cat shepard

Ewww. Just ewww, Dixie! 😱

Thank you for today’s FR&D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for our maps! Another cool start to what promises to be another exquisite day. These are the days that make Florida special. Vanessa thank you for keeping our lists so diligently. Praying that you get permanent pain relief from your upcoming surgery. My first “normal” Monday since February 12th! 😎 Gym, laundry, patio deck cleaning and Bindi walks. I want to spend as much time outside as possible, because I know Summer is coming. In honor of U.S. tax season…. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Happy Anniversary @erewhon and @Overhead Fred & Mitzi! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Carménère This wine sounds lovely, though a bit pricey. This vintage presented some challenges to the Western wineries because of the wildfires and the pandemic. A bit elusive. I found a few online distributors with prices starting at $44.97. 93 Wine Enthusiast This wine's aromas of dark raspberry, cinnamon, straw and orange-flavored Starburst candy are so enchanting, it was difficult to move on to actual sipping. Then I reveled in the wine's fresh, brisk texture, lighter body, restrained alcohol and flavors like raspberry, lemon and a hint of cranberry.

Happy Birthday, Sandy! May your new year be filled with love, laughter, great health and a cruise or two! @StLouisCruisers

Thank you for today’s FR&D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! Well, we are back in the forties this morning. I will say these temps make for exquisite days. It has been super windy for our golfers and boaters, though. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that the 22nd comes fast & gives you permanent relief. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, a check in with my Sister & Brayden, some patio chores. Another layer of pollen to clean off. Prayers for all who need them. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you & your entire family. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Bota Box Nighthawk Buttery Chardonnay Yes Dailyites, we have another wine in the box! Easy to find, reasonably priced and the majority of consumers believe it is ver good. Online prices start at $16.99. Winemaker’s notes Our distinctive Nighthawk Buttery Chardonnay delivers delicious toasted oak with flickering notes of rich butterscotch and luscious honey, paired with irresistibly creamy texture and a golden hue in the glass. Made to be sipped, savored and shared wherever your next adventure takes you. PAIRS WITH This distinctive wine is the perfect complement to chilled shrimp cocktail or grilled tarragon chicken. WINE DETAILS Alcohol: 14.5%

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, hope all went well yesterday. Thank you for our maps! It was a lovely 55 this morning. Bindi and I enjoyed a lovely walk and the sky treated us to quite a show! Fawn season has officially arrived. Last night this year’s twins wandered through. Not the best picture, but…. (just scroll through this quickly @kazu) Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. We are a busy group. Praying that the 22nd brings you much needed relief. An almost normal day! Bindi walks, dinner with friends and my new w/d is installed. They were delivered last Saturday, but when the team discovered my cold water shut off valve was broken, they could not install the washer until a plumber fixed it. I might get out in the yard, lots to do there. This one is dedicated to my fellow Floridians… or those who have travelled it during rush hour. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your entire family. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ******** Apothic Dark 2021 I used the 2021 vintage info, since that seemed the easiest to find. Readily available & priced to try. If you don’t like it - use it for cooking. Online prices start at $8.77. Winemaker’s notes Tasting notes Dark Fruits, Dark Chocolate, Coffee Bold, daring and velvety smooth, our 2021 Apothic Dark offers an unforgettable taste of the darkest of fruits. Notes of blueberry, blackberry and plum are accented by dark chocolate and spice on the rich, plush palate. Hints of coffee and mocha help round out the wine’s full body and long, lingering finish. Viticulture Notes We selected the majority of the grapes for Apothic Dark from Lodi in California’s Delta region. California’s 2021 growing season was cool and mild, with a heat spell in August that resulted in an earlier than average harvest. Wines from this vintage showcase vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors. Winemaking Notes We harvested a majority of the grapes for the Apothic Dark at night in cool temperatures to preserve the character of the fruit, then we fermented the varieties between 88° to 90°F. The blend, primarily Petite Sirah and Teroldego with other dark-skinned varieties in support, was crafted to showcase a silky mouthfeel with hints of d

Thanks your for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. I could not believe it was 49 this morning! But Bindi and I had a great morning walk in spite of the chill. The early Dawn sky was lovely. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us! Praying that you get permanent relief for the pain. This is my first “normal” Friday since Friday, February 16th. I hope I didn’t jinx myself. Gym, Bindi walks, chores. Picking out wine for dinner at a friend’s tomorrow. Maybe eating supper outside! Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your entire family as you travel the journey together. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** 2020 Riesling, Bischöfliche DOM Off-Dry, Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier, Mosel I was afraid my decoder ring would be a bit rusty, but it worked just fine. I often find Rieslings a bit too sweet, but I would love to taste this one. A bit elusive, but there are a few online distributors with prices starting at $16.49. Distributor notes Bischöfliche Weinguter Trier cultivates approximately 95 hectares of vineyard, among them some of the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer's most legendary sites. Almost 90% of production is Riesling, with grapes crushed and pressed at Scharzhof on the Saar and Duisburger Hoffman on the Ruwer. Wines are then aged in either traditional fuder or stainless steel in their vast vaulted cellars in the heart of Trier, which date back to Roman times. The grapes originate from the steep and slatey soils of the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer. After careful picking and selection, the grapes are fermented in 1000L oak Fuder and stainless steel tanks before blending. The wine rests for a few months on its fine lees to add complexity. Modern and appealing dry German Riesling. Delicately floral with citrus and light flinty aromas. The palate is pure with green apple, refreshing citrus acidity, stony minerality and good length. Serve with fish, asparagus; salads with parma ham and olives.

@NextOne Happy Birthday, Edi! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & a cruise or two!

Thanks Debbie! That eye! If you say it is better, I believe you!

Maureen, thank you. My Sister is doing well. Her second week home and the PT has her walking inside the house using a cane. She is still a bit unsteady on her feet. BUT she is challenging herself to do more. And Brayden is a tough coach. 😎

Thank you for today’s FR& D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. It is just starting to get light here & yesterday’s rains cleared out the clouds. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings. Praying you get permanent relief from your upcoming surgery. I resume my regularly scheduled programming today. The trial ended yesterday. I did my civic duty. I will say that it felt as if I was back a work with a daily commute. I tried to take a walk at lunch time and yesterday encountered this beautiful creature. This morning I need to pick up my Bindi. Boy did I miss her. And I also need to pick up my new phone. I have had my current phone for 5 years and it is starting to lose its charges. And I have a bunch of things I need to do around the house that I was too tired to do when I returned each day from the courthouse. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your family. May the road ahead not be too difficult. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ******* Burgans Albariño A crisp, white wine, though Albariños I have tried usually have a bit more body than a Sauvignon Blanc. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $13.99. Distributor notes A custom cuvée made for European Cellars by Martin Codax, the Burgans Albariño is named after the hill on which the cooperative is located. Burgans is a cuvée made from a small selection of vineyard plots in the Salnes sub-zone of Rias-Baixas, which have a characteristic pit-fruit quality and richness in addition to the bracing minerality for which the sub-zone is famous.

Terry, no words. Just lots of love for Tana, her son, you, and your entire family.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for our maps. Some amazing photos of the sections of the Key bridge underwater. The divers have to be guided by someone on the surface with a special device because they literally can not see anything because that water is so murky. Just barely getting light here. Strong storms expected in the afternoon. Hope they don’t hit during my evening commute. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I have run out of ways to tell you that I am praying for your permanent relief from your pain. Another day of jury duty. I feel as if I am commuting to a job. The judge couldn’t promise, but it might wrap up today. 🤞🏻 How I felt last night… Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying that Tana had a better night. Thinking of you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ************** Bota Box Nighthawk Rich Red Wine Blend This 3 liter box blend sounds interesting. Though I am not sure the wine should be “paired with” a blanket, I think I understand what the author meant. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $17.98. Winemaker’s notes Audacious yet approachable, our Nighthawk Rich Red Wine Blend delivers an enticing interplay of juicy blackberry pie and bittersweet dark chocolate. Its welcoming, balanced profile and smooth, lingering finish make this wine a down-to-earth crowd pleaser for gatherings big and small. PAIRS WITH Enjoy Nighthawk under the evening sky with a spicy beef curry or a warm blanket. WINE DETAILS Alcohol: 13.5%

Perfectly stated OHF!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. It is still dark here. About to head out to bring Bindi’s food & Greenies to her spa. I missed her last night, but it is too stressful for her to drop her off every morning. The look she gives me when she realizes I am leaving stresses me out, too. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. We are such a busy (and ever growing) group! Praying for permanent pain relief for you. After dropping off Bindi’s food, I will head to the County Courthouse for day 1 of the trial. Not sure what else I will be able to do today. Hoping to get a walk in at lunchtime. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Thinking of you & Tana, Terry. I am surprised that you did not hit traffic in Connecticut. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 This Cab from Central California has lots of fans, is readily available and priced to try. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at$13.97. Distributor notes The fruit for this brute of a Cab comes from the original super freak, Michael Phillips vineyard located only a medicine balls toss away from the winery. Surprisingly nimble and elegant, showing great balance, strength, and poise. This Cabernet has a bouquet of dark cherry and roasted spices. Full bodied and mouth filling with gobs of blackcurrant, blackberry, charred oak, vanilla and cassis. Mild tannins with a mellow, long finish.

@ger_77 Gerry, you are a special lady. Hugs to you, Ollie and Maurice. I am stunned to say I was selected to serve on a jury. The judge expects the trial to last four days. Poor Bindi was just getting back to her schedule. What a crazy few weeks.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. It is still dark here and I am about to head out to drop Bindi off at her day spa and head to the County Courthouse for jury duty. No clue what to expect in Florida. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings in spite of your pain. Not sure I could do it. Jury duty, a morning & evening Bindi walk and no idea what else the day will bring. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of you & Tana! Hope you had a wonderful Easter in NH. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Naveran 2021 Perles Blanques Sparkling (Cava) Another sparking wine from Spain to tempt us. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at a fairly reasonable $18.71. 93 Wine Enthusiast Pale yellow in the glass, this energetic sparkler has a bouquet of yellow plum, white chocolate and jasmine. Zesty flavors of Bartlett pear, pink grapefruit, croissant and caramelized nuts wind down to a Valencia orange-scented finish.

Safe travels to you & Steve, Lenda!

Happy Easter to all who celebrate! Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Hope you find someone for Ivan soon! Thank you for today’s maps, Roy. A lovely Easter sunrise at the beach this morning. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us, in spite of the pain, and the disappointment of the pain returning so quickly. Praying that you get permanent relief soon. Gym, Bindi walks, a visit with my Sister & Brayden this afternoon. Saw my second fawn of the season yesterday. All wobbly legs. I wonder if we will have another set of twins this year. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Pierre Amadieu 2019 Domaine Grand Romane Red (Gigondas) This Rhône red blend sounds lovely. My favorite varietal combination. Available from a decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $27.99. 93 Wine Enthusiast This is a powerful blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah.The wine is so lively upon opening that it will surely pique curiosity amongst enthusiasts. An intense core of blackberries, sunbaked plums and touch of wild mint coats the palate. Natural high-altitude acidity helps draw a long, dark-fruited finish, with salinity, fine gritty tannins and clove.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for today’s maps. Another cool morning here, but if the day turns out like yesterday did, it will be a lovely Spring day. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying your pain is eliminated by your upcoming surgery. A busy day here at Ann’s B & B. That’s how I started to refer to my place to my neighbor and friends for the 4 weeks my Sister was in the hospital and rehab. Gym, Aldi, delivery of a new washer & dryer, a Chewy delivery & a wine delivery and then appetizers, cheese and wine on the deck with friends. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of you & Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Happy Birthday @Suslor & @cruzn single! May each find a reason to smile today! *********** King Estate Winery 2018 Brut Cuvée I have yet to meet a King Estate wine that I did not really enjoy, so I am sure I would love this sparkling cuvée. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $39.99. Winemaker Notes The wine showcases notes of pear, baked apple, white peach, brioche, floral blossom, damp slate and Meyer lemon. Fine and persistent bubbles offer a pleasant, delicate mousse with bright acidity lifting the fruit on the palate. The wine is full bodied with an elegant structure. Lingering acidity brings the wine to a complex finish. 93Decanter A vintage cuvée from 2018; a warm, dry vintage in the Willamette Valley. This blend from 100% estate fruit shows an aromatic depth with notes of honeysuckle, buttered biscuit and ripe pear. Persistent bubbles deliver a palate loaded with rich flavours of cardamom, beeswax, brioche and candied orange peel. The finish delivers great lift and longevity. 91Wine Enthusiast Pinot Noir makes up 60% of this wine, with the rest Chardonnay, the grapes all coming from estate sites. The aromas immediately command attention, with notes of pear, brioche and ginger spice. A palate is flavorful, with a lighter-styled mousse. Lemony acidity ties it all together exquisitely. Editors' Choice

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! It is a cool 52 here this morning. Lots of up & down temps this year. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us, in spite of your pain and lack of sleep. Praying that the surgery eliminates the pain - permanently. Gym, Bindi walks and chores. Nothing exciting, and boy do I appreciate that! Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of you and Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Château Clinet 2020 Lots of fans of this Bordeaux blend. Though it sounds lovely, it is too pricey for me and there are so many lovely red blends that fit into my budget nicely. Widely available with online prices starting at $99.98. Winemaker Notes Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 98James Suckling What a beautiful young wine, showing so much finesse and tension, with ultra-fine tannins and subtle and long flavors and character. It’s medium-bodied with extremely silky tannins that grow on the palate to a seamless finish. Harmonious. Another fine Pomerol for the cellar. Drink after 2027. 98Jeb Dunnuck The 2020 Château Clinet checks in as a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 80% new French oak. It's a rich, yet gorgeous wine with a wonderful sense of freshness in its ripe blue and black fruits as well as tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. Full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has perfect tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and one hell of an impressive finish. One of the finest Pomerols in the vintage, it will benefit from just 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. 95Decanter Dark and heady, smooth but still lean with a sense of seriousness with firm tannins that fill the mouth. Lovely high acidity offsets the powdery, chalky texture with perfumed blackberries and cherries alongside liquorice and cola touches. Rich and quite dense but with lovely persistence and energy. 95Wine Enthusiast This wine's dense tannins and bold black fruits are balanced by its fine acidity and a fresh element that cuts through the dark chocolate and black plum flavors to give a fine lift to what will be an impressive wine as it matures. Barrel Sample: 93-95 94Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2020 Clinet offers up aromas of minty cherries, blackberries and cassis mingled with hints of licorice, loamy soil and rose petals. Full-bodied, broad and rich, with a layered mid-palate underpinned by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully firm finish, it's impressively balanced for a wine at 15% alcohol, but it remains a rather burly, powerful Clinet. Best After 2025 93Wine Spectator Sports spicy toast and warmed fruitcake out front, backed by a solid core of steeped cherry and blackberry notes to match. This is all wrapped up with singed vanilla and sweet tobacco on the finish, along with a tug of warm earth. Shows solid range, if a bit reliant on the toast. A strong effort for the vintage. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Prayers for Maurice are on their way, Gerry.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy, thank you for keeping the maps accurate. It rained overnight, but we did not get the strong storms that other parts of Florida did. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with everyone. Praying that the road to your upcoming surgery is not too painful. Today I will be getting a new phone - preferably one that bounces. Mine is five years old and has had two protective film replacements. I am as hard on my phone as I am on my fingernails. Actually worse, since I can’t drop my fingers. Bindi walks, chores & a visit to my favorite wine bar to pick up an order from last week’s wine tasting. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, think of you & Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Domaine De Chevalier Rouge 2020 This stellar red blend has lots of fans and is easy to find. Its superb - classic ratings result in a price outside of my budget. Online prices start at $72.99. Winemaker Notes Deep dark red color in appearance, with a shiny black shimmer in the center. Great nose. Intense, flowerly expression mainly on the fruit. Black cherry, blackcurrant, blueberry. Delicately peppery and vanilla spices. Aromas of tannins and earth. On the palate, an impressive sensation of density of tannins, without any astringency. The flesh of the wine is fine, firm and freshly fruity. The fruit, precise and intense, is everywhere. Power, balance, maturity, concentration, length, freshness, tension. Everything is there for a great vintage to keep. 99James Suckling The purity of fruit is really something here, with blackcurrants and blackberries, together with orange, stone and granite character. Mind-boggling in many ways. Full-bodied with very fine tannins that are polished and pure. Such a fine texture. Lots of primary fruit. Like picking wonderfully ripe grapes. Great length. One for the cellar. 97Jeb Dunnuck From an estate that’s been on fire over the past decade, the 2020 Domaine De Chevalier is another brilliant wine in the making and checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Offering impressive cassis and darker berry fruits, it has complex notes of crushed flowers, violets, and damp earth-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins and a silky, layered, seamless texture, it shines for both its richness and its balance. It also shuts down quite quickly, so if you’re going to drink bottles, try one in its youth. Otherwise, be sure to give bottles 7-8 years in a cold cellar. It should have 30-40 years of overall longevity. Barrel Sample: 95-97+ 97Wine Enthusiast This impressively rich wine is centered on great swathes of black fruits. The tannins, with their stylish swagger, are a fine complement to the fruit, giving the wine structure and the potential for elegant aging.Barrel Sample: 95-97 95Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2020 Domaine de Chevalier is a touch more tightly wound than the brilliant 2019 out of the gates, but it seems likely to equal that vintage with a bit of time. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of minty blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of burning embers, spices, rose petals and orange rind, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit, powdery structuring tannins and a long, saline finish. As I wrote last year, this estate in recent vintages has arrived at a sort of stylistic contemporary classicism that evokes the great wines of yesteryear from this address, and the 2020 continues that trend. Best After 2028 Rating : 95+ 95Decanter Concentrated ruby red colour, a little subdued on the nose, built with structure and power, concentrated and should age well. Classical, powerful, not exuberant, an impressive Chevalier that has tannins and fruit and freshness, nothing shouting too loud. As it opens, you see a peony floral edge that is very attractive. Easily among the best in Pessac. Barrel Sample: 95 95Wine Spectator Well-built, pulling ample and weighty waves of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry preserves along, atop a broad spine of warm loam, smoldering tobacco and singed alder. Long and deep through the fine-grained finish, with a warm paving stone note that won't quit, thanks to well-buried acidity—not an easy feat in this vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Holy Crap, Dixie! Glad no serious injury. Hope that lady learned a lesson.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy thank you for the maps and the additional information about the Key Bridge disaster. It is a bit cloudy, but if the marine layer burns off the way yesterday’s did, it will be a gorgeous day. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us in spite of what you are going through. I am not sure I could do it. Praying you get permanent relief with the next step. The last of my visitors left yesterday, so Bindi’s & my lives will return to normal with a couple of check ins with my Sister & Brayden. Bindi walks, manicure, chores & HIIT class will keep me busy. Vanessa, I believe you can take my Sister off the lists!🤞🏻 The rest of her journey is up to her. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of you & Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************* Matua Lighter Sauvignon Blanc This SB sounds perfect for a hot, humid Summer day/evening. I appreciate the distributor’s info about New Zealand’s different wine growing regions. Easy to find, priced to try - online prices started at $8.97. Distributor notes Matua Lighter Sauvignon Blanc is a lighter calorie expression of the classic Sauvingon Blanc. This wine is just as bright, flavorful and crisp as the original, but with 80 calories per serving! Matua Lighter Sauvignon Blanc In the Maori culture of New Zealand, a Ta Moko is a traditional tattoo that is very precious. They are often applied to the face, the most sacred part of the body, and are the ultimate statement of someone’s identity. Each symbol signifies the wearer’s story – their family, tribe, place in society and knowledge. Matua’s Ta Moko is a real treasure, a gift that we treat with the upmost respect. In Maori, Matua means ‘head of the family’, and our Ta Moko tells our story. Scroll down to find out what each symbol of our Ta Moko means. Aotearoa (said “Ow-taya-rowah”) is the name of New Zealand in Maori. It means Land of the Long White Cloud – it’s long and skinny, pretty and green… and has some amazing spots for growing grapes. From the north to the south, New Zealand’s wine growing regions all offer something special. The top island is sub-tropical and down the southern end it can get pretty chilly! We source our grapes from New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions – Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago. Hawkes Bay Hawke’s Bay is a real suntrap, perfect for growing our award-winning Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. Its growing conditions have been compared to Burgundy and Bordeaux in France with hot, dry growing seasons making for red wines packed with red fruit flavours and whites that are tropical with a dash of natural minerality. Marlborough Marlborough is the most famous wine region in NZ thanks to the incredibly unique style of Sauvignon Blanc it produces. But there’s a lot more to Marlborough than just crisp, fresh and zesty Sauvy! Its cool climate is turning out some pretty impressive Pinot Noir filled with red fruit flavours, citrusy Chardonnay and beautifully floral, aromatic Pinot Gris and Riesling. Central Otago We reckon it’s not going to be long before the world notices that Central Otago is the next big thing – especially with Pinot Noir. What’s more, Matua is now the single largest producer of Central Otago wine! We select our Matua Single Vineyard Pinot Noir grapes from fantastic sites perched amongst the mountains. The region’s diurnal temperature extremes and dry autumns make for dark, brooding Pinot Noir with a unique flavour profile.

Thank you for today’s FR&D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for your maps. The sun is just breaking through the marine layer on this lovely morning. Yesterday was jam packed, but in a great way. I am finally getting back to my normal gym schedule and Bindi is getting her normal walks. We really celebrated my Sister’s birthday yesterday. She had a stellar day, her most active yet. And she drove her car for the first time in 4 weeks. So many reasons to be thankful. And thank all of you for your good wishes and prayers. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists so diligently. Praying that your road to surgery is not too horrific. April 22nd sounds far to me and I am not the one suffering. Gym, Bindi walks, a gazillion chores (I have a ton of leftovers to organize) and checking in with my Sister & Brayden. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of you and Tana! Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Château Pavie 2020 Start saving your Pennie’s. This amazing wine is so tempting. I confess to being a fan of wines with a sense of blackberry. A surprising number of distributors with online prices starting at $287.49. Professional Ratings 100James Suckling This opens up on your palate like a butterfly. It takes your breath away. Purity of blackberry, raspberry and black cherry. Lavender. Very, very impressive. Full and chewy with tight and polished tannins that go on and on. Energetic and structured. Crisp and vivid. Superb finish. Better after 2029 but a joy to taste. 100Jeb Dunnuck Pure perfection in red wine, the 2020 Château Pavie checks in as 50% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, all raised in 75% new French oak. Absolutely incredible in every way, it has a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, smoked tobacco, chocolaty oak, graphite, white truffle, and hints of flowers. Pure, full-bodied, and concentrated, with perfect integration of its fruit, oak, and tannins, it's one of those wines that needs to be tasted to be believed. Hats off to the Perse team for not following trends and for continuing to make a truly Grand Vin that offers a rare mix of power and elegance. 99Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Composed of 50% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Pavie weighs in with an alcohol of 14.82% and a pH of 3.61. It is aging in French oak barriques, 75% new. Opaque purple-black colored, notes of plum pudding, blueberry pie and dark chocolate-covered cherries charge out of the gate, followed closely by hints of eucalyptus, star anise, unsmoked cigars and fertile loam with a hint of cedar chest. The full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, offering very firm yet wonderfully ripe, velvety tannins and seamless freshness to support the densely laden, muscular black and blue fruits, finishing very long and with loads of mineral-laced layers. As hedonic as it is cerebral this year, it is a beautiful paradox. Barrel Sample: 97-99 97Decanter Smooth from the get go, still tense as you’d expect with a straight backbone, but the creamy texture is lovely with a beautiful balancing acidity and suaveness overall. More calm and quiet than I was expecting, certainly not shouting but with clear depth and length to the chocolate, blackcurrant, liquorice and graphite. Detailed and nuanced, not trying too hard with energy and plumpness yet retaining a serious, savouriness that brings you back to Pavie and to the terroir with clear minerality in the lick of wet stone on the finish. Well constructed with care. 96Wine Enthusiast Big, bold and rich with solid black fruits and dense tannins that are definitely not shy. This solid wine is packed with structure. The fruit and freshness of the year are almost overwhelmed by the wine's richness. The wine is redeemed by the perfumed, balanced finish. Barrel Sample: 94-96