Peter Vella "Delicious Red" Box

Eeeeewww. After recognizing this line of industrial strength beauties in the past, particularly for large group pool parties, the "DR" Vella drew faint praise from the courteous and generous crowd at the "Spring has Sprung" dance party in VBeach. Maybe it had something to do with bringing it indoors! The ever-damning "tastes like fruit juice" phrase was heard just enough to drive the music loving hoards away. Consequently, according to the table on the back of the box, I now have about 34 four ounce servings left. What now? I'm thinking Sangria, lots of Sangria. . .

2002 Barton & Guestier Saint-Emilion

At the "M-it means Brown" job celebration party this contribution set the highest mark for 2006 so far. Coupled with some tasty oriental dishes, the B&GSE sparkled in the night and pushed everyone into the music room for an exploration of "the Commitments" soundtrack. Liquid gold. Was later awarded a bottle by the P&M team for future consumption.

2003 Count Placido Chianti

A lively St Patrick's day dinner--of course taken at an Italian Restaurante - Vivo! This Product of Italy DOCG drew a "playful little wine" comment. Adhered to the no straw around the bottle rule which paid off handsomely with this delightful, inexpensive selection. Normally I try to avoid being distracted by the label (unless there are Penguins involved) but who could help being impressed by the noble Count P's visage--such an obvious model for Gary Oldman's interpretation of ye old Dracul. At Hilltop right down the street from wine heaven.

2004 Monte Pietrosco Nero (sp?) d'Avola (Sicily)

Again with the BriggsnBru at the Amici Miei Restaurante in Scharbeek. What a great little place and a very smooth vino perfectly complementing the pasta ala clams and later the veal. Back in the day, after riding the liberty boats into Catania, I've had many a sicilian that burned the throat like a delco battery juice--but this Nero d' Av was pure sweetness and light. Fantastic atmosphere, the owner is a truly a mein host in the old style. A very nice way to kiss off the ides of March!