A former student of Betsy's was in NYC, and wanted a lesson. Betsy invited her and her friend to dinner last night, and roasted a couple of chickens- Ming Tsai recipe for miso-citrus chicken with roast vegetables. He suggested California PN, I brought out a CA and a Burg
2005 Copain "L'automne" Pinot Noir Now this is my style of California Pinot. Light and lively, bright California fruit balanced by good acidity. Raspberries and cherries, a little earth. Clearly a drink now style, nice balance, nice wine.B+2002 Pavelot Savigny-les-Beaune I was a little worried this might have shut down as so many 2002s have, but while initially a little reticient it quickly blossomed in glass. Red cherry and plum fruit, violets and a bit of earth. Good finish, with smooth light tannins and nice acidity. More of a future than the Copain, but still quite nice right now. B+/A-
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.