As I put on my new shoes for the first time, I noticed that the name of the shoe is actually Cole Haan. Not Hahn. Hahn is a winery, so I think my mistake is understandable since I buy a heck of a lot more wine than I do shoes!
I remember quite fondly my visits to the Hahn Winery in the Santa Lucia Highlands off of Highway 101 heading toward Monterey. It’s on a hillside with a tasting room that has a stunning view way out across the valley. One stands at the tasting bar seeing the miles of vineyards and alfalfa fields and in the distance the highway with people buzzing back and forth, in a rush to get wherever it is that was so important to them. I felt smug and above-it-all (literally) in this elite world of delicious wine and camaraderie.
“Would you like to try the Pinot Noir, now?” the nice lady behind the counter asked.
“Oh, sure, why not?” The ‘why not’ was actually that I was driving. However, I have learned in my wine tasting ventures that it is possible to sip and spit and still enjoy the aromas and flavors of the wine, while passing over the full effect of that 14.5% alcohol.
Hahn makes some very nice middle-of-the road wines, concentrating on Pinot Noir which is not my favorite. But heck, given the chance to taste it on it’s home field, as it were, is not to be refused. I was surprised, therefore, when I went onto their website and discovered wines priced at $50 and above. Whoa — this is not what I remembered. However, as I scrolled down, I did see some in the $20-$25 category. Much better. I even read some of the reviews of their Pinot: spicy, silky with a smooth finish. Hmmm… I might have to stop by Total Wine and pick up one of those. You never know what you’ll discover.
So, as I’m getting ready to go out, I apologize to Mr. Haan for the misspelling of his name and heck, maybe I’ll even toast him with a glass of Hahn Pinot Noir.
Cheers, Mr. Haan — you make a mighty good pair of shoes.
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