Where The Wild Things Are

I would discover my love of the night sky, as we would go on these night hikes, stare at the stars and seek out all the constellations and wait patiently for streaking meteors and U.F.O.s that never came.  I discovered a love of bird watching, a kind of meditative state where winged creatures become a quiet, live-action video for the eyes and mind.  And I discovered my love of practical jokes.  Hey I was ten years old, cut me some slack.

As I have said before, wine is a conduit I use to slide through time and space with ease, each sip another memory, another moment past or present, and I see it , hear it, touch and taste it with sublime clarity.  

So why the ruminations on Yellow Springs?  Years later, after coming back from my stab at rock ‘n’ roll, I would drop in on that sleepy little town where I’d discover a restaurant called The Winds.  Though I haven’t been there in some time, it is (and probably forever will be) one of my all-time favorite restaurants, and out in front they had a small wine shop, where I would soak up wine labels and information as I was formulating my assault on the wine business so many years ago.  Mary Kay – one of the proprietors – had created this little enclave of culinary and oenological delights, surrounded by splendid nature and a soft-spoken, eclectic community.  The wines she stocked in the store, the beer and wine selections on the menu, the whimsical musings in her newsletters – unbeknownst to her, I was a gigantic devoteé, and I learned a lot from her.

My approach to wine is heavily influenced by her, and I continue to be a massive fan.  When I write for our newsletters and here for this blog, I am reminded of the stories she would tell, retelling various points in her life and making seemingly impossible connections to the wines about which she was writing.  Segues you seldom saw coming, humorous, poignant, and inspiring. I guess I am not quite there yet.

Recently, our good friend and D&E rep Becki dropped in with an interesting lineup of reds, including an anniversary release of one of my favorites:

Siduri Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2015.  I know two people named Adam Lee: one is a terrific singer/songwriter here locally whose songs sound like I’m drinking a cold beer by the Pacific Ocean on the beaches of Oahu, and the other one is the winemaker for Siduri.  I don’t really KNOW Siduri’s Adam Lee but I am familiar enough with his wines to know he’s a humble guy.  This Oregon endeavor highlights that character of spirit with its bright cherry fruit, hints of cola, hazelnut and dusty earth undertones that make this a lovely example of Oregon Pinot Noir.

Peter Yealands Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014.  A bit of cherry cola and soy show up for a red-fruited, light-bodied shindig on the palate that is varietally correct and clean.

Landmark “Overlook” Pinot Noir Sonoma/Monterey/San Benito 2014.  A bigger, richer style than the previous two, there is a hint of sorghum amidst the Oolong tea, black cherry, pepper and Chinese Five Spice notes found here in this stunning California Pinot Noir.

Copain “Tous Ensemble” Syrah Mendocino County 2014.  A hint of plum compote, black raspberries, dried herbs, sassafras and wild berry notes, this is medium-bodied, elegant, a very refined Syrah from California.

Dry Creek Vineyard “Heritage Vines” Zinfandel 2015.  An amazing value, the 2015 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel gives you jammy blue and red fruit, plum, cocoa and baking spices with a hint of s’mores on the finish.  My favorite Zinfandel right now!

Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2015.  The super-dependable, always-reliable AVV Cab is full-bodied, robust with bold, black fruits, pepper and spice, mixing it up with chocolate, cedar and tobacco leaf undertones.

Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013.  It’s been awhile, but the Trefethen Cab 2013 is bold, full-bodied and impressive.  Rich dark fruits and spice shine throughout its driven, fleshy finish.  

Ridge Geyserville “50th Anniversary” California 2015.  I love this wine, and not just because Geyserville was established the year I was born – 1966 – but this Zinfandel-driven red is and has always been one of my favorites from California.  Jammy black fruits, cocoa nibs, a touch of hickory smoke, dried herbs and crushed rose petals… it’s just a big ol’ dance party for the soul.

One of these days, when the leaves start to turn, I am getting in my car, and I’ll make my way up to Yellow Springs, grab a bottle of wine and some bread, sneak off to the trails of Glen Helen, maybe find that bird blind I remember, get a little drunk and watch the robins fly around the trees, a bit of drunken reflection perhaps, some miscreant behavior.  My midlife crisis awaits!