Betsy left yesterday for some concerts and recording in NC, I found solace in leftover pasta with mushrooms last night. But the leftover Brunello wasn't up to par, so I opened a bottle that happened to be on counter, the 1999 Albini Merlot (Russian River Valley). A little animal/brett thing on the nose at first, but big blackberry and black plum fruit really dominate the nose. Really concentrated on the palate, deep dark fruit with some earth, herb, and chocolate. Clearly New World, but not cartoonish. This is the only California Merlot I remember going back to store for in last few years, nicely balanced with lots of character. A-/B+
Tonight's dinner was pork chops, broccoli, and leftover lentils; I found the Albini still delicious but big for the chops. So I opened a
375 of the 2002 Jean-Noel Gagnard "Morgeot" Chassagne-Montrachet rouge. This has been a very pleasing wine before, but comes across as a little rustic tonight. A little bitter cherry note over the raspberry fruit, floral nose. But a little rough and disjointed-awkward period? B/B- tonight.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.