November 27, 2021 is the day UM Football took a turn for the better

‘Twas a nice gesture on the part of Governor Whitmer to proclaim November 27th as M-DAY. And the guy we’ve been rooting for since the mid ‘80’s delivered big for the first time as a coach.

We celebrated with a delicious rendition of Mushroom Carpaccio, Marabelle Chicken with Couscous and finished with a Christmas Panettone and Ice Cream. I had originally planned on opening a bottle of ‘99 Pichon Lalande, but, as I dug around I realized that I wanted to serve that with a ‘99 Estancia Meritage, so, I grabbed a 2001 40th Anniversary Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Monte Bello Red Blend (56% Cab Sauv / 36% Merlot / 8% Petit Verdot) (14.2% ABV) CA about $225 for a current vintage. For a twenty year old wine, the nearly opaque black red color was surprising. As I decanted it, it wasn’t until the bottle was nearly empty before I could see the intensely bright LED flashlight I was using to detect sediment of which there was plenty along with a deep black chemise. In spite of that, none of the color had fallen out nor were there any brown edges. It smelled exactly like it looked with deep black currant concentration, a forest-like rusticity, compost, hints of tar and sauteed mushrooms. The palate is silky smooth, almost sweet with such plump lush fruit that it feels like it will last forever. There is still plenty of tannin here but the texture is nothing but YUM!! 98/100 I’m surprised that it is our last bottle of 2001. Surprised mainly because I have no clear recognition of having enjoyed the other two (we had three at one time). Fortunately, we do have a 2000 and three 2007’s yet.

After dinner we enjoyed digestifs while watching two more M celebrations. Minnesota beat Wisconsin which means UM will play Iowa in the Big 10 Championship game and Sparty pulled out a victory in the snow against PSU which should put them in the mix for a New Year’s bowl game. Though we will be rooting hard for UM against Iowa, it is kind of a shame that if they win, they won’t get to go to the Rose Bowl. Personally, I’m not a fan of the CFP. Rivalries are way more fun and way more satisfying. Big 10 vs Pac 12 would be a much better matchup as a fan. As a so-called amateur sport what is the purpose of a National Champion anyway?

Savor the Victory and Enjoy in Good Health!

Brian Cian, the Michigan Vintner