The Wine Commonsewer™

Memorial Day 2012

Good Morning Gentle Readers,

Today is traditional Memorial Day. 

Seems like it was on a CONgressionally mandated three-day Memorial Day weekend that my boat sunk in front of Sundance on the Parker Strip. Technically, I guess that's where the prop shaft coupling let go and it was later, after taking on a considerable amount of water over the low freeboard transom, that Jim sunk the dam thing because he didn't listen to what I told him to do. That was eons ago and JIm's been dead for six years. Still holding a grudge, I see. 

On a cold, blustery November day I stood contemplating the ghostly figures you see mirrored in the polished black granite wall. The reflected figures are larger-than-life stainless steel statues dressed in full winter combat gear and posed in a chained off garden.

I get what the artist intended with the superimposed figures reflected among the other faces etched into the black granite, but it doesn't have the emotional impact of the Viet Nam Wall. Perhaps because it isn't my generation. 

Mrs TWC's evil stepfather was one of many whose life was destroyed by the Korean War. The platoon he commanded was blown to bits of blood and bone, he the sole survivor. He suffered his entire life, gradually devolving into an abusive, chain smoking, wheel chair bound, alcoholic victim of agoraphobia who suffered from PTSD and screaming nightmares. Maybe he would have been crazed anyway, some genetic malfunction or a family history of psychological problems. But I'm betting on the rain of carnage he witnessed first hand, for which he blamed himself.

It is fitting that we remember the tens of thousands of war dead and the hundreds of thousands who were maimed or otherwise injured. It is also fitting to remember that the Korean War arose from bad decisions our leaders made at the close of World War II. Ironic indeed, that America allowed herself to be bullied and browbeat by Uncle Joe into handing over North Korea to the Soviet Union, the ultimate cost in American lives was nearly equal to those lost in the Viet Nam War, not to mention the multiple billions of dollars spent to keep troops on the Korean Peninsula for six decades.

As Ever,

TWC

Photo Credit: TWC November 2011

US Senate Okays Direct Shipment of Wine (& Alcohol) via USPS

Good Morning Gentle Readers,

It's been illegal since 1909 for the post office to ship any spirituous, vinous, malted, fermented or other intoxicating liquors of any kind. That may change if the House signs off on Senate Bill 1789.

The proposed changes aren't a result of enlightened thinking. Instead, the move is a Hail Mary intended to make the post office more competitive and possibly prevent another round of post office closures scheduled for later this year. 

The bill would save Saturday mail delivery from the axe for two more years.

UPDATE: Miss Emily asks a pertinent question in the comments section.....

Even to Mississippi? When ordering wine online I have to have it shipped to my friend in Memphis.  

To clarify, federal law does not supersede state law in this case. If enacted, the USPS will be allowed to ship packages to residents of states who allow direct shipment of alcohol to residents. 

Sidebar: I am not exactly sure how some states were able to circumvent the Supreme Court ruling and to maintain their protectionist schemes that, in no way, benefit the consumer. 

As Ever,

TWC

Tip of the glass to the American Wine Consumer Coalition

Fire Near Tin Mine Road

Good Morning Gentle Readers, 

Even though our serial arsonist is on death row at San Quentin, it still seems that we can't have three decent days in row without wildfire. And it ain't even hot yet. Been breezy and cool. I suppose it's a function of population density and dry chaparral. 

Fire across Lake Mathews burning near Tin Mine Road taken from my bedroom deck. The smoke is about four miles away.

The old tin mines in this area provided a significant amount of tin production in the US for decades. I'm thinking arson or off-roaders. 

The pilots amaze me. Awesome is an overused term but they do an awesome job under incredible stress. Yes, those are high tension electric lines. I believe this is a Huey Twin 212. Maybe one of you plane guys can verify or correct that. 

These things can suck up 300 gallons of water in about a minute. 

This plane drops plumes of pink fire retardent that looks similar to pink slime. It appears to be a Lockheed P-2 Neptune. Again, I ain't a plane guy, so corrections are welcomed. 

As of 9:00 PDT the fire appears out, though I can see a few flashing lights with binoculars. 

As Always,

TWC

 

 

1999 Heitz Cellars Napa Valley CabernetDealing With A Crumbling Cork

Good Morning Gentle Readers,

The Heitz was very good but it was a bit difficult to get at because the cork broke in half during the pull, leaving the bottom half in place. My futile attempts to extract the remaining part of the cork caused it to disintegrate into the bottle leaving an unappetizing mess of cork crumbles floating in the wine.

Decanting won't help this but there is an easy way to get past it.You'll need.....

• One clean glass
• An ordinary stainless mesh strainer (with or without handle) that is small enough to rest on the top of the glass
• A paper coffee filter

You can also use a bronze, fine mesh coffee filter providing it is exceptionally clean. However, even the slightest coffee residue will taint the wine. 

By now, the technique is readily apparent and, voila(!), your wine is clean and ready to be poured into the glass.

Since losing an excellent Toscana to old age a while back, I've been making it a point to drink some of these older wines before they go off. The Heitz was a good choice and likely at its peak.

In the glass, the wine is a rich, voluptuous deep purple. 1999 was a pretty good year for California Cabernets and this wine has aged gracefully. It is remarkably smooth and the black fruits are well integrated. Well, hey, it drinks like a nicely aged Cabernet should. Nice aroma, opulent in your mouth, lingering finish. I was sad when it was gone (course, that isn't unusual for moi).  

This is a special occasion wine that you may find for around $60.00-$80.00 (US Dollars), which is as good an argument for cellaring wine as any. I've had this bottle for quite a long time, which means I enjoy the fully appreciated wine for considerably less than the going rate.

The trick to building a cellar full of wine is the Nike method. Just do it. Yes, it takes willpower to not drink the wine you just bought. It calls out to you regularly. Ignore it. When if you find one you like, buy another and put it away. Then someday comes by and you realize you've got some great things to enjoy. It's almost like magic.

BONUS

Heitz is one of the very few Napa wineries that does not have a tasting fee.

As Ever,

TWC

The House Blond is at the American Idol Finale

Good Morning Gentle Readers,

The House Blond will be in the orchestra seats at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles for tonight's American Idol finale. Actually, I think the show is well underway as we speak (4:00 PDT here in the Southland). Exactly how cool is this?(!) She'll be there with good friend Hailey and her dad, Ty, who scored the tickets after putting his name in a year ago.

As many long time readers know, American Idol has been a family tradition at the casa for years. It is Mrs TWC's favorite and even though the DVR is spinning, you'd best not disturb the continuity. IOW, better shaddup cuz mom's gonna beat ya if you don't.  

Tonight the face off is between Sanchez and my favorite, Phillip. I love Jessica, but who the heck is choosing those hideous shoes for her? Is it that Tommy Hilfiger guy?  Ain't no doubt Sanchez can belt it out, but Phillip has a very unique sound and style. Plus his dad was open-carrying last week. On camera. That's just cool. 

Here's Phillip last week:

Text From Katie about 2:00 PM: Bacon Wrapped LA Street Hot Dog! Holla! Jealous?

The City of Los Angeles banned these things a while back. 

As Always,

TWC

Tip of the glass and many thanks to Ty for sharing his good fortune. It will be an evening the girls will long remember.

Jesus Was Here

 

Tip of the glass to The Denisiosaurus

Rake Rack

Good Morning Gentle Readers,

I'm thinkin' this would be perfect for your rustic get-away cabin. Or Miltie's Man Cave out there in Temecula Wine Country. 

As Always,

TWC

Tip of the glass to Felice

Happy Mother's Day

Good Morning Gentle Readers,

On a warm day in 1939 three little barefoot girls sat impatiently for a picture. Film was expensive so there was but one photograph taken.

Later on they'd be wives and lovers, mom's and aunts, but my cousins and I could never know the little girls that were plunked on the stoop that day, wiggling their toes in the cool grass.

 

Mom is in the middle with Buff. Aunt Jeanne, shushing the girls. Aunt Betty didn't know she was destined to learn the accordion, a talent that fascinated me as a child.

Happy Mother's Day.

As Ever,

TWC

What We Think Cinco De Mayo Is

Good Morning Gentle Readers,

Tip of the glass to Denise Grace