Guess what? It's been a year!

Wine of the Week:

Arrogant Frog Ribet Red 2010 - I am a fan of an omen bet or in other words a bet purely on the name of the horse. I approached today's visit to the bottle shop in a similar vein, seeing I only had twenty minutes to browse and buy. Also in the back of my mind, I had the other silent challenge that I have carried with me since starting this blog; that is find the odd diamond in the rough - a special wine that delivers plenty without costing too much.

Which led me to pick up the Arrogant Frog. It was priced at $8.99 and the fact that it was French also led me to try it as I have this view that I need to branch out from just the ANZ region. While the label didn't have the detail, the website told me that it is a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend and opening it released some fruity and chocolatey smells. To taste, it had some of the Cab Sav characteristics rounded a little by the Merlot but it was very dry on the palate...probably an indication that (in this case) you get what you pay for. Suffice to say, the search for the diamond continues. Cool label and website though. http://www.arrogantfrog.fr

So in a moment of quiet reflection this weekend, I realised that I had been working on this blog for a year now. Time flies when you are having fun! I actually started this because I wanted to use it as a way of practising my writing on a consistent basis as well as put my toe in the virtual world. And hey, if anyone read it then that would be a bonus. 

I have to say that I am both surprised and quite encouraged that there are a great number of you that take the time to read what I have to say on this virtual lectern that I stand behind. I thought I knew who was reading it as there are a small number that I would always get the occasional comment as well as feedback. However, every so often I would come across one of you who would surprise me and mention that you read my blog or tried one of the wines I mentioned. 

To all of you I say thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read and thank you for the comments and feedback; virtual, face to face or otherwise. It has not only kept me writing this blog but also inspired me to think of ways to make it better. 

I would also like to thank my wife who also encourages me to ensure that I make the time every week to do this as well putting up with my little nuances when i write...such as not telling her what I am writing about until I am done. I take comfort in the fact that the enjoyment she has while drinking the wines I write about makes up for my, at times pedantic attitude.

So what now? Well, thanks to your encouragement and feedback I am going to continue this little side project of mine and I also have a few ideas of how I can adapt it, grow it and above all keep it interesting, informative and entertaining to all who read. Take it to the next level if you will...still working out what that level is but trust me, when I find out what it is, you will definitely be one of the first to find out! 

To do this though, I need your active help. In short, I need followers and while I know there are many of you who do read the blog, apparently having actual followers is important. Thanks to those who have already signed up and if you haven't yet, if you could please sign up and add to the number that would be great. 

Also, if you have comments (and I welcome any comments, suggestions, brickbats etc) then please post them on this site. That way, everyone can join in on the discussion and I won't be the only one to benefit from your wisdom.

In return, I will promise that:

• I will do my very best to ensure that I bring you something on a weekly or worst case, fortnightly basis. Has been a challenge over the last twelve months for various reasons but I will continue to stand at the plate and keep on swinging!
• I will continue to give my opinion on various bottles of rouge...and who knows, we could stray into whites come summer time.
• I will also do my best to try to be creative and keep it interesting...and at the very least, have you click away with a smile on your face.

So thanks for joining me on the first twelve months of this little project and I hope you can join me over the next twelve...seeing I have no idea where this will lead, it should be an interesting ride!