cat shepard

Some folk have no clue what their words sound like. Someone needs to invent a machine on which one can test what they plan to say.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! A cloudy start to the day. Another whopper storm to my South last night. The deer were active last night and are already up and foraging already. Happy sailing Roy! Yell if you want help with our lists. I hesitate to offer, because I would hate to miss something. Morning Dailyites. Early gym visit. Then Aldi. My gutter seam is going to be fixed today. Perfect timing for the start of our rainy season. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********** Domaine des Bosquets 2018 La Colline (Gigondas) Every released vintage of this lovely-sounding wine has superb ratings. And though it is outside of my budget, it is not as expensive as I thought it would. Several online distributors with prices starting at $69.95. Winemaker Notes A deep garnet color in appearance. A first fresh on the nose, then more ripe, on red fruits such as morello cherry and redcurrant and floral aromas. A stretched, airy palate with fine tannins. Infinite length. JD97 Jeb Dunnuck Coming from a tiny 1.5-hectare portion of clay and limestone soils and all old vine Grenache, the 2018 Gigondas La Colline is another gorgeous wine from this estate that strikes a balance between richness and elegance. More ruby-hued (these wines are never the deepest hued in Gigondas) and with a killer perfume of kirsch liqueur, framboise, herbes de Provence, chocolate, roasted herbs, and chalky minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a gorgeous, heady finish. This cuvée is almost always the more powerful and concentrated in the lineup, yet in 2018 it shows the more elegant, seamless style of the vintage beautifully. It’s going to benefit from a year or two of bottle age and drink fabulously well for a decade. WE96 Wine Enthusiast Salty, chalky mineral notes lend a cutting edge to sun-drenched black-cherry and plum flavors in this wine. Sourced from 50-year-old vines planted in a high-altitude vineyard abutting the Dentelles de Montmirail, it’s decadently rich and concentrated but scintillating and fresh. Still approaching peak, it should drink beautifully from 2022 and improve well through 2030. Cellar Selection. RP95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The exquisitely perfumed and intricately detailed 2018 Gigondas La Colline—100% Grenache from the highest part of the estate and limestone soils—is one of those wines I'd be happy to sit and smell all night. Revealing Campari-like spice complexity against a backdrop of cherries and raspberries, it's full-bodied yet never seems heavy or overdone, with a seductive, silky feel on the palate and a lingering, licorice-laced finish. WS94 Wine Spectator This shows a perfumy side, with silky-edged plum and black currant puree flavors swirling through with black tea and incense hints, ending with a long, focused and understated finish. A beguiling example of Gigondas.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! It is currently sprinkling after a very stormy evening and night. We need it badly, so even Bindi is not complaining. Roy, hope you have a wonderful cruise & see lots of wonderful sunrises & sunsets. Morning Dailyites. A couple early classes for me. I am trying a foam roller stretch class. I tried it before, but with a person who was not the best instructor. It is supposed to be superb for one’s muscles. My salsa verde & lime shredded pork needed to cook a bit longer than planned before shreddable, but so far so good. Hope it tastes as good as it smells. One of my first business trips from DC caught a dinner nearby at Olive Garden. None of us had ever eaten at one before. We were all chatting about the days events, when the waiter interrupted one of our group & said “Ma’am, you have to tell me when!” We all laugh about that trip to this day. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Ökonomierat Rebholz 2018 Hansjörg Rebholz R Chardonnay This biodynamic Chardonnay might be a bit hard to find outside of Germany, but there is at least one site that ships. Not sure what shipping costs would be, but they offer the wine for $321.81/case of 6. 97 Wine Enthusiasts Seductive notes of charred vanilla bean, smoke and caramel adorn this lavish yet smartly poised Chardonnay. Unctuously creamy but pertly balanced in acidity, it highlights pure, pristine red apple and lemon flavors as well as a dazzling mineral streak. It's drinking beautifully already but likely to improve through 2035 and hold further.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! Another lovely morning here. Lots of fawn meandering around. One seemed to listen to my neighbor and my chat this morning. Or perhaps it was fascinated by our two dogs sitting so still by our feet. Thank you for keeping our listsRoy! Safe travels to Bayonne & Bon Voyage! Morning Dailyites. Thank you all for helping me with the creosote aroma. I sure hope it is the natural one. My breakfast show is a doe feeding her fawn right outside my pool enclosure. That fawn’s tail is wagging so fast! Just a normal Friday for me, though I am going to cook the salsa verde/lime pork recipe from a few weeks ago. I won’t serve it until tomorrow, but need to tweak the recipe a bit and want to make sure I do it right. I will be serving this in egg white wraps. 🤞🏻 I do try never to ignore Bindi’s barks. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** J. Lohr 2020 Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc This sustainable SB sounds lovely. And it’s excellent ratings for the 2019 & 2020 vintages, and super reasonable prices - definitely one I want to try. Numerous local & online distributors- even my local Publix will deliver it. Prices starting at $10.78! Winemaker Notes The 2020 Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc is pale yellow in color and displays aromas of honeysuckle, sweet herbs, lime, and fig. These aromas are complemented on the palate by the bright flavors of grapefruit, kiwi, passionfruit, and lemongrass, with the rich texture and long finish provided by the acacia barrel. Serve as an aperitif with goat cheese, oysters, or sardines, or enjoy as an entrée with sushi, sashimi, or baked tilapia with Thai basil. TP92 Tasting Panel Showing off a Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing seal on its back label, this vivacious and delicious wine demonstrates J. Lohr’s commitment to the environment. Salted pear, pine nut, and honeysuckle are full of esprit, as are sprightly notes of lime, guava, and kiwi dotted with confectioner’s sugar. WE90 Wine Enthusiast This widely available Sauvignon Blanc delivers all that's needed for a crisp sip, starting with aromas of pear, peach, green pepper and grass. The palate amplifies the grass notes, leading to white pepper, crushed stone and apricot flavors.

Have your daughter or SIL call his Doctor and get a prescription for the antiviral. My nephew felt so much better shortly after starting it. I wish I had written down the name. Something like Paxlovid.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! Bindi chose a fairly long walk this glorious morning. And not only did we see fawns & doe, the two bucks that swaggered through our yard last evening, were peeking out from the side of my neighbor’s house. Their rack has just really started growing. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy. Morning Dailyites. I finally made it into my pool last evening. I am proud of myself. The temp was ONLY 83.6! @summer slopeDixie will understand me here! And for the first time since Iceland - I did not have to pull myself up the last step with two hands! Progress. Here is another excellent reason to adopt from your local shelter… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Bieler Family 2018 Born To Run Anyone know what creosote smells like? This wine has excellent reviewer and consumer ratings, and a very reasonable price. Numerous online & local distributors with prices starting at $11.99. Winemaker Notes A rich, soft California Cabernet Sauvignon blended with dark, brooding, and structured Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington State. A gorgeous blend that’s all its own and more complex than its parts. This Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% American: 50% from the Columbia Valley in Washington State, 50% from California. The Washington State vineyards are located on the edge of Red Mountain in Columbia Valley – this sund-renched climate provides both the structure and finesse of the Old World, with the succulent ripe flavors of the New World. The Washington State fruit was fermented whole berry, and natively, with the wine was on the skins for 35 days – this allowed the wine to develop impressive density and a chewy structure. California vineyards are older vines on the west side of Lodi on the edge of the Delta, which allows for grapes with ripe fruit flavors, natural acidity and complexity. The California component, which was aged in some oak after a traditional fermentation, is quite soft and luscious. WE90 Wine Enthusiast A ripe plum aroma is joined by the slightest hint of creosote on the nose. The palate echoes the nose, adding blueberry and cassis notes joined by dried tobacco and allspice. There is a firm grip of tannins that holds on tight but is eventually taken over by a wash of mouthwatering acidity on the plummy finish.

@grapau27 Graham & Pauline, I am so sorry to read about the tragic passing of your friend’s son. He was so young. Prayers for all of you. @ger_77 Gerry, I just read that you lost your dear Uncle. I am happy you have some great memories to hold on to, as well as the thought that his passing was swift. Prayers for your Uncle and your entire family.

It was called RIP. Total strength focused, no cardio. I had never had a barbell on my shoulders before. I was amazed how quivery some of my muscles were.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! A strong hazy is diffusing our sunlight, but if feels lovely out. Yesterday afternoon’s storms helped clear out some humidity. Thank you for keeping our lists Roy! Morning Dailyites. Off to the new gym. Monday’s class with an actual barbell also used weights - and was a KILLER. And I just had a five pound weight on each end. We did lots reps. Even my biceps & triceps felt week in the class afterwards. The old gym closing may be the best thing for me fitness-wise, since it is forcing me to try new things. A true groaner… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* La Fontana Albariño, Spain JS90° Note: I corrected the typo in the name. This Spanish WHITE wine sounds enjoyable on a hot summer eve. A bit elusive, It has very good consumer ratings, and a fair price. One place offered a six-pack at $20/bottle & that included shipping. La Fontana – Albariño 2015 D.O. Rías Baixas Albariño is the world’s tinest grape and has been referred to as “the perfumed aristocrat of Galicia,” by Jancis Robinson. The main region for Albariño is in the Rías Baixas appellation in the Galicia area of Spain. These wines have a distinctive flavour, similar to Sauvignon Blanc for its bright citrus appeal, as well as Viognier and Gewürztraminer for its aromatic floral notes. Production – 100% Albariño with 70% macerated on lees Colour – Bright yellow with golden -green iridescence Nose – Tropical fruit, green apple, banna and Kiwi Palate – Smooth and pleasant acidity with ripe fruit flavours dominated by peach. Good structure and a long pleasant finish Pairing – Idea with fish and seafood or as an apéritif.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! Another magical morning with the birds singing, the squirrels scampering & fawns zooming. Thank you for keeping our lists Roy. Hard to believe it has been two years. Morning Dailyites. A busy morning at the gym. Then I need to hunt for someone to repair a leaking gutter seam/joint that is leaking on my pool deck. Need to do this before the rainy season kicks in. Bindi is not a “digger” so she might have been in the Air Force. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Penley Estate 2019 Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon This Australian Cab sounds interesting - I mean umami-like seaweed nuance, c’mon! Excellent ratings and a very reasonable price. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $15.99. Winemaker Notes Like a phoenix from the ashes, this Cabernet rises from the glass with a complex bouquet of plum, blackberry and anise with a dusting of dark chocolate. It's a delicious contemporary wine, intense and long on the palate with savoury tannins coating the mouth. It's best drunk with food, with friends and with a roaring fire in the background. WE94 Wine Enthusiast This excellent wine offers aromas of blueberry, currant, terra cotta, iodine, savory spices and an umami-like seaweed nuance. There’s lovely depth of flavor, tannin structure and regional expression on the palate. Drink through 2040. Cellar Selection. WS92 Wine Spectator This has terrific concentration, with generous black licorice, Earl Grey, allspice and dark chocolate notes that mingle with cassis, spiced stewed plum and toasted herb details. Shows plenty of harmony on the long, expressive finish, with velvety tannins. Drink now through 2035.

I get a package of them at Aldi. They are the size of a small tortilla, and though comparable to an omelet, it is super thin, yet stands up to filling, heating in a pan, etc without falling part.

I just might try one of these with egg white wraps, Debbie. Never tried to bake them before, but it would greatly reduce the carbs. These do sound nummy.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich. Another gorgeous morning after a night of boomers and a little rain. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! Morning Dailyites. Trying a gym class today that uses an actual barbell, not hand weights. I know you are all picturing those Olympic weight lifters who dead lift hundreds of pounds. That will NOT be me. I am thinking 5 pounds at each end is a good place to start. Hoping it is as good as the description makes it sound. One day too late for Chocolate chip day… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone ! ************* Cline 2019 Ancient Vines Mourvèdre This wine sounds interesting. And definitely in my budget range. I don’t believe I have have ever had Mourvèdre outside of a blend, so I would love to taste this one. Numerous online & local distributors with prices starting at $12.98. Winemaker Notes Cline's 2019 Ancient Vines Mourvedre is a medium tawny-ruby color. Aromas of ripe cherry and chocolate. Full-bodied, well-balanced and luscious. The tannins are structured and balanced. Flavors of plum, cherry and chocolate. There is a nice, warm, lingering finish. WE90 Wine Enthusiast Quite ripe and packed with black-fruit flavors, this full-bodied, smooth wine also adds notes of chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon for extra complexity. It’s mouth filling and luxurious in texture. Best Buys

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! It’s a lovely morning here. Expecting the temps to get up to the 80s today. It has been so lovely this past week, but not typical weather for us. Thank you for keeping our lists Roy. Morning Dailyites! An early trip to the gym, then Aldi. Then I may hop in the pool for the first time this year. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********** Jean Loron 2019 Chateau de Fleurie This dry, light red sounds like one I would like to taste, but I tend to gravitate to more full-bodied reds these days. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $17.99. Winemaker Notes Deep ruby color with purple hints. Intense and complex nose. Obvious notes of blackcurrants and blackberries, progressively complemented by licorice and black chocolate. The mouth is rich and well balanced with silky tannins and a remarkable persistence. Ideal pairings for this wine include tajine, beef lasagna, and cow's milk cheese. WE92 Wine Enthusiast From vines belonging to the Loron and Barbet families, this is a rich, structured wine. It is beautifully perfumed, juicy with blackberry flavors and lifted acidity. Firm tannins under all this fruitiness promise aging. Drink from 2022.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich. Another lovely morning here. I need to de-weed my paver driveway today. Just the little bit of rain we had on Thursday has sprouted some seeds. But if I keep up with it, it won’t be bad. And next month I am scheduled to have it sealed. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy. Morning Dailyites! Just a Zumba class and chores until this evening, when a group of us wish a friend Bon Voyage. My cancer-survivor friend shared this with me. Her oncologist’s nurse practitioner sent it to her. Sometimes we all need a little reminder. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** Fuligni 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Another spectacular wine. And although it is almost 50% cheaper than yesterday’s wine, it is still out of my budget range. I would love a taste, though. Several online distributors with prices starting at $90.30. Winemaker Notes Aged by regulations for four years, of which approximately two and a half are in wood, Fuligni’s regular Brunello di Montalcino also has optimal lasting characteristics but is destined for more immediate drinking. With its elegant combination of fruit and spicy aromas, the Fuligni Brunello is, in any case, the result of carefully selected grapes coming from low yields per hectare and is not produced in years when the quality of the harvested grapes is not suitable to maintain the high standards of the estate. WE99 Wine Enthusiast Enticingly fragrant, this opens with heady aromas of rose, violet, new leather, truffle and balsamic whiffs of camphor. Vibrant and focused, the chiseled, elegant palate is all about finesse, delivering bright red cherry, orange zest, licorice and white pepper framed in taut, refined tannin's. Bright acidity keeps it superbly balanced and fresh. It's already drinking beautifully but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2024–2036. Cellar Selection D99 Decanter The Fuligni family moved from Maremma to Montalcino early in the 20th century, establishing the estate in 1923. Maria Flora has been at the helm since 1971, with her nephew Roberto managing most of the operations today. This historic property has released one of the most exquisite wines of 2016. Revealing its complexities gradually, it unfolds with a smoky flintiness, balsamic nuances and Mediterranean herbs. Seemingly endless in layers and depth, there is generosity but it never weighs the palate down. Powerful, sophisticated tannins are finely powdered, and piercing acidity radiates throughout. Hints of liquorice, violet, blood orange and iron eventually emerge. Lengthy and effortlessly commanding. JS97 James Suckling Aromas of cedar, sandalwood and black cherries with some plums. Full-bodied and very chewy with lots of tannins and a fluid fruit base behind it all, providing such beauty and precision. Real purity and focus. Give this two or three years to come together. Try after 2022, but this has a long life ahead. RP95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The Fuligni 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows balance and symmetry with plenty of primary intensity to ensure a long cellar life. The bouquet opens to dark plum, dried raspberry, spice, aniseed and grilled herb. I get a lot of Mediterranean lavender and rosemary essence. This is a mid-weight Brunello with aromas that prove elegant and buoyant. If you have visited the Fuligni estate, you may agree that it occupies one of the best positions in the appellation with open views onto the enormous expanse of the Val d'Orcia that plays out until the horizon ends. This is one of Montalcino's historic cellars with many stories to tell. Luckily for us, much of that narrative unfolds in the beauty and the elegance of a wine like this. WS95 Wine Spectator A core of cherry and kirsch marks this vivid, linear red, packing strawberry, floral, sanguine, iron and tobacco notes into a slim frame. Balanced and structured, ends with a lingering impression of ripe fruit and savory elements. Best from 2024 through 2045.

Thank you for our Daily, Rich! Morning everyone. Another spectacular morning here. Early mani - pedi for me. Then I need to get out in the yard. The winds from this week’s Nor’easter brought down a lot of stuff. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy. @dfish Debbie 🤞🏻 and praying that the gall bladder is the culprit. I suspect a few of us are guilty of this… Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** Château Figeac 2018 Saint-Émilion Bordeaux Though this wine sounds amazing, and I would love a taste, it is way outside of my price range. The winemaker’s notes sound almost poetic. Spectacular ratings and several online distributors with prices starting at $176.97. Winemaker Notes An attractive, deep, bright, purple color. An expressive, air-light nose leads on to Figeac freshness and aromatics, followed by floral notes mingling harmoniously with nuances of fruit and underpinned by aromas of blackcurrants and raspberries. The palate is expressive and vibrant, cadenced by a clean powerful entry, an enveloping and velvety mid-palate reminiscent of 2015 vintage, and a fresh, lean finish accompanied by tannins of a finesse and minerality that recall the 2016 vintage. The greatness of this vintage is embodied by the amazing harmony between the round and eveloping Merlot, the fresh and elegant Cabernet Franc, and the lace-textured, tender Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chateau Figeac 2018 delivers here the perfect chord from its famous three grape varieties. Blend: 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc WE100 Wine Enthusiast With its rich swathe of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has density and immense structure balanced by stunning black fruits that give impressive promise. This powerful wine is probably the greatest ever produced from this estate. Drink from 2027. Cellar Selection JS98 James Suckling A powerful, structured Figeac, offering loads of blackberry, blueberry, chocolate, walnut and mushroom with some tobacco. It’s full-bodied with layered, chewy tannins that are polished and beautiful. So impressive and solid. Better than the great 2010? Time will tell. Goes on for a long time. Try after 2026. D98 Decanter Back to a more traditional blend after last year's frost impact, Figeac has done a wonderful job of harnessing the opulence of the vintage while maintaining freshness. This is extremely focussed and precise, with a silky texture and inky depths, developing complexity as the flavours unfurl. These are big tannins but they steal up on you, doing that subtle creep that's such a marker of the vintage. Powerful, utterly gorgeous and clearly a wine that will age well, this is equal to the estate's excellent 2016. Barrel Sample: 98 JD98 Jeb Dunnuck Reminiscent of the 2016 with its incredible purity and elegance, the 2018 Château Figeac offers a terrific perfume of crème de cassis, redcurrants, dried earth, tobacco, lead pencil, spring flowers, and exotic spice-driven nuances. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it's flawlessly balanced, has silky, polished tannins, and a stunning sense of purity. It doesn't have the sexiness of the 2015, but it's very much in the style of the 2018 vintage with its pure, elegant, haut couture-like style. And it doesn't show a hint of its 100% new oak élevage. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 20-30 years. It's not the biggest or richest Saint- Emilion, yet the balance, finesse, and elegance are something to behold. I think it's going to check in behind the 2015 (and maybe the 2019) when all is said and done, but it's unquestionably one of the greatest Figeac in the past 20-30 years. RP97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2018 Figeac is composed of 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, with a 3.7 pH and 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it soars out of the glass with opening notes of freshly crushed red and black cherries, mulberries and ripe, juicy plums, followed by hints of violets, damp soil, cedar chest, crushed rocks and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied, elegantly styled palate features bags of freshness and exquisitely ripe, beautifully poised tannins to support the bright, energetic black and red fruit layers, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. Rating: 97+ WS96 Wine Spectator Sleek and tightly focused, this is a racy style marked by a pure beam of cassis and cherry purée and infused with red tea, bergamot and bay hints. Very fresh and refined through the finish, with a long chalky thread lingering after everything else. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2038.

Thank you today’s Daily, Rich! Morning all. Another cool, lovely morning here! It was cool enough here last evening that Bindi & I cuddled under a big beach towel while sitting out on the deck. The Nor’easter’s winds were wild. Yesterday was a fairly normal day. What a relief. My HVAC folk had to reschedule to this afternoon, then I am getting together with friends for some snacks & wine. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy! My nephew, a pilot, sent this one to me… he assured me this was NOT him. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ******** Cotes de Provence, France Well today’s wine led me on a wild goose chase, since it is a wine region. But I have learned a bit about this wine region. And I chose this particular wine because rosé wines are what this region is famous for, the price was reasonable, and the blend included a grape variety that I had never heard of before - Rolle. All released vintages have very good ratings. And it is even available at Walmart. Prices start at $19.98. Chateau d'Esclans Cotes de Provence Whispering Angel Rose This Provençal wine is a blend of Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino), Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvedre. This light pink wine has strong strawberry, pepper, and citrus notes followed by a slight aftertaste of anise and bright acidity.

Happy Birthday! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & a cruise!

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich. Morning Dailyites. It is lovely and sunny and cool here this morning. The fawns are scampering early. Thank you for keeping our lists, Roy. Today I start my new gym routine. The gym is twice as far and I will deal with a great deal more traffic, but that is a first world problem. Then my HVAC crew come to make sure the system is ready to handle Summer! I am guilty of this…. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone. ******** Bodega Garzon 2020 Reserva Tannat I am fairly certain that I have never tried a Tannat before, but I would love to taste this one. All released vintages have excellent ratings, and with a starting price of $14.95 from several online distributors- this would be an easy one to try. Winemaker Notes Deep purple in color, this Tannat fresh aromas reminiscent of red and black fruits such as plums and raspberries on a spice-flavored aroma. It has a great personality in mouth. Its ripe tannins and its minerality make it a terroir wine of great identity. WE90 Wine Enthusiast A bright ruby color and unencumbered aromas of cherry, red plum and light oak are inviting and easy to process. This is Uruguayan Tannat in its cleanest, most modern form. The palate feels juicy and medium in body. Light spice notes accent popping plum and raspberry flavors, while the finish is easygoing.

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! Thank you to Roy, Dixie & Debbie! Thank you to all who share photos and your life happenings! I have missed this. My new water heater is in. My garage is cleaned up & restored to order. Does that count as cleaning my room? Very late posting, but 🤞🏻that tomorrow will be a bit more routine. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Stay well everyone! ********* Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir, CA Widely available with good-very good ratings, this is a great “house wine” option for Pinot Noir lovers. Even Amazon.com sells it🤔. Prices starting at $7.98 for the 2017 vintage. The review below is of the 2015 vintage. Appearance In the glass, this wine poured dark cherry in color. A pretty good amount of light was able to shine through and leave red reflections on the table. It was also quite leggy, with several tightly-packed and very slow-falling tears sliding down the glass. Aroma I didn’t notice much aroma upon opening the bottle. After pouring, I did have to get fairly close to the glass before there was a discernible aroma. Once I did, I first noted straightforward Pinot Noir aroma with hints of strawberry and currant. I wasn’t able to pick up roses (as suggested by the bottle’s tasting notes) but I did also pick up a bit of vanilla when I really stuck my nose in the glass. A strong sniff was not met with much alcohol burn in the nose, which was appreciated. Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir alcohol content 13.5% by volume, per the bottle. Overall, a pleasant and non-complex aroma. Taste I went in expecting lighter flavors of cherry and red fruits and my expectations where precisely met. Specifically, cherry and raspberry, which exactly matched the bottle’s tasting notes. It’s not often the bottle’s flavor description is spot on, so kudos to Mondavi for getting that right. I enjoyed the flavors and was pleased with the overall taste of this Pinot Noir. Mouthfeel is juicy and tannins subtle and elegant. I also noticed there wasn’t any sort of bitter aftertaste from the tannins, which was great. I don’t like it when an elegant Pinot gets cut short with an aftertaste. Finish Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir finishes long and enjoyable. The flavors definitely over-ride the tannins in the finish which again makes me call this Pinot elegant. Overall Opinion Overall, while there isn’t a lot of complexity or uniqueness with this wine, it does what it’s supposed to do quite well. It’s a straightforward Pinot Noir that’s an elegant sipper on its own and given the under $10 price, a great value. Don’t hesitate to pick this one up if you’re seeking a lovely Pinot Noir at a value-oriented price point! Suggested Food Pairing The bottle notes suggest pairing this wine with pot stickers or lamb burgers. The lamb burgers’ flavors might overwhelm the wine a bit, but I’m on board with the pot stickers.

Hello Dailyites. I am home. Thank you all again for your wonderful outpouring of care and support. I came home to a very happy dog and a leaking hot water heater. It is 23 years old. I guess I have been living on borrowed time. Roy, you can take me off the care list. @rafinmd, I am lucky that I returned to normal. Family holidays and vacations will be tough, but I do not have to deal with the pain of an empty house. My nephew and niece helped me get through the details and arrangements. And my niece’s 11 & 5 year old daughters helped me remember the joy of life. I am not sure when I will resume my duties in the beverage department. I have grocery shopping to do before the plumber comes with my new water heater. Thank you all again!❤️

@kazu Jacqui thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute to José. Rest easy knowing that his ordeal is over.