In my last blog post where I had the chance to talk to Cyril Chappellet, we ended our conversation talking about loving what you do and doing what you love.
Many of you know that by day I’m the Chief Marketing Officer for a software company. For three years I’ve had a great run, but it’s time for me to see what’s next. I leave so proud of my legacy and what my team has accomplished. Recently my management and marketing teams pulled together to give me an incredible send off at Abacus, a place that has been one of my top special occasion restaurants for years. When I had my daughter ten years ago, and keep in mind she came suddenly and a month early, Abacus sent the first flower arrangement to the hospital. To this date, I have no idea how they knew. It was a night where I felt appreciated and my company did an amazing job sending me off in style.
I’ve been asked if I plan to do something full time with wine. While I adore the blog and you guys rock, I love having the separation of the paying gig and the passion. That way it never, ever feels like a job and having some time off to figure out what is next is freeing.
My Awesome Sister-In-Law, Caitie, and the Adorable Max
For Thanksgiving I flew to Rhode Island to visit my brother and his family, including my new nephew, Max. With great food and wine, we celebrated family, we celebrated being together, we celebrated new beginnings and we celebrated Max’s Baptism. I actually had some special samples from Elyse and Paul Mas that traveled with me to Providence.
Paul Mas ‘Cote Mas’ Cremant de Limoux Rose Brut – peach, apricot, oranges and hints of macadamia nut. A really nice rose sparking to top off your holiday celebrations.
Cyril Chappellet
Paul Mas ‘Cote Mas’ Cremant de Limoux Blanc Brut – notes of baked bread, honey, citrus, lemon curd with a balanced minerality. Both of these sparkling wines were perfect with Thanksgiving and priced under $15.
It was fun to take my mom through the Elyse and Jacob Franklin wines and find out which wines she favored and which ones were less of her preference. She is not a huge fan of licorice and sage and that impacted the wines that tasted best to her. I, however, love those flavors.
2011 Elyse Howell Mountain Zinfandel – smoked meat, blackberry, spice, cola and cedar. This wine never disappoints to deliver on what makes Zinfandel great.
2009 Elyse Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – a great blend of cassis, red fruit, spices, chocolate, sage and chocolate. This is a great option for your holiday table.
2010 Jacob Franklin Cabernet Sauvignon – a very small production wine that I adored. I tasted chocolate, raspberry liquor, mint, spice and mocha.
2011 Jacob Franklin Haynes Vineyard Petite Syrah – this needed a little more time to open, but it showed how great it will taste with age. I tasted licorice, caramel, mocha, pepper and blueberry.
Cyril Chappellet
What will the future bring for me? I’m uncertain but blessed enough to have some paid time off to hang with family, ponder the future, spend some time on the blog, and drink some amazing wines. Cheers to a great 2016!
