Name: Middle Sister (Rebel Red) California Red table wine
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Price: $12.99
Description per label: A sassy blend of our three favorite red varieties perfect for sipping before, during and after our favorite family meals.
This week’s review is my tribute to the life of Mrs. Vera Eleanor Moroni (1918-2010).
Review: I’d just opened a 2006 cabernet and was savoring it on my veranda when I saw the paramedics carry away Mrs. Moroni from her abode. She appeared ghastly white, clutching a small flowered blanket, and was positioned at a rather unnatural angle on the gurney. At the pace the ambulance driving orderlies moved, I could tell this visit would be their last. I realized then, with a heavy heart, I was losing my pinochle mentor, poker partner, fellow wine enthusiast and cherished neighbor. For a 92-year-old she had a tolerance for wine and an appreciation for spirits I’ve seldom observed in my notable career. She held court at the card table and maintained her lady-like decorum after a dozen or so glasses of her favorite red table wines. She separated many a fool from his money in her hay day. Sadly, towards the end she was dabbling in Internet poker without much success and had run into financial straits. Never one to miss an opportunity, I surreptitiously purchased the tax lien on her residence.
Her most recent wine fixation was Middle Child Rebel Red. Mrs. Moroni was in fact a middle child and an obvious rebel. I’ll miss our days spent gambling, drinking and smoking good cuban cigars. She was a lady well ahead of her time.
This California red blends zinfandel, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. After tasting thousands of varietals I can say with almost metaphysical certitude, this is a California table red suitable for the person that is keen on table wine. The cost is fair, the alcohol content run of the mill, and the experience is, well, “table winey”. When sampled, the aroma underwhelms. It presents a mildly sweet berry-like effect on the front palette with a hint of lingering spice falling flat on the backside. All in all, a typical wine that can meet most any drinking occasion. I would however give the caveat, this is no morning libation. The flavor doesn’t suit breakfast fare.
On the world-renowned SMS Scale (1-10) the wine scored a 5 and Mrs. Moroni a perfect 10.
Suggested pairings: Italian comfort food, card games, and Cohiba Torpedos (cigar).
Written by Lea Barlow •
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Me, the hubs, kids and in-laws are all headed to Maine for a few days to see the beautiful fall foliage. This will be a much needed break from the oppressive Florida heat that seems to stretch well into October. We have several car trips under our belt but this will be the first plane ride with 2 kiddos in-tow. Supposedly, the airline we are flying doesn’t assign seats. Do you think we will get lucky enough to sit separate from the monsters?
Here is a glimpse of what we will be doing…
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Written by Lea Barlow •
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While waiting in the check-out at Target the other day, I heard a woman in another line overly apologizing for something. As I listened, it became very clear that this woman had nothing to be sorry about. She had questioned the clerk about the price of an item that rang up full price even though she had picked it up on the clearance rack. She didn’t put it on the clearance rack and she wasn’t the one that keyed it into the register incorrectly but yet there she stood apologizing to everyone around her. Sound familiar? Maybe these conversation starters will ring a bell:
“I hope you don’t mind me asking, but …”
“I’m sorry to bother you, but do you have …”
“Sorry to be a pain, but I was wondering if …”
I am guilty of using all of the above but lately, a lot less. I realized how meek I sounded when I was constantly apologizing for things that I had no need to be sorry for. Now I only apologize when an apology is due. For instance, I will say I am sorry to my husband after screaming obscenities at him for being 3 minutes late to dinner. I will apologize to the neighbor who I almost plowed down with my SUV trying to make it to pick-up in time. But I will no longer apologize for merely existing. Apologize when it’s necessary, mean it and move on.
Written by Lea Barlow •
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Okay, I don’t have a problem with Shiloh Jolie-Pitt so much as I do with her parents. The first time I saw her in a 3-piece suit I thought it was a bit strange but still kind of cute. 100 or so little boy outfits later, not so cute. They claim the toddler just likes to wear boy clothes and is expressing her/his personality. Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for allowing personal expression. I have teenage blackmail video of my little guy twirling like a princess in his sister’s Cinderella dress. But here’s the deal, I am also the mom of a headstrong 4-year-old. I can tell you with the utmost certainty that there is no way in hell she could the difference between girl cargo pants and boy cargo pants. Nor would she be aware or care that her polo shirt has puffy sleeves while her brother’s sleeves are flat. Someone is calling the shots here and it’s not the toddler. Mommy is doing the dressing and Mommy is directed the hair dresser. I find this trend creepy and bizarre. And for the record, I think Brad Pitt is one gigantic puss for letting this continue.
Written by Lea Barlow •
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