Stage 13

Rodez to Revel (122 miles) - It will be another demanding day, with five Category 3 or 4 climbs en route through some very scenic countryside.
Well, demanding day? Maybe. Honestly it was a a dull enough stage that I hit the farmers market rather than sit through the end. Corn! Tomatoes! 10 lbs of blueberries for canning! Muffuletta! Cherries! And more!
Back home, with a purring cat begging for Boccalone meat, the race continued. It appeared we were heading for a sprint finish until Vino, the man who must attack, launched himself. Thus, stage win Vino, sprint finish to Cavendish.

Stage winner: Vino: Alexander Vinokourov
Yellow: Andy Schleck
Green Alessandro Petacchi

To drink: Well, tonight we are in the Languedoc and I have a bottle sitting at the ready. But, to be honest, I have a lot of open bottles. On the other hand, company tonight.
Chateau La Roque 2001 "Cupa Numismae" Coteaux du Languedoc Pic Saint Lou
that has a scrolled note on it "next 10 years." A wine that I undoubtedly bought at Kermit Lynch upon release and just never got to.

They say: A ruby robe with garnet hints; intense nose, with Garrigues notes, hints of spices and cacao. Rounded and complex on the palate; it offers fine aroma of red and black berries; snappy touch of cherries, persistent and fine tannins give a rounded, nicely elegant finale.

I say: Some sweetness on the nose, hints of caramel. Lot of fruit with a touch of earthiness. Very smooth. Sure wish I had a lot more aged wine in my "cellar."