I became a connoisseur of fine wine 55 years ago, when I was 18 years old. If you’re wondering if a kid that age could legally buy wine, the answer would be heck no. However, by virtue of my job in the beverage department at the local supermarket, I had juice to get my juice. The wine salesman was happy to bring me a case of their finest, and I would pay the wholesale price in cash. He would gladly put it into the trunk of my 67 Cougar XR7. I was hot stuff. The envy of all my friends. 

And what was this fine wine that I procured illegally? No rotgut Ripple for me, no sir. It was Boones Farm Strawberry Hill, yummy. My taste soon ameliorated, and I found myself sipping Riunite on ice, that’s nice. Then came Bell'Agio, followed by Asti Spumante

Word got out that Smith could get wine, and I was soon placing orders and picking them up at the wine distributor. On one occasion the wine salesmen were involved in a sales contest. On the final day of the contest, my dealer (Chopper) was in 2nd place by a fraction of a %point. Chopper gave me a call and I took my van to the warehouse and bought about 30 cases, landing him in 1st place, with a brand new car as a prize. The other salesman, John, also an acquaintance of mine, luckily, did not hold a grudge. Some years later, John owned the busiest video store in Toledo. I bought my first VHS machine from him, and my ex-wife worked for him for several years. He did enjoy reminding me of the car I cost him.

That brings me to the other night. Our age 55 community held a wine event at the clubhouse. These days I enjoy a nice Bordeaux or Cabernet. Just a couple nice pours is all I need. Our neighborhood is still growing, and we met some great new neighbors who moved in over the summer. I’m looking forward to other community events and more new friends.

Cheers

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