Firestone Cabernet Sauvignon (2005)

We are getting ready for a trip to Florida tomorrow in which we will celebrate and honor the life of a wonderful, intelligent man, a devoted and honorable husband, a strong and caring father, a loyal brother, a loving grandfather. . .

Tonight as we make our to-do lists and prepare for the trip, we are enjoying this California wine from the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County.

The nose is subtle, but with distinct aromas of licorice and spice. The texture is full-bodied and round on the palate with lots of berries. The finish is predominantly coffee and chocolate.

This is a perfect example of why. . .when someone asks for a wine recommendation from me. . .I suggest a California Cabernet. This is exceptionally delicious. I will definitely buy this one again.

Joe, we love you and salute you.

Glass Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (2007)

We are on our third official day of summer, June 23. We had a thunderstorm today and I understand there was an earthquake in Canada that was felt in metro Detroit. Some weather!

I started my day with a run with our youngest son, Tony, who is home briefly. We had a great run in the pre-storm, hot, sticky air. I then continued on with a very enjoyable day (I am on vacation this week), including lots of reading, which I love to do during stormy weather. This afternoon, I attended a visitation service for Joel Gentz , a hero in our hometown. Joel was a classmate of our oldest son, Tommy. Joel was killed in action in Afghanistan. I knew Joel when he was a baby and I have been friends with his parents. My heart goes out tonight especially to Joel’s mom, Judy. My heart is heavy for her. She and her husband, Steve, are strong but I know their hearts are breaking.

I am looking forward to tomorrow when my friend, Pat, will be coming over for a 9:00 a.m. run and then we’re going to ZouZou’s for coffee and catching up. I LOVE my vacays!!

So, tonight we are going to have hamburgers on the grill and salad. I asked Tony to pick the wine tonight and he chose this California Cabernet. Yum. It is excellent. Predominantly blackberries on the palate with licorice mingling with fruit on the finish. Nothing not to like with this wine. Absolutely scrumptious.

Francis Coppola Malbec (2005)

Tom poured me a glass of this California Malbec. I bought this for Tom and paid $20 for the bottle so was expecting something quite good.  Instead, I find the nose to be musty, which is a turn off for me. I am patiently swirling and sipping and hoping that as the wine breathes, the mustiness will subside. Getting past the nose (which smells like a closet filled with damp, dirty clothes). . .the taste is pretty good but, for me, the nose is such a big part of my enjoyment. I am having a difficult time getting past it.

For dinner, I am baking yams (which I received from the food co-op) along with chicken. I also have an apple cobbler baking (again, I had some extra apples from the co-op). I am going to serve this with the leftover stuffing and cranberry sauce and maybe we’ll even finally finish the pumpkin pie!

Castle Rock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (2006)

We opened this California Cabernet Sauvignon to commemorate an October Friday night. Woo Hoo! (Even though I have to work all day tomorrow.)

Okay, no kidding, this is a keeper. I love this wine. I bought it for $12.99 at the A & L Wine Castle in Ann Arbor.  I like everything about it starting with the nose and ending with its long and spicy finish.

I am reheating a casserole that I made earlier this week ( a delicious and simple ground beef and potato dish) which I will serve with sauteed asparagus and a salad.

If you find this wine, definitely buy it. It’s wonderful!