Sunday friends came over, the kids watched a video while the adults dined. We started with mushroom with sour cream and caviar, then a spicy squash/apple soup. Starter wine was the 2005 Ch. Lamothe de Haux (Bordeaux AC, although I thought an earlier vintage was 1er Cotes de Bdx). Nice bright white Bordeaux, lemon/grapefruit with some grass. Nothing deep, but very satisfying for under $10. B ' With the Craft short ribs, swiss chard, yellow beets, and roasted potatoes:
1990 Bourgneuf (Pomerol) I've had variable bottles of this from the same source. This one is just below average - not as fresh as some, but not as tired as others- a nice bottle of mature Pomerol for the price. Very round and full, red fruit accented with forest floor and leather. Does have a bit of that roasted character some '90s exhibit. OK if unexciting. B2000 Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Roasted meat and herbs over a bold red fruit body. Only a middleweight, but developing nicely. Some pepper and smoke emerge with time. Excellent for the level. B+/A-
Great food, great friends, good wine, great time
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.