Remember how you couldn't wait to turn 21; then, suddenly around 35, you forget the year you were born.  Well, I hit one of those milestone birthdays on Friday: the one just past 59.  I'm now officially o-l-d or at least that's what everyone is telling me.  I did find a 60-year old staring back at me in the mirror this morning; it's time to get rid of the mirror.

But on the brighter side, I had a great surprise birthday party at WIne 101.  Angie set the hook deep in my cheek and reeled me in like a bluegill.  It started with our mythical supper reservations getting canceled, and then "Let's run by Wine 101, have a glass of wine and decide where to go."   As we walked in, I spotted our friend Michele, then some current and former co-workers, and finally my boss.  The brain slowly put everything together; I had been had.   It meant a lot to see good friends (new and old) to share the last birthday that I will admit to.

One of the reasons for my fuzziness....ok, the main reason for my fuzziness was wine.  I had opened a couple bottles for a pre-going-out celebration at home.  We didn't finish both, but the majority consumed passed through my glass.  Both were Tempranillos: a Texan and a Spaniard.  I first grabbed my last 2004 Inwood Estates Vineyard Tempranillo - Cabernet.  More than just a desire for a great wine on my birthday, I wanted to see how it held up.  I've had some higher end Texas wines in the past that were (like me) over the hill at about 4-6 years past vintage.  The Inwood was still in great shape.  I tipped the glass to study the edge and found it still clear and watery (a sign of a younger wine).  This one can probably hang in there a few more years. The tannins were soft but still evident coupled with good red and black fruit flavors. 

The Spanish wine was a Ysios 2002 Rioja Reserva; I first tasted this one at Wine 101. My Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine Book says that in 2002, Rioja produced a "small harvest of doubtful quality," but "the best are still delicious."  The Ysios Reserva, in my opinion, is one of the latter, very rich and tasty.  I did discover, however,  that it should be drunk fairly soon after opening.  Even with a vacuum re-corking, the remainder tasted a little over the edge a couple days later. It's what you would call a drink now type. 

At the party, I stuck with a Montepulciano which worked well for mingling and talking.  If only I'd eaten a little more and drank more water.  Oh well, I remember some words of the great philosopher, Dean Martin. "I feel sorry for the people that don't drink, knowing when they get up in the morning, that's the best they're going to feel all day!"

Now, I'd like to thank all those who my birthday a fun time, despite the six-oh.  To Debbie and Phillip, you guys made it all possible.  Michele, you are a dear friend and helped keep our guests' well wine-d.  To those who traveled a long way, Jim (my baby brother), Michele, Charlie (my younger brother from another mother), Pauline, Debbie and Kevin, you made me feel very special.  To all the great local folks who turned out Friday night, I couldn't have for a better group to share my day with. Finally, a big thanks and smooch to my wife, partner and best friend, Angie.  I owe ya...