Hil’s and Valleys: Birthday Dedication to Hilary

Long time, no blog!  Oops?  So, in honor of my best drinking buddy and all around partner in celebratory-crime, I’m dedicating a post to Hilary, my best bud from college.  I say “from college” but that’s really not true; a year ago, I moved about 2 blocks from her and thus we we find ourselves yet again celebrating, partying, loving life as only the best of friends can.

I’m really lucky to have a friend like Hilary.  In fact, I hope most people have someone in their lives who fits her description: someone always ready to laugh, game to go out to celebrate OR commiserate, enthusiastic about nearly any plan– tv and sushi? or live 80′s cover band and dancing.  It was her birthday last week (but let’s be honest, because this is Hilary, it’s actually all month).  This post highlights a few favorite wines (and memories) I’ve enjoyed with her over the years of our friendship.

Halloween 2010: Punch X (as classy as we pull off Sesame St. characters, it wasn’t really a wine kind of evening…)

In somewhat chronological order:

When  Hilary and I first met, we bonded over many things.  Mostly, “COLLLLLEGE” (screamed loudly, always), boys on my floor, and our love of fine alcoholic beverages before we were legal to drink them.  All combined, we managed to have many-a-fun-evening together– some of which were even classy wine and cheese parties (well, on occasion..)!  Those parties often included cheaper wines, as we were but lowly (and “low-aged”) college fresh-ladies.  I remember a few bottles in particular (don’t judge!):

Black Swan Shiraz,  distributed by the massive E & J Gallo company and coming from Australia (as with MANY vineyard names that include animals).  Generally– massively overripe wines, the Shiraz manages to be, if not subtle, at least not unpleasantly over-the-top.  It has a hint of burnt rubber that can strike many drinkers the wrong way, but it’s otherwise a rich, lovely wine.

Ruffino Chianti- A little rough around the edges- I’ve seen it called “barnyardy“– but it wasn’t bad for a couple of youthful drinkers.  It was smooth, and could pair well with any of our fine dining options, by which I of course mean microwave popcorn, carrots and hummus.  We were high-styling.

Over the course of our college years, our palates progressed.

Well, I know mine did.  I’d argue that Hilary’s palate grew in terms of tolerance… While she could handle some beers I wouldn’t, she was also much more of a party favorite than I was… coincidence?  Not at all.

We began to have a few nicer wine parties and even behaved ourselves well enough to be invited to the lovely Strasburger residence every so often for a glass of wine, or 2, or 3.. thanks Frank and Carrie!

A few favorites?

3 Blind Moose Cabernet: Winemaker’s notes– Bright, vibrant, red-purple color; aromas and flavors of dark berry, plum, chocolate, clove and spice (we kid you not!); medium-bodied, soft palate (that’s the thing in your mouth) with round, generous, easy-drinking flavors.

Il Prosecco: Lovely all-around bubbly- perfect for any occasion.  It’s sweetness is in the form of apple and peach, while the fun kick is really the balance of the bubbles- which are tight and create a sharpness in taste and mouthfeel that is really satisfying.

See?  We can be classy!

But before you go thinking we might be the sweetest, coolest, most elegant chicks you know, I must correct you.  We are in fact all of those things, but not without being a little fun and crazy, too   For THOSE times, drinks have included:

Bowdoin Ivies: Vodka Watermelon (most liquid than you’d think… unfortunately), PITCHERS of homemade Sangria, and of course, Nalgenes of Gin and Tonic.

Bowdoin Graduation: Trader Joe’s Charles Shaw Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.  Those were actually fantastic and I’d suggest them for ANY big event that needs to “feed” many people.

Note the evidence of our… “less” classy evenings   Jello shots, champagne from the bottle… we just appreciate… variety

Lastly, I should mention that lately Hilary and I have been enjoying MUCH better wines.  In fact, many of the wines reviewed on here have been enjoyed with her!  She makes wine evenings, taste testings, events all the more fun.  Our communal favorite (as Hilary tends to prefer white wines) has been the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.  Delish!!   It’s a wonderful, citrus-y, light but flavorful New Zealand white from the Marlborough region.  Always a great choice!

I’m so lucky to have a great, fun-loving, partner in wine explorations.  Happy Birthday, Hil!!