Weedy oak after a big potluck down by the lazy green river swirling the sticks of chasing boys under the watchful eye of cottonwoods and distressed picnic tables. A meat-bee hijacks bits of 7-layer dip while the Jello tower weeps orange and cherry onto Tupperware bruised deeply from too many funerals and church socials. Fingers stained blackberry and a lawn mower… off somewhere… identifying the awkward futile back-and-forth of a non-believer, off somewhere in the sweltering hinterlands where the weedy oak is disgusting with BEER, probably–and HBO. But here. Here it is wonderful. Here the drifting pollen doesn’t bother us. Here the squealing children have sacred voices. Here there is calm in the drowsy cacophony of mild rivers and candied casseroles. Here is supple forgiveness, delectable comfort in the sweaty brilliance of weedy oak. I love Pinot Noir.

2012 HOLDREDGE Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sonoma Co. 14.5

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