It is mid December, and 2012 is rapidly drawing to a close. For me, this is a time for reflection of the previous eleven and a half months. Personally, this year has had its share of struggles and, honestly, has probably been the most difficult year, to date, for me. With all the challenges 2012 brought, however, I have some really fantastic memories, as well.
This year ushered the beginning of the Stay At Home Winos and our first blog post was published in April of 2012. Beth, Lisa and I took a big leap in our lives individually, and as a trio. We took something that was initially a hobby, and brought it to the next level. Sometimes, we were a little out of our respective comfort zones, but during the times where one of us felt a little apprehensive, the others were there to encourage and support. This dynamic is indicative of our friendship. Moreover, we realized individually, and as a group, who represented our biggest fans. Three men who supported and helped us, offered constructive criticism and "researched" with us, as we embarked on our new path. To them, I speak for Beth, Lisa and myself when I say, "thank you!"
For my weekly blog post, I wanted to do a year in review. A "walk down memory lane," if you will. We covered many wine-related topics since mid April. Some blog posts required research and taught us a lot of new, useful information. Some posts were sub-areas in the wine world of which passionate about and some, were simply our own walks down memory lane, where we relived memorable experiences that involved wine.
To Beth and Lisa, I say "Cheers!"
In April we started,
Wow were we green!
We hoped to learn,
New knowledge we would glean!
Beth talked about Rockpile,
A Zinfandel from Cali
And we learned that Rockpile AVA
Was just northwest of Dry Creek Valley!
Mary Jo showed us how not to be shy
And to be honest about what you smell and taste.
Who knew that the smells from your past,
Are upon what your ability to smell wine is based!
In May, Lisa waxed nostalgic,
about her life's journey to becoming a wine snob.
While Beth finally introduced us three,
And discussed what we learn "on the job."
Mary Jo went to Vegas
But her experiences she did share!
While Beth and Lisa's Oregon trip was previewed,
Mary Jo certainly wishes she could have been there!
In June, Beth and Lisa's Oregon trip was covered in great detail,
They enjoyed a "few" great wines.
The more they enjoyed the more they bought!
They probably found it hard to read the signs!
June also helped us learn to pair
Wines and many cheeses!
Beth also shared all our secrets
Of how our wine class ALWAYS pleases!
July started with the laws of wine,
And moved into what sulfites do.
Then the winos had their first big gig!
An outdoor demonstration about BBQ!
We also saw a white from the Verdicchio grape,
That Beth enjoyed in Rome.
And Mary Jo discussed the proper glasses,
That one should drink from at home.
July ended with an in-depth talk
By Lisa about the corkscrew.
Who knew there were so many ways,
To open a bottle that is new.
August discussed white wine,
And Beth recommended three greats!
Beth also talked about serving temps,
But admitted reds are for her, what elates!
Wines' health benefits were touted,
Lisa waxed nostalgic again!
Wine cabinets were brought up,
All the wine from Oregon was in!
In September, washing glasses was the topic,
Who knew soap wasn't good!
Bottle shapes, too many to name,
And why they were different, we finally understood.
Beth introduced us to Carignane,
Bolder than a Zin?
Finally, we learned how to "spit",
Or expectorate, into a bin!
With October, came fall,
And Pinots Lisa hailed!
The Winos second gig was held,
Pork for all was unveiled!
Rioja from Spain, we can't forget,
And Beth talked all about it.
Lisa remembered a trip to Lancaster Vineyard,
And the Pigs and Pinot dinner was a hit!
November came with a knock at the door,
And Mary Jo had a knew toy!
Her beautiful wine cabinet had arrived,
From California to Illinois!
Next barrels were investigated,
And Lisa showed us how-
A barrel can give wine flavors,
Who knew, toast and vanilla, until now!
Thanksgiving was near and Beth remembered,
Grandma Bams and her "Champagne."
Then Mary Jo waxed nostalgic,
And talked about the impression Consilience left on her brain.
December is here and, Champagne again?
This time, the real thing!
Its amazing the details surrounding this drink,
That makes even the shyest people sing!
Last week Beth talked Petite Sirah,
A grape grown in C-A.
But, it was once grown in France and called Durif,
And she highly recommends it with a filet!
So, what a year, is all I can say,
Thank goodness the wine still flows.
I am blessed to be with two good friends,
Together called the Stay At Home Winos!
From grape.com
Cheers to all and Happy Holidays!
Mary Jo
So over the Labor Day weekend my husband and I, along with Mike and Beth, decided to check out a steak house that is well known (in these here parts) but kind of out in the middle of nowhere. Living only about 20 miles east of St. Louis on the OTHER side of the Mississippi we usually venture into the big city. However, this time we headed farther east to Clinton county to a tiny town called Saint Rose. In this cute little town sits Popeye's Chophouse.
So we arrived when we said we would and they had a packed house! Told you they were popular. Well the wait was definitely worth it. We opened our first bottle which was a 2006 Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a wine we brought home from our first trip together to California in 2011. This Cab was a deep purple in color and had the rich Cab nose with a little cassis, white pepper, dark berry and hint of spice. We thoroughly enjoyed it with the crab cakes for appetizers. It had rich tannins and the fullest body of the two wines we enjoyed that night. It opened up very well and wondered what it would have been like had it been decanted first. It was great!
