New Years Day was mostly just kicking back, a few chores around the house, but mostly enjoying first day I hadn't worked in 3 or 4 weeks. I made some blackeyed peas (store was out of ham hocks, so made do with smoked neck bones!), Betsy prepared duck legs, kale, and a salad. Wine was the 2002 Bachelet Bourgogne. A little tight at first, but really blossomed with about an hour of air. Moderate tannins, good acidity, lively floral nose. Rich ripe fruit, black cherry with a nice bitter edge, a bit of beet, sweet fruit but with that lovely bitter tone and good acidity. Very nice for a regional wine. Day two the bitter edge was gone, but still rich cherry fruit, with waves of damp earth. I only have a couple left, going to try and keep hands off for a couple years. B++
In-laws arrived yesterday for a visit, Betsy made a capon with lemon and thyme, brown rice, spinach, and carrots. I find capon pretty versatile, but with the lemon thought white. Opened the 2006 Anne Amie Pinot Gris (Oregon). First of all, I should note that rest of table loved it. I was more in the like than love category. The positive aspects were a distinct PG spiciness, sweet pear fruit, a little mineral note. The part that kept me from being thrilled was the sweetness was enough to make me think real RS. I thought at one early point I got a little oaky vanilla, but that faded, just my imagination. Gets a little citric edge with time. I would have preferred a little more austere, but this is a nice Oregon PG for those that like Zind-Humbrecht's style, say. 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