Raymond Lynn Commander - Welcome to 60

Well my dad turned 60 last Monday. So we had a little get together for him at a friend's house and had over some friends and family. He gave a short speech towards the end of the night and as I got up to give some words as well, people started to head out. I did not want to steal the limelight nor call everybody back in the room, so I let it go and relayed to him in private what I wanted to say.

But I wanted to pass along what I wanted to share. I have been lucky to have the parents I had. They raised me right and I owe everything I have to them. A colleague of mine and I were discussing all the issues going on with sports and pop culture right now. We talked about how kids look up to these people and they let them down. The point I made was if more parents were role models to their kids and did not rely on others to teach them life lessons, this world would be a better place. My parents where those role models.

I have always looked up to my father. Not just as a father, but as a husband, a brother, a son, in business, and as a man. I have modeled my life after my father and because of that it has made me a better man in all aspects of my life. He has taught me how to act and succeed at work. He has taught me to always be home for your kids. He has taught me to be loyal and honorable. He has taught me to love unconditionally and to always be there for everyone.

I am not naive enough to believe that anyone is perfect. But I am smart enough to realize that my father is one of the most remarkable men I have had the pleasure to know, and having him as my father, is a blessing from God.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dad! And here is to many more.

2005 Hart and McGarry Cab

My Father turned 60 this last week and we had a party for him at a friends house. So, being in this family, we had a large amount of wines. One of those, we took home and tasted for ourselves. The 2005 Hart & McGarry comes from Napa vineyards by bottled in Mantecca. However the wine there is fantastic and my mother has grown to be one of their biggest fans.

The cab is a bold one, with tastes and aromas of cherries and raspberries. The tannins are not overwhelming and it goes down smooth. Bottle sells for $25 at Specs.

Flora Springs 2006 Cab

We had a gift card to Spec's so a week or so ago we went out and blew a little money and bought a good amount of wine. We drank some at the Super Bowl, but no tasting notes made it through the night. This is the first posting on this.

The 2006 NV Cabernet Sauvignon from Flora Springs was a decent buy. It was very fruit forward and a bit too strong for my taste. It had strong tastes of black cherry with a hint of tobacco on my palate. I would suggest to let it breath as the strength went away or maybe I just drank too much. It is hard to beat Trilogy, but at less than $25, it is worth a try. There are supposed to be cassis and chocoa tastes and hints of oak, but I could not detect them.

Mollydooker's The Violinist

Who knew that Mollydooker even had a white? But they do and I/we loved it. While using my Spec's gift card, thanks Melissa and for every one's interest that is all I ever need for gifts, we stumbled upon the Violinist. Mollydooker, from Australia, has quickly became one of if not my favorite wines around. We had the 07 last night. Tasted great with apple and citrus aromas. Taste was even better with a little buttery taste at first but finishing with a slight grapefruit taste and a sharp aftertaste.

Great wine, $25 at Spec's.

My wife loves the labels and that may be the only reason why we buy it.