Vinyl & Wine – Installment I

Vinyl & Wine – Installment I

It’s a shame we make the same mistakes over and over again.
A few days after I completed my first sitting of Vinyl & Wine, a friend and I had a conversation in which
we talked about how it is often difficult to broach a subject when we know the conversation could be
tumultuous; though we are quite confident the end result will be positive. Yet each time the situation
arises, we find ourselves backed against the same wall, sweating profusely, flustered by all the
permutations of possibly negative outcomes.
We make other mistakes too. We create agendas when none are required. We use thirty words when
ten will do. We say things we do not mean. We mean to say things we forget or cannot find the words
for. We all too often find ourselves to be all too human.
Then we hear a song. We drink a glass of wine. We laugh with friends. We write letters to relatives.
We run into old flames. We kindle fires with new ones. We hold hands with our spouses. We find
ourselves a collective of unstoppable forces united in the enjoyment of the beauty of the things we are
beholden to. We are simple in our complexities. We are flawless in our recurring error.
This is the beauty of Kris Kristofferson. A man whose words are so simple, yet capture so much depth of
meaning. A classic, and yet sometimes forgotten songwriter; amongst the greatest of a generation.
In the Austin Sessions, Kristofferson even further explores the rapt emotion and what feels like effortless
depth of the origins of some of his greatest works, and does so by creating more raw, stripped down
versions while adding delicate harmonies to create fullness and balance.
It was only fitting then that I happened upon the selection of a rugged yet flavorful Spanish Rioja red
named Ergo, from Martín Codax, to match up with this album, creating a blend as natural and raw as the
components themselves.
The Rioja is named for its region in Spain and is made primarily from Tempranillo, a rich, black grape
used to create full-bodied reds. Tempranillos are traditionally rich with berry and plum flavors with
touches of tobacco, herb, leather, and vanilla. The tannins are evident, but not overwhelming.
Truly it seemed unspectacular at first; by no means a shock to the pallet. Yet as both the wine and the
words set in, both began to absorb my mind in a specific way. The richness was subtle and had to be
earned. It seemed such an appropriate parallel for Kristofferson; especially an older, stripped-down,
humbler, and wiser version.
The real beauty of Kris Kristofferson is that he cannot be taken on contrivance. I think this is why it was
so important that this blend of the Austin Sessions and Ergo was my first venture with Vinyl & Wine.
Vinyl & Wine is daunting task. Both music and wine are so organic in their nature, but more than that,
are capable of being so dynamic, beautiful, and haunting. Who am I to manufacture a scenario where I
pontificate on how to match these together?
Yes, the concept seems great, and I am fairly certain what will come of it could create a positive
experience for those partaking, but what about all those negative outcomes?

I suppose making wine or music either one is a microcosm of life in that way. So many things could go
wrong in the process to make the outcome not quite as beautiful as you might hope. But then there is
also that chance, just that slight chance, in which it could all go right.
As far as the review goes, this album is so full of masterful work, it is nearly impossible to break down all
the poignant statements and evident parallels between Kristofferson’s song writing, vocals,
accompaniments, and melodies to the rugged and steady flavors of this choice Rioja.
One moment of clarity did strike however, as I listened intently the album through. During
Kristofferson’s duet with singer/songwriter Marc Cohn on Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever
Do Again), he sings of loving a woman in such a way that it was as effortless a thing as any man could do
in life. In one line he sings, “dreamin’ was as easy as believin’ it was never gonna end”, and in that line,
in that moment, I saw clearly the fusion of our love of life and imbibing and romanticism. It brought to
mind Lady Brett Ashley, and Tracy Lord, or a young lady who refuses to call back during the day but only
at night, after a flight of Spanish reds, to help her get her dress unbuttoned.
We fall for it every time – the same mistakes.

But it keeps life interesting. – A.E.R.