Happy New Year (2)
On an afternoon when the winter rain had briefly paused, the door to Department Chair Thomas’s office opened slowly. The man who stepped inside wore a well-pressed gray suit, and in one hand, he carried a familiar bottle of wine.
“Professor, it’s been a while.”
The moment Thomas looked up, his eyes weren't drawn to the man, but to the label on the bottle. Joseph Phelps Insignia 2001. It was a wine that served as a symbol of Napa Valley, and the very bottle that had been the hottest topic among critics for the past few years.
As a Cabernet Sauvignon-based red blend, Insignia boasted a high quality with an average critic score of 95 or higher, earning a reputation that, in terms of taste alone, did not fall behind First Growth Bordeaux wines. Even better, despite being such a fine wine, even its highly-rated vintages were priced under $500.
In terms of price alone, the DRC (Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, such as Romanée-Conti or La Tâche) of Burgundy, France, was astronomically expensive. However, with Insignia producing thousands of cases annually compared to the mere hundreds of cases from DRC, and considering the difference in centuries-old tradition, it would be difficult to weigh the quality of a wine based solely on price.
“Ho-ho, Insignia, is it? What wind blew you here today?”
“I came to wish you a happy new year in advance. I brought this because I know it’s a wine you enjoy.”
The man who set the bottle down was Christopher White. Though he was a name making waves in the financial industry, he was also famous for being a sharp-tongued critic when it came to wine, known for always delivering cold, calculated assessments. Thomas welcomed him with a pleased look and gestured for him to take a seat.
“Yes, it warms my heart to have a student like you visit. What brings you here?”
Department Chair Thomas, having satisfyingly secured the wine he brought, asked with a generous smile.
“I have a question. Professor, have you ever heard of a place called ‘Redwood Winery’ in Napa Valley? It’s a place I’ve never heard of, so I thought you might know something about it.”
Thomas’s eyes lit up immediately, and a faint smile played on his lips as he asked back.
“Why do you ask?”
Realizing that Thomas knew the answer immediately, Christopher looked a bit relieved as he spoke.
“I visited a restaurant a while ago and came across a cherry wine made there. The name was...”
“Is this the one?”
Christopher was startled when Thomas suddenly pulled a bottle from his display cabinet and held it up.
“Oh? You have it? Serasia.”
“Haha... this is hard to come by these days, isn't it?”
“I couldn't find it in any wine shops; it was only at restaurants and wine bars.”
“I saw the article you wrote about Serasia in the magazine. But as far as I know, it disappeared even before it hit the magazines. There were only 8,000 bottles to begin with.”
“You know quite a lot about it, don't you?”
“The son of the owner is a student at our school. He’s a freshman, but he’s quite an eye-catching fellow.”
At that, Christopher reacted dismissively.
“If he’s a freshman, well... the owner of the winery is what matters.”
However, Department Chair Thomas wore a peculiar expression.
“Well... I might think that way at other times, but he’s a bit of a different kind of student, you see?”
“Pardon? In what way?”
“Words are just words... why don’t you go and meet him yourself?”
Watching Department Chair Thomas, who wore an inscrutable smile, Christopher’s curiosity spiked even further. He knew that there were almost no students whom the professor remembered and evaluated in such detail, especially not a mere freshman.
Christmas passed uneventfully. In the United States, it is standard to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family, so my family and I spent it having a modest party at home.
Chloe’s father, Frederick, contacted a vendor immediately after Christmas, got a quote, and began the installation of the drip irrigation system, including pipes, laterals, and drippers. I was surprised by his drive; I had expected him to agonize over it for quite a while.
Just because we spent Christmas with our families didn't mean we had to spend the rest of the year that way. I gathered with my friends at Chloe’s house. We chose it because the house was spacious and perfect for parties, and the location wasn't the Deer Ridge Country Club, but her villa in Crockett.
Small light bulbs were strung along the walls of her house, and the Christmas decorations that hadn't been cleared away yet twinkled and glowed quietly. A few candles were lit throughout the house, their gentle, flickering light making the cold winter air feel a little warmer.
“Having the party at your place is really classy.”
Armando shouted with excitement first. He placed the Beringer speakers he’d brought from home in one corner of the living room and connected them to the CD player he’d brought along. Soon, the upbeat music of Usher filled the room.
“Was it really necessary to bring your own speakers when we’re coming to my house?”
“You never know if your house might lack speakers of this caliber. They’re killer, right? Aren't they?”
Armando wiggled his body, catching the rhythm. Jacob nodded, keeping time.
“The selection is pretty good.”
“A man who knows his music. Brian! You brought wine for a time like this, right?”
I shook my head, then pulled a bottle containing a deep purple wine from my bag.
“Just one glass each, among ourselves.”
“Ohhh! As expected... I knew you’d bring some!”
Both Jacob and Armando rushed over, crazed with anticipation. Chloe ran to the lady who was catering the food for the day to grab some glasses.
“Isn't it a bit cruel for four people to share one bottle of wine?”
Armando pointed out to Chloe, who had returned with the glasses.
“Well, if it were you, you could have polished off two bottles by yourself back in high school.”
“Don't talk nonsense. I barely drank back then, either. I only had a little bit when my dad was drinking...”
Although it was illegal since we weren't 21, it was an unspoken rule that college freshmen drank at parties. Occasionally, if you got caught by campus police or an RA (Resident Assistant), you could face sanctions, but it never resulted in any major punishment.
“Wait, this isn't Serasia? Which one is it?”
“It’s one I’ve never let anyone taste before. It’s a wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon harvested from our farm.”
“Whaaat? That precious stuff...”
“It’s still a young one. The balance is only just starting to settle, and Cabernet Sauvignon is originally meant to be aged for a long time. It’s just to liven up the party tonight, so don't expect too much. Just one glass each. You know?”
“I know. Just one glass... and you’re not even going to fill it to the brim, are you? I know. So hurry up and pour it. How can you expect me not to have expectations!”
Armando was excited, staring at the decanter I was holding as if he were bewitched. This guy studied wine occasionally because he worked at a winery, and perhaps because of that, he claimed to have tasted quite a lot of wine despite not being 21 yet.
Of course, he said he never drank outside, always at home, but he was accumulating quite a bit of knowledge.
“Wouldn't this be as amazing as the Pinot Noir?”
Naturally, Chloe was curious about the taste, so she chimed in.
“It’s not the same. Because the variety is different, the way it’s made is slightly different, too.”
“Anyway, it means you made it. It’s a wine made by Redwood Winery, which is becoming famous enough to be featured in Wine Review West, so how could I not have expectations? I’ll go first.”
As Chloe held out her glass first, Armando and Jacob yielded without a word.
After taking a sip from the glass I poured, Chloe looked at me with her already large eyes opened even wider.
“What is this? You say this isn't finished yet?”
“If that feels good to you, it’s only because you’re still a wine novice. Anyway, if you like it, I’m satisfied.”
“Me too, me too!”
“Give me mine, too, hurry.”
After I poured wine into everyone’s glasses, the lady catering the food brought out a large pot of lasagna.
“Eat this while you’re at it~ I’ll give you steak too, so wait a little. And you know about the alcohol, right? Ms. Amelia said to enjoy it in moderation.”
“Yes~”
We hadn't intended to drink more than one glass anyway.
“Hmm... Oh! This is delicious!”
Jacob tasted the lasagna with tongs and exclaimed in admiration. Everyone else dished the lasagna onto their plates, tasted it little by little, and then had a sip of the wine.
“Kyaa~”
“This is killer.”
“It’s perfect...”
The food kept coming, and the steak was so good I wondered if she was a professional chef. Having polished off the food in an instant, we sat in our chairs, our bodies feeling heavy and relaxed, listening to the music Armando had brought.
“We all worked hard this year. Let’s celebrate ourselves.”
At my words, Jacob was the first to bump his fist against mine and said:
“I’m the most grateful. Thanks to you, this year’s harvest turned out well, and I can look forward to next year, too. It still weighs on me that my father is sick, but he says he’s reassured because I’m doing well.”
“He’ll get better soon.”
“Thanks. How about you? Is working at Redwood worth it?”
Jacob’s gaze turned toward Armando. Armando grinned and shrugged his shoulders.
“I’m having the best days of my life. I’m learning farm work, I can study, and I’m even making money. It’s the best. Brian’s mother even has a knack for cooking. The sandwiches are incredible.”
“And those sandwiches are just a rough imitation of the food my mom makes.”
As I added that extra information, Armando nodded in acknowledgment.
“She’s an amazing person. Anyway, I’m going to earn money like this and buy my own farm, just like Brian bought his. I can definitely do it.”
“You’ll do great.”
I shared a handshake with him as a sign of encouragement. Then, everyone’s gaze turned to Chloe. She sat on the chair with her legs crossed and said calmly:
“I think this year was the year I changed the most. I feel like I’ve matured a lot.”
“Because you met Brian.”
Armando chimed in again, and unexpectedly, Chloe readily agreed.
“That’s right. It was. Even now, I’m studying a lot about farm work, and studying at school doesn't feel annoying or boring anymore. Even physics and chemistry.”
“Oho- I can't believe Chloe is doing physics?”
“Armando, you must not know, but I was always better at studying than you, weren't I?”
“...... Was I?”
“Anyway, Brian, thank you. Thanks to you, I’ve learned so much about farming. I thought I was just doing it because my dad forced me to, but after seeing and learning it for myself, my thoughts have changed. Next year, I want to be someone who is truly helpful.”
I nodded lightly.
“Redwood and the Harris family are in a strategic partnership, aren't we? We’re all in the same boat. Let’s do well.”
At this, Jacob, who had been listening, chimed in.
“Huh? What’s a strategic partnership? Is there something between you two?”
“Ah, that is...”
As I tried to explain, Chloe interrupted.
“It means the two families are becoming very special.”
“... Is that just your own thought, by any chance?”
Jacob didn't let it slide easily, so I explained in place of Chloe, whose face had twisted.
“I’m in charge of consulting for Chloe’s cherry farm. So we signed a contract to take a portion of the growth in profits compared to the existing revenue.”
“Ah...”
“Because of that, Chloe has been busy learning the work lately. The farm is changing a lot, too.”
Then Jacob slammed the table and said:
“Me too! Do it with my place, too!”
“Uh-oh? You guys too?”
“Yeah. Rice farming is possible too, right? Isn't it?”
“Well... there’s nothing that says it’s impossible...”
“Then let’s do it. How about it? Let’s make the contract conditions similar.”
“Alright, well... let’s do that.”
After finishing the conversation with Jacob, the four friends spent time talking about trivial, unimportant things. The efforts and achievements of the past year seemed to bind us all together a little more tightly.
As midnight approached, Armando checked his wristwatch and shouted:
“55... 56... 57...”
“58! 59! 60!”
“Happy New Year!”
We shouted, clinking our glasses with the little bit of wine left. The clear sound rang out, and everyone laughed brightly.
In that moment, we could forget all the hardships and worries. The simple fact that we were finishing the year with good people filled my heart with warmth.