cat shepard

Thank you so much for sharing your experience in such detail. I have shared it with my roll call members.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Another lovely morning here. I got some early weeding done, while Bindi figured out whether or not she needed to go out. The sun was just coming up, so the temp was perfect. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites! Need to get out now and get a bit more yard work done before it heats up. Then I will have earned my coffee! Heading to my “traveling Sister’s” place tonight to go over the latest changes to our trip & to get her VeriFLY account set up. We will earn our wine tonight. I can not believe I did not know this already…. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** Domaine de la Janasse 2019 Chaupin Grenache (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) This wine sounds delightful. Though outside of my normal budget, it is a very reasonably priced Châteauneuf-du-Pape, so perhaps for a special occasion. An event like testing negative, or successfully completing ArriveCAN or VeriFLY! 😎Available from several online distributors with prices starting at $69.00. Winemaker Notes A beautiful bottle, archetype of the appellation, which expresses the quintessence of Grenache in its cradle of Châteauneuf du Pape. Between notes of black fruit and violets, this vintage advances in time with suppleness, with already melted tannins. JD98 Jeb Dunnuck I was able to taste the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin on two occasions, rating it one point higher on one of those as well. Incredible notes of red and black fruits, violets, scorched earth, ground pepper, and Provençal garrigue notes define the nose, and it’s a darker, richer, slightly more powerful wine than usual, while still showing the inherent elegance and finesse this cuvée always shows. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15-20. Don’t miss it! Rating : 98+ WE98 Wine Enthusiast This Grenache is sourced from the sandy soils of two prized vineyards, La Janasse and La Crau. Redolent of rose petals, smoky tea leaves and black cherry, the deeply penetrating wine pulsates through a long, long finish. Matured 12 months in large-format wood, it’s pure in fruit and satiny on the palate. Stunning young, the wine should gain complexity through at least 2040 and hold much further still. Editors’ Choice D95 Decanter Amazing aerial freshness to the aromas - somehow both full-bodied but weightless with a perfect balance. This is silky smooth, a very elegant wine with a touch of blackcurrant to the raspberry fruits. The alcohol is warming on the finish however. Parcels of Grenache planted on lieux-dits Chapouin, La Janasse and La Crau, the oldest planted in 1912.

If your windbreaker is also waterproof, and your hoodie is fleece or wool - you should be fine - if you can tighten the hoods so they do not blow off. otherwise you might want something to keep your ears warm. Gloves & scarf might be useful.

When I was there last year the site where the lava was currently flowing was at least 45 minutes from the parking area - one way. And it was flowing underground, so you could not see it. And that site was much closer to the parking area than the original eruption site, so depending on where it is currently erupting - it could be a moderate to strenuous hike.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich. Another lovely start to the day. Yesterday’s breezes were amazing & really helped make the humidity bearable. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites. Safe travels @StLouisCruisersSandi enjoy your visit! Just one class at the gym for me today. Then I want to try loading my vaccination records into VeriFLY. I had loaded the trip into it in June, but the vaccination record “button” has been grayed out. Someone on CC was helping another member and said we have to be within 30 days of the trip to do that & suggested they remove and then reload the trip. So I am going to try that today. This is how I feel this week… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** Maison Evenstad 2018 Robardelle Premier Cru This superb Burgundy Pinot Noir is very elusive & pricey. I found two online distributors with prices starting at $125.00. I would love a taste though. Distributor notes Proprietors of world-renowned vineyards and wineries in Oregon and Burgundy, Ken and Grace Evenstad crafted Maison Evenstad to offer collectible and extremely limited wines that showcase the rich and diverse terroir found only in Burgundy. This small Premier Cru vineyard is in the southern part of the Volnay appellation and features rich soils with high limestone content and alluvial sediment. This acclaimed vineyard produces ethereal and high-toned wines, composed of bright red fruit and floral aromatics. An expressive wine with a deep, dark profile, this wine has a beautiful minerality on the nose filled with raspberry leaf and dark fruit. On the palate, black cherry, lavender, and subtle notes of herbs de Provence are balanced with a rich tannin profile reminiscent of the Burgundian rock soil. 95 Points International Wine Report & Wine Enthusiast.

Sorry for the split post, but I got distracted & submitted my first reply before getting the wine du jour info & and I would not have been able to get it in time before the editing option timed out. Today’s wine Montes 2018 Alpha M Red (Apalta) Chile has superb - excellent reviews from consumers and critics. Definitely a bold wine. I would love a taste. It is a bit pricey. Available from a number of online distributors with prices starting at $89.90. Winemaker Notes The nose is perfumed and complex with outstanding aromas of ripe red and black fruits over subtle notes of crème de cassis, tobacco, and leather. Spice aromas of red and black pepper mingle with cinnamon and dark chocolate notes. In palate is smooth but structured, with silky tannins. Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot Ideal pairings include red meat, lamb, or cheeses. JS96 James Suckling Black fruit, dried herbs, spices and earthy undertones. Hints of bark and cedar, too. Full body with firm tannins that are fleshy in texture and provide excellent structure. Layered with a fruity core. Savory and succulent finish. This needs time to come together and mellow a bit, but very serious. D96 Decanter With the 1996 vintage of Montes Alpha M, Aurelio Montes jolted the high-end Chilean wine scene into life. 2018 was another superb year for this Cabernet Sauvignon, which is topped off with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot to achieve a sophisticated expression of blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant, graphite and oak alongside good structure, fine, juicy tannins and a finish of blackcurrant jam. WS95 Wine Spectator Refined and powerful, with juicy richness to the raspberry tart, red plum and red currant flavors that are backed by vibrant acidity and tannins. The creamy finish is fine-textured, lingering with mineral and spice. WE93 Wine Enthusiast Can't miss Chilean aromas of herbal black fruits and juniper are backed by cedary oak, a hint of eucalyptus, tobacco and earthy warmth. Dry tannins dominate a gravelly palate that needs more time to soften. Flavors of charred oak, chocolate and herbal berry fruits see dryness prevail on a long and potent finish. Drink 2023–2035.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Another glorious morning here! No storms last night, but someone captured one of the lightning bolts from Tuesday night’s storm. Glad I wasn’t there! Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites! Heading out to get some yardwork done before it gets too hot. Then more stuff to get ready for the trip. I do not have a tub @ger_77, but Gerry, I have three baskets of travel “stuff”. Need to go through them and start seeing what needs refilling or replacing. And perhaps getting Bindi’s bag ready. Today’s meme is a bit more subtle… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! I will have to post the wine du jour in a separate post.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! It was actually cool here this morning after another night of wild storms. This time I heard the thunder and we even had about 5 minutes of light rain. But Bindi and I had an extra long walk this morning. Thank you for keeping our lists Roy! Morning Dailyites! @smitty34877, Terry glad to hear you are all feeling a bit better - even Tana & DH. Praying you all feel 100% soon. Perhaps this is what Tana needs to combat the after effects of her first bout. For all you DIY folk…. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ************* Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2019 Eroica Riesling This Riesling was awarded the 2021 Sommelier “Wine of the Year” award! Has quite a few excellent ratings from crisis and has a surprisingly reasonable price! Definitely one I would love to sip. Several online distributors with prices starting at $16.45. Winemaker Notes #42 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2021 Eroica Riesling showcases the elegant purity of truly great Riesling. Sourced from cool climate vineyards, Eroica shows exuberant freshness with inviting stone fruit, citrus, and floral notes. Drink now to experience youthful charm or age this wine for added complexity. A good match for Asian dishes, Indian curries, crab, and scallops. Critical Acclaim W&S92 Wine & Spirits The flagship wine from this joint partnership is almost idealized as a Washington riesling, a wine that’s always about sunniness. The 2019 smells of citrus with talc-like, tangy lemon-lime scents that carry through the wine with a breezy elegance, the flavors kinetic in their lightness and energy, the finish tangy and bright, for oven-roasted turbot. WE92 Wine Enthusiast The aromas are reserved, with notes of lime, flower, wet slate and herb. The dried Nestea lemon iced tea flavors are center focused initially, broadening over time. It's a touch off-dry, barely perceptible given the big blast of acidity behind it. Pair it with lemongrass curried chicken. Cellar Selection JD91 Jeb Dunnuck The 2019 Riesling Eroica is outstanding, and certainly up with the finest examples of the variety coming out of the United States today. Classic notes of green citrus, lychee, petrol, and crushed rocks define the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, with a racy spine of acidity, plenty of balancing sweetness, and a crisp finish. WS91 Wine Spectator This fresh and lovely Riesling is crisp yet supple, with notes of orange blossom, petrol and floral peach that linger on the long finish.

Bon voyage & enjoy yourselves!

Tina, thank you for joining the Food & Beverage department! You added your own twist which made it special!

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! A spectacular sunrise greeted me this morning, after last night’s wild T-storm to the West of me. This huge black cloud hung under the thumbnail moon and spewed lightning. Both sheets and bolts. But I did not hear any thunder. It was amazing. Thank you for keeping our lists Roy. Morning Dailyites. @smitty34877 Terry, praying that you all feel better soon. Off early to the gym, then this evening I am helping my “traveling Sister” load ArriveCAN on her phone & open her account. That way we will be ready when it is time to load the health info. Just the mention of technology stresses her out. So I am sure we will have a glass or two of wine. Perhaps they could get.a job on a BHB….. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******* Broadbent NV White (Vinho Verde) Portugal Fruity, but with a crisp citrus zing. Very good ratings from critics & consumers. A decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $8.95! Winemaker Notes Bartholomew Broadbent’s deep roots in Portugal inspired him to create his own range of table wines. His vision was to produce the most reliable and traditional of all Vinho Verdes and to resolve the usual whine that Vinho Verde never tastes like it tastes in Portugal. The solution was twofold: to partner with a winery that had consistent production, and to ship the wines in refrigerated containers. The latter enable the wine to taste as fresh and spritzy as it would ever taste in Portugal, and since its launch in 2005, Broadbent Vinho Verde has rapidly earned the reputation as one of the finest Vinho Verdes. The most popular white wine from Portugal, is a deliciously refressing, light wine. "Verde", meaning "Green" refers to the hints of lime color. It is an ideal warm weather wine, excellent for lunch and picnics, or an evening apertif. It makes a brilliant pairing with any fish, shellfish and poultry. Blend: 50% Loureiro, 40% Trajadura, 10% Pedernã

Pauline, how wonderful to “see” you! It is lovely to have you officially join the group! But Graham has allowed us all to get to know you!

Thanks Sharon, I have a rescheduled Alaska cruise tour, that I am reluctant to mention. I do not want to jinx myself. There have been so many changes it is exhausting going through the website bookmarks and archived emails to see which ones are still relevant & delete the rest. But we are just under four weeks away, and I am starting to believe this will really happen. I haven’t been to Alaska since 1995, so I might not recognize many places.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Another gorgeous morning here. A very handsome buck is enjoying an early morning rest in my back yard. Bindi is being a bit lazy this morning, no interest in an early morning walk. Of course we did have a late bedtime walk yesterday. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites! @smitty34877 Terry, I am so sorry to read that COVID has hit you! Prayers for all of you, especially Tana & DH. @kazuJacqui, I think Shadow’s prayer has been answered. A local animal advocate shared this yesterday. Who knows what was in Shadow’s past? A helpful tip for those of you working from home… Chores, gym, weeding through bookmarks for websites & emails related to an upcoming trip - postponed for a year. I can not believe how much info I have accumulated. Anyone interested in covering the “wine du jour” from August 28th - September 17th? I can provide you with an advanced copy of the list to help. I expect to have some internet access on the trip, but based on blogs I followed, there will be quite a few days with little or no internet access. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********** Francesco Cirelli 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo This wine sounds lovely. Not widely reviewed and a bit elusive, I would love to try it, if I could find it. I found a few online distributors with prices starting at $20.64. 93 Wine Enthusiast Freshly pressed blackberries, cherries and cranberries take on earthy elements of crushed herbs and gravel in this amphora-aged Montepulciano. There's a polished, supple feel to the berry fruit on the medium-bodied palate, with streaks of crushed mineral and earthy spice lending depth. The finish lingers long on a bright cherry-skin note.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! It was cool here this morning. Just delightful! Lots of deer grazing this morning. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites! Off early to the gym, then Aldi, family visits & pool time. My Sister loved this one…. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! *********** Avalanche 2019 Fendant (Valais) Our first Swiss wine and a varietal that I’ve not encountered before. It has an excellent rating from the Wine Enthusiast folk. Would love to try it. A bit elusive, but I found one online distributor offering it for $21.99. Description From: Valais, Switzerland Varietal: Fendant AVALANCHE WINES BY OLIVIER ROTEN A Swiss Wine Project How does a love story begin? Perhaps with a meal and a glass of wine... and the discovery that Switzerland, known for its incredibly beautiful yet sometimes treacherous mountain terrain, is also the home of vineyard lands that, for centuries, have produced wines that evoke the country’s unique culture and terroir. Our Avalanche wines feature several indigenous grape varietals grown in the high-elevation mountain valleys of the Valais region. They have been carefully chosen to showcase what the best Swiss winemakers have known for generations—that Switzerland produces some of the greatest wines (both red & white) in the world, which the rest of the world has not yet discovered. Just like the mountain peaks and valleys, there is much about Switzerland and its’ history, terrain, terroir and tradition still left to discover. What you discover will surprise and possibly even overwhelm you. Grapes are whole cluster pressed and thereafter the wine goes through fermentation in concrete tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation and is then aged for one year in concrete tanks before bottling. 92 Wine Enthusiast This wine is straw colored, with aromas of orange blossom, jasmine, lemon-lime zest and roasted yellow pepper, with whiffs of petrol and tomato leaf. Bright on entry and in the mouth, it is well balanced, with flavors of orange pith, mango, yellow cherry and fresh oregano. The finish is pleasantly acidic and persistent.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Just gorgeous here this morning. Bindi and I had a long walk to start the day. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites! @kazu Jacqui loved Shadow’s debut video. A joy to watch her being a dog! One of the great questions of life…… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Ottella 2020 Le Creete (Lugana) Another white I would love to taste. Available from several online distributors with prices starting at $17.99. Distributor notes This aromatic, lemon-kissed white is unforgettable. It earned a staggering 95 points from Decanter AND a spot in Wine Enthusiast’s Enthusiast 100. Add in the 4.33-star average that Le Creete has earned from Wine Access members, and you’ve got one of the most exceptional white-wine deals going. Wine Access Tasting Note The wine presents a platinum-green and copper-tinged color in the glass. The aromas transport the senses to a tropical paradise, with notes of mandarin peel, herbs, and spice, plus a hint of honeysuckle. The mouthfeel is full and waxy, with layers of limestone-mineral and spice leading into a long, lingering finish. Drink now–2024. Critic Review 95 pts Decanter Francesco Montresor left a legal profession to take over the family estate, which he converted from mixed agriculture to viticulture. The property, one of the oldest in Lugana, has 95ha in various plots in the Veronese part of the DOC, including vineyards directly overlooking Lake Garda. Creete is a toothsome late-picked, single-vineyard selection with a hint of tropical fruits and candied peel on the nose then a rich palate sustained by succulent acidity and a long, dry finish.

Thank you! I have a Costco card & in about two years will have a Costco near me to use it in. Right now the closest one is 90 minutes away. But I will tuck that wine’s name away because oddly enough, my Aldi has expanded its wine offerings recently & they share some products with the Costco chain. 👀 I will be looking!

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! A lovely morning here. Off to the gym for a couple classes. Then Bindi walks, meal prep, and pool time. Thank for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites! The Sahara dust cloud has hit us and is making for very hazy conditions. Supposed to help keep T-storms & tropical storms away, though. @kazu Jacqui, I can not believe how much Shadow’s head & profile match that of the dogs shown in Egyptian hieroglyphics! What a pedigree. ❤️ I am not a fan of raisins, and now I understand why… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Meiomi Pinot Noir This is my favorite Pinot Noir. It has a bit more body than many others. Critics do not like it as much as I do. They give it very good ratings. I give it an excellent rating. One critic actually compared the taste of a freshly poured glass to the taste of one that had breathed awhile. He liked the freshly poured wine’s taste better because the fruitiness shined through before the tannins could diffuse it. Widely available with prices starting at $16.97. Winemaker Notes A rich garnet color, the wine reveals lifted fruit aromas of bright strawberry and jammy fruit, mocha, vanilla, and toasty oak. Expressive boysenberry, blackberry, dark cherry, juicy strawberry, and toasty mocha flavors lend complexity to the soft, plush palate. The well-integrated oak provides structure and depth seldom seen in Pinot Noir. ***************** AND now our first “twofer”. I was recently introduced to this amazing Pinot Noir at my local wine bar. I could not believe I finally found one that I enjoyed as much as Meiomi! Again it has more body than other PN, but it is delicious. And I even found that at least one critic agreed with me. Buena Vista Pinot Noir Available from numerous online distributors with prices starting at $19.99. Winemaker Notes The 2018 North Coast Pinot Noir opens with a bouquet of raspberry and strawberry aromas mixed with cocoa powder, clove and a touch of cardamon. Red fruit flavors continue through the palate with hints of cinnamon and cherry pie. Lower acidity balanced with bright flavors and a satisfying finish makes this an immediately enjoyable wine. WE91 Wine Enthusiast Quite complex and intricate in flavor, this full-bodied wine adds savory, herbaceous nuances to a broad and rich plum core. The texture is smooth and plush, giving an expansive mouthfeel and lingering finish

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Another lovely morning here. Yesterday we had more of those weird pop-up surprise T-storms, but they moved through very quickly. No idea what today will bring. Heading out to do a bit of yard work before the heat arrives. Thank you for taking care of our lists Roy! Morning Dailyites! If weather permits, my postponed pool party will take place this afternoon, but no gym today. @kazu Jacqui, I raise my coffee mug to toast the start of your & Shadow’s amazing life together ❤️! It appears that I am not the only one tired of all these polls…. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ************* Delas Frères 2019 Saint-Esprit White (Côtes du Rhône) Another very good - excellent rated white blend with a very reasonable price. A bit elusive, but I found a few online distributors with prices starting at $12.95. Winemaker Notes The color has a golden straw hue with green tinges. The main aromas are reminiscent of white flowers and yellow fruit, enhanced by touches of exotic and citrus fruit. On the palate, the wine is alert, seductively suave and fresh. Pair with grilled fish or waterfowl. It can also be enjoyed as an aperitif. WW91 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com COMMENTARY: The 2019 Delas Saint-Esprit Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc delivers flavors true to the Rhône Valley. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits pure aromas of dried earth and rustic spices. Pair it with a well-seasoned chicken stew. (Tasted: June 12, 2021, San Francisco, CA) WE90 Wine Enthusiast Whispers of cashew and crushed stone accent lemon and white-peach flavors in this dry, full-bodied blend of Grenache, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Viognier. Unoaked in style, it's a juicy, fruity white that finishes with a chalky mineral cling.

@superoma Happy Birthday! May your new year be filled with love, laughter, and great health!

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Another lovely morning. Yesterday turned into a weird weather day. We had surprise pop-up T-storms that made for an interesting late morning, early afternoon. I had an amazing lightning show on the drive back from my morning class, but it was sunny when I arrived home. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites! Just a morning gym class planned today. I need to start going through my travel toiletries to make sure I have enough of everything “hard to find”. Perhaps today would be a good day to start that project. My niece, the girls’ Mom, picked out this one. Again the girls did not get the joke, but the adults did. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Skouras 2019 George Skouras Moschofilero (Arcadia) All released vintages of this white wine share the same very good-excellent reviews. I would love to try a taste, since it sounds interesting. Available from several online distributors with prices starting at $13.99. Winemaker Notes The color is light white yellow. Opulent aromas –light and fresh– of white flowers and honeysuckle are revealed, rounded out with notes of citrus fruits and lime. Medium- to full-bodied, refreshing and vigorous acidity, with the aromas on the mouth following those of the nose. Elegant, balanced and with a long finish. RP89 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2019 Moscofilero (as Skouras spells it) comes in with four grams of residual sugar, 6.1 grams of total acidity and 12% alcohol. This is, of course, from a high-altitude area—the vines are 650 meters above sea level. Dimitris Skouras said that in 2019 the "summer was dry and relatively hot.... September was colder with a lot of sunshine, which helped the maturity of Moscofilero. Harvest started the 1st of October and was shortly paused because of a rain (4th of October). The general excellent conditions formed very healthy grapes producing high acid, more concentrated, more full-bodied Moscofileros. One of the very best vintages we have seen." This is now under the Arcadia appellation.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Another lovely morning here. Yesterday was just spectacular high temps, low humidity and a strong onshore breeze that made it almost cool in the shade. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy. Hope your check up went well. Morning Dailyites! Early gym class for me. Then an afternoon pool party with family. And to top off the day, a visit to our local wine bar with friends. The girls’ Father picked this one out. The girls did not get the joke, but I did. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Quinta do Vale Meão 2018 Red (Douro) Portugal This wine sounds amazing & I would love a taste. Every released vintage shares the same superb ratings. It comes with a hefty price, though. Several online distributors with prices starting at $79.95. Winemaker Notes Very concentrated in color. Deep and complex nose with lots of aromatic nuances, yet maintaining the balance between them. In the mouth it is vibrant, in a set of great elegance, showing an excellent integration of the wood, a surprisingly large variety of flavors, and a very long aftertaste. Blend: 50% Touriga Nacional, 45% Touriga Franca, 3% Tinta Barroca, 2% Tinta Roriz WE99 Wine Enthusiast This stellar wine comes from one of the grandest estates in the Douro, created in the 19th century by Dona Antónia Ferreira, whose family still owns it. For such a massive wine, it is surprisingly elegant. It is dense with tannins and black fruits but also sophisticated and certainly ageworthy. Drink from 2026. Cellar Selection. JS99 James Suckling Aromas of plum, mulberry, blueberry, oyster shell, olive, cedar, mocha and oregano. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, velvety and chewy tannins. Layered and so supple with a beautiful, transparent and polished core of blue fruit. Racy. Very fine and long. A blend of 50% touriga nacional, 45% touriga franca, 3% tinta barroca and 2% tinta roriz. Delicious already, but better from 2022. WS95 Wine Spectator A beautiful red that shows both finesse and power, layering glossy ripe cherry, raspberry reduction and orange peel notes with spice, anise and dried violet accents. Enticing, with mineral, Earl Grey tea, mocha and wild herb details echoing on the long finish. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz. Best from 2022 through 2035. RP92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2018 Tinto is a 50/45 blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, with dollops of Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca filling out the blend, all aged for 16 months in 50% new and 50% second use French oak. It comes in at 14.3% alcohol. Creamier and more sensual than the Meandro this issue, this mostly shows off its oak right now. That will get better as this ages and pulls in the wood. Even now, though, it drinks fairly well. The tannins are ripe, although this does show more power with extended aeration. It tastes great and retains the elegance for which this bottling is famed. It should age well and it should improve more. W&S91 Wine & Spirits The Olazabal family farms this Douro Superior quinta where vines fan out along a fault line of granite and schist. The riverside blocks produce a generous and bold wine, the 2018 virtually half and half tourigas nacional and franca, with small additions of tintas barroca and roriz. Briefly foot trod (with 10 percent of the stems), this ferments in small vats then ages in French oak barriques (60 percent new). The oak dominates the wine for now, surrounding blackberry, date and olive notes in mouth-coating wood tannins. There’s savory fruit detail underneath, needing bottle age to emerge.

I was not able to find any info about the availability of DIY laundry facilities on the Chalet’s website. I will be on land for 10 days prior to my cruise, and will need to do at least a small load. And sadly the word laundry does not come up in any of my searches. Perhaps there is a message there for me - that I should not waste time on laundry during my trip.🤔 Anyone know if there are washers and dryers available?

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Another lovely morning here. Gym, house cleaning, Bindi walks and pool time - that is today’s agenda. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites. Three cheers for Ren & the Tigers! It was brutally hot in the Orlando area this weekend, so their win is extra special. This is the last of the memes the girls picked out. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Chamisal “Stainless” Chardonnay I used the 2019 vintage for my info, since that seemed to be the most widely available and reviewed. Note the first word’s spelling correction, if you go hunting for this. I would love to sip this one. It is widely available and has very good - excellent reviews. Prices start at $14.99. Winemaker Notes The 2019 exudes aromas Lime zest, green apple, passionfruit and a light floral note. The palate showcases the ability of a chardonnay to be crisp but retain opulence without the influence of oak with a surprisingly round entry followed by long, linear acidity. The finish is clear with a hint of salinity. WE90 Wine Enthusiast Years ago, this stainless bottling was one of the first to establish the now common style. It offers aromas of poached pear and guava peel, then finds a tense structure on the palate where warmer tones of papaya, cherimoya, pineapple and honeysuckle combine.

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich! Another lovely morning here. Off early to the gym. Then some grocery shopping. I finished my yard work and 99% of my pool/deck is complete. So I may float in my pool later. 😎 Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites! A special good luck to REN & the Tigers! Hope the game is over before the worst of the heat. Cara, the six year old, loved this one the best. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! *********** Lieu Dit 2019 Cabernet Franc (Santa Ynez Valley) This Cabernet Franc has excellent - superb ratings and a reasonable price. I am not sure what “wet rocks” taste like, but I would love to taste this wine to find out. Several online distributors with prices starting at $29.99. Winemaker Notes Sourced from own rooted vines planted at the Happy Canyon Vineyard in the east side of the Santa Ynez Valey. The wine is fermented using native yeast. Once dry, we rack the juice and press off the whole cluster lots. The wine is transferred to neutral oak barrels for the winter. Once malo is complete we transfer to tank prior to bottling. WE95 Wine Enthusiast . It would be easy to mistake this herbally complex, texturally taut and tantalizingly fresh Cabernet Franc for a Loire Valley bottling, which is the inspiration. Aromas of just-ripe boysenberry, green tobacco and wet rocks lead into a tightly woven palate full of crunchy cranberry, chaparral shrubs and lingering carnation. Beware: Bottle empties easily. Editors’ Choice.