Rex Goliath Shiraz
Rex Goliath Free Range Red
Musician: Bon Iver
Song: Skinny Love
Present: Ian (host), John, Patrick, Aaron, Jase
The Musician
Bon Iver was founded by Justin Vernon in 2007. The name is a play on the French words for good winter, "bon hiver" and is a reflection of a time when things were falling apart for Vernon. He had recently broken up with his old band of 10 years, his girlfriend (whose middle name is Emma), was working at a job he hated, and even came down with mononucleosis around the same time. His escape was a log deer-hunting cabin that his father built in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin. Settling down with the meat from two deer, a case of beer, and a heavy heart, Vernon started writing songs. He ended up spending four months living and working in isolation in the middle of a snowbound winter; chopping wood by day, playing blues at night.
The first album, "For Emma, Forever Ago", was recorded mostly in that log cabin, and is a set of sad songs that are enhanced by the cabin's natural reverb. This grants the soulful music an eerie, charmed, "alive" air. The record is study of the years preceding the breakup with his girlfriend, all the different things he was feeling. Vernon says, "I didn't just go into isolation after getting dumped and make a record. It's about this ancient love, this long-lost love that had lingered on for years... those feelings manifested in a particular place and time."
The latest album is self-titled and is a set of songs each written about different places in the world. The record has a more intricate, studio-centric sound that employed an array of effects and an array of woodwinds, including the notable work of guest saxophonist Colin Stetson.
The Drinks
At the turn of the 20th century, HRM (His Royal Majesty) Rex Goliath was the treasured attraction of a Texas circus. People came from far and wide to behold the 47 lb. bird, billed as the “World’s Largest Cock.” Rex-Goliath's label replicates the one-of-a-kind vintage artwork from the circus banner that hung above Rex’s roost. The wines are a tribute to Rex's larger-than-life personality, with big, fruit-forward flavors. In essence, Rex is all about letting that robust California fruit express itself in an easy-to-drink, worry-free fastion.Tasting Notes
Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark and intense in color. Hints of cedar and oak, with layers of raspberry, plum, mocha and currant. Smooth tannins with big fruit flavors lead to a lengthy and persistent finish.
Shiraz
This Shiraz is all about the harmony between bold fruit flavors and oak. Aromas of ripe raspberries, plum and blackberries are harmoniously balanced with notes of smoky, toasty oak. Sweetness from the fire toasting of the oak, combined with the overabundance of fruit, make for a perfectly balanced wine.
Free Range Red
With big and juicy red fruit flavors, this wine is smooth and easy to share with your fellow red wine adventurer.
The Mix
I put these together because wine is the drink I think of when I think of winter. So I picked some good wines to go with this good winter.
Conclusion
The night was another success. We started the night with some sliced French bread with tomatoes and mozzarella on top. Everyone ate that while I finished cooking the bell peppers and the chicken that had been marinating for six hours. Afterward, I read the previous part of this aloud to everyone. We toasted, listened to Bon Iver, and drank wine. Il a été une bonne nuit.
