[hubbahubba]

Opened my last Voyage 7. Surgery was required, but the operation was successful.

[flybigjet]

The Minister had a bad day at work yesterday (much drama that she's not at fault for, but is ultimately getting the fallout from) and was on teleconferences until almost 7pm last night.

So, I broke out a treat for her-- it's a little dusty since it's been laid down in the basement racks for about the past 6.5 years.

She used the word "outstanding" when she first sampled it and decided that I was a "good husband".

It was very, *very* good.

R.

[RickFLM4]

Sounds like Realm will have a couple of Spring Release events coming your way hubbahubba

https://myrealm.realmcellars.com/s/e...astroscityhall

[RickFLM4]

Special wine last night for a special occasion.

[hubbahubba]

It’s a chilly 60 degrees here right now. Going out for dinner, but this will be great for after. Might even have to light a fire tonight. Also, wine club day.

[RickFLM4]

So I was at the GI doctor last week and right at the end of the appointment she asked "You don't drink, right?"

After looking around to see if someone else was in the room I realized she was actually talking to me. I told her "Yes I drink!," wondering where she ever got the idea I don't drink. She sat back down and asked me how much. I told her Frances (wife and also her GI patient) will split a bottle of wine when we go out to dinner or when we have a nice dinner at home. She said "A bottle?!" and started typing. I started feeling like Elaine on Seinfeld when doctors were making notes in her chart. I decided it was better not to even mention the gin and tonic(s) while we look at the menu or the 100+ unopened bottles of wine I have in storage at home.

I assume this is due to the most recent surgeon general coming out and warning about alcohol right before he was done with his term. It wasn't so long ago we were being told a glass or two or red wine each night is GOOD for you. Is 2 people spliiting a bottle of wine once (or even twice) a week unusual now? Geez.

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Is 2 people spliiting a bottle of wine once (or even twice) a week unusual now? Geez.

Heck no nothing wrong with it! Doing it right now.

I hate it when they ask that question…. You know what’s coming.

[Vindicator3]

My GP asks every checkup. I always remind him that I have wine with dinner and am in a wine dinner group with Dr. X (whom he knows). "Well, then you must be drinking some very good wine" is always the response, and then we move on...

[flybigjet]

We had this during a wine pairing lunch on our Antarctic cruise.

It was flat-out *amazing*.

2014 Château d'Yquem Sauterne.

R.

[Vindicator3]

Originally Posted by flybigjet

We had this during a wine pairing lunch on our Antarctic cruise.

It was flat-out *amazing*.

2014 Château d'Yquem Sauterne.

R.

Nice cruise pairing! Amazing is to be expected with Yquem. In the traditional Sauternes classification, it sits alone on the top rung in recognition of its uncontested status as the best of the best among the sweet white dessert wines of Bordeaux. By comparison, there are five (originally four) Chateaux which share the top rung for dry red Bordeaux.

2021 Yquem is being released now and will run you $300-$350 per bottle in the US, so its reputation is reflected in its price. It ages forever and unlike the best red Bordeaux, many older vintages are available without too much of a premium over current release prices.

I always enjoy Yquem, but it is a rare treat and when I taste it, it's almost always due to the generosity of others.

[hubbahubba]

Breathing and softening

[hubbahubba]

Opened this last night. cmyx6go you asked for a report back on this, I think? It was very good, but could have used a couple more years in the bottle.

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by hubbahubba

Opened this last night. cmyx6go you asked for a report back on this, I think? It was very good, but could have used a couple more years in the bottle.

Picked one up tonight but it’s a 2022. It’s just ok.

I am jealous about the Stags’ Leap Limited Edition. I’d love to pop the cork on that one.

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

Picked one up tonight but it’s a 2022. It’s just ok.

I am jealous about the Stags’ Leap Limited Edition. I’d love to pop the cork on that one.

It was very tasty. Their wine club sends some good stuff, and it’s like Christmas 4 times a year.

[BMWGUYinCO]

Enjoyed a second bottle of this outstanding wine Saturday night.

In my humble opinion, this is as close to perfection as any California Cab I've had. 98 points but could easily be 100.

Note there are a couple of varieties of this wine - this is from Howell Mountain.

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by BMWGUYinCO

Enjoyed a second bottle of this outstanding wine Saturday night.

In my humble opinion, this is as close to perfection as any California Cab I've had. 98 points but could easily be 100.

Note there are a couple of varieties of this wine - this is from Howell Mountain.

I've never heard of this one before. I will be on the lookout. Thanks.

[hubbahubba]

Didn’t let it breathe long enough, about an hour. Got better over the 2 hours we enjoyed it.

[hubbahubba]

Did our other AxR tasting from back in the fall. Still dynamite!🧨

[RickFLM4]

We tried Darioush at a friend’s house a few years ago and I picked up 4 bottles of 2019 after that. Opened the first of four today to pair with grilled filet mignon and double baked potato. Everything was excellent. Wine was bold but very drinkable and I’m glad we have 3 more bottles.

[hubbahubba]

Picked up 2 each of the Pinot from the wine dinner tonight. Nice wine.

[hubbahubba]

Breathing. Also, I boiled my corks today. I’m going to spread them out tonight and see what we can create.

[RickFLM4]

Somehow neglected to take pictures but met some friends at Okeechobee Steakhouse (oldest steakhouse in FL and best food and service in South Florida IMO) last Saturday. We brought a bottle of Realm Moonracer (2018) and they brought a bottle of Insignia (2021 I believe). Excellent food, wine and friends. Great time.

I think I actually enjoyed the Insignia more than the Moonracer but it was close. Both would benefit from more age but I really wanted to try the Moonracer and when I said I was bringing that, he decided to bring the Insignia.