I have to admit, I am a procrastinator. Yep, the queen of putting things off. My house is full of small unfinished projects that quietly wait for me to get a-round-tuit. Silently mocking me. This week they haven’t been so quiet. Steve to the rescue! He went in to work for me, leaving me in an empty house –no kids – no distractions – it was GLORIOUS! An empty house is completely therapeutic sometimes.
As soon as they left I made my list and raced to complete it all before they returned. That is a fun game. I painted the patio tables to match the new cushions, painted the kitchen & bathroom baseboards that Jake installed months ago, touched up some spots on the kitchen cabinets, hung curtains in the loft & bedroom, patched & painted the trim on the stairs where the dog ate it (two years ago, when she was a puppy) cleaned my bedroom and washed & put away ALL the laundry. When all the laundry is clean and put away, it really makes me feel like I have my whole life together.
eaten ~ patched ~ painted
AND finally ***FINALLY*** I painted the front doors! I had been putting that off for months. It was super easy. I mean palm-to-the-forehead-easy! I cannot believe I waited so long to do this. I love it. And Steve? His excitement could barely be contained…. As he walked up to the house he said, “oh, we’re those people now?” Yep. We are. You’re welcome.
(maybe a little darker/deeper purple?)
I also may have fell behind reviewing our Front Porch Wine Tastings… So, here’s the last 2-3 weeks worth (I’ll try to keep the reviews short since there’s so many).
seven whites ~ five reds
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2011 Procrastinate Pinot Grigio $3.99
Elsewhere price $15.99
Terry tasted fruit, and commented that it’s nice & light. Arvin said this is a good summer night wine and Connie liked it as well. I really liked the label 🙂
82 points from Wine Enthusiast
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2011 Barrymore Pinot Grigio $3.99
Elsewhere price $22.00
Joe S. commented that this was nice and Misty liked that it was not too sweet. Terry didn’t care for it. Joe thought it was good with food and Steve said it was even better with chocolate. Isn’t everything?
Online review from my Good Friends at ‘The magical world of wines from Grocery Outlet’ had this to say: This full-flavored wine is dominated by juicy acid of lime / green apple, but also shows Pinot Grigio’s pear and straw. It’s pleasantly crisp with a little minerality, and very tasty overall.
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Firecracker White Blend $2.99
Elsewhere price $8.99
Misty thought this white blend was light, without a strong aftertaste, it would be nice for 4th of July picnic with that label. Scott and Terry both commented that is was too sweet for their taste. Larry tasted peach or Pineapple & mango mixed. We finished the bottle.
Online Blog Review 4 of 5 stars: Oh boy, this was a nice surprise! The flavors of mango and pineapple are magical here. The wine isn’t real crisp, but it’s smooth and settles well. I would highly recommend this for lighter fare.
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2010 Bowtie White Wine $3.99
Elsewhere price $12.99
Misty tasted grapefruit and Steve commented that he liked the citrus finish. I always enjoy a blend 🙂
84 points from Wine Enthusiast: This tastes honey-sweet, with apricot, lime and vanilla flavors, brightened by crisp acidity. The blend is Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Viognier
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2011 Pepi Chardonnay $3.99
Elsewhere price $10.99
Arvin commented that this Chardonnay was even better than the last one and Connie agreed, she liked this one. Larry said it was not oaky and Joe R. thought it was clean and crisp.
84 points from this blind taster on Cellar Tracker: Straightforward aromas of lemon, grapefruit and green apple. The palate is full-bodied with medium acid, showing grapefruit and lime mixed with apricot and dried pineapple. No detectable oak. Not very deep or complex, but it’s balanced out quite nicely.
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2012 Trinity Oaks Chardonnay $4.99
Elsewhere price $8.99
I chose this Chardonnay because Larry requested an oaky wine. Well, it wasn’t lol. Terry said it started sweet then mellowed out. Arvin thought it was full-bodied. Joe R. tasted tart-lemoniness, he liked it and also commented that it gets more mellow as you go. The label said ‘sweet oak’, I don’t know what that means, but the sweet was just enough.
87 points from Cellar Tracker
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2012 Pra Vinera Chardonnay $2.99
Elsewhere price $9.99
Yes, we have reviewed this Chardonnay in the past but Steve just got it in again so… And, we all agree: We still like it!
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2009 Discoveries Vineyards Petite Sirah $4.99
Elsewhere price $10.99
Larry likes the red! Steve commented that this Sirah had a strong taste and Joe S. thought it was great with chocolate and berries. I love me some Sirah!
87.5 points from Cellar Tracker
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2012 Excusez Moi Cabernet $5.99
Elsewhere price $17.99
Bottled by Michel-Schlumberger in Healdsburg, Ca. We all really loved the Excusez Moi Merlot, so of course we had to try this Cab. Scott said he liked it at his first taste and Joe S. said, ‘Ew, that’s good!’
From the label: Characteristics of black currant, plum and cherry. Well-structured tannins with rich texture and long fruit finish. This wine pairs will with prime rib, grilled summer vegetables and tomato sauce pasta dishes.
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2011 Lithos Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $9.99
Elsewhere price $16.99
Joe R. commented that this Cab was kinda mild, not too strong. Terry said this was her favorite of the night and that it goes down reeaaallly easy. I thought it was smooth. We finished this bottle, oh yeah!
I could not find ANY online reviews for this wine. I wish I would’ve taken better tasting notes 
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2010 Quickfire Cabernet $6.99
Elsewhere price $18.99
This is a Top Chef Selection from the Central Coast of Ca. Arvin said it was excellent, a pleasure to drink! Terry thought it was on the sweeter side, yet still dry and Scott said it was full-bodied and full of flavor.
Tasting notes from Uncorked.com: The Quickfire Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will allure you with its silky tannins and substantial finish. The aromas of this Cabernet Sauvignon deliver layers of cassis, cocoa, blueberry and hints of vanilla. Full-bodied in nature, the palate delivers rich berry flavors with a hint of dark chocolate
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2005 Arceno Chianti Reserva $6.99
Elsewhere price $20.00
We just had to throw in one of Arvin’s favorites – Chianti. He said after his first taste, “It’s a good one”. Then he had to have a second glass because he ‘forgot’ to think while he drank it, lol. Steve said he loves thoughtless drinking. Joe S. said it’s strong and Becky said it’s smooth. Kerri said it was dry and had a nice flow and it made Terry feel warm. Arvin commented on his second glass: Dry, good aftertaste that lasts on the tongue so you can enjoy it 10 minutes after you drink it.
89.8 points from Cellar Tracker
If you made it all the way to the end of this, you are a true fan – Thanks!
Front Porch Wine Tasting 