Jade Mountain, Caldwell Vineyard Merlot

At Michael's in KW (can't argue with THAT name). Selected with a flourish by AD and telegraphed in on a fair wind just after an emotive sunset observed afloat off Mallory Docks. Sprinting down Margaret St and bouncing into our seats just under the reservation expiration, the wine matched right up alongside some flown-in Chicago prime steaks (only 1% of all steaks . . . ). After a day of thigh muscle destruction riding 26 miles around the island on two-seat butt-busters, we frankly needed the protein.

2004 Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio

At "Annette's" on Marathon Key. Holy mackerel what a menu, something like 8 types of oysters, a deluge of fish. So totally caught off balance I had to buy a crab trap picture frame (complete with state license tag) to right the boat. This was all about the food, however, so fortunately the wine stayed on the sidelines incognito and did a fine job flushing down the cavier and horseradish oysters, the butterfly shrimp and the broiled grouper. The Lady d' Serve had spent time in VB (another centris of the drifter's universe) and managed to break only a few of the "five rules". Sadly the team decided to ignore her recommendation to breakfast the next day at the Stuffed Pig (MM49). I think we missed a chance to get into the Marathon groove!

2002 Green and Red Valley Zinfandel - Napa

Recommended by the serving lady at the Blue Crab. Someone had let chilies loose in the fermentation tank alright. Seared its way down the throat like hot butter! When will I learn NOT to drink Zin and Cab together!

2002 Grand Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon - Argentina

V-Day Dinner II at the Blue Crab with AD and Josephine + a surprise(d) Capt Hook. No need to cry for me on this one, quite smooth even when mixed with seafood.

Bonny Doon Vinyard Framboise

Capping an exceptional dining adventure during the first V-day dinner, this Raspberry flavored delight ....uh, anyway, that's enough of that. I mean its a chick's desert wine after all. Lin really liked it. Had it again on the 2nd V-day too. Brewed in Santa Cruz. A wonderful Joshua Wilton Inn experience with my top two Valentinas. Viva H-burg!

Moet Chandon White Star

Now, there's no surprise that a M&C selection hit the mark, but how about this: at the Super Bowl mini-party? Yes indeed, really sent the snooty-factor to the top of the dome, just like being in a Ford Field corporate box . . . . "why yes, Mr. Rooney, that FEDEX commercial was quite amusing"!