Nous Sont Fini

....for now. For now the field is mowed, the weeds are whacked, and the vines are happily growing tall. The vines are intermingled amid the 2nd and 3rd wires, a very happy sight for sure.

For now we can spend our weekends doing something else besides vineyard work, sunup to sundown.

For now the vines don't need to be watered, sprayed or pruned. They don't need to be fertilized, aerated or taped.

At this very moment, they remind me of little children all snug in their beds. Their faces have that angelic look that makes you fall in love with them all over again. The vines all big and leafy, some with green grapes thinking about turning purple, are the true gifts given to us by mother nature. Heavenly.

So tonight.....we celebrate. We crack open a very yummy bottle. A must have in every drinking person's cellar. Tonight we open a bottle of Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Rubric, 2006 vintage. Rubric is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Petite Verdot, 8% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Franc,

6% Petite Sirah, and 2% Tannat. Whoo, what a mix! By the way, I have no idea what Tannat. Could use some help here. :)

It's a $20 bottle of wine, steep in my book of always finding the cheapest good wine. But boy it is good! I mean like take the first sip and say "ummm." good. It's smooth. No tastebud adjustments required. You know when you drink some wines, your first response is "whew! that is tang-g-g-y. I'll get used to it." None of that.

Here's what they say about their wine: "Aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, cassis, cigar box (really? please), and coffee with a hint of toasted spice. This stunning blend carries layered flavors of ripe , jammy black fruit (that I can actually taste, that's it. No cigar box or coffee) This is a concentration wine with a rich mouthfeel and silky texture. Fine, supple tannins provide a lingering finish perfect for pairing with braised short ribs, herb-coated lamb, or dark chocolate souffle.

Alright now I'm getting hungry. This should be perfect with the pork chops we're having tonight. For tonight and this weekend we celebrate the vines at their finest.

Remember imbibe and enjoy.