from Lodi. Uh-huh, that’s right.
[Start the music now and let it play while you read.]

The Beagle’s Guide is supposed to be about obscure wines.
Toad Hollow cabernet is not obscure. It is ubiquitous, which, I think, means
exactly the opposite of obscure. I bought this bottle for $12 at the grocery store
because the toad on the label looks a lot like the toad in the logo
of the Toad and Ostrich, the private pub outside the
Eye of The Storm lecture hall at Wizard Academy.

And then when I saw it was from Lodi, I heard Creedence Clearwater Revival singing
“Oh, Lord, I’m stuck in Lodi again.” How could I not buy it? Seriously, how could I not?

This wine has that classic California Cabernet rhythm,
but with a jagged edge exactly like Tommy James singing
the chorus, “Draggin’ the line… (Draggin’ the line…)”

But it’s not bad for 12 bucks.

DRAGGIN’ THE LINE
Tommy James

Makin’ a living the old hard way
Takin’ and giving by day by day
I dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)
My dog Sam eats purple flowers
We ain’t got much but what we got’s ours
We dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)
I feel fine I’m talkin’ bout peace of mind
I’m gonna take my time I’m gettin’ the good sign
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)
Loving the free and feelin’ spirit
Of huggin’ a tree when you get near it
Diggin’ the snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)
I feel fine I’m talkin’ bout peace of mind
I’m gonna take my time I’m gettin’ the good sign
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)
Draggin’ the line (draggin’ the line)…..