What's Pouring over Here

We brought only a few bottles back from California earlier this month - mostly because we didn't have a lot of spare room to pack more.  We could have shipped but that can get complicated and expensive. 

Yesterday I happened to find some Seghesio in Raleigh!!!

To call out some of the specifics: 

Seghesio is a gem of what was until just this past June, one of the longest standing family owned and run wineries in CA.  We completely loved meeting the people that work there on our recent trip and their wines were fantastic.  I was tickled to find the 2009 Sonoma County Zin here locally and we will be sharing that with friends during a Christmas Eve dinner this weekend.  The Old Vine Zin is also off the planet good - but alas - there was only one bottle of that left and I needed two of something to ensure every adult that wanted to partake - could.  If you are ever in Healdsburg - visit this place.  Find the places that make the wines that you can't get routinely over here - listen to the stories!  You won't be disappointed!

Now this bad boy was introduced to us by some close friends that love wine as much or more than we do!  Argentinian - feels good in your mouth and easy to drink.  This will be Christmas Dinner 2011. 

This one? 

This one is SPECIAL.  We did bring this back from CA - and it's for my birthday.  :) 

For me - what defines a good from a great from an excellent wine - in most cases - is the experience that went along with finding it or enjoying it.  Who you are with, what you were doing.  We visited AO while with some super awesome friends and the guy that hosted us at the winery was fun and engaging.  He wasn't some wine snob you wanted to punch - he was just easy to talk to.  Went to school at Wake Forest!! 

Anyway - we had a ball there - and we enjoyed this as part of the flight we tasted... and I cannot wait to uncork, decant and enjoy this guy in February!!  It will bring back the memories of a great weekend - and a great way to toast starting my 41st trip around the sun!