Graham's 20 year old tawny port
bottled 2013
orange amber crystal
creamy raisins and sweet herbs on nose
syrupy figs and sour apricots on arrival
that dissolve into rich almonds
memory of oloroso sherry
then bright citrus oil
like madeira
but lingering as almonds again
and honeyed cocoa nibs
quiet mineral note

i imagine crepuscule in warm climes
an orange line across dark blue waters
unfolding on a chalky balcony
wrought with baroque arabesques
sicilian rococo
balanced with triangles
i see shadows of serrated fronds
over dry sandscapes
the guests are just arriving
old friends
and a past lover

hegarty chamans no. 1
syrah cargnan 2009
lipstick legs
sweet vanilla wood
hint of rosin
sitting among the violins
bowing a childhood etude
heavy cream
smooth tannins
chewy
chocolate
like fresh port
cola at moments
then cherry
delicious
sprigs of dark red herbs
sudden fig sweetness
after bite of lemon turkey
on rosemary bread
needs such savory companions

tasty drink
though wood too forward at start
artificial sweetener if overnight

dined at shirahama

presented 酔楽天（熟成大吟醸)

crafted from tiny kernel of highest quality rice

bottle aged for two years

ethereal drunken joy

slightly chilled in small glass goblet

muted scent

clean - like purest vodka

floral arrival

gently oiled the tongue

hundred white flowers

spring garden after rain

soft notes of pear and melon

lingering for long finish

velvet smooth

zero hint of spice

surprisingly did not diminish taste of fish

paired first with horse mackerel

enhanced briny notes

then with yellow jack

adorned the meat with elegant sweetness

finally with rock salted sea eel

warm, crunchy textured

with rice wine

almost as if touched by a few flowers

lunch at mille fleurs

began with celery soup with almonds
subtle sweetness and celery flavor
nuts provided interesting texture

jadot pouilly-fuisse
vintage unknown
decanted
medium gold
a few unappetizing particles
how long had it been opened?
weak nose
paired with lobster salad.
lobster meat full of deep briny flavors.
went well with soft, rich avocado and bright sweet papaya
enhancing the slight buttery notes of this chardonnay

santa barbara pinot
vintner and vintage unknown
likely Carr's
decanted
pale garnet - but not translucent
light fruity nose
heavy in wood
vanillas
palate overpowered with wood
gentle tannins
lacks pinot character
paired with duck confit
potatoes had strong earthy taste
wine brought out spots of smokiness in fatty meat

-------

meiomi pinot 2012
screw cap
dark red but translucent
began with awkward nose
after a minute revealed strong cherry aroma
a bit overpowering
artificial scent of cheap sweets
american candy shop
light red fruit arrival
medium tannins - turns chocolatey

stored under vacuum for one night
- next morning - tannins are almost gone
cherry candy much more subdued
mouthfeel thin, like water
brighter acidity
faint chocolate
tiny note of strawberry emerges
but drowned and numb
like town turned to driftwood after hurricane