Electronic Moleskin

The 2009 Bois de Lamothe from the Côtes de Duras region of France weighed in with a 13% alcohol content and seemed to go down smooth. Its color was dark and inky like a Syrah might be, but it wasn't quite as bitter and burly. There were some dark berry aromas that co-existed with the earthy nuances of: clay and horse manure. Sure, no one likes the idea of smelling clay and horse manure, but in the wine world these are just a couple of descriptors that can be a good thing. The wine was balanced in that it wasn't over-oaked and reminiscent of a sawdust cocktail. Apparently, Côtes de Duras is to the east of Bordeaux, so it's no surprise that the chalk/dust-like flavors of Merlot shine through. Not bad for $3.99.

As for the surf today, the wind was from the south and the waves were thick. I slept in my truck and rode my '7"0 Pearson Arrow baby swallow tail. It was high tide in the morning and it was breaking close to the beach. Sea Lions gathered around just outside of the surf as if they were trying to help their odds of being chomped by the guy in the gray suit. The air seemed somewhat warm for February and the rain added an element that made me want to listen to the Cure's hit song, Charlotte Sometimes.

The water was cold though, and the holes in my 4mm Hotline didn't seem to lift my spirits. On one left, I paddled hard and tried to hug the wall of the wave, but dropped too low because it was pitching more than it was tall. I grabbed my rail to hook it, but it was too late. I air dropped and my board began to slide sideways. I was on the foam ball in the barrel, but was stationary. I didn't come out, but I got a good view. No one was around.

The 2009 Bois de Lamothe tasted better because I shared it with a friend. If I surfed with a buddy, I would have had more fun.