Maso Canali Pinot Grigio Venezia

Aldo's in VBeach. The Maso Canali was smooth as silk. "Slipped down the throata like a gondola-boata". Sipped Lin's Riesling after initially tasting the Maso C, and my tongue rolled to the back of my head to escape. Went back on Monday but they had none left. Try to find this in quantity and throw a case in the fridge.

2004 Louis Latour Pinot Noir

At Croce's in SDiego. Light as a feather, no time in this bottle! Sluiced alongside the seared ahi and/or meatloaf like a Hodad at Ocean Beach. The amalgamated crowd of Brits and Notre Americanos was actually surpised that LL is from Francais and not Northern Cal. But this is the type of confusion that follows a ride in Merv's Expedition and ends up in the Tomato parking level. Later departing the Martini Ranch, lightning struck Pewich: "Has anyone ever told you that you look like G.W. Bush?" "Hatchy" now to be forever known as "Little Dubya". Only in the Gasalamp.

Croaker's House Red

Served in a carafe at the indomitable Croaker's on Shore Drive. A very light and taste roja that slithered up to the crusted salmon with crab meat (yes, the Salmon Raymone!) like a lifetime companion. The glasses somehow emptied themselves. More Cayo Hueso planning followed by a last minute dash to the Starbuck's couches. What a nice evening and all on house vino!

2003 Christian Moueix Merlot

Dateline Gville. This wonderful, light vino helped the inner circle through the saddest of occasions bringing forth fond memories and sweeping us together in rememberance. Never to be forgotten.

2004 120 Santa Rita Merlot

Now normally I "swear" by Santa Rita as a highly dependable product, but in this case something was askew. For instance, the "120" on the label comes from the 120 Patriots who participated in the Battle of Rancagua to achieve Chilean independence and who spent some time taking a breather at the Santa Rita Estate. Possibily some of the blend in this bottle was left over from that visit In any case, stick to the "main line" SR and don't mix it up with these patriot boys.

2004 Louis Jadot Beaujolais

An ad hoc, last minute soiree at AD&Josephines, we were bowled over by the smooth, light taste, a pleasing frame for the veg New wiches. Who would have thought that this French offering could strike it rich against a healthy entree featuring barbecued onions? We started with some of the delicious Santa Maria, reviewed in many past posts, and then rolled down the middle of the lane with the LJ. After-dinner planning session featuring expresso from the new machine (this explains why I'm up at 5:30 am) due to an unexpected lack of capaccino mix. As the Osc demonstrated his double back neck stretch before slumping into doggie slumber, we detailed a possible Feb excursion to Cayo West, an as yet unnamed expedition. The evening ended with a shift to double-secret collusion re a certain weekly after hours event. The P--guins are truly taking flight in the best conspiratorial spirit. Fully an hour + spent on the subject of wardrobe alone. Complete with some museum quality art-work by Josephine. Andre shall be a busy media specialist!

2004 Dakotah Noble

In Gville a visit from the Levy Counti-ans (home of the Lancaster Girls) brought a rare, almost red delight from the Dakotah Winery just up the road on US 19. This is the first-ever Florida wine to hit this log, and it was quite a sweet swipe according to all who had a taste. RandyMo compared it to the finest of grape juices. Cuz Sara found it to be the ideal diet supplement as a suitable substitute for cranberry juice. Lin and Aunt Ginny were most impressed with the tongue tantalizing . . . (you get the picture). After a grinding day this treat raised the spirits all around. Thanks to the 'Ortons.