Last Saturday evening, Dr. Alex and I met up for dinner with our friends “The Golden Girls” and their spouses, “Grumpy Old Men”. The Golden Girls and The Grumpies have been our dear friends for almost 30 years. We have been enjoying our every other month dinners since the beginning of our friendship. Each couple takes their turn deciding upon a restaurant of their choice. Making the reservations and relaying that information to the other 3 couples regarding the details is the responsibility of the couple in charge.
Now the Golden Girls and The Grumpies have not always been playing those roles. In fact in their younger days The Golden’s were more like the Gilmore Girls and The Grumpies could have easily been The Hardy Boys. But, good old Father Time affects everybody and everything regardless of our efforts in sheltering ourselves from his far reaching grasp.
It’s all very funny how we view age. Why is it that the wine aficionado ordering wine for his guests at a swanky restaurant is exhilarated at the thought of instructing the sommelier to “serve us the 1945 Mouton Rothschild”? The same patron wouldn’t go to the “house of ill repute” and say “yes, I would like one of those 1945 escorts”. On the other hand that same “interested” gentleman would definitely be more than happy to have the Madame (or however that is done) introduce him to a young “Gilmore Girl” for an evening out on the town, It’s just not right! Why shouldn’t people (especially women) get the same respect and desirability as…..wine?
Hold on a second, please while I pour myself something strong. You know, all this escort service talk has me reminiscing about my time with John Derek filming “Scandal Street”. Okay, I’m back with you again discussing the lack of appreciation between “an older seasoned woman” and “an old bottle of wine”.
If the revered, sought after, very expensive wine is made with grapes from a highly respected Producer that has proven accomplishments, why can’t we view people in the same way? Or better yet if that person has shown themselves to be an upstanding member of society just like that particular wine and vintage why not roll out the red carpet for them as well? In other words let the individual, whether it be wine or people, be judged and appreciated on their own character.
You know with the aged bottle of wine just like the older person it may take some work to get to the contents. Anyone who has ever had the challenge and pleasure of opening a long cellared bottle of wine will tell you “you must handle with care, but the rewards can be immense”. The foil seal may not be in perfect condition, just like the initial appearance of the older person. And the cork, yes you need to be very careful with the cork because it could be a bit disintegrated. I guess the Golden Girl’s wrinkles must be mentioned here for comparison to that old falling apart cork. 
Now comes the decanting. Uh huh, there will be sediment. I guess Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur’s character) has to be the (ugh) crusty, related older woman analogy to sediment. We finally get to removing the wine from the original bottle. Slowly pour (very often with a candle or flashlight so you make sure no sediment is ever poured into your lovely decanter vessel). Next step, will be gently releasing this greatly anticipated liquid jewel into your glasses. You are now finally able to appreciate the magic that “Old Papa Time” has performed upon this wine. The melding of the acidity, structure, tannins, sugar levels and alcohol, hopefully become one seamless gift from Bacchus, the god of wine.
If you give the Golden Girls, The Grumpies and any other “experienced” person you know a chance to gently “decant” you may also find with them the same joining of “life’s layers” of complexity that simply need some understanding steps to release their magic that may not be apparent at first glance.
With acquiring some vintage years under my belt I have a developed the attribute of patience. It is funny as I have gotten older with presumably less years in my future then when I younger I have actually learned to appreciate the virtue of patience. Who would have thought me, Donna Reed who was always in a hurry to get the parts I wanted for myself as well as Beaver, Wally and Dr. Alex has now learned to appreciate patience. Will the wonders of TV sitcoms ever stop amazing us?
Our “Gourmet Golden Girl and Grumpies Dinner ended up to be as wonderful has it always is. Catching up with our “dear Old friends” at our favorite French restaurant was a treat. No, we were not graced with the nectar of the 1945 Mouton Rothschild but we did enjoy:
Melville Vineyards 2007 Verna’s Viognier- approx. $22.00 and 3 ½ aprons
Duckhorn Golden Eye 2005 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir-approx $55.00 and 3 ¾ aprons
Duckhorn Golden Eye 2006 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir-approx $55.00 and 4 aprons
Uh huh, in this case the younger wine was fresher and more vibrant. Sorry, Goldens and Grumpies. And by the way the Golden and Grumps were born many years after the 1945 Mouton.
Yes, my old friends may be a bit like that 1945 wine taking a while to get past all the unveiling of wonders within but what’s inside is worth any effort involved in the process.
In the end an old friend who has been by your side “for better or for worse” is a treasured gift to appreciate for any occasion.
Thank you Golden and Grumps for being such wonderful friends.
Wishing you find a 1945 Mouton Rothschild in your apron pocket.
XXOO
Mrs. Reed
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