Let me tell you a story. Okay, it’s been a few years since we’ve gone camping. Sleeping on the ground isn’t really my thing. I like beds and showers and free breakfast that is already ready already. So, when I was cleaning out the garage a few weeks ago – and people stopped their cars as they passed to shop through my stuff – Steve and I sold the air mattress & tent among other things. Later that day, we watched ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ with our son Jake.

 After seeing the movie, Jake decides he needs more adventure in his life, he says we never do anything noteworthy or mentionable. He wants to go to cool places and hike and climb rocks…

What? I reminded him of all the places we’ve been and all the things we’ve done, as specifically as I could. Fishing in Cresent Lake – a beautiful glacier fed lake in northern Washington; camping in Three Rivers; hiking in the Redwood’s; taking a ferry boat ride to Victoria Island in Canada; horseback riding on Catalina Island; he rode a bike on a tight rope at the LA Science museum; whale watching in Long Beach Ca; Sledding in the High Desert after a snow; Touring Alcatraz and the Winchester Mystery House; Rock Climbing in the Joshua Tree National Monument; Off-roading in Sedona, AZ; Snow Boarding and fishing in Big Bear; Snorkeling – touring the USS Missouri – Submarine ride in Hawaii; Snorkeling – parasailing – jet skiing in Cabo; probably more cool stuff that I can’t think of right now… (here’s some pictorial proof, in case Jake actually comes across this someday when he Googles his own name)

Guess what he says. Go ahead, make a guess. He says he doesn’t remember those things! Adventures in four states and three countries – forgotten.

Yeah, so we risked our personal safety and camped last weekend in bear country. I had to get all new gear and buy bear spray! We set up camp, hiked, shot the compound bow, fished (caught nine fish between us), kayaked, cooked over an open flame (including the fish), got sunburned and came home early. All in a 24 hour period of time. Speed camping at it’s finest.

The moral of my story is this: If you’re planning trips while your kid is little, get a babysitter and leave the kid at home. He won’t remember anyway.

Time for some wine 🙂

Light Grape Rose’ ~ Lindeman’s Chardonnay ~ Light Grape White Blend ~ Santerra White Table Wine ~ Light Grape Red Blend

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The Light Grape 2012 California Rose’ $1.99

Elsewhere price $10.99

This was a happy-friendly summer wine. Brian said it was nice and fruity. Misty paired it with cherries and Arvin said it was nice and light. Connie thought it would make a nice summer sangria.

Winemaker’s notes: Delightfully fruity with flavors of strawberry, watermelon & cherry. So versatile, it that they can be served with a range of flavors and foods such as BBQ burgers, grilled salmon, lobster, omelet’s, pizza and spicy chicken.

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2012 Lindeman’s Early Harvest Chardonnay $2.99

Elsewhere price $6.99

I thought this Chardonnay was very fruity. Larry said it was nice; it’s got some body to it. I noticed he had a second glass. Brian commented that it was sweeter than he expected.

Tasting notes: Crisp and refreshing, Lindeman’s Early Harvest Crisp Chardonnay is at least 25% lighter in alcohol and calories compared to Bin range. Bright straw in colour with youthful green hues, this wine displays an attractive array of tropical fruit flavours with subtle spicy notes. The palate shows ripe melon & stone fruits with a creamy mid palate leading to a fresh finish.

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The Light Grape 2012 California White Blend $1.99

Elsewhere price $10.99

Terry thought this white blend was smooth. Scott liked it as a nice summer wine. Larry thought it tasted like a couple ice cubes melted in it, but it was enjoyable. Misty liked the pairing with pineapple and I thought it would make a nice sangria. Connie said it was very good and Arvin said he liked it; it had a little bite – well maybe a nibble.

Winemakers notes: Light color of yellow with elegant green tint. Fresh fruit flavors with hints of honeysuckle & citrus. The palate is bright with flavors of citrus with hints of honeysuckle. Finishing with a crisp clean minerality and lemon zest. This refreshing wine is a blend of Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

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2009 Santerra Sonoma County White Table Wine $3.99

Elsewhere price $19.99

Arvin commented that this white blend was dry; he noted that it is ready to drink now and would pair well with chicken. Brian, who doesn’t really like dry wine, said he had to take the last of his fast like a shot of tequila. Scott said it was dry, but not bitter – smooth.

4 out of 5 on Snooth.com: pear, vanilla, rose petals…on the nose…full bodied with a slightly sweet, crisp finish…

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The Light Grape 2011 California Red Blend $1.99

Elsewhere price $10.99

Arvin found this red blend to be dry as well. Terry said it was dry, but good and Misty agreed that she liked it. I expected it to be lighter like the others from this brand; it’s a pretty good table wine. It would pair well with many different dinners.

Winemakers notes: Soft and rich, with flavors of cherry, dark chocolate & blackberries. The palate is plush and plentiful, backed by supple tannins and hints of creamy cocoa and sweet oak on the finish. This enticing blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, Syrah, Merlot, Tannat, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Because of its broad appeal our Red Blend is the perfect go-to table wine. The silky texture and medium body make it versatile, and the juicy fruit and bright acidity complement fish (especially salmon), meat, poultry, and anything grilled.

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2010 Patassy Vineyard Pinot Noir $6.99

Elsewhere price $24.99

Arvin immediately commented that this wine has finesse’. It’s really good and it has legs! You could just sit around and take in the aroma all night. Larry also thought it had a nice bouquet, another excellent red! (yeah, he’s been converted to the red side). This is a wine you buy by the case.

Check out this link for the story behind this Pinot and why it’s being sold at such a great deal!

Expert tasting notes from KLwines.com:

Old-school Russian River Pinot here – lots of blackberry and cherry fruit in the nose, with deeper, earthy undertones. The palate is broad, fruity, and supple, echoing on the palate ripe red and mixed berry flavors, with just a touch of spice to keep things interesting. Medium-bodied, with medium acidity and soft tannins, this is juicy, accessible Pinot with a lot to offer for under $20

This is easily the best value in a CA Pinot that I have ever had. The Patassy father/son team clearly know what they are doing, and I suspect their future vintages, if they can be found, won’t be sub-$20. Kudos to K&L for finding this gem. Extremely flavorful, but not too big. An approachable, fruity and slightly tannic Pinot. Makes me believe that CA can make a really good Burgundy after all…