Thursday Betsy made a shellfish stew, and we opened the 2004 Terres Dorees (JP Brun) Beaujolais Blanc. Nice lighter Chardonnay without any apparent oak, clean apple fruit. Doesn't quite have that chalky just-this-side of Chablis minerality that the 2002 had, but a nice quaff. B
Friday Betsy made chicken with prunes, preceded by a starter of kale and parmesan over toast. I opened a 2000 Chateau Mille Anges "Mozart" (Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux). Only the name is a prodigy. Ripe rounded red plum fruit, a light hint of vanilla, a bit short on the finish. Nothing offensive here, but nothing distinctive either- if you had served me blind and told me it was a Chilean or Umbrian Merlot, I would have nodded sagely in agreement. I don't remember buying this (perhaps a host gift?) , but if under $10 I guess this offers ok qpr, over $10 I'd rather have something a bit more Bordeaux-ish. 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.