Archive for December, 2008

El Portillo Pinot Noir 2007–Ho, hum…

{ December 31, 2008 @ 2:47 pm } · { Wine Tasting Notes }
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LABEL STUFF: Valle de Uco; Mendoza, Argentina

SWIRL: Spoiled by Oregon pinots, I was baffled by the deep garnet color of this light bodied wine.

SNIFF: After some time, the nose revealed hints of barnyard, which is not necessarily a put-down for pinots.

SIP: The bright red fruit of cherries with some coffee flavors flitted about on the palate, but were not backed up by much acidity or tannins.

VERDICT: Overall, this pinot is a passable table wine, but lacking in panache. I have a hunch that this wine is a bit overworked, meaning fined, filtered and pumped. But, for washing down a handful of mixed nuts, it’s not too bad.

Countdown to Kauai!

{ December 29, 2008 @ 4:28 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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Two days before I depart for Hawaii, and I’m fretting over my pack list. As usual, I’m determined to make due with carry-on luggage.This brings me to my dilemma of the day: should I pack my snorkel gear or not?

Top five reasons to not pack snorkel stuff:

1. Takes up lots of luggage space in carry-on pack.

2. I shivered after stepping into the Pacific last time I was there and that was in April.

3. Surf’s up, which makes for poor snorkeling.

4. Hawaii’s snorkeling will feel like a let down after snorkeling off Roi-Namur and Kwajalein.

5. I’ll feel really stupid lugging around all my snorkel stuff if I don’t use it.

Top 5 Reasons to Take Snorkel Gear:

1. If I don’t take my own snorkel and end up renting, I’ll feel grossed out. (Ugh, like bowling shoes, only worse!)

2. I’ll ruin my contacts if I rent a mask (leakage).

3. I’ll have something to write on postcards to friends and family back home.

4. Surf’s up equals more drama, which equals better narrative for a travel story!

5. I don’t want to feel left out when my hubby plunges into the ocean with his mask and snorkel. Plus, I spent a good hour digging my snorkel gear out of storage, so I better use it now. Right?