This was a banner weekend in our household. We introduced our children to the wonders of Star Wars. I wish I could’ve captured my son’s face better last night, wide-eyed wonder, a glow stick light saber. Completely enthralled, completely happy. A parenting high-point, for sure.
Of course, we had to continue with a little teaser of Empire today. And since I’m feeling the pinch to get some sample reviews in before I leave on Thursday we are going to go with the theme. I’ll battle through the asteroid field of distractions and get some writing in while they find out how to keep warm in the frozen tundra. Egad.
Here are a few things I’ve been sent of late:
The Heavyweight Cab was a little heavy for me, but the N.A.P.A. label Michael’s Red is more enjoyable. Dark fruit, a little baking spice on the nose. Moderate tannins and mouthfeel. The blend is Cab Sauv., Sangiovese, Barbera, Syrah, and Merlot. A little of this, little of that makes it versatile. Priced at 17, totally doable.
T is for William Tell Pinot Grigio Hard Cider
Cider is growing in popularity. It is generally something I typically enjoy in the fall, but the addition of 15% Pinot Grigio takes this one into summer. It cuts the cloying sweet that some ciders have and makes it more versatile, fresh. Thumbs up.
A is for Alto Adige
Ok, I’m stretching here. Il’ Ugo by Mionetto is inspired by a cocktail from the Alto Adige region of Italy. It is a sparkling wine with elderflower blossom. They suggest serving it with mint and lime. I found it to be a nice apperativ as is. Herbaceous, pear, citrus. Something fun and different.
R is for Jamieson Ranch Vineyards
Last Monday, some fellow wine writers and I participated in the WITS2014 tasting. We sampled six wines and tweeted our thoughts. They were all good wines, but the consensus on the stand-out was the 2011 Double Lariat Cabernet Sauvignon. Gorgeous nose. Rich, black fruit, nutmeg, anise. Great mouthfeel, long developing finish. Really great wine. Since two of us received the wines, we split them up after. I almost picked up my glow-stick light saber.
Now, let’s talk bad ideas. I know I may be setting off Star Wars fanatics on this one, but I think the addition of the computer generated imagery into the FIRST, ahem, Star Wars was a bad idea. Call me a purist, but half the fun of the movie was the “How did they do that?” sense of wonder. Get your CGI out of my 1977 movie please.
Another bad idea. Deciding to leave on a camping trip three days after I get home from the WBC. Two, really, since it will be after midnight. The fact that I’m publishing my “Sunday” piece on Monday gives you an idea of how behind I am. So with that said, I’m signing off, and may the force be with me.
SAHMmelier 