Grilled sausage and squash with salad and the 2002 Nikolaihof “Stei nriesler” Riesling. This is a recent release, held in fuder for mor e than a decade. Fairly fresh, no obvious oak, apple and ginger. Smooth alm ost creamy texture. Interesting, it just doesn’t have the nerviness I look for in Wachau Riesling. B-
Friday was sockeye with a chunky grilled vegetable dressing, wine was the 2
015 Coudert/Clos de la Roilette Fleurie. This is definitely more in the mol d of the ‘09 or ‘05 than recent vintages, but though it? ??s a bit riper than ‘14 it’s still definitely in my co mfort zone. Black plum and cherry, a little herb, a little cocoa. Good acid s, noticeable but smooth tannin, good length. B+
Saturday to celebrate a friend’s birthday a small group did a bike ride on Aqueduct and then convened for brunch on a front porch looking out at river. There was a rose and a bubbly (mostly for mimosas).
YA Cava Crisp, but a little short and emply. B-/C+
2015 Commanderie de la Bargemone rose Easygoing strawberry fruit, moderate acids. Clean finish. B/B-
That afternoon I went by Zachy’s reopening party, but it was so cro wded I left after trying a good but softer than I expected 2015 Pieropan So ave and a dull Talbott Chardonnay.
Dinner was liver and onions (Betsy is away, time for my annual foie) with t he 2013 Chevillon Nuits St George VV. Black cherry, smoke, a little sandalw ood. Nice balance of fruit, tannin, and acid. Nice young NSG. B+
Sunday grilled chicken thighs, guacamole, leftover vegetables, and the 2011 Bize “Aux Vergelesses” Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Blanc. This is still a tad oaky, but there’s a deep core of fruit and acid givi ng it backbone. Pear, lemon zest, and vanilla. Fuller styled but with the a cids to pull it off and stay lively. B+/A-
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 p arty where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivi ty, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.