WTN: Cheap Thrill

[Jenise]

2008 Maryhill Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley
Cellar orphan, didn't even realize I had it. Bought two cases for half price ($10/bottle) many years ago and thought we'd given it all away. So, faced with this, opened it just to get it out of our hair, fully expected to pour it on the rhododendrons--but wow, it was real wine with great thorny berry and herb varietal character and foresty secondary nuances. We've had a lot of expensive 2008's that didn't make the last 12 years, let alone show up like this one did. A delight.

[David M. Bueker]

How do the rhododendrons feel about wine baths?

[Jenise]

If you're not being facetious, the serious answer is that acid-loving plants like rhodies, camellias, etc actually enjoy the acidification of their soils. I'm sure one could overdo it but thankfully we don't have that many bad wines.

[David M. Bueker]

I was in fact not being facetious. I have some rhodies in the front yard. May try it.

[Jenise]

Okay then, I'd add that in summer I'd dilute it but in rainy weather we just sprinkle it about directly. Got the idea, btw, from an Asian friend whose grandmother asked for his wine throwaways to fertilize her orchid collection.