cat shepard

Sandi, thank you for getting us started with today’s Report & Daily. Up super early for my annual wellness visit. Then a gym class, Bindi walks and chores. Prayers for all who need our support, especially Roy, Jacqui, Sarah, Tana and Kathi. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ********** Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California I used the 2019 vintage information, since it is most likely the easiest to find, but all released vintages share the same excellent ratings. It sounds lovely and is reasonably priced. Numerous distributors with prices starting at $19.98. Winemaker Notes This crowd-pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful Bordeaux blend, with soft, round tannins and a plush, rich mouthfeel. Built to age and develop further complexity, the wine in its youth is ripe and juicy up front with aromas of fresh boysenberry, blackberry, and cassis, alongside dark berry fruit notes of fig, black cherry cola, and currants. The warm baking spice notes from the oak integration work well with the more traditional Knights Valley tones of lavender, wild sage, and mocha. Lively and well-balanced with vibrant acidity, chewy tannins, and a long, smooth, satisfying finish. Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot JS94 James Suckling This is really focused, with brightness to the sweet tobacco and berries. Medium-bodied with bright acidity, finesse and drink ability. Very fine. Ripe-currant center-palate. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Drink or hold. W&S92 Wine & Spirits This grows at Beringer’s 600-acre Knight’s Valley ranch, in the hills west of Calistoga, where the harvest in 2019 extended from mid- to late October. The wine sustains the cool elegance this vineyard can give to Cabernet, a supple, high-elevation wine with gentle ripeness, lasting on notes of tarragon and fresh garden herbs. Best buy. RP90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate There were more than 160,000 cases of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley produced, so it's good to see that it is performing well. There's an attractive floral top note that adds a touch of complexity to the cassis fruit, while the medium to full-bodied palate is silky and even elegant. It's a better wine—and far better value—than many entry-level wines sourced from Napa Valley.

Debbie, the quilt is stunning, and the room color is the perfect showcase for it. Have fun filling your closets.

@rafinmd Roy, thanks for sharing your day. You know yourself best - but be sure to be honest with yourself. I know how important independence is to me, but I learned to recognize when to ask for help when I fractured my kneecap in 2021. I suspect you also know when to do that. Rest well.

Thank you for taking care of us, Sandi! I really appreciate what you have done. It is a lovely morning though last night’s fog and and this morning’s marine layer have squashed my hopes of catching a glimpse of the Green Comet. Did anyone catch a glimpse of it? This morning I have a Zumba class. Bindi walks, yard work and chores will round out my day. We are currently in the middle of Fake Spring here. It is a real season here in Florida. I seem to remember the “January thaw” as being somewhat similar up North. I have always suspected that Bindi has some cat genes, she is quite adept at ignoring me until I get in her face. Prayers for all who need our support: Jacqui, Tana, Kathi & Roy especially. Cheers to all who are celebrating - especially Roy for being home, and Sarah for being ready to get out and enjoy life again. Get well & stay well everyone! ******* Elk Cove Vineyards Mt Richmond Pinot Noir, Oregon Elk Cove is my current “go to” vintner for a white blend. They make a wonderful Viognier/Chenin Blanc blend, so I would love to see what they do with a Pinot Noir. I used the 2019 vintage info, in hopes that it would be easier to find and fairly reasonably priced. Available from several online distributors with prices starting at $39.99. Winemaker Notes Elk Cove Mount Richmond Pinot Noir is deep and brooding with aromas of dark chocolate and ripe Italian plum, its dusty tannins lend structure to lush black currant and blackberry compote flavors. Finishes earthy with dried fig, black tea and pinesap. JS93 James Suckling Aromas of cherries, plums, raspberries and vanilla bean with sweet spices. Medium-bodied with powdery tannins and lively acidity. Racy and textured. Long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. WE92 Wine Enthusiast 2019 is an excellent vintage for Elk Cove, despite whatever fire-related weather and smoke issues the Willamette Valley was suffering. Perhaps the northwest corner location was spared the smoke; in any event the estate grown Pinots are fruit-driven, beautifully ripened, clean and textured and immediately delicious. The Mount Richmond adds a touch of leather to its blackberry fruit, along with refreshing minerality and a neat streak of espresso. Trailing out the finish is a note of clean straw. Drink now and through the middle of the decade. V92 Vinous Shimmering ruby-red. Powerful cherry cola, black raspberry, candied licorice and exotic spices on the fragrant nose. Appealingly sweet and pliant in texture, offering juicy red and dark berry flavors, a touch of succulent herbs and a spicy flourish that builds on the back half. Finishes long and smoky, with a repeating cherry note and subtle tannic grip. Best after 2024.

@rafinmd Roy, glad you are home. Hoping that you have folk available to support you. Be careful not to overdo. Praying that your road to recovery is quick and pain free. @kazu Jacqui, I am sorry to read you didn’t get your cast. I am impressed you have the energy to post anything. I pray you have a pain-free night and get some rest.

🥳🥳🥳🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Thank you for today’s Report, Daily, maps and list. I am in awe at how you just jumped into this role! Praying that Roy had a restful and productive 😉 night. Another lovely morning here. Off for an early haircut. Then I need to browse another Aldi, and if nothing else pick up lettuce. The one I purchased from “ my” Aldi already had slimy pieces, because it was so poorly packaged. Then Bindi walks and my afternoon HIIT class will round out my day. Thank you to everyone who gave me shredder recommendations, I will be picking one up from my local Sam’s tomorrow. I have been thinking about changing my avatar & cc name - what do you think? And I am starting to plan my Spring planting, March is right around the corner… Prayers for everyone who needs our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating - especially Sarah, who felt well enough to go out to eat! Get well and stay well everyone! ******** Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018 This Cab has a lot of fans in the consumer and critics ranks. But it comes with a price - several online distributors with prices starting at $170.00. Winemaker Notes #9 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022 As this slowly begins to unwind in the glass it releases gorgeous aromas of blackberries, dark plums and Creme de cassis that are accented by graphite, violets, herbs, sweet spices and mocha which all take shape beautifully. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated and incredibly fresh, with a round polished texture and a dense layered core of ripe dark fruits that expands seamlessly into the lavish finish. While the 2018 is already stunning to drink in its youth, it should ultimately go on to have a brilliant future ahead and evolve gracefully for at least two decades D100 Decanter This is as good as it gets for Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Right away the gorgeous creme de violette and creme de cassis tones join blackberry cordial, exotic spices and dark chocolate shavings. The combination of finesse and texture is downright scintillating. Sweet pipe tobacco is woven together with Black Forest cake, and fresh blueberries and graphite with shades of tar take shape on the palate. Truly sensational even at the three year mark, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next 20 plus years. RP98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The capsule of the 2018 celebrates the 40th vintage, otherwise unnoted specifically to keep the consistency of the label. The nose is soft and delineated with lifted dark red and black fruit essences that waft with a delicate floral lift. Showing a softer and compact frame that delivers fine and focused aromas, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon packs complex layers in the nose, with a fresh bouquet of red and purple flowers, violets, lilac and sakura before overflowing with a fruit bowl of aromatics, including black raspberry, black cherry and juicy plum with blackberry nuances, all shining through with a thoughtful frame of French oak tones. Medium to full-bodied at 14.8% alcohol, the palate bursts with precision and finesse and there's an elegant frame that offers lively acidity and succulent, fine-grained tannins. The 40th vintage marks a brilliant success for Quilceda Creek, attaining a lighter chassis that captures the same magic without being overly generous. The 2018's tighter frame has allowed the wine to express layers of beautiful dark red fruit flavors and supple oak spices that make the wine slightly spicy with cinnamon essence while offering the same precision without any sacrifices to the overall experience. Ultimately, the wine glides to a remarkably long and textured finish that will last for a couple of decades. Bravo! This is another successful vintage for Quilceda Creek. Run, don't walk to get this into your cellar! JD98 Jeb Dunnuck Another magical Cabernet Sauvignon from this team, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley comes from a blend of sites and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up mostly in new French oak. This vivid purple-hued beauty offers a kaleidoscope-like array of red and black currants, spice box, lead pencil shavings, crushed stone, and assorted tobacco and leafy herb nuances. These carry to full-bodied Cabernet with incredibly purity of fruit, building tannins and structure, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish that won't quit. Rating: 98+ JS98 James Suckling This is really gorgeous with crushed berries, currants and dark chocolate. Really aromatic. It’s full-bodied and soft with precise tannins and great length. Such polish and balance. Plush and focused. Lovely freshness. Subtle and complex. Sophisticated. Beautiful center palate. Pure cabernet sauvignon. So drinkable now, but will age nicely. WE98 Wine Enthusiast Aromas of black raspberry, dried herb, cherry, incense, cranberry and spice explode from the glass. The flavors undulate across the palate, creamy in feel, with layer upon layer of fruit and barrel flavors. It is completely seamless, with outrageous balance-the quintessential hammer in a velvet glove. The finish carries off into the distance. Best after 2032. WS95 Wine Spectator A dynamic red, impeccably structured yet rich and harmonious, with expressive blackberry and black tea flavors laced with a hint of tobacco, which builds tension toward big but polished tannins. W&S94 Wine & Spirits This 2018, Quilceda’s 40th vintage, reflects the brand’s textbook power, polish and poise, a forward cabernet robed in satin. From their two estate vineyards, Champoux and Mach One, this wine leads with a savory scent of baking spice, cedar and pine tips, mostly foresty and exotic. Its flavors are opulent and rich, a deep red with charry fruit, the spice and savor lending all that richness character and complexity. It’s a baby; cellar.

How wonderful, Graham! So happy to read that Sarah felt well enough to go out!🥳

Happy to help in any way…. I suspect I won’t be the only one, so take your pick & focus on getting better. annge3@gmail.com

Well good morning & welcome to the Daily! Hope to see more from you!

Sandi, thank you for today’s Report & Daily, map and the Care/Celebration lists. Praying that Roy had a good night, I see that he posted, but hasn’t shared how he is doing - yet. @Seasick Sailor, Joy, hope today is a bit more comfortable for you. It is a lovely morning here. 63 and the sun is just about to crest the trees, so it will warm up fast. Off to my annual mammogram then Bindi walks and the gym. Maybe we will sit out on the pool deck this evening. Prayers for all who need our support: especially Roy, Jacqui, Kathi, Sarah and Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ******** Black Estate Pinot Noir North Canterbury Home 2020 Another elusive New Zealand entry that sounds lovely and I would love to try it. I could only find info and critic reviews for the 2019 vintage, which works out because there currently are no distributors that ships the 2020 to North America. And you have to go back to the 2018 vintage for North American distributors that ship. The online 2019 price starts at $29.17 before shipping. Winemaker Notes Fire brick hue. Compelling fresh and complex aromas of wild forest berry’s, wild rose petal, and humid earth. Silky mouth coating tannins that gradually melt to reveal rich berry fruits, red current, and spice. The balance gives a clear impression of the soft, fertile and highly mineralized sedimentary clay soils of the Home Vineyard. This is an unfiltered wine with small amounts of sediment. Please allow the bottle to stand and settle before pouring. Decanting will allow maximum expression of aroma and purity of fruit to emerge. WE94 Wine Enthusiast Nicholas Brown and Penelope Naish are part of the new wave of talent in North Canterbury, making organically farmed wines with minimal intervention. There's a lovely vibrancy of color to this vintage of Pinot, and a raw energy. Oodles of crunchy fresh strawberry notes are backed by cinnamon, clove, flower stalks and stone. The sappy tannins have a surprising bite but an easy, natural presence rather than being oak-driven. There's beautiful fruit purity and an overall cool climate, unadulterated vibe.

Roy Thank you for checking back in. I am thrilled that your official info is so much better. I am stunned that the nurse would say what he did, when he clearly did not know what he was talking about. Even if he had the best intentions, he was way out of line. Rest well. Ann

Sandi, Thank you for getting us started and doing more than just posting what Rich prepared. I admire you & Roy for adding maps. And I really admire you for even attempting the Care/Celebration lists. Thank you! @rafinmd, Roy, I just read your post. I hope the night nurse was just trying to manage your expectations. He doesn’t know you and all the amazing things you do. I will pray that he is totally wrong. @Seasick Sailor Joy, praying all goes smoothly today with your surgery. One class at the gym, Bindi walks, my last pool deck work estimate and then dinner & trivia with friends. Praying for all who need our support: especially Roy, Jacqui, Kathi, Sarah and Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well and stay well everyone! ******** Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Cabernet, Columbia Valley, Washington State A bit elusive and pricey. But this cab sounds more like a red blend to me and I would love to taste it. I used the 2017 vintage info. Available from a few online distributors with prices starting at $70.00. 91 Wine Enthusiast Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 56% of this wine, with the rest Merlot (39%) and smidgen of Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The aromas are brooding, with notes of barrel spice, dark chocolate, dried and black cherry. Creamy fruit and barrel flavors follow, showing an appealing texture. Coffee and raspberry notes linger on the finish. It's a complete charmer.

Melisa, happy belated birthday. Perhaps not easy to celebrate given all that you are facing, but I hope you find some time to celebrate the start of your new year & decade. May they be filled with love, laughter and great health. Ann

Will keep you in my prayers, Joy.

Jacqui that is almost like the one I bookmarked. I wonder about the difference between cross- cutting and micro-shredding?

Thank you Dixie! I found a model that actually shreds credit cards. They have come a long way in 16+ years!

Sandi, thank you for covering for Roy & Rich and posting today’s Report & Daily! And taking on the map and our Care/Celebration lists! Bless you. It was already 60 here this morning when Bindi and I headed out. It seems that the North/Northeast winds have kept the colder temps to my West. I guess I should not complain about them anymore. @rafinmd Roy, hope you were able to get some rest and are feeling a bit better. Off to the gym, then Aldi. Bindi walks and some chores. My paper shredder has finally died. I know I had it when I lived in Annapolis and I left there in 2007. I believe I got my money’s worth, but I need to replace it - does anyone have a favorite “go to” brand? Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ******* Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Section 94 2020 Another amazing New Zealand wine that folk in North America might have a difficult time finding. But it could be worth the hunt. Or perhaps a field trip to New Zealand. I found several online distributors - mostly in Europe willing to ship. Prices started at $35.88+ shipping. Winemaker Notes Section 94 is one of the world’s most distinct wines, and regularly named New Zealand’s greatest Sauvignon Blanc. It’s so tough to place, which is extraordinary given that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most defined and recognizable wine styles in the world. The exotic smoky and spicy flavors mingling with floral and ripe citrus notes, textural roundness playing against cool and fresh raciness; it’s not about generalities of the grape variety or the region, it’s a very specific wine made to emphasize the qualities of a very special place. JS95 James Suckling Flinty, reductive notes open up to lime zest, white grapefruit, dried pineapple, hay, white pepper and hints of praline. Medium-bodied with sharp acidity and a phenolic, tight and taut palate. Focused and long. Drink or hold. WS93 Wine Spectator While fleshy and succulent, this leads with crisp acidity. Offers notes of lanolin, litsea oil, honeysuckle, lemon curd, lime sherbet and dried chamomile, which are put into focus with mouthwatering acidity. Reveals mineral accents, reminiscent of white pepper, that linger on the long finish.

Thank you for letting us know, Roy! Happy to read they are taking care of you Rest easy, I see Sandi already has you covered for tomorrow.

Sandi, thank you for posting today’s Report & Daily. Praying that there is nothing seriously wrong, Roy! If you have the energy, please keep us posted. We will keep you in our prayers. @kazu Jacqui hope you found some pain relief. Welcome home @ger_77! Gerry, love the picture of you, Joy & Allan! Thank you for sharing. It was 43 when Bindi and I went out this morning. And too early for the winds to have started. The Northeast winds we’ve had for the past two days have made Bindi walks tough. Thank goodness the sun has been out. This morning I have a Zumba class preceded by a foam rolling class. It is bizarre how much a hard cylinder of foam can help what aches. Tonight doing dinner at a friend’s. I am in charge of the salad course. I do love a colorful salad. I know there will be wine, too. Praying for all who need our support: Kathi, Tana, Jacqui, Sarah & Roy. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone. Yes, I am looking at YOU! ******* Fromm Syrah Marlborough Fromm Vineyard 2019 Another elusive New Zealand wine. It has excellent reviews, but I only found one online distributor that ships to Florida & they are in New Zealand! Imagine the shipping costs. It sounds like a lovely Syrah. The price seems to be reasonable at $29.80. Distributor notes Pure, ripe and varietal with distinctive floral and mineral scents, black cherry and dark raspberry. These ideas are mirrored on the palate with surrounded by a firm textue of fruit then some wood tannins, youthful acid topline and complexity from baking spices and lees and earthy mineral qualities. Delicious, fresh, very new still and will continue to age and develop if you can be patient. Lengthy complex finish with best drinking from late 2024 through 2030+. 95 Points

Thank you Sandi. Praying that all is well with Roy.

I will hold off, if you plan to do it Sandi.

Roy! Perhaps trying to do too much, too soon? 🤔

Welcome to the group! I do not believe all the wines du jour and meals are available on HAL ships. I would think most drinks would be, though they might not have the exact brand of liquor.

Thank Rich & Roy for today’s Report & Daily. A brisk 42 here this morning, but luckily yesterday’s wind has died down. It is certainly a lovely clear morning. Roy, hope you continue to feel better. Thank you for keeping up with us, even when not feeling 100%. Gym, Bindi walks, and chores will fill my day. Prayers for all who need our support: Tana, Kathi, Jacqui and Sarah especially. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ******** Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu Hunting Hill 2021 This New Zealand Chardonnay has lots of consumer and critic fans. I might like to try it, but don’t usually gravitate towards Chardonnay. Available from numerous online distributors with prices starting at $50.95. Winemaker Notes Hunting Hill is very distinctive in its terroir typicity, with piercing lemon/lime fruit lift and floral notes on the nose, richness and volume in the mouth followed by lingering acidity and minerality on the finish. This is an absolute classic example of how great the Chardonnay grape can be: A beautifully powerful, yet elegant and complex wine with long term aging ability. JS96 James Suckling This has aromas of flint, toast, jasmine, dried pineapples, lemons and sea shells. Some cardamom and salted butter. Classy and driven, with a medium to full body and tight, sleek layers. Perfumed and bright. Everything in balance.