What a Forgotten Merlot Taught Me About Style, Brand, and Wellbeing in the Great Declutter
Brisbane’s subtropical air hung heavy as I embarked on a mission that felt both nostalgic and necessary: the gradual clear-out of my parents’ home. Decades of life and accumulated possessions lay within its walls, a tangible history waiting to be sorted, sifted, and respectfully released. It was a journey of decluttering not just space, but also memory, as I navigated the emotional landscape of what to keep, what to fix and repurpose, what to donate, and, yes, what to finally let go.
Amidst dusty boxes and forgotten treasures, tucked away in the dim coolness of a forgotten corner of the pantry, I unearthed a relic of a bygone era: a bottle of 1999 Lindeman’s Cawarra Merlot. This wasn’t a celebrated vintage from a renowned estate. Cawarra was, and is, a reliable but entry-level wine. At 25 years old, and with no memory of its acquisition or storage conditions (beyond a consistently dark but likely temperature-variable pantry in Brisbane), expectations were… low.
The initial inspection confirmed my assumptions. The colour was much lighter than the deep burgundy one might expect from a youthful Merlot. A gentle swirl revealed a surprising amount of sediment, you could call them the dusty footprints of time in the bottle. Logically, this should have been destined for the bin, another item past its use-by date in this major decluttering project.
And yet, curiosity, that old persistent human trait, nudged me to take a chance. I carefully uncorked the bottle, the surprisingly intact cork revealed a tale of a decent seal maintained through the years. And then, the aroma. It wasn’t the vibrant red fruit I’d expect from a young Merlot. Instead, a fascinating bouquet emerged – something similar to a Sauterne, that luscious sweet wine, or perhaps the nuanced fruitcake notes of a Tawny Port. It was unexpected, intriguing, and undeniably… lovely.
A cautious taste revealed another surprise. No sweetness lingered, dispelling the Sauternes/Port illusion, but a rich, complex aroma coated my palate, persisting for an astonishing ten to fifteen minutes. A pleasant sharpness danced at the back of my tongue, reminiscent of a Shiraz, adding a surprising structure to this aged, unassuming wine.
This unlikely discovery, this Merlot that defied its humble origins and imperfect storage to develop such character, sparked a series of reflections that extended far beyond the dusty corners of my parents’ pantry. I was really struck by a potent metaphor for the decluttering process itself, and for so much more in life – our personal style, our brand (personal or professional), and our overall wellbeing.
The unexpected vintage
Look, I won’t bore you with the cliché that age is just a number, which I feel is frankly a tired attempt to rationalise the profound transformation of aging. But how often do we dismiss items of clothing, accessories, or even ourselves simply because we are too “old” or don’t fit the image of youth? This Merlot reminded me that style isn’t about trying to look the youngest. This wine developed a unique and delicious character over time. Our personal style also evolves into something richer and more authentic through time and experience. Would you agree that there is a power that can only come from that depth?
Perhaps that once-loved jacket from a past decade, relegated to the back of the wardrobe but you could never let go of, holds a unique charm waiting to be rediscovered. Maybe a skill or hobby we’ve neglected over the years could, with a little dusting off and a fresh perspective, become a source of renewed joy and a distinctive element of our personal brand (check out my recent foray into ballet). Give yourself the space. Look beyond the surface. Appreciate the potential for unexpected beauty and value in things that have stood the test of time.
The lingering aroma
In the world of personal and professional branding, we often strive for immediate impact and a “loud” style. But the enduring quality of this Merlot, its aroma that lingered so long after the initial encounter, speaks volumes about genuine character.
Our true brand isn’t just about a snappy logo or a perfectly curated social media feed. I mean, when it comes down to it we prefer to invest in the lasting impression we leave on people, the depth of our skills, and the integrity of our actions. Where we sacrifice or put in effort to get the reward, which of course is so much sweeter for it! That little Merlot quietly developed its unique profile over YEARS, well, so can our personal and professional brand be cultivated through consistent effort, genuine engagement, and a willingness of self-evolution, even if it takes an unexpected path. The most impactful brands are those with a lasting “finish,” aren’t they? Those with that authentic aroma lingering long after the initial interaction.
The subtle sharpness
I felt a slight, not unpleasant sharpness at the back of the palate of this 1999 inexpensive Merlot. Again, another unexpected parallel to the process of decluttering and its impact on our wellbeing. Clearing out physical and mental clutter can sometimes feel… sharp. It can involve making difficult decisions, confronting memories, and letting go of things we once valued.
But the lingering sharpness adds dimension. While decluttering also has a certain “sharpness”, we do it because it ultimately leads to a more focused, lighter self. Letting go of what no longer serves us, whether it’s physical possessions, outdated beliefs, or toxic relationships, will create space for new growth and a renewal. Getting through the initial discomfort gives way to clarity and freedom.
Lessons from the pantry
It’s really lovely how life can surprise you and communicate lessons in the strangest of ways. It is an adventured of uncovering the hidden stories, appreciating the unexpected transformations, and learning valuable lessons about how we curate our lives, our style, our brands, and ultimately, our wellbeing.
The surprising journey of this 1999 Lindeman’s Cawarra Merlot offered profound lessons and to recap:
- Don’t judge a book (or a bottle) by its cover (or label). Unexpected value and character can emerge from the most unassuming places.
- Time and experience can cultivate unique and beautiful qualities. Embrace your own evolution and the potential for growth in unexpected areas.
- Defy humble origins. It is possible if the foundations (or grapes) are sound.
- Authenticity leaves a lasting impression. Focus on building genuine character in your style and brand.
- The “sharpness” of letting go can lead to long-term clarity and wellbeing. Embrace the challenging aspects of decluttering, both physical and emotional.
- Sometimes, the most valuable discoveries are the unexpected ones found in forgotten corners. Keep an open mind during your own decluttering journeys, you might just unearth a treasure trove of insights about yourself and your life.
If I had to sum up with a simple take away from today’s experience… it’s that a forgotten bottle of humble Merlot cannot be underestimated! It had the power to remind us of beauty in an unexpected vintage. (I am still astounded at how beautiful it was.)
I’m guessing you’re at least as old as this wine? So then. Treat yourself with the reverence and appreciation you have earned over this time. And expect the unexpected.
If you’re looking to refine your own unique style, build a compelling personal brand that truly reflects you, or discover your “unexpected vintage”, I invite you to explore my services. I help people navigate the emotional and practical challenges of clearing out the old to make way for the new. Whether you need a simple framework to start or a guide to help you rediscover your personal style and brand, book some free time with me and let’s connect…
