cat shepard

Terry, my Sister found the first step very difficult and decided not to go in. I had pavers installed on the patio a few years ago & they made the first step into the pool & hot tub a couple inches higher than they were. Even with a great railing she didn’t dare. One of the few times I wish I had a walk in pool. So we moved a chair out further near the pool, so she could enjoy the amazing breezes that blessed us yesterday. And then we ate. 😎

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A bit warmer this morning, and a bit more humid. Yesterday was one of those perfect Summer days. High 80s, no humidity & the strong onshore breezes made it special. I finished off the night at my neighbor’s experimenting with vodka & Limoncello for our own version of the “Lemon Drop”. Perhaps we should call it the “Limon Drop”. She has sold her house and is heading to Utah in August. Her daughter & son-in-law have created an apartment for her that gives her her own space. She will be sorely missed. Vanessa, thank you for doing all you do. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores, and pool time. Thought of you @smitty34877 Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, praying for you. Praying for all the caregivers. I know how exhausted I was the month that my Sister was in the hospital and rehab, and I did not half the responsibility that you do & you have been doing it for years. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Outnumbered Sauvignon Blanc 2022 I used the 2022 vintage info for this New Zealand SB. Lots of consumer fans. Easy to find & priced to try. I love the idea of the sheep roaming freely through the vineyards. Their label even has sheep on it. Online prices start at $11.00. Winemaker notes This vibrant, aromatic wine displays aromas of gooseberry and citrus, with a refreshing lime and passion fruit finish. At Matahiwi Estate we let our happy sheep roam the vineyards as they take care of weeds and keep the grass short over the winter months. Using sheep lowers fossil fuel use, and therefore carbon emissions, by reducing the number of passes with a tractor. We may be outnumbered by our woolly companions, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hope this helps, Lenda. 😎 P.S. you can reuse this image for all future storms.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A gorgeous morning - not a hint of humidity. But we are back to “needing rain mode”. A brush fire broke out in the county North of me early yesterday morning not too far from where friends live. Possibly started by people setting off fireworks on the 4th. Luckily it was quickly contained. Vanessa thank you for keeping our lists. I really appreciate your efforts. Gym, Bindi walks, chores, a visit from my Sister & Brayden, & pool time. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana praying that your appetite comes back, and a treatment is found to eliminate your condition. And perhaps most of all the caretakers, who selflessly support others in need - Terry, Melissa, Joy, Annie, and Terri, and others who may not have shared their stories with us. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************* Palencia Wine Company 2020 El Vinador Petit Verdot Fairly elusive, though I found a couple of distributors who would ship this lovely sounding Washington Petit Verdot to me. But before I bought this, I would want to taste it. Online prices start at $40.00. Winemaker’s notes While some Petit Verdots may be overly tannic and in need of long-term cellaring, this one carries a voluptuous, silky quality that makes it instantly enjoyable. At its core, you’ll find blackberry and Ligurian cherry fruit with gentle touches of black tea and plum skin on the finish. Coupled with a splash of acidity in the background for added balance, this may be one of the most approachable, ready-to-drink Petit Verdots you’ve ever tasted.100% Petit Verdot sourced from Wahluke Slope. Best of Class 91 Points Savor NW 2023. Gold 93 Points - Pacific Northwest Wine Competition 2023. 90 Points - James Suckling.com 2024. This has aromas of dark chocolate, walnuts, roasted herbs and baked strawberries. Rich, ripe and gently jammy with a full body and rounded tannins. Soft and plush. Drink now.

Terry, why in the world would you feel embarrassed about being a superhero? Every now & then your human feelings sneak out. Who cares? If venting here helps you in any way - do it! Huge hugs!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning. The breeze was just waking up at 6:30 this morning. Once again yesterday’s strong breezes helped manage the heat & kept the evening storms away. I shared a taxi in Greece with an Australian couple who educated me that many refer to flip-flops as thongs. So I suspect that is what the day is celebrating. At least I hope so. Vanessa, thank you for all you do. Hope you really did relax yesterday. Gym, Bindi walks, chores & pool time. One of my chores is to figure out why my fairly new vacuum stopped picking up dirt. I have two sets of filters & three other parts to check for clogs. Bindi is molting, so I suspect her fur has caused a clogged somewhere. @Cruising-along Carolyn you might need to entertain your house guests this way… Prayers for all who need our support. Tana praying that someone develops a treatment that helps you. Bless Terry and her support team for being by your side. Jacqui, praying that your surgery happens soon. And that it is as successful as Vanessa’s. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Jacqui, I am celebrating your making a tough decision. And bless you for making sure Ivan is welcome. I look around my place and say I really do not need all this. But I would miss my neighbors terribly. But I am sure that this decision is heading my way in the not too distant future. May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Big Table Farm 2021 Cattrall Brothers Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills) This Oregon organic Pinot Noir is tempting, but outside of my budget. I would love a taste. I have been known to step outside of my budget for a stellar wine. A bit elusive, I found a couple of distributors with online prices starting at $66.99. Winemaker’s notes Bill and Tom continue to be dedicated organic grape growers and have sold us pinot noir since 2009! For those of you who like the earthier side of pinot this wine is for you – it ripens a little slower than everything else we work with, so it has a delicacy to it – but amazingly this vineyard is one that always impresses me and surprises me at how well it holds up to time – we just opened a 2010 – delicious and still delicious two days later! I typically prefer young wines, that is what I am surrounded by, but if you find an older CBV give it a try! Yes, Tom delivers the grapes in their old flatbed truck as is on the label – only 125 cases, the deer and the birds thought the fruit was good too! tasting notes – Can you smell “umami?” Technically, no. However, the experience of this brooding and savory wine may make you believe otherwise. Belied by its faint appearance, an earthy, spicy and slightly sweet aroma awaits and draws you into the faint redolence of a pacific northwest forest campsite. Layers of blackberry compote, sautéed mushrooms, and cast-iron bacon follow - comforting the senses. A bright, delicate thread of blood orange, currants, and muddled strawberries enlivens the palate, leaving only shadows and soft footprints behind. scores — 92 pts — Paul Gregutt 96 pts — Wine Enthusiast 96 pts — International Wine Report Editor’s Choice 93 pts — Wine Spectator 16.5+ pts — Jancis Robinson (20 pt system) 94 pts — Wine & Spirits

Debbie @dfish Addie is precious! Oh that smile!

Chickpea water??? 😱🤢

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Looks like another beautiful day. Once again the strong onshore breezes made Bindi walks comfortable yesterday & kept the evening storms away. Vanessa, glad BFF’s situation is improving. Once he gets up his courage there will be no stopping him. Look who his role model is! Thank you for keeping up with all of us. Bindi walks, prep for a very low key, family 4th. My Sister is going to try to get in my pool for the first time in a very long time. She is doing so much better since March. Then a simple meal topped off with key lime pie. Prayers for all that need our support. That means YOU Tana! Every day. EVERY DAY! I always include Terry, too. Just in case you were wondering. ❤️ Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ Sandrone 2021 Barbera (Barbera d'Alba) This Barbera sounds BIG, and I would love a taste. A decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $40.94. Winemaker Notes The warm weather in the last part of the 2021 vintage gave Barbera a potent, powerful frame on which hang the aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries, spice and earth notes. The vibrant acidity keeps the wine light on its feet, dancing on the palate, where the flavors of black stone fruits and black raspberries envelop the taste buds. There are notes of tannins from the tonneaux, which give a bit of structure but are in no way dominant. The finish has notes of wood, minerals and a long fade that lingers in the mouth. Vibrant, fresh, crackling with the energy of ripe black fruits. 93Wine Enthusiast Enticing aromas of tart plums, boysenberries and wildflowers lift from the glass of this energetic and singular Barbera. The fleshy palate is driven by tart blue and black fruits that yield mixed spices and mouthwatering acidity on the finish. 93Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Starting with thick concentration and inky darkness, the Luciano Sandrone 2021 Barbera d'Alba has cooked fruit aromas and some savory tones too, such as leather, spice and a hint of dusty licorice root. The style is big, and this wine is conventional with big juicy sensations. It's all very elaborate for a Barbera d'Alba, but we are talking about a vintage that naturally delivers extra concentration. 91James Suckling This is very attractive with fresh dark and blue fruit together with hints of violets, dried citrus peel and cocoa, following through a medium-bodied, textured and sleek palate with crunchy acidity and vibrant juiciness to the fruit.

@smitty34877 Terry, from this day on - I will be sure to show Tana on my post. She is always in my prayers & if seeing it in writing gives her any measure of comfort, it is worth me doing it. Bless you both.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Once again, our strong onshore breezes rescued a brutal day. Kept the storms away too, though I could see clouds lit up by lightning off to the West, when Bindi & I did our bedtime walk. Couldn’t hear thunder, so the storms must have been far away. Vanessa, thank you for not losing faith in yourself during all those horrible months of pain. Now you just need to not overdo. Hope BFF gets some good news. Gym, Bindi walks, chores & pool time. With an unplanned visit to my dealership for “training”. My low tire pressure warning light came on & instructed me to access the “Car System” app on my display screen. Well after searching every app on the display screen and not finding this app, I went to the manual. The manual told me everything I needed - except it told me that after adding air to the tire(s), I had to update the tire pressure in the app that I could not find. Sigh. I am sure a six year old could help me, but none are available. So I am heading to the dealership. Prayers for all who need our support. @kazu Jacqui, I am happy to read that the source of the pain has been found. Praying you do not have to wait too long for surgery & that your recovery is quick. Cheers to all who are celebrating. I will celebrate Ipswich belly fried clams. May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** 2021 Riesling, Lieserer Niederberg-Helden Kabinett, Axel Pauly, Mosel This elusive (outside of Europe) German Riesling is sold by the half bottle which leads me to believe it is on the sweet side, though its description indicates it is well balanced. So if you live in or are visiting Europe, would you do a taste test for me? Online prices in Europe start at $15.99. Distributor notes Axel Pauly is one of the dynamic young stars of German wine. He took over the Pauly estate from his father after having done vintages in California, New Zealand and other parts of Germany. Most of the ten hectare estate is situated in the village of Lieser in the heart of the Mosel Valley, with the exception of a small parcel in neighbouring Bernkastel. Fittingly, the label features the Mosel hills which, when turned on their side, reveals the ‘Tres Naris’ (or ‘three noses’) of Axel, his father and his grandfather. Single Vineyard site. The grapes were hand-picked and sorted before they underwent a period of maceration for 10 hours. Fermentation occurred spontaneously in stainless-steel tanks with natural yeasts. This Riesling is bright yellow in colour with youthful reflections. The nose reveals aromas of sweet honey melon, ripe apple, peach, and pineapple. On the palate, it is fresh and lively with a well balanced sweetness and acidity across the long finish.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is a bit warmer than the past few days. And the biting bugs are back. Yesterday was lovely. Strong onshore breezes really helped manage the heat. T-storms are predicted for this afternoon. I am very excited. The dwarf bird of paradise that I planted last year has a blossom! Its first! And I captured a friendly dragonfly attempting to enjoy its nectars! Sorry for the fuzziness, I was juggling Bindi’s leash, her waste bag and the phone. Vanessa, thank you for making sure we all know what is going on with each other. Gym, Bindi walks, some prep for the 4th, chores & pool time. Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, hoping your culinary skills are able to tempt Tana. Praying that something is discovered to help her. @Vict0riann Ann you astound me. Attitude can be so much of the healing process, so I pray that the rest of the treatment goes smoothly. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Mr. Boston enjoy Maine! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Gotham Shiraz When I saw Gotham, I immediately thought of New York. Wrong. This is an Australian vintner whose name pays homage to Gotham, England. Widely available & priced to try. Consumers rate it between 3.3 & 4. Online prices start at $7.00. Distributor notes This Shiraz is a medium bodied wine that displays flavours of ripe plum and vanilla with a subtle savoury finish. With lifted floral aromas and a smooth finish, this elegant wine will complement an array of foods. Technical: Wine Men of Gotham is the fully nurtured baby of Gotham. The Wine Men of Gotham is homage to the Wise Men of Gotham; an allusion to the reputed simplicity of the villagers of Gotham, England. If tradition is to be believed, the Gothamites were not so very simple but simply wise enough to play the fool; in a variety of ways they merely acted silly to gain their ends. Wine Men of Gotham reflects the sincerity of the lovable fools of Gotham. After a variable growing period, ideal weather conditions prevailed at the end of vintage - helping to produce wine of aromatic intensity, varietal definition, and flavour.

Joy, tough news for all of you. Praying that the proposed treatment for Bonnie eliminates the cancer.

@ottahand7 Nancy does your DB have access to a Mayo Clinic? One of my friends had surgery and though I won’t go into details, would have died if her husband hadn’t taken her to Mayo Clinic. It took two months to clear up the infection that had traveled from the surgical site to other major organs. They had to put her on a wound vac. This is after the original surgeon pronounced “everything looks fine” and someone in his office “cleaned out” the original site - twice. Meeping him in my prayers.

Happy Canada Day, to my neighbors to the North! Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning. Yesterday was another hot, clammy day - until the onshore breezes arrived. And they kept the storms away. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. I still find myself asking ‘How did I miss that?’ every now & then. Bindi walks, driving my friend to the airport, gym, chores and pool time. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** 2022 La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay I chose the 2022 vintage since it should still be easy to find & it had the best info available. A lovely sounding Chardonnay and consumers love it. Easy to find. Most prices hover around $15, but one online distributor offered it for $10.99, but their minimum order was $50 - easy to do in the world of wine. Winemaker’s notes Aromas of Meyer lemon, Asian pear and white flowers are supported on the nose by subtle hints of oak. On the palate, crisp apple, golden peach and pineapple. Heady flavors of graham cracker pie crust add a vein of richness. Fleshy, vibrant and concentrated, juicy yet balanced acidity drives a lingering finish. Professional Ratings 90Wine Enthusiast This wine is a beautiful, vibrant gold in the glass, conveying delicate floral aromatics on the nose. On the palate, very ripe pear, marzipan and sweet cinnamon emerge. There’s also a potent, perfumy dried-floral component that some drinkers will love. 90Wine Spectator Appealing for how all of its pieces fit together, offering notes of salted butterscotch, peach preserves, mango and orange blossoms, with a thread of baking spices. Shows vibrant acidity and a seamless texture on a generous frame.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A lovely morning here. Yesterday, before the breeze arrived was brutal. I returned from taking Bindi out and for the first time since I moved here - I thought about jumping into the pool with my clothes on. 😎 Vanessa, thank you for sharing what is happening with all of us. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores, a visit with my Sister and pool time. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* 2021 Pinot Blanc, Stepp, Gerd Stepp, Pfalz This is a lovely German Pinot Blanc. Mostly available in Europe, if you are a member of Naked Wines, it might still be in stock. Average price per bottle is $18.00. Distributor notes Refined, refreshing German white This lively Pinot Blanc is fresh and balanced with succulent flavors like crisp green apple, juicy honeydew and mouthwatering citrus. Then comes the surprise ‘wow’ factor – a little natural effervescence! Pinot Blanc is underrated here in the States, but it’s super popular in Germany’s Pfalz region – Gerd’s home – where he harvests primo grapes from majestic high-altitude, terraced vineyards. With Angel support, you’re getting all-access to this rare white! Pair a lightly chilled glass – or more! – of this vibrant, zesty white with grilled or pan-seared trout and veggies and enjoy a taste sent from heaven. This has the potential to age for 5 years or more. The wine should be served lightly chilled. Decanting 30 minutes before drinking is perfect.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. And may it tempt Tana.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A bit cloudy this morning, but it looks more like a marine layer. After yesterday’s rains, the humidity seems low. We had some wild T-storms in the early afternoon. And then it rained from about 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. I know our local reservoirs are rejoicing! Vanessa, thank you for making sure we all know what is happening with each other. Gym, Bindi walks, chores - I don’t usually mention specific chores, but today is Bindi’s bed & blanket cleaning day. And the look on her face, when she sees me carrying her bedding out of our room is priceless. You know the look - the heart wrenching, pitiful, poor me look. You would think by now she would know they all get put back into her crate. And I will wrapping up the day at a friend’s for dinner. Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, have you ever had Eggplant Florentine? That is my favorite Italian food. I hope Tana enjoyed the EP last night. @ottahand7 Nancy, praying that your DB gets his knee looked at fast and gets treated. Cheers to everyone celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Lake Chelan Winery 2019 Malbec About four hours East of Seattle lies Lake Chelan an amazing area that is home to about 30 wineries. Malbec not your thing? The area offers a host of different wines. This winery seems to be a destination on its own offering BBQ and gift stores. Though I might try a taste of this Malbec, I doubt I would pay $45.00 for a bottle. And that is the only price I found online - since only the vintner has it for sale. 88 Wine Enthusiast Hungry?This wine's aromatic set of blackcurrants, chocolate brownie batter and slices of blood orange is a meal unto itself. With a soft graceful mouthfeel, plush tannins and restrained acidity, it is easy to keep sipping to get at the wine's flavors of chocolate-covered cherries.

When I lived in Maryland, Carolyn, I had a lot of hosta plants. And slugs. My lawn guru told me they attract slugs, so he helped me get rid of the hostas at my house. And once they were gone, I never saw another slug or slug trail. if you don’t have Hostas, you might check to see what else could be attracting them.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning after yesterday afternoon’s storms. They did clear out in time for me to get in the pool. Vanessa thank you for keeping up with all of us. Hope you are still doing well & BFF is too! Gym, Bindi walks, chores, pool time. Back to help at the local food bank again. Evidently there is some stomach bug going around and quite a few of the volunteers have come down with it. I will pack my wipes & wear a mask. Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, hope Tana enjoyed the eggplant parmigiana- one of my faves. Maybe we were all Italian in a prior life. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @Mr. Boston hope the move is going well & DH is feeling ok. @Vict0riann Ann, loved reading that all went well & were celebrating with a pizza! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2020 or 2021 This Australian Shiraz is a bit elusive, but I found a couple places that would ship to me. I love the idea of a “silky, soft finish”, since I some Shiraz/Syrah to have a harsh finish. Would love a taste. Online prices start at $24.99. WINE MAKERS NOTES Crafted by the next generation of Peter Lehmann winemakers, THE Barossan showcases the superb fruit sourced from the many fabled sub-regions across the Barossa Valley. A selection of the Barossa’s key growers, renowned for their quality and skill, have shared their passion and pristine fruit to create this quintessential Barossa Valley Shiraz. Each parcel speaks to its vineyard origins, sharing a special and unique aspect of the sub-region. Our winemakers have identified varying expressions of this classic varietal to blend together seamlessly, delivering a complex and layered wine with fruit intensity and suppleness. Aromas of mocha and liquorice notes lead to a full bodied Shiraz with juicy raspberry and dark plum flavours supported by spice from time in barrel. A silky soft finish.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! We had some hefty T-storms yesterday afternoon & evening. And boy those storm clouds looked angry. My County & the County just North of me have lifted their burn bans, so the recent rains have helped a lot. We still could use a bit more. Vanessa, thank you for so diligently keeping track of all of us! Gym, Bindi walks, chores, my local food bank asked me to switch my day - so I need to tweak Bindi’s schedule a bit & maybe some pool time. Prayers for all who need our support! @Nickelpenny Holy cow!😱 Thank goodness you went to have your incision checked. Now be careful! Terry, praying Tana enjoyed the ziti. Bless you. @Vict0riann Ann, keeping you in my prayers today. @kazu Jacqui, praying that next week’s news is good. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @dfish Debbie, that sunset on the lake picture deserves to be put on a canvas. Thank you for sharing. May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato 2017 (750ML) This Amarone sounds delightful. I would love a taste, but it is outside my budget. Though, if I divide the cheapest online price by the number of words in its name, it sounds almost reasonable. Widely available & online prices start at $116.00. Winemaker Notes Ruby red in color, this Amarone Riserva offers dense and smokey aromas of dark cherries, raisins, chocolate, and anise, framed by fruity tannins and a spicy finish. With the level of complexity and balance that this wine shows, it will evolve beautifully for 10+ years. 98James Suckling This is one of those wines where your nose is in the glass for ages, enjoying the complex array of aromas that range from raspberries to dates, perfumed bark to polished wood, pressed flowers to fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied, dense and focused with fine, well-integrated tannins, plenty of fruit flavor and an endless finish. 97Vinous The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato is totally classic to the Zenato style, with macerated cherries, raisins, sweet herbs, coca, black pepper and shavings of cedar. This deeply textural with a dense wave of mineral-encased dark red fruits and balsamic spice carried across a core of stimulating acidity. Mocha and clove mix with black currant and olive as the 2017 finishes dramatically long and potent. There’s simply so much going on here, and more is guaranteed to come with maturation. Also of note is that the 2017 clocks in at only 3.3 grams of residual sugar. This is as serious as they come. 95Decanter Attractive nose displaying notes of prunes, dried flowers, green tea and hints of peppery nuances. Grainy tannins on the palate, textured and complex. Ripe and long. 92Wine Spectator A harmonious version, with the deft integration of supple tannins and lively acidity lending a sense of elegance and accessibility. Features generous, expressive flavors of mulled cherry and black plum reduction, dried flowers and eucalyptus, milled pepper and iron that linger on the chewy finish. 91Wine Enthusiast Dense and concentrated flavors of black plum, blackberry and candied cherries open this wine. With a bit more time, subtle aromas of clove, anise and green peppercorn awaken. The palate is solid and firm. A deep core of fruit is supported by firm tannins and a touch of acidity. Drink now–2035.

Flagler Beach has a Beachfront Winery. 😎 So we had our own watch party there.

Please use local honey, or even water to rim your glasses. Corn syrup 😱

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is an exquisite morning here. We had some T-storms North of me yesterday afternoon, and they seemed to have cleared out the moisture in the air. Charlene, I waved at you yesterday. My friends & I got to see yesterday’s launch from the beach, so I hope you were watching! Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us! Dixie & Debbie, thanks for being great “team” members in the F & B department. Graham, I appreciate how you help us understand some of the more puzzling days we need to celebrate. Sandi & Lenda, thank you for taking us all to places that some of us may never see. Tina, I really appreciate how you help us find “the soul” of some of our daily items. And to everyone who makes this such a special community - thank you! Gym, Bindi walks, chores, & pool time. Should keep me busy. This one took me a minute…😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, praying for you, Tana and your support team. @Vict0riann Ann praying that all goes well today. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Happy Birthday @mamaofami Carol, enjoy your special day! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Louis M. Martini 2019 Lot No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) This Napa Cab has lots of consumer fans, and the critics like it too. Way outside of my budget, but I’d love to taste this. Whatever amount $20 will buy. Fairly easy to find. Online prices start at $186.95! Winemaker Notes Vintage 2019 was near perfect, with bountiful rain early in the year and fog-shrouded mornings over a long, warm summer providing abundant hang-time teasing out great color, structure and soft tannins. 95Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Martini's top Cabernet has been largely produced from purchased fruit in the past, but the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1 is almost half from Stagecoach. It also includes important contributions from Coombsville, Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain and Calistoga. Cherries and cassis dominate the nose, graced with faint herbal notions and a delicate framing of new French oak. Full-bodied, expansive, rich and velvety, it finishes with softly dusty tannins and hints of cocoa. 92Wine Spectator A ripe, polished style that flows easily, with cassis and warmed plum notes leading the way, backed by cocoa, melted licorice and roasted alder on the finish. Drink now through 2030.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning. Yesterday’s high 90s temps were tempered a bit by a breeze. But barely. More of the same today. Last night’s paint & sip party was fun. They had a DJ and it was a real party. Sadly I discovered that my inner artist needs to stay well hidden. However, my friend Yvonne has some talent. But the local bucks stopped by for breakfast to cheer me up. I apologize for the quality of the pictures. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us! Bindi heads to the vet this morning for an annual shot, then a pool workout, chores, and supper at the Beachfront Winery. They have the best tapas & a famous (in these parts) baguette! Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, thank you for sharing the very tough news about Tana. Bless you for being by her side. And bless your support team. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @Crazy For Cats Jake, please wish Happy Birthday to Juan for me! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Black Box Pinot Grigio I am sure if I read the list of ingredients in my favorite wines, I might not find them all appealing. But I confess to being totally turned off by the list of ingredients in this non vintage wine. Has anyone ever tried this wine? Thoughts? $17.99 for 3 liters - you can find this anywhere. Winemaker’s notes Tasting notes: Pear, Honey, Elderflower Black Box Brilliant Collection Pinot Grigio features notes of pear, honey, and elderflower. Our Brilliant Collection features lower calorie* wines that still offer the full flavor you've come to expect from our premium Black Box wines. Now that's Brilliant. *Calorie content has been reduced from 120 to 70 calories per 5 oz. serving. Nutritional Info: 20 servings per container; serving size: 5oz; Calories: 70, Total fat: 0g, Sodium: 0mg, Total Carbohydrate: 5g, Total Sugars: 2g, Includes 2g added sugars, Protein 0g, Calcium: 0mg, Potassium: 180mg, not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, and iron. Contains 0% juice. Ingredients: Grape wine, Carbonated Water, less than 2%: Cane Sugar, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Potassium Citrate, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate (to protect flavor), and Sulfiting Agents (to protect flavor).