Nostrada - Garnacha @@@ (3 Corks)

Retails: $6.99 (Total Wine)

A sea change is upon us and nothing accents this movement in tempo, time or place like a simple glass of wine. I've had the profound good fortune of being surrounded by an extremely talented group of colleagues with whom I've traveled extensively, laughed full-hearted-ly and bonded with more than any other group of professionals. I've experienced the elusive "dream-job." The kind of work environment where creativity and eccentricity are encouraged and you enjoy your colleagues enough to actually hang out with them in your spare time--despite spending copious amounts of time together on the road. Due to the current economic climate, unfortunately, a new hand has been dealt. A group of eight has slowly been reduced to two and although I'm thankful for my job retention, I feel a sense of loss and broken hearted-ness over the deconstruction of our beloved crew. My day-to-day is being altered. The energies surrounding me will never be the same.

Adjusting is never easy but I find that somehow the mystic powers that wine bestows upon us somehow makes the transition less of a confounding experience. Wine's great wisdom imparts better judgement somehow. Miraculous, really.

Nostrada's old vine Garnacha comes to us from the Campo de Borja region of Spain. I'm not thoroughly sold on this bottle but the more I sip it the more I'm impressed with the complexity. Like many Spanish wines, it is characteristically dry with strong tannins and a smoke-y flavor looming in your palette. Garnacha or Grenache as it is known in France, is one of the most common varietals cultivated. It requires a hot and dry climate to flourish, making Spain, the South of France and the San Joaquin Valley in California each an ideal location. This particular grape is one of the last to be harvested, well after Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing it to reach alcohol levels in excess of 15%. In other words, if you're looking for a good buzz, you've come to the right place.