Always 100% Syrah.  Syrah that deserves to be a queen.

An hommage and personal history. 

Vivienne Catherine is a self reflection.  A reflection of my past, transformation, and the future of whom I strive to be.  By no means am I trying to create a metaphor for myself in combining the names of these two iconic women…. If anything I am much too flawed and unfocused to even serve either of these powerhouses.  My goal is to learn from them.  Remind myself of my weaknesses, and search for the encouragement to continue.  This wine is a reminder that we don’t know anything about wine.  It is wine that continually teaches us.  Every year there are new trials and lessons.  Mistakes and triumphs. Wine is a reflection of our mortal lives.

The name is taken from two different women whom in their strength and independence have left behind a legacy.  Two women that pushed their limits and broke all the rules.  

Catherine the Great was natively born a German to one day become Empress of Russia.  

She transformed herself, took a new name, adapted to a new way of life, integrating herself into the language and culture of Russia.  Leaving Germany behind without thinking twice.  She fought her way to the brutal seat of the Czars to then conquer territory and modernise Russia.  

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am terrible at following rules, and even worse at integrating.  As an American living in France, Catherine the Great inspires me to TRY to integrate.  To always continue learning the language, and to be brave in a culture that I was not raised in and arguably don’t belong in.

Vivienne Westwood 

One of the most amazing things about Vivienne Westwood is how little ego she seems to have.  She so amazing and creative, and has confidence but without ego.  This is something I strive for.  In recent years I am discovering how disgusted I am with ego, and my disgust is the strongest for my own!  She is only elegant, confidant, and really doesn’t give a fuck what anyone things.  

But I will shamelessly admit…. I don’t listen to punk.  And have never enjoyed the music of the Sex pistols. Anyway, Malcolm McClaren sounds like he was a jealous douchebag.