The Detroit Red Wings kicked off the defense of the Stanley Cup with a convincing 6-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Playing without the Captain, Steve Yzerman, who is recovering from corrective knee surgery and out of the lineup until at least late December, and goalie Dominik Hasek, who retired after last season’s cup winning drive, the boys still looked to be close to championship form, as Kirk Maltby had 2 short-handed goals in the 1st 7 minutes and 5 seconds of the game, and Sergei Fedorov added 2 goals. New netminder Curtis Joseph acquitted himself well, as 2 of the 3 Sharks’ goals were of the power play variety, 1 being in a 5 on 3 situation. One almost gave in to the temptation to feel pity for beleaguered San Jose goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, but us Wings’ fans don’t cut no slack for nobody… };^)>

Of course, the game was enjoyed along with a couple of good red Rhônes.

2000 Feraud-Brunel Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne, $13.99, 13.5% alc.: A note of oak graces the red and black berry bouquet of this ruby dark garnet, and hints of rhubarb, garrigue and dust add notes of interest. Flavors echo, with good acidity, but ample tannins clamp down even before the finish, begging for a good 5 years to mellow. There’s a nice density of fruit here, and some black cherry shows up with extended air. Good potential, and good QPR to boot.

Imported by J et R Selections LTD., Mount Pleasant, MI.

1999 Feraud-Brunel Côtes du Rhône Villages Rastau, $14.99, 14% alc.: This ruby dark garnet shows a little heat on the nose, along with earth, cola, blackberry, plum and a subtle perfume that’s elusive and intriguing. The earth comes out even more in the flavors; in fact this is one of the “earthiest” wines I’ve had in a long time. I’ve never dined on potting soil, but I imagine that it’s a bit like this particular component in the flavor profile here. Less tannic than the Cairanne, but still in need of a good 3 years of cellaring, this has good acidity and a decent finish. Some black cherry and garrigue come out with air, rounding out what is an interesting and enjoyable wine.

Imported by J et R Selections LTD., Mount Pleasant, MI.

Reporting from Day-twah,

geo t.

geo-t,

thanks for the notes...and thank god that hockey season has started...the red wings rule my friend, and what wine will you drink when they repeat?

For me, it will be something big and bold, red, and maybe a little older...

Cheers!

theo, if and when the Wings repeat, you can bet I'll be drinking a real fine Rhone! La Chapelle, maybe?

Best regards from Day-twah,

geo

Excuse me, I have to go get some ice...

I've been biting my tongue too hard!

(Although I did enjoy tonight's Kings 3 Wings 2 game...)

Avs back on top in 2003!

Sour Grapes, long time no squawk! How goes it?

};^)>

Glad to see there are other Red Wing fans on the boards (no pun intended)! I have only one question: what food pairings can you suggest with iced octopus?

Forsberg for a whole regular season -> why most of the hockey analysts pick the Avs.

I'm interested in seeing what this Derek Morris guy is about.

Colorado wine is better than Michigan wine so there. (ok I made that up)

-Vitis Vinifera in Lodi

I think it's safe to say that Colorado AND Michigan hockey is better than their respecitve wines...

January 16, 2003: Pepsi Center
February 6, 2003: The "Joe"
February 8, 2003: Pepsi Center
March 15, 2003: The "Joe"

That'll have to hold us over until the Conference Championship rematch...

akakc, I have to say that I'm not fond of the octopi tradition. Those things were fished out of the ocean to feed someone, and end up on the ice at a hockey arena? Not good.

Vitis, I'm with Grapes on the Colorado/Michigan wine thing. Morris is supposed to be a future Norris Trophy winner, from what I hear, but giving up Drury to get him? I dunno about that...

Grapes, it's always a great game whenever those two teams get together. Best rivalry in the NHL.

};^)>