Decompressing, Zin-style

After a lovely, busy day, We've arrived home and unpacked. Am decompressing with a lovely glass of 2009 Green Truck Zinfandel, whilst watching (and mostly reciting) Bridget Jones. You may have seen this wine in PA on Chairman's Selection...it's currently priced under $10, and valued at nearly triple it's price. This organic wine is medium-bodied, with black fruits (plum, black raspberry) and pepper; in my opinion it is quite satisfying, especially for the price tag.

Cheers to the start of a week.

Long, Tough day; Deep in Thought ... Graham Beck Cab

Long, tough day; deep in thought.

Settled in and relaxed with a glass of Cab: subtle, yet complex. Black fruits. Coffee and dark chocolate. Graham Beck The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 is from the Stellenbosch vicinity of South Africa. While it is "new world" in style, it remains true to the varietal, and was quite rich and balanced, with typical oak character.

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Some of my thoughts from today, as you face whatever your day brings...

I am a firm believer that every day is a gift. I will not take the least of miracles for granted.

I am thankful for the simplest of things, like skipping with my cousin in the park, and the beauty of arpeggios pouring from the piano.

Grace was shown to me today; caring thoughts formed and spoken...each a dear blessing never experienced before.

I love and am loved.

Every day is a gift.

Coppola = Comfort

Time to relax, and I'm in the mood to blog...

Tonight we cracked open a good ole standby: Francis Coppola Cabernet (2010; Ivory Label).

Black and red berries, bit of pepper, bit of spice...anise. This Cab packs a medium-full body, with low-medium tannins. It was very nice with a warm, cozy, comforting dinner with family to kick off the holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving, all. Try a bottle of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay (or whatever our little heart desires) with your turkey tomorrow, and let me know what you enjoyed! Give thanks!

Xo, T

A New World Bordeaux-Style Red: Calvulcura 2005

I bought this bottle over a year ago...one of the few that traveled with me through the move.  A gorgeous blend of Merlot and Cabernet, this 2005 Saint-Emillion (Bordeaux)-style wine is surprisingly complex, dark, and elegant...especially for it's price (probably about $25/bottle...I paid closer to just $15)!

For anyone who appreciates Bordeaux blends, Calvulcura is an impressive new world example from the Mendoza region of Argentina.  Spice. Smoke. Oak. Silkiness.  Probably could have even chilled out for another (few) year(s), but I'm glad to have enjoyed it now.  Live in the moment, right?

I had a long day...

I wasn't on my top game. Hard to admit for some, but I am owning it.   I was thinking ... I will do better tomorrow ... all I need is a bit of inspiration, a little practice and coaching, and a lovely glass of ... Stags Leap Chardonnay!

Balance. Oak. Delicate, yet powerful.  Easy-to-find; consistent quality.  A perfect combination.  Tomorrow will be better ...

(Written mid-October 2012)

Smuttynose Exceeds Expectations

Two of this season's Smuttynose ales have been quite pleasing.

1. Pumpkin: a balanced, baking-spiced gem; brings the Autumn pumpkin-y goodness, with a subdued character that was confident, yet even.

2. Old Brown Dog Ale: On the road at upscale burger place at La Guardia... Perfect temperature. I should have skipped the food and had another brew.

Malts. Perfect carbonation. Balanced and easy-drinking. Delicious.