21st Century Peter Vella "Boxo Stupendso"

I must admit I didn't taste the wine but can only note the obvious, positive medicinal qualities as it substituted for whatever pain-killers AD should have been taking during the inaugral pool party of 2005. A host of diverse participants from a number of different countries (England, Portugal, Canada, Australia, Phillipines, ...Maine) converged on the grill for a rollicking event. Should have gone to and stuck with the Vella but got smerged off on Ant's margaritas (noted in prior posts for being quite deadly). Adhering strictly to the formula ("one of those, and two of those, and squeeze in the entire bottle of lime juice, and let's throw in the lime rinds as well, and should it be Triple Sec or Cointreau? Oh let's alternate"), the afternoon came to a crushing close as sleep pulled its warm cover up and we headed home to let the dogs out.

2002 Postino Zinfandel

A fine after-Raleigh House reception dinner at La Galleria in downtown Norfolk. Lin heartily satisfied by the mussels la mer and after a thick and juicy Caprese, I thoroughly enjoyed the mini-Me Lamb Chops with spinach. All washed down by a light and tasty Zin (a surprise to Lin--it's RED) from the Postino Italiono bottlers.

2002 Georges de Bouef Beaujolais

Mon Ami! A delightful evening onboard the French carrier, "Charles de Gaulle" parked at Pier 12. A cozy reception in the hangar bay along with 1000 other guests courtesy of our host Col JMP. Pina coladas, G&T, and, of course, Champagne (mucho Champagne). Saw many old acquaintences and Navy links in a vibrant atmosphere. Superb, clean ship, only two years old. Afterwards we retired to the JMP homestead for a bottle of smooth GdB and a bit of vino educatzion. J-M is a master of Bordeaux as raised by his father, a wine merchant. His advice is to "see the wine, smell the wine, taste the wine, aaaahhhh." He promised a return visit with some fine Bordeaux's coupled with selected "cheeses from overseases" Camembert, Roquefort. Look forward to many future posts!

Some Year--Does it Matter? - Principato Rosso

At the Carol Taylor farewell lunch, JANAF Olive Garden. I had always wanted to try this out. Although there was absolutely nil distinctiveness (no that's not really a word) but we went through about five bottles (big group) because it matched the Americano-Italiano fare quite well. Someone has spent a lot of time filtering the "Princi" to the point of supreme inoffensiveness! Bon giorno.

Greek Festival in Norfolk

What a magnificient day and what a beginning. Scarfing down Greek food like no tomorrow accompanied by the best by far Retsina ever to run across the tongues. Whipping and snapping to the Greek band and entranced by the little Greek dancers. We almost didn't make it to the next events, Stockley Gardens Art Festival, the Virginia Beer Festival and to the much acclaimed Cincquenta de Maya. The ladies would have been very happy to remain in place. Somehow I'll find the name of the wine, but it won't be easy.!!

2001 Fetzer Five Rivers Ranch Cabernet (Central Coast)

A very nice accompaniment to Steaks on the "new" grill courtesy of "Crack On". The new Webber did a superior job over the old Char Broil. The wine was smooth and light, pleased the wimmin. Perfect end to a relaxing Mother's Day. vLa: "Much better than the bitter stuff you usually buy". Hunh.