Satch

WTF? Cheesy 80's guitar hero makes music I really dig. Obviously, chops out the wazoo, but believably in the service of music. Great way with his newer melodies; simple yet sophisticated, leaving the response to the mind of the listener, a la Wayne or Miles themes. Wonderful tone. Newer tunes have short, discrete solos; the older ones have themes that are not as satisfying, but he really owns them and the solos build beautifully. Rhythm is great; they don't freelance much, but kick butt and are tasty.

Amanti Ozzies

Probably not a kosher Oz-reference, but whatever. Guilty seems to be a well-crafted, medium-big shiraz. I can appreciate it, but the fruity booty on it still leaves me a bit cold. The Turk is a shiraz-cab-something blend; to me more satisfying with some smoky tannin character. Good with food. Still I prefer continentalistic stuff, I guess.

Thanks to Linda who, with Scott, provided the fine grape and a lovely conversational evening. Scott has a crazy significant job; managing the digging up and archival of bones & other detritus from a newly examined 9/11 site.

Oh and she left a Spanish Viognier (!) with us that turned out to be a nice treat. A little grassy, but lacking the lavendery vibe that has turned me off especially from domestic versions...

Others

Let's see. Hess Select has been enjoyable; typical Cali Cab. A something-or-other "Anna" 2000 Gran Reserva for $8 at Costco was nice. Medium-light bodied, clean with a hint of tobacco on the long finish.

Spiropolous

No, it's not the city-state I extracted sufficient tribute from for the Senate to finance my triumph. Merely a grassy, acidic, lemony, tasty Moschofilero from Mantinia. *. From that fancy Far West Chelsea shop that gave us a run-of-the-mill Douro and a yummy and cheap litre of Gruner.