Splurging on wine....

It's holiday season, and that means people dig into their pockets to shell out cash for bigger and better wines.....right??  I think this used to be the mentality of a few years ago, before our economy took a turn for the worse, the unemployment rate spiked, and Charles Shaw became the "Deal of the Year".  It's the time of year to celebrate with friends and family, which means spending a little extra on that favorite bottle of wine.  I STILL believe this to be the case.  Wine is what we call an "affordable luxury".  If you spend a little more, at certain occasions, you'll still be able to pay the mortgage at the end of the month.

I was in Florida last weekend, and spent some time with a good friend of mine (who is also a wine lover).  During that trip, we splurged and drank some great wine.  It reminded me of a question I get a lot..."Ted, what's your favorite bottle of wine??".  My answer, "Well, I can't say that I have a favorite, because there are SO many good ones out there".  I may have answered that question this past weekend:  1999 Carruades de Lafite.  Although, 1999 wasn't the best year for Bordeaux, this wine ROCKED.  Why you ask?  Well, first of all, it wasn't trying to do too much.  With some wines, the fruit hits you like a ton of bricks...throws you off a bit.  It's kind of like seeing the climax of a movie in the opening scene.  It doesn't give you much to look forward to the rest of the movie.  Also, if higher alcohol wine isn't served at the correct temperature, the flavor of the wine is completely masked.  Everything about this Bordeaux was harmonious.  In addition, it was served at 54 degrees, decanted for about 30 minutes, and served in the proper stemware (very key!).  It was one of those moments that make you realize why you love to drink wine!

The cost:  $119 (I did a Google search, and it was the lowest price I found).  A bit steep in some people's opinions.  Let me ask you this:  how much have you spent on concert, play, or sporting event tickets?  How was the outcome?  For a guy, here is how I rationalize buying this bottle: Two tickets to the Chicago Bulls game ($60/ticket...nosebleeds).  The Bulls are so awful this year (don't get me started) that enjoying a ridiculous bottle of wine it money better spent!

Go out of your way this holiday season, and splurge for something you're curious about!  Spend $50, $75, or even $100 for a bottle.  You've worked hard this year, in a tough economy, and it's time you rewarded yourself!