Lummi Island Wine Tasting March 8 ’14

“Snideology”

One of the more entertaining aspects of aging is the “creative hearing” that develops as bits of frequencies trickle away; a consonant here, a vowel there, so that words are sometimes heard in new, creative, and entertaining ways. In our latest example a phrase about “ideology” was recently heard as “Snideology.” Hmmm, interesting word…what might it mean?? It has a ring to it that effectively captures our most fundamental human instinct: the impulse to jump up and down in primate outrage– or, what has come to be called in our human culture: “politics.” We all do it, right and left, liberal and conservative– use an extensive arsenal of emotionally-laden expressions to challenge other individuals and groups who might otherwise exert power over us. Remember, you heard it here first, folks: ” Snideology:”  the art of substituting conniving innuendo for substantive debate, hyperbolic ridicule for valid differences in values, and relentless, finger-pointing Blame for honest political differences. What better name for this trend of our time than “Snideology”….

 

Seattle camping

 

dscn0492 (Modified)The blog is late this week because we were camping near Woodinville for a few days, and our usual modes of online access didn’t work. But we did have some great meals and tasted several very interesting wines we hope to offer you in coming months. And in between, despite the sometimes heavy rain, we enjoyed the ducks and cormorants that seemed to know they were protected and nonchalantly wandered about the campground when not paddling in this sweet little lake built from an old peat bog. Periodically they have to gird the lake bottom with a matrix of logs to keep it all from sinking into the bog. The area has evolved over some decades from an old family farm in Bothell.  It’s is aptly named Lake Pleasant — and so it is!

 

The Art of Food

 
dscn0479The main reason for our sojourn near Seattle was to attend our friend (and Island resident) Jen’s capstone dinner in completing the Culinary Arts Program at Seattle Central CC, part of a major life transition after a couple of successful decades in finance. At left course #4: slow-roasted pork tenderloin with root vegetables, fingerling potatoes, and roasted sage. Five courses in all: absolutely delicious!

 

 

 

This Week’s Tasting

Lost River Pinot Gris ’12 Washington $15
Aromas of citrus, pear and tropical fruits. Their most popular wine, the crisp acidity is balanced with a small amount of residual sugar.

Portteus Bistro Red 12 Washington $10
54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc. A food friendly wine with delicate yet elegant mouthfeel. Blackberry, pomegranate, cocoa, honey and licorice like flavors with a creamy finish.

Palama Negroamaro ’12 Italy $10
Elegantly expansive, rich and robust, with silky mouthfeel, layered aromas of steeped spices, and palate of blackberry jam with accents of cinnamon, leather, tobacco and smoke.

Altarocca Librato Rosso ’11 Italy $16
Unoaked, from volcanic soil; zesty, spicy, dark, and smooth, with a hint of eucalyptus on the finish. Terrific!

Altavins Tinto Joven ’11 Spain $11
Mouth and sense-filling blend of garnacha, syrah, and carinena, full of ripe dark fruit and berry flavors from Terra Alta’s hot days and cool nights close to Tarragona and the Mediterranean.


 

Wine Tasting

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