I am spending my last few days here on the Côte d’Azur, getting ready to go out for another ride along the Mediterranean. I had planned something a little different today, but two recent events caused me to delay that post until I return from France next week. The first was that I discovered yesterday that I am a finalist for a Wine Blog Award for one of my Ohmygod posts (Ohmygod 39–Into the Widow’s Cellar). If you feel so inclined to vote for me or any of the other finalists, you can do that HERE.
The other development is even more exciting, however! I was on the phone with my wife the other day and, as she usually does, she asked what she could drink from the cellar. I have a bit of wine down there, but despite what my wife thinks, there are only a few bottles that are really “off-limits” as I am saving them for a rather momentous birthday. Other than that, she really could pull any bottle. Nonetheless, she always feels the need to clear it with me before pulling the cork. This time around, she wanted to have a bottle of Pinot from one of our favorite producers, and I think she was feeling a little guilty that I would not be there to partake in the imbibing. Thus, totally unprovoked, she offered to write a post for this blog if I let her drink it.
So obviously I agreed! (While it is true that she can pull any wine out of the basement, I never said that I would not take advantage of her self-inflicted guilt!) Without any further ado, here is the post written by my lovely wife:
Here is a picture of my lovely wife when she got a Chair named in her honor at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (yes, in case you were wondering, I do know that I married up–way up).
OK, so here I am, at home with my two terrific boys, while my world traveler husband is off experiencing beautiful Provence and tasting amazing wines. The boys and I managed to fill our time with school, baseball, tae kwon do and a fun trip to NYC to see Phantom of the Opera and One World Tower. After returning home from the weekend, I started planning my week here, which was hopefully going to include seeing some friends and neighbors.
Me, in charge of socializing?
Of course, we would need some wine to share and where would I find some? Obviously, I’d go to the basement and see what I could pull up while Jeff is gone.
Hmmm….
This could be ugly upon his return should I choose bottles that maybe he would have wanted to taste…. (Even though he thinks I don’t, I know where he hides all the good stuff!). But, being the supportive spouse that I am, and knowing that my wine appreciation does not likely match some of the bottles down there, I decided to start with a few fun things to share with friends. So here is are likely the only tasting notes that will you will ever read from me….
2012 Domaine de la Presidente Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Le Nonce”: 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. Retail $40. I pulled this the day that Jeff was actually in Châteauneuf (which I thought was only fair) and drank this with a friend who greatly appreciates Italian wines, pairing it with a grilled skirt steak. Nice fruit but not too fruit forward. Maybe some black raspberry and cherry. Surprisingly, I’m going to say will probably be better in a couple of years (definitely not my usual recommendation since I am a bit of an instant gratification wine drinker and like things a bit younger than my spouse). My friend agreed that a little more bottle time might make this good wine even better. Reasonable finish but not as complex as it seemed at first. Still, a very nice wine that I would still drink tomorrow! Very Good. 88-90 Points.
2015 Joseph Mellot Sancerre La Demoiselle Rosé: Retail $25. 100% Pinot Noir. I love a good rose! Drank this outside on the sidewalk with a friend while the kids were playing kickball. Nice rose to start the summer! Dry, some fruit (strawberry) but not too much with a nice finish. Good before, during or after dinner! That’s a plus for me. Outstanding. 89-91 Points.
2010 Amelle Pinot Noir La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast: Retail $45. 100% Pinot Noir. Procrastinating from studying for a jurisprudence exam (don’t ask…), I ventured into the basement and found this! In contrast to the dull material, this wine was full of life – light red, some tart fruits, well-balanced and a nice finish. I did not need a food pairing to enjoy this one, and the neighbors agreed; they appreciated the nose and the calmness of this Pinot. The only unfortunate thing is that I don’t think it’s made anymore. If you can still find it, stock up! Outstanding. 92-94 points.
So what do you think? Did she do a great job or what? Before you go thinking that maybe this wine blogging thing is not all that hard after all, you need to know that my wife is brilliant in everything she does (except choosing husbands, of course).
the drunken cyclist 
Congratulations bro!
Please do not spend too much on the wine you bring back to share with me. I consider anything over €200/bottle too much.
(and, how does your wife continue to put up with you? 😉
See you in August.
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OK. So no Krug Rosé?
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Wow, she did an excellent job both choosing and writing about them. Are you sure she hasn’t ghost writing for your blog all along?
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Well, given all the grammatical mistakes in the blog, it is clear she has nothing to do with it up until this point!
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She did an excellent post.
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She is great at everything. Except basketball. I crush her in basketball.
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Move over Jeff, I think she’s a pro!!
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I am used to getting upstaged by my wife. Really. I get that a lot….
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Hey, nobody told me I could drink Sancerre on the driveway while watching kickball! Your wife wins for revealing that tidbit…
Enjoy every ounce of that gorgeous trip.
And, congratulations on the Wine Blog nomination! It’s certainly true that OhMyGod! has entertained us sufficiently enough to be awarded. Cheers, and thanks for all the outstanding content!
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I noticed you had a couple of nominations in other categories so voted for you too!
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Thank you so very much! Good company to be in!
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We are just all trying to keep up with you!
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As you should!
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You needed someone to tell you that? Really? I take a bottle to Little League games and I am the coach! (Not really, but I have been tempted.)
The trip is sadly coming to an end tomorrow, and I get off the plane and go straight to a Little League game. I think I might finally succumb to that temptation.
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Ha! My boys do play at one field (a private field) that serves beer at the concession “stand”.
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Wow! I likely would not mind (as much) going to those games!
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Well done! I hope to see an entry from the Mrs. in the next MWWC!
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Oooh! Great idea!
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Oooh! Great guest post, Mrs. Jeff! I love myself a great rosé and Châteaneuf-du-Pape is a personal fave. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for your Pape pick!
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You certainly should. Really good juice!
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Congrats on the nom! Your wife did a lovely job with the guest post, and please give yourself more credit for having such a talented lady for a wife. 🙂 (And of course I voted for you!)
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Thanks for the vote! As for my wife, well, I would never speak for her, but, well, she could have done better.
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Mrs. Drunken Cyclist did a great job with the post!
And congrats on the nomination! If you win, will there be sabering at WBC16?
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Cheers! (There will be sabering, regardless!)
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Excellent guest post. Threw a vote your way too.
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Thanks!
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Voted for you Jeff, best of luck. Very very impressed your wife is not only beautiful but she is an excellent writer/wine reviewer. Really wonderful job, look forward to reading more from her.
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Thanks! She is rather fabulous, and I hoe she writes more too!
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Lovely post! Wish I could get hands on that Sancerre…
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I will try and get you some….
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I miss Tammy even more now than before…
This is awesome and I’m psyched to try the Rose’.
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