The 2007 Hummer

I know, I know.... I just haven't had time to blog over the last week. Curt & Denise arrived last Friday, fresh from New Zealand and had to experience everything on Denman in six days. Of course, this last weekend is the only weekend in recent history where nothing was going on at the hall. However, we went on multiple hikes and beach forays. Picture #1 is taken on the railway grade... note the Sienna smile. The second shot is a lovely bay that I had never hiked to before. I think it's called Metcalf Bay. Today, Sienna has taken the day off to rest her her barnacle cut feet, but I suspect she'll be very excited to see Curt & Denise back here in June.

On the weekend we attended a tour of residences on the island which rely on some form of alternative energy. Three of the four homes were totally off the grid and relied entirely on wind or solar energy. We returned thinking we must find ways to reduce our "grid" energy reliance. Although we still have not finalized a floor plan for the new house, we have ordered a mason heater which is capable of heating a home for 24 hours with a single one hour wood firing. The heater burns very hot and much cleaner than efficient wood stoves and uses much less fuel.

Humming birds have arrived in abundance and we invested in a hummer-feeder. These ballistic little creatures are a riot to watch. They have replaced the TV as the feeder is right outside our patio window. They are very aware of the glass deck and windows and have not smacked into them. They are however, quite territorial and there is the odd aerial skirmish.

Cheap Dave's Wine Corner: Southernmost Red (2006), Argentina $12.99 Last week, my homeless brother in law, Bill, told me about a wine that had a rave review from Gismondi, the wine critic from the Vancouver Sun. I had heard this wine was going to be launched in March and had read the distributors press release, but had not seen the product in the local LCB yet. As a wine critic Gismondi carries a lot of weight. With a few words and a good score from him, wine sales can skyrocket. A wine scored in the high eighties, say "88", and priced at $13 bucks will sell very well. The same wine with a score of "90" would fly out the door, and with a lot more hype. "We ordered a coupla cases" Bill said, so we tracked down a bottle in Parksville. This is an exceptional bottle of wine for the money. Tons of cigarbox and black fruit with a finish that doesn't quit. Buy it, if you can find it and put it away for a few years. But wait, here's my point about wine critics... can a wine tasted and scored "88" on April 20th become a "90" on April the 28th? Yes, it can! Below is the review on Gismondi's website along with a picture of his article in the Sun a week later. Hmmmm.

"88/100 Southern Most Red 2006Patagonia, Southern Region, Mendoza, Argentina2Produced By: Bodega del Fin del MundoDistributed By: Rocky Mountain Wines Ltd.
I really like this Argentine blend from Bodega Del Fin de Mundo. The end of the earth winery has employed global wine consultant Michel Rolland and he's paying early dividends. The mix is merlot, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon. It has the smoky savoury Argentine notes on the nose and the earthy peppery fruity mid-palate with just enough acidity to keep it interesting. This is a serous contender for the barbecue red of the summer. The price is incredibly sensible for a simple red that over delivers and is so natural it is all but certified organic. Hamburgers, grilled beef, casseroles and stews will all fit the bill.
Last Tasted: 2007-04-20 by AG-ST"