Tuesday I was speaking at an Oxfam Hunger Banquet, and had a nice bowl of rice. But after a 2 hour drive back from southern Jersey, I opened a 375 of the 2000 Ch. Canon Moueix (Fronsac). Slightly closed at first, then some flowers on the nose. Ripe raspberry fruit, a little oak, quite a nice little Merlot for $7/375. B
Wednesday I had another long day, no wine with dinner, but decided a glass of red would be nice as I visited the WLDG chatroom. The 2000 Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande (St. Estephe) showed quite nicely for a $14 bdx. Nice balance of fruit, tannins, and acid, thick cassis and black cherry fruit. Needs time. Showed better late Th night (Fri AM) as I had a glass as I came in from another work obligation. B+
Friday we went to dinner at some friends' house. One of this couple is in AA (but not an evangelist for the cause) , her partner doesn't drink much. I decided to carry a bottle that wasn't too dear (see the "Etiquette for Host" thread) the 2001 Lafarge Bourgogne Passetoutgrains. They decided to open it. Light, lively, and very tasty. Bright red fruit. Quite a nice lighter-styled red. Not for those who think "thick" is a main prerequiste for a red. B++
The main course was beef with a pistachio sauce (sounded strangem but really tasty), I tried the red they had, the 1999 Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley). Black plum fruit overpowered by vanilla and a hint of green pepper. way too soft for my tastes. B-/C+
Saturday Betsy worked a double (season ends this weekend, hurrah!), I made dinner for David & I. Cappellini with a sauce of shrimp, red pepper, broccolli rape, and onion, pretty tasty- and so was the 2002 Jean-Marc Brocard "Domaine Ste. Claire" Chablis. Nice for AC Chablis- clean white (pear) fruit with a touch of honey, bright acidity, some mineral notes, no apparent oak. Pretty serious juice for a $10 Chablis (on sale at Zachys). B/B+
Grade disclaimer: I'm a pretty 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. Dale
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