2004? Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon

Dinner with the Big Fish at La Galleria. A fine evening clearing house on family and work with some grins thrown in. "I will quit smoking" haha. The Estancia stood tall against a continent-sized veal chop. Inofficious, reliable as a kibben.

2004 Chateau Bois Redon

"Bottled in the castle". Lucky to have two FR-Canadiens for the complete label translation this Alfio M. selection was truly inspirational. Noting that Henri-Louis Fagard was involved at some point, we relished the insight emanating from the Suffolkian Bar-bordeaux commentary: "superior", "cracking good draft", "a bordeaux like non-other" and "I like a wine that's extremely dry, that leaves le palais reaurffite (the smacking of the pallete)". And then finally a sound from the lips, sort of a "phwacking" or maybe a "patwacking" believed to signify some degree of approval. Later this grand kickoff vino, supplemented by a serious number of jello shooters while billiarding at the House of Moreno Warming, led to even deeper notations: "I need to go on your bushes", a rendition of "It's Hockey Night, tonight" and, finally, the evening concluding "I would not trust my safety to a hoofed creature!" sending us all off with a smile and several sets of phwacked lips. Eh?

2003 Greg Norman Limestone Caverns Shiraz

"On Par". The wit flowed on a gorgeous, sunny Sunday afternoon on the AD/Josephine deck overlooking the extensive science experiment sometimes known as "the pool". For the modest investment, this was a very, very tasty offering. Sliding lower and lower in the chair as the conversation ebbed and meandered round recent gastro(nomic) excursions, the London theatah, and punctuality. The GN stayed afloat throughout across a range of temperatures until, finally, safely wrapped in a cooler sleeve it was put to rest--what an Aussie.

2003 Fetzer Valley Oaks Merlot

BriggsnVB for a tasty roast dinner. The Fetza was a bit light for this menu. Closer to the red Delicious Vella-based Sangria that opened the night than to something you'd want to march up alongside a slab 'o beef. We did polish off a coupla bottles though and there is a long list of lighter dishes this would successfully accompany. Surprisingly, the gals seemed to go for the Sangria like desert survivors. Could have been the Columbia mix.