Doesn’t matter your age.  The Mamas and The Papas defined the ‘California Sound’ of the 1960’s.  With Mama Cass, Denny, Michelle and John, they were the definitive San Francisco band of the era. . .and their sound is still as true today as it was almost 50 years ago.  WOW, the sounds of the 60’s have been a part of our culture for a half century.  For a good portion of our world, that was a time only learned from history class. . .much like it was for our generation learning about World War II.  Depending on your age, do you ever stop. . .step back. . .and think for a moment about what has transpired in your lifetime?

We have really enjoyed having Jean’s Dad, Bill back in Texas since last summer.  First of all, the fact that he’s been back in the State since last June is amazing by itself, but on top of that is the amazing wealth of knowledge, history and life that has gone through his eyes.  Here’s a man who was born at the front end of the Great Depression and as a young boy growing up in St. Louis witnessed, first hand, the sheer magnitude of what was happening all around him and his family.  To grow up during that time and then to witness the onset of World War II–with all that it entailed, must have been an amazing time to be a young man.  Factor in the death of President Roosevelt after winning FOUR elections; the decision by President Truman to drop the BOMB on Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the Soviet build-up; the election of John F. Kennedy; the Bay of Pigs; the assassination of JFK; the build-up in Viet Nam; the transition to Richard Nixon; the Arab Oil Embargo; Watergate; Gerald Ford; Long gas lines; Jimmy Carter; the Iran hostages (reference the movie, ARGO for those of you who missed this part of history); Ronald Reagan, Challenger. . .WOW, time marches on.

As a society, we’re somewhat caught up in the ‘here and now’ and tend to forget about what’s happened in the past.  And yet, it’s in the past that we learn the most about how to handle the future.  We think–and it’s just our opinion–that the past gets lost in today’s leadership because as a rule (and it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you’re on) folks don’t connect with the past the way that folks did back in the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s.  Now, for some of you, the response could be–SO, what does that have to do with ME?  Right?  And, the answer is–if we’re talking about YOU the individual—ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!  If we talk about you–collectively, as a generation–history has repeated itself for centuries.  If you are someone born in the new millennium, then history should be your guide–to avoid the challenges of the past.  History continues to be one of the BEST teachers of the future; the key is to sit up and pay attention!!!

Okay…off the soap box and back to the day…Monday.  Ugh, doesn’t matter if it’s 2013 or 1973–Mondays are still tough days.  You’re coming off of a weekend and just after you’ve gotten comfortable with a couple of days off–BOOM, here comes Monday!  Which is why we thought that we’d enjoy something from a familiar vineyard for tonight’s tasting but at the same time it was a totally different varietal.  Tonight we’re sampling a 2010 Hahn G-S-M; which stands for Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre; three different grapes with three different tastes blended into one amazing wine and all of them put together by the folks at Hahn.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to sample wines from Hahn, here’s a hint…go to Gabriel’s, Twin Liquors and/or H-E-B, because they have these wines and you’re going to want them.

BUT–to get this gem, you’ve got to belong to the Hahn Wine Club, and while you may think– “No Way”, after you try these wines, you’ll be a changed person. . .straight from the source, here’s what’s said about this wine, “In 2009, winemakers Paul Clifton and Greg Freemen created their first GSM red wine blend as a fun experiment. With a tiny block of Grenache located in the Smith Vineyard, and the best Syrah in the Santa Lucia Highlands growing in Hahn’s Doctor’s Vineyard, the two intrepid winemakers went to work. Through many trials, combined with the addition of a modicum of Mourvedre gifted to them by friendly Paso Robles vineyards, the two men created Hahn’s first vintage of this traditional Southern Rhone style red wine. Everyone was immediately hooked on this exotic, yet classic wine. Now after two successful vintages, we release this limited production GSM red wine blend specifically for our club members. Sourced from cool and foggy Monterey County, this wine boasts an intensity and depth that beautifully contrasts with the bright fruitiness of our main production. With a medium ruby hue, aromas of wild raspberry, dried potpourri and rose petal come to the fore. Tucked away in the background lies a savory mix of dried herbs that mixes nicely with the bramble fruit flavors in the mid-palate. Firm tannins lead to a long fleshy finish. An incredibly versatile wine at the dinner table, we love this wine with a slowly roasted chicken in a savory gravy.”  As mentioned, the combination of grapes is amazing and the percentages–53% Grenache–41% Syrah–6% Mourvedre make this wine one for the ages.

If it’s Monday, Monday. . .or Sunday, Sunday. . .you’ll want to enjoy a good wine.  If you’re looking for a wine under $25, then Hahn’s GSM Red Wine Blend from the Central Coast of California is worth a try. . .at less than $15 a bottle, you’ll get some amazing fruit at a fraction of the cost, BUT, we’d recommend you join the club–you’ll get the good stuff AND get recipes from Chef Brian. . .it’s a winning combination.  Oh, and YES, we talked about a Hahn Syrah a couple of weeks ago, and we noted that as Wine Club members you’d get that wine too. . .hmmm, maybe there’s something to this Wine Club deal. . .think about it!

Have a great Tuesday and remember to enjoy your favorite wine responsibly and recycle whenever possible.