Well Blackie, it was classic playoff intensity for Game One of the First Round in the Stanley Cup series between your Nashville Predators and my Detroit Red Wings. Breakneck speed up and down the ice, tight checking, big hits and great goaltending made for a great game; the 3-1 final score in favor of the Wings doesn’t tell the entire story. Detroit’s last goal was an empty netter in the last minute, and Nashville could just have easily scored that crucial go-ahead second goal instead of the Wings. Makes for a great set-up for Game Two Saturday afternoon, don’t you think?
We enjoyed a not-too-old friend during this game, and it’s showing really well.
2003 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Rouge, 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, $31, 13.5% alc.: This wine is in a really nice place right now, much more user friendly than the last time we had it; it shows the same good color it always did without any hint of rust or brick, and it’s smooth and flavorful, with excellent balance, medium tannins and a decidedly harmonious personality. Not exactly tertiary, but neither is it in any way primary, it’s in an in-between region that suits me just fine, with flavors and aromas of dusty soft leather and beetroot, with undertones of iron. It went quite well with organic hamburgers sans buns accompanied by a diced potato-broccoli mélange (I couldn’t do the spicy kimchee with this one like Kim did, cheez!). It’ll be interesting to see where it’s at one, two or even five years down the road, because it has the depth and structure to cellar until its 10th birthday, but it’s so good now, I might have a hard time keeping my hands off until then.
In closing, Blackie, I promised to exchange good natured barbs with you during this series between our two rival teams, so I guess I can offer the final score as my opening salvo, but I’m not gloating. Your guys played tough, and anything can happen in the coming games, so I’m looking forward to Saturday afternoon.
Regards from Day-twah,
geo