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Wine Wednesday – 2008 Cakebread Pinot Noir
I am sitting here drinking this delightful Pinot Noir on Fat Tuesday before I give up wine for Lent. A couple of thoughts come to mind – why am I giving up wine? And if I am, I had better drink something good tonight. The Cakebread Pinot did not disappoint. In fact, I have never met a disappointing Cakebread wine, have you?
2008 Cakebread Cellars Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir
Alcohol Content: 14.7%
Price: $49.00
Description per label: We craft this complex, aromatic Pinot Noir from multiple, high quality clones grown in several outstanding vineyards in the Carneros district of southern Napa Valley, a cool-climate region renowned for its peerless Pinots. In 2008, spring frosts in Carneros reduced yields, concentrating flavors in our Pinot Noir grapes. Vinified exclusively from free-run juice and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, our 2008 Carneros Pinot Noir boasts vivid black cherry, blueberry and rose petal aromas. Its succulent cherry, plum and red berry flavors are lifted by fresh acidity and fine, supple tannins.
Review:
I first discovered Cakebread before I had children. It was an idyllic point in my life when I had an income, without the financial (but worthwhile) drain of children. I drank good wine, ate in great restaurants and had wild adventures. This Pinot Noir took me back to that time of civility and excitement, it is the perfect balance of spicy and smooth. The wine leads with a smooth and supple blend of dark cherry flavors. It reminds me of my organized, serene life before my priceless children. The finish is brings the excitement and adventure of the spice. It’s reminiscent of salsa dancing at the Capitol Club in the Bay Area.
Cakebread harvests their Pinot Noir grapes at night to protect workers from the summer heat. I can relate to this, as I do my best work at night, when protected from the distractions of my children… usually.
On a scale of 1-10, I rate the Cakebread Pinot Noir a 7 for its complexity and ability to transport me back in time.
Suggested pairings: Salmon, barbecue, Thai food and any time you want to reminisce.
The Difference Between Men and Women: Vacation
My husband left today for a guys’ house boating trip. I was thinking tonight about the stark difference between his boys’ weekend and a girls’ weekend with my friends. Allow me to compare:
- His trip: 3 days of house boating
- My trip: A weekend in Napa
- His luggage: a backpack and toothbrush
- My luggage: Rollerboard, large tote bag, make-up case and purse
- His shoes: Flip flops
- My shoes: 2 pairs of flip-flops, running shoes, 2 pairs of wedges and heels
- His activities: Skiing, wakeboarding, drinking
- My activities: Wine tasting, spa treatments, pool time, shopping, eating (yes for us, it qualifies as an activity) and drinking
- His time spent getting ready: 45 seconds to brush his teeth (which is optional)
- My time spent getting ready: 90 minutes if I hurry
- His conversations: boats, trucks, work
- My conversations: CENSORED
- His bedtime: 11:00 pm
- My bedtime: 2:00 am
- His cost: $150
- My cost: More than $150… no exact figures if I hope to do it again someday!
I hope he is having a wonderful time and knows that I am planning a girls trip as I write this!
His
Hers
Wine And I Are Breaking Up
Dear Wine,
I have loved you since my 21st birthday when we met on a wine tasting trip. We have had a great relationship, with the occasional quarrels. During those rough patches you made me crazy, even sick to my stomach because your love was too strong, but I kept coming back. We have had fun and made many wonderful memories.
But, my beloved, I have changed. It’s not you, it’s me. My tolerance for you has changed. I used to be able to enjoy your whole bottle, without consequence. But now, I sleep poorly after seeing you. I find mornings difficult when I spend the evening, or even two glasses with you. I am also no longer immune to the bad influences of your dangerous friends, like dessert, who you seem to bring along on our dates. Based on the increasing frequency of regret the morning after we’re together, I must end the relationship.
But hey, we can still be friends. We can see each other occasionally, even spend an evening together from time to time, like friends with benefits. But our love affair is over. I need to see others that don’t leaving me feeling badly the next day. I have been spending more time with a pirate, a captain by the name of Morgan and his friend, a sailor named Jerry. They provide fun and relaxation, without the unpleasant quarrels and feelings of regret the next morning.
I do have some concerns about how limiting our relationship will affect our social circle. My friends are used to us being a couple, they enjoy you’re company when they spend time with me, but they’ll have to adjust. My husband is thrilled that I am putting boundaries on our relationship, because it allows him to spend more time (yet less money) with you.
Thank you for a fabulous love affair, I will always appreciate your complexity, variety and the joy you have brought me. I will eagerly anticipate our occasional encounters and will know that I have benefitted from our relationship.
Fondly,
Paige
Pay It Forward
Slightly Off-Balance 