cat shepard

Lenda!

Thank you for doing this. I will be on Escape in February - my first NCL cruise Same itinerary. I will be looking for any insights you want to share. Am very interested in your wine experiences. Ann

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich. It is another lovely morning here. Yesterday was a picture perfect kayaking morning. By going early we avoided all but three power boats on the Intercoastal, saw White & Blue herons, ducks, egrets and lots of fish jumping for joy. The water level was so high. Last week’s rain certainly helped. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that relief from your pain comes soon. Gym, grocery store for a couple of items, Bindi walks and chores. Prayers for all who need our support, especially those dealing with debilitating pain or conditions. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @smitty34877 Terry enjoy yourself this week & breath! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Marlborough Vines Sauvignon Blanc Another lovely New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Easy to find. Easy on the budget. Consumers rate it very good - excellent. Online prices start at $11.99. Distributor notes Delightful hues of pale straw sparkle in glass. The nose has aromas of citrus and dried herbs with hints of passion fruit and gooseberry. The palate features classic Marlborough tropical and herbal flavors. The finish is long and clean with a balancing, bright acidity.

Thank you Rich! Just a super quick visit to post the wine du jour info. Off to do some early morning kayaking. Praying for those who need support, especially those dealing with debilitating pain. May you all find permanent relief. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @smitty34877 Terry, I moved you here. I was so happy to read that you felt like yourself. But still praying for you, Tana and all of you. May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** San Gregorio Vyd Las Martas Garnacha Cheers to the first of you who shared your favorite wines with me! Don’t forget, if you have a wine you like that you would to share with all of us - just send me an email at annge3@gmail.com with its name or a picture of its label. But you can find this wine online for a mere $10.99. And from its description, I would like to try it. Distributor notes Pork shoulder with a garlic, chilli, clove, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and fennel seed rub, slow cooked for five hours; chorizo, pork belly, and chickpea casserole; pan fried hake and romesco sauce. These are some of my favourite dishes. Except Ive always had one problem: no wine from my glorious Bordeaux collection quite compliments their tricky flavours - and vice versa. But the Spanish Las Martas Garnacha by Bodega San Gregorio in Calatayud does. Why? Because its aromas and flavours of cranberry, raspberry, blueberry, and black cherry, along with generous nuances of Mediterranean thyme, oregano, and marjoram, and an additional peppery character all provide a delicious enhancement for such trickier spice combinations as detailed above. Especially as autumn advances. When we crave more comfort and warmth - for when these dishes regain their place on my weekly menu. But make no mistake: Bordeaux and Burgundy are great (I love them both!), but if you're like me, and like being a little more adventurous with flavours, you'll find Las Martas to be one of the best alternatives when the two Bs above aren't quite performing at their best. It's why I now have a case or two routinely poised in the cellar for such occasions (Eurocave, to be precise). I encourage you to similarly make space in your cellar and hope you'll draw a similar conclusions. - James Ayers, Purchasing Manager, Mr.Wheeler. Tasting notes: This modern-style red made with old vine garnacha is warm, rich and flavourful with an appealing crunch. Very moreish and incredible value for money.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Though we had more rain yesterday, it was nothing like Thursday’s volume. We even saw the sun twice! Bindi was so much happier. So was I. And this morning the sun is out! Vanessa, I was happy to read that you are somewhat comfortable in your computer chair. But I pray your medical team finds a permanent solution to your pain. Today is all mixed up. Aldi, Bindi walks, wine tasting and then dinner provided by friends. They know I have to come home after the wine tasting to take care of Bindi, so they said they would just bring supper here. Bindi will never know how lucky she is. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. For all our debilitating pain sufferers - Debbie, Penny, Pat, Ann & Vanessa, may you each find relief and a permanent cure. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @RMLincoln Maureen, May each day get you more settled. May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ 2018 domaine Pellé menetou-salon morogues For some reason, I could not copy & paste the following info, so this is a screen shot of the best info I could find on this white wine from the Loire Valley. It is available from a decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $21.99. Distributor notes

Morning everyone! I am suing a separate post to let you all know that Rich is putting together the 2024 “Wine List”. I will be giving him the names of some of my new discoveries, but he liked my idea of asking you to share some of your discoveries! If you send me their names or even a picture of their label, I will add them to the list I am putting together for Rich. The good thing is we can always use them. So even if we get too many to add to the 2024 list, they can make the next year’s list. Just send me an email at annge3@gmail.com & I will pull the list together. Ann

Hi Pat!

I guess I better wish you & Steve safe travels now! I hope you can at least let us know where you two are each evening. Look at it as a different type of fleet report. 😎

Wow Jack! I have enjoyed many trips on Skyline drive. I lived in the mid-Atlantic for 25 years, so Fall trips were almost a “rite of passage”. Hope all is well by the time you get there.

I am so sorry to hear this. And very short notice for that kind of news. And what a disgusting time of year to do this.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Yesterday was a washout. All the rain that hit Southern Florida moved up here, just not as heavy a volume. And perhaps all that wind helped me. Let’s just say Bindi’s trips outside were very short, but we both still got soaked. Thank goodness for my kayaking shorts - dried in minutes. A picture of the ocean before the bad rain started. Vanessa, if it will help you better manage your pain - forget the lists. I have visions of you sitting at a computer in pain as you capture and share all of our happenings. We will survive. I wish I had magic powers to help you, Debbie & @57redbird and everyone else suffering with your pain. Praying that you all find relief soon. More rain dodging, gym, chores, & prepping for the next couple of very busy days will keep me busy. Praying for all those who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @RMLincoln Maureen, I moved you two into this group. Lots to celebrate. Lots still to do, but the Big Crunch is over & you have help! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2021 I told Rich last night that I would not be submitting any wines sold through the Naked wine club to his annual wine list. It is not fair to tease you with wines that 99% of the time you can only purchase through the club. But if you are lucky enough to know a member of the club, or perhaps are a member yourself - this is a lovely Sauvignon Blanc. Offered for the reasonable price of $12.99. Distributor notes A zesty refresher for your picnics and cookouts! Light and bright with a tangy flavors like citrus, green apple and passionfruit, Katy and Justin’s Washington Sauvignon Blanc is an easy-sipping treat every Angel deserves. Your funding helped them source fruit from two primo Columbia Valley vineyards, whose grapes show a citrusy character from a cooler valley corner and tropical flavors from a warmer pocket. For a zippy Northwest sipper you can savor all year long – at your special Angel price! – Katy and Justin’s Sauvignon Blanc is just the ticket. This wine is ready to drink now. That said, it will age for 5-7 years. Buy a few bottles to taste over time. This wine should be fine right out of the fridge. Sauvignon Blanc naturally has great acidity. Food match Salmon and asparagus grilled with fresh lemon.

Sleep well you two!

Jacqui, what a wonderful tribute to José, the Doctor & the Man. Those pictures tell us everything important about him. Animals loved him and he could make people really smile. Thank you for sharing him with us. Ann

Stay safe, Charlene. It really rained for a short time here. But the wind is wild, and I am 3 miles from the coast! And I am at the edge of the storm. You are much closer to the thick of things.

@kazu Jacqui, if I request the link to Jose’s bursary, you aren’t soliciting me. If you are uncomfortable posting it here, please email me. I believe you have my email address, but “yell”, if you don’t. Ann

Missed you Graham! Hope you & Pauline enjoyed yourselves!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another cloudy, humid day here. Not sure if we are going to get any of the predicted heavy rains, we have been lucky so far. Just misting, light rains and lots of strong winds. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I was happy to read that you got a bit more sleep, but am praying that your medical team helps and finds a solution to your pain. Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and reorganizing my Sunday routine because I am hoping to go kayaking that morning. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams! @RMLincoln Maureen, hoping all goes smoothly today. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** D. H. Elliott 2020 California Sauvignon Blanc Another Naked wine entry. Great on any day, but a superb choice for a hot humid day. Naked wine members can pick it up for $11.99. Distributor notes Lively, easy-sipping white This crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc is a food-friendly easy-sipper buzzing with bright tropical fruit flavors and a zesty touch of citrus. With over 40 harvests under his belt, D.H. is one of the most well-connected winemakers in the business and a pro at scouting out the best deals. With your funding, he brings Angels thirst-quenching treats like this for an absolute steal! D.H.'s go-to dinner pairing with this fresh, lively white wine is a little grilled chicken with fresh pesto pasta. Bring home a bottle or two and try it for yourself! This crisp Sauvignon Blanc was made to be enjoyed now. Chill this refreshing white first and simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving. This Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with grilled chicken and fresh pesto pasta for dinner!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich. Already in the low 70s, very windy, and once again seem to be in between the bands of rain. We had a couple short periods of light rain, and a 2 minute deluge. Not sure what to expect today. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Even more of a task when dealing with your terrible pain & numbness. I pray your medical team can find a way to end them - soon. Not sure what the weather will allow Bindi & I to do, but there are at least mini walks, chores, and a HIIT class in my future. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, thank you for checking in with us. Hope you see more improvement. Don’t forget you. @RMLincoln Maureen, safe travels today. May the rest of the move & your trip go smoothly. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ 2018 Terra Nera This Naked wine from Sicily is a medium - full bodied red. It is really sippable, but needs time to breathe. Members of the Naked wine club can get it for a reasonable $13.99. Distributor notes Powerful, fruit-driven Nero d'Avola - an iconic Italian red with barrel-aged elegance This decadent red is a Sicilian classic, layered with complex, intense dark fruit flavors and a long, luscious, mouth-filling finish. With the help of your funding, Dominic crafted this sultry red using hand-harvested Nero d’Avola from an older hillside vineyard in Sicily, and aged the wine in French oak barrels for over a year to give it an extra refined touch. Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s hallmark red wine, and if you’ve never had the privilege of trying it, Dominic is the perfect winemaker to introduce you! For funding Dom to bring this world-class red to wine drinkers everywhere, you get it with an exclusive $14 Angel savings! This red can be enjoyed now, and will also age well for another 5 years or more. If you're opening this wine now just be sure to give it one or two hours to open up and breathe, and serve it at room temperature. Food match This red goes wonderfully with wild game and other meats.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another damp morning. The heavy rains are supposed to start later and last for a few days. We just decided to move Thursday’s kayak trip to this coming Sunday, since Sunday’s weather is supposed to be spectacular. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us, in spite of your battle with the leg pain and numbness. I pray you find a solution, soon. Gym, Bindi walks, my chores & my handyman comes to tackle at least the inside to do list, and if weather permits- the outside to do list, too. Somewhere on a lake in Florida… Praying for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. @RMLincoln Maureen good luck today & tomorrow. May everything go smoothly. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Ghostrunner Ungrafted red 2021 Every released vintage of this Lodi red blend has plenty of consumer fans. Critics think it is very good, too. I used the 2021 vintage info, since it might be easiest to find. Widely available with online prices starting at $10.95. Winemaker’s notes We started Ghostrunner as a way to bring to the market a great tasting red blend that you’ll enjoy drinking anytime. Ghostrunner grapes are sourced through central valley vineyards that produce rich and elegant wines. This handcrafted wine shows complex fruit and has a gentle, well balanced finish. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of foods. At Ghostrunner, we only make a red blend so we focus 100% of our time, resources and passion around just this one wine. We hope you enjoy it and share it with your friends. The 2021 Ghostrunner red blend includes Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Merlot. It shows a dark ruby color with an aroma that’s rich in mixed berries and black cherry preserves. Hints of spice including black pepper and bacon carry through on the palate. This decadent red blend finishes with soft tannins, dark fruit and elaborate oak. The 2021 growing season was generous is length and consistent temperatures. Flavors were strong at harvest and we think 2021 will prove to be a terrific vintage.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another cloudy, breezy balmy morning. Bindi hopes it does not drizzle all day the way it did yesterday. The upper level winds are racing the clouds in from the Northeast. It is fascinating to watch. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with & sharing our happenings. I pray that you find a solution to your pain - soon! Gym, Bindi walks, chores - volunteering at a local church for their Thanksgiving food drive. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams. @RMLincoln Maureen praying that all goes smoothly for you & DH over the next few days. Remember to breathe. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** 2018 MacMurray Estate Vineyards Central Coast Pinot Noir Another Central Coast Pinot Noir enjoyed by many and reasonably priced. The 2018 vintage might be a bit difficult to find, but more recent vintages appear to have as many fans and will be easier to find. I found a couple of online distributors for the 2018 vintage with prices starting at $13.99. Winemaker’s notes In 2014, we selected the majority of our Pinot Noir from Olson Ranch Vineyard, which is located in the renowned Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The vines on Olson Ranch sprawl along the sides of the Highlands, where they receive optimal sunlight and cooling Pacific breezes. The 2014 growing season was warm and dry throughout, leading to early ripening and eventually an early harvest. Ripe, fruit forward flavors with a crisp acidity are characteristic of this vintage in the glass. The balance of this wine was sourced from the Santa Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, another cool coastal growing region renowned for producing classic Pinot Noir wines. Grape Variety 100% Pinot Noir Barrel Aging 40% in used French (7% First Use, 33% Second use and older); 60% in stainless steel

Bon Voyage, Roy!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Yesterday’s early morning rain ended before 8 a.m. & it turned into a gorgeous day. The Spatchcock chicken one pan meal was a hit. Every morsel of chicken was moist. It is cloudy and very windy this morning. Vanessa, I pray that you find a permanent solution to your pain. Thank you for never missing a beat with the lists, in spite of your pain. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks and post party chores. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and your support team. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Crazy For Cats Happy Birthday, Jake! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Granite Hill Cellars Pinot Noir 2020 One distributor referred to this wine as “a happy little Pinot Noir”. 😎 I prefer my Pinot Noirs to be medium bodied and more towards the blackberry scale, but I would be happy to taste this one. I used the 3020 info, since that might be the easiest to find. Widely available with online prices starting at $10.99. Winemaker’s notes Granite Hill Cellars is a newly released brand by the Kautz Family of Lodi, California. The name comes from the rocky and “granite” terroir the family’s vineyards grow on. The soft rolling hills, in conjunction with the Pacific Ocean Delta breezes make these vineyards ideal for grapes of distinction. Practicing “sustainability” for over 30 years, the family is committed to the longevity of their land and the environment around them. Lodi has been a famed region for growing Zinfandel grapes for many years, but it has been the last 10-15 years that they are shining through with other varieties, including Pinot Noir. The sub-AVAs for this wine come from Jayhant and Mokelumne River, which are located in the western part of Lodi. The 2020 vintage is rich with flavors of black cherries, cranberries, cloves, tobacco with a touch of caramel and vanilla. The fruit forward style finishes lush and full. Pairing: Delicious with duck confit, barbecued chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto and grilled vegetables. Vegan Friendly & Gluten Free. Blend: 87% Pinot Noir, 13% Souzao

Thank you to all our veterans for your service. Many times the deepest scars are hidden within. Rich, thank you for getting us started today. It is pouring rain! We need it badly. Bindi is not happy. Last night at my friends was so much fun. Lemon drop martinis and a host of different tapas and appetizers. Vanessa, I am happy to read that you seem to have found a path to at least a few hours sleep. I pray that your medical team finds a permanent solution to your pain. Thank you for keeping up with us. Zumba, Bindi walks, and prep for dinner tonight. I am going to Spatchcock chicken with veggies for my guests. These are my friends I use as Guinea Pigs when I try a new recipe. 😎 Hope it tastes as good as it looks. The following is a real id. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ******* Curran Creek Pinot Grigio If you decide to try a bottle of this wine and aren’t a fan - use it for cooking. Consumers give it a good rating. It is available just about everywhere. Online prices start at $7.99. Distributor Notes Pale straw color with aromas of peaches and lemons. Refreshing on the plate with distinct flavors of pears melons tropical fruits and citrus. Pairs nicely with chicken seafood salads and spicy dishes.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is another lovely morning here. But it is already 65! Might be perfect beach weather. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists. I pray that you find permanent relief to your pain. Gym, Bindi walks, chores & meeting with a handyman who I hope will agree to tackle some of the big things I need done. Wrapping up the day at a friend’s for tapas and drinks. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you and your DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ 2019 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Estate Riesling This lovely Riesling’s 2019 vintage might be difficult to find now, but since the two subsequent vintages have similar reviews you can still enjoy it. I found at least one online distributor offering the 2019 for $17.99. Winemaker Notes Aromas of grapefruit and honeydew melon carry into a juicy, slightly oily palate of lemon meringue pie, lychee and green apple with accents of lemongrass and ginger. RP94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2019 Riesling Estate is exotic and spicy from its 15% botrytis inclusion, offering scents of pineapple, guava, honeycomb, petrol and marmalade. The light-bodied palate has concentrated, gently honeyed fruits. Its eight to nine grams of residual sugar are balanced by focused acidity, and fireworks of spicy accents fan across the long, textural finish.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely start to the day. These are the days that spoil me. Vanessa, I may sound like a broken record, but I pray that you find relief to your pain, soon. Thank you for keeping up with all of us. Zumba, Bindi walks, chores, maybe washing my car. Sadly the darker color shows dust and pollen much more than my silver Prius did. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. @HAL SailerMelissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************* Hans Greyl Sauvignon Blanc 2022 I used the 2022 vintage info of this New Zealand SB, since it seems the easiest to find. I could not find a critic’s review, but the 45,000+ consumers who gave it an average 4.2/5 can not be wrong. Widely available with online prices starting at $11.99. Distributor notes Pronounced aromas of gooseberry, citrus, and florals. Dry and medium bodied with bright acidity, the palate shows gooseberry, citrus, white peach, mango, passionfruit, and a nice minerality. Crisp and refreshing, this would be great with cheeses, light seafood, and veg!