cat shepard

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.

3 hours ago, ottahand7 said:

Good morning everyone.  Thanks for the Daily and Fleet reports Jacqui and for the maps Roy.  Good wishes for the cardiologist visit today and for your busy day.  A good group of days.  A very nice quote by C.S. Lewis.    Pass on the chicken, the goofy cocktail and I would drink today's vino if I could find it.  I don't even know where it is from so what section to search at Total Wine?   Thanks for the photos of Darwin Sandi, I look forward to more coming.   

 

Thanks for the cares and celebrations reports Vanessa staying on top of all these events while you are suffering from all the pain that keeps you awake.   Prayers for Tana and her family.   Prayers for all in war zones, Ukraine and the innocents in Gaza.  Prayers for whatever is going on in Haiti.   

 

We are leaving in a while to head to the Lake Michigan city South Haven where I am doing a talk on butterflies and their host plants.  That begins at 2 and just as that ends the close to full eclipse (95%) will be happening at 3:05 or so.  Then we head to New Buffalo for some free nights at the casino hotel that John was comped.   When we come back from that fling we will really have to buckle down and get the yard ready to be abandoned, save for mowing.  We plan on heading to our cabin on May 19.  It will be here before we know it.   Have a lovely Eclipse day everyone!  Nancy 

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

19 minutes ago, summer slope said:

Good morning.  I like sweet drinks, but I think today's is oner the top.

 

Cotton Candy cocktail:

 

Ingredients

1 large bag cotton candy (any flavor)
1 bottle marshmallow vodka
1 bottle sparkling water

Fill a glass with fluffy cotton candy and place them on a serving tray.
Pour one ounce (2 tablespoons) vodka over the cotton candy. Top with sparkling water  and
iice. The cotton candy will melt immediately and sweeten the cocktail to taste like, well, cotton
candy!

Garnish with a cotton candy drink stick.

 

Ewww. Just ewww, Dixie! 😱

Thank you for today’s FR&D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for our maps! Another cool start to what promises to be another exquisite day. These are the days that make Florida special. 
 

Vanessa thank you for keeping our lists so diligently. Praying that you get permanent pain relief from your upcoming surgery. 
 

My first “normal” Monday since February 12th! 😎 Gym, laundry, patio deck cleaning and Bindi walks. I want to spend as much time outside as possible, because I know Summer is coming. 
 

In honor of U.S. tax season….

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

Happy Anniversary @erewhon and @Overhead Fred & Mitzi!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

************

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Carménère

This wine sounds lovely, though a bit pricey. This vintage presented some challenges to the Western wineries because of the wildfires and the pandemic. A bit elusive. I found a few online distributors with prices starting at $44.97.

93 Wine Enthusiast 

This wine's aromas of dark raspberry, cinnamon, straw and orange-flavored Starburst candy are so enchanting, it was difficult to move on to actual sipping. Then I reveled in the wine's fresh, brisk texture, lighter body, restrained alcohol and flavors like raspberry, lemon and a hint of cranberry.

Happy Birthday, Sandy! May your new year be filled with love, laughter, great health and a cruise or two!

@StLouisCruisers

Thank you for today’s FR&D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! Well, we are back in the forties this morning. I will say these temps make for exquisite days. It has been super windy for our golfers and boaters, though. 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that the 22nd comes fast & gives you permanent relief. 

Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, a check in with my Sister & Brayden, some patio chores. Another layer of pollen to clean off. 
 

Prayers for all who need them. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you & your entire family.

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today!

*********

Bota Box Nighthawk Buttery Chardonnay 

Yes Dailyites, we have another wine in the box! Easy to find, reasonably priced and the majority of consumers believe it is ver good. Online prices start at $16.99.

Winemaker’s notes

Our distinctive Nighthawk Buttery Chardonnay delivers delicious toasted oak with flickering notes of rich butterscotch and luscious honey, paired with irresistibly creamy texture and a golden hue in the glass. Made to be sipped, savored and shared wherever your next adventure takes you.

PAIRS WITH

This distinctive wine is the perfect complement to chilled shrimp cocktail or grilled tarragon chicken.

WINE DETAILS

Alcohol: 14.5%

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, hope all went well yesterday. Thank you for our maps! It was a lovely 55 this morning. Bindi and I enjoyed a lovely walk and the sky treated us to quite a show! Fawn season has officially arrived. Last night this year’s twins wandered through. Not the best picture, but….

(just scroll through this quickly @kazu)

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. We are a busy group. Praying that the 22nd brings you much needed relief. 
 

An almost normal day! Bindi walks, dinner with friends and my new w/d is installed. They were delivered last Saturday, but when the team discovered my cold water shut off valve was broken, they could not install the washer until a plumber fixed it. I might get out in the yard, lots to do there. 

This one is dedicated to my fellow Floridians… or those who have travelled it during rush hour. 

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!

May we each find a reason to smile today!

********

Apothic Dark 2021

I used the 2021 vintage info, since that seemed the easiest to find. Readily available & priced to try. If you don’t like it - use it for cooking. Online prices start at $8.77.

Winemaker’s notes

Thanks your for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. I could not believe it was 49 this morning!

But Bindi and I had a great morning walk in spite of the chill. The early Dawn sky was lovely. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us! Praying that you get permanent relief for the pain. 
 

This is my first “normal” Friday since Friday, February 16th. I hope I didn’t jinx myself. Gym, Bindi walks, chores. Picking out wine for dinner at a friend’s tomorrow. Maybe eating supper outside!

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 as you travel the journey together. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today!

**********

2020 Riesling, Bischöfliche DOM Off-Dry, Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier, Mosel

I was afraid my decoder ring would be a bit rusty, but it worked just fine. I often find Rieslings a bit too sweet, but I would love to taste this one. A bit elusive, but there are a few online distributors with prices starting at $16.49.

Distributor notes

Bischöfliche Weinguter Trier cultivates approximately 95 hectares of vineyard, among them some of the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer's most legendary sites. Almost 90% of production is Riesling, with grapes crushed and pressed at Scharzhof on the Saar and Duisburger Hoffman on the Ruwer. Wines are then aged in either traditional fuder or stainless steel in their vast vaulted cellars in the heart of Trier, which date back to Roman times.

The grapes originate from the steep and slatey soils of the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer. After careful picking and selection, the grapes are fermented in 1000L oak Fuder and stainless steel tanks before blending. The wine rests for a few months on its fine lees to add complexity.

Modern and appealing dry German Riesling. Delicately floral with citrus and light flinty aromas. The palate is pure with green apple, refreshing citrus acidity, stony minerality and good length.

Serve with fish, asparagus; salads with parma ham and olives.

@NextOne
 

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

2 hours ago, dfish said:

Thanks, everyone.  @Sharon in AZ yes, I have antibiotic eyedrops.  Ofloxacin.  I had two doctors look at it yesterday along with a PA and they all said the same thing.  Sharon's right.  It is better than it was and the pain is gone.  I'm sure the Aleve helped with that.  I'm going to give it a week and if it is still bad I'll call my PCP.  I learned that they have late afternoon appointments available everyday for emergencies.  Sharon, congrats on treating yourself to first class.  Sue and I do that on occasion, like long haul flights.  I hear you about the Dallas to Waco flight.  That's like Detroit to Saginaw.  All of 20 minutes in the air.  

 

@cat shepard  I'm glad your sister is doing better.  

 

 

 

 

Thanks Debbie! That eye! If you say it is better, I believe you!

4 hours ago, RMLincoln said:

 

@summer slope how are you and DH recovering?  And @cat shepard how’s your sister?and @grapau27 how’s Sarah?
Smooth travels to all away!  🌅 

Maureen, thank you. My Sister is doing well. Her second week home and the PT has her walking inside the house using a cane. She is still a bit unsteady on her feet. BUT she is challenging herself to do more. And Brayden is a tough coach. 😎

Thank you for today’s FR& D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. It is just starting to get light here & yesterday’s rains cleared out the clouds.

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings. Praying you get permanent relief from your upcoming surgery. 

I resume my regularly scheduled programming today. The trial ended yesterday. I did my civic duty. I will say that it felt as if I was back a work with a daily commute. I tried to take a walk at lunch time and yesterday encountered this beautiful creature.

This morning I need to pick up my Bindi. Boy did I miss her. And I also need to pick up my new phone. I have had my current phone for 5 years and it is starting to lose its charges. And I have a bunch of things I need to do around the house that I was too tired to do when I returned each day from the courthouse. 
 

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 family. May the road ahead not be too difficult. 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

*******

Burgans Albariño

A crisp, white wine, though Albariños I have tried usually have a bit more body than a Sauvignon Blanc. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $13.99.

Distributor notes

A custom cuvée made for European Cellars by Martin Codax, the Burgans Albariño is named after the hill on which the cooperative is located. Burgans is a cuvée made from a small selection of vineyard plots in the Salnes sub-zone of Rias-Baixas, which have a characteristic pit-fruit quality and richness in addition to the bracing minerality for which the sub-zone is famous.

2 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

The rain here has gone from “oh my” to “holy moly” intensity with very active high winds. All sorts of tree breakage is noted and it is a little scary. We have had a busy day with visits from the hospice counselor and social worker. I thinks it has helped with some of the anxiety that we all have. Tana seems more comfortable although she has not been able to speak without the coughing interfering. She took to writing notes to us as the discussion progressed. I just feel strongly that we want to do what she wants now and we will do our best. DD and DS have informed me that they have arranged for the agency we used when my husband was so ill to come at night. It is very expensive and I hesitated to do this but in this time of crisis we need help. I am hoping that she will be more stable once again and that we will not need the help for an extended period.

There were so many of you sending prayers and kind thoughts. I read them to Tana just now and she was amazed that people she doesn’t know are there for her. It really is a beautiful thing and we are so grateful for all of you. I was afraid my fried brain would miss someone but please know we thank you all very much.

 

Terry, no words. Just lots of love for Tana, her son, you, and your entire family. 

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for our maps. Some amazing photos of the sections of the Key bridge  underwater. The divers have to be guided by someone on the surface with a special device because they literally can not see anything because that water is so murky. 

Just barely getting light here. Strong storms expected in the afternoon. Hope they don’t hit during my evening commute. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I have run out of ways to tell you that I am praying for your permanent relief from your pain. 

Another day of jury duty. I feel as if I am commuting to a job. The judge couldn’t promise, but it might wrap up today. 🤞🏻

How I felt last night…

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying that Tana had a better night. Thinking of you. 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today!

**************

Bota Box Nighthawk Rich Red Wine Blend 

This 3 liter box blend sounds interesting. Though I am not sure the wine should be “paired with” a blanket, I think I understand what the author meant. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $17.98.

Winemaker’s notes

Audacious yet approachable, our Nighthawk Rich Red Wine Blend delivers an enticing interplay of juicy blackberry pie and bittersweet dark chocolate. Its welcoming, balanced profile and smooth, lingering finish make this wine a down-to-earth crowd pleaser for gatherings big and small.

PAIRS WITH

Enjoy Nighthawk under the evening sky with a spicy beef curry or a warm blanket.

WINE DETAILS

Alcohol: 13.5%

55 minutes ago, Overhead Fred said:

 

First off, on this thread you are not posting to "a HAL audience", but to to a group of friends (even if many of us have never actually met). Lots of folks post here about their lives that have little to do with HAL and cruising. I think we all enjoy hearing about all the ups and try to comfort about all the downs. Your posts from the Azamara Onward fit with this IMHO.

 

Secondly, learning about other cruise lines and ports from folks we can trust is very valuable. Keep it up!

 

Perfectly stated OHF!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. It is still dark here. About to head out to bring Bindi’s food & Greenies to her spa. I missed her last night, but it is too stressful for her to drop her off every morning. The look she gives me when she realizes I am leaving stresses me out, too. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. We are such a busy (and ever growing) group! Praying for permanent pain relief for you. 
 

After dropping off Bindi’s food, I will head to the County Courthouse for day 1 of the trial. Not sure what else I will be able to do today. Hoping to get a walk in at lunchtime. 

 

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 & Tana, Terry. I am surprised that you did not hit traffic in Connecticut. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating. 
 

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

*********

Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This Cab from Central California has lots of fans, is readily available and priced to try. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at$13.97.

Distributor notes

The fruit for this brute of a Cab comes from the original super freak, Michael Phillips vineyard located only a medicine balls toss away from the winery. Surprisingly nimble and elegant, showing great balance, strength, and poise. This Cabernet has a bouquet of dark cherry and roasted spices. Full bodied and mouth filling with gobs of blackcurrant, blackberry, charred oak, vanilla and cassis. Mild tannins with a mellow, long finish.

@ger_77

Gerry, you are a special lady. Hugs to you, Ollie and Maurice. 
 

I am stunned to say I was selected to serve on a jury.  The judge expects the trial to last four days. Poor Bindi was just getting back to her schedule. What a crazy few weeks. 

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. It is still dark here and I am about to head out to drop Bindi off at her day spa and head to the County Courthouse for jury duty. No clue what to expect in Florida. 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings in spite of your pain. Not sure I could do it. 

Jury duty, a morning & evening Bindi walk and no idea what else the day will bring. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of you & Tana! Hope you had a wonderful Easter in NH. 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

***********

Naveran 2021 Perles Blanques Sparkling (Cava)

Another sparking wine from Spain to tempt us. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at a fairly reasonable $18.71.

93 Wine Enthusiast 

Pale yellow in the glass, this energetic sparkler has a bouquet of yellow plum, white chocolate and jasmine. Zesty flavors of Bartlett pear, pink grapefruit, croissant and caramelized nuts wind down to a Valencia orange-scented finish. 

21 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Good afternoon.  This will be quick since I have a couple more trips out to the motorhome, and the clouds are looking like it could rain soon.  All that can be done before tomorrow is done except closing up the computer and putting it on the motorhome.  When I finish here, the computer will be shut down, and I probably won't get back on it until we get home.  I'll try to post from my tablet or phone when possible.

 

Things went so well today that I even had time to bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies for the trip home.  Of course, we had to taste test some from each pan.  There's nothing quite like warm chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven.

 

 

Jane, that is good news that you feel good and enjoyed your cruise.  I'm glad the whale watching was good, especially this late in the season.

 

 

Carolyn, great picture of the four of you.  It looks like everyone had a great cruise.

 

 

Vanessa, I'm sorry about the lack of sleep and the pain.  I'm glad you and BFF went out for Easter dinner.

 

Lenda

Safe travels to you & Steve, Lenda!

Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Hope you find someone for Ivan soon! Thank you for today’s maps, Roy. A lovely Easter sunrise at the beach this morning.

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us, in spite of the pain, and the disappointment of the pain returning so quickly. Praying that you get permanent relief soon. 
 

Gym, Bindi walks, a visit with my Sister & Brayden this afternoon. Saw my second fawn of the season yesterday. All wobbly legs. I wonder if we will have another set of twins this year. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 

*********

Pierre Amadieu 2019 Domaine Grand Romane Red (Gigondas)

This Rhône red blend sounds lovely. My favorite varietal combination. Available from a decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $27.99.

93 Wine Enthusiast 

This is a powerful blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah.The wine is so lively upon opening that it will surely pique curiosity amongst enthusiasts. An intense core of blackberries, sunbaked plums and touch of wild mint coats the palate. Natural high-altitude acidity helps draw a long, dark-fruited finish, with salinity, fine gritty tannins and clove. 

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for today’s maps. Another cool morning here, but if the day turns out like yesterday did, it will be a lovely Spring day. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying your pain is eliminated by your upcoming surgery. 
 

A busy day here at Ann’s B & B. That’s how I started to refer to my place to my neighbor and friends for the 4 weeks my Sister was in the hospital and rehab. Gym, Aldi, delivery of a new washer & dryer, a Chewy delivery & a wine delivery and then appetizers, cheese and wine on the deck with friends. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers.  Terry, thinking of you & Tana.

Cheers to all who are celebrating. Happy Birthday @Suslor & @cruzn single!
 

May each find a reason to smile today!

***********

King Estate Winery 2018 Brut Cuvée 

I have yet to meet a King Estate wine that I did not really enjoy, so

I am sure I would love this sparkling cuvée. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $39.99.

Winemaker Notes

• 93Decanter
  A vintage cuvée from 2018; a warm, dry vintage in the Willamette Valley. This blend from 100% estate fruit shows an aromatic depth with notes of honeysuckle, buttered biscuit and ripe pear. Persistent bubbles deliver a palate loaded with rich flavours of cardamom, beeswax, brioche and candied orange peel. The finish delivers great lift and longevity.
• 91Wine Enthusiast
  Pinot Noir makes up 60% of this wine, with the rest Chardonnay, the grapes all coming from estate sites. The aromas immediately command attention, with notes of pear, brioche and ginger spice. A palate is flavorful, with a lighter-styled mousse. Lemony acidity ties it all together exquisitely. 
  Editors' Choice

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! It is a cool 52 here this morning. Lots of up & down temps this year. 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us, in spite of your pain and lack of sleep. Praying that the surgery eliminates the pain - permanently. 
 

Gym, Bindi walks and chores. Nothing exciting, and boy do I appreciate that!

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of you and Tana. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 

**********

Château Clinet 2020

Lots of fans of this Bordeaux blend. Though it sounds lovely, it is too pricey for me and there are so many lovely red blends that fit into my budget nicely. Widely available with online prices starting at $99.98.

Winemaker Notes

• 98James Suckling
  What a beautiful young wine, showing so much finesse and tension, with ultra-fine tannins and subtle and long flavors and character. It’s medium-bodied with extremely silky tannins that grow on the palate to a seamless finish. Harmonious. Another fine Pomerol for the cellar. Drink after 2027.
• 98Jeb Dunnuck
  The 2020 Château Clinet checks in as a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 80% new French oak. It's a rich, yet gorgeous wine with a wonderful sense of freshness in its ripe blue and black fruits as well as tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. Full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has perfect tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and one hell of an impressive finish. One of the finest Pomerols in the vintage, it will benefit from just 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.
• 95Decanter
  Dark and heady, smooth but still lean with a sense of seriousness with firm tannins that fill the mouth. Lovely high acidity offsets the powdery, chalky texture with perfumed blackberries and cherries alongside liquorice and cola touches. Rich and quite dense but with lovely persistence and energy.
• 95Wine Enthusiast

  This wine's dense tannins and bold black fruits are balanced by its fine acidity and a fresh element that cuts through the dark chocolate and black plum flavors to give a fine lift to what will be an impressive wine as it matures.

  Barrel Sample: 93-95

• 94Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The 2020 Clinet offers up aromas of minty cherries, blackberries and cassis mingled with hints of licorice, loamy soil and rose petals. Full-bodied, broad and rich, with a layered mid-palate underpinned by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully firm finish, it's impressively balanced for a wine at 15% alcohol, but it remains a rather burly, powerful Clinet. Best After 2025

• 93Wine Spectator
  Sports spicy toast and warmed fruitcake out front, backed by a solid core of steeped cherry and blackberry notes to match. This is all wrapped up with singed vanilla and sweet tobacco on the finish, along with a tug of warm earth. Shows solid range, if a bit reliant on the toast. A strong effort for the vintage. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

46 minutes ago, ger_77 said:

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  As a child I remember the whole school being trooped off to mass on Holy Thursday morning and nobody was to crack a smile on the way there or back, as it was a very solemn day.  Neither of us is a real sports fan, so opening day doesn't have any meaning.  I've often thought it would be nice to have a hot tub, but then think of the maintenance and extra costs associated and am glad we don't.  Audrey Hepburn was a lovely lady with a great attitude.

 

It's cloudy and windy this morning but we're only at -8C (17F), and according to the computer, we should hit a high of +3 (37) which will be nice.  The warm temp along with the wind should help bring down the glaciers in the yard.  Although we haven't had a bad winter this year, when it gets to the end of March, I'm more than ready to have the snow disappear and get started on selecting plants for the yard again.

 

@summer slopeI'm sorry, but not surprised that you had a bad night and are stiff and sore today.  Often the day or two after an accident are the most difficult as bones and muscles settle back in from the trauma.

@0106I'm happy to see you'll be on the cruise with @marshhawk and us as well - I haven't even thought of a roll call because I figured it was too early to have one started.  I'll check in there after I finish this post!

@kazuI'm sorry Ivan's alternate home is no longer available; I do hope you're able to get a suitable replacement . . . more stress that you don't need!!

 

I'm going to ask my Daily family for a quick prayer today; they're presenting Maurice's case before the panel to determine whether or not he qualifies for the aortic valve replacement.  He's becoming progressively weaker and I know he's starting to get frustrated with himself, as he's always been so active.  Just sitting around isn't his cup of tea.  Thanks in advance.

 

Today will be spent getting the rest of the house ready, baking some of "Grandma's special cookies" from Mr. Pillsbury, and getting groceries to have all the goodies on hand when the family comes.  It seems they won't be able to get away early, as our oldest DGS Logan is at a day camp and they won't be returning from their excursion until 4:30 this afternoon.  That means they likely won't be here till midnight or 1AM.  Praying for no issues on the highway, and no encounters with deer along the way.

 

I'd like to try the drink, would probably like the wine, but not the price, and I've written down the middle recipe for today's menu suggestion.  DH said not to worry about dinner tonight, as for the next number of days I'll be in full on cooking mode, so he's going to head to Tim's and pick up a couple of turkey bacon club sandwiches that we can enjoy at the kitchen table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in wars.  Cheers to all with celebrations happening today.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

 

 

Prayers for Maurice are on their way, Gerry. 

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for keeping the maps accurate.  It rained overnight, but we did not get the strong storms that other parts of Florida did. 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with everyone. Praying that the road to your upcoming surgery is not too painful. 
 

Today I will be getting a new phone - preferably one that bounces. Mine is five years old and has had two protective film replacements. I am as hard on my phone as I am on my fingernails. Actually worse, since I can’t drop my fingers. Bindi walks, chores & a visit to my favorite wine bar to pick up an order from last week’s wine tasting. Should keep me busy. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, think of you & Tana.

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today!

*********

Domaine De Chevalier Rouge 2020

This stellar red blend has lots of fans and is easy to find. Its superb - classic ratings result in a price outside of my budget. Online prices start at $72.99.

Winemaker Notes

• 99James Suckling

  The purity of fruit is really something here, with blackcurrants and blackberries, together with orange, stone and granite character. Mind-boggling in many ways. Full-bodied with very fine tannins that are polished and pure. Such a fine texture. Lots of primary fruit. Like picking wonderfully ripe grapes. Great length. One for the cellar.

• 97Jeb Dunnuck
  From an estate that’s been on fire over the past decade, the 2020 Domaine De Chevalier is another brilliant wine in the making and checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Offering impressive cassis and darker berry fruits, it has complex notes of crushed flowers, violets, and damp earth-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins and a silky, layered, seamless texture, it shines for both its richness and its balance. It also shuts down quite quickly, so if you’re going to drink bottles, try one in its youth. Otherwise, be sure to give bottles 7-8 years in a cold cellar. It should have 30-40 years of overall longevity.
  Barrel Sample: 95-97+
• 97Wine Enthusiast
  This impressively rich wine is centered on great swathes of black fruits. The tannins, with their stylish swagger, are a fine complement to the fruit, giving the wine structure and the potential for elegant aging.Barrel Sample: 95-97
• 95Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The 2020 Domaine de Chevalier is a touch more tightly wound than the brilliant 2019 out of the gates, but it seems likely to equal that vintage with a bit of time. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of minty blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of burning embers, spices, rose petals and orange rind, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit, powdery structuring tannins and a long, saline finish. As I wrote last year, this estate in recent vintages has arrived at a sort of stylistic contemporary classicism that evokes the great wines of yesteryear from this address, and the 2020 continues that trend. Best After 2028

  Rating : 95+

• 95Decanter
  Concentrated ruby red colour, a little subdued on the nose, built with structure and power, concentrated and should age well. Classical, powerful, not exuberant, an impressive Chevalier that has tannins and fruit and freshness, nothing shouting too loud. As it opens, you see a peony floral edge that is very attractive. Easily among the best in Pessac.
  Barrel Sample: 95
• 95Wine Spectator

  Well-built, pulling ample and weighty waves of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry preserves along, atop a broad spine of warm loam, smoldering tobacco and singed alder. Long and deep through the fine-grained finish, with a warm paving stone note that won't quit, thanks to well-buried acidity—not an easy feat in this vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

14 minutes ago, summer slope said:

Well I had an interesting morning.  DH and I went on our usual morning golf cart ride.  We have a great development that we ride in.  While sitting at a stop sign a lady in a car cut the corner sharp and ran into the golf cart with such force it turned the cart 180 degrees and threw me out of the cart.  I hit the road very hard, bouncing my head off the road.  Ambulance ride to the emergency room. (There a total of 4 hours.)  Cat scan, xrays of hip, knee, and ankle were all negative. Lots of bruising.  Will feel it better tomorrow I'm sure.  No need for the care list, just giving an FYI.

Holy Crap, Dixie! Glad no serious injury.  Hope that lady learned a lesson.