cat shepard

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Another beautiful morning, though the temperature is a bit more “normal”. A extra long Bindi walk this morning! Vanessa, thank you for helping us to keep up with each other. Gym, more Bindi walks, chores & maybe some pool time. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping you & your extended family in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Hope we each have one reason to smile today. ************** Chateau de Camarsac Bordeaux Superieur 2019 I used the 2019 vintage info. It was the last to show numerous online distributors for it. But all released vintages share similar ver good - to excellent reviews from consumers & critics, so you should be fine to pick up any one that you find. Online prices for the 2019 vintage start at $14.99. Distributor Notes Between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, between two seas, on the Camarsac promontory, the 14th-century chateau of the black prince anchors the domain in history, even as the winery integrates modern technologies and winemaking practices. Only with the combination of know-how, technique, tradition, hard work, and passion could Thierry Lurton and his team successfully remain anchored in their terroir and history while simultaneously innovating towards a sustainable future. The vineyard extends over the communes of Camarsac, Loupes, Saint Aubin de Branne, Cabara, and Sainte-Terre. Château Camarsac prioritizes authenticity and precision in each of their cuvees. They even feel their mission is grander than themselves: to inspire in others the desire to work faithfully in tandem with the land to bring out the quintessence of what nature has to offer. Tasting Notes Well structured, rich dark fruit with accents of toasted, spicy aromas. The palate is smooth with elegant tannins. Cultivation The Cuvée Classique is made to accentuate the fruit, or in other words, the pulp. The grapes are picked fairly early without waiting for the skins to reach full ripeness. The next stage is a cold maceration to extract color without extracting the tannins. After this short maceration period of a week to ten days the wine is separated from the skins. Vinification Fermentation is then carefully controlled to avoid any oxidation (beneficial to some extent for the tannins but detrimental to the fruit). Wine Enthusiast 91

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Another cool, breezy morning. I actually zipped up my fleece this morning. Looks to be another gorgeous day! Yesterday was picture perfect. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us! Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores. Maybe some pool time - might keep me out of trouble. I definitely want to spend as much time outdoors as possible! Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping you and your extended family in my prayers. The picture of Fred on that rug is one to cherish. Thank you for sharing it with us. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Hope we each find a reason to smile today! ************ Granite Hill Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 I used the 2020 vintage info, since it should be widely available. This California Cab has some fans in the consumer leagues who think it is very good - excellent. I couldn’t find any critic reviews, but it is priced to try. And if you are not a fan - use it for cooking. Widely available with prices starting at $10.99. Distributor 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. Aromas of dark cherries and toasted vanilla oak, followed up with flavors of black currants, blueberries, sweet raspberry and slight hint of tobacco and spice. The palate is dry and the finish is lingering and flavorful with red currants and oak. Delicious with grilled meats, especially tri-tip and ribeye or enjoy with wild game, such as venison, duck confit or a decadent dark chocolate dessert. METHOD 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 Cabernet Sauvignon. The sub-AVAs for this wine come from Sloughhouse and Alta Mesa, which are located in the northern part of Lodi, just west of the Sierra Foothills. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon is complimented by 6% Petite Sirah and 5% Merlot. The wine ages for 3 months in new French oak barrels. Vegetarian friendly & gluten free.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Our first Fall Saturday actually felt as if Fall had arrived. 63 and breezy. Capris & long sleeves weather! It is supposed to be around for awhile. Probably just long enough to spoil me. Vanessa, thank you for taking such great care of helping us all to keep up with each other! Off early to the gym for a Zumba class. I am still catching up on chores from Thursday- but today is the day. Bindi walks and supper at a friend’s will wrap up my day. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, thinking of you & your extended family. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Hope you each find something to smile about today. ********* 2019 Hito Tempranillo España Consumers love this Tempranillo. If you have trouble finding the 2019 vintage, pick up a bottle of the 2020 - it has a critic score in the 90s and a much lower price. I found one distributor for the 2019 offering it for $32.95. But you can snap up the 2020 for a mere $14.95! Winemaker Notes A very lively dark cherry red color. Intense and honest on the nose, where the varietal aromas of the Tempranillo at its optimum point of ripeness predominate. Subtle hints of ageing appear in the background as well-integrated spiced and toasted notes. In the mouth it has body and length, balanced acidity and good persistence. RP89 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The red 2019 Hito is juicy, ripe and fruit-driven. The palate is medium to full-bodied with fine tannins. This is easy to drink but rich enough to take most foods. It was bottled in August 2020.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Bindi & I enjoyed an early morning walk with just enough breeze to freshen the air. The sun is just beginning to break through the marine layer. More rain is predicted, but yesterday’s predicted rain never materialized. Vanessa, thank you for doing everything you do so well! I have a lot to do today, since a great deal of yesterday was spent at dealerships. But I got my plug-in hybrid. Pickings were slim, so I ended up with a Volvo. I decided to lease, so I would be forced to look around again in a couple of years. Maybe by then Hyundai will sell its model in Florida, or Toyota & Kia will have an actual inventory vs being put on a waiting list. Though I am impressed that the dealership matched my Carmax offer for my old Prius & offered a $7,500 EV lease credit - even though mine is an EV hybrid. I am not ready to trust a totally electric vehicle - yet. But I am trying to reduce my footprint as much as possible. My next step is to have a 240v outlet installed, so if I need a faster recharge, I can do it. I have decided who I want to be this Halloween…. I even started a new exercise routine to help. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying that each day is a bit easier for all of you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Roy, I am so thrilled you didn’t cancel your cruises! Let them pamper you! Hoping that each of us finds a reason to smile today. ********** Tarima Mediterráno white blend This lovely Spanish white blend is perfect for a hot Summer evening. Medium body, a bit towards the lighter side. Not too sweet, but not super dry either. Wonderful with salads, seafood, poultry, fish - or just to sip. Who know, it might even hold up to beef. Consumers give it 4+ stars. A decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $15.99. Distributor notes Tarima Mediterráneo is a white wine made with the Merseguera and Moscatell varieties in the Volver winery in the D.O. Alicante, in Valencia (Spain). Part of the Jorge Ordóñez winemaking group, the Volver winery was founded in 2004 by winemaker Rafael Cañizares. A project with an international outlook that champions traditional methods and makes wines in the Alicante, La Mancha and Jumilla Denominations of Origin, among others. Tarima Mediterráneo comes from 20 hectares of vines planted in calcareous soils that are very poor in organic matter. The vines are over 50 years old and traditionally cultivated to achieve very low yields. The harvest is carried out when the grapes reach optimum ripeness. In the winery, the Tarima Mediterráneo grapes are meticulously selected and destemmed. After a gentle pressing, the resulting must, which is very clean, ferments at a controlled temperature of 16ºC in stainless steel tanks. Once the wine is filtered and clarified, it is bottled ready for sale. Made with two leading varieties from the D.O. Alicante and with a strong maritime influence, Tarima Mediterráneo is a white wine that perfectly expresses the area’s Mediterranean character.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! A lovely, cool morning following a night of wild storms. Bindi’s bedtime walk was cut short by some intense lightning. Luckily we made it in before the torrential rain started. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. Bindi walks, chores and test driving some new car prospects. Plug-in hybrid SUVs are scarce around here. Hyundai doesn’t even sell its model in Florida. None of the dealers responded to my query as to why that is. 🤔 Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, I pray that your wonderful memories help ease your pain. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Hope you each find at least one reason to smile today. ************ L’Enclos Sauvignon Blanc 2018 This French table wine has lots of consumer fans and at least one critic gave it a superb rating. Widely available and it is priced to try. Online prices hover around $9.99. Wine Enthusiast 95 from a tiny vineyard of young, ungrafted vines, this wine is explosively rich and impressively textured. It brings so much intense minerality and texture from the flint soil to match the pure citrus and white fruits. Still young, it will be best from 2022.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Quite a marine layer this morning. The sun is just beginning to break through. The past few days have spoiled me. Vanessa, thank you for keeping track of all of us. I get a much needed manicure this morning, then Bindi walks, some yard work, HIIT and maybe some pool time. Bindi feels this way about rain… Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping you, your family & your entire support team in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Hope we all can find a reason to smile today - even if just for a moment. ************* LangeTwins 2012 Zinfandel This California Zinfandel is still available from many California distributors, so if it aged well it should still be enjoyable. Consumers and at least one critic give it very good - excellent ratings. Online prices start at $11.99. Wine Enthusiast 89 This wine has aromas of currants and strawberries and tastes fruity but dry, with supportive tannins and acidity that make it appetizing. Full bodied but not overpowering, it is very versatile with food.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Another exquisite morning here. Bindi & I really enjoyed this morning’s walk. Vanessa, thank you so meticulously keeping up with all of us. Bindi walks, gym, chores & definitely some yard work are in store for me today. This afternoon I am going with friends to see Haunting in Venice, hope it is a good movie. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, you, your family & your support team are in my prayers. Cheers to those who are celebrating! Have a wonderful day everyone! ************ La Danse du Château Paradis 2021 I used the 2021 vintage info, since that might be the easiest to find. Shiraz is the primary grape. Consumers and at least one critic believe it is an excellent choice. Widely available with online prices starting at $14.99. Wine Enthusiast - 92 This is a fine wine, ripe with red fruits and tangy acidity. It has depth and density, a juicy character and a tight texture at the end. The Syrah in the blend brings a perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.

Terry No words. Just hugs.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! This morning was spectacular after a night of amazing lightning off the coast. No thunder, just lightning. Even Bindi was curious. Vanessa, thank you for taking such good care of our lists. Gym, Bindi walks, chores, gathering my car papers, and going through my “must have” checklist for my next vehicle. If all goes well, I will head out Thursday to test drive a few. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Lou, you, Tana, your family & your support team are in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Have a wonderful day everyone! ********* 2020 Three Finger Jack rum barrel aged red blend This red blend is a treat. I have enjoyed wines aged in bourbon barrels before, but this is the first one I had that was aged in rum barrels. 3,000+ consumers give it an excellent rating; it is easy to find & priced to try. The smoothness really adds to the medium - full body aspect. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Online prices start at $11.98. wine.com tasting panel TP92 This blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Petite Sirah is a tremendously pleasurable experience. While a portion of the wellstructured, dark-fruited red is aged traditionally in French and American oak, a unique approach is taken with the remainder: aging in rum barrels. Butterscotch, molasses, baking spices, and sandalwood are well defined on the nose, and on the palate, the character derived from the rum barrels is unmasked to reveal flavors of Luxardo cherry, graham cracker, and devil’s food cake

@richwmn please check your wine du jour programming. It seems to be stuck on September 15th. Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! A lovely morning. Venus & Jupiter still bright in the early morning sky. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, a bit of cleanup from last night’s festivities & pool time. That should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping you, Lou & your entire support team in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @rafinmd Roy - go on that cruise! Have a wonderful day everyone! *********** DeLoach California Heritage Reserve Chardonnay 2018 I used the 2018 vintage info since it was the last one for which I could find a critic’s review. Readily available and all prices hover around $10.00. Winemaker Notes Nicely integrated notes of orange blossom and creamy honeydew melon. Tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya and mango. This wine is delightfully balanced with bright acidity and a long finish that makes it the perfect complement to a wide variety of cuisines. WW90 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com The 2018 De Loach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay may seem to drink too easy, yet this wine has what it take to be a complete winner. TASTING NOTES: This wine deftly combines ripe peach and savory spices. Enjoy it with Thai Basil Chicken with a few hot chiles.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich. Very humid & cloudy this morning, though I can see the marine layer starting to break up. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Bindi walks, more prep for this evening’s festivities & chores will fill my morning. Then my friends pick me up for the afternoon wine tasting & afterwards we all come back to my place to continue the fun. Prayers for all who need our support, @smitty34877, Terry praying for Lou, you, your entire family and support team. @CrabbyPatti Denise, praying that your pain is eased by wonderful memories. @kazu Jacqui, hope all is well with you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Have a wonderful day everyone! ********** Not sure whether you were testing me to see if I was paying attention or if your R & D program has a glitch @richwmn, but Rich your wine du jour also appeared yesterday. The list you sent to me had a different wine, so I used it. 2020 King Estate Sauvignon Blanc Interesting how varied the critics’ reviews are. But white wine lovers you definitely want to taste this one. This Oregon SB is fresh and fruity, but has more body than many Sauvignon Blancs. And King Estate wines have never failed to please. A favorite of consumers and readily available with online prices starting at $18.99. Winemaker Notes In the glass the wine is the delicate color of pale straw. The nose hints at the classic Sauvignon Blanc flavors to follow: white peach, gooseberry, melon, guava, wildflowers, and damp slate. Fruit forward and crisp, this rich and mineral-driven wine exhibits balanced acidity with a satisfyingly long finish. Blend: 91% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Semillon WW92 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com The 2020 King Estate Sauvignon Blanc shows the excellent typicity of the grape variety. This wine delivers aromas and flavors of dried leaves, appealing earth, and fresh herbs. Serve it with seafood chowder. WE92 Wine Enthusiast This nicely combines ripe citrus and apple with zesty lime, a hint of grapefruit and penetrating acidity. It’s full-bodied and fleshy, with a lengthy spice-driven finish. Editors’ Choice. JS91 James Suckling Aromas of white peach, grapefruit and fresh mint. Medium-bodied with mineral character. Wet stones and fresh flowers mix with a solid core of stone fruit.

Denise I am so sorry. Doubly hard for you as your Dad’s daughter and caretaker. I hope wonderful memories will help ease your pain. Ann

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Bindi and I had a lovely walk this morning. Lots of wildlife encounters - mostly deer, but a fox and a possum, too. @ger_77 Gerry, praying that all goes well for Maurice today. Vanessa thank you for sharing all our happenings. Gym, Bindi walks, chores and some prep for tomorrow evening. I am having a group back to my place after our local wine bar’s tasting. This month they are highlighting Northern Italian wines. Yesterday’s ice cream celebration was a hit. The portions are a bit smaller, but that is probably for the better. The ice cream is still scrumptious. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, so glad Lou is home. Today is your day & the host of other Dailyites who are caregivers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Have a wonderful day everyone! ********** Henschke - Henry's Seven Barossa Gsm Blend 2021 This Australian GSM has lots of consumer & critic fans who give it an excellent rating. The blend is a bit different from the other GSMs I have enjoyed, but it sounds lovely. A decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $41.55. Winemaker Notes Deep garnet with violet hues. A striking bouquet of ripe plum, raspberry, blueberry and notes of blackberry intertwine with savory notes of cracked black pepper, flowering herbs, fresh tarragon and bay leaf. Dark plum, berry compote, rhubarb and raspberry flavors lead to a peppery mid-palate of vibrant red berry acidity and fine-grained tannins, finishing with lingering flavors of mulberry and black pepper. Blend: 72% Shiraz, 13% Grenache, 12% Mataro, 3% Viognier JS95 James Suckling Aromas of black fruit and green tobacco with bark and wet-earth undertones, following through to a medium to full body, creamy tannins and a juicy, savory finish. Intense and balanced. RP90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2021 Henry's Seven has a purity to the expression of blackberry fruit in the mouth—it is vibrant and luminescent and succulent. There are notes of tobacco leaf, raspberry leaf tea, bramble, aniseed and a crack of pink peppercorns. The fruit doesn't persist as I hoped it would through the finish, but the flavors are so lovely it hardly matters.

Bon Voyage, Bruce.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! A lot of humidity in our early morning air. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists! I really appreciate the effort you put in to them. Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and if weather permits - celebrating a friend’s entry in to a new decade at our favorite beach front ice cream place. I foresee some salted caramel in my future. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Especially Lou, Terry, Tana, & the entire family & Baby Murphy and her family. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Roy, glad you are feeling better. Kudos to the law enforcement team who caught the escapee. Have a wonderful day everyone! ************ 2021 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Blanc A lovely dry white wine that closely resembles a Pinot Gris. Consumers and critics appreciate its medium body. It is easy to find with online prices starting at $17.69. Winemaker Notes Pear, tangerine and ginger on the nose lead to a juicy, rounded palate of honeydew melon, green apple, Cara Cara orange and a river rock freshness. RP92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2021 Pinot Blanc is bursting with aromas of white peach, quince, honeycomb and flint with spicy undertones. The palate's broad, savory mouthfeel is countered by mouthwatering freshness, and it has a long, textural finish. TP92 Wine.com Tasting Panel Fruit from estate hillside vineyards was whole cluster- pressed and cold-fermented in small stainless-steel tanks to produce this wine. The freshness is apparent, starting with a complex, voluptuous nose of green apple and fresh- squeezed orange. Racy acidity melds with hints of cashew, green tea, and pineapple. WS90 Wine Spectator Sleek and vibrant, with kiwi, melon and nectarine flavors that unfold on the lively finish.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! Bindi decided that she did not want a pre-breakfast walk this morning. I suspect she doesn’t enjoy starting out in the dark now. She used to love it, but her age is beginning to show. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Just Bindi walks, chores, HIIT, and maybe some pool time. We had more T-storms last night - not as wild but a bit more rain. I have been lucky to sneak some pool time in before the evening storms of the last two nights. Prayers for all who need our support. Especially Lou and Baby Murphy. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Have a wonderful day everyone! ************ Graham Beck 2009 Brut Rosé This sparkling rosé from South Africa has lots of consumer fans. Both critics & consumers rate it very good - excellent. Online distributor prices start at $17.99. Winemaker Notes A pale silver-pink in color with aromas of raspberries, cherries and a few secondary whiffs of minerality. Fine in the mouth, with subtle red berry flavors enlivened by bright acids. Brisk on the palate, showing hints of oyster shell and fresh lavender. Flirtatious and fun, yet elegant and structured, it's perfect for all seasons and settings. D90 Decanter This méthode cap classique (South African fizz made in the same way as Champagne) from SA stalwart Graham Beck has a lovely creamy red fruit and apple character, with a rich mousse and brioche finish. It has a vibrant raspberry acidity and a long finish. Great value.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich. A lovely early morning after a night of wild lightning & thunder with a touch of rain. An early dermatologist appointment, then gym,Bindi walks, chores and pool time. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry happy to read your neighbors are helping. I wish I could ease your burden. Hopefully Lou will be home soon. Roy, hope you get a bit better every day. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Hole you all have a great day! ************ 2021 Brother Miller Thankfulness Red wine This vintage of this red blend is only available through the Naked wine club. But other vintages may be available elsewhere. Consumers give this wine a very good review. Reasonably priced at $14.59. Distributor notes This unique blend of Pinot Noir and Barbera is flush with bright, juicy and feastworthy flavors like cherries, cranberries, fresh garden herbs and a sprinkle of spice. 5th-generation winemakers Nicholas and Marshall harvested grapes from the Paso Robles Highlands – where their family owns 2 of the most famous vineyards in California – to make a wine you’ll be thankful for all year long. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving – and anytime in between. Drink now or in 1-3 years. Food match It pairs with Thanksgiving turkey and other poultry dishes - even chicken tacos! - and is a perfect aperitif.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! The events of September 11th remain so vividly embedded in my mind and heart. Prayers for the victims, the first responders and all their families. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists. It is a bit more humid this morning. And Bindi decided she did not want to go for a walk, so she quickly took care of business and took us back into the house. Just gym, Bindi walks, chores & maybe some pool time. I made it into the pool for a quick dip last night, before the T-storms moved in. Prayers for all who need our support: especially Lou, Baby Murphy and their families. Hope you are feeling better Lou. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Granite Hill Cellars Pinot Grigio Widely available at very reasonable prices make this wine from Lodi easy to try. Consumers say it is good. And we all know that at this price if we don’t like it, we can use it to cook with. Online prices start at $10.99. Winemaker notes EXOTIC FLORAL AROMAS THAT STREAM INTO SOME SUBTLE GREEN APPLE AND CITRUS WITH A LIGHT SPICINESS. THE FINISH IS SMOOTH AND LASTING WITH SOME ENDING NOTES OF WHITE PEACHES. DELICIOUS AS AN APERITIF OR WHEN SERVED WITH MILD CHEESES, LIGHT FISH DISHES, SUCH AS SOLE, COD AND SHRIMP. CHICKEN MARSALA OR A SIMPLE BBQ WORKS WELL WITH THIS. VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY, SO ANY FRESH GREEN SALADS, BAKED POTATOES OR LIGHT SOUPS WORK VERY WELL.

@marshhawk Annie do you have a direct flight from the States in to Rome? If not, you will clear customs at the first stop in the EU. I have never flown directly in to Rome. I remember leaving from Rome was a pain, mostly because it was so unorganized. But that was 2006. Hope it has improved.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! The Universe was displaying its splendor this morning during Bindi & my pre-dawn walk. Venus is just so bright in the Eastern sky! Vanessa thank you for keeping up with us. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores & pool time - if I am lucky. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping Lou, you, Tana and your entire family in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ********** 2019 A to Z Pinot Gris A lovely, sippable wine for a hot summer day. A decent body and the critic is right about pear being the predominant flavor - really enjoyable. Widely available, with prices starting at $17.69. Note: the 2020 vintage shares similar excellent reviews, but the 2021 & 2022 do not. Perhaps they need to age a bit more. Winemaker Notes The A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris is refreshing and lithe on the palate. Aromas of Meyer lemon, lemon verbena, tangerine, apricot, peach, apple, pear, quince, melon and honeysuckle add a hint of sweetness to the air around it. The weight is impeccable with perfect balance and integration hitting all points of the palate. Incredibly versatile at the dinner table with flavors of golden apple, roasted coconut, citrus and pineapple appealing to the last splash in the glass. WE90 Wine Enthusiast This fruitpowered, gulpable wine is loaded with a pear flavor. The midpalate fills out further with yellow apple fruit, and the lightly creamy finish satisfies. It’s a fine everyday white wine. Editors’ Choice.

Terry, no words that can help make things better. Just hugs and prayers. Ann

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! It is another exquisite morning - 68 & dry! We had some wild T-storms yesterday afternoon. It got so dark, I had to turn a light on to eat my lunch. @cunnorl Charlene, hope all is well with you. My local weather guru talked about 60 mph winds & large damaging hail near you. Vanessa, thank you for sharing what is going on with each of us. Just Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and dinner at a friend’s for me today. Prayers for all who need our support. @Smitty34877 Terry, keeping Lou, Tana and your entire family & support team in my prayers. @rafinmd Roy, praying that your care is mild and you are back to normal quickly. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @marshhawk & @catmando Annie & Chuck Happy Anniversary! Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Borgo Magredo Prosecco Extra Dry Prosecco is fun on its own, or added to a mixed drink to lighten it up. This Prosecco sounds lovely more than 6,000 consumers give it a very good - excellent rating. Widely available with online prices starting at $9.99. Distributor notes Prosecco is Italy’s most popular sparkling wine: light, refreshingly effervescent and well-priced. What’s not to like? Borgo Magredo Prosecco is made with 100% estate-owned glera grapes sourced from within the DOC area. Unlike champagne that acquires its effervescence through costly fermentation in bottle, Prosecco is made in pressurized tanks: this process not only allows to keep costs down but also helps keeping flavors fresh and lively, creamy and balanced with a delicate combination of acidity and fruit. Prosecco styles vary based on the amount of residual sugar and can range from brut (dry) to extra dry (which counter-intuitively means a little bit sweet). While this is by no means a sweet wine, that light touch of sweetness makes Borgo Magredo Prosecco Extra Dry especially pleasant to the taste, initially cool and soft on the palate with fine bubbles, then giving way to fruity traces of peach and pear flowers. While delicious on its own as an aperitif, Prosecco can also be served throughout the meal especially with seafood and shellfish, light salads, tempura and sushi. Blended with fruit puree it is the ideal base for delicious bellinis. Borgo Magredo Prosecco also comes in convenient 187ml bottles that are perfect for single servings or for pic-nics. Enjoy!

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich. Another lovely start to the day here. It is so pleasant to walk in the early morning hours. Vanessa, thank you for taking care of our lists! But I think you can take my “road trip” off the celebration list. It was only to the next town to hunt for their glass recycling drop box. 😎 Gym, Bindi walks, chores, more car shopping, then pool time - weather permitting. Much needed rain is predicted for this afternoon, but we all know how that goes. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877, Terry praying that Lou is doing better. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Crazy For Cats, Jake great news about Mom! Get well & stay well everyone! ************ Kudos Pinot Noir Willamette I used the 2020 vintage info, since that might be the easiest to find. Good to excellent consumer ratings and very good - excellent critic reviews, this Oregon PN is one I would like to try. I admit to not leaning towards PN rich in cherry flavors, but sometimes I am pleasantly surprised. Available from a decent number of distributors with prices starting at $18.99. Distributor Notes The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of a number of different vineyard sites from numerous AVAs. It consists of Dundee Hills, McMinnville, Chehalem Mts. and Willamette Valley fruit coming off more than seven different vineyard sites. All of which bring their own elements from the dirt they come from. Some bring richness and depth, others minerality and tannin structure. Red, blue and black fruit all blend together, a lengthy tinkering process spanning weeks to find the right combination of flavors that balance and mesh seamlessly into one converging blend. 91 Points | James Suckling Oregon Wine Report “Some florals and gently reductive aromas here that open up with some air in the glass. The red cherry-fruited palate really delivers attractive, typically pinot, cherry flavor in fleshy style. Drink now.”

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! The humidity is creeping back into our area, but we all knew the dry heat would not last. Hoping the heat advisory weather doesn’t return. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. I know I miss so much, but catch up - thanks to you! @StLouisCruisers Sandi & Dennis a belated Happy Anniversary! Here’s to many more! Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and more car shopping. Pool time - if I am lucky. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877, Terry, praying that Lou’s medical team finds the right path to a quick and permanent recovery. @Crazy For Cats Jake, happy to read that your Mom is doing well & her medical team identified the cause of her fall. Praying the pacemaker solves the problem. Get well & stay well everyone! ******** 2017 The Stump Jump GSM I have enjoyed this Australian GSM (red blend) at my local wine bar. Consumers love it and critics give it a very good - excellent review. It is fruity, but not sweet, with a medium body and a bit of spice in the finish. I am don’t remember identifying the cinnamon taste that the critic did, but I know it was pleasant. Available from a decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $10.99. Winemaker Notes This wine screams value. A rich ruby red appearance with a fragrant nose of raspberry, a hint of dark cherry and spice. Silky texture on the palate, but with a juicy fruit core that shows plum, red berries, and a savory finish. There are lovely soft tannins and some slight acidity. The fruit weight and silkyness means this wine can be enjoyed now, but it will keep developing over time. Blend: 46% Grenache, 42% Shiraz, 12% Mourvedre WE91 Wine Enthusiast Ripe, fleshy blueberries and raspberries drive this red blend without too much oak getting in the way. There's an underbelly of flowers, cinnamon and peppery spice. The tannins are typically muscular, while the fruit is juicy, silky and fresh. Best Buys

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! It was a gorgeous 67 degrees this morning, when Bindi & I went out. Venus in the East & Jupiter almost directly above were bright in the sky - though Venus was showing off a bit more bling. Yesterday was another lovely day, so selfish me would like more of the same today. Vanessa thank you for being so diligent in keeping up with all of us. I need to get out in the yard while the weather is great. Bindi can come with me, though she does not help - at all! Tonight I am going out to dinner with friends and then I need to pick up the wine I ordered from my local wine bar at last month’s wine tasting. We might just need to enjoy a glass of wine while there. Prayers for all who need our support. @Crazy For Cats Jake, I am praying that your Mom improves and soon returns home. Difficult in the best circumstances, doubly so when you are not there. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @RMLincoln Bon Voyage, Maureen! Get well & stay well, please! *********** 2020 King Stag Pinot Noir I have tried this PN and though tasty, it is a bit too light for me. But it would be perfect for one of our intense heat advisory days, when you really want a red. Oddly enough the most informative distributor is in Australia, but you can pick up this wine at your local Publix. Online prices start at $18.79. Distributor notes A wonderful example of modern Californian Pinot Noir - soft, gentle and easy-going, with no trace of harsh tannins or alcohol burn... as many richer Californian styles can exhibit. This is all red fruit and silk, with just a hint of oak guiding things along. Look out for strawberry and plum and a generous texture. Great stuff. California is relegated to third largest state in terms of size by Texas and Alaska, but reigns supreme when it comes to wine production! Not only do they produce more than 90% of all wine made in the USA but they produce more than 30% more than all of Australia put together! This wine comes from the oversight of parent company Winery Exchange, created in 1999 with the sole purpose of finding great vineyards and turning them into modern, approachable wines that people around the world will love. Their portfolio of wines includes the King Stag label - classic Californian wines that balance fruit and elegance - but also has labels such as Foodies, FJ Serra and Arrow Creek. Winemaking is overseen by Juan Cerna, a native Californian with roots in the Salinas Valley. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology he found his passion for winemaking while working at various wineries across California, and is now seen as something of an expert in central Californian vineyards. PRIMARY FLAVORS CHERRY PLUM RASPBERRY FRESH SAGE HYACINTH VANILLA BEAN