in between puppy work we got in a few wines:
The 2014 Meinklang (Burgenland) was a fresh berry driven red. Label says 60 % Zweigelt/30% Blaufrankisch/10% St. Laurent, screwcapped and Demeter. Ther e’s good acid, some light tannic, but this is mostly about the crun chy fruits. Black cherry and raspberry, some tobacco leaf. Nothing complex but good value at 11 bucks all in. B
Betsy often likes Champagne, but loved the NV Beaufort Grand Cru Reserve Br ut Champagne (lot BGC, 10/12 disgorgement) At first sip I thought just a t ad too sweet, but as I adjusted to the dosage it seemed fine. Floral, lots of citrus zest, just a touch of yeast and almond; with an elegant mousse an d a long minerally figure. Get more. A-/B+
2015 Dirty and Rowdy Familiar Blanc (with rotini with scallop and broccoli) Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon, Roussanne, Viognier Slightly cloudy, fresh acids, lemon curd and flowers. Fun. B1996 Edmunds St. John Syrah (with grilled lamb rib chops, squash) This is simply the California bottling, but really showing well. Smoky, wit h black fruits, spice and pepper. Smoky/bacony notes grow. Tannins pretty m uch resolved, not super long but very satisfying. No reason to wait on this ! B+/A-
2015 Anselmi San Vincenzo This isn’t labeled Soave as it has a little Chard and SB, I think t he former is allowed but not the SB. The Chardonnay shows as it comes off r ounder than Gargenega , a rather lush texture with melon and white plum fru it. Clean and easy, if not compelling. B-I grilled some tuna and we had a version of salade Nicoise (beans, potatoes , artichoke, oil cured olives, and the very non traditional eggplant)
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.