2003 Jacobs Creek Shiraz

At the self-same proper AD and Josephine lunch on All Hallow's Eve-eve. This wine, from the first vinyard in the Barossa Valley, came after the previously posted 2004 Rosemount Shiraz-Grenache and now don't get me wrong, this was a fine robust wine with a bit of a crunch at the end. It just took some getting used to after the smooth ride served first which evokes sort of a dilemma--if you're going to serve two wines do you serve the smooth one second or first? The Old Sea Dog would say non to du, but we're from a different decade so bi-wine experimentation is A-non. "Josephine's eyes were brought to tears". You can see where this was heading. Jacob took us "down the creek" along the lines of "Nippers-when they played up the anchor they would have a windless; the anchor would come up and they had a never ending rope that intent down the rope the sailors that would put a nip or mould--the little Nippers. These were the same young fellows who were also called powder monkeys. This is where 'freeze the balls off a brass monkey' comes from. The tray which held the cannon balls was also called a 'monkey' and when it got really cold . . . ." you get the picture. Then came "I'd like to propose to the white anniversary. Keep it symbolic". Out comes Josephine's homemade apple pie using Knott's island apples. When the innocent inquiry "do you have any ice cream" was raised came a shocking revelation--an ice cream bucket of vanilla and chocolate. I.e, e.g. both flavors in one tub. But--only one flavor was available. That's right--the entire half of vanilla was GONE! Plenty of chocolate and then a cliff into emptyness with a few scraps at the bottom. Taste buds shot to Mars the devastation spread quickly. Apple pie, Knotts Island apples-Apple Pie, without vanilla ice cream? Jo: "I actually had some Ben and Jerry moments." So we were at that pivotal moment when time takes a turn, and AD, eyes burning bright, realizes he can make Monday morning wakeup a very special event for someone because it will be the culmination of Trafalgar Night on Saturday followed by a lubricated Sunday lunch that can't be beat. Out came the port (no label, no "year" but it was heartily swilled) to go along with the cheese (Brie plus Smackling) and fruit: frozen grapes. Was this supposed to be symbolic of the frozen monkey balls? Had Trafalgar night gone on too long? Final quote: "These grapes taste the same when you suck them frozen". Home and to bed at 7:30 .. . p.m!

2004 Rosemount Shiraz-Grenache

At AD and Josephine's for a proper Sunday lunch on Halloween eve (is that All Hallow's Eve, eve?). This contribution from Ken was smooth as silk and balanced like a top. A perfect complement to the succulent stuffed loin, uh chops, uh medallions. "I took out a wooden spoon and I did actually smack them. It hurt. They knew. It registered!" The Rosemount stood to attention, especially in contrast to what followed (the next post).

2004 Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon

Served at the "Immortal Memory" dinner as part of the 200th anniversary. Complimented the Filet of Beef En Croute to a "T". Eminently swillable in unplanned quantities--however, every man is expected to do his duty--even the Navigator of Winston Churchill. Compliments as well to Stephen de "T" for the invitation. Brought the Lady Hamilton chocolate sea chest home (at least part of it) for Lin. Unofficial quote of the evening: "It's Admiral "G" and General "She" courtesy of "GWB". New Nelsonia: port selected for toasting the sovereign as alternative to the beverage of the enemy.

2003 Fetzer Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

Another entry at the post Op Sea Penguin picture swap. Lin: "It made me sneeze" AD: "Yes, its a very runny wine. A tantalizing little runny wine. With a taste that's clamped to the taste buds in their fruity little claws like grandma's undies going through the mangle.....It's actually not bad." Lin: "I'm still envisioning grandma's undies." Josephine: "Mike, could you drive me home!?!"

Wine inspired quote of the evening: "Major B could you please not shove anything else up there?!"

2002 Martin Vinyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The post Op Sea Penguin picture swap. This nice little entry from a vineyard on Knotts Island North Carolina, ok, ok but it was quite tasty! "I've driven .. . , I've drunken . .. . . .ah, I've done drunken the whole bottle!" Mike.