With "pizzoccheri" (kind of Italian mac and cheese with Savoy cabbage added) and Chinese broccoli, the 2007 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc - Viognier. This just had a California appellation, did it used to be Clarksburg, or am I getting it mixed up? Many years ago, I used to occasionally buy this, it was $5 a bottle. Then it shot up to $10, and no longer seemed a value. Well, it stayed same price, as other things went up, so decided to try again. Pleasant floral nose, tropical fruit and peaches, a hint of citrus. Just a tad off-dry, could use a little more acidic zip and a little more on finish. Nothing compelling,but you could do a lot worse for $10. On the other hand, didn't make me feel I needed to look for more. B-
With assorted leftovers, the 2004 Drouhin "Greves" Beaune 1er cru. High acids, solid tannins, some black cherry fruit accented with cocoa. OK, hard to deny there is also a streak of the greenie meanies here. An herbal edge that reminds me more of green tobacco than anything. Not as much unpleasant as slightly distracting. I put away to see what a couple days on counter will do. Won't touch other bottle for at least 5 years. B
Wanting a glass while reading, I went with what was in fridge waiting to be opened. The 2007 Zilliken "Ockfener Bockstein" Kabinett Riesling. Good acids, fairly sweet for Kabinett, but not at all heavy. Pears and citrus, some slatey mineral notes, a nice wine. Maybe just the tiniest hint of dilution on finish. It doesn't seem to have quite the precision I'd look for in a top flight Saar Kabinett. Still, nice and tasty, and I look forward to another glass tonight or tomorrow. B/B
+Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.