Rebirth Of The Red Lantern: Volume 2, Bonus Chapter

NOTE: Bonus chapters are usually an “anything goes” post to end a quarter, including me posting this on Tuesday night for immediate consumption. This one will have a distinct theme that y’all will figure out quickly. — Robzilla

WHAT’S ON MY MIND

Luck. Not Lady Luck. My own luck.

My one night stand in Temecula didn’t go as expected. I was late to the wine event due to watching the Royals-Padres game on TV up until the seventh inning. I didn’t buy the library bottle I wanted. I didn’t win anything in the raffle, including the grand prize of dinner for two with the winemaker. I didn’t get the dish I originally ordered. 

I had a fantastic trip filled with long lasting memories. Keep reading, y’all.

WHAT BOTTLE I OPENED THIS WEEK

Callaway 2022 Wild Yeast Petite Sirah ($65). Remember that Wild Yeast Cabernet Sauvignon I had two weeks ago? This is its slightly bolder cousin. Check out the deets on the 2025 Wines page for more.

WHAT I SAMPLED AT THE EVENT

• 2023 Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay
• 2022 Special Selection Zinfandel
• 2024 Special Selection Monarque

I did not sample the 2022 Wild Yeast Petite Sirah since I had finished the bottle before my trip. Moving on…

WHAT I BOUGHT

This 2024 Callaway Special Selection Monarque ($35) stole my heart. It’s a Muscat Canelli/Rousanne/Chardonnay blend that’s fantastic by itself. I only packed one wine transport bag for this trip, so that’s why I also didn’t bring a library wine home.

The Monarque paired well with various cheeses and even strawberries. I cannot wait to see how this gold medal winning sweet wine tastes with chicken and salmon in the coming weeks. I should also consider buying a second bottle soon to share with Bert. I wouldn’t be shocked if it sells out within the next few months. 

MY DINNER WAS…

A slow braised lamb shank served over russe garlic mashed potatoes with sautéed carrots and herb demi glace. This was a perfect pairing with a glass of the 2022 Wild Yeast Petite Sirah I enjoyed during this past week. 

This meal was actually my backup plan. I won’t go into details, but there was only one Scottish salmon left and someone at another table insisted on having it.

It’s fine. I’ll be back in two weeks to eat it for lunch. Anyway…

WHO I ATE DINNER WITH

I planned to eat solo at Meritage after the event, but when I was seated I noticed the winemaker was sitting at the table beside me. We had a brief exchange, and then he invited me to sit at his table. Of course I joined him. It was the perfect moment to compliment him on the wines I tasted earlier in the day.

Soon afterward the restaurant manager joined us and made it a threesome. We talked about wine, food, and investing among other things during our meal. My entree wasn’t comped, but I didn’t care. By the time I finished my meal, I felt like I had won the grand prize. I hope to see them again soon.

WHAT ELSE MADE ME HAPPY

Callaway’s members only Vu Deck is only open during the weekend, and I finally got to check it out. It’s got a fantastic view of the winery and the surrounding Temecula Valley area. I just might make another trip to enjoy this wine club members only deck soon.

I lucked out when I checked in at SpringHill Suites. For the first time I didn’t get a suite that faced the freeway. It made a huge difference in ambient noise. I may politely ask for a similar room going forward.

I probably had way too much scrambled eggs for breakfast on Monday morning, but with the way egg prices are around here…

WHAT I WATCHED

When I settled into my suite, I streamed the San Diego Wave FC game on my tablet. It ended in a scoreless tie but it was highly entertaining.

WHAT MADE ME LAUGH

One of those GoBankingRates articles that tells people what their money would be worth today if they invested in King TACO’s 1980s companies. It does not end well for the investors. The same will likely be said for the media one.

WHAT SACRED TEXTS I READ

• Rent-A-Girlfriend, Volume 31
• Zatanna #5
• Green Lantern Corps #4 & #5
• Deadpool #13 & #14
• Kakegurui, Volume 18

Also from J-Novel Club:

• The Poison King: Now That I’ve Gained Ultimate Power, The Bewitching Beauties In My Harem Can’t Get Enough Of Me, Volume 5
• The Villainess Is Dead! Long Live The Empress! Redoing The Story After A Poisonous End, Volume 2
• Notorious No More: The Villainess Enjoys Feigning Incompetence, Volume 1
• Blade Skill Online: Crushing The Competition With My Abysmal Stats, Useless Class and Garbage Weapon! (manga), Volume 1
• Make It Stop! I’m Not Strong… It’s Just My Sword! (manga), Volume 1

THE TOMMY MILNER SALUTE GOES TO…

Believe it or not, I don’t have any worthy candidates this week. Not even the asshole in the Beemer that was street racing the asshole in the Acura on my way home.

A FIST BUMP GOES TO…

Myself for how I packed everything I needed, including my Surface Pro 11 and Samsung tablet, into my rolling carry on for my overnight trip. Now that I wear cargo shorts instead of pants on my trips due to the weather, there’s an excellent chance I could pack just like this for my upcoming two night stay.

WHAT COULD FORCE ME TO FLEE LE CRASH PAD

Workers are doing things to the street as we speak. If the daytime noise is too much, I just might head back up north until Friday. Ara ara!