Big Sip Bummer

Big Sip Oregon was in Portland this past Saturday, but I decided to forgo the event for the public and instead planned to hit the industry session today. But I incorrectly recalled the start time, thinking it began at 2pm and ended at 4pm, and have just now realized that it started at 12pm and went until 2pm. As it is now 1:33pm, it looks like I've missed it.

Ah well, perhaps it's for the best, since I would have probably purchased more than is currently in the budget.

I suppose I now have no excuse for not going to the gym today.

Parallele 45 Cotes du Rhone, 2007

I stopped by Bales Thriftway this evening to pick up something cheap and red to go with the Lebanese take-out I was having for dinner. When I saw the name on this bottle, and the price tag of $9.99, I knew I had to try it.

The description on the back claims "rich berry aromas and a smooth complexity". They nailed it on the rich berries (black, by the way) and yeah, I guess it is pretty smooth, with well balanced tannins and acidity, but I can't find anything complex about this wine. Then again, I really didn't expect much more for $9.99.

I think this could work as a party wine - well-priced for mass consumption, easy to drink, yet food-friendly and slightly more interesting than a lot of other inexpensive wines on the grocery store shelves.

I'm looking forward to trying it with the lamb shank I got from Oasis, which I decided tonight is my favorite restaurant here so far. They have really yummy gyros, and I was further impressed when I asked the girl at the desk tonight if their lamb shank was good, and she replied, "Oh hell yeah, it's the best thing on the menu. I've had lots of lamb shank from lots of Arab places, and ours is the best!".

Right on:-)