2004 Mouton Cadet White Bordeaux

Lala: "A young sheep wine'". Josephine (after a taste of the wine): "I talk dolphin!" A discussion followed for some inexplicable reason about Chianti housed in straw: AD: "The only thing which should be wrapped in straw is your head in a boater." Jinster: "Or the baby Jesus." This was further illuminated by the revelation that as young siblings, Josephine "was fed chocolates" while the Jinster " was given detention" although plaintive cries to "not write to mommy and daddy" with promises from Big Sis that the Jinster "will behave herself" were summarily ignored. Even more shocking was the late breaking explanation for Josephine's missing finger tip. While being whipped around the yard by the Jinster hurdling over upended lawn furniture in simulated equine rapture she was the victim of an unexpected failure of wood construction. Parents formal affair interrupted and the Jinster to forever bear the stigma of not having secured the missing tip for future reattachment. Years later a shiv in the ribs set the scales of justice back in balance during a backyard fishing expedition. And what about the fateful blind date that set the AD/Josephine dynasty in motion? This from a woman whose name was born in a Burger Bar called Charlie Brown's in Eastborne. I only wish there was the raw material of a mystery novel here, but alas about all these tales could sustain is a blog entry: Josephine has official permission to shop for a new outfit and hat in prep for the Romandyding in September (see Operation Sea Penguin). Otis B. Driftwood, signing off.

2000 Fiorentini Valpocella

A delightful warm evening introduction to the Ginster, Rosie Runstable, and El Chimpy over platefuls of heaping Lasagna ending with a froth of Stilton. More holes were filled in the spotty history of AD and Josephine from these prime sources of familial intelligence. But first to the wine: legless and watery, perhaps just as advertised. Also "Gutsy for something out of Italy", "Mellow and round", Chimpy: "Its not really dry like the others. Smooth and not rough. Long aftertaste. Wine is not sharp" ", Rosie: "Oh, you tried it did you Chimpy?" "Duh, that's why your glass was missing!" Josephine: "I'd smack his hand!" A piece of cork was later found afloat.