No Balls, Three Strikes
Some men open up a skunky brew while watching a ball game. I can be that man, but I am not a big drinker and I love wine. For a team as elegant as the New York Yankees I thought a good bottle of red would be more appropriate. Leave the hops for the Philadelphians, their cheese steak clogged arteries and the soon to be defeated Phillies.
In a previous post I wrote about my love for 2004 – Wellington Vineyards, Zinfandel that I culled from my honeymoon—and the days we spent in the Sonoma Valley. For diversity I also purchased a bottle of the 2005 – Wellington Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, Syrah ($17).
Whilst the Yanks were up by 1 in the first I pulled the cork of the Californian Syrah. In the glass it was dark and menacing—not allowing light to pass. The nose was hot, with notes of earth, poop and herbs like rosemary and crabgrass. On the tongue it was bitter and hot with tannins far too tight—and way too much acid. It was both herbal and medicinal with a lingering unpleasant finish.
After a few sips I decided to stop drinking this wine. Suddenly the Yankees were down by two. I’m pretty sure that there loss was related to the bad energy that I uncorked with this foul liquid.
I’m not sure what happened—I had tasted this before and enjoyed it. Perhaps it was just beyond it’s prime. I tried it again the following day and it was as turgid as the Phillies fans hope will be after tonight’s game 6.
I poured it out.
Tags: 2005, California, red, Sonoma, Syrah