With a pork/bok choy/rice noodle stir fry, the 2018 Leeuwin Artists Series Riesling (Margaret River). Bone dry, tart lime fruit, I find this a little too austere, but Betsy really likes it, so might get more. B/B-
Then post dinner over to Betsy?s sisters, for a distanced chat. We had some figs with chevre, and the 2019 Meinklang Prosa Rose. Light petillance, red fruits, just a hint of sweetness, fun. B
Pork chops with cumin, mixed greens, rice, and the 2019 Clos Bellane ?Altitude? Cotes du Rhone Rose. Soft and formless, at least it?s wet on a hot evening. C+
The 4th was nice, and we set up backyard/patio for 2 couples to join us for a small distanced celebration (with full disclosure of all precautions). I grilled babyback ribs, bratwurst, & shrimp. Betsy and Dana made Ottolenghi vegetable paella (artichokes, favas peppers, etc) ; others brought quinoa salad, radish salad, cole slaw, cantaloupe salsa. Betsy made lemon parfaits with berries, Nancy brought blueberry pie
NV Barnaut Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Champagne Bright and brisk, if blind I think I?d have guessed BdB, totally backwards. Pear and apple, a little yeasty warm bread note, crisp minerally finish. B+/B
2017 Lamy-Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet Riper style, plush with some vanilla, pear & peach fruit edged with hazelnut. B2019 Baudry Chinon Rose Bright, tangy, more mineral than fruit, good length, refreshing. B+
1976 Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Classic old school cab with good acids, lots of herbs, nice length. Dark plum and cassis, the green notes are pleasant and integrated. A drought year but no roasted notes.A-/B+2018 Chermette ?Coeur de Vendanges- Vignes Centenaires? Beaujolais I know some people think 2018 is too ripe, but here I just find the wine juicy in a delicious way- red cherry, cranberry, pomegranate with a delicious smoky finish. B++
Sunday oysters, grilled red snapper, grilled asparagus with miso butter, kale salad
2017 Pepiere Briords Maybe not snappiest vintage of Briords, but plenty of tensile acidity. Saline, citrus, and seashell. B++Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. 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.