In addition to celebrating Thanksgiving this week, we also enjoyed a gathering of our long-time friends to toast two milestones in my husband’s life this year: his 60^th birthday and his retirement from 37 years in education. We’ve shared life’s ups and downs with this group for nearly 30 years, and while careers have led us to years when we lived hours away from each other, we’ve always managed to get together at least a couple of times each year to share new developments and laugh over old stories. An appreciation for good wine paired with delectable food originally pulled us together, and to this day both are always at the heart of our parties. This gathering was no exception; in fact, Harry and friend Randy dug into their cellars for some remarkable wines from a highly respected Northwest vintner of delectable reds. We began, however, with a Viognier – light, crisp and easy on the palate – followed by three Chardonnays, each distinctly different from the other but completely wonderful, especially taken with a handful of artisanal cheeses and hot and cold hors d’ouevres. With our entrées (maple-glazed salmon, beef filet, nutted wild rice and grilled vegetables) came the red wines: Leonetti (from Walla Walla, Wash.) Merlot from 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 and Cabernet Sauvignon from the 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 vintages. Each was luscious and full-bodied and promised years yet of great drinkability. Accompanying desserts of chocolate cake, pumpkin cheesecake, apple pie and apple dumplings were two fabulous liquid delights: a 1995 Snoqualmie Late Harvest Riesling and a special blend of tawny ports from Portugal that included some of the finest vintages from the past 120 years.  Both were still impeccable wines with a beautiful bourbon-like color and qualities reminiscent of the best dessert wines in the world.  All in all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime special evening, providing nourishment both for the body and the soul. — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor