Love It If We…

October 31, 2018October 31, 2018Leave a comment

CarnivorWineDisplay3

Zinfandel is not one I talk about a lot. And I have no explanation for it. I mean I could make up one, and let the words try to validate what I’m trying to justify (oh boy…), or I could say when I get around to it.

So I got around to it.

I’m so grateful to be invited into friends’ homes and know that most of all, we are friends and that we care for each other, and that the conversations never get old. And at times, we can enjoy silence without it ever being awkward.

This dinner was full of beautiful conversation, all entertainment, and there’ll never be enough time to get it all in. Then again, there’s always room for next time, and room for everybody.

I had brought a bottle of the same grape, and it turned out to be a flop. I won’t get into specifics. You might be able to see the label in picture, so maybe you know to avoid it if you’re out shopping for Zin. But don’t take my word for it. To each their…

Thankfully and fortunately, the hosts opened up one of their favorite wines, the 2015 Zinfandel from Carnivor Wines. A name like that carries a lot of weight, no puns my friends.

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The price is anything but that, ranging from $10-$12, you’re getting a bargain.

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Without reading the label and getting a couple of sips, I tasted that oak and oak is you’re friend when it comes to reds, and some whites. That’s just my opinion, but it’s based on experience. The info also mentions blackberry and hints of caramel. I really dig that if that’s what I tasted. It just felt different but most importantly of all it tasted like a wine many would enjoy.

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And when you’re with fantastic company everything is going to taste better. Food tastes that much more palatable (more than already might be), water is even that more refreshing, the air feels dryer and cooler (well that’s literally where we’re headed), and at least for me, my breaths feel for natural. I know right.

This bottle, like most great ones, never had a chance. It lasted a while but then it didn’t. A few hours of a great evening always goes by rather quickly. You don’t always want it to end, but does it really? It’s just on hold for the next time.

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The food choices were plentiful: chips, hummus, olives, cheese are the perfect appetizer for any dinner or party of your liking. It’s those little things that are the biggest things. I’ve said it before with knowing some parts of better left unsaid and to just be.

The dinner itself was one of a more heartier and comforting variety, which is fitting to pair with a wine named Carnivor (here’s where to buy near you!). As no pictures were taken I just made my point from earlier, sometimes there’s no need for explanations and facts. You can take out most food and wines and substitute them for something else, and the story, while different, has the same constant of joy, love, happiness, and all those other good things.

I love all those good things.

I’m so grateful to have shared another evening with great friends, and I welcome and embrace the next time.

Peace Be With You.

Love,

Ideen

Keep That Momentum..

August 8, 2018August 8, 20183 Comments

13.5Wine&Food

I can count the times on one, maybe two hands that I’ve been to 13.5% Wine Bar in the always enjoyable Hampden neighborhood in Baltimore.

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That number just went up and is going to continue to go up if each visit is like the last one. Every time I’ve been here I’ve always felt comfortable sitting at the bar outside, whether it’s with people or by myself. The first time I visited was over six years ago, and I came here purposely alone. I loved everything about it, and while company is great, so can be solitude.

This time I had a friend join me, but not before our bartender Mackenzie (big thanks to her for her hospitality and kindness) had me try three wines on the spot. An impromptu tasting will always make me happy. Maybe I made a wish to the universe and three bottles magically showed up.

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Here are the three : The 2017 Pato Frio “Cashmere” Rosé; the 2016 Chalk Hill “Wits End” Vermentino, which is a new varietal and grape for me out of Australia, and my favorite the 2016 Three Brooms Riesling.

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They’re all good to great with the Riesling having the most character, boldness, and structure. To me it tastes more like a Sauvignon Blanc, and the tasting notes would say the same. I don’t usually appreciate Riesling’s, but this was so good that a few 3 oz. pours would say I truly loved this wine.

Yes, 3 oz. pours make it easier to try multiple wines at even more reasonable prices. I stuck with my Riesling, and kept that momentum going. Even per other recommendations, I wanted to stick with what made me happy.

I haven’t seen these wines sold anywhere near me, so this seems to be the place to have them, for now…

I appreciate the honesty and transparency of what these wines would cost at retail. I don’t recall if I’ve seen menus like this anywhere else. It’s welcome to see. This is new to me, but it’s a detail that’ll keep me coming back.

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My friend and I had a good time catching up, talking about important things, talking about absurd things, and then nothing at all. The small plates were great, and in a way symbolizes that the little things are the big things, and that’s what matters.

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Something about 13.5 has always brought joy to me. It’s a getaway within a city. If I want to be around people I don’t know, or don’t always see it’s perfect. I like the anonymity and a different part of the city that while I do explore, I don’t explore enough.

The weather was perfect and ideal for sitting outside, but then the chances of a tasting and who knows what else may not have happened. It’s all about location and timing, and I think, no I know, the decisions were made right.

You can’t force these things. You can’t force good times and you can’t force your hand. Being in the right place, at the right time, with a little divine faith is all you need. And the universe will do the rest.

The universe looked out for us here. This was tremendous in all areas.

Rosé and whites have slowly been done, with so many more to try. There’s still the reds. There’s still plenty of time to try them all, but that journey will be done slowly, surely, and effortlessly. Well maybe not too slow.

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This is to be continued, as we keep that momentum…

Salud.

Ideen

The First of Many…

November 29, 2017November 29, 2017Leave a comment

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First of what you might ask? Well it’s holiday party season, and depending on how you view such things, it’s either your favorite sets of weekends, with parties line up not just Friday-Sunday but all the stuff during the week; or you show up and cant wait to leave, or rather avoid it altogether.

I for one would get addicted (and in a way I still am) in going to as many parties as possible. It’s not the most logical or reasonable way to be, because are you ever truly ever enjoying yourself in one place versus the other? You’re always thinking of what if, instead of being where you are. This is a major problem for me, and I imagine some of you. This just doesn’t apply to the holidays but all the days.

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Which brings me to this past Saturday. A good friend invited me to her place before we went to the opening night of Miracle on 34th Street. Yes, kind of like that 34th street!

And one of the many great things about this party is it was the only place I wanted to be, thought about to be, or intended to be. And this is not something to be commended for. Being where you are, and enjoying each moment singularly for what it is, is so magical, so beautiful, and is so uplifting that words will never do it justice. It’s just awesome.

Wait where is this going? Where is the wine, where is the talk of food and all that jazz?

Ok here goes…

As customary before any party, I’ve got to go to the nearby wine shoppe and grab a bottle. It’s the right thing to do to bring something to the table, no matter what it is. And for my friend to be close enough to what’s still the measuring stick (in my humble opinion) of wine suppliers, The Wine Source, it was setting the stage for a charming and endearing night to come.

Just the way they have their wines set up makes me happy. It’s a welcoming experience with their wines, their cheeses, and everything else readily made available and accessible.

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Speaking of welcoming, one of the wines on display had the most friendly of faces on the label. If you know me by now, I love what’s in the wine, but I love all the fun parts of vino, that includes a label that stirs up emotions and feelings of happiness.

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You know what else make happy? A bottle on sale. And the 2015 Trifula is a Red Blend that’s just as good as any to bring to this, or any fun party, with down-to-earth and welcoming people. The wine lists anywhere from $10-$13 and that’s reasonable for what you’re getting.

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It’s a darker color if you notice from the photos. That’s the first thing that stands out. Well you might see I’m drinking out of a champagne flute. Hey, wine glasses were at a premium, and why be a beggar or a chooser? I’m grateful to be invited, that’s all that matters.

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But this wine has a lot going for it. There’s the dark berries, the light to medium tannings and slight tastes of oak. But this has a lot of structure to it. And usually when you see wines with labels like this, let alone ones with comic strips on the back (I love it), might be seen as a red flag. The fact I’m expounding on it shows I had questions myself. Not for long. This was fun and so was this party.

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I didn’t even get a chance to drink much of it myself as the the bottle was decimated in minutes. That makes me feel good, not because I made the wine, but because I brought it. It’s just a nice feeling that you carved your niche into the evening. What a great night and I have yet to talk about the food or anything else.

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The host got provided such comforting foods such as a couple of soups, meats, cheese, fruit, pastries, and these olives that to call them habit-forming would be an understatement.

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Most of all was the people. It was a great gathering of old friends, and I made some new ones as well. That shouldn’t just be reserved for holiday parties, but with as many interactions as possible. It was a great night all around.

I don’t need to explain the lights on 34th Street. If you’ve been you know how charming it is. If you haven’t, you’ve got another month of this. It’s one of those things to cross off your list.

That’s one of many lists to talk about this holiday season. We got our Christmas lists with gifts, cards, parties, and all the other stuff that’ll keep us busy, but hopefully include a lot of fun this holiday.

For more on this wine, Touchstone Wines is the distributor. And for more on The Wine Source, click here.

The season is off to a great start, and I look forward to where we go from here. But for now, it’s time to savor the moment. One includes a beautiful new display straight out of New Orleans!

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Peace Be With You.

Ideen

I’m Feeling Thankful

November 15, 2017November 15, 2017Leave a comment

SugarloafMelisseusFood

I tell you, life can be so good if you allow it to be. Yesterday, I allowed that to be.

I grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland and I’m here at least several times a month visiting friends and family. There may have been a time or two where I visited Sugarloaf Mountain, went on a trail, and that was it. And it’s sadly possible I never did that. This goes back to grade school. Otherwise I haven’t been in this vicinity in over two decades.

But something told me yesterday it was time to make a return. Maybe not necessarily the mountain, but a serendipitous situation led me to Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard.

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There are situations that have come up in my life that have motivated to actually stop and smell the roses, or in this instance, taste the wine. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve not stopped to relax, do something new, and experience something that well, maybe at the time wasn’t meant to be. Now those situations may come up again but life is all about doing the most with what you have, and doing the most that makes you feel good.

As we approach Thanksgiving, those feeling are amplified.

The holidays are a beautiful time for us, a rough time for many others, and a mix of emotions for everyone in between. I would say I’m a combination of all of the above.

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One of many blessings is the fact that the vineyard is open seven days a week from 12-6 daily. Many vineyards have limited hours, some that are restricted to weekends. When I looked up the hours my day was made. And subconsciously I may have been trying to talk myself out of visiting, and just decide to back to the comforts of my own home, or my home town. No, none of that today…

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I got there literally at opening, and was greeted by Michelle and Charlie immediately. They were my wine pourers for the day. And what I thought would be a few minutes tuned into a beautiful afternoon…

Of course I came for the tasting, but what really caught my eye is the Melisseus. More on that in a little while.

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There were eight for sampling, and I want to thank Michelle for holding the wines for me so I could grab as many pictures as I could. I did inform them of my blog and what I was hoping to do for the day. They kindly obliged. And I’m so thankful. It made the tasting and the rest of my visit, that much better.

While I had all eight wines, and instead of reviewing and dissecting every wine that’s listed, I will just share my thoughts on my favorites. SugarloafSiren

I really liked the 2016 Siren. The synopsis even mentions flavors and scents of childhood candies. It reminds me of my Middle Eastern candies I’ve shared with family and friends, not only growing up, but even in present time. And while it’s not a wine I’ll actively seek out, when it’s around, I’m happy to sip.

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The 2016 Rosé is perfect for Thanksgiving. And I especially mean this Rosé. Some are perfect for warmer climates, but the tint and body on this one goes well with a lavish holiday meal, or two, or three, ha. This blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is first class all the way. The tannins are low so you can truly appreciate anything and everything about this one. The aromas of cinnamon, spices, and everything nice under the sun will win even non wine lovers over. I tasted strawberry. And while I would have purchased this wine (In hindsight I wish I did), I went with the my old reliable.

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And old reliable, is meant with the highest praise. As much as my palate has evolved and expanded to appreciate different grapes, scents, tastes, and all the other intricacies of fine wines such as these, I went with the 2015 Cabernet Franc. This was $26 (most of their wines are in the $20+ range), and I wanted to treat myself.

As a dear friend told me, this is my kind of wine. The taste of peppers and cranberries is what makes this medium bodied wine an absolute gem. I’ve had many Cabernet Francs and they’re all somewhat similar in taste, but this just a little more pep (ha) in its step. I can’t say it’s the best Cab Franc I’ve ever had, because that’s not a fair comparison to all the others, and to this. The notes mention black cherries and grape tannins. This is everything I want in a wine. There’s so many things that we discover in wine, that makes the combinations of flavors and scents unlimited. But this is is unpretentious, welcoming, and makes me want to open this bottle now, then saving for later.

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But I’ll save it for later.

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However, the Melissius is for now. This is what I came for. And while they only usually serve it on weekends (I hope I don’t get anyone in trouble for this), Charlie made me up of this warm holiday tasting masterpiece, and my day just got made.

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This is the hot, honey spiced wine made with an Unoaked Chardonnay and all the spices that make this time of year so great, and makes this life so fun sometimes.

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The Melissius will be served every weekend from now until April, so there’s plenty of time for you to have a glass. It’s worth the drive alone.

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Even if you’re not a wine drinker, you’re going to love this one. My new friends in the tasting room suggested the most perfect snacks to go with my drink. I don’t need to explain them, the pictures speak for themselves.

And this is where I officially found peace for the next hour or so. I took my pictures and then just sat and admired these views of fall and the scenery that I’ve come to love once again these past couple of months. But when it’s right in your face the feelings were different this time.

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While time just flies by and it’ll be 2018 before you know it, it was important to be where I was and understand time, feelings, and emotions can be fleeting, fickle, and yet so wonderful.

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I forgot where I was at times, while I sipped my Melissius. Maybe I was transported to a place in time of Greek Mythology, like its namesake. But like I say, I think I was somewhere bigger than I even realize, or can fully explain.

I felt like I was the only person on Earth. And what a feeling that is.

When I came down from that euphoria, I met a friendly couple outside, and I explained to them what I was doing, even though they had already figured it out. They had a lovely dog with them too. I can’t help but be overly sentimental and nostalgic of an event that took place less than 24 hours ago.

I need to come back, and I won’t ever take this long again.

As I grow up, (and I have much growing up to), the yearning for genuine peace, genuine conversation, with some great food and wine to boot, is all I need in this lifetime. Oh and some great company too.

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This was something, and I wish I could go on forever, but I can’t. All I can do is be thankful for the time I had here, and let everyone know that I look forward to the next time. The next story of this chapter will be written, and I look forward to that day.

For more on Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard click here for their story, their wine list, where to find their wines in Maryland, info on the tasting room and visiting, their calendar of events, to join their wine club, and contact info.

P.S. I’m so grateful for the industry discount Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard bestowed upon me. It was an early Thanksgiving and Christmas present I will never forget and it’s one of many things I shall be thankful for, not just this holiday season, but forever.

I’ll leave you with plenty of pictures from my stay. I look forward to next time.