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On those days when you’re simply not sure what to say, what words of any value you might have to share, watch an animal. I happen to have a cat. What have I learned from her?

1. Sleep is beautiful.
2. Extreme bursts of energy in the middle of the night are fun. It reminds me of foot races my sister and I used to have in the house as children: run from one end of the living room into the kitchen, touch the pantry door, and back to the starting line.
3. It’s always entertaining to knock things on the floor–especially little things. Perhaps there is a genuine curiosity about whether or not these inanimate objects will somehow come to life, respond the the pushing, tapping, prodding. Is it a sign of belief in potentiality?
4. Sometimes not talking communicates ideas and feelings more effectively than words.

But the Walla Walla wine world seems obsessed with dogs. Dogs, dogs, dogs. Books, photos, articles, labels. Don’t get me wrong; I love dogs. Grew up with a beautiful samoyed, Frostina Nanook. (We called her Frosti.) And if you are into the dogs, then…
here you go. You’ll find this book available at many local wineries and shops, but you can also get it at Winery Dogs of Walla Walla website. There are some pretty cute pooches in here.

Where are the pot-bellied pigs, the llamas, horses, and turtles? I know people with these animals as pets who are just as involved in the wine industry as the folks who made this book!

The answer comes from my cat, curled up next to me, who really doesn’t worry herself about it. She’s peaceful just where she is, just how she is–provided I brought home the right brand of food, that is. So there are some things to not be bothered with. But personal taste is totally okay and you don’t have to eat or drink anything you don’t like. Hold out for the good stuff!

So I’m holding out. I’m waiting anxiously for new releases, for the fantastic treats that this valley has to offer. I have my favorites and standbys. There are the clubs and allotments. And I’m always willing to try something new. I have simply learned, partially from watching my cat, that being a little bit picky is sometimes part of living a relaxed and enjoyable life.

Only the good stuff. Like the Five Star Cellars 2006 Sangiovese. I had friends tell me to visit this winery ages ago. Who knows what my problem was, but I just never seemed to get over there to try Matt Huse’s wine. But this stuff is unmissable–as in, don’t miss it! Of the four wines they’re currently tasting ($5 fee refundable with purchase), every single one is a hit.

The thing that I love most about this 100% Sangiovese from Neuffer Vineyard, Seven Hills, and Pepper Bridge, is the, as they call it, “racy” acidic finish. It is racy. It is exciting. This is a fun, lively Sangio that I can’t wait to try with a good meal. Actually, I think this would go quite well with lamb. (So we can’t do any wine country sheep calendars, okay?) It would also go well with the Petits Noirs dark chocolate with fig, lavender, and pistachio I had yesterday. The dark, ripe berries of the wine… with that edgy, but not rough finish… I’ll be thinking about this for awhile. In fact, it reminds me of the grand opening of the new Cougar Crest facility on Highway 12 and the chocolate and wine pairings there. But that’s another post.

P.S. For those of you cat lovers, check out this Wine Country Cats site.
Name that cat. What winery is it? Who knows the answer? (Sarah, you should get this one.)
They have a calendar for sale (with which I have absolutely no financial connection). Furry friends from K Vintners (and I don’t mean Charles), Otis Kenyon (who are set to open their brand spanking new tasting room on Main Street this weekend), and Walla Walla Vintners are all featured.