So, here we are again. The hot summer months are on the way. What else can we do but seek out the shade and drink our chilled summer wines around the pool until Fall finally gets here.

I actually started a backyard makeover five years ago and never really got to the finish line.

Here’s the only before picture I have

So, right there along the fence on the left side is where we removed the alien trees. We added brick first, then let is sit for a few years until the fence looked like it was gonna fall down.

So, we added new posts

Posts that looked like they should be a pergola…

Yeah, so the fence is fixed and I have a nice shady place to drink wine all summer.

Hopefully, I’ll finish the rest of the yard soon.

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Let’s get started!

Field Notes Chardonnay ~ Bixby Creek Bridge Chardonnay

Pile Driver Red Blend/Cab ~ Querceto Chianti

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2012 Field Notes Chardonnay – Sonoma County

Elsewhere price $10.99   ~  Our Price $4.99   ~  You Save 55%!

Joe S. started us off and declared this ‘a good one’. Steve agreed. My first sip wasn’t chilled enough, but after it was I really liked it. Misty and Rudy both agreed, definitely serve this Chardonnay super chilled it’s a real nice summer wine.

From the bottle: Luscious honey and crisp apple notes.

Tasting notes: This Chablis-style Chardonnay enters the palate with the elegant ease of Meyer lemon, crisp green apple and ripe stone fruit flavors that gracefully extend into a refreshing and zesty finish.

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2014 Bixby Creek Chardonnay – Napa

Elsewhere Price   ~    $24.99    ~   Our Price $6.99    ~    You Save 72%!

Larry like the aroma and Kerri thought it was sweet at first, then she tasted citrus. Scott said it grows on you (remember, he doesn’t care for white wines) Connie said she like this chardonnay, then added: it makes you feel like you’re on top of a grassy knoll under the sunset and brings visions of a young strong handsome man…   Yeah, she liked it.

3.5/5 stars from Vivino.com: Nice moderate chard; better at temps just below room temp. Modest and pleasant malolactic butter, nice hint of vanilla on the nose. Slight oak. Buttery chard with green Apple and pear on the finish. Decent wine for Napa valley under 12 bucks

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2013 Pile Driver Red Blend – Paso Robles

Elsewhere Price $13.99    ~    Our Price $3.99    ~    You Save 71%!

2014 San Francisco Chronicle Silver Metal Winner

Before you read this review, you should know this will likely be sold out before you can get down here to the store to get some. It was just that good. There are a few of the Pile Driver Cabernet bottles left, but you would have to hurry to get one of those too. Terri found this red blend to be smoooooth and Misty thought it was a good one (she doesn’t usually like reds) Kerri tasted plum, and thought this was great combined with blackberries and dark chocolate. I was listening as some of these guys were trying to decide what they tasted – Scott: Smokey? Larry: Tobacco? Steve: Licorice? Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding. They decided on Licorice.

Tasting notes: A bold, no-nonsense Red Blend with intense flavors of blackberries, jammy fruit and coffee bean with oak overtones. Rich yet approachable with robust tannins.

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2014 Querceto Chianti

Elsewhere Price $13.99    ~    Our Price $4.99    ~    You Save 64%!

Arvin’s favorite, Chianti. He called this wine ‘The taste of Italy’. He noted that there were flavors of smoked wood but added that he doesn’t smoke wood often. Scott said that’s because it’s hard to roll. Becky asked for farver beans. We are a classy bunch. Terri brought us back; she liked how it paired with the strong parmesan cheese. Steve liked his first taste, but by the time he got to a second glass he decided that he could drink this all day long.

3.5/5 stars from Vivino.com: Medium garnet colour. On the nose plums, raspberries and spices. On the palate medium bodied with chewy tannins and a moderate finish.