Gumdale - Shiraz @@@@ (4 corks)

Retails: $8.99 (Total Wine)

The divorce became final last Tuesday and I couldn't be more relieved. Despite some (predictable) drama from the ex in the courtroom (door slammed in face, are we surprised?) the proceeding was over within 5 minutes. I wish I could say I immediately felt as if I had returned to a normal life, but I'm still adjusting. I am fine, better than fine, I am strong, stronger than I ever thought I was. But still, there's an enormous amount of adjustment.
Curious though, you'd think in this day and age, the novelty of a women's filing for divorce from her husband wouldn't be met with such absolute shock. Even the judge assumed that he must have filed, a quizzical look traced his face when my ex piped up that "No! This was her decision!" And even after that awkwardness was settled, there was still the consoling "oh, you elected to handle finances outside of court, was the outcome agreeable for you?" Agreeable for me? As the higher earner shouldn't you be asking that of him? But sure, you're right, it's safe to assume that I would be the one navigating dire financial straights after a divorce, what with being a woman and all. Of COURSE I would be a) destitute or b) money hungry enough to demand a financial settlement from my ex. OK... I realize I am probably reading too much into things but it's hard to ignore the undertones of patriarchal surprise when one discovers that not only did I file and pay for the whole darn circus but I also had the bright idea of obtaining a prenup. Awesome high-fives aside, there's something still wrong with the fact that more women aren't taking this kind of control over their (financial) destinies.
One of the first lessons I learned in my Women of Financial Independence seminar at Smith was to a) begin contributing towards retirement as soon as you're employed and b) never let go of 100% of your finances in marriage, you have earned this money and you are entitled to keep some of it and in fact, it's advisable to do so for this and other reasons (widowhood, independence, sanity). Not just women, men, too, should take this into consideration. A marriage is pure devotion, absolutely, but was a wise friend once said --- it should be 1+1 makes 3, individually you are awesome people and you come together to create an awesome unity of people. Why shouldn't you maintain some independence? What's wrong with that? Isn't your independent self what the other person found attractive initially anyhow?
Alright, getting off my high-horse now, let's talk wine. Gumdale's selection of wines have yet to truly disappoint. They are exceptionally priced and usually deliver a predictably solid bottle of wine. This shiraz is no exception. Full-bodied, it packs a complex variety of flavors---loads of berry and cherry with hints of chocolate. Very little dryness which allows for it to be easily drinkable to a multitude of wine drinkers. I could easily see this being a good option as the red for a dinner party.
Enjoy. Contemplate. Above all, rejoice in your identity of self --- I'm now starting to rediscover my own.

Gumdale - Chardonnay @@@@ (4 corks)

Retails: $6.99 (Total Wine)

It seemed fate that I should have a positive Chardonnay experience with Summerfield, and low-and-behold Total Wine's "Wine of the Month" is a Chardonnay. With July whisked away and into August, temps in Florida are still in the high 80's, low 90's. It's been rainy and miserable this summer in the Sunshine State. Good wine is keepingn our morales high and spirits up.

It was long believed that the Chardonnay grapes were a mix between Pinot Noir and Blanc. However, recent DNA studies have concluded that Chardonnay is in fact a result of Gouais Blanc and Pinot combinations. Of course, the Romans are to blame, it is believed that Gouais Blanc came into the posession of the Romans by way of the Balkans. It was widely cultivated by peasants in France closely with the French aristocracy who preferred Pinot varietals. Chardonnay grapes were born.

Gumdale has yet to truly fail me. The Chardonnay is no exception. Crisp, fruity and very smooth, Gumdale's Chardonnay is a beautifully composed wine. Just enough body and flavor to compliment a meal or hold its own solo, Gumdale Chardonnay is a MUST for both hardcore red wine drinkers and white wine enthusiasts alike. White wine, for me, usually fails when not paired with a meal, the flavors of food can dwarf its flavor. I have truly enjoyed sipping this wine during cocktail hour just as much as I have while devouring a sumptuous repas. Enjoy!

Gumdale - Merlot @@@ (3 corks)

Retails: $6.99 (Total Wine)

After having so much success with Gumdale's Cabernet Sauvignon, I decided to give Merlot a try. Surprisingly, Merlot wine was the first I was introduced to and it has remained one of my favorites. Frequently, it's the first variety I'll try within a particular brand. I decided to try this one while performing a ritual I try and do weekly: a bubble bath. Not just any bubble bath, I always drop a Lush "bath bomb" or "bubble bar" into the tub, and soak while drinking a glass of wine and reading The Week magazine. No, none of these companies are paying me to promote them! A little Lush, politics, and wine make for a wonderful combination.

This Merlot, however, didn't strike me as anything particularly out of the ordinary. If you like Merlot, you will like this one. It has a smooth flavor that contains a hint of spice. The one thing about this glass that I'm not particularly keen on is the slightly sour after taste coupled with the dryness.

Final Words: Not distinctive but not bad.

Gumdale - Cabernet Sauvignon @@@@ (4 Corks)

Retails: $4.99



Gumdale's Cabernet Sauvignon is a bargain that doesn't sacrifice on flavor! Deep crimson in color, this Australian varietal comes from a vineyard surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Oddly, some of the crispness of eucalyptus comes through in the wine. The earthy aroma greets your nostrils with a full-bodied texture of smells. The initial taste is crisp and tingles on the taste buds, finishing with a smoke-y, slightly dry favor that politely lingers on the tongue without overpowering.

Final Word: DEEEELISH! @@@@ (4 corks)