cat shepard

Thank you for our American Thanksgiving Day Report & Daily, Rich! Roy, thank you for keeping our lists! Dixie, thank you for finding & sharing those great drink recipes! Debbie, (and Tina) thank you for finding great info about our meals and a multitude of recipes! Sandi, Lenda, Carolyn, Jacqui and everyone who share their amazing pictures of the port du jour - thank you for taking the time to do that. I still haven’t figured out why 95% of my Alaska pics were unpostable. All the Dailyites make this such an amazing place of caring & sharing! Right now it is the calm before the storm. I just finished my first cup of coffee and am about to start my second. Life is good and crazy and boy did I miss this for the past 2.75 years. I hope everyone has a great day, no matter where you are. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Vict0riann Happy 60th to you & Pat! Stay well everyone! ******* The Dreaming Tree Chardonnay This Chardonnay has good - very good critic and consumer reviews. Available in numerous locations with prices starting at $7.99. Distributor Notes The fruit jumps out of the glass and reminds you of roasted pear or baked apple pie. Big fruit and brown spices that are backed by a distinct Central Coast citrus note. The entry coats your mouth with these great flavors. Easy to enjoy, this wine will bring the coastal wine adventure right to your home.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Roy, welcome home & thank you for taking care of our lists. @bennybear Brenda, praying that all goes smoothly, but so thankful they caught it early!❤️ A gloomy day here. The gang arrived safely, and did not hit any problems on I-4 or I-95!🥳 They are heading to the Space Center for the day. I could not join them, because I could not get a place for Bindi at this late date. I will do a class at the gym and some prep for tomorrow. After last night’s mushroom Swiss burger and sweet potato fries, I need to be very active today. 😎 I am just sitting down to my first cup of coffee! Prayers to all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******* Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé All vintages of this rosé share the same very good - excellent ratings, and reasonable price. I found a decent number of online distributors with prices ranging between $17 - $25. Winemaker Notes The dry and mild winter led to an early budding of the vines, followed by a wet and cold spring with two episodes of frost, causing some slight damage to the young shoots and a rather long re-growth of the vegetation. Flowering then went perfectly well and the hot and dry summer made it possible to preserve the perfect sanitary condition of the vines, while regular tillage kept the vineyard cool. The harvest time thus arrived serenely, in superb conditions. It should be noted that these were rather early this year, starting on September 9, and took place over a fairly short period of 10 days, the maturity of the grapes being uniform across all plots. Harvesting very early in the morning was favored in order to limit the oxidation of the juices and to preserve all their freshness and purity. In the cellar, the very high quality of the grapes harvested made it possible to carry out vinifications with very little intervention, with very low doses of SO2; the alcoholic fermentations were frank and clear. The wines promise to be magnificent, very pure and straightforward, with good acidity, great minerality, tension and delicious aromatic notes of citrus. LOCATION Issued from the Chateau's best parcels (Muriers, Longue, Romarin), as well as from a selection of vineyards close to the village of Correns, just north of Brignoles in the heart of Provence. TERROIR Clay & Limestone vineyard, partially in terraces located at an average of 350 meters. Cool climate for the area with big temperature swings between night and day. AGEING The grapes are harvested exclusively in the morning and sorted twice. Destemming. Pressurage direct for Cinsault, Grenache and Rolle. The Syrah is vinifies partially using the "saignee" method. Vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (95%) and in barrels (5%) with batonnage. TASTING NOTES Elegant pale-pink colour, evoking a rose petal. On the nose, Miraval Rosé shows all its elegance: beautifully fresh, it exudes aromas of fresh fruit, currants and fresh rose with a zest of lemon. The refinement continues in the mouth with a beautiful liveliness and gourmet notes that subtly balance the mineral and saline notes. An irresistible wine that ends with a long finish with lemony notes. GRAPES Cinsault Grenache Rolle Syrah

@1ANGELCAT Happy Birthday! May your new year be filled with love, laughter, great health, and a cruise - or two!

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! It’s a gloomy, Misty morning here. But still better than 77” of snow! I just can not get that number out of my head! Roy thank you for keeping up with us, even on the road. One gym class, a few last minute chores and then I am ready for my “home invasion”. My niece just called to let me know that her SO’s 14 year old son will be coming. His Mom’s family has COVID and he would have to spend the holiday separated from them. Not much fun for him. So life is good and it will be crazy & fun. And maybe, I won’t have as many leftovers. 😎 I needed this one for yesterday’s “Odd sock day”… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Herdade do Esporao 2020 Reserva White (Alentejo) This white sounds very interesting. I am not familiar with the grapes, but would love to try it. Luckily, it has aged enough to be enjoyed. If not, it might be a candidate for the Clef du Vin. Available from several online distributors with prices starting at $14.97. Winemaker Notes Crystal clear, light straw color with green hues. Grapefruit and white peach aromas with subtle notes of mint green complemented with white pepper and nutmeg. Creamy and elegant with balanced fruit and spices presence. Intense and persistent finish. WE92 Wine Enthusiast A blend of Antão Vaz, Arinto and Roupeiro, this wood-aged wine is spicy and ripe in toast and yellow-fruit flavors. It is still young and needs some aging. Wait to drink this rich wine from 2022.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Cloudy again, but I will take it over 77” of snow any day! I mean, where do you put all of it? Roy, thank you for sharing your journey with us & keeping our lists. So much happening. I am so grateful for this wonderful community that Rich created. @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, how encouraging Steve’s progress is! I hope that discharge date does not change! @ottahand7 Nancy, wonderful to read of your DB’s progress. Clearly his siblings’ support made a difference. But please keep that snow to yourself. Off to the gym for just one class. Then I need to finish my To Do list. That should burn some calories. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Antigal One La Dolores Vineyard Malbec (Gualtallary) Mendoza Province Some Malbecs are too much for me, even with food. But I love to try them, because when I least expect it, I encounter an amazing one. This one is popular with consumers and critics. It is a bit pricey, but I found several online distributors with prices starting at $46.99. Distributor’s Notes The grapes of this wonderful wine come from Uco Valley – Tupungato, Gualtallary, and La Arboleda. Areas highly recognized for their excellent quality. The vineyards are located at 1100 meters above sea level, with a great thermal amplitude between day and night, which allows the development of aromatic elegance and concentration. The exceptionally gentle treatment of hand-selected Malbec grapes is made possible by the winery’s gravity-flow system, which eliminates the need for forceful pumps and pressers. The care taken through all stages of winemaking - from initial cluster-chilling through sorting, maceration, fermentation, and barrel aging - produced an unusually elegant Malbec with great balance and supple tannins. 93 Wine Enthusiast

Sharon Hope you continue to get better. The Holidays are tough enough without being sick. Glad Craig could take some of the running around off your plate. I do understand the “wild goose chase” problem. I have been shopping at my current Aldi since May of this year. I JUST found the pecans- in the breakfast pastries section, no less. Thank goodness my Grand Nieces asked for specific items from that section. Don’t overdo it.

welcome home, Jacqui! Thank you for sharing your amazing pics!

Good grief. I am so sorry to read that you were robbed. Though you were not seriously hurt, nor was anything of value taken - do not discount the trauma of being accosted & having your personal space forcefully invaded. Stay well.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! It is very cloudy here this morning and rain is expected throughout the day. Roy welcome home - thank you again for keeping our lists while cruising. @summer slope Dixie, thank you for take our drink du jour on location with you. I hope you, DH, Sandi @StLouisCruisers & Dennis all have an amazing journey! Gym, Aldi, floor cleaning, and Bindi walks (dodging the rain) are in my future. Here is the solution for protecting your Christmas tree from curious critters… you can thank me later.😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ************ Hartford Court 2018 Land's Edge Vineyards Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) This Pinot Noir sounds interesting and I would love a taste. But even if it was slightly better than my two favorites it costs at least twice as much as they do! All released vintages share the same excellent ratings. It is available from several online distributors with prices starting at $39.95. Winemaker Notes The 2018 Land's Edge Pinot Noir leads with aromas of red and black cherry, pomegranate, and dried rose petals. The layered flavors of dark berries, plum, and licorice lead to a mid-palate with an elegant and polished texture. The wine ends with a lingering mocha and mineral finish. WE95 Wine Enthusiast From two vineyard sites just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, this wine is juicy in cranberry and pomegranate. Lifted accents of white pepper, orange peel and rose add complexity and nuance to the robust frame. JD95 Jeb Dunnuck The 2018 Pinot Noir Land's Edge Vineyards is another Sonoma Coast release from this great producer. Medium ruby/purple-hued, with an exotic bouquet of black cherries, blueberries, candied violets, and flowery incense, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a juicy, racy mouthfeel, supple tannins, and a great finish. It will benefit from a year in bottle and drink brilliantly through at least 2030. WS94 Wine Spectator A refined and minerally style, with lithe acidity supporting well-knit flavors of cherry and raspberry. The plush finish lingers with creamy accents and plenty of spicy and toasty notes. Drink now through 2026. RP92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2018 Pinot Noir Land’s Edge Vineyards was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, 31% new. Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with bold expressions of black cherries, mulberries and wild blueberries plus suggestions of tobacco leaf, fragrant earth and lilacs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with freshly crushed red and blue fruits, supported by grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note. W&S91 Wine & Spirits Oak enriches this wineâ??s creamy texture and provides the base notes while the fruit shimmers on top. Itâ??s a powerful pinot with enough brisk structure and high-toned fruit to carry all the richness.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Slightly warmer today with a fairly decent marine layer masking the sunrise. Roy, thank you for sharing your cruise and keeping our lists. Off to a couple of early classes at the gym. Need to get out in the yard. Bindi walks. And wrapping up the day at a friend’s for dinner. Some days are like this! Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** Quady North 2015 Cabernet Franc (Applegate Valley) Another wine I would love to taste. And I would love to meet the winemaker. Several online distributors with prices starting at $35.00. 93 Wine Enthusiast Distributor Notes Applegate Valley clearly can grow Cab Franc superbly well. Another undeniably tasty wine featuring notes of coffee, black cherries, and ancho chili, we really like the pure expression of Cab Franc going on here. Consider serving this with an ancho and coffee-dusted skirt steak. During a recent visit to the store, President for Life Herb Quady and his Quady North wines really won us over. Honest, no-nonsense, humbly priced wineries aren’t as easy to come by as they were a decade ago, and we’re thrilled to add another one to our family of featured producers. Quady North is one of the few Southern Oregon wineries we’ve featured. That’s a deeper discussion for another time and more space but to be succinct, they poured the most interesting and delicious line-up of Southern Oregon wine we’ve tasted from a single producer, in a decidedly unpretentious manner. Background: Herb grew up on his family’s winery in Central California with a compulsory love for Muscat, but after an accidental exposure to the world of Rhone varieties at the hand of the infamous Randall Graham, he became obsessed with the idea of making (gasp!) table wines. After earning his winemaking props at Fresno State, he eventually found his way into the great unknown of Southern Oregon. Herb and his family moved from California in late 2003, convinced that Southern Oregon was a region on the verge of exploding onto the wine scene. The climate, with warm days punctuated by afternoon winds and cool nights, reminded him of Southern France, and he was convinced that Rhone varieties would thrive. In 2005, the Quady family purchased 100 acres, which contained the remains of an old motocross track and several dozen aging vehicles, and set upon the long task of converting it into an Estate vineyard. The next year, Herb and Meloney made the first vintage from purchased fruit while Herb worked as a winemaker at Troon Vineyard. Sourcing from distinct sites at disparate corners of the region, the first vintage was of excellent quality, and showed the terroir of each site. The original planting was named "Mae's Vineyard" after elder daughter Margaux Mae. Mae's is planted to Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Tannat, Malbec and Orange Muscat. In 2011, a second planting was named for younger daughter Serafina Eevee and was planted to Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Noir and Malvasia Bianca. Both are "LIVE" (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certified sustainable. As the Estate Vineyards came into bearing, the Quady's continued to purchase fruit from the original sites, eventually forming a business that would manage these sites and more. These vineyard sites: Serenade (near Ashland), Steelhead Run (near the Applegate River), Sam's Valley (in the upper Rogue) and the Frank's Vineyard (now called Serra) would form a critical part of the winery's portfolio, and are the source of many great wines. Over time, the portfolio has expanded to become Pan-Rhon-ish, with a distinct Loire-ish influence. Recently, Grenache has played a larger part, becoming the basis of Dry Rose, a GSM blend, as well as the early-release "Bomba.”

EXACTLY!

@JazzyV Vanessa, I am praying you and your medical team get this figured out ASAP! I know I would be frustrated. @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, I am glad you made it safely to a place that could fix the wheel/tire. But even more importantly - that you are ok. 🤞🏻 That a dull moment heads your way soon.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! It was even a bit nippier here than yesterday.But the sun is out, and I am not worried about dealing with multiple feet of snow!😎 Roy, thank you for all the pictures of your visit to the Panama Canal. And keeping up with our lists! @StLouisCruisers, Sandi I hope you & Dennis don’t encounter any issues on the road today. That is quite a drive. @summer slope Dixie, I know you will have a much easier drive, but I hope you don’t encounter any problems. I tried a new workout last evening and it was a good one. I was pleased that I could do most things. And visiting with Hailey, our instructor’s very personable Dalmatian was just a treat! Gym, chores, Bindi walks. Possibly heading out with friends - if I make it through enough of my prep list. I know my HOA would NOT approve this…. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** Terre Rouge 2017 Ascent Syrah (Sierra Foothills) Sierra Foothills This wine is a bit elusive, and all released vintages share similar excellent - superb ratings. This one is a bit pricey. Several online distributors offer it with prices starting at $59.00. 98 Wine Enthusiast This explosively flavorful, ageworthy wine combines complexity, power and finesse in a compelling way. Intricate, spicy aromas of graphite, minerals, black pepper and white pepper lead to a superbly balanced palate of just-ripe blackberry, rhubarb and woodsmoke without overdoing any one element. Great balance and layering are its hallmarks. Best from 2026–2040.

@StLouisCruisers Sandi, safe travels to you & Dennis. If you travel I95, please wave as you drive past exit 278. I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! We had a 25 degree drop in temp compared to yesterday morning! Fall is back! Roy, thank you for keeping our lists! Mani- pedi for me this morning. My poor fingernails need it badly. Then this evening I am going to try a HIIT training session with one of my former gym’s instructors. We will see how Bindi deals with this schedule change, and how I do with the workout. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** Château Malartic-Lagravière 2018 Pessac-Léognan Bordeaux This Bordeaux blend has great reviews and though the price is not outrageous, it is a bit outside of my budget. Available from several online distributors with prices starting at $54.95. Winemaker notes The wines had all the characteristics of a great vintage. 2018 was a very hot year, but this had relatively little effect on the aromatic profile of the white wines. They have superb balance, tremendous freshness, and a distinguished, elegant character. The reds are beautifully crafted. The Merlot offers a sublime mid-palate, with a silkiness and density that are rarely achieved. The Cabernet is spectacular, with exceptional aromatic profiles and levels of quality. The Petit-Verdots, co-fermented with the merlots, are particularly silky. This superb 2018 vintage comes after more than 20 years of environmentally-friendly practices at Malartic, continually striving for the best possible quality. The vineyard’s maturity is now giving its full expression, enabling us to obtain remarkable precision on the palate and incredibly well-defined tannins. Blend: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc WE96 Wine Enthusiast Despite its weight, this is a well-crafted wine. It combines richness with sophisticated tannins, dense black fruits and considerable potential. Ripe berry flavors give depth. Drink this wine from 2026. Cellar Selection. WS95 Wine Spectator This has a big ball of warm plum and boysenberry compote notes at the core, framed with a liberal dose of singed cedar and apple wood. Hasn't integrated fully yet, but there's good length and energy here, with a positive vibe. Barrel Sample:92-95 D95 Decanter This remains a little hidden and distant at this point in time, but there are some gorgeous rich liquorice and cassis fruits here, and the texture stands out for its silkiness. Clearly a very good wine, which opens up slowly and carefully. Classic but with depth and grip, continuing a run of successful vintages at Malartic. Last vintage before they take on Eric Boissenot as consultant. 2% Petit verdot makes up the blend, with 70% new oak for ageing. Drinking Window 2026 - 2042 JS94 James Suckling Blackberry, hot-stone and blueberry aromas follow through to a full body with chewy, dusty tannins that are long and chewy. It shows lots of Pessac character, reminding me of the stoney soils of the area. Give this at least three or four years to come together. Try after 2024. JD94 Jeb Dunnuck An outstanding wine, the 2018 Château Malartic Lagraviere (57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest 3% Cabernet Franc) offers a deep purple hue as well as beautiful cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with lots of graphite, gravelly earth, violets, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. Beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannin's and impressive purity of fruit, it's another gorgeous 2018 that can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years. RP92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Composed of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc and aged in 70% new oak barriques, the 2018 Malartic Lagraviere has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and pronounced notions of stewed black and red plums, boysenberries and cassis on the nose, with hints of hoisin, dried Provence herbs and unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate has a firm, grainy texture and just enough freshness to support the black fruit preserves flavors, finishing savory.

Wow, Lenda! Just wow! Go Steve!

Sandi, it is NOT you. Before my Alaska cruise my friend and I did everything together. Being more techie than she, I uploaded both of our info into VeriFLY. Hers worked fine, I could not complete mine. It was bizarre.

Lenda That is such great news! Helps both you and Steve stay positive. Ann

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! A bit gloomy this morning, but still warm. Roy, thank you for sharing your journey with us & still keep our lists! A busy day for me starting with a couple of gym classes. Then I need to start getting beds and the house ready for next week’s visitors. Looking forward to my niece, her SO and her 11& 7 year old visiting. The girls think my 80 degree pool water is warm. Hah! They live in New Hampshire - of course it is warm to them. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! *********** Greek Wine Cellars 2018 Flowers Agiorgitiko (Nemea) The 2018 vintage is a bit elusive online, but other vintages are ready to ship They might need a year or two to mature. Or pull out that handy Clef du Vin to help it along. I found several online distributors offering the 2019 vintage with prices starting at $8.99. 92 Wine Enthusiast Aromas of tomato, olive, dried herbs and cherry start this elegant red. On the palate, smoke, savory meats and fresh cherry flavors are both complex and easy to love.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich. Another lovely, cool morning here. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, so I hope today is the same. Roy, thank you for taking care of our lists, even while on your cruise. Just one class at the gym this morning. Then my HVAC & generator get their Winter tuneups. My generator also needs the cap covering its outside outlet replaced. Luckily my neighbor Gerry-rigged a plastic cover for it that kept it dry so he could plug his refrigerator in to it during Ian’s power outage. He did such a great job, the cover is still there - even after Nicole’s winds. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Stay well everyone! ********** Château Lafite Rothschild 2018 Pauillac Bordeaux Boy, the name of this wine even SOUNDS expensive! And with a LOW critic rating of 98, and accolades galore, it is expensive. Cruises are cheaper! Most online distributors offer it between $999 and $1,100. However, Vivino.com offers it for $795! A true investment, bragging rights, wine. WE100 Wine Enthusiast An immensely structured wine, this is complex, concentrated and yet so contained. The wine impresses with its balance, layers of succulent black-currant fruits and effortless style. A wine for the long term, it should not be touched before 2029. Cellar Selection RP100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2018 Lafite Rothschild is blended of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Merlot and 0.5% Petit Verdot and has 13.3% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock intoxicating scents of blackcurrant cordial, baked plums and black cherry compote with an undercurrent of dark chocolate, licorice, cast-iron pan, cedar chest and fertile loam, plus a waft of pencil lead. The delicately crafted, medium-bodied palate is dripping with class, featuring layers of mineral-laced black fruits and exquisitely ripe, singularly Lafite tannins, finishing with epic length and depth. This simply stunning, delicately crafted expression of 2018 with its singularly evocative imprint of Lafite will require a good 7-8 years in bottle, then should continue to inspire awe over the following 40+ years. JS99 James Suckling Wow. The aromas are so intense and refined at the same time, offering gorgeous blackcurrant, lead-pencil and orchid character. Such purity of fruit. Sleek and finely polished with a fine cut to the tannins that provide such grace and glamor. Yet, it’s got the power and structure to age for decades. On and on. Try after 2029. D98 Decanter This stood out during en primeur, not just for itself but also in comparison to so many estates around it. While several properties had an unusual vintage, where their personalities were subverted by the weather conditions, Lafite just continued being Lafite, a true mark of its character and its terroir. This is still of course extremely young, keeping its cards close to its chest; the power for now is hidden, waiting, and will slowly unveil. This is going to be a beautiful Lafite in the future, a brilliant wine with bilberry, slate and pencil lead character, and a eucalyptus mint wash. Drinking Window 2028 - 2050 JD98 Jeb Dunnuck Checking in as a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot, the 2018 Château Lafite-Rothschild is one of those magical Lafites that offers an already up-front, complex, nuanced style yet has the class and balance to evolve for 40-50 years. As always, this wine is never about sheer power, and the 2018 offers a full-bodied, incredibly elegant and weightless style that carries textbook blackcurrant fruits, lead pencil shavings, green tobacco, cedarwood, and camphor aromas and flavors. I compared this wine to a more elegant version of the 2016 from barrel and I think that comparison still holds. Incredibly up-front and charming, and already drinkable with sweet tannins, it will unquestionably pick up more complexity and nuance over the coming 4-6 years. It should hit maturity around age 10 and evolve for 75 years or more given its perfect balance. This is a beautiful, quintessential Lafite that exudes elegance and charm.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! A lovely morning here. Hope it stays like this. Yesterday’s lovely morning turned into a blustery, grey day that was downright chilly on the Coast. Still amazing to watch the waves. And there were even wind surfers out, in spite of the County warning about debris in the water. Roy, thank you for keeping our lists. Enjoying your blog. Today is just the gym, chores and Bindi walks for me. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Belle Glos 2019 Las Alturas Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) I would love to try this Pinot Noir. Though it would have to compete with my two current favorites that are significantly cheaper. It is available from several online distributors and one is currently offering it on sale for $32.99. Most others have it priced in the mid $40s or low $50s. Winemaker Notes Deep garnet in color with an aromatic medley of black cherry, marionberry, ripe plum and a hint of anise. Dark fruit on the palate with flavors of wild berries, caramelized oak and cacao nibs complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, cedar and a hint of lavender and forest floor. Rich and unrestrained, this wine’s abundant fruit is beautifully balanced by firm acidity and layers of red and black fruit. WE96 Wine Enthusiast Firm lines of graphite and loamy earth streak through the opulent aromas of black plum and dried violet on the nose of this brooding Pinot Noir. The palate is a whirlwind of exuberance, as leathery tannins wrap around more graphite minerality, dried violet and lavender, stewed plum and a touch of bittersweet cocoa on the finish. V93 Vinous The 2019 Pinot Noir Las Alturas captures all the signatures of the Belle Glos style and yet has quite a bit of freshness too. That makes for a compelling Pinot for readers who enjoy big, large-scaled wines. Sweet spice, rose petal, lavender and spice are nicely kicked up here. Best after 2023 WW91 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com The 2019 Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir offers a full-flavored experience on the palate. This wine exhibits attractive and substantive aromas and flavors of ripe fruit and oak. Serve it with a juicy, well-marbled, grilled ribeye.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily Rich. A lovely start to this morning. Bindi and I had a lovely walk. Lots of deer & squirrels out to greet us. Thank for keeping our lists, Roy! Off to the gym, then Aldi. This evening I am meeting friends at the Beachfront Winery. I am not sure what that section of the coast will look like, but at least there was no damage to the road North of the main access road. Prayers for all who need our support! Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Wagner 2020 Dry Estate Bottled Riesling Another Riesling I would love to try. The Finger Lakes region is not known for its dry wines, I would have to taste it before buying. Though at $12.98 for a bottle, that is cheaper than some glasses of wine that I have seen. Available from several online distributors. Winemaker Notes A beautiful pairing wine that will complement whatever is on your table with a fresh finish and a silky mouthfeel. This wine will continue to unwind beautifully with time in the bottle. This dry Riesling is an outstanding food wine, with nectarine and lime aromas, flavors of citrus and mineral and a crisp clean finish. The opulent fruit is restrained and there is just the right amount of lively acidity to pair beautifully with myriad foods without being bitey. RP90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2020 Dry Riesling comes in with 4.7 grams per liter of residual sugar, seven grams of total acidity and 12.8% alcohol. Rich, ripe and fruity, this exuberant Dry Riesling lacks a bit of an edge on opening, but that is mostly about perception at the moment. That is, it seems lush, deep and luscious. It tastes great. The acidity is initially hidden, while this is more fruit driven at first. I suspect in time that perception will change a bit. As a test, I kept it open for another hour, and the acidity came through much more clearly. This is still very young and was only in bottle for about nine weeks when tasted. It looks like a winner. It is worth leaning up on this for the moment. WE90 Wine Enthusiast Bright lemony fruit mixes with lime zest and white blossoms in this zesty, dry Riesling. It offers vibrancy and lift thanks to juicy acidity, with a crushed stone note trailing off on the finish. Best Buys

Jenny Thank you all for being at the right place at the right time. 14 lives! You saved 14 lives!

Sandi If your GPS can warn you about I95 problems before you get to 301 in Georgia, you can follow that until Jacksonville. But I would only do that if totally necessary. Once into Florida, Route 1 until you hit the Turnpike is a possibility. But again, I would only do that if necessary. The Turnpike is usually a decent option into the Miami area. But even that can be horrific, when there is a bad accident. Good luck! Ann

Thank you for persevering, Jacqui! I love that Tina @0106 captured you in a couple of pictures!