So, it turns out that we just can’t have nice things. I plant a nice flower bed but it doesn’t stay nice. It needs attention. Someone to water it and weed it. I fix things and more things need fixin. I decorate the house, everything in its place, then people move stuff or disturb the dust revealing the required maintenance. It used to be easier. When my kids were little, they did all the household chores. Now they’re grown and I might have to hire a guy; clearly I didn’t have enough kids.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy they all grew up and everything. But come on! I didn’t realize the free household labor I had until it was gone. I love who they are as adults, biting sarcasm and all. It doesn’t matter how other people may see them, they’re happy and so am I.
Here’s a random eighties reference (with a twist), see if you recognize it:
Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. What we did WAS wrong, but we think you’re crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us… In the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is
… a DIYer…
…and a wannabe golfer…
…and a hippie…
…and a hipster…
…and a gamer…
Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours, the Tarr Pitt.
It might’ve been nice if they grew up to be a pool man, a maid and a gardener. Just sayin.
2015 Mother’s Day Family Portrait
Let’s Celebrate Motherhood with some Wine!
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Savida Sangria ~ Taproot Chardonnay ~ Bushranger Chardonnay
Benessere Sangiovese ~ William Hardy Shiraz ~ Taproot Cabernet Sauvignon
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Savida White Tangerine Peach Sangria California $3.99
Elsewhere price $11.99
I thought we’d try something different to start this week off, Summery Sangria. Terry noticed an apricot aroma in the bouquet. She found this wine blend pleasant, but sweet. Scott thought the sweetness paired well with the two spicy cheeses we had, Spicy Gouda and Salsa Jack. Joe R called it a desert wine, 50% fruity and 50% sweet. Steve thought it was an enjoyable summer wine. I think this is a good starter wine. You know, when you’re trying to ease someone into the wine experience. Serve very cold.
From the winemaker: California varietal wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio give a crisp base and are blended with real Tangerine, Peach, Lemon and Lime. No sugar added and real fruit gives complex flavor and clean balanced sweetness.
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2010 Bushranger Chardonnay Australia $3.99
Elsewhere price $17.99
Larry liked this Aussie Chardonnay right away, he noticed an oak aroma. Scott agreed, he said he likes the bush, it’s got a little tang to it! SMH, I wasn’t gonna use that comment but it was true. I noticed a citrusy tang. This Cellartracker reviewer agreed: Fresh straw yellow. Lemon tang, a bit of wet stone, and warm caramel nose. Medium to full bodied, somewhat viscous, grapefruit, slightly bitter almonds, and a fairly long slightly sour finish. Kind of austere with just a touch of oak
86 points from Cellartracker.com
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2012 Taproot Chardonnay Central Coast $3.99
Elsewhere price $7.99
Arvin commented that this California Chardonnay was spicy, good spicy. Connie said it’s good, kinda tart like a green apple. Terry agreed, she liked the clean finish on this one.
WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Gold Medal
91 points from Tastings.com: Aromas of lemon yogurt and pineapple tart with a silky, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a tangy, pineapple-mango vanilla custard finish. An unassuming, yet very pleasant and precisely made chardonnay
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2011 Taproot Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast $4.99
Elsewhere price $7.99
Becky started us off, she said this Cab had a nice aroma. She liked it, saying it’s almost peppery – but maybe bell peppery. Terry like the boldness and Ethan said, ‘put me down for a case’. I thought it was very smooth. Arvin tried to hoard this Cab at his end of the Front Porch.
Longbeach Grand Cru 2013 BEST IN CLASS
Tasting notes from the winemaker: Deep ruby in color, our Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of ripe, dark fruits and warm, toasty oak.
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2012 William Hardy Shiraz Australia $3.99
Elsewhere price $14.99
Scott commented on the dark color, he liked the spicy-sharp finish. Terry tasted red berries and liked how it paired with the dark chocolate. Becky tasted tobacco and vanilla oak.
90 points from Wine.com
Winemaker’s Notes: This full bodied Shiraz has intense dark fruit flavors balanced with spicy oak, smooth tannins and a long silky finish. The perfect accompaniment to lamb shanks and roast meats.
87 points from Cellartracker.com: Attractive aromas of dark berry fruit and cocoa, then rich sweet dark berries leading to a spicy note and smooth good finish.
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2009 Benessere Sangiovese Napa $6.99
Elsewhere price $29.99
Terry called this Napa Sangiovese smooooooth, she liked the berries at the end. Joe R said it bites you back. Larry thought it was mild and he tasted currant, he commented on the beautiful legs. Steve said, “I like it! Write that down.” Let this one breath.
87.6 points from Cellartracker.com
90 points from Cellartracker reviewer: Thought this was quite good and a great QPR. Cherries on the nose and palate. Medium body with medium tannins and finish. Drinking very well. A nice “Italian” from California. Only one more bottle remaining; wish I purchased more
Front Porch Wine Tasting 