My Article: Christmas Memories

(YORK, ENGLAND, DEC. 25, 2010) I dropped my daughter off at the York Minster to sing at two Christmas services this morning. It was ice cold out. I was slipping on the tarmac path along the Ouse River. I noticed that it was completely frozen over. Only the parts under the various bridges were still free flowing. I tried to stay warm thinking about what I might drink in the evening.

What would I drink with Christmas dinner? It was certainly traditional fare: roasted turkey, potatoes, brussel sprouts, red cabbage, dressing, gravy, and bread pudding. We were only four: me, my ex-wife, daughter, and son – and only Isabel and I ate turkey. But it was all part of the joy of  Christmas. Drinking something special was equally important.

I found a dusty bottle of 1978 Château Léoville Las Cases in the cellar. It used to belong to my ex-wife’s late uncle. He was a good friend. I brought the bottle up stairs into the kitchen to decant before dinner.

Tonight, I am going drink the Las Cases and propose a toast to him and to a very Merry Christmas. I wish you a very special day with special wine and special memories.