Tuesday we were having an early dinner before Betsy went to work, she was preparing lemon sole broiled for just a minute or two with a mustard/mayo sauce. She also was making risotto, and called me to find out what wine to use.I proudly directed her to my new "feel free to use for cooking" box (eliminates the fear of finding the Lafarge 1er Cru in the beef Bourguignonne). She used the 2002 Castelvero Cortese (Piemonte), and there was plenty left for a glass with the sole. Light, crisp, refreshing. Florally scented nose, light grapefruit fruit with a little minerality on the finish. Pronounced acidity, but not jarring. Naybe not exciting, but just what I'm looking for in a $7 house/cooking white. B
I generally don't fall for wine store ad hype, I buy bottles that I know, that are recommended by palates that I respect on the wineboards, or from retailers who know my tastes. But I almost went for the Carolina Wine Company's offering of the 2002 Jean-Marc Brocard's "Kimmeridgien" Chardonnay a few weeks back (they were trumpeting their special pre-arrival case price of $131.88 -only $10.99/bottle). Good vintage in Chablis (this is just outside Chablis area), good producer - tempting. I resisted (I tend to mostly buy more expensive wines interstate, where tax savings make up for shipping). I was glad I didn't when I found it for $12 ( just over $10 with mixed case discount) locally at Varmax. Opened last night after Betsy left for work. Chalk and light spice on the nose, minerality overtaking the citrus fruit on palate (this is not for fruitbomb lovers). Good acidity, nice finish, nice wine. No hint of wood. At this price I'll certainly pick up some more, though not a case. Good deal. 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. Dale
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