At the airport entrance I hear the loudspeakers blast: "Follow your nose to the gate of your destination!" And fortunately Estancia Air's deep-red Meritage gives your nostrils very firm and delightful clues to follow. The high-power (13.3%) combination fuel (65% Cab. Sauvignon, 25% from brother Franc, and 10% from Merlot), and the tar & oak make you follow your nostrils way into the deep. "What an interesting underground airport", I think.
In the plane another amplified, professional voice says: "Take a deep sip and buckle up. We're giving you an Immelmann." - And off we go. "Quite an animal!" I can't help admiring the pilot.
I have the fumes of the fuel in my nostrils, the first seconds of the sensual power of lift-off in my throat, and the plane starts a safe and steady flight. My mental flashlight projects this subliminal message to the onboard movie screen: "This is enjoyable." - I notice quite a few smiles on the faces of fellow passengers watching the movie.
The stewardess comes to offer a rich bowl of ripe cherries and blackberries. "Would you like some sauce? It's tannines, spices, vanilla, chocolate, and a drop of my special liquorice. I've whipped it quite soft." "Yes, please", I say, and while tasting I think the lovely lady forgot to mention the mild, non-sugar sweetness of the grapes. - My mental screen records: "Far & way beyond the usual plane meal. And keeps you nourished through the whole long flight."
"Extinguish your wine, fasten your money-belt, and relax. We're landing in sunny California." - And I must admit the pilot landed softly. Even so much so, that I keep thinking of getting immediately back onboard for another Immelman from the depths.
A powerful take-off, enough muscle to gain higher altitudes, a steady flight, and a soft landing. That's fairly close to an ideal way of travelling overseas. And with wine you don't have to suffer jet-lag, only the rather high price of flying.
