2001 Sangre de Toro

A pulsating curry dinner set the scene for a little drama fueled by this delicious offering from Torres. The evening started with the fervent question "What does a Honey Two do?". The immediate answer was "to keep the wife happy when Number One was away". Not long after the air was sundered by flipping hands to the back of heads and only then was the wine opened! And what an opening, all thanks to the Annapolitan bound "Lodger" (previously known as Li'l Dubya). Although the smallish bull (confirmed by the Lodger's unnecessarily close inspection) dangling from the bottle gave little indication that there was a whole lot of Sangre involved, this liquid star from Cataluyna set a standard for the future. The evaluation of noses and ears ("His are so cute!") followed. Maybe next time the Gran Sangre de Toro if the budget permits.

2005 Writer's Block Cabernet-Franc

A really fine little vino served at the best restaurant in WSNC. Everybody seemed happy with the way this Cab-Franc from the Steele Winery stood up beside seafood to beef. Covered the final wedding planning on the groom's side, the benefits of Euro travel from Dublin to Hamburg, and, of course, the smashing success of the shower d' Baby. 4 of the 5 rules were broken (couldn't remember the 5th), but the food was just as expected--fantastic. No wonder Milner's won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence!

2001 Madonna Cabernet Sauvignon

Cocktails at the Man called Juicy Fruit and Mayaritaville's. Covered a lot of ground with B&V including a bowling review, the details on banana tree growth and, of course, Harleys. Carl and friend visited. Found out Madonna was the oldest winery in Cal all grown organically from the get go. Started out mildly favorable and over the course of banana chips, trail mix and some parade the beef Panera sandwiches the wine steadily grew on us.

2005 Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir

We've been into the Gladiator before, but this time it was billed as the house red at the Zinc Brasserie. Rat-enabled, a medium sized, limo'd group consumed a good half case with nary a complaint for a wide variety of dishes including oyster and salmon starters, steak, lamb, and shellfish soup. The pompous, noisy waiter was confronted. The recent sailing excursion was reviewed as well as trips to England and Dallas. The role of rats examined. Pictures were exchanged and autographed detailing some unsettling poses of mental confusion. The meal ended with creme brulee all 'round and the Gladiator still in the arena. Finally, after a welcome after-dinner drink, we were easily bribed to take the limo express home with a chilled bottle of champagne.

2004 Berberana Vina Alarde Crianza

The return of B&V continues with this light, excellent rioja. Balanced and even up against the incomparable seafood lasagna. Tales of the English Conversation Group mixed with a discussion on the housing market and eventually morphed into a CSI/college football viewex. Only thing mssing was the girl in Texas!