Arger-Martucci 2007 Petite Syrah Wine Review

My wine mentors gifted me with a really nice wine. They often describe the wine they like as having a "complexity of taste." Now, I have to admit, the understanding of what that meant has been very vague — that is, until I tasted this wine. EUREKA! I get it!!!

There are so many layers to the aroma and taste, I'm almost afraid to attempt a review. But, I want to, because I feel this is probably a step up in my education about wine. 

On the nose, I smell a lot of smoky currant, some floral scents and earthy moss. However, describing the taste gets a bit more complicated. Starting with a smoky, slightly biting herbal taste, it exploded in my mouth and seems to communicate with every taste bud... the ones that identify saltiness, the ones that communicate sweetness and, even, the ones at the back that recognize herbal bitterness. And, all the time, there's this smokey rose (for lack of a better description) savor that just kind of fills in the empty spots of my mouth. I think this may be what the expert reviewers call "chewy."

Now, what food to pair this wine with... I can't help you there. I will tell you the taste sent me to the kitchen to gather some dates (which I happen to have fallen in love with just recently), nuts and blue cheese. But, I can imagine it pairing extremely well with rich, meaty entrees, such as prime rib or beef stroganoff, or a bold primavera, not to mention the traditionally rich holiday dinner.

If you're ready to move beyond the party/generic/everyday safe wines, this wine needs to be your entree. I would rate it 92, at least. And, without question, I would have to list it in my top 10 favorites. Almost 14% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.

RECOMMENDATION: Pick it up for your holiday dinner. Not only will you impress your guests, it'll help you deal with the inevitable family drama! 

Cheers and happy holidays, everyone! May your days be merry and bright for many years to come!

The Feasting Season

From the beginning of recorded human history, celebration has involved food, whether it's a traditional calendar event or an impromptu evening with friends. In truth, the act of "breaking bread" is in our evolutional DNA. In his book, Feast, archaeologist Martin Jones chronicles both historic and modern scientific evidence to illuminate how prehistoric humans first came to share food. Research has discovered that most mammals and all primates share food as a basis of forging relationships.

This week we kick-off the traditional season of thankfulness, celebration and holy observances. It is also the season of indulgence, over eating, bloat and pounds gained, all of which we regret and punish ourselves for on January 1, the secular day of mea culpa, atonement and resolutions. Contrary to what most of us think, the average weight gain over the holidays is only one to two pounds. Unfortunately, because the heavy eating season occurs during the winter months, when our activity level drops, studies show that those extra pounds can hang around for a really long time. Consistently, the No. 1 New Year's Day resolution is — drum roll, please — lose weight. 

What's deliciously intriguing about all of this is that it happens every year at exactly the same time, which can only mean 1) we suck at planning for the inevitable; and, 2) we equally suck at the practice of moderation. With a little self-awareness, we can make this year different. All the experts agree on these tips to avoid the predictable food overdose, post-holiday self-loathing.

First, don't starve yourself prior to the feast. Start the day with a sensible, high-fiber, high-protein breakfast. It will kick start your digestive system for the later ultra-rich food shock, as well as help to control your hunger and to maintain your dignity when your eyes behold the bounty. 


Remember, even if you're returning to the home of your childhood, you're an adult now. If you're expecting a barrage of "food pushing," insist on a smaller plate or take your own. It will fool everyone, including you, that you've got plenty. And, if Aunt Mary gets offended because you don't take second helpings of her macaroni and cheese, that's on her, not you.


Accept that this is a time of indulgence. Be prepared for the ultimate all-you-can-eat buffet by drinking plenty of low-calorie beverages and keeping your portions small. Think about the foods you know you will find hard to resist and research the nutrition. For instance, did you know a slice of apple pie is about 500 calories?

The "Enough already!" message will come from your brain, not your stomach. Eat slowly, savor the food and allow your brain to get the fullness message before going in for second helpings. 



Be sure to sit next to your favorite family member while eating. Studies show that engaging in conversation while eating suppresses the tendency to unconsciously shovel food through the pie-hole.  


Step away from the food! After round one of deliciousness, get up from the table and move around, take a walk, play with the kids, anything that will allow your body the time it needs to process what you've thrown in it. 

Finally, don't beat yourself up when the scales reveal the damage done. It's fixable. 

Remember, above all, the holidays are annual occasions to give and receive the one "food" we can never have too much of... LOVE! 

It's Called Memorial Day for a Reason

I'm old. I remember when holidays weren't about money, when restaurants and retailers actually closed so their employees could celebrate or observe the day. Back then, we actually had to plan the day well enough because we knew, if we didn't get that bag of ice ahead of time, we were just going to have to make do with ice cube trays. But, you know what? It didn't mean the day was wrecked. Truth be told, I seriously doubt anyone would have even noticed.  

Now, every commemorative holiday is an excuse for a sale — Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans' Day, Presidents' Day — which means some poor schmuck of a sales clerk is going to have to work, because his employer knows that people, who have the day off, are going to take advantage of his store being open. It's reached the point now that it's a "SALE" day, on the day we're supposed to be honoring our fallen heroes. How freaking sad is that? I mean, I get consumerism, but really? 

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, folks. It's a day set aside to remember those who fought and died for the United States of America, sometimes against their better judgement, sometimes because to do otherwise would mean jail time and being labeled as a traitor, sometimes because they knew the cause to be true and just, and sometimes because they KNEW that they were the only thing between evil and the people and country they loved. 

And, it's not just for recognizing military combatants. Sometimes, the battle is fought by civil servants and civilians right here at home. Remember those first responders who died at the Fall of the Towers, the passengers on United Flight 93 and, even more recently, the volunteer firemen who died in West, Texas. They chose to put themselves in harms way to protect and defend others. The Bible teaches us that there is no greater love. (John 15:13) I think that kind of sacrifice deserves more than a passing remembrance before we jump in the pool, don't you? 

Enjoy your day off. Just remember why you're able to do so.