The Oregon wine harvest at Raptor Ridge

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Oregon Pinot Noir at Raptor Ridge

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Gating at Autzen

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GAMEDAY!

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Wildcat tail light decals. Sweet.

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Sometimes we overthink things

Sometimes, you just feel like an idiot. That's happened to me more than once when trying to debug a particular computer problem over the years. The only saving grace of all this seems to be the great satisfaction derived from finally figuring out how to make it all work.

This was my curse again this week. I had thought I'd removed myself from computer support calls years ago when I decided it was just easier to come into the closed garden as some people call the Apple world of computers and devices. At some point in your life, you realize you just don't want to spend anymore time on long phone calls with tech support gurus, even the good ones.

This week, my Apple TV device arrived and I quickly took it out of the box and plugged it in only to discover that it wouldn't connect to my iTunes library -- a requirement to access your music files, photos and other media stored on your computer. Apple's online customer support is amazing and I spent hours with three different support consultants. When one went off shift, they handed me to another. They finally threw up their hands and had me take my computer and Apple TV into the local Apple store for an appointment with the Genius Bar.

In literally five minutes, the Apple blue shirt confirmed that all was working fine and that the problem probably was related to my home network. I noticed, however, as I handed him the small black hockey puck of a device that I had turned it upside down when I plugged it in. I also remember the directions saying specifically not to put anything on the top of it as it could affect its wireless functionality.

I mentioned this to the Apple employee. He turned the device upside down and it didn't seem to affect its performance. So, when I got home, I plugged it back in, this time making sure to have it turned rightside up. Bingo, suddenly all the problems were solved! So, hours of time spent moving iTunes libraries around and tweaking network settings came down to turning the device over.

I guess that's a testament to how well Apple builds products and how fare we've come form the days when new devices almost never worked as expected. So, how is the device working for me? In a word, it's amazing and beautiful. What an elegant solution and massive addition to my home entertainment setup and all in such a tiny package. It's nothing short of brilliant.

Don't even think about it, just buy it. You'll get so much more out of your music, photos, movies, TV favorites, radio, TV, sound system, Internet connection. It is a device that enhances your entire entertainment experience by plugging in one elegant, but small device and about 15 minutes of setup. I wish I had the several hours of time back, but at least I'll sleep better know what was wrong and that it's fixed.

I lost my chair again

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Go Wildcats

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I've got a lap cat

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Invasion of the California Pinots

Though I've often been in denial for years, alas, I grudgingly have to admit that California makes some darned good Pinot Noirs. They are different from Oregon Pinots, but that's not necessarily bad. For years, there was the fear that California's huge capacity to produce wine and price it below Oregon's offerings would ultimately crush the Oregon industry. After all, Oregon Pinots are more expensive and are more "Burgundian." But, whenever I taste Carneros Pinots especially, I enjoy them. And Oregon wineries have more than held their own and established a solid place in the world Pinot Noir pecking order.

Firepit and outdoor tasting room at Ardiri Winery

Having visited the winery when it was owned by the late Gary Andrus (Pine Ridge, Archery Summit and Gypsy Dancer), the makeover is impressive and gives the winery a completely new, upscale personality. The wines are all new as well. Ardiri's first Oregon Pinot is in the barrel and won't be bottled until January. But, there are two Carneros pinots available as well as well as an estate grown Chardonnay-Pinot Blanc blend.

I liked both of the Carneros Pinots, especially the 2008, which has a wonderful perfume nose and compelling hints of plum and cola on the pallet. The 2009 in the barrel was similar though with more fruit and spice. Both were delightful and a pleasant change from Oregon Pintos. I found the '08s and '09s to be somewhat salty, but salty in a good way -- like sea salt chocolate. And the price is right. The '07 is $25 and the '08 $28 with great discounts for wine club members.

Time will tell, but I say welcome Californians. The Oregon pinot industry is big enough and diverse enough to welcome wines made from grapes grown in California and trucked north. It's not an easy thing to do as others (Patricia Green Cellars) have tried this in the past without commercial success. Ardiri is a serious entrant in Oregon's ever expanding vinosphere. The significant investment is impressive and joins the growing number of wineries who are realizing that it takes more than making great wine to attract customers. Viva la diversity!