Usually the week before a Congressional recess is hectic.  For some reason, though, this week just hasn’t been as crazy.  Don’t get me wrong.  Work is busy, but the controlled chaos that normally occurs seems to be missing as we get ready for the July 4^th break.  To be honest, I think I prefer it this way.  There is a lot to do, but it’s not overwhelming.  Plus, I’ve been able to leave work at a normal time, which means getting my run in before dinner instead of heading out at 9pm and relaxing a little after dinner with my wine and So You Think You Can Dance before calling a night.  I’m trying not to get too used to it, but this is definitely appealing, particularly the relaxing with my wine part.

The latest wine that I opened in anticipation of July 4th is Williamsburg Winery’s Birdies for the Brave 2007 Merlot.  Birdies for the Brave is the TPC Network’s military outreach initiative. Golf player Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, started the organization.  At the time, Phil contributed $100 for each birdie and $500 for each eagle he made to Homes For Our Troops and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  Since then, the PGA Tour and players have joined with various corporate sponsors, including Williamsburg Winery, to raise money for groups that provide critical programs and services to meet the specialized needs of wounded warriors and military families.

The 2007 Birdies for the Brave Merlot (winery, snooth) was a deep purplish ruby.  On the nose, there were lots of red fruits, along with a hint of cedar and smoke.  In the mouth, there were strawberries, red currants, and pomegranates, followed by a nice cedar, woodiness.  The wine had medium body, medium acid, and light tannins.

Is this worth a glass after work? Definitely!  If you see this wine in the store, grab it; you won’t be disappointed. At $18, even the non-Merlot lover will enjoy this wine with a good steak.  Hubby made it with a grilled beef tenderloin that was marinated in red wine, garlic, and peppercorns, and the pairing  was practically perfection.  If the wine and the steak don’t tempt you, though, maybe the charity aspect will.  Approximately 28% of the wholesale price of each bottle of Williamsburg Winery’s Birdies for the Brave wine is given to the organization in support of our military and their families, so not only are you drinking a good wine, but you’re supporting a supporting a good cause.  As we head into the July 4^th weekend, nothing celebrates our independence and our freedom like a bottle of wine from Williamsburg and a charity that “Honors those who sacrifice for our freedom.”

Price: $18
Purchased at Harris Teeter
Overall: 4 Corks