2004 Osborne Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon

After a smashing day zipping around Willoughby Bay in a 15 foot rocket, the Clan returned to home base for le steaks. The grill was temperamental, the a/c collapsed, the movie projector crashed, but all in all, the Solaz was a saving island of calm and tempranillo. Wonderful flavor, ideal for NY Strips and Filets. I was expecting some rawness d'Espana, based on the Andalusian summer of sherry in '72. The Doctor and I agreed that this Osborne, however, was from a much different corrida. Buy a case. The toro on the label reminded me of the electronic jamming EA-3 squadron from Rota until I remembered they used the Sandeman logo and the Bulls were from VA-37!

2004 Jacob's Ceek Reserve Shiraz

Leggsamundo. Nice smooth wine with a cool finish. Perfect for WII-watching after a longish boat ride. Hit the Village Butcher for a steak load.

2002 Jacob's Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

WII enhanced, this accompaniment to the Stag's Leap was consumed in minutes making any assessment a challenge. There were, however, calls for more. Later, reports came in of a fevered golf competition at 0247 presumably fueled by the JCRCS but perhaps assisted by a few drops of Ketel One. A potent mix requiring special handling of the "B" buton.

2003 Stag's Leap Merlot

Opened for the return of the flock. After a dismal day at Eagle Haven, great expectations about the SL. With the pork loan a'sizzling, Napa valley pulled us through with lots of flavor, balance and smoothnicity. I was lucky to get some as the evening wedged into the Doctor's and J's new WII that provided hours of spectatorial delight watching the assembled jumping amok swatting invisible tennis balls and rolling invisible bowling balls. Just for what you need some nudging help from the Stag.

1999 Chateau Guillemot Bordeaux

Nice little number from St Emilion consumed with the Man called Juicy Fruit at the Au Stekerlaplatte ("known from good, hearty Belgian cuisine at reasonable prices") in the Marolles section of BRU. After a palatte clearing visit to the Roy D'Espagne to admire the hanging pig's bladders and quaff a few Leffe's, the Chat G took over and kept us afloat even beside JF's order of pig's knuckle. We coursed post-Teenage topics such as aiplane taxi directing, trim carpentering, and the state of telecommunications in the PI. The evening ended with the usual food fight about COIs and a happy taxi ride to Centraal for the journey back to Diegem.