Hello, Friends!

It's been a (long) while.  Last time I posted was on a day much like this, snow coming down outside and no excuse to venture out and brave the weather.  Since that last post there has been a universe of change on my personal and professional front.  I am over a year into a new (very busy) job and new (and lovely) relationship; one of my daughters is off to college, another is approaching high school. I had the best intentions, my friends, but lack of free time has been the enemy of relaxed wine (and beer and spirit) tastings and musings on the subject! However, I am determined to return to the discipline... for, if nothing else, the process will require me to slow down, breathe, and employ a honed skill that I miss using more often.

So I will start here, with a "go to" wine that I have been enjoying for several months. It hits the jackpot for me in terms of great convergence of complexity and depth for the price (between $18-$20 retail). Hewitson's Miss Harry (I am drinking a 2012) is GSM blend with a bit of Cinsault and Carignan.  Blackberry, cherries, rose and a bit of woodsmoke on the nose.  On the palate, medium+ bodied and lush red fruit; I get ripe raspberry and strawberry balanced with some warm savory smoky notes and baking spice. The tannins are soft and velvety and the finish is long and satisfying.  It is a wine that can pair with most anything - an easy weekday meal of leftovers, a great foil for marinated skirt steak and roasted potatoes, or frankly, sipping at the coffee table with a sleeve of chips ahoy. Yes, this is known to happen, friends. In fact, today's weather begs for it! (I promise I have tasted with a clean palate, but cookies await.)

I have served this wine to friends and family on numerous occasions and people always ask about it.  Usually the question is something akin to "Wow, what is this? I love it. It's delish!"  Miss Harry drinks really WELL; round with juicy fruit but still complex and fresh too, with good structure and finish. Well worth seeking out at your nearest good quality wine purveyor.  

My motto for today? Breathe. Smile. Have some Miss Harry and cookies.

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