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I became a connoisseur of fine wine 55 years ago, when I was 18 years old. If you’re wondering if a kid that age could legally buy wine, the answer would be heck no. However, by virtue of my job in the beverage department at the local supermarket, I had juice to get my juice. The wine salesman was happy to bring me a case of their finest, and I would pay the wholesale price in cash. He would gladly put it into the trunk of my 67 Cougar XR7. I was hot stuff. The envy of all my friends.
And what was this fine wine that I procured illegally? No rotgut Ripple for me, no sir. It was Boones Farm Strawberry Hill, yummy. My taste soon ameliorated, and I found myself sipping Riunite on ice, that’s nice. Then came Bell’Agio, followed by Asti Spumante
Word got out that Smith could get wine, and I was soon placing orders and picking them up at the wine distributor. On one occasion the wine salesmen were involved in a sales contest. On the final day of the contest, my dealer (Chopper) was in 2nd place by a fraction of a %point. Chopper gave me a call and I took my van to the warehouse and bought about 30 cases, landing him in 1st place, with a brand new car as a prize. The other salesman, John, also an acquaintance of mine, luckily, did not hold a grudge. Some years later, John owned the busiest video store in Toledo. I bought my first VHS machine from him, and my ex-wife worked for him for several years. He did enjoy reminding me of the car I cost him.
That brings me to the other night. Our age 55 community held a wine event at the clubhouse. These days I enjoy a nice Bordeaux or Cabernet. Just a couple nice pours is all I need. Our neighborhood is still growing, and we met some great new neighbors who moved in over the summer. I’m looking forward to other community events and more new friends.
Cheers
I am not a connoisseur, but I draw the line on anything in plastic or cardboard.
We have a Parisian friend who likes her wine. When we traveled with her in France and I was paying, she always picked the wine, always. Always expensive.
When she visited us this year she brought a bottle of Chateau St Georges St Emilion 2017. All I know is I liked it. Who knows if it would meet the connoisseur standards. 🍷
Who knows if it would meet the connoisseur standards. 🍷
Well I sure don’t, I was totally kidding when I said I was a connoisseur.
My CCRC is running a series of professional wine tasting sessions in November – I was one of the first to sign up. The owner of a local wine shop used to hold educational tastings once a month, which is how I learned I don’t like Pinot Noir. If you’re looking for less well known grapes I can recommend Viognier and Torrontes. Still sticking with Zin, Syrah and Cab for reds, plus some Nero d’Avola although I prefer that in a blend. And, of course, port, although mostly LBV and ten year tawny. I should have put more in storage twenty years ago…
Sounds awesome. My wife and I love wine too. Looking forward to retirement where we can explore wine regions and sip some excellent vintages.