We have made another trip around the sun and Labor Day arrives Monday.
This is the time of transitions. Baseball teams swing for final playoff positions, football teams begin their gridiron grind, school children go back to class. Days grow shorter. Soon, leaves will fall and harvest feasts will begin.
For some, it is time to drink the last of the summer rosés—although I assert rosé really is a year-around wine. Certainly the young, light, bright poolside whites served well chilled will give way soon to the richer, heartier reds of fall and winter.
But we are not there yet. Pour wine. Enjoy the backyard barbecue, the swim party, day on the lake, the patio gathering where the dress code and weather still allows shorts and tank tops.
We are not out of pandemic woods yet, but for those smart enough to have been vaccinated and to wear a mask indoors in public, we are past the grim days. We certainly can drink a toast to that as we celebrate the last long weekend of summer.
Tasting notes:
• Veramonte Reserva Chardonnay 2019: Fruitiness balanced by excellent acidity. $9-11 Link to my review
• Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast 2019: Built to serve cold on a hot day in an outdoor venue. $13-17 Link to my review
• Stoller Family Estate Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley 2020: Delicately outstanding with juicy, concentrated pinot noir flavors. $18-24 Link to my review
• Duca di Salaparuta Corvo Colomba Platino Nero d’Avola 2018: Elegant, smooth, delicious fruit, approachable, easy drinker from Sicily. $20 Link to my review
• L’Ecole No. 41 Luminesce Semillon–Sauvignon Blanc, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley 2020: Palate-pleaser with seductive pleasures in the mouthfeel. $20-24 Link to my review
• Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc, California 2020: Rounded with plushness walking hand-in-hand with the acidic backbone. $24-25 Link to my review
• Gamble Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Gamble Vineyard, Yountville, Napa Valley 2020: Impressive depth, complexity paired with delightful mouthfeel and tasty, ripe fruit. $32-35 Link to my review
Last round: Doctor: “ Nurse, how is that little girl who swallowed the quarters?” Nurse: “No change yet.” Fill your wine glass a quarter full to fully enjoy that joke.
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