The Core of Wine Madness

One of the highlights of the San Diego Morrison Family Vacation is always the annual "Wine Madness" evening. Every summer we get together for a big dinner party, complete with at least 12 different bottles of wine (not necessarily all finished by the end of the night). All wines are contributions of those in attendance; the original members of the elite La Jolla Bragging and Tasting Club (it's elite because nobody knows about it). This is the most intelligent, eclectic group of men I have ever met:

Siggins: 72 years old, surfer, neuroscientist, Harvard grad and musician (and it goes without saying, wine connoisseur). Always brings great dessert wines. Has three children, from two different generations. Currently unmarried. Claim to fame: taught Bob Dylan how to ride a motorcycle, and dated Linda Rondstadt.

Tibor: 60ish years old, mechanical engineer with a PhD in Psychology. Incredible collection of wines from the 70's and 80's. Never married, no children, but the Godfather to my brother. Once stopped wearing shoes for more than an entire year. Phenomenal cook (if you don't mind eating dinner at 10pm). Not-so-secret talent: can fall asleep sitting up, without any backing (i.e. on a piano bench)

Greg: 53 years old, molecular biologist, wine maker, architecture guru, gym buff, lady killer. Has a taste for bret wines, but loves a good Spanish wine (and Spanish lady). Unmarried, no children. Soon to be a member to La Jolla Bragging and Tasting Club. Coolest body ink: double helix tattoos on each bicep, designed by Odile Crick - wife of Francis Crick.

Jeff: 50ish years old, Only non-neuroscientist with degrees from Cal Tech. Wine genius. Loves a good Zin or an old Cab. Married, two children. Not an official member of the LBTC, but certainly an honorary member. Little known fact: got an 1600 on his SATs, way before they were out of 2400.

C-Lai: 50ish years old, Hawaiian, neuroscientist who recently relocated to Indiana (we missed him this year). Known for bringing blind tastings, and can usually trick every taster. Unmarried, no children, international slut slash Buddhist. Survivor: fully recovered from Lymphoma Cancer.

John: 57 years old, neuroscientist, med school dean, Yankee fan, fisher, world's greatest dad. Known for pouring wine down the drain if it's "no good." Married, two intelligent and lovely children. Collection facts: has been collecting since age 25, and currently holds about 1,000 bottles.

There you have it. The essential Wine Madness crew. These men have taught me 75% of everything I know about tasting wine (the other 25% coming from classes). Last night was a special night for me because I brought the blind wine! And I am pleased to report that it slipped by all who tasted, though they came pretty close by guessing the grape and general region. Kudos, gentlemen.