Summer Wine

              Along the pristine waters of the Brule River, you can find century old summer husband and I begin every year.   Our friends, who share their beautiful home with us during those short months, are responsible for such wonderful memories. These memories we keep through the winter in anticipation for the next summer.

 Those of you who are avid Fly Anglers know where the Brule River is and with any luck, you have fly-fished it one time in your life. For those who don't fly- fish, the Brule River is in Northern Wisconsin amongst Great White Pines, Big Cedar Trees, lots of wild life, and birds. If you love nature, the Brule River is one of the special places you will find it.

Canoeing down the Brule River is a popular everyday event. You can rent a canoe if you do not own one and take a breath-taking trip down river.

I will often be sitting on the dock to guide you out of the trees and sand bars if you get stuck when passing by. Other wise we love to great you and warn you about the rock you are about to hit because of our distraction.

 With summer, brings wonderful wine, and food. We gather for one special weekend of the summer. Indeed it is a holiday of it s own making

We hold nothing back; the best wines from our cellars along with incredible breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, which no gourmet restaurant can match. We are a gifted group I might have to say. I know I should not but we have earned the title.

This summer our friend Richard brought along a wine he had put away some time ago and he was very excited to uncork it. We watched in anticipation as he poured. He held it up to the light and it was deep, ripe, and waiting for us to roll it about

our tongues.

The 1988 Silverado Stags Leap Reserve washed over my tongue like silk under my fingertips. Lush, with flavors of licorice and berries, oak, leather. It all was there. As this dark ruby liquid slid down my throat, I could not believe how smooth it tasted.

 We; my friends, husband and I exclaimed; OH-MY-GOD, can you believe this stuff?  My mouth watered as it does after I eat exquisite chocolates.

There were only two good wineglasses left to pour the wine in. Not one of us wanted to be sharing this wonder of a wine. I have never felt so selfish over a wine before, but this one, well, we almost cried when it was gone. We did cheer ourselves up with a 1996 Red Zinfandel, then wandered down to the river to sip and welcomed the canoeist passing by.

 We were happy for the warm summer day and wonderful friends we had in each other.