Rain lashed against the window like shotgun shells rattling on concrete. Outside the lightning flashed like a muzzle and the thunder roared its recoil. I took another belt of whiskey as I went over the job for the tenth time. All I had to do was boost a vertical of Isabel Mondavi Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Then I was to make my way back to the apartment Knuckles had set me up with and wait for a call within the hour.
That was six hours ago.
I stared at the three bottles on my table: a 2006, a 2007, and a 2008. I could feel their weight from across the room; they sat there, framed under a single light bulb, holy idols furiously out of place now removed from their place of worship. Just having them here made me nervous. The schedule was falling apart, and in my line of work the schedule is everything. I mulled over my options. I could call the whole thing a wash and walk out now; of course then I’d be out the payment, I’d burn a connection with Knuckles and I’d still have heat from the heist. I could pocket the bottles myself, but I had no fence lined up for merchandise like this, and I’d still have all the problems of the first idea.
I nearly spat out my next belt of whiskey when the phone rang. I answered with a curt “Yes.”
“I believe you have my wines, yes?” the voice dripped with upper class affectation.
“You’re late.”
“Yes, circumstances have arisen that have…complicated…matters.”
“Who is this? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t walk out on this whole thing right now?”
“Come now, that wouldn’t benefit either of us. Besides, I think you’ll find it beneficial to work with the Michael Mondavi Family.” My jaw went slack. This wasn’t what I’d signed up for. Tangling with a family this intertwined in wine making was a losing proposition. I should’ve never trusted Knuckles; the money was too good. I slammed down the phone and grabbed the bottles.
They felt heavier than they should under my coat as I struck out into the black rain.
2006 Isabel Mondavi Willamette Valley Pinot Noir:
This wine has a brilliant garnet color with supple body, bright red cherry nose with a hint of exotic spices like cardamom and star anise. Smooth entry with even texture through to the finish with red cherry flavors
2007 Isabel Mondavi Willamette Valley Pinot Noir:
The pale ruby hue gives way to aromas of baking spices, mushroom and black tea. Complex and layered in a very classic Burgundian style, this wine shows savory fruit characteristics that lead to a long and elegant finish.
2008 Isabel Mondavi Willamette Valley Pinot Noir:
This wine has a rich ruby color with soft red fruit aromas. Light weight in the mouth with lively acidity that dances in tune with the waves of raspberry and red cherry flavors that coat the palate.
The Pinot Noir hails from the Willamette Valley, a cool climate area in Oregon known for expressive Burgundian style wines. With Isabel’s relatives living in Oregon causing a natural draw to the area, Rob plays the role of “flying winemaker” and frequently travels north to check the harvest and oversea production. The grapes are harvested from two prized vineyard sites – one farmed sustainably and LIVE certified, the other farmed Biodynamically and Demeter certified.
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