Yesterday, Oct. 20, marked the fourth anniversary of the death of Shirley Horn, one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.  As one of those rare singers who has defined the soundtrack of our life, we couldn’t let the anniversary pass without some great wine and reminiscing. 

We opened a young bottle of Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Pegasus Bay, turned down the lights, and put on Shirley’s incomparable album, Here’s to Life. It was the perfect pairing — her wise, wistful voice providing the aural translation of the lush, seductive flavors in our glass. Even after 1,000 hearings, the title track, with its mixture of longing and fulfillment, sounded  just as intoxicating as the very first time. Our favorite verse:

For there’s no yes in yesterday.
And who knows what tomorrow brings or takes away.
As long as I’m still in the game I want to play
For laughs, for life, for love.

If you’ve never heard Shirley Horn’s haunting interpretation of “Here’s to Life,” you can listen for free at lala.com. The album makes a great gift for someone special — just uncork some wine and drink in the music together. Even without words, it’s the kind of moment that can say it all.

May all your storms be weathered,
And all that’s good get better.
Here’s to life, here’s to love, here’s to you.