The Valley's Obvious Hidden Treasures

    Today I did what I do best, taste and judge the wine.  No not for a panel, for my self.  I love letting each wine smoulder and linger in my mouth, coating my every taste bud with the blood of the vine.  What made this experience favorable was the fact that it was economically priced free for me.  Thanks to working in the "industry".  The winery first visited today was Beaulieu aka BV, my favorite of the 7 wines tasted was the Ranch #1 Canernet Sauvignon vintage 2008.  Among others here are a few that I remembered the names of.

For the whites:
07 Pinot Gris Carneros
08 Chardonnay Napa Valley
08 Reserve Chardonnay Carneros

Onto Red:
08 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Ranch #1
08 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Ranch #2
08 Reserve Pinot Noir Carneros
and last but not least I tried the $125 bottle of Georges De Latour Cabernet Sauvignon, apparently if seeking to impress this is the bottle to whip out.

Thats just one winery.  The next was V. Sattui.  One of the valley's classics, good thing we got there before the wedding being held there started.  V.  Sattui is one of the only wineries in Napa to hold weddings.  Not to mention the ONLY place in Napa that has the best artichoke cheese dip.  It's nothing of what it sounds but oh man, can we say heaven on earth? Im melting talking about it.  I didn't leave with a favorite but, I did sample some great wine.

07 Sauvignon blanc (not sure region)
08 Rosata (really good but don't remember anything about it)
07 Merlot (again not sure on region)
ouch...I really didn't pay that much attention there today, I think I may have been in an artichoke dip coma. 

Like the vine, my love for wine has grown.  I tend to like to most expensive wine, and at times I wish I didn't have such expensive taste.   But that comes with tasteful knowledge.  As the sunset crosses the valley its time to unwind.  I took a short 40 min bike ride around my neighboring streets around the apartment.  There were a few streets that I had never been down.  I also thought it would be a good idea to climb some hills on the Diamondback.  Throughout my little adventure I took the time to actually take in the scenery.  I looked at other people's houses, and enjoyed being in another demographics region.  It was nice to see a change of scenery while getting a great work out in.

My Tribute To Amy

We recently lost another female that definately had a voice in the music community.  I feel that she would have done even better if she was just left alone by the press.  Not only was she controversial, she also did her own thing allowing much room for criticism across the board.  Aside from the rumors, the tabloid photos, the crack, she was a genuinely good artist.  Anyway, this is my favorite song by her. 

Happy Birthday America

      As most get to enjoy the great weather and festivities that happen on this glorius day, others like me get to work, and do homework.  I will be enjoying the 3rd year in a row watching the fireworks from the sidewalk at the hotel.  I will take that 10 min break to watch the celebration.  I am hoping that I don't get any complaints incase the phone rings or something, I am hopeful that all fellow Americans will take the time to be equal for 10 mins and give those people who holidays a break.  please?  Next Year we will enjoy it from Chicago :)

The Sweet Smell of Summer

      As the night comes to a close, and I am enjoying the sweet summer weather I'm going to end this with one of my favorite high school bands.  In the absence of the lead singer the band didn't really stay as mainstream as they were once he committed suicide.  For some reason Sublime always will have a spot in my heart.  Some of the best memories I had were listening to Sublime.  I am getting goose bumps writing this spot right now.  The lyrical interpretation and melodies go perfect with each other it strikes something in the brain making everything better for that moment in time.

      I'm not sure how long it took the remaining members to find someone that sound like Bradley but they sure did one HELL of a job picking Rome.  Not to mention he's from the bay area so he instantly has an in with me.  There was a long period of time where Sublime had nothing new; it was always the same songs over and over.  Over the past year or so, I really have been wondering if the group members ever made any other music because they're damn good at playing real actual instruments like the guitar, and saxophone.  Then one day I was driving and I heard this tune, and the way the guitar was being strum I immediately thought this sounds so familiar, just like Sublime.  Come to find out it was Sublime featuring Rome. The new and redefined but still the same good old sublime that we're all used to.  This song immediately makes me happy; I could listen to it over and over again.  I like to think of it as the new "Caress Me Down". 
      My favorite line is "realize what's wrong with your life quicker than the eyes of most" 

I'd like to intro the song if I may.