Holiday in a bottle

:: Daniel Cellars Spicy Rivanna, produced by Burnley Vineyards, $13.25 ::

When I tasted this wine at the Virginia Wine Festival, I immediately said "Christmas in a bottle!" It's sweet, cinnamony, slightly citrusy. Now that I'm consuming my second glass I realize it's a little too desserty for my taste; would taste just like Swedish glugg warm, I bet, though! I was awed that the wine could be so sweet and could evoke spices SO vividly when I first tasted it, but I was a bit naive I guess, because the wine is essentially pre-mulled with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, anise, orange peel and lemon peel. I also pick up on tastes of plum and raisin. It's pretty delicious for a glass and would definitely make an appropriate gift for the season, especially for someone that doesn't usually enjoy wine. I don't see how anyone could not like this.

This time around it essentially tastes just like glugg to me: glugg was first introduced to me last New Year's eve at Aditi's place, and since it was such a hit, she's brought it out at quite a few parties. It's especially appropriate and enjoyable during the winter holidays because it's warm and festive. (Note that this wine really is like glugg, because glugg is sweetened and spiced wine served hot, except without the chunks of raisins and almonds.)

It's funny that the wine brings me back to last New Year's tonight, because I feel like after a long couple of weeks, I had finally stopped thinking about last New Year's eve. I've been a little anxious-ridden this holiday season. I love the winter holiday season: I love the crispness in the air, the cheery spirit everyone seems to be in, the partying and entertaining, the gift-giving, the feeling of calm and tranquility I get when looking at winter scenery (bare trees, snow), the cute hats and scarves... plus, boys look so good in sweaters! But back to the point. I definitely enjoyed all those aspects of the season, but I've also felt an enormous amount of jitters about the new year. A LOT changed this year, and while I think the changes have overall been positive for me, it's just overwhelming to think of everything I've gone through. New boys, friends, classes, cat, apartment/roommates, progress at work... Maybe the thing that's been bothering me is that though I've gone through a lot, in the end I'm the same person, I want the same things from life, and I don't clearly see that my new life is getting me to my goals. But I guess the new year is a good time to self-evaluate and change whatever needs to be changed, right?

Also, I don't know when I became an adult! It feels weird to even say it; am I really an adult? But during Thanksgiving, this guy started talking to me at Top of the Hill (one of my favorite bars in Chapel Hill), and then I realized that he was a senior in college: i.e. three years younger than me! People three years younger than me can legally go out to bars?! I still think of myself as the youngest person in any given situation; I was always one of the youngest in my grade, in my group of friends. But as I get older, I obviously meet people that are younger. It's just strange.

Anyway, I think I have a pretty good plan for the year. I decided my biggest problem was not having my priorities straight, so I've organized all my resolutions to fit into nine priorities for 2009! So I'm ready to put my angst aside and take the year head-on. Let's hope it's not all serious; some mischief and dancing should ensue! (Not that old, yet!) Definitely started the year on the right foot.