2004 Kavaklidere Okuzgozu d' Elazig

This was a red Kavaklidere wine at the JTT and Teresita's Branch 'do in VB. There was a defective wine bottle opener involved. Responsible for impaling several of the guests. As a result many were sucking their (own) thumbs and this may have influenced the assessment of the vino. Frankly the KOd'E was the best of the bunch that included Aussie and Virginia varietals. A further complication was the cork floating inside the bottle. Too many variables including the unforgettable funereal in Merry Hill, NC. I wouldn't know where to tell you to find it, but if you are making your way through Izmir and come across this--it's well worth a try!


Öküzgözü is a ‘monocépage’ product created after five long years of research. The grapes come from the Elazığ province, located on the Anatolian plateau at the north of the Taurus Mountains. The various sources of the Euphrates River in this region soften the normally harsh climate of Eastern Turkey. After aging in French oak barrels for 12 months, this wine reveals intense fruity flavors of raspberry and cherry mixed with an elegant "boisé". After two years in the winery, it evolves a very well balanced body with light tannins and reveals its "bouquet" after 4 years; it can age for up to 10 years. Öküzgözü is best served at 16-18 degrees C and is a perfect match with different dishes served with a cheese sauce, casseroles, red meat, grills, cheese and poultry.

2005 Santa Maria Valle Central Merlot

Another solid candidate that disappeared quickly during the WV steak dinner. Set us up for the cheddar and giant grapes. More details about AD's early life as a sledder with friend M. Johnson up in Dartmoor. As always, the Santa Maria cruised us along and helped soothe the pain of Lezalie's nose-first smash into the snow tubing barrier.

2003 Chateau Bellevue Bordeaux

After a full day of WV adventure ranging from the Seneca Rocks, to the Smoke Hole Caverns, the Dolly Sods and snow tubing . .. . . . Well! What was left but to fire up the grill, toss on some steaks, roast up the veggies, and crack open the Chateau Bellevue. Solid, dependable vino that took our minds off the hair raising off-piste experience at Canaan Valley snow tube park and the surprise at finding a stalagmite older than Bob Young in the Caverns. Another of Alfio Moriconi's choices. Ready for bed at 8:00!

2005 The Little Penguin Shiraz

In the West Virginia mountains, the little penguin waddled in to a superb rockfish dinner and happily plopped down for a wonderful New Years Day. Just what you'd expect from an antarctic bird vis a vis Virginia striper. "A fishy little wine", "solid and robust". The rockfish, caught the day before at the mouth of the Ches Bay, included one by the renowned British accountant M. Johnson, shortly after nicking Mike's rented rod and reel. Harmony soon ensued and the party broke up around 8 p.m after cheese and grapes. Snores followed.