Wine Unfiltered

photo by Josilin Torrano

I’ve been going to Comic-Con on the west coast for about a decade, but I was planning on NOT going for once. Why? Because I remember when you could walk, breathe (although you shouldn’t do that around the geeks too much anyway) and actually attend a panel without waiting on a 4 hour line. It’s always sold out this, and no hotel that. I am glad nerd culture has boomed and all, because I am no longer the lone chick in a sea of Klingons. But it has boomed in my way. Thank god I get pro badge or I would have been screwed getting in. They do have the right like anyone else of course, and I don’t blame them, but every Showtime fan with a glue gun treks down now.

For the three people that may not know what The San Diego Comic-Con is, here you go.

Most of the time was spent being claustrophobic and escaping. But the few times I did escape, I had a blast, as always.

Looking back on the experience in every way shape and alien form, I was wondering which wine paired best with the spirit of Comi-Con 2009. I had about 5 or 6 different ones, and the first thing that came to mind was one of the crisp whites I had, to flush out the heat of geek and sharp edge to cut through a Star Wars panel line. But the one that summed up the experience most was the 2006 Napa Valley Green Lion Merlot. I had this Thursday night at San Diego’s Red Pearl Kitchen with some fun and talented friends.

The one thing a person needs at this convention is a calm head and relaxed state of mind. With its psychedelic label, the image on the bottle screams of the chaos and color conflicts of the Comic-Con floor. But inside the bottle, the wine is as cool, dark and deep as Darth Vader’s resonant vocals.

This South Australian style red is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Smooth, very reasonable and aromas of dry cocoa, spice and very subtle earth. Soft but strong, steady and balanced. And trust me, you need to be all four at the SDCC. The label was designed by Beatles artist Alan Aldridge, who was one of John Lennon’s favorite designers. Pop culture at its best my friends.

And that is what Comic-Con is all about now. For better or worse.

Rating: d8