Belgium.

One week in- 3 blogs published, first batch of homemade cheese made, enjoying normal life, reading the first non-text book in years, road trip through the countryside , antiquing, cooking, sleeping, watching a movie! (Ratatouille!), picking berries from my garden... and back to a normal workout regime this week. :)

In the meanwhile, try something outside the box (like a Troegenator), get out of your comfort zone, and have a fabulous week!

Class of 2012: Celebrating with Zin!

Five ridiculous months since my last post. Relatively pathetic, I know. Yet , considering the MBA, the move, and all the travel, my hope is that you understand the neglect.

8/11/12: MBA graduation. Now it's time to join reality again.

Enter: Cameron Hughes , Lot 243, 2009 Zinfandel. This delectable wine stacks up!

Huge, magical body; ridiculous ABV (16.5%); smooth, silky, and spicy! Perfect for a post-grad celebration. (Thanks, Neil!)

I have been so ready to rejoin the real world,and continue the finer things in life, like wine blogging!

Thanks for all of the support and well-wishes. I am spoiled and blessed. Cheers.