winemadeez: The Live Experience

I love live performances! I love when they get it right!! The whole experience stimulates every one of your senses and can leave you wanting more. Last week Kirsten and I experienced a great evening of music at the Greek Theatre which is one of my all time favorite venues. On the bill for the evening were two incredible singer/songwriters, Ray Lamontagne and Da

vid Gray! I noticed the three large semi-trucks parked on the road waiting for the concert to end and to be reloaded again, a sign of just some of the mechanical work that goes in to putting on an event like this.
The sky was a bit cloudy when we arrived but we were still able to enjoy our lovely picnic dinner with a glass or two of wine before hand. There were concert goers all around eating, laughing, and conversing...one even played guitar and sang some original stuff! As we entered the theater and went to our seats I was looking around and taking in the atmosphere, the relaxed feeling of being outside, the shared love of folk music. We bought a 'jug' of wine to sip (I must mention that they really have to improve on the wines they offer). We watched as people slowly made their way to their seats and then with the concert in full swing, felt the amazing energy that came from the audience! The sound was perfect and both Ray and David gave flawless performances! It struck me as I was watching that there are similarities to giving a concert performance and harvesting grapes for wine. You see, once the performance is over, there will never be another one exactly like it...yes, there will always be another show, but each audience, location, weather conditions, will all be different and contribute to the total experience. The events that impact harvest take an entire year and no two harvests are ever the same! I looked up at the cloud cover and although not a 'perfect' weather evening, it was still very enjoyable. It made me think of the cool climate conditions we are experienc

ing this growing season in Sonoma County, as the growers prepare for harvest. Arriving before the sun breaks with the vineyard workers is much like arriving to the concert...lots of conversation and anticipation. As the sun is breaking and the work starts, there is incredible energy...there are no intermissions though, and the work is fast...clusters of grapes being cut from the vine and placed in baskets which in turn are put in the bins! As the morning crescendos, the harvest is complete, and as the trucks drive off, it begins another adventure for the grapes! After the concert, one might buy the 'Live' CD to enjoy and re-capture the night's experience, but after the harvest, one must be patient for the vintage to come of age and then to be enjoyed for its unique 'performance' at harvest time!
As we head into the fall season with the days growing shorter and the weather starting to turn, I find myself leaning towards full bodied Zinfandel...here are some of my favorites!

Ridge Lytton Springs 2007 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel - $32.00