Chaos. Complete chaos. All my ideas, no matter how small they seem at the beginning, snowball into a chaotic maze of out-with-the-old and in-with-the-new. We finally got a new bed. Simple, right? Not so much. The new bed is bigger than the old bed, so we need a bigger frame. The night stands and dressers match the old bed frame, so they go too (they’re all listed on craigslist). I scored the ‘new’ nightstands at a second hand store and they need to be refinished. So, the bookshelves that are staying also need to be refinished. and the bench.
Sigh.
I only stop here to protect you from the tornado of details that need to be done. (Yes Steve, ‘need’ is the right word!) I can share more with you later, but for now, let’s just say that this project includes faux gator skin and batik burlap. I love the weird and the wonderful! I must admit that it’s exciting to hear that tiny dictator whispering in my head again, cheering me on. I have missed him these past couple of weeks even though the house stays much neater when he’s quiet.
Batik Burlap
So, given this surprise project, it’s understandable that we missed one Front Porch Wine Tasting. I could’ve used it in the middle of all this…
2010 Long Gamma White Wine $5.99 elsewhere price $16.00
Sonoma County, California
Larry commented on the pale clear color and Steve liked the light-crispness of his first sip. Terry said it’s not too sweet, very refreshing. Joe tasted citrus, orange to be exact. He also let me know that nothing rhymes with orange. So, this video is for you, Joe.
On-line review: We are very pleased to bring you another great wine – On paper, this wine might seem sweet. In reality, this is a balanced, crisp and very refreshing white blend. Perfect for your spring and summertime sipping pleasure, we are also recommending that you keep some on hand for the fall holidays.
Tasting Notes from the Wine Maker: Aromas of white flowers, orange marmalade and a touch of honey jump from the glass. Luscious mango, apricot and mandarin orange make their appearance on the palate, complemented by nutty and honeyed-tea notes courtesy of the Roussanne. On the finish distinct impressions of lime and minerals keep the wine fresh and balance its tropicality.
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2009 Duck Pond Chardonnay $3.99 elsewhere price $13.99
Columbia Valley, Washington
WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Silver Medal Gold medal-2011 Seattle Wine Awards; Silver Medal-2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; Silver Medal-2012 International Women’s Wine Competition.
Arvin started us off on this Chardonnay, with a nice, ‘mmmmmm, oh yeah’. Terry commented that it is medium bodied and dry, everyone agreed. Joe called it warm – more bold. Steve said he really liked this one, it’s a great chardonnay to have with dinner.
On-line tasting notes: Silvery golden color. Robust baked pineapple, papaya, and pistachio nougat aromas with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tropical fruit salad and peppery spice finish.
From the Wine Maker: Our Chardonnay is mostly fermented in stainless steel to capture the rich fruitiness of Desert Wind Vineyard’s Chardonnay grapes. One quarter of the blend is fermented in barrels to add structure and weight.
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Triptych Red Wine $5.99 elsewhere price $14.99
Paso Robles, California
Terry called this red blend smooth and smokey. Larry tasted chocolate and Joe tasted licorice. Becky said it was a lighter red wine. Steve and Arvin both liked it and commented on tasting blackberries.
On line review: The color is black cherry red with a crimson halo. The nose is a good mix of fruit and spice, black cherry, Christmas spice, a whiff of smoke, menthol and sweet strawberry. This a medium bodied wine, but with a lush mouthfeel and loads of flavor. It tastes of plum and black cherry, Altoids spice, baking chocolate and cranberry. The mid palate shows a little earthiness and some creamy blueberry. The tannins hover around the edges of this wine, bring structure but never getting in the way. The acidity is well balanced and helps a fruit/spice finish tingle on your tastebuds for a respectable amount of time and actually almost fades away, then comes back strong.
From the Label: A Tritych is a piece of art in 3 panels. Originating in the 11th Century, it also represents the highest amount paid for any piece of contemporary art and has inspired this three-variety blend. This wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah from our estate vineyards in Paso Robles. The palate shows the lifted, forward fruit of Grenache being further enhanced by the components. It is a wine for many occasions and can even handle being slightly chilled for those warm summer days.
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2011 Lucinda & Millie Cabernet Sauvignon $4.99 elsewhere price $12.99
Mendocino County, California
BRONZE MEDAL (2011 Vintage)
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Larry noticed the bold aroma right away and Terry said it was very dry. Arvin said ‘yes it is dry, I like it! Write that down.’ After pairing with a sharp cheddar, Terry thought it was much less dry and Steve thought this Cabernet would also pair nicely with dinner.
On line review: We chose this 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon for many reasons; one is that it is organic, so you feel good drinking it. It is clean and simple with notes of black fruit, cedar and earth — a perfect picnic wine! It is not as full-bodied as many California Cabernets, but we think it’s perfectly charming. From the Today Show, video here: California knows how to party! (1:49-2:18).
From the winemaker: Aromas of red berries reveal flavors of juicy black current and savory spices. The palate is bright and forward with great acidity and firm, balanced tannins. Echoes of cassis and bayberry mingle with cranberry and quince on the finish. This Cabernet is an elegant wine to pair with your favorite dishes.
Front Porch Wine Tasting 