Third Estate Wines Vol. 2

Vineyard: Coltibuono
Title: Cancelli
Variety: Sangiovese
Vintage: 1996
Residence: Tuscany
Price: $9ish

The Look:
This label left much to be desired but I have noticed a slightly interesting change on their newer bottles. At the wine's heart it was a sangria color but ended more chestnut.

The Aroma:
Immediately after pouring I could already smell the wine. It has a very sweet smell which closely resembles strawberries.

The Taste:
The wine had a sweet smokey flavor and was tartly firm. Its body was light and slightly unbalanced (on the side of firmness).

The Drink:
Since I am a big fan of food and drink with a bite of zip this wine from Tuscany was right up my alley. It drank smooth and ended with a zip.

The Overall:

- "Let's get back to the Mar Mar and buy another bottle or 5."
- "How about we indulge since its on the Wine List."
- "Should we finish the rest of the bottle today?........Maybe tomorrow."
- "One man's trash is another's man's treasure."

Betsy's Thoughts:
'A full smokey wine that deserves hours of slow sipping by a good book and a fire.'

My Hometown Team

Growing up outside of Syracuse, NY it's nearly impossible to skirt Orange fever. From my experience the only cure for this sickness is season tickets. Fortunately my mother and brother both attended the University and for a few years and we purchased 2 sets of tickets. The way it worked was my dad attended every game and my brother and I rotated.

There I was an elementary school kid up in the stands with all the slightly influenced college students. I had the opportunity to watch Ronny Seikaly, Derrick Coleman, Sherman Douglas, Billy Owens and a number of others. It was heavenly.

The best game of the year was always Syracuse vs. Georgetown. A more fitting way to describe it would be Jim Boeheim vs. John Thompson. From the looks of last nights game the rivalry lives and keep the Syracuse form they've turned it up at the end of the regular season.

Hopefully the powers that be take note and open the March Madness gates wide.

Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda

This past month has been a big one for Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda as the cameras are clicked on because of the newest edition to his look: A 666 tattoo.

Dr. Miranda is a very interesting individual and is obviously quite skilled at building a following as well as recruiting bodyguards (he's employed 9). Personally, I am a bit confused by his translations of Scripture, especially regarding the Antichrist. It seems a bit loose or perhaps a simpler way to put it would be 'made up'. But who am I to judge?

If you're curious to read and watch interviews/news reports check out his website Growing in Grace.

Stretching for a Post

Your Linguistic Profile:

60% General American English

20% Yankee

15% Upper Midwestern

0% Dixie

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

My Ignored Cat

About 4 months ago our beautiful Rocky Mountain cat started having problems. It wasn't drastic at first but as time progress it became more and more uncomely. Last week we decided it was time to take her to the Vet and packing her into her crate I drove off.

The Vet is a very stressful place for an animal. First it's full of other smells and then you are brought into a room and poked, prodded and weighed. Scout (playfully named after Jean Louise in 'To Kill a Mockingbird') is not a fan, but we were prepared for the worst.

Finally, the diagnosis was in and to my great surprise our cat didn't have a fungus or skin disorder. She was in fact licking out her own fur. WHAT!??!!! I thought....Why?

As it turns out our cat, is depressed. And if she doesn't start getting better in the next week she's be prescribed Prozac (or some form of it).....I kid you not. I honestly am ashamed to admit I'm toying with the thought of a drugged pet. Wish me luck.

A Disgruntled Reader

Unfortunately not all of us have the tact to voice our frustration in a positive manor. Check out this San Francisco Chronicle reader's response to a Pilotless Drone article.

Third Estate Wines Vol. 1

Before I attempt this first evaluation I need to lay out another disclaimer. I've realized I contain no comparative knowledge regarding wine. Hence, I apologize for the slight vagueness which you might observe. I also have decided not to use a formal rating system but four brief statements summing up my impressions. Now onto the wine...

Vineyard: Pensfolds
Title: Koonunga Hill
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2003
Residence: South East Australia
Price: $9ish

The Look:
The bottle's label is a bit creatively challenged and those of us aesthetically wired might pass it by. However, once the wine was poured its pale golden (straw) color caught the light and danced around the glass.

The Aroma:
After the first deep sniff Koonunga Hill released a light sharp vapor, but then repeating with less intensity a fruity melon and apricot aroma was detected.

The Taste:
The wine was dry and the only major flavor I experience was grapefruit. It was also crisp, medium bodied and balanced.

The Drink:
This Pensfolds Chardonnay was one dimensional. Drinking it without letting linger in the mouth produced a flavored water type of affair.

The Overall:
***The statement in bold is the rating.***

- "Let's get back to the Mar Mar and buy another bottle or 5."
- "How about we indulge since its on the Wine List."
- "Should we finish the rest of the bottle today?........Maybe tomorrow."
- "One man's trash is another's man's treasure."

Betsy's Thoughts:
'A wine perfect for those times when conversation is the focus not the wine.'

Entering the Third Estate of Winedom

A couple days ago I decided to enter the world of the pretentious and begin evaluating wines on my blog. Bad decision? Probably, since I know nothing of this 'fine art' and am extremely non-opulent. However, the choice was chosen and I have already uncorked my first bottle.

Here is what I am planning to draw attention to in each wine.

1. The price.
2. The look.
3. The aroma.
4. The taste.
5. The drink.
6. The overall.

From what I understand wine is a very personal enjoyment and my tastes will differ greatly from yours. Hence, I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've tasted along with me or just want to call me out. My hope is to review 2 to 3 bottles a month since I am not interested in becoming something more than a taster. See you in a couple days.

Greatest Sport Ever

There are 21 days until the beginning of Lacrosse season. For the next 3 months the fastest game on 2 feet will once again take over the majority of my thoughts. Life is always better in the spring.

Little Superstar

This boy can dance!

A Beautiful Wife & Child

It's Saturday and we are hopefully going to be snowed in by tomorrow. I do believe I am the luckiest man alive since I will be trapped with these two.

Super Tonio

On Monday, Cancun, Mexico's notoriety changed. No longer will it be known for beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and Spring Break but for SUPER TONIO!!!!