cat shepard

Graham Thank you for sharing. My favorite pics are the ones with you & Pauline in them. It looks like you had lovely weather! I also loved the video of the wake. Always so peaceful.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Our glorious mornings are back. Lots of deer out having breakfast, and Bindi opted for a long walk. The rain of the past few days seems to have eliminated the humidity - for now. Vanessa thank you for keeping up with all of us. It is not an easy task. Gym, Bindi walks, chores and wrapping up the day at a Paint & Sip party at my local wine bar. Maybe I will discover my inner Van Gogh - always loved his Irises & Starry night. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. After yesterday’s multiple postings, I think I better post this here. Though Roy is one of those folk who deserves multiple birthday wishes! @Sharon in AZ Happy Birthday! Sharon, may your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & some cruises! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Meiomi Pinot Noir This has been my favorite Pinot Noir since 2012, when I first tasted its medium-bodied notes of blackberry and mocha. Its dryness is tempered by its smoothness. Easy to find, and reasonably priced. I would pick up the 2022 vintage, or the 2021vintage, if you can find it. Online prices start at $12.97, but I usually spend around $16/bottle. Winemaker’s notes The wine owes much of its complexity to its varied upbringing, unifying grapes from California's most notable winegrowing regions. Meiomi® Pinot Noir brings you structure and depth seldom seen in a Pinot Noir wine, thanks to its unique and meticulous aging process. Aged for six months in French oak barrels, this California red wine's juicy strawberry flavor and notes of dark berries and toasted mocha add complexity and depth on the palate. Tasting Notes Juicy Strawberry Dark Berries Toasted Mocha Aromas Bright Fruit Jam Mocha Oak

@Sharon in AZ Sharon, I have reached out to my local wine bar for help in finding last night’s wine. My search discovered lots of info about the vintner’s red version, but nothing about the white version. If they can order it for me & if it is not too costly per bottle - I will let you know. It had an amazing fruity nose - pear and maybe peach. I was medium bodied, dry and delicious. Though I could taste pear, there were some other aspects that none of us could positively identify. Definitely some type of citrus - perhaps lime. And possibly passion fruit. If you have a local wine place that might help you locate it - here is the info: 2023 Cuvée la Calcernière ChateâuNeuf du Pape blanc.

Happy Birthday, Roy! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & and a trip, or two. @rafinmd

Happy Birthday, Roy! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & and a trip, or two. @rafinmd

Happy Birthday, Roy! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & and a trip, or two. @rafinmd

Happy Birthday, Roy! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & and a trip, or two. @rafinmd

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It has been raining off & on since yesterday morning. Yesterday afternoon we were on the patio watching the rain hit my pool while the sun was shining brightly. Another magical moment. Though all the food was great, the star of the show was the blanc Chateâu Neuf du Pape wine that I won at last week’s wine tasting. I need to find out where I can buy this wine & how much it costs. If it is in my budget - I want more. Vanessa thank you for keeping up with all of us. And never giving up on yourself when you were going through those horrible months of pain and little sleep. Gym, Bindi walks, chores and a final birthday celebration with friends & family, who were away last month & came back sick. Now all are well and we are going out. Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, I hope Tana got a bit of her appetite back. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @rafinmd Roy, I tried to post this in a separate post but for some reason CC would not let me. So Happy Birthday, Roy! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & a trip or two! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc This New Zealand SB sounds lovely. Especially on a hot, humid summer day. The vintner suggests that we drink it while it is young. So might I suggest that you look for an 2023 vintage. Easy to find & reasonably priced. Online prices start at$12.98. Winemaker’s notes The Stoneleigh range consists of distinctive, elegant, fruit forward Marlborough wines that reflect the unique terroir of our stone-studded vineyards. Started by nature, our philosophy of minimum intervention in the winery ensures that the vibrant flavours of Stoneleigh are captured in each and every bottle. AROMA & PALATE This wine displays vibrant and punchy aromatics of grapefruit, white peach and passionfruit with a scattering of tropical stone fruits. This wine demonstrates mouth-watering acidity, and minerality. A lovely young and dynamic drop that finishes with a pleasing fresh passionfruit note that lingers. FOOD MATCHES This wine will best show the above characters whilst it is young and vibrant. Serve lightly chilled on its own as an aperitif or match with delicate seafood like Marlborough Green Lip muscles with freshly baked bread, white meat dishes accented with fresh herbs and lemon. Tangy cheeses, especially goats’ cheese are a great match.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! We had a great deal of rain yesterday, but enough breaks for Bindi to get her walks in & me get in my pool time. A few T-storms during the night. More rain predicted - it sure looks & feels like it. I know the firefighters and farmers are happy. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Stay hydrated! Gym, Bindi walks, lots of prep & cleaning for tonight’s dinner. Olive twist appetizers, salad, Parmesan/Panko chicken thighs, artichoke/cheese strudel - a la Aldi, and my neighbor is bringing dessert. And wine. 😎 Bindi will get some treats. Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, continuing to pray for Tana, you, your family and support team. Hope you can find something that wakes up Tana’s appetite. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @ottahand7 Happy Birthday for real, John! We were just practicing the last two days, to be sure we got it right! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ 2021 Sagenhaft Rosé, C&G, Württemberg This German Rosé is a bit elusive. But if you can find it - it is priced to try. Consumers report an average price of $7.97, but the only online distributors I found that ships to me sells it for $25. Quite a range. 90 Wine Enthusiast Refreshingly low in alcohol (12%) compared to its more voluptuous Provençal cousins, this spry, ballet-pink rosé is packed with zesty red cherry and raspberry flavors. Made from a blend of Trollinger and Lemberger grapes, it's a light-footed dry wine that balances juicy red fruit against a vibrant frame of acidity and salty mineral accents. Best enjoyed young.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! The first full day of Summer has brought rain! A light, steady, wonderful rain! When Bindi and I went out this morning, I could hear our local frogs partying in the drain 2 1/2 houses down from me. They are happy too! Vanessa thank you for keeping up with all of us. Gym, Bindi walks, chores, prep for dinner tomorrow, and maybe some pool time. BTW, I now know what my true relationships with Bindi is. I am her Kahu. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers for all who are celebrating! @ottahand7 Nancy hope John has a Happy Birthday - enjoy your trip. BTW, Bindi would like to know how you dodge raindrops. May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ El Enemigo 2020 Semillón (Agrelo) When I think of Argentina’s wines - I think of Malbec. But this past week, I had a lovely Cabernet Franc from Argentina & now a Semillón! I definitely would like to try it. Fairly easy to find, not too expensive & three critics give it a score between 92 & 95. Online prices start at $21.89. Distributor’s notes Although Cabernet Franc is the star of Bodega Aleanna, in Mendoza (Argentina), the truth is that this project, whose wines are known as El Enemigo, is more focused on showcasing the terroir than the variety. So, although their Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary 2013 was the first Argentine wine to be awarded the coveted 100 Parker points, there are many other wines being made in its shadow. One of the lesser known, but equally stupendous wines is El Enemigo Semillón. This wine unfortunately goes unnoticed among the great award winners but, nevertheless, has its own talents. Although Argentine white wines are not as acclaimed as its reds, this small production of just a few bottles dazzles with its texture, freshness and elegance. Its creators, Alejandro Vigil (Catena Zapata’s master winemaker) and Adrianna Catena (daughter of the driving force behind modern wine in Argentina, Nicolás Catena Zapata), are focused on the idea of rescuing some of the ancient Argentine winemaking techniques that have been forgotten over time, and on giving value to abandoned terroirs in the Mendoza region. Their El Enemigo Semillón comes from high-altitude vineyards in the municipality of Agrelo (Luján de Cuyo) and is made from Semillón grapes that are cultivated using respectful agriculture and limited yields. Once the grapes reach the winery, they are selected, destemmed and gently pressed, and the resulting must is fermented with native yeasts. The wine is then aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, with 20% under a yeast cap. With El Enemigo Semillon, this creative duo fuses Old World winemaking traditions with the soul of the New World. A wonderful way to bring light and power to Argentine white wine.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! I was woken up by the sound of rain early this morning! Didn’t last long, but at least the local frogs & my flowers are happy. This morning is lovely with another strong breeze and partly cloudy. Hoping for more rain. Vanessa thank you for keeping up with all of us! Gym, Bindi walks, chores, starting to stage things for Saturday dinner at my place. I will need a bit more prep time on Saturday. Trying a new appetizer - olive tapenade twisted in puff pastry. Wish me luck. 🤞🏻 Prayers for all who need our support. And some hugs, too. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************** Stolen Owl 2019 Malbec (Knights Valley) This Sonoma Malbec is tempting me. Usually I find Malbecs a bit too bold for me. But after reading some consumer reviewers using “smooth” to describe it, I suspect I would like this one. A few online distributors with online prices starting at $49.00. Wine Enthusiast 96 So powerful and so gentle at the same time, this opulent wine from a standout new producer was a small, two-barrel lot. It frames indulgent black figs, blueberries, dark chocolate and tobacco flavors in posh but firm, ultra-fine tannins. Best through 2030.

Elizabeth, losing anyone you love is never easy. But there are so many other emotions that torture you when that someone takes his own life. Quite often guilt is one of those emotions - why didn’t I see this coming? I pray you find peace & comfort in those traditions. Ann

Thank you, Steve!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Yesterday was lovely, but even though the radar showed it was raining on my house - it was not raining on my house!🤬 This morning’s wind is strong enough to turn the ceiling fans on my patio inside the pool enclosure. Hope our trash folk come early enough to avoid our big bins being blown over. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. I really appreciate you! Bindi walks, manicure - boy, do I need this one, HIIT, chores and wrapping up the day at my favorite local wine bar. Prayers for all who need our support. @Cruzin Terri, Terri, I hope you get better. I like your idea of getting medical help. Who knows there maybe something available to help. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ******** Seña 2021 (750ML) This Chadwick - Mondavi Bordeaux-style, biodynamic red blend helped bring Chile’s wines to the attention of the world. And it is a star. I’d love a taste, but it is outside of my budget. Easy to find. Online prices start at $125.00. Critic reviews 100James Suckling An extremely pure and elegant vintage for Seña. This is really fresh, nimble and floral on the nose with subtle cherries, plums, redcurrants and wild lavender. More red fruit here with lots of layers and just a touch of sweet spice. Very discreet and subtle, with the elegance, freshness and poise you’d expect from 2021. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate with a bit more flesh and depth if you compare it with Roca de Seña, their second wine. The impeccable tannins show the supreme quality of the fruit this year. Persistent, seamless finish, but comes in a subtle way. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 27% malbec, 17% carmenere and 6% petit verdot. Effortlessly drinkable now, but it will age beautifully. 98Robert Parker's Wine Advocate One of the finest vintages of the iconic Seña wine, the 2021 Seña comes from a cooler year, following the path of 2016 and 2018, certainly cooler than 2020 and 2019. It has a super expressive nose that is elegant, nuanced, perfumed, subtle and pure, with aromatic finesse, layered and complex. It was picked a couple of weeks later than in the previous two years and still keeping the alcohol below 14%. It was produced with a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec (cooler years with more), 17% Carmenere and 6% Petit Verdot, fermented mostly in stainless steel and 10% in oak foudre. It's fine-grained and structured but juicy, similar to 2018 but with more finesse. It has the spicy/herbal twist from the Cabernet, ultra-refined tannins that give it great elegance and with length, purity and delineation. Superb! Rating: 98+

Thank you Elizabeth. The Celts were on their game this year.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning. Already a strong breeze! We had five minutes of rain yesterday. Just a teaser. But I will take it. Once again, the strong breezes kept the heat & humidity tolerable. And my Celtics won the NBA title! I am careful not to mention anything until it is all over, because I have been known to jinx them. 😎 Vanessa, thank you for recovering so well from your surgery. And you never missed a beat with the Daily! And always seem to find things that I miss! Gym, Bindi walks, chores & pool time. I have a much needed manicure tomorrow - yesterday’s gardening took its toll on a couple nails. Prayers for all who need our support. Jacqui, Terry, Tana, Sandi, Terri - praying for you all. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Roy, congrats on getting back to your normal walk! The folks in Boston are celebrating for sure! May we each find a reason to smile today! ******* La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 This is a lovely Pinot Noir, though my two favorites have a tiny bit more body - it is a close third. Easy to find. Reasonably priced. Online prices start at $19.97. Winemaker Notes #1 Wine Spectator Top 10 Wine Values of 2023 Aromas of blackberry, cherry, leather, and tobacco with ­flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and boysenberry. Subtle hints of espresso and cocoa nib underpin notes of exotic spice and toast. The fine tannins are balanced acidity drive a long finish. 91Wine Enthusiast Both very well balanced and flavorful, this medium-bodied wine suggests red and black cherries backed by medium tannins for a good, appetizing grip in the texture. It’s a versatile wine for food pairings, and best through 2028. 91Wine Spectator Offers a friendly mix of loganberry and damson plum allied to a bright, racy frame, with a nice piercing savory thread running through the finish. 91Jeb Dunnuck The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is floral and juicy, with ripe cherry, candied flowers, and sweet herbs. Medium-bodied and attractive on the palate, with more ripe mixed berries, fine tannins, and a supple, soft texture, this is a clean and very charming wine to drink over the next few years.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! The sun is just clearing out this morning’s marine layer and a lovely breeze greeted Bindi & me when we headed out for this morning’s walk. Yesterday was spectacular, but still no rain. All forecasts still mention the possibility, but I will believe it when I see it. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Glad you & BFF are doing ok. Gym, Bindi walks, chores, pruning my Bird of Paradise - I have only had one blossom this year & I expect it is just too big for its britches. 😎 Pool time, too. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. I loved seeing pictures of your Dads. I lost mine when I was four years old, so I only have a couple of memories of mine. @durangoscots Happy Birthday, Susan! May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** Yealands Sauvignon Blanc S1 Single Block 2022 I chose the most recent vintage of this vintner’s flagship wine. Great info on their website. Fairly easy to find & reasonably priced. Online prices start at $14.00. Winemaker’s notes Thinking differently is what we do at Yealands. Crafting award-winning wines in harmony with nature has seen us lead the world in sustainable winegrowing. But most importantly, it means great tasting wines which don’t cost the earth. Our Single Block wines are the purest expression of our land, showcasing the distinctive flavours from individual vineyard blocks. TASTING NOTE Bouquet:The nose is pure and expressive showing vibrant herbal and blackcurrant leaf notes,. There is an underlying citrus aroma that provides a nice, lifted finish on the nose. Palate: Our S1 Sauvignon Blanc is concentrated and elegant, it shows great texture with a lively acidity and mineral drive, giving the wine exceptional length. Food Match: Enjoy with both fresh and cooked seafood dishes including freshly shucked oysters, prawns, green lipped mussels and creamy scallops. Dietary Information: Suitable for vegetarians, vegans and a gluten free diet. Cellaring Recommendation: Enjoy now, or cellar 2-4 years. BLOCK CHARACTERISTICS Vineyard: Seaview Vineyard, Awatere Valley, Marlborough Soil: Wind-blown loess Elevation: 125-160m above sea level Aspect: North facing gentle undulating slopes Distance from the Ocean: 4,500m Taste Profile: Our S1 block Sauvignon Blanc comes from a sun soaked site, moderated by cool, coastal breezes on our Seaview Vineyard. The subsequent style and flavours reflect this terroir, with a lush, full palate, balanced by mouth-watering acidity VINTAGE TVintage 2022 was an exciting classic Marlborough harvest. A warm Spring secured good fruit set throughout the region. Some challenging weather in February was rewarded with clear warm days throughout harvest. The cool crisp nights and warm days in March retained vibrant acidity while allowing flavours to develop fully. A slow and steady ripening resulted in beautifully intense and structured wines. Our S1 Sauvignon Blanc parcel was picked at perfect ripeness, allowing the wine to show the classic flavours and aromas the wine is known for. VITICULTURE Viticulturist: David Sheard Vine Age: Planted in 2007 Irrigation: Monitored daily with soil moisture probes Nutrition: Seaweed, compost and mulching WINEMAKING Winemaker: Natalie Christensen Harvest Date: 29th - 30th March 2022 Winemaking Analysis: Alc 12.5% pH 3.47 TA 7.74 RS 2.7g/l The carefully harvested fruit from our S1 block was de-stemmed, chilled and gently pressed. The juice was cold settled for 72 hours, after which the clear juice was racked off. A long, cool fermentation with a specialist Sauvignon Blanc yeast followed to capture and enhance the distinctive fruit flavours created by the S1 block. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was racked, stabilised and filtered before bottling.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning in the neighborhood. Yesterday was hot, but once again the strong breeze made it tolerable. And the wine tasting and gathering at my friends after was fun. I even won a bottle of wine at the wine tasting! A blanc Châteauneuf du Pape! Can’t wait to try it. Vanessa, thank you for taking such great care of our lists! An endless project that adds so much to our community. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores, a visit with my Sister & Brayden and pool time. Sounds good to me. Prayers for all who need our support. @Cruzin Terri, Terri I am praying that you get back on your feet again fast! COVID! What else could have gone wrong? Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ Streicker Bridgeland Block Rosé Well even my decoder ring couldn’t help me today. I found a Wine Enthusiast review of the 2016 vintage that showed a price tag of $28.00 and an 84 rating for this Australian rosé and no other info. And that vintage is probably no longer enjoyable. Even the shop on the vintner’s website didn’t show a rosé for sale. So if any of our Australian Dailyites can find some info to share about this wine, that would be most appreciated!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A gorgeous start to the day. Yesterday was another beauty- but not even a drop of rain. Wrapped up the day sipping wine looking out at the Atlantic. It has been a gorgeous teal blue color for the past week or so. Looks like more of the same today. I have had to use insect repellent this week. On Tuesday, the local no see’ems attacked & my legs still have a bunch of tiny red dots on them. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. I was exhausted after reading about your busy day yesterday! Thrilled you can do it. You have come so far since April! Gardening, Bindi walks, pool work out, a wine tasting at my favorite local wine bar & a post tasting gathering at a friend’s. I will throw some chores in for good measure. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** Holesinsky Winery Non-alcoholic (lite) Buhljolais Rosé of Syrah 2022 Rich, I appreciate you giving me puzzles that allow me to test my decoder ring occasionally. This one was interesting. Our first wine from Idaho! And it is really a lite wine vs non-alcoholic. 7% alcohol- I can picture sipping it on a sweltering summer day. A bit elusive there is a link on the vintner’s website www.holesinsky.com to use, if you want to see where to purchase it. Their price is $14.00. BTW - Wine Enthusiast gave this an 86! Winemaker’s notes Back to collect its next Platinum medal from all over the country! It’s our Buhljolais Rosé’s 4th vintage and we promise you’ll be more than delighted. This light rose has a soft aromatic blossom nose leading your taste buds to dream of summers full of ripe strawberry and white peaches with an elegant zest that will keep your glass full all summer long. TASTING NOTES The nose showcases notes of delicate strawberries and minerals. As you sip the aromas come through on the pallet with a subtle, refreshing sweetness, and a clean, balanced passion fruit finish. PAIRING We suggest trying it with a spinach, strawberry, and goat cheese salad with raspberry vinaigrette.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! This morning’s marine layer was colored by the rising sun. It was gorgeous. Sadly I didn’t think of taking a picture. Yesterday was actually comfortable with the offshore breezes keeping the humidity away - and probably keeping the rain away too. The videos from Miami and the surrounding towns are scary. I am not sure I would try driving through those streets. Rain is still in the forecast, but other than a short shower on Tuesday and some mist Wednesday morning - nothing has shown up. Our poor farmers. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. You really help tie our community together. I appreciate the work that goes into your lists. Gym, Bindi walks, chores, a visit to the Beachfront Winery to score some of their baguettes for a post wine tasting gathering at a friend’s. They have the best baguettes around. I might have to enjoy some wine & look at the ocean waves, while I am there. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Hope all goes well today, Roy! Terry, happy that the ladies are feeling better. Hope the gents get well quickly. Lenda, hope all goes well for Steve’s shunt adjustment today. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Cruzin Terri Terri, boy was I happy that you & Jim reached Jacksonville safely! Safe travels home & may you have left the bad luck in Barbados. May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Apothic Rosé This California rosé sounds interesting. I don’t usually gravitate towards rosés, but this one is certainly priced to try. And I appreciate their effort to educate the public about their wine. Their passion is showing. Easy to find, too. Online prices start at $8.48. Winemaker’s notes Our 2022 Apothic Rosé offers the lightness of rose petals with the boldness of sun-ripened red fruit notes. Aromas of wild strawberry, watermelon and white peach hint open in the glass before revealing layers of strawberry, cherry and red plum. The floral and citrus notes linger, leading to a deliciously smooth mouthfeel with a refreshingly clean finish and a dollop of honey. Viticulture Notes The 2022 growing season was very similar to the previous vintage, with a dry winter and spring. Summer heat accelerated sugar accumulation in white grape varieties and led to an early harvest. The grapes for white wine came in with ideal acidity and concentrated flavor characteristics. Winemaking Notes We predominantly harvest the grapes for this blend at night. This allows us to preserve both bright fruit components and helps to limit color extraction. The grapes were given a gentle whole-cluster pressing and fermented at cool temperatures to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas. To help develop that lovely soft mouthfeel, a small portion of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was kept cool until blending to maintain a perfect balance of acid and fruit.

Thank you Roy! Does this make you the co-pilot, or the navigator?

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is humid this morning & there is quite a marine layer to the East. Yesterday’s weather was odd. It misted on Bindi & me during our pre-lunch walk. Then the sun came out & the storm system to the South sucked all the moisture out of the air and it was beautiful. But we still need the rain. I can picture all our Dailyites to the South of me doing this… Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Hope you didn’t have any trouble sleeping last night. Gym, Bindi walks, a much needed haircut, chores & pool time will keep me busy. Maybe it will rain today. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, Tana, family & support team hope you feel better today. Debbie, happy to read your ablation is scheduled. Terri & Jim, safe travels home. I am so sad that this trip did not turn out the way you had hoped. Ann, happy to read that your surgery is scheduled fairly soon. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @erewhon congratulations on reaching the 5 year mark! A huge milestone. May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (750ML) It has been awhile since we have seen a New Zealand wine on the Daily! And this one is a star. Lots of consumer and critic fans. Fairly easy to find. And though priced outside of my budget, it is reasonable for the ratings it has received. Online prices start at $55.99. Winemaker Notes This release marks the 30th vintage for Mate’s Vineyard and continues the amazing run of vintages we have had with this vineyard. The conditions during the 2022 harvest were superb and the fruit from Mate’s Vineyard was ripe and pristine. The resulting wine shows the density, concentration and length that we expect and even though it is somewhat shy on the nose, with bottle age the full palette of complex aromas and bouquet of this wonderful wine will shine through. 98James Suckling Gorgeous precise aromas of apples, white peaches, some minerals, flint and stone. Subtle mangoes, too. Full-bodied but so intense and driven with a salty undertone and a driving finish. Some white pepper at the end with citrus skin. Focused and intense. Great finish. 96Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The nose on this 2022 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay leads with candied bananas, pineapple husk, white peach and a hint of lychee, and the edges of the aromatics are feathered with preserved citrus, brine, curry leaf and apple skins. In the mouth, the wine is powered by supercharged fruit; it is crystalline in its way, an attribute that I have long-since associated with the Chardonnays from Kumeu River. The flavor is sapid and palate-staining, with just enough salt and savory spices in the fruit to make it super complex as well as powerful. It is precisely folded like origami, each crease in service of the overall shape.* A wine that offers much and assumes nothing. 94Wine Enthusiast This is a powerful, some - what reductive vintage of Maté’s. Aromas of nuts, gunsmoke and toast frame concentrated stone and tropical fruit. There’s lot of oomph here, but a delicacy of fruit, too. In a polished style, and still very much a baby, this is structured for the long road ahead and should age gracefully for decades to come.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Cloudy, a tiny breeze and very humid. We had a good, soaking 15 minutes of rain yesterday! But before it rained, the humidity was so thick I could feel it in my skin. We are now only supposed to get about 1.5 inches through Saturday. We need a lot more. The system is staying South of me. So Charlene in Cocoa Beach & Mister 67 in Tampa are getting some of the same system that Dixie is enjoying. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of our happenings! I appreciate the work you put into this each day. Bindi walks, gardening, HIIT, and chores will keep me busy. I snuck in some pool time yesterday, so if weather permits - I will sneak some more in today. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Bota Box Sauvignon Blanc Our second boxed wine! Easy to find & priced to try. And no broken bottles!Online prices start at $16.99. Winemaker’s notes Bota Box Sauvignon Blanc speaks to dining al fresco at a backyard bar-b-que or lunch on the golf course. What could be more refreshing than lime zest and lemon grass? With a zip of citrus, melon and a touch of minerality. PAIRS WITH Pair it with light meals, like grilled chicken skewers or a salad with goat cheese and vinaigrette. WINE DETAILS Alcohol: 13.5%

Happy Birthday Chuck, @catmando

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Yesterday was lovely with a couple of sprinkles in the evening. Today, the air is filled with moisture. It is partly sunny, but the rain clouds are heading my way🤞🏻. Hope the rains start soon to get rid of it, or the winds help make it bearable. Vanessa, thank you for capturing & sharing our happenings! Gym, Bindi walks, chores - I need to apply the Grub-ex to my lawn to get rid of the voles that just started showing up. Maybe some pool time - weather permitting. Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, hope you and Tana have an uneventful day. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************** 2021 Riesling, Bronzelack Trocken, Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau This German Riesling sounds lovely. It is easy to find, but unfortunately online merchants that ship to me only sell it by a case of 6 bottles. Online prices start at $256.00 for a case of 6 bottles - app. $43/bottle. Distributor’s notes The legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history. The vineyards were planted on the orders of the Roman Emperor Charlemagne. Planted solely with Riesling grapes in 1720, Schloss Johannisberg was the world's first Riesling Estate and plays a significant part in wine history. The grapes for the Bronzelach (Bronze Label) come from the single vineyard of Schloss Johannisberg. The south facing vineyard is steep, with a 45° gradient and is situated at between 114 metres to 181 metres above sea level. Grapes for this wine were gently pressed and the juice was vinified at controlled temperatures. 50% of the must was fermented in 1,200 litre wooden casks. The oak comes from their own “Schloss Johannisberg” oak trees. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was aged on the fine lees for a period of six months. Classic Rheingau expression, with delicate aromas of lemon zest, green apple and pineapple. Dry and beautifully balanced, with the fruity notes echoed on the palate through to a complex finish.