Friday Betsy made BBQ chicken, I was opening an Edmunds St John wine when I realized it was Bastille Day. Oops, has to be French, so grabbed the 1990 Domaine des Espiers Gigondas. OK, this is really pushing it, as I opened I realized fairly good chance it was gone, but a good '90 Cayron that Arv had brought to Django last year gave me hope. This Gigondas was warm and round, with sweet red berry fruit, a little bit of herbs, and a hint of sun-baked earth. No maderization or pruniness, but not exactly complex either. I'm not sure the years have added much to the totality of this wine, but while not great it was reasonably lively. Good showing for 16 year old Gigondas. B
Saturday I had a speech and Betsy was playing, so we had an early dinner of coffee-rubbed dry-aged Porterhouse, grilled squash, and salad. I opened a host gift that had been around for a month or so, the
2003 Terra Noble Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Colchagua Valley). Sweet, vanillin, and anonymous, could have used a bit more grip to stand up to the steak. Clean and unflawed, but not interesting. B-/C+
Last night we slow-cooked some pork spare ribs on the grill, then basted with sauce for last couple minutes. Served with a Napa slaw, orzo/feta salad, and the 2005 Chivite "Gran Fuedo" rosé. Lighter bodied rosé with a refreshing acidity, bright red fruit, and a little spicy/herby note. Good QPR. B/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.