Good Morning!

When you read this the Oscar’s will have just wrapped up last night. I personally loved The Fighter, King’s Speech, The Social Network and two movies that will win nothing…Burlesque and The Tourist, but I loved both of them! So, I am not really a great movie critic, but I thought I would go through the categories of the Oscar’s and apply them to my personal fav grapes and just see how my votes are counted.

So, I will not pick out the brands of wine or vintages but I will discuss the grapes and I might drop hints at regions that I really enjoy. (These opinions are my own and reflect nothing more than the fun I have with wine.

Best Supporting Actor – This wine might be a surprise, it kinda surprised me but when I think back to this last year, I had a reoccurring theme of Rose’. I know the color pink is not masculine, but this wine is so sure of it’s appeal he does not care what color he is. He was at picnics, BBQ’s, formal dinners, tastings and casual wine enjoying moments.

Best Supporting Actress – The best supporting grape for me is Sauvignon Blanc. She is always found in my frig and ready to hit the pool or patio with me and my friends.

Best Comedy – This is no laughing matter, but a wine that always makes me giggle is sparkling Shiraz. It is fun to look at and fun to enjoy with a serious message. I would never replace my Champagne with this for celebrations but if I have something less serious to celebrate, like my son got excepted to jr. college or I made it through Monday…this is a pure fun wine to drink.

Best Drama – The most dramatic wines I had this year were from Argentina, Malbec is winning my heart up against Rhone style blends being created in Paso Robles. It might be a toss up, but I am giving Paso Robles and there crazy blends my award.

Best Director (Winemaker) – I will catch some flack over this and I just have to go with who I know. I love Merry Edwards. She is hands down the most lovely, engaging, intelligent business woman and winemaker I have met so far. I only spent a few hours with her, but I was and am totally inspired by her quiet and gentle mannerisms and kind heart. I want to make wine as gentle, bold and sexy as her wines. If she reads this I hope some day we will work together…I am not even kidding! You change the way I look and enjoy wine.

Best Soundtrack (music to drink wine by) I am such an old school music fan but I switch it up from time to time and listen to some hip hop. So if you can mix Stevie Wonder and Jay Z or Ludicris. I would be thrilled. But the best wine drinking music ever for me is Santana…He just makes me want to dance and soak in the wine, music and fellowship.

Best Costume (label) – The best label in the world is TJR Select, but I am disqualified because my wines are not available for consumption by the public…So the most fun goes to Fat Ass Cab, the most regal label I liked this year was Opus One, just cuz it’s Opus and it seemed like when I brought the bottle out many folks oohhed and awwwwed. I most favorite labels are on Italian reds full of color and excitement. They are just fun to look at from me…so all Italian wine labels take home my prize!

Best Actor – Carmenere from Chile….hands down the wine came from Colchagua Valley. I was enthralled. Massive flavors, aromas and yet gentle and strong…my personal Cary Grant.

Best Actress – Complex Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley…grabbed my taste buds and took them to places I had no idea I was missing….My Angelina Jolie in a bottle.

Best Documentary – The Syrah from Rhone Valley France. I never tried a french wine until 2 years ago and this year I focused my palette toward these wines and the rewards were AWESOME!

Best Picture of the year – This is hard for me because I am still learning my palette and what makes each wine so special..by this is where I started with wine and my mouth just keeps taking me back home to this grape….Cabernet, the bigger, bolder, more powerful, steakhouse kinda wine you spend way more than your expense account likes but you love every minute of it. Cakebread, Jordan, Merryvale, Grigh Hills, Ridge, I could go on and on and on….I love this wine, perhaps it was the first great wine I tried so that is what my tongue will always be drawn to!

As for the rest of the great wines out there, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cab Franc, Riesling, Albarino, Chenin Blanc…just to name a few..you all are mentioned because we spent so much time together this past year and next year I expect the pricey bubbles to show up…they are always available in my house….I wish I had more categories to pass out more awards to give to all these fantastic wines and winemakers!

Enjoy the show and enjoy your wine!

Much LOVE and wine,

Tammi