cat shepard

Everyone stay well. Will try to check in later. 

********

Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon

A challenging day to get decent info on this widely available & priced to try Cab. Online prices start at $9.99.

Winemaker’s notes

Following a brief cold soak to encourage extraction of color and tannin from the fruit, the must was fermented at warm temperatures for four to six days. The wine was then aged on oak until Cabernet’s naturally firm tannins were softened and the wine structure was balanced. We blended Petite Sirah grapes with the deepest color to enhance the wine’s color and structure. The finished wine has a round, plush mouthfeel and signature bold flavor.

Thank you for Jacqui for today’s FR & D. Roy, thank you for our maps!

Vanessa, thank you for not giving up & and taking such great care of our lists. 
 

My Sister had a decent day yesterday. She had a PT session that tired her a bit, but she was getting out of bed and moving to the recliner chair and back. Her A-fib and O2 numbers are still not where they need to be, so some meds may be changed.  Though she isn’t ready to go home yet, she may move to a skilled nursing facility in a few days. The family is hoping we get some say where she goes. Thank you all again for your well wishes and prayers. 
 

********

Cava Flama d’Or Brut 

Priced to try and widely available. Sounds like a fun sip on a hot, humid day. Online prices start at $11.99.

Distributors notes

"Straw-colored yellow with green tones. Fine, persistent bubbles. Bright appearance. Accentuated aroma of fresh grapes, with signs of ripe fruit and of citric fruits, very pleasant and characteristic of aging in the bottle. In the mouth it is extremely vivacious, compensated for by a pleasant equilibrium and elegance. Aftertaste is fruity, evoking the apple, pear and a hint of citric. Balanced, fruity and persistent."

49 minutes ago, Heartgrove said:

Thank you Jacqui, thank you Eva, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work.  And thank you everyone for being here!

 

Sorry for not posting for a while. Life got in the way.

 

We have been feeling very sad for a few days. Out of the blue my dog Sam has taken a turn and I will need to put him down. He has been getting weaker due to his hip dysplasia, All of a sudden on Thursday night he let out a shriek! It became very painful it seemed to rise. He was very restless after that and I ended up laying on the floor next to him trying to sooth him. Friday I spoke to the vet and doubled his pain medicatio. Somehow we got through the weekend as he got worse as his front legs were now causing problems. The vet came yesterday morning to the house (Sam is 120 pounds and unable to get in a car) to evaluate him. He has even less muscle mass in his rear legs and could have underlying issues beginning to materialize. The decision I madw was to put him down at home on Friday morning.

 

We have only had him 2-1/2 years and we knew what we were in for. The rescue organization classified him as a hospice dog to live the rest of his life in a kennel. But then I adopted himand gave him stability for his remaining years. His original owner had passed away and the family gave him up for adoption. He was adopted for four months but returned "as being too needy." After that , two foster homes until I got him. I had actually agreed to adopt him before letting my previous Alaskan Malamute Juno go at 13 years 2 months.

 

Sam has been the most affectionate dog I have ever owned. He will be the hardest to let go.

 

One year ago on February 2, 2023.

 

 

Stay Safe, and prayers for those in need.

- Jack

Jack 

Hugs to you, Sam and your family! Hoping that those wonderful memories help ease your pain. 
 

Ann

1 hour ago, smitty34877 said:

Good morning. It is pouring here and will reach a high of 48 later.

i have not been to the port and the recipe sounds good. Many years ago I had a patient with a spinal cord injury who had dissociative identity disorder. It. was a very difficult rehab process.

 

@Quartzsite Cruiser, Lenda, a very Happy Birthday to Steve!

 

@marshhawk, Annie, I hope the surgery goes well and I am thinking of you both today.

 

@cat shepard,Ann,I hope your sister is feeling better today. Hugs to you both.

 

Have a good day today

Bless you Terry. I have only been playing your role for a week, and I am exhausted. And I get to come home and sleep. 
 

Bless all the caregivers. You are such special people and great role models for me. ❤️

Thank you Jackie, Roy & Vanessa and my fellow members of the F& B department. 
 

Today is my first day doing an exercise class since I returned from the cruise, though I will have to leave early so I can be at the hospital for my Sister’s first PT session. It is coming more and more apparent that anyone dealing with a serious illness or condition really needs an advocate to help them.
 

Sunday night we discovered that the hospital had not been giving my Sister her asthma steroid nor her thyroid medication since she had been admitted last Tuesday. No wonder her improvement seemed to stall.
 

Yesterday was her first full day on them, so I am calling today Day 1. We hope her energy and breathing improve today. PT agreed to come in the morning today, before her energy severely decreases. Again, I thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. We need them. 
 

Ann

*******

Muga Rioja Reserva Unfiltered

Rioja sounds lovely! Widely available and lots of consumer fans. Online prices start at $27.95.

Critics notes

94 POINTS, James Suckling. "This is a structured and linear Muga Reserva with a creamy and fine-tannined backbone and graphite, cherry, plum and black-truffle character. Medium-bodied, racy and beautiful" 

94 POINTS, The Wine Advocate. "The 2019 Reserva, sold as Crianza in Spain, comes from a dry and warm year with low yields and concentrated wines. The grapes from the Haro zone, the four from Rioja, Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano fermented destemmed and lightly crushed in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, and 80% of the volume matured in French oak and the rest in Centro European and American oak, 20% of them new, for 22 months, during which time the wine was racked every eight to nine months. This is serious and young but balanced, nuanced and complex. They are shortening the time in oak, as they feel they have better and younger barrels and think the wines need less time in oak and more time in bottle. This is very Muga, very Rioja and very good."

Just a quick visit to post the wine info. Will try to check back in later. 

*******

Cocchi-Americano

This wine sounds interesting. Would like a taste. Easy to find with online prices starting at $18.99.

Cocchi Americano is an aromatized wine created in 1891 by Giulio Cocchi and since then produced without interruption according to the original recipe.
The name “Americano” is both due to the alcohol made bitter (“amaricato”) by the addition of herbs and spices and to the American habit of drinking vermouth with ice and soda.
Produced according to Giulio Cocchi original recipe, Cocchi Americano is recognized in Asti as the aperitif par excellence – a real piece of history of our town.
On its label the original futurist rooster designed in the 30’s and representing his aperitif function (“it awakes the appetite”) as well as one of the symbols of the town of Asti.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for our maps. 
 

Vanessa, you are one of the few bright spots in my last week. Your progress gives me hope for my Sister. Thank you for sharing it with us. Thank you for keeping up with all of us. We have a lot going on. 
 

My Sister had a rough day yesterday.  They took her for an X-Ray which exhausted her physically, because she had to stand for it. They wanted to get a clearer view of the partially paralyzed diaphragm. They discovered that her left lung was partially atrophied- most likely related to the diaphragm issue.  So she is still on oxygen and needs to gain strength before she can even start PT. But she is eating good, solid food and we are hoping that a good night’s sleep will help. Her Son is on his way back to Boston as I type this, and her Daughter heads down from Boston around 8:30. So again, I thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, thinking of you & Tana. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 

**********

Cocchi-Storico-Vermouth-di-Torino

I rarely think of Vermouth as a wine, but it does qualify. It sounds like a great choice for mixed drinks though. Readily available with online prices starting at $19.99.

Winemaker’s notes

Vermouth di Torino is a collective heritage of Piedmont, which sees in the royal Savoy court as first big promoter of a product which, mainly starting from the late XVIII century, generated a flourishing industry which led Piedmont to become the Kingdom of Vermouth.

Storico Vermouth di Torino is still produced according to the original recipe of Giulio Cocchi. This vermouth belongs to the category of the sweet vermouths, or Italian vermouths, sweet and amber as indicated in the manuals of the late XIX century.
Storico Vermouth di Torino Cocchi has been the protagonist of the international rebirth of the top-of-the-range vermouths and the renovated interest of the great barmen for the denomination Vermouth di Torino so that it is also familiarly denominated “Cocchi Torino”.

In a very short time, it’s become one of the top-of-the-range Vermouths chosen in the best bars of the world.

CHARACTERISTICS 

The original recipe of Giulio Cocchi calls for the use of herbs such as Cinchona and rhubarb which lightly colour of brown the beautiful clear wine. In order to emphasize its amber tone, the addition of sugar browned on fire emphasizes its amber tone, giving together with colour also a special note to the taste: crunchy and cotton candy able to round all the bitter tastes without using vanilla.
A thrilling vermouth, rich in sensations: among the herbs and the aromatizing spices, Artemisia and citrus are the protagonists with their balanced bitter and citrusy notes which characterize Cocchi style.
A rich taste with vibrant notes of cocoa and bitter orange. From the infusion of some noble and balsamic woods, we have in the end light aromas of camphor and rosemary notes. Among the minor ingredients, herbs and woods with unique perfumes such as sandal, musk, myrrh and nutmeg.

HOW TO DRINK 

Delicious when pure on ice and a small lemon zest, but also an essential base for the creation of the most classic cocktails from Negroni to Manhattan.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Sorry to hear you haven’t been feeling well! Roy, thank you for our maps!

Vanessa, it is exciting to read your personal updates each day! Lots of Dailyites rooting for you. Thank you for keeping up with us. 
 

My Sister was downgraded from ICU to regular care yesterday. The earliest she will go home will be Monday though. She needs to build up her strength. Yesterday was exhausting for her. She tried to do too much respiratory therapy, in the hope she could be weaned off oxygen. And the medical team discovered that she had a partially paralyzed diaphragm, which makes everything even more difficult for her. It might be related to a case of polio she had when she was six or seven. Her son flies back to Boston tomorrow morning and her daughter comes down tomorrow afternoon.  The hospital is happy to see she has a support “team”. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, thinking of you & Tana. And I agree with Maureen- you reap what you sew!❤️

Cheers to everyone celebrating. 
 

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

********

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2022 

This New Zealand SB sounds like a winner. I used the 2022 vintage info, since it should be fairly easy to find. Very easy to find and priced to try. Perfect for a hot summer day. They are coming soon. Online prices start at $11.95.

Winemaker Notes

• 90James Suckling
  Bright and fruity with crisp notes of lemongrass, passion fruit, lemons and white grapefruit on the nose. Vibrant acidity with a medium body and juicy finish. 
• 90Decanter
  Bright tropical fruits, fresh goosberry, citrus and dried herbs, with a plump, generous concentration and a zingy, salivating finish.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for the maps!

Vanessa, I am sending a virtual hug to celebrate your improvement since the 22nd. Thank you for keeping up with us. 
 

My Sister got out of bed twice yesterday, walked a few steps and sat in a chair for a few hours each time. She also started respiratory therapy and when she goes home, her grandson who lives with her will be her coach. 😎 She starts solid food this morning, and I can’t wait to find out what they offer her. She hates eggs. We hope to hear today when she will be allowed to go home. Her A-fib needs to get under control before she can go. The cardiologist returns today with an option that might do the trick. 🤞🏻 Again, thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. We all appreciate them so much. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, and the other caregivers on the Daily, I admire you more now than I already did. Bless you all. 

@aliaschief Happy Birthday, Bruce! Do it up right Down Under!
 

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

*******

Franzia Sunset Blush Pink Wine

Wal-Mart not only offers the best price for today’s widely available wine, it provided the best information about this rosé.  It offers a 5L box for $10.98. 😎

Distributor notes

Franzia Sunset Blush is semi-sweet and refreshing blush wine red berry flavors. This Sunset Blush pairs well with pork, fresh fruit or lazy rivers. Store in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place and serve chilled. Each 5L box of Franzia yields 34 glasses of wine, which is the best way to share our delicious wine with each and every one of your Franz. Franzia stays fresh for up to 6 weeks after opening and can go where traditional glass bottles can’t: the beach, the park, camping, tailgating, etc! Franzia has a history of over 100 years of crafting delicious, award-winning wines at an unbeatable value. It all started in 1906 when Teresa Franzia planted her first vineyards, which led to the establishment of Franzia Brothers Winery, a legacy she would pass down to her five sons. For years, our quality wines have won more than 150 awards across the portfolio. Today, Franzia remains the World’s Most Popular Wine for 25 consecutive years (by volume), continuing to make Franz around the world with a new design, on-the-go sizes and more delicious flavors. There is a special kind of friendship that is made around a box of Franzia, your Franz for Life.

A semi-sweet and refreshing wine with red berry flavors

Pair it with pork, fresh fruit or lazy rivers

Smaller carbon footprint and less packaging waste than traditional glass bottles

One 5L box = 34, 5oz glasses, stays fresh for six weeks after opening

Stays fresh for six weeks after opening

Just a quick update. My Sister is off most of the tubes & is able to drink clear liquids! She got out of bed and using a rollator, she walked a few steps to a chair. 
 

Her A-fib is still a concern and a cardiologist will be visiting her today to discuss options. 
 

Again, thank you all for keeping her in your prayers & well wishes. 
 

A very grateful Ann & family

Jacqui, thank you for today’s FR & D. Roy, thank you for our maps. 
 

Vanessa, I really love to read your posts about almost no pain! Praying that the numbness and tingling disappear, too and that you start getting more sleep. 

Once again, thank you all for keeping my Sister in your thoughts and prayers. She is off the ventilator. And right now the biggest concern in Afib, which they are trying to manage with meds.  She can’t even have ice chips until someone from Speech makes sure there was no damage from the ventilator tube. 
 

Her son came down from Boston and though he has some work to do, he is here and can see for himself how she is doing. Her daughter arrives on Saturday. 
 

I am tired. Emotionally and physically. But her place is cleaned up, her laundry is done and she doesn’t have any messes to come home to. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, thinking of you and Tana.

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 

*******

Bien Nacido Estate 2020 Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)

This PN sounds lovely, but it is pricey. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $69.99.

Winemaker Notes

Professional Ratings

• 96Jeb Dunnuck

  I loved the nose on the 2020 Estate Pinot Noir, which offers a wild assortment of red and black berries, sappy herbs, flowers, iron, and exotic baking spices. These carry to a medium-bodied, concentrated, focused, age-worthy Pinot Noir with beautiful depth of fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Give it a year or two and enjoy over the following decade. I followed this bottle for multiple days, and it only got better. It’s unquestionably a thrilling, brilliant wine. This was all destemmed and spent 16 months in 43% new French oak.

   

• 95Tasting Panel

  Scents of cherrywood and cinnamon spice are welcoming. Black cherry and pennyroyal mix the pleasures of fruitiness and savoriness, joining notes of soy sauce, sassafras, and mustard seed. Juicy and generous, with a glossy mouthfeel and a pop of white pepper on the finish.

• 94Wine Enthusiast

  Creamy while detailed aromas of black cherry, loam and slate make for a very inviting and intriguing nose on this bottling. The palate lands with a bold richness, carrying fresh and vibrant flavors of black cherry and blackberry in a hedonistic vintage for this estate.

• 93Wine & Spirits

  Brooding and controlled, this wine has a peppery reductive note to go along with tobacco scents. Its translucent red shade is intriguing and pretty, with rosy cherry and strawberry flavors, a flower-petal bitterness and fine tannins. It opens appreciably with air, still reserved and recessive within its cool texture.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for our maps!

Vanessa, I really enjoy ready your posts about how you are improving each day! Thank you for keeping up with all of us. 
 

I want to thank you all again for keeping my Sister in your thoughts and prayers. I hope to get an update later this morning. 
 

Prayers for all who need our support. Terry, thinking of you and Tana.

Cheers to all who are celebrating.

Eva, @superoma Happy Anniversary!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

********

Josh Cellars Rosé

Widely available with online prices starting at $12.99, this rosé is the perfect choice to try without breaking the bank. 

Distributor notes

Crisp, refreshing and bright: Josh Cellars Rosé is perfect for sunsets and warm summer days. This bottle of wine with a pink wine color has flavors of white peach and strawberry complemented by hints of nectarine.
 

Josh Cellars works with California's best growers to source and assemble wine of great character and complexity. Pair this vibrant rose wine with grilled fish, summer salads, and chilled seafood. This Josh Cellars Rosé wine bottle is 750ml and 12.5% ABV.

Created by Joseph Carr and named after his father, Josh Cellars makes high-quality, well-balanced, delicious wines that are expressions of gratitude grounded in hard work, high standards and the recognition of others. Josh wine is worth sharing with those who matter.

Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. 
 

She had emergency stomach surgery. She is in recovery and will be on a ventilator tube overnight. She is not totally out of the woods, but the surgeon sounded very encouraging.  None of the major risks materialized. 
 

Ann

Just a quick visit. I am at the ER with my Sister who has been really sick for two days. Please keep her in your prayers. 
 

Our second Canadian wine. Widely available CA 32.95, or $24.95.
 

Natalie's Score: 92/100

This sparkling gets better every year, even though it's not vintage-dated. Lovely finesse and mousse with green apple vibrancy. The grapes were hand-picked in 50 pound lugs so they weren't bruised. The winery does press fractioning meaning the first bit of the juice (the head) and the last bit (the tail) aren't used in the wine just the juiciest, tastiest part of the juice. They also use the traditional Champagne method to make the wine. The wine spends 30 months on the lees which gives it a creamy texture. Serve as an aperitif on its own or add 1 oz. of Riesling Icewine or 1 oz of Cabernet Franc Icewine to 3 oz of Cuvee Catharine to make a Kir Catharine.

Sparkling food pairings: salmon caviar with sour cream; malpeque oysters with a hint of lemon.

48 minutes ago, summer slope said:

On my way to my Mohs surgery.  Will check in later.

 

 

Good luck Dixie! Hope everything goes smoothly!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui!  Roy, thank you for our maps. It is a lovely 43 this morning, but will reach the low 70s. 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I am thrilled that you are showing improvement each day. I pray that you will soon be able to put this behind you. 
 

Other than Bindi walks & chores, I am just going to take it easy. This is the first cold I have had in almost 9 years, so I can’t complain. 
 

Bike week starts this coming weekend….

Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, thinking of you & Tana. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating. 
 

May we each find a reason to smile today. 

***********

August Forest 2021 Eritage Vineyard Syrah

“Soft, round and generous” - sounds delightful. This wine from Walla Walla won a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicles 2023 competition. The “soft” description intrigues me, since I find many Syrah’ a bit too bold for me. A bit elusive and at the top of my budget - I found it online for $46.00.

Owen Bargreen, critic 92 points

The 2021 August Forest Syrah comes from the Eritage Vineyard as this wine saw 41% stem inclusion and was unfined and unfiltered. Soft, round and generous, this delivers a silky texture with coffee ground favors alongside potpourri, allspice, black cherry compote and smoked meat accents. This is exceedingly delicious stuff to savor now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

@Lcubed

Laura, thank you for covering the Wine du Jour! Boy I am thrilled you covered today. I came back with a cold and was not particularly energetic this morning. I am ready to take back the reins tomorrow. 
 

@rafinmd Roy, did I miss your birthday? I have a note on my calendar that yesterday was your birthday. 

@JazzyV Vanessa, I was thrilled to read that your pain has decreased! Praying that it continues to decrease. 
 

Thank you for today’s FR&D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for the maps. 
 

I enjoyed the cruise. We had lovely weather. The best show I have ever seen on a ship - The Choir of Man. It will be opening in Chicago some time this year. It could hold its own on Broadway.
 

Great food. A super Cellar Master, who put together informative and delicious wine tasting events.
 

The smoothest embarkation & disembarkation of any cruise I have been on.

A ropes course & zipline. The only time it was open that coincided with my schedule was in Saint Thomas. Many times it was too windy to be open. 

It never seemed very crowded around the ship.

The not so great…

The worst coffee I have experienced on a cruise. Starbucks and one Pub had the only decent coffee on the ship.

A less than helpful app and TV.

The worst internet I have experienced at sea. Perhaps I should have purchased the Premium package. 

Only two elevator banks to handle 4,000+ passengers. 

A very small weight section in the gym. 
 

The biggest disappointment was the swells in the Bahamas prevented us from tendering to their private island that was chock full of activities. But the tenders that came out to get the crew were really rocking, so the Captain made the right call. 

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. 

Just a quick visit to thank @Lcubed Laura for volunteering to cover the wine du jour while I am gone. 
 

Vanessa, praying that all goes well next Thursday & you can start to put this ordeal behind you. 
 

Terry, thinking of you & Tana - even if I can’t post. 
 

Everyone - be well!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for taking on the maps!

Yesterday’s beach clean was wild. My 2 mile swatch delivered 63 bags of trash. The rough surf of the past few weeks has churned up so much trash.  So many people still don’t cut the plastic six pack holders. I guess I should be happy that none of the ones I saw yesterday had trapped a creature. 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that this time next week, you will have enough relief from pain that you can start catching up on your sleep. 
 

Gym, Bindi walks, chores, taking Bindi to her resort & packing. That will keep me busy. 
 

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

Terry, thinking of you & Tana. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Mr. Boston Bon Voyage!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 
 *********

Neyen 2019 Espíritu de Apalta Malbec (Apalta)
This Chilean Malbec has lots of fans in spite of its price tag. Perhaps not quite as bold as some, but the tasting notes make me want a taste. A decent number of distributors. Online prices start at $139.99.

Distributor notes

Ripe, foresty aromas of cassis, sous bois and root beer are classy and elegant. While this is saturated on the palate, it isn’t outright syrupy or fat. A ripe berry fruit flavor profile includes spice notes and a hint of minty green, while chocolate mint and spice flavors take over on a lush and saturated palate. Hailing from a hot year, this is a delicious and well-balanced fruit bomb to drink from 2024.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for sharing our maps. I am a very visual person and the maps help me really understand each ship’s location. 
 

It is quite a bit warmer this morning and it looks like a real cloud cover out there. Yesterday was lovely, but so busy. I survived. 
 

Vanessa, I am just going to send a (((hug))) after reading what the Doctor said. And keep praying. Hard. I won’t be here, when you go for the procedure, but if there is any internet available to me - I will check next week. Thank you for still taking care of our lists, and being such an amazing part of our community in spite of it all. 
 

Gym, Bindi walks, chores & starting to pack unwrinkables. That should keep me busy. 
 

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

Terry, thinking of you & Tana. Always. Praying. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating. Bon Voyage @MISTER 67
 

May we each find a reason to smile today!

********

2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Bundschuh, Emil Bauer & Sohne, Pfalz

A very elusive German wine - unless you live in or are visiting Europe. It sounds lovely and refreshing for a hot day. I will say the vintners have some wild names for some of their wines. 😎 If you can find it, it will cost about $19.00. 

$19.00

Distributor notes

When brothers Alexander & Martin took over the family estate in 2011 they wanted to show German wines in a new light.

Their controversial names and labels of course captured people’s attention and their wines have even featured pit-side at the German Grand Prix! The Bundschuh’ is a 500-year-old symbol of the rural peasants’ uprising to claim their independence from the feudal system. Behind the fun and poignant labels are fab wines, and you’d be forgiven for thinking this German Sauvignon Blanc is from New Zealand.

Tasting notes: passion fruit, lime. 

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. 
 

Hope everyone in the path of yesterday’s winter storm is ok. 

 

It is 20 degrees colder here this morning. I guess Winter isn’t through here yet. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us!  Praying that next week gets you on the road to being pain & numbness free with lots of wonderful sleep. 
 

I have my annual wellness visit early this morning, then a manicure, Bindi walks, HIIT and regular chores will keep me busy. I finished the first pass of my grout cleaning. When I get back, I will tackle the stubborn areas. 

Here’s a headline you don’t see everyday….

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, trauma or feeling down. The caretakers. 
 

Terry, thinking of you & Tana.

Cheers to all who are celebrating! Happy Valentine’s Day - everyone!

May we each find a reason to smile today. 

***********

Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

I used the 2021 vintage info, since that was the oldest vintage still in stock & very easy to find. Lots of consumer fans of this priced right Cab. You can find this just about anywhere. Online prices start at a reasonable $12.48.

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish.

90 James Suckling

Blackcurrants, black and green olives, rosemary and some crushed walnuts on the nose. Fresh and refined, with a medium to full body and fine-grained tannins. Drink or hold.

@Lcubed

Laura has graciously volunteered to cover the Wine du Jour, while I am gone. I really appreciate her offering to help. 
 

Thank you Jacqui, Eva & Paul for offering. 
 

Ann

Checking back in before class to let you know that both Jacqui & Eva, who are currently on the staff of the FR & D, have volunteered to research the wine of the day, while I am away. 
 

I confess, I was hoping that someone not currently on the staff would volunteer, before having either of them do double duty. Any takers?  
 

If so just shoot me an email at annge3@gmail.com

Ann

18 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Ann that is very sweet of you to say about offering Morgan a place to stay while she finds herself a new home.  I'm sure she would love living with you and Bindi!❤️

 

Sandi, I have provided a safe place to friends and family members before. I know how important it was to them. I hope Morgan is able to get out of there soon. 

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for taking on the maps. We had quite a storm last night. Lots of thunder and rain. I am sure there was lightning, but I couldn’t see it from where I was sitting. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for tracking our happenings so well, I am always surprised by something I miss. Praying that next week’s procedure helps you!

Gym, Bindi walks, chores and - drumroll please - today I finish the grout with my bathroom. There are at least 6 high traffic areas where I will have to use an application of paste, but I am astounded at the difference. 

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, trauma and debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or dealing with events outside of their control. Sandi, I wish I lived out West. Morgan could stay with me while she searched for her own place. 
 

Terry, thinking of you & Tana. Pray that her condition improves, so you can relax a bit. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating. 
 

May we each find a reason to smile today!
 

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Brewer-Clifton 2021 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

From one of the best Pinot Noir regions in California, this wine has lots of consumer and critic fans! I would need to compare it to my other two favorite PN before I bought it though. It is a bit pricier than both Meoimi and Bueña Vista. Easy to find. Online prices start at $35.99. 

$35.99

Winemaker Notes

• 95Wine Enthusiast
  Even Greg Brewer’s appellation cuvée carries his hallmark, addictive combination of sensory sensations. Light in the glass, it begins with aromas of fresh strawberry, red plum, wild thyme and chaparral spice on the nose. The palate snaps with refreshing acidity, powering through vibrant red fruit, earthy herb and peppery spice flavors. Delicious, fun, memorable. Editors’ Choice
• 95Jeb Dunnuck
  Leading off the reds, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills offers a pure, complex, intense perfume of ripe raspberries, peppery herbs, exotic flowers, and underbrush. This deep, rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir has a layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, remarkable purity, and a great, great finish. It will stand up to anything in the vintage and should be snatched up by savvy readers.
• 93Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, made with an unusually high proportion of whole clusters (90%), has broody scents of dark cherries, blackberries, woodsmoke, underbrush and rooibos tea leaves. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with concentrated, spicy flavors and a long, nuanced finish.

• 91Wine Spectator
  Pretty, with high-pitched damson plum and cherry notes infused with rose petal and iris hints. The fresh finish is lined with red tea and sanguine hints. Drink now through 2027.