Ricks Grape Skinny- October 2013 Heritage Wake Forest

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013

Hey everyone!

Hope everyone’s Fall is off to a cool and dry start like we’ve been experiencing here in NC…but…judging from the number of weather-related horror stories that have been dominating the news lately, I’m certain that’s not the case for everyone. I would love to think that none of you has been negatively affected by the floods and fires etc….but if you have been, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. For those of us who’ve been fortunate enough to have escaped being impacted by such, I trust you’re opening your hearts and your wallets to help those in need! For not having had a single hurricane make landfall this year, it’s otherwise been a year of major devastation for many areas of our country…and for tens of thousands of families and people.
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Well, so much for watching my usual Monday night television line-up! We happen to have Dish Satellite Service — and they’ve not been able to “agree” with our local NBC Affiliate…so no NBC programming all of a sudden. For me…it’s mostly a big “so what”…but hey, it just seems to me that this kind of impasse amongst the various players in entertainment is beginning to occur far too often. To the extent it continues to happen, it just accelerates the likelihood that we’ll all be watching our favorite television programming over the internet…and a lot sooner than later!! Are we ready for that…he posed…with his tongue not in his cheek!!??

And someone told me the Government shut down!! Really?! Well, you couldn’t prove it by me!! Not to diminish the significance or impact of what’s going on…because truly, there are serious consequences associated with this “shut down.” Plus, I can only imagine that a good number of you are deriving your incomes in some way , shape or form from the Federal sector. But…with all that said…I’m pretty certain there’ll be a silver lining amongst all this dysfufnction and quagmire of political head-butting.

That’s my story…my hope…and my prayer…and I’m stickin’ to it!!

Meanwhile, Rick’s Grape Skinny remains open for business…and as always, I have no subscription fees and my advice is free. Just remember what you paid for it …in case my counsel doesn’t always pan out! On the bright side, I now have an amplified reason to inspect and sample my modest collection of cellared wines…so I’ll see you next month…maybe! :o)

As for my annual Happy Halloween wishes…

Boo!

Wine Snob – EPS Format Rick
Rick Davis
1320 Heritage Hills Way
Wake Forest, NC 27587
(pers. email) rick.davis.nc@gmail.com
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Rick’s Grape Skinny…a Free Monthly Newsletter for Those Who Enjoy Learning About All Things Wine!”

Rick’s Grape Skinny
ricksgrapeskinny@gmail.com
2013
“If food is the body of good living, wine is its soul!”
(Clifton Fadiman)

Taste the World of Wine in One Year!
The notion might seem simple enough…but trust me, taking on the challenge of tasting the world of wine in a single year is a seriously ambitious task! To boot, regardless of the nature and scope of the wine world chosen, there will be plenty of Wine Wizards offering a litany of wouldas, couldas and shouldas! But, if you’re game…let’s take on that task and taste a range of vino from around the world of wine. And trust me, if you do this…you’ll know more than about 90% of those who buy and drink wine!!

Where are we Headed?
Great question! I had no idea you were so quick and ready to sip away! We’re headed for a world of wine that’s comprised of 11 countries. Here they are arranged in descending order…beginning with the largest wine producer. For the nosy ones who are wondering why not 12 countries…so we could take on one country a month…it’s because France will consume two months all by itself! OK…off we go!

1. France
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. United States
5. Argentina
6. Australia
7. Germany
8. South Africa
9. Chile
10. Portugal
11. New Zealand

In the spirit of full disclosure, you should know that China is actually the 4th largest producer of wine in the world…but…it doesn’t yet have any iconic wines.

So What Should we Taste?
Wow…another great question! So here are my suggestions – being mindful that these are not all
of the grapes or wines. Rather, it’s a list of those I
feel will enable you to enjoy a representative mix of

each country’s key varietals and/or most noted wines. Be sure to enlist the help of your preferred “wine shop(s)”…and don’t hesitate to assign a price range!

France — The first month, seek to taste the wines of Alsace, Champagne, Burgundy, Jura-Savoy, and the Rhone Valley. The second month, select wines from Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, and Southwest France.

Italy – (Red) Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, Brunello, Amarone, Chianti, a Super Tuscan, Montepulciano, Aglianico, Nero d’Avola, and Lambrusco. (White) Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Fiano, Malvasia, Moscato, Cortese, Trebbiano, Verdicchio, Franciacorta, Spumante, and Prosecco.

Spain – (Red) Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, wines from Rioja, Priorat, and Montsant. (White) Albariño, Macabeo, Xarel•lo, Cava sparkling wine, and at least two different types of Sherry .

United States – (Red) Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (White) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Try California expressions from Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast…then from Washington, Oregon, and New York.

Argentina – (Red) Malbec and Bonarda (White) Torrontes. Try several expressions of each.

Australia – (Red) Shiraz – Try several expressions.

Germany – (White) Riesling and Liebfraumilch. Try several expressions. (Red) Dornfelder –Eiswein

South Africa – (Red) Pinotage (White) Chenin Blanc

Chile – (Red) Carménère – Try several expressions!

Portugal – Vinho Verde (which can be red, white or blush), a Ruby and Tawny Porto and a Madiera.

New Zealand – (White) Sauvignon Blanc – Try several expressions.
Toast of the Month
“Here’s to wine — to wash me clean
From the weather-stains of care.”
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

The Monthly Bunch!
Spooky Wines

White
Chardonnay
Old North State Bare Bones NV
Clean, Crisp and Ghoulishly Good!
(Yadkin Valley — Mount Airy, NC)/$8-$10
From the little town in North Carolina that served as the basis for the mythical Mayberry — home of Sheriff Andy Taylor and his sidekick Deputy, Barney Fife, this simple, straightforward and stripped down 100% Chardonnay is the real deal. Don’t be afraid to try this devilishly delicious potion. It’s a very well crafted award-winning wine amongst its Mid-Atlantic peers…and it’s a very good vino value to boot! http://www.oldnorthstatewinery.com/

Vidal Blanc
Gray Ghost Vineyards — 2012
Casper’s Fave…and Ghostly Great!
(Amissville, VA)/$12-$15 One of Virginia’s most rewarded wineries, it’s named after the famous Confederate Colonel – John Mosby – who was affectionately called The Gray Ghost…for his ability to slip through enemy lines undetected. And, there is ample evidence that The Gray Ghost did indeed haunt the area where these grapes were grown…so forewarned is forearmed! The cold-hardy Vidal Blanc – a hybrid of Ugni Blanc (aka Trebbiano) and another hybrid grape known as Rayon d’Or — was the first wine produced by the owners, Al and Cheryl Kellert, in 1994. The 11.5% residual sugar “Adieu” version of this succulent wine was declared The Best Dessert Wine in the Country a few years back. This is a wine that you’ll hold in memory for a very long time!
http://www.grayghostvineyards.com

Red
Petite Sirah
Spellbound 2011
So Delicious You’ll Be Howling!
(Lodi, CA)/$13-$16 From 4th generation Mondavi family winemaker, Rob Mondavi Jr., this intensely rich and supple wine is beyond delicious! Made from 100% Petite Sirah this vintage was aged in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak…an approach that preserves the character and soul of the fruit. While this difficult-to-grow-and-tame varietal is normally used as a blending grape, leave it to a Mondavi to break with convention and masterfully craft such a splendid varietal wine. Rob’s objective and focus is to produce the highest quality affordable wines that people will love…and love to drink every day. Certainly for my palate and wallet, his Spellbound Petite Sirah fills that bill completely! http://www.spellboundwines.com/

Merlot
Vampire Vineyards Dracula 2010
Suck-u-lent and Bloody Good!
(Central Coast – Paso Robles, CA)/$13-$16
Talk about a wine into which one can sink their teeth…look no further. In fact, this 100% Merlot is so fruit-forward and yummy…it just may drive you “batty!” With a name that begs the question, “Are you for real?” and a history that is steeped in the blood of many a rock and roll legend – the answer is a definite yes! Vampire Vineyards is indeed for real and they make some seriously good wines. Founder and owner Michael Machat parlayed his world of connections as an entertainment attorney into a brand that today enjoys worldwide recognition and respect. Let a little of this “blood of the vine” trickle down the back of your throat…and you’ll be respectful as well!
http://www.vampirevineyards.com/

Blend
Bogle Phantom 2010
Eerily Rich and Scary Good!
(Clarksburg, CA/)/$15-$18 – A limited-release and fairly unique blend of 51% Zinfandel, 47% Petite Sirah and 2% Mourvêdre, this jewel of a wine is known as “black magic!” The word bogle means goblin, specter, phantom, bogy, boggart, or bugbear…and is arguably of Scottish or Welsh origin. The 2010 Vintage was aged for 2 years in 100% American oak. It’s fairly hard to find each year…so when you see it, get it! You’ll not be disappointed. www.boglewinery.com

Ricks Grape Skinny Heritage Wake Forest

Sunday, October 7th, 2012

Greetings Dear Oenophiles!

What?  You didn’t know you were one of “those!?”  Well — if you’re reading Rick’s Grape Skinny, you are definitely an Oenophile by golly! And what’s more…you should be proud of it! That said, I must admit…it is one of those weird words which — if spoken too loudly in the wrong places and amongst the “unknowing” — especially if there’s any accusatory finger-pointing going on — just might get you arrested at a PTA meeting!  Soooo, just to be safe…whenever you find yourself in the company of juvies…speak softly if you have to refer to someone as a…you know…one of those oenophiles!  And if being quiet and discrete are not in your wheelhouse, just make sure you have a Thesaurus App on your Smart Phone!  Otherwise, you could find yourself being cuffed by Deputy Dunce and locked up overnight with Big Bad Bubba or Lusty Lucy as your bunk mate!
Such is the reason that I — being the sensitive person that I am — tend to use less mysterious and less questionable vernacular when referring to those who enjoy pouring copious volumes of purple and straw-colored vinified alcohol down their gullets…at almost every opportunity!  Indeed, I prefer aficionado, enthusiast and devotee…as they almost sound like they refer to someone who’s official and important.  And then of course, there’s the ridiculous, totally fabricated and over-used etymological contrivance — wineau — which I must admit to using every now and again…but only because it sounds like it legitimizes the art and practice of guzzling wine. And God only knows, we all seek legitimacy do we not!?
And what about the also-ran terms like — friend of wine, lush bucket, vine addict, grape head, wine habitué, wine buff, wine bum, wine freak, wine lover, wine nut, wine zealot, wineaholic, wine maniac, wine worshiper, and gurgling gutter grabber?   Don’t know about you…but after careful consideration of the above terms, bein’ called an Oenophile ain’t sounding all that bad right about now!  Ya think?!   
OK friends-and-acquaintances-who-enjoy-wine-and-who-also-enjoy-reading-about-wine-stuff — I guess that’s enough tom-foolery for this month.  Besides, I’m busy preparing for my two week trip to Italy…and I have a lot to do before flaps-up on October 5th.  I cannot remember when I was more excited about taking a trip!
I’ll probably not be attending to my email accounts very often while I’m gone…but for those who are my FaceBook friends, I will be making updates and posting pictures as and when I can.  I’ll also make some posts to my new Rick’s Grape Skinny Facebook Page…which all of you who have FaceBook Accounts are welcome to view and to use as a resource…in any way you choose.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ricks-Grape-Skinny/501129173250148  It’s something I started about a month ago…which I’m testing as an alternative to distributing Rick’s Grape Skinny by email only.  Hope you might enjoy it.
OK…that’s it for this month…and I’ll meet you right back here on November 1st!
Ciao!

                                            Rick’s Grape Skinny

ricksgrapeskinny@gmail.com

2012

“Beer is made by man…wine by God!”

(Martin Luther)


 

The Wine of Kings…

And the King of Wines!

I’m pretty sure that some of you know the wine to which this well-deserved sobriquet refers, but for those who might not have a clue…would it surprise you to know that this “royal” wine does not hail from France…or the USA!?   Rather, the very regal wine to which I’m referring is none other than the great red wine from Italy’s Piemonte (aka Piedmont) Region…Barolo!

 

Barolo’s Beginnings…Briefly

Going back in time, Barolo wines prior to the mid 1800s were on the sweet side and rather non-descript…until that is, some combination of the Marchesa Falletti of Turin and the Count of Cavour, Camillo Benso, decided to change that.  And did they ever!  Seeking a more distinguished red wine, French winemaker Louis Oudart was hired to create a new red wine that was more worthy of and befitting the Barolo name. The new, and dry, Barolo crafted by Oudart not only pleased the Marchesa, the Count of Cavour and the masses…but it was especially well received by the aristocrats in Turin, and particularly amongst the nobles in the House of Savoy.  And so it was that Barolo came to be called the Wine of Kings and the King of Wines.  

 

Modern Day Barolo

First, you should know that Barolo is a DOCG wine (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) which means “controlled designation of origin guaranteed.”  That distinction aside, to be labeled a DOCG Barolo, the wine must also be made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and aged a minimum of three years.  Barolos designated as Riserva must be aged 5 years or longer – three in oak and two in bottle. For the longest time, Barolo wines were characterized by their high

 

 

 

tannic structure along with the reality that they had to be aged for a very long time before they would soften and become enjoyable — some for as long as ten years…or more.  Barolos also have been known for their complexity and their expansive range of exotic aromas and constantly evolving flavors once their “noble spirit” has been released from the bottle. And to this day, those attributes continue to define the classic, most coveted and most expensive Barolos.  For a classic Barolo, expect to pay $100 or more.

 

The Barolo Wars

With the passage of time, new winemaking techniques were introduced to produce Barolos that were softer, fruitier, more approachable sooner, and more affordable than were the “classic” Barolos.” And so began the so-called Barolo Wars – that pitted Traditionalist winemakers against Modernists or Reformers who thought they were making better, friendlier and more popular Barolos.  And for what it’s worth, the “wars” rage on but they are mostly wars of words…for each style of Barolo remains definitively distinctive and distinguished…and each can still claim fame as the Wine of Kings and the King of Wines!  To be sure, Barolo is one of those wines to add to one’s “Barrel List!” Nuovo Barolos can be yours for $30 to $50.

 

Barolo’s Baby Brother

There’s another “100% Nebbiolo” based wine from the Langhe area of Piemonte…and it’s known as Barbaresco.  It too is a DOCG wine, and to many aficionados it’s just as good as or better than many Barolos. Barbaresco wines must be aged two years – one in oak and one in bottle — and while the sibling can’t claim to be King, it’s certainly a fitting Crown Prince!  For a really good Barbaresco, expect to pay $40 – $50.

   Toast of the Month

“To the grandest nation earth can boast;
I love each state from coast to coast;
I love thee for thy freedom most;
My Country ‘Tis of Thee I toast.”

 (Fred Emerson Brooks)

Cluster of the Month!

Red

Blend

Tuck Beckstoffer’s   75 Wine Company   

The SUM    2010    In Sum…Symmetry Personified… Refined, Elegant and Luscious!

(Napa Valley, St. Helena, CA)/$20-$25Talk about your basic jewel of a wine…look no further!  Without question, this is one of the best $20 wines you’ll ever experience.  For years, I’ve been a huge fan of Tuck Beckstoffer’s Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon…and though “technically”, this new blend from Tuck – with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon — could also be labeled a Cab, I think that would be an injustice, because what he’s crafted in this incredible expression of the winemaker’s art is a magical blend and mingling of flavors that defy the character of a single varietal.  Bolstered and artistically accented with 15% Petite Sirah and 10% Syrah, this vintage of The SUM was aged in 100% French oak and meticulously tended for 12 months. With floral aromas that can fill a room within 30 seconds of opening the bottle…and  legs that dance all night long… this kinda-hard-to-find gem never lasts very long on the shelves of any retailer…so get it if and when you see it!  You might even want to “tuck” a few bottles away for a few of those occasions when only a very special wine will fill the bill!  http://www.75wine.com/

 

Alicante Bouschet    (One of the few red varietals that have “red flesh!”) 

Francis Ford Coppola   Alicante Bouschet   2008   Fragrant, Fruity, Rich, and Supple!

 (Napa Valley — Oakville, CA)/$15-$17 — Coppola Winemaker of renown, Corey Beck, has really proven his mettle with this splendid rendition of a grape and single varietal wine that are almost unknown to most aficionados and enthusiasts.   Aside from its incredibly vibrant red hue…it’s also distinguished as one of only a handful of red grapes whose flesh is also red!  The German Dunkelfelder and the Georgian Saperav are two others…and they belong to a unique fraternity of

 

varietals known as Teinturier.    Another quite interesting dimension of this wonderful little grape’s

vibrant red color is its association with the US Prohibition period.  Winemakers discovered that they could dilute Alicante Bouschet wine by an amazing 50% without consumers noticing…and voila…twice the normal volume of wine, instantly!  There simply cannot be a better testament to the intensity of both color or flavor of the little red grape that could!  And now you know the rest of the story!  A true taste of American History awaits you!  Oh…as to its pronunciation, in France, it’s “Ah-lee-KAHNT Boo-SHAY”; and in Spain, it’s “Ah-lee-kahnt-TAY Boo-SHAY.

http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/

 

Nebbiolo (The King of Grapes and the Grape of Kings)

Terre di Bo Barolo    2000    Sinfully Spectacular!

(Piemonte Region — Castiglione Falletto, Italy) $30-$40Barolo, which is typically referred to as the Wine of Kings and the King of Wines…is always made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes…and is a trademark wine from the Langa Hills outside the town of Alba in the famed Piemonte (Piedmont) wine growing region of Northern Italy.  I acquired my very first Barolo from the Wine Exchange in New York City during a visit I made to New York in 2005.  This is a wine that everyone wants and only a few can get…and when they do…they tend to hoard it.  If I can muster the willpower, I think I’ll sit on my remaining bottle for a few more years…as this is a wine that gets better with age and it can be cellared easily for 15 or more years.  By law, Barolo must be aged for a minimum of 3 years, 2 of which must be in wood (typically oak but Chestnut is also used by some Vintners on occasion).

http://www.albeisa.org/

 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Elizabeth Spencer  Napa Cuvée    2008    Rich, Complex, Beautifully Balanced, and Succulent!

(Napa Valley — Rutherford, CA)/$35-$40 – While it would be logical to think that Elizabeth Spencer is either the owner and/or winemaker…it would be wrong since there is no such person!  The name is actually contrived…and derived from the first names of Elizabeth Pressler and Spencer Graham who are husband and wife and also partners in making one of the single best Cabernet Sauvignons to come out of California…or anywhere else for that matter.  The O8 vintage is a perfect union of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.  Aged for 26 months in new 60 gallon French oak barrels, this is one of those “ultra premium” wines that one reads a lot about but can hardly find.  So, while you might not see this vintage on the get any one you can…because this one Cab that is always astounding!  http://www.elizabethspencerwines.com/

Courtesy of Jeff Dicks Real Estate in Heritage Wake Forest

 

Ricks Grape Skinny Heritage Wake Forest June 2012

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

Greetings Dear Enthusiasts and Aficionados!

Here’s hoping that each and every one of you have discovered a new favorite wine this past month…and if you haven’t…it would be my guess that you’re just not trying hard enough!  And trust me…I know how challenging it can be to scout out and find a new wine that makes you say Wow! There’s a lot of time and effort involved…not to mention the fact that more than a few shekels are required!  
It’s a cinch that delicious bottles of wines are not going to magically appear at your door…but guess what…for a good number of you…I might have the next best thing.  And before you ask, the answer is NO…I’m not talking about one of those wine clubs where discounters try and hoist a bunch of wine that can’t be sold otherwise!   I’m talking about an organization that is exclusively dedicated to expanding its members’ knowledge and appreciation of wine.  I’m talking about the American Wine Society…a union of enthusiasts who are all committed to learning more and more about all things wine.
This month’s Skinny is focused on this wonderful wine education organization…and given its presence in 45 states…there’s at least the possibility that there’s a chapter located near enough to you that you just might be able to consider joining and participating.  Take a gander and if it seems like something that could help you stay out of trouble, then by all means, give it a go.  For those of you who live in my neck of the woods, there are a few of us who’ve gotten together and who are forming a new North Wake Chapter of American Wine Society…and our inaugural organizing event and Open House is being held this Sunday, June 3d, from 3 to 5 PM in Cellar 275 in Wake Forest.  We’re very privileged to have the National President of AWS, Jane Duralia, and Alex Ancuta, one of our Regional Vice Presidents,as our honored guests and keynote speakers…so we are really feeling special!  The tasting fee is $10 per person.
If you miss the opportunity to attend this event…but would like to be informed of future North Wake AWS chapter events…please let the chapter leadership know by dropping us an email at northwakeaws@gmail.com — and we’ll be happy to add you to our Distribution List.
For those who live outside of my area, take a look at the American Wine Society Website and see if there might be an AWS chapter near you — http://www.americanwinesociety.org/  And if there’s not a chapter that’s close enough to join…but it sounds like something in which you’d enjoy participating…consider starting a new chapter!  The AWS website has all the particulars on how to get one started…and you’ll get all the help and support you need from the AWS national staff!  Oh…and just so you know…you do not have to be a eno-geek or have a thousand bottle cellar to be a member of AWS.  In fact…quite the opposite is true…for AWS is mostly comprised of regular people like you and me who just love their wine and who love expanding their knowledge of all things wine.
OK…that’s it for this month…except to say…Don’t Forget Flag DayJune 14th.  Dust off Old Glory…and let her fly!  Oh…and so all of you may all stay up there with our nation’s most informed…here’s a link to the history of Flag Day — http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html
Godspeed and Blessings
Rick Davis

Rick’s Grape Skinny

 

                       

 

June 2012

 

“Wine rejoices the heart of man,

 

And joy is the mother of all virtues.”

 

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1771

 

 

 

American Wine Society

 

Join & Learn a Bunch!

 

If I’ve heard folks offer these sentiments once, I’ve heard it a thousand times — “Boy, do I wish I knew more about wine!” “I am totally confused and overwhelmed every time I look at a Wine List or go to buy wines…even in a grocery store!” “I just wish I could find a wine that didn’t make me pucker up!” “I only drink one old standby because I hate the process of going out and trying to find new wines that I might like.”  “I would buy more wine, but I need to try them first.” “Every time I go out to buy wine, I see dozens of new choices, and that just confuses me to no end!” “I’d love to learn how to enjoy and appreciate wine.” Hold those thoughts dear wineau wannabes…for boy do I have the answer for your all-too-common concerns!  The American Wine Society!

 

The American Wine Society was founded nearly

45 years ago by people just like “us”…folks who enjoy wine and who are also interested in learning about all aspects of wine.  Dedicated to promoting the appreciation of wine through education, the American Wine Society is formally organized as a consumer-oriented “non-profit” educational organization.  Imagine that, going to classes where it’s perfectly OK to drink wine!

 

Founded in part by Finger Lakes wine legend, Dr. Konstantin Frank…who also founded and owns the widely acclaimed Vinifera Vineyards of Hammondsport, New York…AWS has grown from two hundred or so like-minded growers, vintners, retailers, and enthusiasts to a burgeoning union of more than 4000 wine lovers in 45 states.  With 120 + chapters across the country, there is quite likely an AWS chapter near you that you could consider joining.   

 

So Why Join AWS?

You know…somehow I just knew you were going to ask that!  So let me get on with the merits of membership.  First and foremost, AWS is the nation’s largest consumer-based wine education organization…and it is organized and operated in a manner that perpetuates its educational focus.   AWS is not a business or social networking organization…and…it is not a drinking club!  Conversely, AWS is an alliance of wine enthusiasts which is dedicated to identifying and fulfilling the evolving wine related interests of those who share a desire to expand their knowledge and appreciation of wine.  Most chapters host a monthly educational event and tasting – the topics and wines for which are determined by chapter members.

 

Not that you might need any more reasons to join…but there is the Annual Conference (in Portland, Oregon this November), the AWS Journal and News, the hugely popular AWS Certified Wine Judge Program, the AWS Wine School, amateur winemaking materials, annual competitions for both amateur and commercial wines, the AWS Education Foundation that awards college level research scholarships, the National Tasting Project, discounts for wineries and professional services, professional memberships, sponsorships and advertising opportunities…and…a new and improved  feature-rich AWS website! 

 

Oh…and it goes without saying that AWS members get to hang out with some of the world’s nicest people, they get to learn more about wine and to taste more wines than 99% of the rest of the world…and within just a few months of joining…members no longer have anxiety attacks and tremble with fear when they go into a wine shop or start reading a 10 page Wine List!  Best of all…in no time, members will be able to tell those pushy, know-it-all retailers what they can do with those bottles of plonk they try to pour down our throats!  Hey, I’ll toast to that!  So where do you sign up? Glad you asked!

 

Here’s the link to the AWS website — http://www.americanwinesociety.org/ and don’t hesitate to call Diane Chappell, the AWS Member Services Manager if you have any questions!   She is the best!  888-297-9070

   Toast of the Month  

 

 

 

“To the grandest nation earth can boast;
I love each state from coast to coast;
I love thee for thy freedom most;
My Country ‘Tis of Thee I toast!”

 

 (Fred Emerson Brooks)

 

 

 

Don’t Forget Flag Day !

 

June14 th !

 

 

The Monthly Cluster!

Reds

Grignolino  

Le Nocche    2010   Grignolino d’Asti

Light, Elegant and Floral…it’s Bottled Heaven!

(Piemonte Region Italy – Asti DOC)…$16-$20

Wow…what an incredible and irresistible expression of this rarely seen varietal from northern Italy’s famed Piemonte Region. Known more for its big bad brothers, Barolo and Barbaresco, Piemonte is also notorious for hiding and holding onto a number of its stellar siblings…one of which is this exquisitely shy and delicate damsel of delight, Grignolino (Green-yo-leen-oh)! The widely acclaimed artisans from Vinchio-Vaglio Serra have kindly seen fit to grace our shores with this darling of a wine…and believe you me, she’s destined to steal a lot of hearts!  With a crystal clear and intriguingly distinctive burnt crimson color, its delicate dry nature is beautifully enhanced by an evolving palate of aromatics and flavors that ranges from strawberries and tart Bing cherries to allspice and vanilla. In brief, it’s nothing short of bliss in a bottle and it makes a perfect date for cheeses, pâtés and cured meats…as well as fare that might feature veal, pork or fowl!  This is a versatile wine whose concurrently fruity and floral nature is as distinctive as it is delicious. www.vinchio.com/newsite/eng/home.php

 

Pinot Noir

Acacia Carneros  2009  Fruit-forward, Rich & Excellent!  (Carneros Appellation – Napa, CA)/$16-$22 – This wonderfully luscious wine from the “heartbreak grape” is in a class with considerably more expensive Pinot Noirs…and it’s as elegant and supple as they come.  Winemaker Matthew Glynn crafted this beautifully structured wine from 100% Pinot Noir grapes – 90% of which were taken from vineyards in the Acacia Estate and the balance from nearby and highly controlled vines.  Aged in a combination of 70% French and Hungarian oak (30% new) for only 7 months – the fruit from this vintage is an exceptional expression and it’s a marvelous and wonderful example of perfecting a wine from the fickle and very hard-to-tame Pinot Noir grape. www.acaciavineyard.com

 

Red Blend

Hedges CMS  2009    Chewy, Fruity & Awesome!

(Columbia Valley – Benton City, WA)/$15-$18 – This fantastic blend of 45% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Syrah is probably the single best Washington State red blends  under $20 I’ve  tasted in a good long while.  To boot, if this incredibly rich and silky smooth delicacy is a harbinger of things to come from the Pacific Northwest, then California better look out!  Its definitive richness is achieved through “minimal intervention and filtering” – a winemaking approach characterized by allowing Mother Nature to work her magic.  For under $20, it’s a bargain bonanza of taste…and it’s worth hunting down!

www.hedgescellars.com/

 

Rosés

Frias Rosé  2009 Fresh, Crisp, Fruity, & Fun!

(Spring Mountain District – Napa,  CA)/$12-$17 Talk about a perfect wine to enjoy on a hot Spring afternoon…look no further!  Frias Family Vineyards Rosé is fruity, fun, fresh, & feisty…and it’s one of those “pinkies” that is likely to please even those “macho” palates!  The Frias family – and their head winemaker, Todd Heth, have applied the enviable amount of talent and creativity in crafting a truly superb Rosé.  With the kind of care and attention to detail that is more often associated with the making of artisanal varietal wines, this light ruby jewel resulted from a careful blending of juices taken from red varietals across the harvest period. It was fermented at very low temperatures – an approach that serves to preserve and highlight its fruit-forward character – and it was then allowed to rest for 5 months in an unspecified combination of oak and stainless steel.  The result is a succulent and delicately floral in nature Rosé that is sure to become a favorite! www.friasfamilyvineyard.com/

Courtesy of Jeff Dicks Real Estate

Your Wake County Real Estate Resource

Help my Raleigh home for sale won’t Sell!

Thursday, April 5th, 2012
What are your options now that your Raleigh Home for sale won’t sell?

Who should I contact about re-listing my home?

What differences are needed to sell my home?


 Expired Listing

Putting up your Raleigh home for sale in the spring only to see it under-marketed and expired is extremely frustrating. There are many reasons that a home might not sell in this market place although there are a few more likely glaring possibilities.

Home Price Was your Raleigh NC home priced at what you thought was fair? Often times in a buyer’s market like we are in homes are priced too high, only to end up not selling at all. The first thing to do is look at recently sold Raleigh real estate home costs in the surrounding neighborhoods over the past 6 months. Was the cost of your home reflected within their selling costs?

Real Estate Marketing Many of  Raleigh realtors seem to have one foot in the down and one foot wandering upon the line as to whether or not they want to consider being a Real Estate Professional. Did the agent put your home on the MLS and call it a day? It’s important that when listing with an agent you learn how they intend to market your home uniquely. A good measure of a Raleigh realtor’s ability to market is to identify their website and online presence. Being that this is the first place buyer’s typically go to find a home, a good presence is necessary to be a successful listing agent.

Agent Aptitude Did your Raleigh realtor really take the time to inform you of their processes and provide you with the feedback they were receiving on your home? Make sure you know who you’re dealing with. Check references, ask for testimonials, review their website, and most importantly ask them what makes them more qualified to sell your listing than any other agent in the local market place. If they don’t have good answers or tools for these questions you may want to consider shopping around.

The above is just a sampling of some of the reasons. For more information on Wake County Real Estate or Wake County Real Estate data. Contact Jeff Dicks Real Estate at 800-516-9507

We look forward to helping you with your Raleigh NC Real Estate needs

Wake County Real Estate

Monday, March 26th, 2012
SELLER’S ARTICLES – FOR THE SMART CONSUMER

Three Tips for Increasing Your Wake County Real Estate Home’s Value
The best way to increase your home’s value before you sell it is to think like a buyer!  Think back to the time when you were shopping for a new home, or analyze your current experience if you are already looking for your next home.  As a buyer, what features did you look for?  What features attracted you to your current home and helped you to decide that it was the right one for you?

When you think about the features that attracted you, remember that others will most likely find them attractive as well.  However, if you have owned your home for several years or more, it might be time to update some things in order to meet the growing demands of today’s home buyers.

Curb Appeal Draws Potential Buyers to Your Home
Anyone who has ever purchased a home will tell you that the first thing they noticed about the home was how it looked from the outside.  And they will probably also tell you that they drove past many homes before they found a few that piqued their interest.

This is a commonly known fact among real-estate agents.  Buyers appreciate homes that sparkle on the outside and, once they’re drawn inside, they will be very excited to see what else these homes have to offer.

Most of today’s buyers research homes online before they ever make that first drive.  The very first thing buyers are presented with online is a photograph.  Only after the photo has their attention do they begin looking at the details of what the home has to offer.

Take a photograph of your home and look at it objectively, from a buyer’s perspective.  Do the lawn and gardens that are visible from the front of the home appear to be well maintained?  Is the roof in good repair? Are there any sagging gutters?  Do you see debris in the gutters?  What about the windows and exterior paint?

If any of these items look like they are in need of some TLC (tender loving care), then they probably are.  Apart from the roof, these items are generally inexpensive to address. With only a small amount of time and money, you can improve your home’s appearance significantly.

Consider hiring a professional landscaper in order to get your lawn in tip-top condition.  You may decide that your home would be more welcoming if the walkway to the front door were bordered with planters full of beautiful flowers. 

If you decide to paint the exterior of your home, look around the neighborhood first.  Try to select a neutral color that will blend in nicely with the other colors commonly used in the neighborhood.  White is almost always a good choice, along with beige, grey or brown.

Potential buyers can view your home more easily when it is bright inside.  Often this is quite easy to achieve.  Sometimes you can make your home brighter simply by lifting the shades, opening the curtains or cleaning your windows.

Buyers Love New Kitchens and Bathrooms
If you purchased your home in the 1970s, you may have loved the orange Formica that covers your countertops.  Likewise, the blue ceramic tile in the bathroom was probably just the right shade to match the towels given to you as a wedding gift.  Unfortunately, a potential buyer might not get quite as excited about the matching pink toilet and sink in the powder room.

If you can relate to these statements, then consider updating your kitchen and bathrooms.  Although kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects are significant home improvements, buyers will be willing to pay more for your home when you advertise that it has a brand-new kitchen.

Your real-estate agent can offer some suggestions about what buyers want in a kitchen or bathroom, and you can also ask friends and family members what they think would improve your home’s attractiveness.

If your kitchen is small, look for a way to enlarge the space.  Removing a wall, or even cutting a wall in half to install an island or breakfast bar, could improve the space.

If you decide to replace your cabinets, select light-colored, solid-wood cabinetry with quality hardware.  Consider a hardwood floor or ceramic tiles.  Today’s buyers appreciate natural materials and neutral decors.

Don’t forget about the appliances.  Even if you do not plan to sell your appliances with the home, purchase new appliances when you update your kitchen.  Brand-new appliances sparkle, demonstrating your commitment to quality to potential buyers.

A quick visit to a local home-improvement store will show you the latest trends for kitchens and bathrooms.  Pursuing a modern look is alright, but you will probably attract more buyers if you maintain a classic look achieved through the use of timeless, high- quality materials.

Increase the Amount of Light, or at Least Create the Illusion
Real-estate agents everywhere offer one piece of advice for improving the value of a home more than any other.  That advice is, “let in the light!”

Potential buyers can view your home more easily when it is bright inside.  Often this is quite easy to achieve.  Sometimes you can make your home brighter simply by lifting the shades, opening the curtains or cleaning your windows.  Consider selecting some inexpensive fabric to use as a flowing drape to replace your normal, heavy curtains. 

If your home is still on the dark side, consider applying a fresh coat of paint.  Clean white ceilings alone will probably improve the appearance and value of your home. Reflection provides the illusion of light, so a simple coat of white paint can help to create that illusion.

If your walls are dark or covered in wallpaper or paneling, remove the covering in favor of a neutral paint color.  Much like curb appeal, increasing the amount of light in your home is almost always a relatively inexpensive way to boost the your home’s value for potential buyers.

Improving the appearance of your home will significantly increase the amount that potential buyers are willing to pay for your home.  The three tips above are the fastest ways to increase the value of your home, and two of them require only minimal investment.

By spending a few weekends improving your home in these ways, you can increase the number of buyers who will want to see the inside of your home.  Obviously, you do not want a potential buyer to be excited when looking at the outside of your home, but disappointed when looking at the interior, so consider a fresh coat of paint throughout. 

Once the buyer has stepped inside, he or she will be pleased to discover the updated kitchen and bathrooms. A beautiful kitchen alone can sell your home. A modern, yet classy kitchen with the latest features can raise the home’s value significantly.

Your realtor is prepared to offer suggestions for improving your home’s value before it is listed for sale.  Even if your home has already been listed, your realtor can make suggestions about things you can do to get more competitive offers.

Depending on where you currently live, buyers may be attracted to specific home features.  Your realtor can point you in the right direction and help you prioritize the types of repairs and upgrades that will help you sell your home for the price you want.

Courtesy Jeff Dicks Real Estate Group Keller Williams Realty Raleigh NC

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Heritage of Wake Forest NC

 

Houses For Sale In Raleigh NC Market Snapshot

Monday, March 19th, 2012

So How are My Neighborhood Home Prices Doing?

I’d like to take a moment to personally thank all my readers as we are well into our third year of publication. Many readers will ask “Hey Jeff” How are home prices doing in Heritage Wake Forest NC? Well… it depends.  I wanted to re-introduce our Market Snapshot located on our home page of our main website www.JeffDicks.com and after a couple of clicks and filling in some blanks. Voila !! … You’ll have up to date and local MLS information sent to your e-mail inbox. It’s a great tool and as always we’re here to help you interpret the information and answer any questions you have. Check out the Market Snapshot for Raleigh Real Estate, Wake Forest Homes For Sale or Cary NC Real Estate Community Information.

Courtesy of the Jeff Dicks Real Estate Group

Jobs Hiring in Raleigh NC

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Updated employment figures of hiring jobs in Raleigh NC and the Triangle area surged to 17,500 new jobs lowering the unemployment rate to single digits in the most recent economic data. Raleigh continues to show signs of an improving economy. PRA International adds to the Triangle area’s clinical research industry and has doubled it’s staff in the last six months with over 400 employees. In the past week Toyota motors also announced it’s hiring another 250 employees.

Job growth is steadily improving even though we have seen some M & A activity with businesses and some having announced layoffs. It may be somewhat early to ring the bell that were well on our way to recovery but with the recent 35% uptick in Raleigh real estate sales early in 2012 it’s hard to ignore.

Search Raleigh Real Estate

Heritage Wake Forest Homes For Sale

Briar Creek NC

Courtesy of the Jeff Dicks Real Estate Group

Rick’s Grape Skinny @ Heritage of Wake Forest

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Rick’s Grape Skinny
March 2012
“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, and which incorporates itself with the grapes, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.” Benjamin Franklin

American Grand Cru Society
What a Grand Idea!

Every now and again, we all stumble upon something in the wonderful world of wine that not only piques our interest…but makes us say, “Wow…what a great idea. Wish I’d thought of that!” Well, the American Grand Cru Society is just such an idea – and though it’s not my idea, I I am no less excited to have become a member during its formative stages…and I look forward to helping the AGCS achieve its noble goals.

Founded by long time wine aficionado and professional wine consultant, Greg Poirier, the not-for-profit AGCS was principally conceived from the depths of Greg’s wine-related passion and his drive to better serve all who might buy or produce wine in America. Having become a Certified Sommelier in 1995 (through the renowned Court of Master Sommeliers), Greg also owns and operates a travel and wine education business, Wine Guy Tours, that offers tailored, instructional travel and training experiences to the world’s major wine regions. http://www.wineguytours.com/ Greg also earned an MBA from the acclaimed School of Business in Bordeaux, France this past year! And oh by the way, when Greg isn’t engaged in his wine related passions, he also holds a full time job!

At the risk of putting words in Founder Greg’s mouth, it’s at least my sensing that the AGCS was born in large part from the universal knowledge that the best wines are made in the vineyards…and that through identifying America’s best vineyards…we might also derive an evolving list of America’s best wines and wine producers. To be sure, the concept of identifying and classifying the best vineyards and the best terroir for growing grapes is not new, and indeed the “Grand Cru” terminology is taken from the highly regulated French system of categorizing and classifying their wines.

There’s certainly no reason to try and replicate the complex French approach, but as US wine consumption grows and marketing techniques and approaches become more clever and aggressive, it is important, I think, to do all we can to protect consumers through achieving and ensuring common usage and understanding of key wine terms…especially those that are used to market and promote wine consumption. Among those terms are Grand Cru and American Grand Cru – especially when referring to and inferring something about American vineyards.

With that thought in mind, Greg registered the terminology American Grand Cru® with the US Patent and Trade Office. As a result, only the AGCS now has the legal basis and authority to designate Grand Cru and American Grand Cru Vineyards — and to authorize the use of that terminology on labels and marketing materials. To date, only two vineyards have earned American Grand Cru status — Napa Valley’s famed Robert Mondavi Kalon Vineyard and the equally regarded Pisoni Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Isn’t it also about time we recognized those who grow the grapes and who farm and provide stewardship of some of our nation’s best and most precious terroir!?

This is an endeavour whose time has come and whose merits will benefit consumers, growers, winemakers, producers, and the entire industry of wine professionals in and outside of America. Now in its infancy, I hope you will consider joining the AGCS and become a part of helping it grow, prosper and bear fruit. Prosit!
http://www.americangrandcrusociety.com/

Toast of the Month
“May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, and may the word of God direct us.” St. Patrick

The Monthly Cluster!
Red
Carménère (Chile’s Signature Grape)
Viña Maquis 2009 Deep, Dark and Delicious!
(Colchagua Valley, Chile)/$12-$14 – For nearly 60 years, the Hurtado family grew some of Chile’s best grapes and sold them to some of Chile’s finest wineries. Twelve years ago however, under the visionary leadership of Ricardo Hurtado, the family decided to make its own wines…an endeavor that took years of dedicated hard work. So in 2002, with a new state-of-the-art winery, the help of Xavier Choné overseeing the vineyards and the magic of Chief Winemaker, Juan Jofré, this 100% Carmenere brilliantly showcases the Hurtados’ extraordinary success. Key to making this classically expressive wine was aging only half of the wine in second and third use French oak barristas for a year…an approach that yields a fruit-forward and mouth watering wine! http://www.vinamaquis.com/

Red Blend
Toro de Piedra 2009 Carménère – Cabernet
Rich, Succulent and Smooth as Silk!
(Maule Valley, Chile)/$11-$13 – From the prestigious Viña Requingua family and their Puerto Viejo portfolio of wines, this scrumptious blend of 60% Carménère and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of superb. Aged for a full year in an unspecified apportionment of new French and American oak, the result is a highly aromatic wine whose delight lasts and lingers for several lip-smacking minutes. Reminiscent of Left Bank Bordeaux blends of a hundred or so years ago, one can only imagine and wonder how this splendid blend might stack up against its more ancient French ancestors. For what it’s worth, I’d stand this up against many contemporary Bordeaux blends! And lest there be doubt, this wine is a great value! http://www.requingua.cl/english/index.php

Domaine Houchart 2007 Cotes de Provence
(Provence, France)/$11-13 – From one of France’s most venerable and prolific wine producers, the Quiot family, this exceptional red blend is indeed a taste of the South of France! La Famille Quiot has been making wine since 1748…and for all those years, they have uniquely specialized in making wines from the Rhone and Provence Regions. All to say that they know what they’re doing…and each of us has the good fortune of being able to benefit from their exceptional winemaking prowess. The 2007 Rouge is comprised of mostly Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon and it was aged-to-taste — in new oak for 10 to 12 months. The finished product is a splendid medium-bodied quaff that is soft and fruit-forward. It’s also among the most versatile wines you’ll ever find.
http://www.famillequiot.com/

White
Cortese
SANT’ EVASIO 2010 Gavi di Gavi
(Gavi DOCG — Piemonte, Italy)/$15-$17
Cantina Sant’ Evasio was born from the ruins of World War II. With nothing much more than a destroyed chapel and fallowed vines to be found, Carlo and Anna Lacqua bought the land 50 years ago and began making wine for their friends. Over the span of many years, Carlo’s winemaking knowledge, skill and passion grew and today…aided by son Pier and daughter Andrea…the Lacqua family is not only making astonishingly excellent and notable wines…but wines that leave warm fuzzies and indelible memories! Off-dry, floral and impactful, this sinfully delicious Gavi di Gavi expression is one of the best I’ve tasted…and all for a price point that’s a rare find indeed.
http://www.santevasiovini.com/

Oracle of Omaha says !!

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

” Last year, I told you that “a housing recovery will probably begin within a year or so.” I was dead
wrong. We have five businesses whose results are significantly influenced by housing activity. The
connection is direct at Clayton Homes, which is the largest producer of homes in the country,
accounting for about 7% of those constructed during 2011.

Additionally, Acme Brick, Shaw (carpet), Johns Manville (insulation) and MiTek (building products,
primarily connector plates used in roofing) are all materially affected by construction activity. In
aggregate, our five housing-related companies had pre-tax profits of $513 million in 2011. That’s
similar to 2010 but down from $1.8 billion in 2006.

Housing will come back – you can be sure of that. Over time, the number of housing units necessarily
matches the number of households (after allowing for a normal level of vacancies). For a period of
years prior to 2008, however, America added more housing units than households. Inevitably, we
ended up with far too many units and the bubble popped with a violence that shook the entire economy.
That created still another problem for housing: Early in a recession, household formations slow, and in
2009 the decrease was dramatic.

That devastating supply/demand equation is now reversed: Every day we are creating more households
than housing units. People may postpone hitching up during uncertain times, but eventually hormones
take over. And while “doubling-up” may be the initial reaction of some during a recession, living with
in-laws can quickly lose its allure.

At our current annual pace of 600,000 housing starts – considerably less than the number of new
households being formed – buyers and renters are sopping up what’s left of the old oversupply. (This
process will run its course at different rates around the country; the supply-demand situation varies
widely by locale.) While this healing takes place, however, our housing-related companies sputter,
employing only 43,315 people compared to 58,769 in 2006. This hugely important sector of the
economy, which includes not only construction but everything that feeds off of it, remains in a
depression of its own.

I believe this is the major reason a recovery in employment has so severely
lagged the steady and substantial comeback we have seen in almost all other sectors of our economy.
Wise monetary and fiscal policies play an important role in tempering recessions, but these tools don’t
create households nor eliminate excess housing units. Fortunately, demographics and our market
system will restore the needed balance – probably before long. When that day comes, we will again
build one million or more residential units annually. I believe pundits will be surprised at how far
unemployment drops once that happens. They will then re awake to what has been true since 1776:
America’s best days lie ahead.”

Heritage Wake Forest- Your Heritage Neighbor News

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

Service For Life!

Click to view this email in a browser

Jeff Dicks's…
Your Heritage Neighbor! ®
Insider Tips for Healthy, Wealthy and Happy Living
 
Inside This Issue…

  • The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick…
  • Four Things Locksmiths Don't Want You To Know…
  • Fun Facts and Laughs: Most Stolen Items At Home, First Aid Hot and Cold Rules, And More…
  • Trivia Challenge: Win [[Free Movie Tickets For Two]]
  • Real Estate Q&A: What Can I Ask The Seller To Pay For When Buying A Home?
 
If you're not already a subscriber to my free e–newsletter email me to sign–up
 
Jeff Dicks Jeff Dicks
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: (919) 793-4730
Email: jeff@jeffdicks.com
www.JeffDicks.com

..

Are you sick of getting the cold and flu? In today's Your Heritage Neighbor!® Free consumer newsletter you'll get tips to prevent sickness and be healthier this year.

You'll also learn four insider secrets of locksmiths, where to stash your cash so it's safe in your home, plus funny jokes, a trivia challenge, and lots more.

Jeff Dicks

Jeff Dicks, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty

PS.  When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide?

They may be people needing to move in the next 6 months, and you can tell them about my Free Consumer Report: "Home Seller's Guide To Moneymaking Fix-Ups". You'll look really smart because this informative guide explains how to avoid costly repair rip-offs and what improvements bring the biggest return. To request a copy for a friend, simply email me at jeff@jeffdicks.com, or call me at: (919) 793-4730.

 
Today's Brain Teaser . . .

How many F's are in the following sentence?…
Finished files are the result of years of
scientific study and also years of experience.

  (see answer below)

The Secrets of People Who
Never Get Sick . . .

How do some people never get sick while the rest of us seem to get a cold or the flu at least once a year? Health journalist, Gene Stone, captured the secrets of 25 people who claim to never get sick in his recent book The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick. If you want to be healthier this year, here are four practical, food-related secrets he discovered to prevent sickness:

1) Garlic.  Researchers at the University of Western Australia found people who started eating garlic regularly reduced their sick days by more than 50%. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help ward off colds or the flu. An easy way to eat more garlic is to include it in a rice or pasta dish a few times a week.

2) Probiotics.  This good bacteria can relieve gastrointestinal conditions and boost your body's immune system. Probiotics that live in your digestive system make it harder for disease-creating germs to move in. Eat one or more of these probiotic-rich foods each day: yogurt with live cultures, sauerkraut, cottage cheese, or probiotic-fortified soy milk. You can also take a probiotic supplement found in most natural food stores.

3) Brewer's Yeast.  Most of the brewer's yeast that you can buy from vitamin or health food stores is an extract from yeast used to ferment beer and wine. Brewer's yeast contains B vitamins that the body uses to maintain blood cells and the immune system. Take one tablespoon each day in powdered form, dissolved in water, to get your recommended daily allowance of B vitamins. This simple supplement can also lower your risk of some cancers.

4) Vegetables.  There's a reason your mother always told you to eat your veggies. If you eat a lot of meats and sugars, your diet is probably acidic with not enough alkaline-based foods to balance out your pH levels. Your pH level is a measure of the acidity to alkaline in your body. And recent studies have linked disease to high levels of acidity. Eating vegetables, legumes, and olive oil keeps your body more at a pH "neutral" level and can help you stay healthy.

Stone says, "Since I started researching this book, I haven't been sick once." I hope you'll say the same after trying some of these tips. To preview the contents of "Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick" or order the book, go to: www.amazon.com.

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Save Thousands When Buying Or Financing!

Did you know there's a free consumer report revealing ways to save time and money when buying a home? It's called "8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding, Buying and Financing Your Next Home," and it's great even if you're not planning to buy soon. To get your free copy email me by clicking here, or call me at: (919) 793-4730.

Four Things Locksmiths Don't
Want You To Know

If you get locked out of your home or simply need new locks, here are some insider secrets to protect yourself and your pocketbook:

1. Check all your doors before you call.  They often arrive at the house and try another door, find it unlocked and charge you for the service.

2. Be careful of scam artists posing as professionals.  Some quote a great rate on the phone and claim they have a special lock at a higher price when they arrive. Find reputable pros at: www.findalocksmith.com.

3. Replace thumb-turn deadbolts near windows.  Whatever the locksmith says, you need to use a double cylinder lock that uses a key near windows. Why? Because it is too easy for a criminal to break a window, reach in, and unlock the door.

4. Cheap locks are easily defeated.  Purchase a "Grade 2" lockset. It's more secure and durable than Grade 1, but you don't need Grade 3 which are for commercial buildings and can be expensive. You may want to ask your locksmith to install high-security locks with keys that can't be replicated at the hardware store.

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Do You Have A Real Estate Or Home-
Ownership Question You Want Answered?

Maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Or maybe you just need a recommendation for a handyman, carpet cleaner or plumber…

Either way, I love hearing from all of my good friends and clients. And I'm always looking to answer pressing questions you might have about anything relating to real estate or home-ownership. If you have a question, tip or idea, please feel free to email me by clicking here, or call me at: (919) 793-4730. I'm here to help!

Fun Facts and Laughs . . .

Most Stolen Items At Home . . .

These are the items reported by the website www.homesalarm.com. Some of them made the list because they are simply easy to find in the average home. In order, the most stolen are:

  1. Cash (see where to stash below)
  2. Tools and building supplies
  3. Home electronics
  4. Bicycles and parts
  5. Jewelry, Furs, and Silver

Best Places to Stash Cash . . .

You may think you have your stash in a safe place, but burglars know where to look. www.frugaldad.com suggests the following places to hide your cash:

  • In the freezer between used meat trays and wrapped in aluminum foil.
  • Behind the cardboard backing of a picture frame that is hard to reach.
  • Under something heavy like an entertainment center or piano.
  • Inside a used soup can on a shelf.

First Aid Hot and Cold Rules . . .

Knowing when to use hot or cold for injuries can be very confusing. Here are the general rules.

Heat increases circulation. Use it for chronic pain like tight muscles in your lower back.

Cold reduces inflammation. Acute injuries such as a newly sprained ankle can benefit from applying cold.

Alternating Hot and Cold is helpful when you have soft-tissue damage or overstretched ligaments. Try 20 minutes of cold each hour in the first 24 hours. Applying 20 minutes of warmth each hour for a few more days should reduce affects of injury. If you still have inflammation after 72 hours, you should call a doctor.

Have A Laugh — "What Do You Say?" . . .

I was visiting an office when a woman walked in with her 3-week old baby and her seven-year-old son.

Turns out she was on maternity leave, and just visiting coworkers.

Of course everyone gathered around the new toddler, while the young boy asked, "Mommy, can I have some money to buy a soda?"

"What do you say?" she asked.

Respectfully, the boy replied, "You're thin and beautiful."

With a smile, the woman immediately pulls out her purse and hands him money for a soda.

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Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Thank You! Thank You!

Thanks to all of my clients and friends who support my practice and graciously referred me to your friends and neighbors! Rather than pester people with unwanted calls and visits, I build my business based on the positive comments and referrals from people just like you. I couldn't do it without you!

Mike & Mary Rochon & Glenn & Allison Miller

Trivia Challenge for the Month…
"Who Else Wants To
Win A $25 Gift Card?"

Guess who won last month's Trivia Question? I'm pleased to announce the lucky winner of last month's quiz. And the winner is…drum roll please: Ken Corcoran of Wake Forest was the first > person to correctly answer my quiz question.

Who won the World Series in 1903?

a) Yankees    b) Red Sox    c) Americans    d) Giants

The answer is c) Americans. You may have answered the Boston Red Sox, but at the time, the name of the team was the Boston Americans. So, let's move on to this month's trivia question.

What is the most populated time zone in North America?


a) Pacific

b) Eastern

c) Central

d) Mountain
 

EMAIL ME AT: jeff@jeffdicks.com OR Call Me At (919) 793-4730 And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!

 
Brain Teaser Answer:

If your answer was three, you counted like most people.
Actually, the correct answer is six. Our brain has difficulty
processing the word "of" as containing the letter F because
it sounds like the letter V when pronounced.

Thanks For Thinking of Me!

Did you know I can help you or any of your friends or family save time and money when buying or selling a home? Thanks for keeping me in mind with your referrals…and spreading the word about my services.

Real Estate Q & A . . .
Q.  What can I ask the seller to pay for when buying a home?

A.  Remember, everything you ask from a seller is a concession in their mind. Whether you're asking them to lower the price, make a decorating allowance or contribute to your closing costs, they are primarily interested in the bottom line dollar proceeds at closing.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Negotiations can be tough if you try to get the seller to both lower the price and also make other concessions or contributions to your closing costs too. It can actually compromise your ability to come to an agreement.

Appraisers are now asked to consider the dollar value of any seller concessions when they determine the value of the home you are purchasing.

Lenders will limit the contributions made by the seller without lowering your loan amount. It is important for you to ask your lender what they will allow the seller to pay.

If you'd like to learn more about the home-buying process and how to get the home of your dreams at a price you can afford please call me at: (919) 793-4730 or email me at jeff@jeffdicks.com.

Or, if you have any other real estate questions, I'm here to help.

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Disclaimer:  The information contained in this email is intended for informational purposes.  It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services advice.  Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This email is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.

Copyright (c) 2012 by Jeff Dicks Real Estate, Inc.