Greetings from a rather soggy (and somewhat depressed after last night’s game) Houston. I had big plans for today as it was originally the date I had selected for my big rosé tasting. But, alas, my wife has her last concert today (she plays the cello in a community orchestra) and since it is Mother’s Day weekend, well, I am sure I do not have to say much more about why I rescheduled the tasting. I was also hoping to get in a ride, but the weather forecast remains, well, spotty. So instead of all of that, I am sitting on the couch binge watching (I dare not tell you what), eating kolaches and contemplating how I am going to manage sitting through three hours of Mahler in the most uncomfortable seat imaginable. Before I continue with my glorious day, here are two reminders:

1. I am continuing to collect the last few samples for my Third Annual Largest Blind Tasting of American True Rosés, the date for which is May 18th. A “True Rosé “ is a wine that was always intended to be a rosé—some people call them “intentional rosés”, “direct press rosés”, or even “bespoke rosé.” In other words, these are not saignées (a by-product of red wine production when part of the juice of a red wine is bled off [“saignée” means “bled” in French] and made into a rosé). Please let me know if you have a wine that should be included or if you may be interested in attending (although there is limited space). Last year we tried 68 (!) True Rosés! This year, I am trying to limit that number as my teeth hurt for three days after all of those rosés.
2. I am also in the process of getting together a bike tour of Provence for early October. The tour will be centered around the town of Vaison-la-Romaine in Provence. Details are still being ironed out, but we will ride in the morning (with an optional climb up the infamous Mont Ventoux one of the days), visit wineries in the afternoon, and take in many of the area’s top attractions (Pont du Gard, Avignon, Les Baux de Provence, etc.). We will stay at the incredible La Baye des Anges, a renovated farmhouse in Vaison. Please send me an email (jeff (at) thedrunkencyclist (dot) com) if you would like more information.

That’s all I have today—have a great and safe Saturday!