Well, it is freezing here on the East Coast this weekend and I have to go out in it. Once again, I will be coaching a couple of basketball games today, but the end is near: today is Sebastian’s last real game (there is an All-Star game in a couple of weeks that our “Everybody Gets a Trophy” league has rebranded as a “Special Game”) and Nathan’s team starts its playoff run today (which will most likely be only a jog since they have only won two games all year and both were against the same team—a team that they do not play today).

Nonetheless, I do have a few announcements today:

1. I announced the new theme for this month’s Monthly Wine Writing Challenge this past week and in case you missed it, the new theme is, well, “NEW.” All the details can be found HERE and the deadline is March 7th.
2. The date for this month’s Wine Dinner at Fare Restaurant is February 24th at 7:00. The theme still needs to be flushed out a bit, but it will have a decidedly Greek flavor to it. The manager at Fare hails from Greece and he has been wanting to add a bit of Greek flair to the dinners for some time. This month, he gets his chance! If you would like to reserve a spot, please call the restaurant (267-639-3063). the cost is $75 (plus tax and tip) for the 5 course meal with wine.
   
3. Last, unless you have been living under a rock, you know that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. My wife and I typically do not “celebrate” the occasion since she sees it basically as a contrived “holiday” meant to sell chocolate and roses. Or something like that. Nonetheless, I will likely make some sort of subtle nod to the day since, well, for no other reason, it is a good excuse to open a bottle of wine (not that I need an excuse, but…). A good choice might be the 2012 Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago (Retail $30) I am not usually one to fall for gimmicky products (and I can’t remember the last time I bought a wine based on the label), but I might make an exception in this case. Fruity nose of blackberry, cherry, and a bit of cedar. The palate? Pretty fruity for a Pinot Noir, which normally I shy away from, but this somehow works. After a day this got even better with more depth and the fruit mellowed out some. Worth a try. Very Good to Outstanding. 89-91 Points.

Have a great Saturday folks!