About Being Happy

I know some of my friends *yawn*,or even *cringe*, with all my "rah-rah life" stuff. But, I just can't help myself. Life is good... really, really good. And, that's something new for me.

Prior to 2014, I marched through 15 years of  poop, beginning with the passing of my father in May of 1999. That instance was just a foreshadowing of the real gut-kick when my three-year-old grand daughter, the light of my life, died in a car accident in August of 2001. From that moment on, I became Joe Btfsplk, the sad sack from Li'l Abner. And, because that was how I saw myself, that is how my life was.

http://youtu.be/bXysRO11Xi8

Let me say that again... that was how I saw myself, so that was how my life was. 

And, it just got worse and worse to the point I began to think my life, for all intents and purposes, was over. Remember the show "Hee-Haw?" (Don't even try to act like you never saw it!) That was my outlook. That was the life I owned for myself.

I finally realized, something had to change. 

I knew I was miserable in my job. It wasn't that the job was bad. It was a great job! I worked with the most creative and smartest people I had ever known... many of them were very dear friends!!! I had amassed 15 years of raises and made a really good salary. I had all the perks that went with seniority. 

So, what was the problem? It didn't fulfill me anymore. There was no challenge, no stimulation, nothing to look forward to. I felt used and used up. And, my attitude reflected that feeling.

For a couple of years, right here on this blog site, I had been preaching about encore careers. And, while I had made some — in hindsight, feeble — efforts to find another career, I had reached the point of critical saturation in unhappiness. I decided to retire and gave notice. And, lo and behold, as soon as I made that commitment, an opportunity opened up, and it just so happened to be the absolutely perfect career for me. Getting the position became my new obsession, and my commitment and persistence paid off. I've never been happier in a job.

I know what some of you are thinking... well, aren't you the lucky one? It's not about luck. It's about the power of positive intention. It's about deciding what you want, committing to that goal... eating, drinking, dreaming of what you want. It's about letting God... the Universe... whatever higher power you ascribe to... know what you want and how badly you want it. 

Trust me, folks... I used to be the epitome of skeptic when it came to what I deemed metaphysical mumbo-jumbo. But, I was wrong. And, that was just the beginning of the good life. 

I was so grateful to get the job, I couldn't express my thanks adequately. I literally GUSHED thanksgiving. And, oddly enough, the more I acknowledged the goodness of that fortunate event and openly pronounced my gratitude for my blessings, the happiness and contentment I had always hoped was out there became manifest. It's just like every religion teaches — but I'll quote the Christian Bible, because that's what I know — "Ask, and ye shall receive." Can it be that easy? All I know is, it was that easy for me.

So, you see... I have to keep talking about how happy and grateful I am. It's part of the commitment. To stop talking about it would be tantamount to denying its existence. And, the last thing I want is to leave the door open for Messrs. Gloom and Doom to manipulate a seat at my table of life.

If there is anybody reading this who is going through some really bad times, I just want you to know, it can be better. My feet won't fit your shoes, so I can't tell you what it will take for you, but I can assure you... it can be better. 

It's kind of like, if you build it, it will come. Solidly commit to being happy, whatever that means to you. Choose your path and walk it. But, above all things, choose — CHOOSE — to be happy.

When that person cuts you off on the freeway, think of something happy or forgiving. You don't know what made him or her do that. It could be as simple as you just weren't seen. You've probably done it yourself without even knowing.

When a person is rude to you, smile at them. Give them the benefit of the doubt. For all you know, that person could have just lost a grand daughter in a car accident.

Bottom line... take the high road in all things. Avoid the anger, frustration and fear that is seething in today's society. Seek the positive in every situation. Smile. I can guarantee... yes, I said GUARANTEE... that the more you consciously make the effort to be grateful and positive in your life, the more your life will be bombarded by things for you to be grateful and positive about. 

There are some of you reading this who are witness to how this has worked in my life. And, I invite anyone reading this to expressively share the same happiness you may have found in your own life... here in comments, today with your family, tomorrow at work, this week with a total stranger. Say it out loud, put it in writing, make it known... often! It requires no money, no investment of time, no sacrifice. All it takes is gratitude for what you receive every day, pursuit of your passion, and a commitment to change your outlook on life. 

So, what's the first step? Determine what it is you want and pursue it with your complete being... heart, soul and mind. A quote by one of my favorite heroines says it all...

Wine Review: Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel 2012

Hey, Zin lovers... I found a remarkably good wine online at Wine.com, called Rancho Zabaco 2012 from Sonoma County. I learned through research that Sonoma County is second only to San Joaquin Valley for Zinfandel production in the U.S., so it's a pretty good guess they know what they're doing. Besides, being a Taurus, I liked the logo. 

This wine is 93% Zinfandel and 7% Petite Syrah. I did a little research on Zinfandel wines and, from what I read, Zin may just be the oldest varietal in the world, with evidence showing it in wine production as early as 6000 BCE. To put it in perspective, in 6000 BCE, Egyptians were just beginning to settle near the Nile.  

I also learned there is a technique in wine production that was developed specifically for Zinfandel, called Amador. There's some interesting controversy around this method which maintains the integrity of the alcohol content of the varietal.

This wine is a very deep violet red. The first thing I smell is spice and pepper over berries, typical Zin. And, on the first day, the taste was typical Zin... smoke, berries, licorice. I like it better on the second day. It's much smoother, with a velvety feel on the tongue and a nice, mocha finish.

Gotta be careful with it, though. It's very drinkable, but has almost 15% alcohol — which makes me think it should be enjoyed with food. This wine would probably work with any cuisine. I had it with a deli plate, and it was good, but what I wish I had been eating is a medium rare grilled steak with sauteed mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach.

Wine Advocate rated it 90, I would go with that. However, I really think this wine could sit for a year or two, which would make it rate 91, at least. And, it's less than $20.

For the Love of Mushrooms

Courtesy Food Network

In order to get the full benefit of what my local farmers' market has to offer, I have to be willing to get my old butt out of bed early on a weekend... because in the case of my farmers' market, if you snooze, you lose. So, it all comes down to how willing I am to give up another hour of sleep in favor of scoring some really nice produce deals. Since I work full-time, that doesn't happen often. 

Don't get me wrong... once my bladder knows I'm awake, it becomes very insistent. But, most of the time, I fall back between the sheets and luxuriate in the knowledge that I can. But, some mornings, the old body gets to feeling frisky and says, "Let's do something!" This weekend was one of those times. 

At the market, I found an amazing deal on some white mushrooms for a fraction of the cost at the supermarket. Mushrooms are one of my favorite foods, because they are so versatile. I use them in omelets, salads, on sandwiches and, of course, every Italian dish I prepare. In fact, I eat them almost every day, for good reason. They are considered one of the "superfoods," right up there with blueberries and broccoli. 

I dug through my recipe stash for mushroom recipes and found this gem! If you like spinach mushroom lasagna, you're going to love this recipe. It's the same thing, only much easier to make with a couple of suggested modifications.

Following the recipe explicitly, it's 368 calories per serving. But, I decided to use bottled pasta sauce and eliminate the cheese sauce from the recipe in favor of a topping mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan only, which brings the calorie count down to about 300 per serving. 

Although the recipe considers a single serving to be three shells, I thought two was enough, which really drops the calorie count and makes allowance for a side salad and a nice red wine (I enjoyed it with Bogle Essential Red 2011)... or, maybe, some Italian wedding cookies or biscotti. (I'll bet that got your attention!)

Biscotti Toscani
Courtesy Food Network

You can't go wrong with the nutrition, either, especially the kind that is hugely important to boomers. Its ingredients are chock full of vitamins and minerals essential for vision, skin and cell health, immunity, bone health, heart health and boosting the body's antioxidents. 

Just in case you still are not convinced to try this recipe, I'm posting the picture of my first try to show that it's not hard. Even the culinary challenged could make this dish. Start to finish, it took about 40 minutes to prepare. (My version is half the recipe.) And, with some chopped fresh basil as a garnish, it's elegant and tasty enough to convince everyone you're a kitchen pro. Enjoy!

Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Wine Review

Something new tonight, purchased online, but I think I've seen this offered locally, maybe on a restaurant wine list. It's Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2011. This is a blend to rival all blends, not only with grapes, but with appellations. And, I'm thinking it may be my new favorite Cab.

I'm a little confused as to why the winery decided to call it a Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up only 15%, with the majority of the grapes being Petite Syrah (48%) and Zinfandel (21%) with a little Petite Verdot thrown in 7% and 9% "other." Also, the grapes come from Sonoma, San Joaquin and Napa Counties. Here's what I found on the website:

"Each lot of our Ghost Pines 2011 Red Blend was fermented separately before blending. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah lots were cold soaked and fermented at warm temperatures to give the wine structure and depth. The Zinfandel was pumped over gently to liberate its spice characteristics, and we blended Petit Verdot from our Ghost Pines vineyard to add darkness and richness."

Whatever... it's very good.

Definitely let this wine breathe. It's gets phenomenal after about 30 minutes decanted. There's lots of dark ripe berries on the nose with a slight hint of licorice. On the palate, there's baking spice and chocolate with a little dark cherry. It has a nice tannin balance. 14.5% alcohol, so don't get carried away with the great taste! I think it would pair well with anything, but it's good on it's own, too. It was rated 90+ by every reviewer I read, and I will definitely purchase again, especially at $20/bottle on Wine.com.

Luca Malbec 2011 Wine Review

On recommendation a friend and fellow Malbec lover, I purchased a bottle of Luca Malbec 2011 from Mendoza, Argentina. This wine has everything I buy Malbec for... lots of berry aroma with what I thought was a hint of BBQ. In reading another review, it was described as hoisin and, BINGO! That's what I smell. I love hoisin, so it was no wonder my mouth started watering right away. On the taste, I get pomegranate, peppery spice, espresso and a little bit of tobacco... aka the perfect Malbec profile. Nice long finish with the taste of cola. Wine Advocate rates it 92, International Wine Cellar gives it a 91. And, I believe the ratings are well deserved.

I think it's important to introduce the creator of this wine, Laura Catena, referred to by many as the "face" of Argentinian Malbec. She is a fourth generation vintner PLUS an emergency medicine physician at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center PLUS an author and freelance writer PLUS a mother. Oh, and she's beautiful AND smart, graduating magna cum laude from Harvard, AND she got her medical degree at Stanford. Who says wine isn't good for you?

It's a little pricier than most of my choices, about $30/bottle purchased online at Wine.com. But, if you want to impress dinner guests, this is the perfect choice, because they'll swear you spent twice that. My friend said it was phenomenal with beef tenderloin, but I can imagine it going well with BBQ, Mexican food, spicy Italian and anything charcoal grilled... which qualifies it as a great summer wine for those who prefer reds. At 14% alcohol, it's no lightweight... so, please, drink responsibly. But, if you like bold, full-bodied wines, definitely drink this!

Dreaming Tree Crush 2011 Wine Review

Angel Tree, Charleston, S.C.

Ready for a new wine review? OK, then. I just happened to get a new shipment today. 

I picked Dreaming Tree Crush 2011 for my first tasting of the lot, mainly because the name reminded me of the centuries-old Angel Tree I saw while on vacation in Charleston (without a doubt, my favorite vacation, so far). The wine is a blend of 55% Merlot, 17% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Syrah, 8% Syrah and 7% other. 

Dreaming Tree is a collaboration of Dave Matthews (yes, THAT Dave Matthews) and Steve Reeder, who has a degree in Fermentation Sciences from the University of California (leave it to California to offer such a degree) and has been brewing and fermenting since he was 13.

I smell mostly berry jam, with a hint of baking spices. It reminded me of my brother's homemade cranberry sauce (which is awesome!) There's lots of semi-tart berries in the flavor, but with a slight earthy smoke backdrop and a little bit of moss.

Overall, I loved the wine because it is highly drinkable on its own, but was really good with my charcuterie plate of smoked meats and cheeses, it had a nice long finish, AND it reminded me of a treasured vacation experience. Any wine that can invoke those kinds of feelings and images is a keeper for me. 

I think you could pair this wine with just about anything, but I plan on enjoying it with a dish of farfalle and a rich, spicy tomato sauce for round two tomorrow night. 

I purchased this at Wine.com for about $15 and will buy it again. I couldn't find a rating for this vintage, but previous vintages were rated 90, and I would give this a 90, easy. 13.5% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.

Isn't It Ironic?

Wow! I actually did it!

I've posted before about how baby boomers are going to change perceptions regarding retirement, basically by choosing to pursue a secondary, or encore, career that aligns with a personal goal or passion. And, guess what! I have managed to do just that. Ain't it great when a plan works?

After fifteen years at a job in which my role had become mundane and dealing with serious personal issues at the same time, I was beginning to feel like my life had become a movie — which made me feel really old. 

The movie was "Finnegan Begin Again," starring Robert Preston and Mary Tyler Moore. (It got really bad promotion, because it's a sweet movie — about old people.) For those who have seen it, I felt I was living the life of the Robert Preston character, Mike. Ironic, in a Freudian sense.

Then, ironically, the communications medium I had declared an invasion of privacy — and the first step in the loss of civil liberty — gave me my heart's desire... the dream job... the encore career. The National World War I Museum was wanting to fill a position, for which I was uniquely suited. And, I knew this because I admired the Museum and "liked" its Facebook page. 

Again ironically, the 15 years of experience at a career I had come to loathe was instrumental in helping me get my dream job. The seniority I held at that job turned out to be leadership in an induced coma. I'm pretty sure there has to be a beatitude that covers this. And, if there isn't, there should be.

The plan had turned out to be the right direction, after all. The belief had been real. I feel I am making a living without working. How many people get to say that and mean it? 

The definition of irony is life. 

My Boomer Feet Love Dearfoams!

I'm looking forward to the impact baby boomers are going to have on the shoe market. I hate to sound "judgmentally old," but seriously... some of the things flaunted as footwear today is less about fashion and more about science fiction. I'm hoping that we will enter the "age of reason" soon and designers will start having pity on one of the most overworked and under-appreciated appendages of our bodies by taking note of the bunions, corns and foot deformities caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. 

I am now at the age that requires flats. Arthritis in my knees and hips makes wearing heels higher than two inches sheer torture in any situation which requires more than a couple of hours on my feet. So for work, it's flats, all the way. Problem with that is, there are few truly stylish flats for winter wear that look dressy. Loafers are my mainstay and are fine with slacks, but I think dresses, especially in a social setting, require something less clunky. Hopefully, a trend will emerge.

Because my foot has some anatomical challenges — small with a very high instep and very short toes — finding shoes that are truly comfortable is not easy. I also am not fond of anything between my toes and, because my toes are so short, even flip-flops and thongs are uncomfortable as they have a tendency to slip off my foot, even while walking, requiring me to keep my toes tensed to grip. In fact, I used to spend a lot of time at home barefoot in the summer and wearing moccasins in the winter. However, I've found my true casual shoe dream in Dearfoam slippers. I own several pair, but for summer wear, these are my favorite. 

The nice thing about these slippers is that every area that touches my foot is soft and plush. Plus, they are so flexible, they stay on the foot without effort from the toes. In fact, they are so comfortable, I almost crawled into bed one night before realizing I was still wearing them. And, they look snazzy, too! 

Dearfoam has such great designs in all types of slippers for men and women on its website, some stylish enough to wear socially, it may be hard to choose just one. Luckily, they're so affordable, you can do your old dogs a favor and buy several. 

Are You Still a Boomer?

This post is to serve as a reminder for a lot of baby boomers. And, trust me... I include myself in this learning experience. Just watch the video in this link, then we'll talk.

http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/andrew-de-leon/1404950

OK, now show of hands... how many of you were right there with me, in the beginning, thinking, "Hey, kid... you wanna be accepted? Dress acceptably."

And, then, how many of you had to fight tears of shame? Yeah, me, too.

And, that concludes tonight's reminder that we, after all, were the generation who screamed at the top of our lungs, "Hey, old people... let us be who we want to be!!"

And, while we're on the subject... are you who you want to be?

Follow Your Dreams!!

OK, if you've been following my blog for any length of time, you know that I'm a big believer in non-retirement or, as I like to call it, encore careers. And, I think a lot of baby boomers feel the same way, for a variety of reasons.

Maybe they took serious hits on their 401k in the recent bubble bursts, maybe their parents didn't plan so well for longer life, or maybe their kids have discovered a degree doesn't mean as much as it once did. 

But, in my case, I have postponed retirement because I have been able to achieve the dream... working at a job that I not only have an intense passion for, but I lucked into the unbelievable situation of working with some really cool people. I am looking forward to working until my body stops. But, for those of you who are just now tuning in, here's the nutshell... I believe, and evidence is supporting the belief that, Boomers are going to redefine retirement. We are going to change the course of American history one last time. 

As I type this, my TV is tuned into the "American Hero Channel." Military history has always fascinated me. While I enjoy learning about the strategy used in battle, I'm most interested in the humanities of war. What caused the conflict? What part did culture play in the outcome? What was the real objective?

Finally, just this year, I have been able to live what I've always known was possible... passion for a job. After putting in years working for the sake of income, I have reached the point that I can actually work for the sake of something for which I have great passion. In February of this year, I started working with the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Mo.

It fills me with great pride to type that sentence. I love my job, I love what it stands for, and I love this city. For the first time in my life, all the stars are aligned... life is good. And, here, I have to inject the well-worn quote of George Burns with a twist of my own — if I had known living this long would be this much fun, I would have taken better care of myself. Can I get an "amen"? 

What's my point? I want to say, to everyone 59+, follow your dreams. Seriously. You can draw on your 401k without penalty if an emergency hits you. You don't have to leave anything for your kids... unless your Daddy left something to you, then it's kind of, like, you gotta pay it forward, dude. 

But, for those of us who, by the hair of our chinny-chin-chins, have taken care of our parents AND our kids, it's time we set the standard for successful retirement and, in the process, put an exclamation point on our lives, do something for ourselves... follow that dream. Cue, Elvis. 

http://youtu.be/m7d2I3m59t4

I no longer am forced to work for an income. I'm working for something that I firmly believe is important to the generations that come after me. Baby Boomers have the inglorious reputation of being the "Me Generation." And, let's face it... it's the truth. But, we have shaped history since we drew our first breath. And, here is our chance  to show following generations the meaning of retirement. And, it doesn't translate into a vacation from humanity. 

We need to teach the next generation that old is a figment of the imagination... that their grandparents were heroes... that we fought, and won, critical battles for minorities... that they are the stewards of the generation that will require heroes, just like their great grandparents... that in order to die without regret, you have to have lived. It doesn't matter what "living" means... you need to die knowing you lived. Otherwise, it was a waste of oxygen. 

If you're at a point in life that you can, FINALLY, follow a dream, I urge you to do so. Step down. Go to work for a non-profit that needs your expertise. Promote and support what you believe in. It makes all the difference in the world in how you feel about yourself! And, it teaches a valuable lesson... very valuable. As in, the survival of our way of life valuable. 

La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti 2009 Wine Review

Another new wine for me! This one is an Italian I had the pleasure of learning about on a girls night wine tasting, Spinetta Barbera d'Asti 2009. It's a new grape for me, too. The Barbera grape sounds like it is Italy's answer to California's Cabernet Sauvignon. It's hearty, highly adaptable to various terroir, and provides consistent quality and yield. It has a food friendly profile, yet is equally enjoyable on its own. Barbera is believed to have originated in the hills of Monferrato in central Piemonte, Italy, where it has been known from the thirteenth century. However, some persone malvagie brought it down in the 1980s by mixing it with methanol, causing over 30 deaths and other serious injury for many victims. But, it's making a comeback. I watched a video on Wall Street Live in which a critic raved about a Barbera wine at $75/bottle. Mama mia!! I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse. This one is delicious for half that amount!

If you're impressed by the legs of a wine, you'll like this one. It's dark ruby with purple tinges on the edge. On the nose, I was able to pick up earthy lavender, tea and red fruit, like raspberries and very ripe plums. The earthiness is carried into the flavor with some balsamic cherry, nutmeg, cocoa and tobacco. It opens up really well, with a smooth mouthfeel and a wonderful clean finish.

The label has a mythical rhinoceros on it, for which the vineyard's website gives no explanation other than "because..." I love that! It's so Italian to me!

Wine Spectator rated it 90. Most consumer reviews I read placed it in 88-90. I agree with the high marks. 14% alcohol, so it's no lightweight. And, while I didn't drink it with food, I can't imagine it not working with anything. However, in my mind, I thought this is a wine I would want to share with my besties while sitting around a spread of hors d'oeuvres making small talk, connecting and celebrating friendship. Yeah! It's that kind of wine. For about $30/bottle. Cint'anni! Ciao!

The Monuments Men: For the Love of History

I just saw the movie, “The Monuments Men.” If you love history, you need to see the movie. However, if you ever doubted the significance of knowing history, you REALLY need to see this movie. 

Case in point, whoever wrote the script — and since I didn’t bother looking that up, I’ll just blame George Clooney — if you’re going to make a movie about a historical event, it’s pretty important that you get your facts right. Just to be clear… The World War 1 Memorial is NOT in St. Louis. OK? I can at least take some satisfaction in knowing you got the damned state right. Now that I’ve got that off my chest…

I fervently believe that the single most significant thing that sets man apart as a species from every other animal that walks, flies or swims on this earth is our development of written communication. Since the beginning of time, when prehistoric men drew pictures on caves, more or less saying, “I was here, and this is what I saw and did,” we have had the capability of understanding what went before us. 

Whether or not that knowledge is used for good or bad is a matter of choice. History tells us there were many bad choices. And, THAT is why the knowledge of history is important. How do we know who Plato was? How do we know who Michelangelo was?  How do we know who Jesus was? And, how do we know who Hitler was?

Go see the movie. It may be one of the best 1.5 hours you’ll spend all month. It’s entertaining, it’s heartbreaking, it’s uplifting, it’s well written… except, of course, for getting the location of the World War 1 Memorial wrong. I’m still a little pissed about that. 

But, more than anything, it will show any doubters who think history is lame how wrong they are. I’m not saying everyone should be as crazy about history as I am. But, I am saying we all need to respect its importance and realize that we’re lucky there were, and still are, people who ARE crazy about it… crazy enough to die saving it. 

As George Clooney says in the movie, our achievements are our identity. And, without recorded history, whether it be paintings, sculptures, buildings or just words in a book, we have no identity.

The REAL Monuments Men

God, Morgan and Me

I personally think Morgan Freeman is one of the coolest individuals living on the planet. This quote of his explained my beliefs better than I ever could. I believe that every time we put another's well being before our own, we become Jesus, Allah or whatever Deity a person holds sacred. 

I respect every belief system, and I applaud every faith-based post and meme I see on my Facebook feed. I think it's important to put those reminders out there, to remind everyone that we're all part of a whole and, therefore, responsible for ourselves AND each other. While I don't take the Bible literally, I personally think it is one of the most important books ever written. I've never read the Koran or the Torah, but from what I know of them, I believe they are very much like the Christian Bible, basically a calling to take a high road in how we live and treat all the other creatures that exist on this planet. 

There's a house down the street from me that has posters in the yard with Bible-inspired sayings on signs in the yard, like "Seek Jesus' Face" and "There is no Love greater than the Lord's." Some people would call that fanaticism. I know I did until, suddenly one day, the signs weren't there. I NEVER realized how much I counted on seeing those signs, how instinctive it was for me to SEARCH that yard for the assurance that there were people who were so strong in their faith, they were willing to openly share it in such a manner. I felt a loss when I didn't see the signs and was, honestly, relieved to see them return in a couple of days. I don't know the people who live there, but I have resolved to stop some day and tell them how much the signs mean to me. And, while I don't think I believe in exactly the same way as they do, I'm pretty sure our hearts are in the same place.

It's about respect. It's about belief that individually we are insignificant in the whole scheme of things, but majestic in our individual ability to make change in a society that is obviously corrupt and morally sick. 

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) 

I can't testify absolutely that it is Jesus or God who makes me want to be a better person, but I totally get that my strength needs to be a reflection of the tenets of Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi and every other defender of faith we've been blessed to know. Because, whether you want to admit it or not, the message is the same from every faith... from the beginning of time. It's pretty simple really... admit that there is a power higher than what you control and love your fellow Earthly inhabitants as much as you love yourself. How hard can that be... seriously.

I'm not religious. I am, however, deeply spiritual. And, I truly believe most of us want the same thing... peace, respect and justice. But, here's the crux... how far are we willing to go to achieve that? I believe it's time we all take a moral evaluation of where we are, where we think we should be and just what we're willing to do to create the world we know we are capable of creating. It means taking a different road, setting an example, being the person you know you want to be. I know I'm ready... are you?

Wine Review: Francis Ford Coppola Black Diamond Claret 2011

I had the pleasure of revisiting another "old friend" yesterday... Francis Ford Coppola Black Diamond Claret 2011. I love this wine, but it's been hard to find. Finally, my favorite wine retailer got some in, and I just happened in during a sale. Normal retail is about $18, I got this bottle for $12. SCORE! I bought four.

First of all, I think it's important to explain that Claret is simply the British name for Bordeaux blends. Throughout the Middle Ages, England, France and Spain were off-and-on mortal enemies. Since England didn't have a climate conducive to growing grapes, wine had to be imported. To assuage the sting of deficient terroir, the English renamed the Bordeaux blend as Claret, referring to the wine's color... or, perhaps, I should type colour. So, if you're an Agatha Christie fan, and you've read that Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot enjoyed a glass of Claret, now you know it's referring to the blending of Bordeaux grapes.

That concludes the history and literary portion of tonight's program. On to the wine...
The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, blended by Corey Beck and aged 15 months in French oak. Expert rating is 90.

There's a faint sweet floral aroma, kind of like dusty rose, with a little vanilla. The taste is fairly dry, lots of berries, a little licorice and a touch of coffee. The finish is really nice, not overpowering, just kind of a subtle lingering. I enjoyed this wine with a homemade, spicy hot, sweet and sour Chinese-inspired stew yesterday, but it was even better with the medium rare steak topped with melted blue cheese and carmelized onions I had tonight. I heartily recommend this wine, especially if you can get it for less than $20. Cheers!

Zolo Signature Red 2012 Wine Review

It's always nice to see an old favorite wine. Such was the case when I entered one of my favorite wine stores (Cellar Rat, downtown Kansas City) and found this Zolo Signature Red 2012 from Mendoza, Argentina. The Zolo winery is a progeny of Fincas Patagonicus, one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina, where wine is sustainably produced. 

Check out that view!

The winery's signature wine is Malbec (duh), but they also produce this blend which contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Merlot and Malbec grapes. It has a very dark, opaque garnet color. I pick up aromas of coffee and smoky cranberries. Lots of mocha flavor envelopes the palate, leading into tart cherries, earthy herbs and a tiny bite of peppery heat. The finish is long and rich with chocolate covered cherries. And, I have a feeling it will be even better tomorrow, after it's had a day to soften.

What I like about this wine is that it does not have the fruity sweetness of most blends, so it will work with just about any food. Oddly enough, though, what I thought as I was sipping it was how well its solid tannins would work with rich lobster or crab dishes dripping in buttery sauces. Or, most assuredly with my all-time favorite stew, cioppino... and, yes, I'm talking about pairing fish with a red wine... I'm a rebel like that! 

I was surprised to find out it is rated between 86 and 90 by professional critics, yet I paid only $13/bottle. However, what was most telling was the high praise given by the everyday wine lover. I highly recommend this as an all-around versatile wine for almost any occasion, but it has 13.8% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.