DaleW wrote:
> Saturday was my 45th, and Betsy invited some friends for dinner. She
> had to play matinee, so cooked maniacally in the morning, and jumped
> right back in on return (I was in charge of turning off stove at one
> point, and appetizers).

Happy B-day, you young whippersnapper. What a shame that your birth
year was sandwiched between two incredible years in Bordeaux (mine and
Jean's -- nyah nyah nyah). As my best friend was born in '60, I know
from harsh experience that Port is about the best choice from that year.


> All my friends attending like wine, but none are geeks, so I looked for
> a theme that would be fun, instructive (without me being pedantic), and
> not ruinously expensive (I love sharing wine with friends, but I do try
> to save my most precious bottles for those who might appreciate what is
> being offered- hope that doesn't make me a pretentious A$%hole!).

No, it just makes you realistic and likely to avoid major
disappointment. I guess that it also shows that you have a passion for
wine -- what a shocker that is! ;-)

> 1982 Dalem (Fronsac)
> 1983 Beau-Sejour-Becot (St. Emilion)

Now, I do realize that these right-bankers are *mostly* Merlot, but both
have a fair amount of Cab Franc in them, too. Truth in advertising??


> A really nice night with good friends. Lively conversation
> (nature/nurture, would a thinking/caring god have created crusaders for
> Intelligent Design classes, African waterholes, gender stereotypes,
> etc.), fantastic food, mostly good wine.

It sounds like a great event, Dale. What a great idea doing a Merlot
event. I also have a number of them rotting in the cellar, awaiting our
upcoming 4th annual "cellar clearance" party. ;-)

Mark Lipton