Menu for august
Wines a 50 year old Leo wine geek might enjoy
Sinskey 2005 Abraxas Vin de Terroir 29.99
Food and wine play a prominent role in your day to day
life, especially in these global warming days of summer.
Your tastes run toward the exquisitely simple foods of the
season. Less is more and the simplicity of beautifully grilled
fish served with a tomato salad with bits of crispy Nueske’s
applewood smoked bacon makes the organic Abraxas all
the better. This 37% Pinot Blanc, 26% Riesling, 19% Pinot
Gris and 18% Gewurztraminer is Ms. Leo’s favorite white
wine in 2006... so far. As with all things precious, there’s
very little of this Alsatian inspired white wine.
Argiolas 2004 Costamolino 12.99
Leos are
opinionated (no kidding!) but extremely capable. They are
enthusiastic and see few obstacles. Projects are taken on
with a feline ferociousness. It’s just like the lion to love,
love, love Vermentino. The saline quality of this Sardinian
wine pairs well with all sorts of fish and shellfish as well
as the big cat’s occasional salty disposition. Full of bright,
citrus minerality, the lioness heads to Italy for lappable, I
mean quaffable summer wines.
Le Potazzine Gorelli 2000 Brunello di Montalcino
59.99
The queen of the jungle loves to be indulged
with the finest Italian wines. Cult Australian Shiraz or
boisterous Napa Cabernet would never do for this
kitty, only the finest Sangiovese from Montalcino.
It’s not about ratings or profile; it’s about the
perfect melding of terroir and grape varietal
that makes this lion purr with satisfaction. The
Serengeti or Tuscany, Miss Kitty is at home and
content either place.
Mauro Veglio 2004 Dolcetto d’Alba 16.99
Grasso 2004 Dolcetto d’Alba 14.99
Revello 2004 Dolcetto d’Alba 14.99
Loosely translated as little sweet one, Dolcetto
is always associated with amore for this Leo.
Dolcetto is the perfect summer red wine. It’s
somewhat light (compared to Shiraz, that is), but
very flavorful. It has a brilliant dark garnet color
and goes with everything from pasta to salami.
It has a beautiful bitter almond/almond extract
flavor and an abundance of concentrated black
cherry fruit. These "little sweet ones" are some
of the finest produced so share them wisely with
someone you love, whether it’s your closest friend
and/or the love of your life.
When Taurus and Leo come together, they often
become a sort of mutual admiration society.
They understand each other’s needs well. Taurus
needs affection, to be loved and cherished,
while Leo likes compliments and wants to be
adored and admired. They are both strongly loyal
and are often possessive of each other. Both
partners are able to provide what the other needs
because their desires are so similar. – PlanetOut
Horoscopes
Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee St. Anne NV Brut
39.99
Today you will daydream about your
retirement and realize you will be 66 years old
when your youngest son graduates from high
school. 66 years old...how can that be? Priding
yourself on your math skills you add the numbers
over and over, first counting on your fingers and
then your toes. Yes, there is no mistake; you’ll be
66 years old. In typical Leo fashion you decide
to celebrate with one of your favorite French
Champagnes. Smoky aromas and crisp, clean
lemon and mineral flavors are perfect for Leos
of any age. Remember Miss Leo, don’t wait for
a "special occasion" to drink Champagne, rather
celebrate the small triumphs and accomplishments
of everyday life. After all, remember 60 is the new
40, right?
Parson’s Flat 2004 Cabernet/Shiraz 44.99
Some astrological signs will scoff at red wines
from Padthaway. "How uncouth!" they’ll scream,
better to stick with the white wines. Well, I don’t
think they’ve tasted the amazing wines of Parson’s
Flat. This is a luxurious, extroverted blend just perfect for a big cat’s 50th birthday. With dark,
black cherry flavors, a big finish of espresso and
mouth coating oak, it’s almost too much of a
good thing. This Leo is going to indulge in a few
bottles of this hedonistic wine even if it’s a bit
out of character. Just don’t nag me for taking
a self indulgent little walk on the wild side you
practical Virgos. Go home and mop your kitchen
floor a few times, go over your IRA account and
STOP BOTHERING ME!
Vinas del Cenit 2003 Cenit 44.99
Les Alcusses 2004 15.99
"If you’ve wanted to become a religious leader, today is the day to get cracking
on it. Otherwise, probably an uneventful day." Uneventful, unless Ms. Leo you’ve had the opportunity to taste this
impressive Spanish blend then you might want to become the leader of a Spanish wine cult. As the leader, you’ll
witness for all the wines produced on the Iberian Peninsula (and yes, I’m including Portugal). This idiosyncratic
blend of 40% Tempranillo, 30% Monastrell, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Mando, an obscure indigenous
grape varietal that’s found in southeastern Spain, is made by star winemaker Sara Perez. From now on just call
me The Queen of Iberia, or Your Highness will do.