Wine X Staff
Wine X Online Edition
Ah, Sedona! Land of red rocks, mystical vortexes, and apparently, an absolute no-go for anyone who packs like I do. Welcome to my tragicomic tale of visiting Sedona and staying at the Enchantment Resort, which, spoiler alert, involved more fashion faux pas and less hiking than I anticipated.
First up, let’s talk about hiking in Sedona. Those trails are as breathtaking as they are unforgiving, especially when your footwear of choice is, embarrassingly, dress shoes. Yes, dear reader, while the wise come equipped with hiking boots and CamelBaks, there I was, teetering on Bell Rock, looking like I took a wrong turn on my way to a board meeting. The only thing I enchanted was the local birds, who seemed amused by my city-slicker antics. In fairness, it was my idea to give it a shot. Thank you to the local Safeway for keeping a fresh stock of COVID-era cart wipes near their door…. which became an instant show shine for my Allen Edmonds before I went browsing what is actually a pretty freaking nice selection of vivo & booze. All of us who live in states where liquor isn’t sold in grocery stores all hate you, Arizona.
Now, let’s move on to the culinary heart of the Enchantment Resort, Che Ah Chi. This isn’t just any dining establishment; it’s the kind of place where forgetting a sports coat feels like a cardinal sin. There I was, amidst the swanky decor and sophisticated diners, sticking out in my casual tourist garb like a sore, underdressed thumb. If the exquisite Cabernet they served was a balm, then I shamelessly overindulged, hoping the rich notes of berry and oak would mask my embarrassment.
Speaking of indulgences, Sedona’s crystal shops and palm readers are a sight to behold. They’re everywhere! On every corner, you’ll find another shop promising spiritual awakening and mystical insights. I wandered in, half-expecting to find my lost fashion sense in crystal form. Alas, no such luck. Instead, I left with a pocketful of shiny rocks and a prophecy that I’d find my path – hopefully one that leads to a shoe store.
And the vortexes – oh, the famed Sedona vortexes! These swirling centers of energy are supposed to be transformative, but guess what? I didn’t find a single one. Maybe the vortexes sensed my skepticism, or perhaps they were repelled by my inappropriate attire. Or, more likely, I was too distracted by the siren call of Che Ah Chi’s wine list to notice any cosmic energy shifts. That Cabernet, though, now that’s something I can attest to its transformative powers, especially after the second glass.
In conclusion, my trip to Sedona was less of an enlightened journey and more of a lesson in what not to wear and pack. The Enchantment Resort was an oasis of luxury and comfort, a stark contrast to my ill-prepared adventures. And while I may not have found spiritual enlightenment or hiked without tripping, I did discover the joy of a well-crafted Cabernet, the humor in being woefully underdressed, and the charm of a town that thrives on the mystical and the absurd.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Sedona, take it from me: pack hiking boots, remember your sports coat, and maybe – just maybe – you’ll find that elusive vortex. Or, at the very least, a fantastic bottle of wine. Here’s two that Ehancment offers on its well-curated wine list:
2021 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Clooney-esque Charm with a Sedona Twist. Imagine the Cloon-ma Clooney in Sedona, seeking a mystical vortex. That’s the 2021 Post & Beam Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for you – a charismatic blend of Hollywood glamour and Sedona’s mysterious allure. This wine enters your palate with Clooney’s suave confidence, reminiscent of a star navigating Sedona’s enigmatic landscape in search of a vortex. With an aroma that combines the complexity of Sedona’s mystical energy and the sophistication of a star like Clooney in an Italian suit, this Cabernet isn’t just a drink; it’s an adventure. Each sip unfolds like a journey through Sedona’s red rocks, revealing layers of flavor that are as intriguing as the elusive vortexes themselves. And the finish? It’s like finally discovering that vortex – long, satisfying, and with a hint of the unexpected. It leaves you longing for more, much like the thrill of exploring Sedona’s mystical terrain under the guidance of a charismatic leader.
Wine X Sez: XX and maybe another 1/2 X if you find me a vortex. It’s like Sedona’s mystical charm. It’s smooth, complex, and undeniably captivating – a wine that’s as much an adventure as finding a vortex in the heart of Arizona’s red rock country. Pour a glass and toast to a wine that brings together the best of both worlds.
2021 Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Imagine Ed Sheeran’s sultry voice turned into a wine – that’s the Napa Valley Quilt 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. Bold and unapologetically vibrant, it’s like a sexy rock anthem for your palate. This isn’t just a wine; it’s a musical journey, echoing Sheeran’s charismatic energy with every sip. The aroma sets the stage, a harmonious blend of dark fruit and smoky oak, reminiscent of the opening chords of an Ed Sheeran crooning. It’s inviting, enchanting, with a hint of mystery, much like the lyrics of a heartfelt ballad. Then comes the taste – a rich, robust ensemble that resonates like a Sheeran song on a moonlit night. It’s a complex melody of blackberry, plum, and spice, each note perfectly in tune, creating a symphony of flavors as layered and soulful as Sheeran’s voice. And the finish? Think of it as the climax of a rock climbing adventure in Sedona’s red rocks – thrilling, exhilarating, and leaving you yearning for more. This Cabernet doesn’t just linger; it ascends to a crescendo, leaving a lasting impression that’s as memorable as scaling Sedona’s majestic formations.
Wine X Sez: XX all day & all night. It’s a serenade from Ed, wrapped in the thrill of a Sedona climb. Bold, dynamic, and irresistibly captivating, it’s a wine that sings to your senses. Here’s to a bottle that’s as much a hit as a chart-topping song! Cheers to the symphony of flavors!
2019 Kistler Chardonnay Les Noisetiers, Sonoma
Maybe the Robin Williams of Chard? The Kistler, Les Noisetiers Chardonnay 2019 is like the best stand-up comedian you’ve ever seen, but in a bottle – witty, unexpected, and delightfully sharp. Its aroma teases with citrus and oak, like a comic’s clever opening line. The first sip? A punchline of crisp apple, lemon, and a hint of nuttiness, as refreshing and sharp as a comedian’s quip. And the finish – it’s the mic drop. It lingers with satisfaction, leaving you amused and a bit surprised. This Chardonnay is a masterclass in balance, much like a well-crafted joke, layered yet approachable.
Wine X Sez: XX 1/2+ In short, Kistler’s Chardonnay is a lively, vibrant wine with a personality as engaging as a night of comedy. Here’s to a wine that’s as entertaining as it is refined – a true toast to humor and quality in every glass! Cheers!