2002 Penfold's Bin 389 Cab Shiraz

The Penfold's and a "buncha" Calz buffalo wings proved a superb accompanient to yet another "final planning conference" for Operation Sea Penguin. Complete with annotated wall maps, laser pointer, black ink highlighter, and a fresh bottle of Cab Shiraz ("matured in American Oak Casks") we filled three tumultuous hours on a wonderful, benign evening.
To prove that its not just about taste, and as a statement of the compatibility brought on by the Penfold's, here is a sample of the early harmonious commentary:
"The first friggin' day and we already have a problem!",
" The library in the morning for selfish Mike!",
"Pissed off of Harford Drive" (scuse me while I version: "Pissed off at half a drive", and finally
"I better be flying Business Class!"). Hmph.
We then viewed the "new" itinerary (London to Land's End) in blistering detail (13 pubs, expected breakfast menus) leading up to the final countdown in Alverstoke. Once again the Vale of the White Horse was mentioned. The telling included an exhaustive (ting?) stroll through AD and Josephine's initial blind date at the Woodman Inn to the tune of "Oh yes, I remember it well" playing in the background ("There was moonlight", "It was noon!", "You were sober", "Like a loon!", "Oh yes, I remember it well").
And moonlighting there was, recounted in a little known episode of AD's early career where he balanced the professional requirements of defending the land against the Commie horde while simultaneously providing a "pub"-lic service dispensing libations and laying concrete--even then proving what would become his now legendary versatility.
We learned of Josephine's first tender words to AD: "Hey fatty, give me a pint!"; the full story of the diminutive jockey, Peter B., who suffered a broken arm which halted his career riding for a stable in Newbury and who later, on a road trip, was abandoned by AD, "He was a nice man, the little guy"; and finally the riveting expose of AD's shockingly short career in the saddle involving a large, heavy horse named "Macpherson", "He was a huge, evil horse", AD's unique form of equine discipline: "He stepped on my foot and I hit him in the jaw shouting 'Take that you swine!'", all followed years later by an even shorter experience with "Bismark", "He was huge. The next animal up in the chain would be a giraffe". This was all in broad counterpoint to Josephine's blissful experience with "Prince" who, while smallish, seemed quite cooperative "He only threw me a couple of times".
The evening ended with an empty Penfold's bottle and an excited crew of prospective wedding guests. Operation Sea Penguin is a GO!

More Peter Vella

Another AD and Josephine Pool Party. A new and open examination of a fresh box of the Vella. Consensus: "Industrial Stength Wine". Once again this wine met the standard on a sunshine drenched afternoon, wafting about on various Sam's Club floats or balancing a hefty plastique wine glass, one leg draped over a pink noodle: "Wine in equilibrium". Kendall and Gilly farewell, you were sent off properly by margaritas and Peter V.!!!

Sideways?, should have been titled "Whineways"

I only made it through about an hour's worth. Saw the beginning through the part where he calls his ex-wife. This guy was messed up. Fixated on wine, judgemental and self righteous about his friend. I've got to admit that Giamatti really acted his tail off, but I just couldn't take the character. Beautiful scenary, makes me want to visit Santa Barbara. (Reminds me of the days I spent in the gulf on the "Santa Barb" teaching them about "auto-dog"). Couldn't possibly imagine anybody I know sticking his nose in a glass that far. Thanks Mav, this was a good suggestion, but I suggest that the next time we get together, let's crack a good bottle of vino and watch Caddyshack!

Mav, Hang In There

It was noted that Mav was a bit disturbed at the no reply on his suggestion that we conduct a screening of the movie "Sideways" (am I supposed to put some sort of trademark symbol here?) because the movie focused on the evaluation of wine (pinot noir) and this would be a good activity for this Blog's community of interest to consider watching a movie as an alternative to what is obviously the main focus of the Blog--the wine itself! But, here's the thing. I saw most of the movie on a transatlantic flight, but I'm fairly sure I didn't see the beginning and I'm not sure that I saw the end. I got most of the story, but I'm also reasonably sure that in order to judge this flick "we" need to see the whole thing front to back. So, I'm holding off on a review, because if I had to give an opinion now, well . .. .. . . anyway. Mav hang in there, we will get to this, and in the meantime keep plugging away at Econ and practicing your fly fishing.

Bubba's on Shore Dr. the Last Wine on the list is a French Cabernet

After golf at Sewell's we cleaned up and headed out for seafood. I must get better at writing down these names, because somehow by the time I get home memory has evaporated. In any case this was very even balanced and reserved in taste as most of the French cabernets seem to be, to me. Especially in comparison with Californians which always seem stronger and more flavorful.