The Cure for Mars-Mercury Retrograde

You know you are in for treat when you pop the cork and you are greeted with a blast fruity aromas. There’s a haze of aromas in the air and a slight breeze just carried it away. Mmmm… thus far, Pinnacoli 2012 Primitivo Di Manduria is off to a great start.

Color – beautiful shimmering crimson red color.

Taste – OMG! Fruit-forward black cherries flavors with soft mild tannins on the finish. The third sip introduces earthy and spicy notes with a slight herbal on the back of the palate.

Pinnacoli Primitivo is the perfect cure to Mars-Mercury retrograde. Mars-Mercury retrograde??? Yes, Mars-Mercury retrograde, let me explain:

 

Excerpt from Farmer’s Almanac:

“Meaning of Mercury Retrograde
… Sometimes the other planets appear to be traveling backward through the zodiac; this is an illusion. We call this illusion retrograde motion. 
Several times a year, it appears as if Mercury is going backwards. This time was traditionally associated with confusions, delay, and frustration. Perhaps Mercury’s retrograde periods can cause our plans to go awry. However, this is an excellent time to reflect on the past. Intuition is high during these periods, and coincidences can be extraordinary.

What to Do When Mercury is Retrograde
The planet Mercury rules communication, travel, contracts, automobiles, and such. So,when Mercury is retrograde, remain flexible, allow time for extra travel, and avoid signing contracts. Review projects and plans at these times, but wait until Mercury is direct again to make any final decisions.
About a week or two before Mercury retrogrades, finish any tasks or projects at hand.  You can’t stop your life, but plan ahead, have back-up plans, and be prepared for angrier people and miscommunication.”

To make matters worse, Mars is also in retrograde. Yes, the universe is giving us a double-whamming. If you are curious, per the Farmer’s Almanac, following are the 2016 Mercury Retrograde dates and Do’s and Dont’s during Mars-Mercury Retrograde:

• January 5 to 25
• April 28 to May 22
• August 30 to September 22
• December 19 to 31

MARS is Retrograde – Be Careful of Your Actions: 5 DOs
and 5 Dont’s – Mars Retrograde Do’s and Dont’s.

“… Once every 2 years the planet Mars goes retrograde, as it will from April 17 through June 29, 2016. During this time span we may want to think “twice” about initiating certain actions because the retrograde can lower our energy level and bring frustration and obstacles to our major efforts.”

In less than a week, I began to experience the effects of Mars-Mercury retrograde:

• First incident, my federal taxes were rejected due to someone used my social security number to files taxes to receive a refund;
• Second, family crisis; and
• The third incident, my lawnmower that I utilized for only one season started leaking gasoline. In my attempt to save money, I told my lawn service that their services were no longer required this season.

I surrendered to the universe and allowed the system to correct itself. So, I did what I do best, sip, puff and write.

 

 

Enough astrology; now, it’s time to see how well Pinnacoli Primitivo pairs with a full-bodied La Gloria Cubana Series R cigar. I typically would not pair a full-bodied cigar with a Zinfandel. For those of you who do not know, Primitivo is the same as Zinfandel (Zin).

DNA testing confirmed that Italy’s Primitivo and Crljenak Kastelanski, an ancient Croatian variety, are genetically identical to California’s Zinfandel grape. However, there are some differences in vine strength and the size of the grapes cluster. In April 2002, U.S. government was considering Zinfandel and Primitivo as synonyms. However, a decision has not been made and the U.S. requires Zinfandel and Primitivo be identified separately on wine labels. (wineinstitute.org and winespector.com)

You can’t discuss Zinfandel without mentioning Ridge Vineyards in Paso Robles, CA, which in my opinion produces MAGNIFICENT Zins!

 

LaGloria Cubana is one of “go-to” cigars that never disappoints. I have to mention, you have to respect the workmanship that goes into designing a cigar band. It by far doesn’t represent the quality and taste of a cigar. But, as consumers, we are attracted to the flashy and the Series R band is a nice piece of art.

LaGloria Cubana Series R has a nice draw and I’m detecting cocoa flavors -smooth smoke. The LaGloria has soften the cherry flavors and reintroduced herbal notes in the wine. My wine covered palate has also produced spicy and herbal notes in the cigar. FANTASTIC smoke!

Smoking a cigar and sipping a delicious wine unwinds the mind and relaxes the soul; I am content.

 

I will say Pinnacoli 2012 Primitivo Di Manduria is holding up well to LaGloria Cubana Series R. FOLKS, WE HAVE A MATCH!

 

 

P.S. In my attempt to be healthy, I’m consuming one glass of wine a day. On day three, Pinnacoli 2012 Primitivo is still yummy and flavors continue to intensify.

Salute!