Quarantine Rumblings - abbreviated edition

[David M. Bueker]

It's getting harder to pull good bottles. During the early months of the pandemic I had a "what the heck" attitude. Now it's "what's the point." COVID ennui setting in. Still taking all precautions, so no let down there, but not finding as much fun in the distractions that kept me sane for the first few months.

Then of course it's shipping season, so the bottles are rolling in. Oof. Lots to choose from. Need to re-set into "what the heck" mode.

It's Cabernet season. Of course that means it's also Syrah season, and, and, and...Port!

What wine goes with Black Bean Soup? Who cares!

Not the usual level of rumbling today. Just a few random thoughts.

Ah, black bean soup. Remember when I first moved to Miami and the boss took us new folks out to a fancy lunch. That soup was on the menu and boss highly recommended. Had never had it. Great! Topped with sour cream.

Now, I don't make but use black beans frequently in my slow cooker rice/pasta concoctions. My experience: most PNs and Rieslings go well with it. The spicier, the better for Riesling. David, you gotta have some of that on hand....

I'll add a rumble. Coravin Follies. Received a Model 2 as a gift last year. The +: I didn't pay for it. The -: learning curve. Still at the stage when we sometimes get leaking/spewing from top of cork along with the pours. May try a few more times, making sure cork is indeed a natural one and following the da$$ directions. Hate to have the Coravin become just another gadget stored in the wine geek cabinet, but....

At least the PN opened, once Coravin gotten out of the way and a basic corkscrew used, was a decent weekend wine.

Syrah, Cabernet works for me. Also have some Zinfandel and Aglianico in the queue for fall and winter.

[Jenise]

For a reason you're aware of, David, What the Heck mode is on permanently here at Chez J. If you find yourself faltering just remember that life can throw you surprises--why wait!

I haven't written up my notes yet but last night we opened a 25 year old American pinot that drank about as well as any Burgundy you could hope for, and better than many. May have to entertain myself this afternoon scouring the auctions for more like that.

I've been busy helping importers and restaurateurs unload stocks. Always glad to support the local trade, but sometimes I feel like the stuff just fell off the truck or something. Just scored a couple of Comte Armand Clos de Epeneaux 2011 at a 40% discount.

[David M. Bueker]

I've been busy helping importers and restaurateurs unload stocks. Always glad to support the local trade, but sometimes I feel like the stuff just fell off the truck or something. Just scored a couple of Comte Armand Clos de Epeneaux 2011 at a 40% discount.

Lots of 2011 laying around. It’s not a well regarded vintage by the trophy hunters, so drinkers can f8nd values.