The Taste of Wine
Like good soldiers on parade
six fire-rimmed glasses
half full of royal purple wine waited me.
Behind each stood a smocked bottle
like motherly guardian
watching over a beloved child.
Flattered to be selected to judge
of these contesting wines offered as a
tribute to Baucus and California wineries.
Tilt the first glass and look impressed,
swirl and swish up the side;
wonderful color and nice fruity odor.
The body of the second glass
heavy on the back of my mouth
a wine full body to be considered carefully
Third glass with a bouquet of
earth and grass
and a touch of herbs
Then after a spit and cracker
the fourth glass
crisp with refreshing acidity.
Getting close to the end so rest
the mouth before trying the fifth glass;
just a bit off dry.
Now the last in this great series
fruity with flavor intensity
maybe with a bit tannic.
Study the notes and compare
this wonderful array
of the best of California.
Hand your scores to the nice lady
behind the table
as she smiles a thanks to you.
Breathless waiting for the
barring of the sacked bottle
behind each glass.
First bottle a 2002 Zin
from Sobon
I sure should have guessed that.
Great grapes from those 100 year old
bunch pruned vines in a
vineyard where Italian ghosts walk.
Second bottle uncovered like
Gypsy Rose Lee
Sobon 2002 zin.
The third, fourt fifth and final
Like a chorus line at the follies
all alike and in step.
Smiling lady now a twinkling chuckle
greeted me with: “ welcome to the
Dead Palette Society!
Doug Minnis
February 28,2015