cat shepard

Bon Voyage, Jacqui & Debbie! Jacqui, please tell me you packed the bubble wrap!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi! Thank you for our maps, Roy! Everyone arrived safely yesterday & we had a gorgeous afternoon & evening in the pool. We barely got out of it to eat. 😎 I couldn’t have ordered better weather. More of the same today. It is the quiet before everyone walks up. The birds are singing & chirping. And the sunrise was lovely. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Praying that tomorrow is the answer for you. Praying hard. My visitors will dictate today’s schedule, though I know there will be some Bindi walks & pool time in my future. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Hugs Bruno. Terry, praying that you get to enjoy your visitors & that Tana’s condition improves. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @sailingdutchy Tony Happy Birthday! @bennybear Brenda Happy 50th to you & your main squeeze! May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2021 This New Zealand SB sounds lovely and different. Lots of fans anmong consumers & critics. I used the 2021 vintage info since it still is easy to find & should be a wee bit more drinkable. Easy to find online. Reasonably priced. Online prices start at $19.97. Winemaker’s notes Here at Loveblock, we always make wine with lower levels of added sulfur, and TEE explores the elimination of added sulfur to wine (the traditional wine preservative). Oenological tannins are commonly used in the winemaking process to perform various functions. We found that the tannin extracted from green tea leaves (Camelia sinesis) also provides powerful protection against oxidation and spoilage as a natural antioxidant.The grapes for this wine came from a small parcel of vines on our Woolshed vineyard on the Loveblock Farm, in the Lower Dashwood sub-region of Marborough’s Awatere Valley. Pale straw with a hint of green and gold. This wine has lifted aromas of mandarin zest, quince, yellow peach, sweet basil, gooseberry, white pepper and distinct wet stone minerality, with structured herbal notes. The palate is elegant, with juicy mandarin, earthy cumin, sweet basil and ripe yellow star fruit (carambola). Layered and textured, the wine is clean and fresh with flavours of ripe pineapple and a mild tannin note sitting over a layer of umami. Grown with love, made with care. A perfect match with fatty fried food, pork belly, roast chicken, Vietnamese cuisine, seafood or a funky cheese. Vegan Friendly.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi! Roy, thank you for our maps. Yesterday was another spectacular day in my neighborhood. Today is starting out cloudy, but so did yesterday. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that Monday is the answer to all of our prayers. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks and my niece & two great nieces arrive from New Hampshire. They haven’t had much of a winter, but it has still been cold. They will be welcomed by high 80 temps and pool water to match. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Thinking of you Bruno. Terry, prayers for Tana, you, and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @bennybear Brenda glad all is well. May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Fontanafredda 2019 Vigna La Delizia Lazzarito Nebbiolo (Barolo) This Italian masterpiece has lots of fans. But it is a bit elusive and is priced out of my league. I would love a taste, though. No rating below 95! The only online distributor I found that shipped to me sold it for $139.94, but you have to buy a case of 6! Winemaker’s notes Since 1858, the Fontanafredda Estate & Winery has been instrumental to the growth and international awareness of Barolo, while championing sustainability and community engagement in the Langhe region of Piedmont. Under the lead of visionary entrepreneur, Oscar Farinetti, Fontanafredda has built a portfolio of wines that express the depth and diversity of the Langhe, produced from grapes that are farmed from organic and sustainably managed vineyards. Since the 2018 harvest, Fontanafredda is the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont. TERROIR In the heart of M.G.A Lazzarito, lies one of the most historic vineyards of Fontanafredda. Vigna La Delizia stands on top of a strip of marl-calcareous-clayey land, rich in fossil matter. The 5.64 ha vineyard is located in the heart of Serralunga d’Alba, 380m asl. WINEMAKING & AGING Harvest takes place at the end of the second week of October. Grapes are hand harvested, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. Aged for 30Harvest takes place at the end of the second week of October. Grapes are hand harvested, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. Aged for 30 months in oak barrels, followed by eight months in bottle before market release. months in oak barrels, followed by eight months in bottle before market release. TASTING NOTES Spicy balsam-rich aromas. The nose has fresh mentholate notes that can be traced back to its terroir and which fade into spicy hints. The powerful Barolo shines when paired with hearty steaks and meat stews, grills and long-aged cheeses. It is also a wonderful accompaniment to the conversation at the end of the meal or for a special toast!

Excuse me. Just making sure my decoder ring works on missing pictures. 😎 Does Kimmie fall asleep within 7 seconds?

Praise be!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi! Roy, thank you for our maps! Another lovely morning & it is already 67. Yesterday’s 85 felt so good without any humidity. Hoping for more of the same today. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Sorry to read that BFF had to have a second pass on his MOHS surgery. Praying that Monday eliminates the pain - permanently. Gym, Bindi walks, more prep for my niece & great nieces visit. Maybe a plunge in the pool. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Hugs Bruno. Terry, praying for Tana, you and your families. I was happy to read that you were taking it easy. You sure deserve to! Cheers to everyone celebrating. Jacqui - safe travels. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************** Keswick Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay (Monticello) This is our first Virginian wine! But “Juicy Fruit bubble gum”???? That just turns me off. This wine from Charlottesville- near Monticello, is a bit elusive. I did find a few distributors. Online prices start at $37.95. If anyone tries this, please share your thoughts about the “Juicy Fruit” factor. 91 Wine Enthusiast Great memories of Juicy Fruit bubble gum lead to ripe pear and yellow apples. Chamomile tea with hints of cinnamon and vanilla lead the way to a surprisingly robust acid. This is a very versatile wine; the acid can hold up to hearty dishes as well as something delicate like seafood.

Thank you Sandi, for taking over for Jacqui, who was posting the FR & D for Rich! Thank you for today’s maps, Roy! It was cloudy this morning, when Bindi and I went out, but the sun is breaking through now. And it is already 65. Vanessa, bless you for going with your BFF for his MOHS surgery, in spite of what you are dealing with. May Monday bring you long-deserved, permanent relief from your pain. Gym, Bindi walks, another cleaning of the cushions Bindi lies on outside and various chores. I should make up the beds in the spare bedrooms today. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma, depression. The caregivers. Bruno, hugs to you. Jacqui, praying that your doctor gives you wonderful news & there will be a cruise in your future. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ D'Arenberg Grenache Custodian 2011 This Australian Grenache sounds lovely. And there has even been some foot treading in its development! Another one for my list. And it is still fairly easy to find. Online prices start at $17.98. Winemaker’s notes The Name During the vine pull scheme of the early 1980’s d’Arry Osborn refused to touch his old Grenache vineyards. When his son Chester started in the business as Chief Winemaker in 1984 he set about acquiring more old vine Grenache grapes and vineyards at a time when it was considered un-fashionable. Today d’Arenberg is the keeper of nearly one third of McLaren Vale’s old bush vine Grenache and has earned the title of ‘Custodian’ of the variety. The Vintage There was ample winter and spring rain which provided good sub soil moisture and resulted in healthy canopies and good vigour. Summer conditions were very mild. Grapes ripened gracefully with only a few small rain episodes, enough to keep the vines fresh and vibrant. Rainfall was only a little over average for the first months of the year. The Winemaking Small batches of grapes are crushed gently and then transferred to five tonne headed down open fermenters. These batches remain separate until final blending. Foot treading is undertaken two thirds of the way through fermentation. The wine is then basket pressed and transferred to a mixture of new and used French and old American oak barriques to complete fermentation. The barrel ferments are aged on lees, and there is no racking until final blending. The Characteristics The 2011 Custodian is a jewel of a wine that is perfectly balanced and harmonious. The first look suggests an enticing simplicity displaying primary fruit characters of mulberry, blueberry and plum. Deeper inspection however starts to reveal more complex layers, conjuring images of aniseed, fennel and coriander seed. The palate is warm and juicy. The sweet and savoury fruits are laced by fine silken tannins which lead to a super persistent finish, again displaying a delightful fruitiness, accompanied by more savoury, cedary, baking spice like notes. Simply put, this wine is liquid velvet.

Good grief, Jacqui! Praying the doctor can help. Fast.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. Especially your alternative ones! Another lovely morning here. I hope this weather lasts for my niece’s visit, it really is perfect. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Do you have the time for your surgery yet? I pray that the last few days fly by for you. Gym, Bindi walks, manicure, indoor & outdoor chores. I am hoping this is the last layer of pollen on the outdoor furniture this year. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Bruno sending hugs. Terry, prayers for Tana, her son, you & your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Powell & Son Barossa Rhone Blend This Rhône red (you were right, Sandi) blend sounds perfect for me. Hahn GSM is my current favorite, but I am always checking out the competition. It has a different “M” grape than the traditional Rhône blend, so it will be interesting. A decent number of distributors with prices starting at $24.99. Vintner’s notes The Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mataro combines all three of the great Rhone red varieties, harmonising the unique attributes of each variety into a complete wine. The blend is predominantly Grenache (approximately two thirds – vintage dependent) from mature Barossa Valley Grenache bush vines, with Shiraz and Mataro making up the balance. The parcels are matured for 15 months in 2,300 litre French oak foudres prior to blending and bottling. As the dominant component, Grenache offers powerful aromas of red fruits, kirsch and black cherries, complemented by mincemeat, leather, game and heavy spices from the Shiraz and Mataro influences. “The Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mataro is intense in its perfumed aromas of cherry liqueur and blackberry compote, with notes of spice and anise. The palate is voluptuous and supple, with the Grenache component shining through. Flavours of dark fruits predominate with velvety tannins providing a backbone to carry the flavours through to the finish.”

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. It is another spectacular morning here. 57 with the promise high 70s and no humidity. I am going to be so spoiled. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Consider the Dailyites your cheering section for next Monday. If we could just wish you better. Gym, Bindi walks, lots of chores. My niece and her daughters are coming Saturday for a few days. My pool water temp is perfect for them to enjoy. She will find her Mom so much improved over her last visit. I see a trip to the beach in my future. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Hugs Bruno. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Sandi, thrilled to read that all went well with Linda’s surgery. May her road to recovery not be too difficult. Lenda, wonderful news about Steve’s shunt. You two have had quite a journey. May we each find a reason to smile today! ******* La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva 2019 I see that we are still in the Rioja section of our wine “aisle”. I used the 2019 vintage info, since it should still be easy to find and 92 was the lowest of five critic's ratings. It sounds lovely. I am just starting to have some room in my “cellar”, so I need to start a new list. Online prices start at $17.99. Vintner’s notes Rated Excellent, the weather conditions during the growing cycle were optimal, producing very healthy grapes in the vineyards. The bunches, loose and well aerated, ripened exceptionally well. This allowed us to wait for the optimum time to harvest each of the plots selected for this particular wine. As a result, the wines stand out for their balance, attractive freshness and round, silky tannins, particularly suitable for ageing and with a decidedly Atlantic character, typical of this part of Rioja. 100% Tempranillo from Mayorita, El Bardal and El Rebollar in Rodezno, and Alto del Rey in Labastida. These vineyards are situated at 500-600 metres above sea level and the vines were planted on clay-limestone soils more than 40 years ago. The harvest is done by hand, selecting the bunches in the vineyard. The grapes are placed in boxes and taken to the winery in refrigerated transport to preserve their integrity. After destemming and crushing, the grapes were placed in tanks where alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place naturally. The wine was aged for two years in American oak barrels made by our in-house coopers —new ones in the first year and four-year-old barrels for the second year. We carried out four rackings in the traditional way, from barrel to barrel, separating by candlelight the sediment that formed during the ageing process. Bottled in May 2022. Bright, deep ruby colour with intense dark cherry hues on the rim of the glass. It stands out for its intense ripe red fruit aromas like strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants complemented by pleasantly sweet spicy notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The palate is round, with lively freshness at the start and sweet, supple tannins, leading to a long, fruity and balsamic finish, so characteristic of Viña Alberdi. Viña Alberdi is characterised by a notable food-pairing versatility. It is an ideal companion to appetizers, snacks and barbecues, perfect with rice, pastas and stews, and great with lightly-grilled meat and fish.

@Mr. Boston My sympathies on Lauren’s passing. May wonderful memories and knowing she is now pain help you. @kochleffel Paul are you trying to compete with Jacqui? Bubble wrap it is.

Dixie I must say how colorful some of your recent descriptions are. Almost poetic. Ann

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! You have done an amazing job standing in for Rich while he is on another epic journey. Roy, thank you for our maps! It was 59 here, when Bindi & I headed out the door. Looks like another beauty. Vanessa thank you for keeping up with our happenings. I appreciate how dedicated you are - in spite of your pain. I am not sure I could do that. Praying for relief. I hope the last week flies by for you. Gym, Bindi walks, chores - boy do I need to wash my car. I hope our last pollen streak has ended. At the risk of scaring off our new folk…. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, keeping you, Tana and the families at the top of my list. Boston Strong!💪🏻 Cheers to all who are celebrating. @kochleffel Paul, congratulations on the excellent feedback from your professor. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Montebuena Rioja Another lovely Rioja. I appreciate how the vintner is using technology to help measure the health of the vines, but still harvests by hand. Widely available with online prices starting at $12.99. Distributor notes Although the winemaking traditions around the ancient Rioja Alavesa village of Labastida go back to at least the 9th century, the cooperative which produces this wine seeks to meld traditional techniques with modern technology. A pioneering system of GPS-linked weather stations monitors vineyard health, and the 4-wheeler used as a vineyard transport is even equiped with sensors to measure the vigor of the leaves on the vines. When it comes time to harvest the Tempranillo grapes for the Montebuena Cuvee KPF, however, that work is all done by hand. Once fermentation is complete the wine ages in new French oak for 3-4 months prior to release. Rich red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry combine with notes of leather and sandalwood, supported by a smooth vanilla finish. Great with paella & grilled vegetables.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! It is another exquisite morning. I will miss this weather, when Summer arrives. We really are having an extended Spring this year! It actually got a bit cool on the lanai last evening. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. I know if I miss a post, I can find out important info - thanks to you. Praying for the 22nd to bring you relief. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, a visit with my Sister & Brayden. Maybe some chores. Praying for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, the teenager, you and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Morandé 2019 Morandé Adventure Tirazis Syrah (Casablanca Valley) This red sounds interesting, once my decoder ring broke the code! A bit elusive, but I found a couple of places that sold it online. Prices start at $23.61. Wine Enthusiast- 91 This structured but elegant Syrah is grown in a maritime-influenced climate. The nose is subtle, with light notes of salt, cranberry and black olive. The flavor intensity of spices and herbs match that of the fruit on the vigorous palate. Cherries and mulberries and a whisper of dark chocolate and bay leaf are backed by fine tannins and excellent acidity.

No such thing! Welcome!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for our maps. I confess to really enjoy your alternate maps, even though they must be so much work for you. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings. I am also counting down the days until the 22nd. Praying that this surgery eliminates the pain - forever. I have friends coming for dinner this evening, so I have lots of chores and preps to add to my Bindi walks. It is going to be another spectacular day here! Hope this year’s fawns amble through for us to enjoy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. @atexsix Bruno, I am so sorry to read that your Dad passed. Don’t ever doubt for a minute that you didn’t do everything possible for him. ❤️ @Cruzin Terri Terri, I was so sad to read about Anita’s passing. Doubly difficult for you since you learned about it by reading her obituary. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you, and your entire families. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Dossier 2021 Flagship Index Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) This red blend is a bit elusive, but if you search you can find a much more reasonable price than the one Wine Enthusiast lists for this Bordeaux style red blend. The best online price I found was $60.00. Critic’s notes The ‘Flagship Index’ is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with smaller portions Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that was stored in 65% new French oak for 21 months before bottle. The nose is incredibly complex with anise and black currant notes alongside milk chocolate notes. The palate is soft and ripe with silky tannins that combine with the gorgeous core of black forest cake, coffee grounds, graphite and sandalwood notes. Powerful and showing good verve, this beauty will cellar well for another twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 95

Lambie We have a very strict and complicated protocol - Be Friendly! 😎 That is it. You are now considered a Pro! Ann

I grew up in Massachusetts, Dixie, and a trip up Mt. Washington was an annual trek. There were some wild days up there.

Wow, Bruce. Each dish is a work of art! And looks delicious. I appreciate you taking the time to share all your pictures. Ann

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for today’s maps! Another lovely morning here, after a whopper of a T-storm yesterday afternoon. Back in the 50s this morning. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us, in spite of what you are dealing with. Glad to read that your BFF’s MOHS surgery went well. Gym, Bindi walks, patio cleaning, and chores will keep me busy today. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, keeping Tana, her son, you & your families in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Safe travels Charlene! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Quinta da Pacheca 2021 Reserva Vinhas Velhas Red (Douro) This red blend from Portugal sounds delicious. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $16.47. Winemaker’s notes VITICULTURAL YEAR The 2014 viticultural year was char- acterized for being an atypical year in terms of climate. It was highlighted by the occurrence of large periods of rain, especially in January, February, July and September, and great climatic instabili- ty in the summer period with thunder- storms occurring during the months of June and July. As a consequence of the evolution of climatic conditions, the grape maturation controls carried out until the beginning of September indi- cated a progression of about two weeks in vine phenology with grapes showing good levels of sugar, acidity and phe- nolic compounds that led to the early starting of the harvest. Quinta da Pacheca started harvesting on September 3rd. In mid-September a new period of intense rain began and lasted until October. However, as the harvest started earlier most of Quinta’s vineyards had already been harvested. VINEYARDS This wine is obtained from grapes of the oldest vineyards in Quinta da Pacheca, installed in the mid 50’s. At that time, the vines were planted randomly in the plots and the grape varieties were equally naturally mixed. We still try to maintain this tradition in these old vines, as they result in wines of good ar- omatic complexity and structure. VINIFICATION After careful selection by their best state, the grapes were harvested for chests of 25 kg and sent to the wine- making center where they were fully de-stemmed. Fermentation occurred during 9 days in the traditional 7-ton granitic stone tanks with foot stepping and smooth reassembles for blanket leaching and extraction of phenolic and aromatic compounds. At the end of the alcoholic fermentation the wine was transferred into new and 2nd year French oak barrels where malolactic fermentation occurred and aged for about 18 months. TASTING NOTES Pacheca Vinhas Velhas reveals good aromatic intensity, very complex with elegant notes of chocolate and black fruit, such as blueberry and blackberry. It’s very balanced in the mouth with pres- ent tannins and well-integrated wood,long and persistent finish. BARREL AGING 18 months in new and 2nd year French oak barrels GRAPE VARIETIES Field blend Wine Enthusiast 91

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for our maps. Very windy this morning and the clouds are racing by. T-storm predicted for this afternoon. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. Praying that your upcoming surgery gives you permanent pain relief. Gym, Bindi walks, chores & yard work - if the wind dies down. If not, more decluttering inside. Prayers for all who need our support. Those who are suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** Carpano-Punt-E-Mes Sweet vermouth perfect for mixed drinks. I probably would pass this as a sipping wine. Not really a fan of sweet wines. Widely available with prices starting at $20.99. Winemaker’s notes Punt e Mes has a golden orange color with topaz tones, herby aromas and dark red, black dahlia with vermilion shades. The initial taste is one of sweetness, characterised by an intriguing accent of orange. This is followed by the characteristically bitter taste of the quina and ends on a sweet note.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! Another lovely morning & it was 65 here before the sun rose this morning. Rain is in our forecast for later today or tomorrow- but for now it is perfect. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Praying. Today will be a “normal” Wednesday. I will never take them for granted again. Bindi walks, chores, HIIT and more cleaning out stuff. I am on another “declutter” kick. My neighbor put her house on the market 😞, and I am seeing her cleaning out decades of stuff. When I look at my place with a critical eye - I can get rid of more stuff. BTW, anyone interested in buying a great house in a super Northeast Central Florida neighborhood? I would be your neighbor & Welcome Committee!😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Safe travels Gerry & Maurice! May we each find a reason to smile today! ******** King Estate Winery 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir I know I mentioned before how I have yet to meet a King Estates wine that I didn’t really enjoy. So I will have to try this rosé. Easy to find, and reasonably priced. Online prices start at $16.99. Winemakers’ notes Say Rosé and visions of sipping on sun-splashed patios pop to mind. But as more and more people are finding, the wine is versatile and delicious year round. Rosé made from Pinot Noir grapes is most popular in the U.S. so it’s only natural that our take on Rosé starts with the fruit that put Oregon on the map. TASTING NOTES Color is pale rose with a nose of rose petal, bing cherry, strawberry, melon, lime zest and passion fruit. The entry is well balanced, showing bright red fruit like fresh strawberry, cherry and raspberry along with melon, peach skin, crushed rock and lime zest. Textured richness on the mid-palate is accented by fresh acidity and balanced weight, leading to an elegant finish. WINEMAKING PROCESS The fruit was whole cluster pressed and left to sit on its skins just long enough to release the juice and develop the pink color before moving to a temperature-controlled stainless-steel tank for fermentation. The wine was aged in stainless steel. VINTAGE NOTES A warm and dry spring continued through May. First signs of bloom appeared in early June, ahead of normal. As fruit set was occurring later in June, temperatures cooled and up to two and a half inches of rain fell. While rain during bloom can lead to lighter yields, the precipitation was critically important to alleviating serious drought stress. The grapes weathered a couple of summer heat spikes with no damage. On King Estate, harvest began on Sept. 9 and ended on Oct. 9. A couple of rain systems in September were short-lived and typical of an Oregon harvest. Berries were slightly smaller and overall fruit quality was outstanding. Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir Vineyards: 40% King Estate,

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy thank you for our maps. You didn’t seem to be too concerned about what the cardiologist told you yesterday. Did I misinterpret what you said? It is another exquisite morning here. The most delicate colors painted the horizon as Bindi and I took our morning walks today. She loves to walk when it is light. I suspect her eyes may not be as sharp as they used to be. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I am praying. Hard. I pray one year from now we will all look back and say “Look at Vanessa go & no pain!” Today is a busy, but fun busy day. First my Mat Class - think elements of yoga and Pilates combined to strengthen the core & improve balance. Then a reunion lunch with the gang from the classes at my former gym. Bindi walks spread throughout the day. Wrapped up by a glass or two at my favorite wine bar. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you, and your entire family. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Happy Birthday, Karen! @luvteaching Happy Anniversary Gerry & Maurice! @ger_77 May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** 2020 Riesling, Westhofener Riesling, Katharina Wechsler, Rheinhessen This vintage could not be found. So I cheated. I used the 2020 info. Still elusive, but at least I found a few sites that sold it. Now- if you live in or are visiting Germany, you are in luck! Online prices start at $29.99. Critic, James Suckling wrote about the 2020 vintage… Apart from a few handful of star producers, German wine prices remain moderate and bargains are sometimes startling. That’s particularly the case where a wine tastes as if it actually belongs in the next category above it, like Our Wine Choice this week. The Katharina Wechsler Riesling Rheinhessen Trocken 2022 is a so-called “estate riesling,” meaning an entry-level wine from a leading producer. The wines of this humble category are often rather fruity and well-balanced with a certain amount of depth but lack serious character. That is not the case with this miniature masterpiece from the limestone terroirs of the town of Westhofen in the Wonnegau sub-region of Rheinhessen. Instead, it has the kind of concentration and structure we associate with successful village wines. In Germany’s very heterogeneous 2022 vintage, there are some single-vineyard dry rieslings that don’t match the level of this wine, yet it only costs the equivalent of about $12 to $13 locally. Katharina Wechsler’s story deserves to be told, not just because it’s a good story but also because it says a lot about her region. Back in 2009 she was an editorial assistant at a major TV station in Berlin when she got a telephone call from her mother saying that the family farm (it was then a mix of wine and other crops) would be closed down because there was nobody to take it over. Wechsler was torn between the excitement of Berlin and her roots, but she came back home to Westhofen. For two years she immersed herself in grape-growing and winemaking, and also worked in nearby Florsheim-Dalsheim for Klaus Peter Keller of Weingut Keller, who once described her to me as “one of the best students I ever had.” Back at the turn of the last century, nearly all the numerous talented young winemakers in Rheinhessen felt more or less like outsiders because their region had been the most important producer of the cheap and sweet Liebfraumilch, which statistically dominated Germany’s wine exports. They not only wanted out of this corner, they wanted to move in the direction of distinctive and expressive dry wines. The Katharina Wechsler Riesling Rheinhessen Trocken 2022: an "estate riesling" that punches above its weight. Katharina Wechsler in her rarities cellar. Eventually, they formed a young producers’ network called Message in a Bottle (yes, named after The Police song) and they very freely shared experiences and ideas of all kinds. The result was a quantum leap in quality. Around the time Wechsler was striking out on her own, a journalist asked me to describe the new Rheinhessen. I answered, “It’s the Dream Factory of dry wines.” I still get asked about those words today! Wechsler is one of the most prominent examples of the second wave of young winemakers in the region who benefited from the achievements of the first wave (think Klaus Peter Keller, Philipp Wittmann and Oliver Spanier). But not all of those in the second wave continued developing in the way that Wechsler did. She recently converted her 17 hectares of vineyards to organic viticulture, and with her new partner, Manuel Maier (they were recently married), she completely revamped the winery’s marketing. Also, what looked like a tentative stab at unfiltered wines has become an impressive range of products called Cloudy by Nature. There are no better natural wines made in Germany! Some might say this dry riesling from 2022 is conventional in comparison, but within its category it is pretty radical and an ideal introduction to the German dry wine Dream Factory.

Nancy, this vineyard is in Washington. But you might also find it with wines from Chile or Bordeaux.

Ewww. Just ewww, Dixie! 😱