I have been searching for a certain Pinot Noir for years now, for my husband Mike. He was on a business trip years ago and at a dinner party was severed a Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. That evening he fell in love with Pinot Noir. Since then he has relentlessly been searching for that particular wine. His quest for this perfect wine reminds me of two star crossed lovers who briefly meet then are parted by circumstance. Anywhere we go that offers wine he always seeks out the Pinot Noirs in hopes of once again finding the delightful flavor, aroma and the perfect nuances of that spectacular Willamette Valley wine.
I can’t tell you how many Pinot Noirs I’ve tasted to find and experience the sensations that Mike reminiscences about. I don’t know if we will ever find that particular one and if we do I fear that it won’t taste the same to him, because as much as I hate to say this, it’s not just the wine we experience. The meal also plays a huge part to the encounter. Mike had one of the best steaks he has ever tasted at that same meal. So it’s not just star crossed lovers, it’s more like a menage a trois, and with the third player missing, it’s just not the same.
Last night Mike opened a Christmas present I gave him, a bottle of Joel Gott Oregon Pinot Noir 2012 Willamette Valley costing $23. He served it with another wonderful dinner he made; pan seared oven roasted pork loin with an Asian flair containing snow peas, carrots, sesame seeds, and bean sprouts along with a mild hoisin sauce. The dinner was delicious! And when paired with the Joel Gott Pinot it took the meal to the next level. This wine is the closest we have found in the search for his elusive lost love from the Willamette Valley.
I’m sure our quest for the perfect Pinot will continue, there are a lot of wines out there and we are ready to take on the challenge of tasting them all.
For those of you following my weight loss journey, I’ve lost 10 pounds by cutting out sugar, processed carbs, tracking my calories and walking. I would like to lose another 5 or so pounds. I’m feeling much better and no hot flashes, YAY. This will be my last update on my weight. If you have any food or weight loss questions please email me. I love to share information and I won’t be giving up sweets or carbs forever. I do think life is about moderation, but sometimes the pendulum swings from one extreme to the other. Here’s to balance in our wine and life!
Enjoy Valentine’s Day tomorrow with your favorite person, wine, or both!
Cheers – Carrie