Napa Valley Castello di Amorosa and Roast Tenderloin a la Mr. Merry

Dad Merry's Christmas-y tenderloin happens but once a year.  We are so fortunate to be here for the big event.  We are doubly-lucky to enjoy the latest delivery from Castello di Amorosa: Il Brigante 2009.  It's a  big-bodied delicious blend: full of dark fruits, with hints of Italian meats ...  balanced and tannic.  So delish!  A perfect match for the roasted tenderloin ... succulent, savory, and elegant.

Merry Christmas to wonderful loved ones!

   

Merry Monks and the 49ers!

I must admit, I started this Christmas season feeling overwhelmed with stress.

Once we were out of the house and full-swing into the holiday madness and fun, things feel calmer!

A wonderful weekend in Philly, celebrating Aunt Bev, Annaliese, Alyse, enjoying time with the Merry's, and meeting Mr. Julian!  Wow ... So fun and lovely!

Arrival to Dad and June's ... Fantastic times, starting with some overdue catch-up and Merry Monks from Weyerbacher.  A wonderful night with holiday cheer and warmth.  Ken and June are magic!

Merry Monks is so festive, with true characteristics of a Belgian Tripel ... bananas, spices, carmel, loveliness.

Annnnnd ... It happens to be 9-er night, the last game at Candlestick Park!  After sharing a Merry Monk, we broke out a Troegenator for the game.  I love this malty doppelbock from Troegs Brewing Company; it's a delicious strong lager - rich and bready.  Historically, monks would drink this strong ale to get them through periods of fasting, as it was heavy and hearty.  A 

Tara's Australian 2010 Rappel Cab ... 3 Years Old

The remaining bottles of Rappel have remained untouched for 2 years to do their thing.  Nice.  The few ones that survived needed the hibernation!  

In November 2013, I cracked open one of the last few.  Wow, what a difference!  Still a brightness to it, now with subdued characteristics ... light oaky tendencies like vanilla, and sun-ripened red fruits + young dark fruits.  I am satisfied and intrigued by this creation, now 3 years old.  

Rappel 2010.