Sans Liege Wines

There is an intensity in the stillness of the room as you type out the final sentence. Throwing your head back, you can breathe easily at long last. You notice the scents that surround you - juicy red raspberries and bing cherries in a cypress wood bowl, the last drops of cola in your glass, blood oranges on the counter and eucalyptus hanging up to dry. The book is complete despite the naysayers and you are finally at ease. *club member exclusive

The meadow is surrounded by trees imbued with nectarines, chamomile growing wildly at their roots. Scents of lime zest and himalayan pink salt hang in the still air and all is quiet except for birdsong in the distance. You lounge in the serenity and nibble on honeydew and cheese with quince jam.

Clouds drift in the pastel blue sky White strawberries ripen in the sun’s brilliance Chamomile blooms, mint creeps and tarragon grows Sea salt permeates the coastal air Lime & nectarine trees blossom & begin to bear fruit Springtime has finally arrived.

The train station is undulating with activity. Scents of raspberry, red peppercorn and cinnamon swirl in the air as you collect your ticket from the counter. Bumping into a railway employee, you slyly obtain the iron key needed for the storage area and later board the train with the cigar box covertly under your arm. Smirking to yourself, you inhale petrichor through an open railcar window dotted with raindrops and watch the spring wildflowers and sprawling oregano start to blur as the train pulls away from the station.

The 2021 Reserve Viognier from Santa Barbara County is a beautifully aromatic white wine with notes of lemon mineral water, pineapple and wild jasmine plus further layers of apricot and almond biscotti. The palette is lively and fresh, accented with citrus zest.

The path to the apothecary is lined with blueberry shrubs. Your footsteps crunch on the gravel as you limp to the heavy wooden door and push it open. A dim room is revealed that smells of tobacco, lavender stems, bay leaf and dried cherries. Without speaking, the man inside looks at you and busies himself with many of the bottles, flasks and jars that line the walls. He pours a mixture of ingredients into a leather pouch and hands it to you with a nod. You bow your head in return, thankful for anything that will heal the wounds from your formidable opponent.

The 2020 Reserve Grenache from Bien Nacido Vineyard exhibits notes reminiscent of an elevated old fashioned cocktail. Maraschino cherry, orange peel, rosemary sprig and cinnamon - punctuated with smoked cedar. A touch of strawberry and wet stone complete the nose. The fine grained tannins of this wine leave you with a lengthy and polished finish. *club exclusive