cat shepard

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. Hope everyone in the path of yesterday’s winter storm is ok. It is 20 degrees colder here this morning. I guess Winter isn’t through here yet. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us! Praying that next week gets you on the road to being pain & numbness free with lots of wonderful sleep. I have my annual wellness visit early this morning, then a manicure, Bindi walks, HIIT and regular chores will keep me busy. I finished the first pass of my grout cleaning. When I get back, I will tackle the stubborn areas. Here’s a headline you don’t see everyday…. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, trauma or feeling down. The caretakers. Terry, thinking of you & Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Happy Valentine’s Day - everyone! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 I used the 2021 vintage info, since that was the oldest vintage still in stock & very easy to find. Lots of consumer fans of this priced right Cab. You can find this just about anywhere. Online prices start at a reasonable $12.48. Winemaker Notes The 2021 Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish. 90 James Suckling Blackcurrants, black and green olives, rosemary and some crushed walnuts on the nose. Fresh and refined, with a medium to full body and fine-grained tannins. Drink or hold.

@Lcubed Laura has graciously volunteered to cover the Wine du Jour, while I am gone. I really appreciate her offering to help. Thank you Jacqui, Eva & Paul for offering. Ann

Checking back in before class to let you know that both Jacqui & Eva, who are currently on the staff of the FR & D, have volunteered to research the wine of the day, while I am away. I confess, I was hoping that someone not currently on the staff would volunteer, before having either of them do double duty. Any takers? If so just shoot me an email at annge3@gmail.com Ann

Sandi, I have provided a safe place to friends and family members before. I know how important it was to them. I hope Morgan is able to get out of there soon.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for taking on the maps. We had quite a storm last night. Lots of thunder and rain. I am sure there was lightning, but I couldn’t see it from where I was sitting. Vanessa, thank you for tracking our happenings so well, I am always surprised by something I miss. Praying that next week’s procedure helps you! Gym, Bindi walks, chores and - drumroll please - today I finish the grout with my bathroom. There are at least 6 high traffic areas where I will have to use an application of paste, but I am astounded at the difference. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, trauma and debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or dealing with events outside of their control. Sandi, I wish I lived out West. Morgan could stay with me while she searched for her own place. Terry, thinking of you & Tana. Pray that her condition improves, so you can relax a bit. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** Brewer-Clifton 2021 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) From one of the best Pinot Noir regions in California, this wine has lots of consumer and critic fans! I would need to compare it to my other two favorite PN before I bought it though. It is a bit pricier than both Meoimi and Bueña Vista. Easy to find. Online prices start at $35.99. $35.99 Winemaker Notes This bottling is comprised of 100% estate Pinot Noir from three vineyards within the AVA. 3D, Machado and Hapgood all contribute to the wine which exhibits a drive, richness and pedigree expressive of our special growing area coupled with the purity of fruit and firm structure which have been the trademark of Brewer – Clifton. 95Wine Enthusiast Even Greg Brewer’s appellation cuvée carries his hallmark, addictive combination of sensory sensations. Light in the glass, it begins with aromas of fresh strawberry, red plum, wild thyme and chaparral spice on the nose. The palate snaps with refreshing acidity, powering through vibrant red fruit, earthy herb and peppery spice flavors. Delicious, fun, memorable. Editors’ Choice 95Jeb Dunnuck Leading off the reds, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills offers a pure, complex, intense perfume of ripe raspberries, peppery herbs, exotic flowers, and underbrush. This deep, rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir has a layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, remarkable purity, and a great, great finish. It will stand up to anything in the vintage and should be snatched up by savvy readers. 93Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, made with an unusually high proportion of whole clusters (90%), has broody scents of dark cherries, blackberries, woodsmoke, underbrush and rooibos tea leaves. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with concentrated, spicy flavors and a long, nuanced finish. 91Wine Spectator Pretty, with high-pitched damson plum and cherry notes infused with rose petal and iris hints. The fresh finish is lined with red tea and sanguine hints. Drink now through 2027.

I always hope they do. Sometimes I fear “it’s the same old, same old…”. ❤️

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for our maps! A lovely 66 this morning. Will start cooling off a bit over the next few days. Yesterday was gorgeous! Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us, in spite of your pain. Praying that the procedure gives you the relief you deserve and need. I am still looking for a volunteer to take on the Wine du Jour postings from February 17th - 25th. If willing to help, just shoot me an email at annge3@gmail.com Gym, Bindi walks, chores and more grout cleaning will keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, trauma, or debilitating conditions, or grieving the loss of a loved one. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of Tana and you today. Cheers to all who are celebrating! That means you @MISTER 67! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* 2022 Riesling, Mülheimer Sonnenlay Zeppelin, Max Ferd. Richter, Mosel Good thing I keep my decoder ring charged. Never know when I will need it. Today’s Riesling has lots of consumer fans, is easy to find and reasonably priced. Online prices start at $16.93. Winemaker Notes On the nose, apple, citrus and slate stone. Clean pure structure; mineral texture with rich mouth-filling flavors of orchard fruits and juicy layers. Shows a well zesty and spicy refreshing style. Well-balanced structure, animating. The elegant fruit structure finishes with great length. “Zeppelin-Riesling” is produced from estate grown and contracted fruit, the latter by fellow wine growers from Mülheim.

Happy Birthday @MISTER 67 Hope your new year is filled with laughter, love, great health, a smooth move, lots of golf & a cruise or two!

Just a quick visit. Our local state park has opened up a new hiking trail and a group of us are off to explore it. Then we will go out for coffee. Thank you Jacqui & Roy for bringing us the reports and maps! Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings- in spite of what you are dealing with. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Graham Norton Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Another New Zealand star for us to enjoy! This one is made by a partnership with comedian Graham Norton. https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/124042362/graham-norton-expands-wine-range-with-nz-company-invivo Widely available. Consumers and critics like it. Online prices start at $14.99. Distributor notes The Graham Norton 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is an inviting menage of apricot, fig and lemon zest. The palate is full bodied and displays a pristine expression of Sauvignon Blanc. I think it’s delicious and has that New Zealand zing. It’s soft and fruity. It’s full but floral-like. It’s sunshine in a glass.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! Another lovely morning, though there is a bit of a marine layer moving in. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Praying that you get the relief you need from your upcoming procedure. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores, and wrapping up the day at a friend’s for dinner. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, trauma, or grieving the loss of a loved one. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana and you. Cheers to all who are celebrating - Elizabeth, that’s you. And Vanessa, thank you for taking care of our lists for a year! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ La Ferme du Mont 2021 Vendage White (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) Lately I have been on a red or white blend kick. But white blends are much harder to find. Sadly this one is outside of my budget, but it sounds nice. A bit elusive, online prices start at $69.99. 95 Wine Enthusiast Fresh aromas of white peaches, tangerine, lime zest and acacia fill the glass in this bright expression. The palate is round with flavors of sliced lemon, pink grapefruit, green pear, fresh almonds, white flowers and river rocks. Mouthwatering acidity uplifts and provides tremendous energy to this wine.

@Haljo1935 Happy Birthday, Elizabeth! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & a cruise or two!

I am cleaning grout. Painstaking, but rewarding. I hope to complete everything but the two bathrooms this weekend. 🤞🏻

I was lucky to hear the sonic boom just a minute before splashdown.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! A lovely morning with a seasonal temperature of 54. Looks like a lovely weekend coming up. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Praying that you get relief from your pain - soon. Gym, Bindi walks, my local food bank asked me to switch my afternoon to today, more grout work and other chores will keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or dealing with a difficult time in life. The caregivers. Terry, praying Tana’s condition improves. And you get some rest. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, praying that Morgan can work through this trauma. I take safety for granted. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Figeac 2020, Grand Cru What price do you put on near perfection? Start saving your pennies, this superb - classic wine is way outside my budget. I guess if I were a gazillionaire, I might enjoy a bottle. I know a would love a taste. Online prices start at $244.00. Winemaker Notes Figeac: a name that shines brightly and echoes among lovers of fine Saint-Emilion wines all over the world. Two syllables which tell the story of one of the brightest stars in the wine firmament. As it slides into the glass, Figeac murmurs like the most outstanding voice of its appellation, with exactly the right tessitura if you know how to pitch it, and a touch of graphite to give it an edge; the energy infused with elegance becomes persistent, reflecting Figeac's desire to be enjoyed again and again. The true dimension of the wine appears with time, as notes of subtly spiced cedarwood offer the absolute quintessence of what a great wine is all about. 100James Suckling A mesmerizing nose here with flowers such as violets and red roses, then shows cherries and currants with some mineral and black truffles. Full-bodied yet so refined and harmonized with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Flavors of perfectly ripened fruit (al dente) with a hazelnut character that comes from the seeds. Incredibly transparent young red. Breathtaking. 37% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 31% cabernet sauvignon. 100Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2020 Figeac is the finest wine that has been bottled to date at this estate since its renaissance began a decade ago. Wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries and raspberries mingled with cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, licorice and black truffles, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a suave, harmonious profile, vibrant acids, and beautifully refined structuring tannins. This sapid, complex wine represents the essence of this great terroir. Two years after extensive soil studies of the estate were carried out, and the first growing season to see cover crops used in the vineyards year-round, the 2020 benefited from more coherently demarcated parcels and more precise élevage, which taken together help to account for its edge over the excellent 2019. Best After 2030 98Jeb Dunnuck The Grand Vin 2020 Chateau Figeac checks in as 37% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 18 months in new barrels. They also utilize plenty of press wine, and the 2020 has 8% in the blend. Straight-up awesome aromatics of creme de cassis, ripe black cherries, iron, spring flowers, and an almost bloody, salty character emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and absolutely perfectly integrated oak. It's still tight and reserved, which is certainly the vintage, so do your best to hide these in the cellar. It should hit the early stages of its prime drinking window in 8-10 years and will have 30+ of overall longevity. It will unquestionably flirt with perfection at maturity. Best After 2031. Rating: 98+ 97Wine Enthusiast Newly promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the very highest rung of Saint-Emilion’s hierarchy, this estate is at peak performance. This new release, rich in Cabernet Sauvignon, has an impressive structure as well as modulated, velvet tannins. It is a serious, concentrated wine, still just starting out. 96Decanter This delivers concentration and intensity, a ton of black fruits, definitely Cabernet dominant in terms of fruit, and its slightly serious character, with a whoosh of juice on the finish. An extremely elegant and controlled wine, with savoury bilberry and loganberry, then peony and tobacco leaf as it opens. Tannins are finely layered but there are a lot of them. Not an exuberant Figeac, but this is rarely a wine that rushes out to seduce, it takes its time and has ageing potential in spades. The gravel soils in the drought of the summer meant the grapes slowed their ripening process, although only the youngest vines suffered blockages, and that combined with the high Cabernet content of Figeac means lower alcohols than the past few years, giving a classic balance and a feeling of effortless success. 75% of the production went into the first wine. Harvest September 4 to October 1, a full five weeks. Their final yield here was around 37hl/ha, (higher than in 2019 at Figeac, which was 34hl/ha). As with on the Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignons were the lowest yield (30hl/ha), with tiny berries so had to be careful with the extraction. First vintage in the new cellars. Barrel Sample: 96 96Wine Spectator A broad-shouldered wine that captures the vintage's heat well in a core of cassis and blackberry fruit flavors, which are dotted with lively savory, tobacco leaf and warm earth accents. Reveals a tarry, grippy edge as well as polish as this pulls deeply from its terroir, leaving an echo of warm paving stone at the very end. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Gee we had a 4.0 earthquake a few miles offshore from Cape Canaveral last night. Charlene did you feel anything?

So Elizabeth, when is yours?

Care to share the date with us?

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for your maps! It is a lovely 52 this morning. Still a bit of a breeze, but nothing like the past few days. Luckily today is yard waste pick up day here, because some of my neighbors lost some pretty big limbs and palm fronds. Boy am I glad I had some major tree work done in December. Vanessa, bless your BFF. I pray that your upcoming procedure helps you. Thank you for keeping up with us, in spite of what you are going through. You are one amazing individual! Today is haircut day! I am tired of the wind whipping it around. 😎. Bindi walks, more grout work, branch patrol and other fun chores will fill my day. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, special prayers for Tana, and you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @Lady Hudson Bon Voyage! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Castlepoint Sauvignon Blanc Though I had a bit of trouble finding info other than “canned tasting notes, consumers love this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and it is easy to find and reasonably priced. Online prices start at $16.99. Distributor notes A vibrant and refreshing white wine showcasing tropical fruit flavors, zesty acidity, and a clean, lingering finish. An exceptional choice for lovers of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

You have mail.

Roy, bless you for even caring. I am on the Escape. My first cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. But there are so many ships there this time of you, feel free not to bother. Ann

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. Eva & Paul, thank you for fitting in so seamlessly to the F & B department. Sandi, thank you for sharing the pictures of all the amazing places in our world. Graham, thank you for helping us understand the more obscure days we celebrate. The wind came in like a lion yesterday. Every time I went out, I came back with a new hairdo. It is supposed to die down later this morning. The sky is so clear - clouds don’t stand a chance. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that the next two weeks fly by for you. Bindi walks, more grout cleaning, HIIT and then taking a friend out for her birthday. Actually this will be a two part celebration. This evening we celebrate her leaving one decade. At the end of the month we celebrate her starting a new decade. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain and debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, praying that Tana’s condition improves and that you get the help you need. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Corazza-Pinot-Noir,-Trevenezie-Italy 2021 Lovers of light Pinot Noirs take note. This Italian Pinot Noir (Nero) has a great many fans. I used the 2021 info, since that should be fairly easy to find. Reasonably priced, a decent number of distributors and online prices starting at $17.95. Winemaker Notes: The Corazza Pinot Nero is a collaboration with one of Corazza’s most important wineries and follows a careful selection and study of one of the most important grapes in the world. The ties with this winery go back years, as it is located in the hometown of one of the Founders, Alex Corazza, right down the road from where he grew up! The expression of this Pinot Nero is quite different when compared to the more big bodied wines we can find on the West Coast of the United States. In fact, this wine is lighter and has a more prominent acidity and freshness, making it perfect for every situation, even to accompany fish dishes, which is often difficult to expect from a red. Vegan, minimal intervention. Food pairing: Charcuterie, Comte or Brie cheeses, tuna, truffles, spices such as basil, cilantro or mint

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for all the maps you share with us. I really love the one that shows where our cruisers are. It is a bit warmer this morning, though it is already windy. When the winds swing around to the Northeast, watch out! Vanessa, I wish you had hired someone to pack up your belongings. It is tough work even when one is not in pain & has a good night’s sleep to help. Praying that you get permanent relief with your upcoming procedure. Thank you for keeping our lists. Gym, Bindi walks, more grout work and chores. Do I know how to have fun - or what? Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain and debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, praying that Tana’s fever breaks and your “angel” can give you some help. @Cruzin Terri Terri, once you feel well enough - get out and enjoy your cruise. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** Black Box Pinot Noir Our first Cardboardeaux! You can find it almost anywhere and it is certainly priced to try. Perfect for indoors or outdoors! Online prices start at $18.97. But remember you get a lot more wine in this container. Distributor notes This box Pinot Noir from Black Box Wines contains the equivalent of 4 standard sized bottles of wine, and this wine combines two of my favorite things in a wine selection: a delicious wine for a great price. The tasting notes of this wine read like a fairly standard Pinot Noir. The hue is a soft, cheerful red with darker tones glimmering throughout the glass. It has solid legs, and the scent is quite tart and refreshing. The scent preludes the taste, which is quite sharp, yet brilliantly flavored, reminding me of tangy berries. Overall, it is a very refreshing Pinot Noir. lighter than some, almost like a red wine with a dash of Pinot Grigio flavor thrown in. Personally, this is one of my favorite boxed wines. This Black Box Pinot is one of many delicious boxed wines that are available for amazing prices. If you already enjoy boxed wine, you won’t need me to convince you to try it, but if you’re on the fence about trying boxed wine, either because you’ve been told it isn’t comparable to other wine, or any other reason, give it a go, and I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Don’t go into the experience excepting a top shelf wine, that’s not what boxed wine is for, but if you want a solid, enjoyable wine that you can enjoy in any occasion, without breaking the bank, pick up a box at your local store, and settle in for a refreshing glass of well priced, well made wine.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for our maps. Back down to 49 this morning after a wild night of T-storms with strong winds. It is could and we may get more much needed rain. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that you soon get permanent relief from your pain & can start catching up on your sleep. Please take care when packing up your things. Gym, Bindi walks, more grout work and other fun chores will fill my day. I am looking for a volunteer to take over the Wine du Jour postings from February 17th - 25th. I am taking short cruise to the Caribbean on NCL. And I have been warned that the ship’s internet is spotty - at best. I can email the list of wines to you in advance. If willing to help, please email me at annge3@gmail.com Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, you and your family. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Knock ‘em dead @seagarsmoker Good luck! May we each find a reason to smile today! ************* Apothic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Consumers love this very easy to find Cab. You can even order through Amazon, though it is carried by most stores that sell wine. Consumers describe it as smooth, silky and jammy. It is certainly priced to try with online prices starting at $9.47. I used the 2021 info, since that should be easy to find. Winemaker Notes Our 2021 Apothic Cab captures the best of Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing a silky, elegant and delicate dimension to the typically bold characteristics of the variety. This wine showcases Cabernet Sauvignon’s distinctive fruit characteristics of blueberry, blackberry jam and dark plum, supported by soft, fine tannins that add plush richness to the mouthfeel. A small addition of Zinfandel to the wine adds layers of cherry and dark fruit notes as well as a hint of spice. Subtle suggestions of vanilla linger on the smooth finish, a reflection of the wine’s selective oak aging. Viticulture Notes: We selected the majority of the grapes for Apothic Cab from Lodi in California’s Delta region. California’s 2021 growing season was cool and mild, with a heat spell in August that resulted in an earlier than average harvest. Wines from this vintage showcase vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors. Winemaking Notes: We selected Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with the most intense fruit profile and the finest tannins, handling fruit with a soft touch in the cellar. We added a small portion of Zinfandel to the blend to complement the wine’s uniquely approachable palate and add additional dark and jammy characteristics. After harvest, fruit was destemmed with marginal crushing to gently extract color and tannins. Portions of the blend were aged on oak for two to four months to preserve elegant fruit notes and impart hints of vanilla.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! It was 67 when Bindi & I headed out this morning at 6:15. Yesterday it was 41! T-storms are possible, but stronger chances to the North of us. We could use the rain. Vanessa, thank you for capturing & sharing our happenings. Praying you get relief from your pain soon. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores, a visit with my Sister & her Grandson - a bittersweet visit since this is the first anniversary of her son Matt’s passing. She is the Guardian of Matt’s son. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, or debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved or in a funk. The caregivers. Thinking of you & Tana, Terry. Hope the family feels better. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Ernest 2020 Edaphos Alder Springs Vineyard Petite Arvine (Mendocino County) Wow, an entirely white wine to enjoy - made from a rarely seen grape - at least for us in the States. It sounds lovely. I would love a taste. A decent number of distributors, leaning towards the pricey side - online prices start at $39.00. 95 Wine Enthusiast Petite Arvine, a white grape originating from the Swiss region of Valais, is a rarity in the US. What a discovery it is—richly hued with a deep golden yellow and an intensity of aromas and flavors to match: lemon, lime, ripe yellow apple and peach, dewy grass, chamomile, nasturtium leaf and nectar, and a subtle blanched almond nuttiness in the back-palate. Lovely now on its own, versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes, but this is an example of a white wine that can also age with elegance and grace.

Annie I thought of Bubbles, when I saw this. Bless you & Chuck for helping him cross the bridge peacefully.