cat shepard

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich. Very humid & cloudy this morning, though I can see the marine layer starting to break up. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Bindi walks, more prep for this evening’s festivities & chores will fill my morning. Then my friends pick me up for the afternoon wine tasting & afterwards we all come back to my place to continue the fun. Prayers for all who need our support, @smitty34877, Terry praying for Lou, you, your entire family and support team. @CrabbyPatti Denise, praying that your pain is eased by wonderful memories. @kazu Jacqui, hope all is well with you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Have a wonderful day everyone! ********** Not sure whether you were testing me to see if I was paying attention or if your R & D program has a glitch @richwmn, but Rich your wine du jour also appeared yesterday. The list you sent to me had a different wine, so I used it. 2020 King Estate Sauvignon Blanc Interesting how varied the critics’ reviews are. But white wine lovers you definitely want to taste this one. This Oregon SB is fresh and fruity, but has more body than many Sauvignon Blancs. And King Estate wines have never failed to please. A favorite of consumers and readily available with online prices starting at $18.99. Winemaker Notes In the glass the wine is the delicate color of pale straw. The nose hints at the classic Sauvignon Blanc flavors to follow: white peach, gooseberry, melon, guava, wildflowers, and damp slate. Fruit forward and crisp, this rich and mineral-driven wine exhibits balanced acidity with a satisfyingly long finish. Blend: 91% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Semillon WW92 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com The 2020 King Estate Sauvignon Blanc shows the excellent typicity of the grape variety. This wine delivers aromas and flavors of dried leaves, appealing earth, and fresh herbs. Serve it with seafood chowder. WE92 Wine Enthusiast This nicely combines ripe citrus and apple with zesty lime, a hint of grapefruit and penetrating acidity. It’s full-bodied and fleshy, with a lengthy spice-driven finish. Editors’ Choice. JS91 James Suckling Aromas of white peach, grapefruit and fresh mint. Medium-bodied with mineral character. Wet stones and fresh flowers mix with a solid core of stone fruit.

Denise I am so sorry. Doubly hard for you as your Dad’s daughter and caretaker. I hope wonderful memories will help ease your pain. Ann

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Bindi and I had a lovely walk this morning. Lots of wildlife encounters - mostly deer, but a fox and a possum, too. @ger_77 Gerry, praying that all goes well for Maurice today. Vanessa thank you for sharing all our happenings. Gym, Bindi walks, chores and some prep for tomorrow evening. I am having a group back to my place after our local wine bar’s tasting. This month they are highlighting Northern Italian wines. Yesterday’s ice cream celebration was a hit. The portions are a bit smaller, but that is probably for the better. The ice cream is still scrumptious. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, so glad Lou is home. Today is your day & the host of other Dailyites who are caregivers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Have a wonderful day everyone! ********** Henschke - Henry's Seven Barossa Gsm Blend 2021 This Australian GSM has lots of consumer & critic fans who give it an excellent rating. The blend is a bit different from the other GSMs I have enjoyed, but it sounds lovely. A decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $41.55. Winemaker Notes Deep garnet with violet hues. A striking bouquet of ripe plum, raspberry, blueberry and notes of blackberry intertwine with savory notes of cracked black pepper, flowering herbs, fresh tarragon and bay leaf. Dark plum, berry compote, rhubarb and raspberry flavors lead to a peppery mid-palate of vibrant red berry acidity and fine-grained tannins, finishing with lingering flavors of mulberry and black pepper. Blend: 72% Shiraz, 13% Grenache, 12% Mataro, 3% Viognier JS95 James Suckling Aromas of black fruit and green tobacco with bark and wet-earth undertones, following through to a medium to full body, creamy tannins and a juicy, savory finish. Intense and balanced. RP90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2021 Henry's Seven has a purity to the expression of blackberry fruit in the mouth—it is vibrant and luminescent and succulent. There are notes of tobacco leaf, raspberry leaf tea, bramble, aniseed and a crack of pink peppercorns. The fruit doesn't persist as I hoped it would through the finish, but the flavors are so lovely it hardly matters.

Bon Voyage, Bruce.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! A lot of humidity in our early morning air. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists! I really appreciate the effort you put in to them. Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and if weather permits - celebrating a friend’s entry in to a new decade at our favorite beach front ice cream place. I foresee some salted caramel in my future. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Especially Lou, Terry, Tana, & the entire family & Baby Murphy and her family. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Roy, glad you are feeling better. Kudos to the law enforcement team who caught the escapee. Have a wonderful day everyone! ************ 2021 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Blanc A lovely dry white wine that closely resembles a Pinot Gris. Consumers and critics appreciate its medium body. It is easy to find with online prices starting at $17.69. Winemaker Notes Pear, tangerine and ginger on the nose lead to a juicy, rounded palate of honeydew melon, green apple, Cara Cara orange and a river rock freshness. RP92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2021 Pinot Blanc is bursting with aromas of white peach, quince, honeycomb and flint with spicy undertones. The palate's broad, savory mouthfeel is countered by mouthwatering freshness, and it has a long, textural finish. TP92 Wine.com Tasting Panel Fruit from estate hillside vineyards was whole cluster- pressed and cold-fermented in small stainless-steel tanks to produce this wine. The freshness is apparent, starting with a complex, voluptuous nose of green apple and fresh- squeezed orange. Racy acidity melds with hints of cashew, green tea, and pineapple. WS90 Wine Spectator Sleek and vibrant, with kiwi, melon and nectarine flavors that unfold on the lively finish.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Bindi decided that she did not want a pre-breakfast walk this morning. I suspect she doesn’t enjoy starting out in the dark now. She used to love it, but her age is beginning to show. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Just Bindi walks, chores, HIIT, and maybe some pool time. We had more T-storms last night - not as wild but a bit more rain. I have been lucky to sneak some pool time in before the evening storms of the last two nights. Prayers for all who need our support. Especially Lou and Baby Murphy. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Have a wonderful day everyone! ************ Graham Beck 2009 Brut Rosé This sparkling rosé from South Africa has lots of consumer fans. Both critics & consumers rate it very good - excellent. Online distributor prices start at $17.99. Winemaker Notes A pale silver-pink in color with aromas of raspberries, cherries and a few secondary whiffs of minerality. Fine in the mouth, with subtle red berry flavors enlivened by bright acids. Brisk on the palate, showing hints of oyster shell and fresh lavender. Flirtatious and fun, yet elegant and structured, it's perfect for all seasons and settings. D90 Decanter This méthode cap classique (South African fizz made in the same way as Champagne) from SA stalwart Graham Beck has a lovely creamy red fruit and apple character, with a rich mousse and brioche finish. It has a vibrant raspberry acidity and a long finish. Great value.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich. A lovely early morning after a night of wild lightning & thunder with a touch of rain. An early dermatologist appointment, then gym,Bindi walks, chores and pool time. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry happy to read your neighbors are helping. I wish I could ease your burden. Hopefully Lou will be home soon. Roy, hope you get a bit better every day. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Hole you all have a great day! ************ 2021 Brother Miller Thankfulness Red wine This vintage of this red blend is only available through the Naked wine club. But other vintages may be available elsewhere. Consumers give this wine a very good review. Reasonably priced at $14.59. Distributor notes This unique blend of Pinot Noir and Barbera is flush with bright, juicy and feastworthy flavors like cherries, cranberries, fresh garden herbs and a sprinkle of spice. 5th-generation winemakers Nicholas and Marshall harvested grapes from the Paso Robles Highlands – where their family owns 2 of the most famous vineyards in California – to make a wine you’ll be thankful for all year long. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving – and anytime in between. Drink now or in 1-3 years. Food match It pairs with Thanksgiving turkey and other poultry dishes - even chicken tacos! - and is a perfect aperitif.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! The events of September 11th remain so vividly embedded in my mind and heart. Prayers for the victims, the first responders and all their families. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists. It is a bit more humid this morning. And Bindi decided she did not want to go for a walk, so she quickly took care of business and took us back into the house. Just gym, Bindi walks, chores & maybe some pool time. I made it into the pool for a quick dip last night, before the T-storms moved in. Prayers for all who need our support: especially Lou, Baby Murphy and their families. Hope you are feeling better Lou. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Granite Hill Cellars Pinot Grigio Widely available at very reasonable prices make this wine from Lodi easy to try. Consumers say it is good. And we all know that at this price if we don’t like it, we can use it to cook with. Online prices start at $10.99. Winemaker notes EXOTIC FLORAL AROMAS THAT STREAM INTO SOME SUBTLE GREEN APPLE AND CITRUS WITH A LIGHT SPICINESS. THE FINISH IS SMOOTH AND LASTING WITH SOME ENDING NOTES OF WHITE PEACHES. DELICIOUS AS AN APERITIF OR WHEN SERVED WITH MILD CHEESES, LIGHT FISH DISHES, SUCH AS SOLE, COD AND SHRIMP. CHICKEN MARSALA OR A SIMPLE BBQ WORKS WELL WITH THIS. VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY, SO ANY FRESH GREEN SALADS, BAKED POTATOES OR LIGHT SOUPS WORK VERY WELL.

@marshhawk Annie do you have a direct flight from the States in to Rome? If not, you will clear customs at the first stop in the EU. I have never flown directly in to Rome. I remember leaving from Rome was a pain, mostly because it was so unorganized. But that was 2006. Hope it has improved.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! The Universe was displaying its splendor this morning during Bindi & my pre-dawn walk. Venus is just so bright in the Eastern sky! Vanessa thank you for keeping up with us. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores & pool time - if I am lucky. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping Lou, you, Tana and your entire family in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ********** 2019 A to Z Pinot Gris A lovely, sippable wine for a hot summer day. A decent body and the critic is right about pear being the predominant flavor - really enjoyable. Widely available, with prices starting at $17.69. Note: the 2020 vintage shares similar excellent reviews, but the 2021 & 2022 do not. Perhaps they need to age a bit more. Winemaker Notes The A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris is refreshing and lithe on the palate. Aromas of Meyer lemon, lemon verbena, tangerine, apricot, peach, apple, pear, quince, melon and honeysuckle add a hint of sweetness to the air around it. The weight is impeccable with perfect balance and integration hitting all points of the palate. Incredibly versatile at the dinner table with flavors of golden apple, roasted coconut, citrus and pineapple appealing to the last splash in the glass. WE90 Wine Enthusiast This fruitpowered, gulpable wine is loaded with a pear flavor. The midpalate fills out further with yellow apple fruit, and the lightly creamy finish satisfies. It’s a fine everyday white wine. Editors’ Choice.

Terry, no words that can help make things better. Just hugs and prayers. Ann

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! It is another exquisite morning - 68 & dry! We had some wild T-storms yesterday afternoon. It got so dark, I had to turn a light on to eat my lunch. @cunnorl Charlene, hope all is well with you. My local weather guru talked about 60 mph winds & large damaging hail near you. Vanessa, thank you for sharing what is going on with each of us. Just Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and dinner at a friend’s for me today. Prayers for all who need our support. @Smitty34877 Terry, keeping Lou, Tana and your entire family & support team in my prayers. @rafinmd Roy, praying that your care is mild and you are back to normal quickly. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @marshhawk & @catmando Annie & Chuck Happy Anniversary! Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Borgo Magredo Prosecco Extra Dry Prosecco is fun on its own, or added to a mixed drink to lighten it up. This Prosecco sounds lovely more than 6,000 consumers give it a very good - excellent rating. Widely available with online prices starting at $9.99. Distributor notes Prosecco is Italy’s most popular sparkling wine: light, refreshingly effervescent and well-priced. What’s not to like? Borgo Magredo Prosecco is made with 100% estate-owned glera grapes sourced from within the DOC area. Unlike champagne that acquires its effervescence through costly fermentation in bottle, Prosecco is made in pressurized tanks: this process not only allows to keep costs down but also helps keeping flavors fresh and lively, creamy and balanced with a delicate combination of acidity and fruit. Prosecco styles vary based on the amount of residual sugar and can range from brut (dry) to extra dry (which counter-intuitively means a little bit sweet). While this is by no means a sweet wine, that light touch of sweetness makes Borgo Magredo Prosecco Extra Dry especially pleasant to the taste, initially cool and soft on the palate with fine bubbles, then giving way to fruity traces of peach and pear flowers. While delicious on its own as an aperitif, Prosecco can also be served throughout the meal especially with seafood and shellfish, light salads, tempura and sushi. Blended with fruit puree it is the ideal base for delicious bellinis. Borgo Magredo Prosecco also comes in convenient 187ml bottles that are perfect for single servings or for pic-nics. Enjoy!

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich. Another lovely start to the day here. It is so pleasant to walk in the early morning hours. Vanessa, thank you for taking care of our lists! But I think you can take my “road trip” off the celebration list. It was only to the next town to hunt for their glass recycling drop box. 😎 Gym, Bindi walks, chores, more car shopping, then pool time - weather permitting. Much needed rain is predicted for this afternoon, but we all know how that goes. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877, Terry praying that Lou is doing better. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Crazy For Cats, Jake great news about Mom! Get well & stay well everyone! ************ Kudos Pinot Noir Willamette I used the 2020 vintage info, since that might be the easiest to find. Good to excellent consumer ratings and very good - excellent critic reviews, this Oregon PN is one I would like to try. I admit to not leaning towards PN rich in cherry flavors, but sometimes I am pleasantly surprised. Available from a decent number of distributors with prices starting at $18.99. Distributor Notes The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of a number of different vineyard sites from numerous AVAs. It consists of Dundee Hills, McMinnville, Chehalem Mts. and Willamette Valley fruit coming off more than seven different vineyard sites. All of which bring their own elements from the dirt they come from. Some bring richness and depth, others minerality and tannin structure. Red, blue and black fruit all blend together, a lengthy tinkering process spanning weeks to find the right combination of flavors that balance and mesh seamlessly into one converging blend. 91 Points | James Suckling Oregon Wine Report “Some florals and gently reductive aromas here that open up with some air in the glass. The red cherry-fruited palate really delivers attractive, typically pinot, cherry flavor in fleshy style. Drink now.”

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! The humidity is creeping back into our area, but we all knew the dry heat would not last. Hoping the heat advisory weather doesn’t return. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. I know I miss so much, but catch up - thanks to you! @StLouisCruisers Sandi & Dennis a belated Happy Anniversary! Here’s to many more! Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and more car shopping. Pool time - if I am lucky. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877, Terry, praying that Lou’s medical team finds the right path to a quick and permanent recovery. @Crazy For Cats Jake, happy to read that your Mom is doing well & her medical team identified the cause of her fall. Praying the pacemaker solves the problem. Get well & stay well everyone! ******** 2017 The Stump Jump GSM I have enjoyed this Australian GSM (red blend) at my local wine bar. Consumers love it and critics give it a very good - excellent review. It is fruity, but not sweet, with a medium body and a bit of spice in the finish. I am don’t remember identifying the cinnamon taste that the critic did, but I know it was pleasant. Available from a decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $10.99. Winemaker Notes This wine screams value. A rich ruby red appearance with a fragrant nose of raspberry, a hint of dark cherry and spice. Silky texture on the palate, but with a juicy fruit core that shows plum, red berries, and a savory finish. There are lovely soft tannins and some slight acidity. The fruit weight and silkyness means this wine can be enjoyed now, but it will keep developing over time. Blend: 46% Grenache, 42% Shiraz, 12% Mourvedre WE91 Wine Enthusiast Ripe, fleshy blueberries and raspberries drive this red blend without too much oak getting in the way. There's an underbelly of flowers, cinnamon and peppery spice. The tannins are typically muscular, while the fruit is juicy, silky and fresh. Best Buys

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! It was a gorgeous 67 degrees this morning, when Bindi & I went out. Venus in the East & Jupiter almost directly above were bright in the sky - though Venus was showing off a bit more bling. Yesterday was another lovely day, so selfish me would like more of the same today. Vanessa thank you for being so diligent in keeping up with all of us. I need to get out in the yard while the weather is great. Bindi can come with me, though she does not help - at all! Tonight I am going out to dinner with friends and then I need to pick up the wine I ordered from my local wine bar at last month’s wine tasting. We might just need to enjoy a glass of wine while there. Prayers for all who need our support. @Crazy For Cats Jake, I am praying that your Mom improves and soon returns home. Difficult in the best circumstances, doubly so when you are not there. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @RMLincoln Bon Voyage, Maureen! Get well & stay well, please! *********** 2020 King Stag Pinot Noir I have tried this PN and though tasty, it is a bit too light for me. But it would be perfect for one of our intense heat advisory days, when you really want a red. Oddly enough the most informative distributor is in Australia, but you can pick up this wine at your local Publix. Online prices start at $18.79. Distributor notes A wonderful example of modern Californian Pinot Noir - soft, gentle and easy-going, with no trace of harsh tannins or alcohol burn... as many richer Californian styles can exhibit. This is all red fruit and silk, with just a hint of oak guiding things along. Look out for strawberry and plum and a generous texture. Great stuff. California is relegated to third largest state in terms of size by Texas and Alaska, but reigns supreme when it comes to wine production! Not only do they produce more than 90% of all wine made in the USA but they produce more than 30% more than all of Australia put together! This wine comes from the oversight of parent company Winery Exchange, created in 1999 with the sole purpose of finding great vineyards and turning them into modern, approachable wines that people around the world will love. Their portfolio of wines includes the King Stag label - classic Californian wines that balance fruit and elegance - but also has labels such as Foodies, FJ Serra and Arrow Creek. Winemaking is overseen by Juan Cerna, a native Californian with roots in the Salinas Valley. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology he found his passion for winemaking while working at various wineries across California, and is now seen as something of an expert in central Californian vineyards. PRIMARY FLAVORS CHERRY PLUM RASPBERRY FRESH SAGE HYACINTH VANILLA BEAN

Thanks Lenda I currently have a 2016 PriusV - Toyota’s discontinued hatchback. It is long enough to fit my kayak inside, so I need a SUV to replace it. And I really want a plug-in hybrid. I am not in love with the RAV4 version, though to be fair, I have not test driven one. Yet.

Thank you so much, Ray!

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Happy Labor Day to all are hard working Dailyites! Today looks to be another spectacular day. Yesterday was magnificent. Mid 80s, low humidity and a great breeze. It made up for the fact that one of my garage door cables broke & I had to have it fixed on the Sunday of a holiday weekend. But I was lucky and it was not too expensive. So my car is no longer trapped. Vanessa, thank you for capturing and sharing our happenings! Gym, Bindi walks, chores, pool time - I need to hunker down and start seriously looking for a car. Do any of you have a plug-in hybrid? What do you like or dislike about it? Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! *********** 2021 Silverado Miller Ranch Napa Sauvignon Blanc I confess - I switched the vintage to a more recent one. The 2018 might still be great, but I would not want to gamble on white wine from that vintage - assuming I could still find it. And the great news is all released vintages of this Napa gem share the same great reviews. Available from a decent number of distributors with prices starting at $18.99. Winemaker Notes The 2021 Silverado Sauvignon Blanc is a bright and lively wine with aromas of citrus, honeydew melon and white floral notes. On the palate, flavors of grapefruit, pineapple and lime are present with a subtle minerality. A well-balanced, medium-bodied wine with crisp, refreshing finish. Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Semillon WE92 Wine Enthusiast A delicious blend of herbal and spicy flavors drives this medium-bodied wine as hints of coconut and toasted oak lead to tangy grapefruit, lime and white pepper flavors. It shows great balance, inviting complexity and a lingering finish. WW92 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com The 2021 Silverado Vineyards Miller Ranch Sauvignon Blanc is one of Napa Valley's top white wines. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of savory spices, slightly pungent notes, and dried herbs. Serve it with a plate of the fishmonger's freshest raw oysters. (Tasted: April 5, 2023, San Francisco, CA)

Bon Voyage you two!

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! The waning moon was so bright this morning Bindi and I could easily see our way on our walk - even though day is just starting to break here. Last night’s scallops were amazing. I still can’t believe Aldi’s flash frozen scallops could be so good. And so cheap! Vanessa, thank your for taking care of our lists! Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores & a surprise birthday party for a neighbor who is turning 85! That will be a great way to end the day. Prayers for all who need our support! Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda a belated anniversary to you & Steve! May you celebrate many more! Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Dalliance 2012 Red Wine This California red blend comes from the Lake Country just North of Napa. It is available from a decent number of distributors for a reasonable price. Good - very good reviews from consumers & at least one reviewer. Online prices start at $9.99. Wine Enthusiast - 86 Full body, ripe grapy fruit flavors and a healthy pinch of spicy oak join with a smooth texture that is just slightly tannic. The feeling is mouthfilling, and the wine is dense enough with cherry and berry flavors to be satisfying. It's a blend of mostly Zinfandel and Syrah.

& @RMLincoln Maureen May your new year be filled with love, laughter, great health & cruises!

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! A cloudy start to the weekend, but I expect it to burn off. Lots to do today, I am hosting dinner tonight. Scallops, roasted veggies salad. Friends are bringing appetizers and dessert. And wine, of course. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Hitting the gym early, then back to clean & prep for this evening. Hoping we get some pool time in. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ********* 2019 Catena Cabernet Franc This Cabernet Franc from Argentina has a huge consumer fan base - 4+ stars out of 5 & I even found a couple of critics who give it 92 - 93. Available from a decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $18.94. Winemaker Notes This Cabernet Franc is sourced from the family´s historic vineyards in San Carlos. Here, the sandy-loam soils and mountainous climate yield a wine with concentrated ripe red berries, a touch of eucalyptus and black pepper, robust tannins and smooth lengthy finish. RP93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The incredible 2019 Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc is super elegant, fresh, varietal, nuanced and complex. A wine like this often costs more money than the price point of the appellation range, but it feels like a bargain anyway. This is an updated version of the 2018, with precision and symmetry. It's vibrant and lively, velvety and focused.

Thank you for our first September 2023 R & D, Rich! Mother Nature put on quite a show this morning. Makes the early morning walks so enjoyable. Just as we were starting out… By the time we reached the end of our street… Vanessa, thank you for sharing all our happenings. Last night’s view of the Super Blue moon never materialized. But my friends and I had a wonderful time at our local wine bar. Today I hit the gym, more Bindi walks, chores and dinner at a friend’s. That should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @Cruzin Terri Terri hope your new year is filled with laughter, love, great health and wonderful cruises! Get well & stay well everyone. **************** Hayes Ranch Chardonnay Widely available; consumers say it is good. I could not find any critic reviews. Online distributor prices start at $9.97. Distributor notes This Chardonnay comes from select vineyards in California. All the grapes are harvested at the optimum level of maturity. The grapes were gently pressed and fermented in a combination of new and used oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. The fermentation was kept cold to ensure a slow process that retains the natural fruitiness of the grapes. Golden yellow in color, our Chardonnay invites you in with its vanilla and brown sugar aromatics. Hints of oak and cinnamon-kissed green apple flavors create a very smooth wine with a soft fruity finish.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Last night Bindi and I were treated to a hazy preview of the Super Blue Moon. Spectacular even through the haze, especially since I never expected to see anything but rain or clouds last night. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. My haircut was canceled yesterday, so I am hoping to be squeezed in today. Gym, Bindi walks, branch patrol and if conditions permit - gathering at the beachfront winery to howl at tonight’s moon. If not, then we will visit our favorite indoor wine bar. Prayers for all who need our support. @Sharon in AZ Prayers for your entire family & especially your Mom. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @Mr. Boston Your trip sounds amazing. Hope it is one for the memory books! Get well & stay well everyone. ************* 2017 Fratelli Antonio & Raimondo Langhe Nebbiolo Somewhat elusive; no critic reviews and only a small number of consumers have bothered to rate this wine. But the ones who did think it is good - very good. A few online distributors with prices starting at $12.99. Distributor Notes Founded in 1938 by the two Levis brothers, Antonio and Raimondo. Both were passionate about Nebbiolo, which led them to the Langhe region. The brothers' driving ambition was "quality at any cost" and they worked tirelessly to meet that goal. It was thought that their ambition to make quality wine was even more so due to the fact they were both hearing impaired and used their wine as a form of expression. In 2002, Raimondo died and because neither brother had any heirs, Antonio partnered with the esteemed Sartirano Family who has been making wine in the region since 1871. The Sartirano Family handles all aspects of the winemaking while still holding true to the Fratelli’s original ideals- producing honest, classically styled wines. Vines were planted in the mid-1980s. Farming is organic, harvesting is manual and sorting is rigorous. After destemming and crushing, fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks at moderate temperatures. Maceration on the skins for 8 days with daily pump-overs. Aged for 8 months in second hand barriques, lightly fined and minimally filtered. Red fruits, herbs, tobacco, and smoke with the perfect balance between tannins and acidity.

Idalia definitely gave us a miss. We still have a few hours left of wind & strong gusts, but we have not had much rain. And do not expect much more. And we have had hours of hazy sun. Lots of small branches down, and Bindi & I rescued a bunch of recycle bins that the wind gusts blew into the street. They would have made an excellent & challenging obstacle course. Truly blessed.