Valentine’s Day is rapidly descending upon me like the killer asteroid in the movie “Armageddon.” However, unlike the brave crew who saves the world by blowing up the intergalactic rock before it can destroy the Earth, I cannot stop the advance of Valentine’s Day before it impacts my life this Sunday.
So, I have to think fast … and carefully. After all, when you’ve been married for as long as I have to the most wonderful woman in the world (hey, she reads this column …), a dozen roses doesn’t do the trick like it use.
I thought about making reservations at her favorite restaurant, but Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, so it’s technically a “school night,” with work and kids’ schedules the next day getting in the way of a relaxing night out. And If I buy her one more pot or pan, I just might end up getting whacked with it. Heaven forbid, I even think about giving her a vacuum on the most romantic day of the year. That would certainly earn me a one-way ticket to sofaville.
Fortunately, I have a plan. Since going out to a restaurant might not be prudent, bringing the restaurant to her is. I have made arrangements to have dinner from her favorite eatery prepackaged so that all I have to do is bring it home and heat it up. I have even bribed our kids to play waiter and busboy. And, just to be safe, I plan to make sure that love is not only in the air, but in the bottle — wine bottle, that is — as well.
Now, I am not suggesting that you go to the extensive effort and expense that I am planning to (remember, she reads this column, so I have to play this up for all it’s worth), but I do think that with just little creativity, you can find just the right wine to let her know that you put a little thought in to enhancing the romance of Valentine’s Day.
For example, select wines whose names suggest a particularly romantic gift, such as flowers, diamonds or pearls. As a bonus, buy a special set of wine glasses that you can “break in” with your thoughtful bottle. Every time you use those glasses in the future, you’ll be reminded of the romantic evening the two of you spent together.
No need to thank me. Just consider me your personal Wine Cupid. But if that doesn’t do the trick, you can always just watch a romantic movie, like, say, “Armageddon.” Retail prices are approximate.
Flowers
2007 Flowers Vineyard & Winery, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Sonoma, Calif. ($50)
This perennial favorite offers beautiful aromas of citrus, peach and apricot that blend right in with a layered mouthfeel of white peach, nectarines and honeysuckle. The buttery notes of marmalade, toasty brioche, and spice provides an elegant finish.
Non-Vintage Laurent-Perrier Rose Brut Champagne, Epernay, France ($100)
Instead of splurging on roses, grab a bottle of this dazzling rose, which features scents of strawberries, raspberries and red cherries. The well-delineated flavors of strawberry, raspberry and subtle toast notes are in perfect harmony with the bright acidity and precise bubbles. It has fabulous depth and is round and supple on the finish.
Precious stones
2007 Black Pearl Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paarl, South Africa ($25)
The nose on the rare gem exhibits notes of ripe plum, blueberries and cocoa interwoven with spicy oak. The medium-bodied frame supports supple flavors of dark plum, sweet black cherries, black currants and spice. The nicely layered finish features just a hint of mint and dark chocolate.
2004 Sapphire Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, Calif. ($40)
This stylish pinot noir is the wine equivalent of the little black dress — you can drink it with anything. The velvety smooth mouthfeel highlights delicate flavors of red cherry, strawberry, wild raspberry and red plum. Lovely hints of wet stone and clove accentuate the elegant finish while the just-right acidity keeps the balance in harmony.
2006 Rockledge Vineyards, The Emerald Pool Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Calif. ($50)
Open this rock-solid chardonnay and her friends will be green with envy. The expressive nose exhibits papaya, pineapple and citrus fruits with a hint of honeyed orange on the bouquet. The well-rounded mouthfeel features terrific notes of tropical fruit and poached pear on a medium-bodied frame. Lovely undertones of minerals and citrus provide an extra layer of complexity on the crisp finish.
2004 Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain Ranch Vineyard, Napa Valley, Calif. ($60)
This elegant cabernet sauvignon will certainly enhance romance, with vibrant scents of black raspberry, dark cherry and licorice dominate the nose. The supple mouthfeel features flavors of black fruits, cassis and dark roast coffee that play across the entire palate. The soft, sweet tannins are nicely integrated throughout the long, full finish, where just a hint of chocolate is sure to seduce any Valentine.
