Open That Bottle Night: 2003 Sarah’s Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir
A shimmering yet dark ruby spectacle, medium purple-pink at the edges, luscious legs, faint aroma of freckle fruit and Milk Duds. Oh, and 15.9% alcohol. Did I say that I love this wine?
(tags: otbn wine pinot noir sarahs vineyard santa clara valley tasting)

Saturday evening was a busy one in my wine world. Not only was it the last Saturday of February and therefore this year’s Open That Bottle Night - the ninth annual - but it was also the night my friend Vindu brought me a case of Juice Crew Red.
Vindu wasn’t due to arrive until much […]

I must admit that lately I seem to have all the powers of concentration of a flea. And my recent writing on this blog - if you can call it writing - shows it.
Oh, the vapidity!
Alas, ever since the turn of the year, my schedule has achieved a supremely high level of hecticity (I have […]

Springtime, and the acacias are bloomin’
Southern California will see one more day
Dreamland, and business is boomin’
Birds are a-singin’, as I drift away.
- from “The Hollywood Waltz” by The Eagles
One Of These Nights, 1975
When I first heard the opening lines of this bittersweet Eagles’ ballad back in the Spring of 1976, I didn’t yet know what […]

This Valentine’s Day, I don’t think I could share my  thoughts with you any better than by presenting today what I wrote just one year ago. Year by year, the sentiments that follow continue to drive my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend.
 
American naturalist and essayist John Burroughs once wrote:
“A sense of the power and […]

 
“Decant today, and you will smile tonight.”
 

I don’t seem to have a lot of time to write a lot of blogwords lately, so this month’s Wine Blogging Wednesday assignment appeals to me. It might have appealed to me anyway, seeing as how I fundamentally love the mental challenge of wordcraft.
This month’s assignment? Describe an Italian red wine in just seven words.
Our […]

The Cattleman’s Stress Test.
Are you stressed? If you’re not sure, here’s how to determine if you should begin a regular hiking program.
(tags: stress test health)

Concerned about your health? Go take a hike.
Hiking can help you lose weight, improve your physical well-being, reduce tension, enhance your mental health, and above all, help you manage stress.
(tags: health […]

I admit that I have a problem with stress. In fact I have for years, ever since Santa Clara Valley first became Silicon Valley.
I’m sure you can imagine. But I’ve learned to manage my stress with a regular balance of meditation, stretching, preventive chiropractic, healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and a regular devotion to walking and […]