WINO 101

Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

Welcome to the countdown to Christmas! It is currently Christmas Eve Eve Eve Eve, and you must have all your shopping done, right? No? Well, I’m not surprised. Neither have I. That’s why I’m here to help because this is The  Carpe Vinum First Annual Procrastinator’s Gift Guide and Tasting Announcement of Those Wines Contained Therein! Sure, we’ve all got those hard-to-shop-for friends and family. It’s those last people on the list that remain presentless from lack of ideas. Well, wine is one of those gifts that is always welcome and says Hey! Here’s some wine!” And with a bit more matching of the person to the bottle, it’s something that says “Hey! Here’s some wine personalized just to you!” Interested? Read on, you gift-giving-procrastinator, you!

So there are dog people and there are cat people (and even the odd bunny people - but I digress). There are plenty of wine label themes that feature dogs. I mean, after all, every winery has a dog. Apparently there is a book out there that features all of the winery dogs. But how many wines are out there for the cat lover? (I mean besides Gato Negro and Gato Blanco.) Well, I’ve only found a few. And the best is this one: The Bergevin Lane “Calico” from Washington. It’s a blend of Cab-Sauv, Cab-Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. I have a few wines here for dog people, as well, but this one is specifically for cat people. (Gift Categories: Cat People, Washington Wine Fans, Red Blend)

Next up is the Writer’s Block Zinfandel for the tortured writer in your life. We all suffer from writer’s block at some time, and this can prove that it’s not always a bad thing. Plus it has Shakespeare on the label. So I guess this could also go for the tortured playwright or actor in your life. Or Shakespeare fan. Or Zinfandel fan. And it’s a dead-obvious for the actor/playwright/novelist/zin fan who happened to study a lot of Shakespeare. (Gift Categories: Actors, Writers, Shakespeare Fans, Zinfandel Fans.)

Following that is a new wine I’ve found from Spain called Acustic. It’s not much of a stretch to show that it directly translates to “Acoustic” and refers to guitars. Also, the label looks like an artistic rendering of the business end of a guitar, in an artistic manner. So this is a perfect bottle for all the musicians you know (about 3/4 of this town, I believe) and more specifically, the guitarists. (Gift Categories: Musicians, Guitarists, Spanish Wine Fans.)

Next it’s another musically-themed wine from the Cotes du Rhone from Chateau Signac called “Melodie d’Amour” or “Melody of Love” or perhaps translated all the way to “Lovesong”. Give it to your honey. Or to someone you want to make your honey. (Gift Categories: Lovers, Potential Lovers, Rhone-Lovers, Lovesong-Lovers.)

Next is a wine I’ve poured a number of times because it’s just so darn good. And it’s cleverly named. It’s the Shinas Estate “The Guilty” Shiraz. The wine gets its name from the winemaker who is a former judge. But as the Guilty it could be for someone on your “Naughty” list. Or someone you want to be on your “naughty” list. Or someone you know who you are sure won’t be giving you a gift in return. Or, of course, for anyone you know employed in law. Attorneys, judges, cops, criminals. Hm. Especially criminals, I guess. (Gift categories: Anyone Overburdened with Guilt, Lawyers, Criminals.)

Next in the premiums we’ve got the Barrel Monkeys Shiraz. It’s great for people who love monkeys, of course. And people who love big, jammy and powerful Aussie Shiraz. It’s also good for anyone who is a fan of modern artistic design, and that’s how I see the label. Also, it’s good for winery workers, as that is what a “Barrel Monkey” really is.(Gift Categories: Monkeys, Winery Worker, Artists, Shiraz Lovers. And Shiraz-Loving Artistic Monkeys Working in Wineries.)

Next is the Domaine Brusset Gigondas “Grande Montmirail”.This is a wine you give to someone you really, really like. Any particular reason? It’s really, really good! I mean it. Gigondas is always a welcome gift. Anyone who is into wine who wouldn’t appreciate a fine Gigondas like this is insane. In that case, if they ARE insane, then you should give them the Barrel Monkeys. Because we all know that Monkeys are just insane, tiny, hairy humans. (Gift Categories: French Wine Lovers, Gigondas Lovers, Just Straight-Up Wine Lovers, The Sane.)

For your gift I have a number of packaging options. I’ve got a number of wine bags and some really cool wooden wine boxes. Also, let it be known that I can ship wine to 27 different states. Although chances of being able to get any gift to those destinations in time for Christmas is practically zero . . . barring any sudden advancements in time-travel or teleportation. That’s what I’d like for Christmas. A teleporter! But I guess I’ll settle for a Gigondas.

So Friday, December 22nd, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

Gifts For People Who Deserve Them!!!
Bergevin Lane 2004 Calico, Columbia Valley, Washington
Writer’s Block 2004 Zinfandel, Lak County, California
Acustic 2004 Vinyes Velles Nobles, Montsant, Spain
Chateau Signac 2004 Melodie d’Amour, Cotes du Rhone, France
Shinas Estate 2004 The Guilty Shiraz, Victoria, Australia

A Bit Fancier Gifts For People Who Deserve Them a Bit More Than the Others!!!
Barrel Monkeys 2004 Shiraz, McLarren Vale, Australia
Domaine Brusset 2004 Tradition Le Grand Montmirail, Gigondas, France

A stellar deal at $10 for the First 5, $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours.
Hope to see you here!

Seize the Wine!

Next Friday tasting is Top Party Picks!

M