Saturday was the 4th, but my parents arrived that afternoon and we had a quiet dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday a little early. Surf and turf- our favorite lobster/corn/tomato salad, then some porterhouse along with a grilled sweet potato and scallion salad and squash. Two American wines for the day:
1998 Montelena Chardonnay (Napa) Cork was not in great shape, I decanted this, and was a little worried re the fairly deep golden color. But no oxidation at least for first hour, just a rather lean and woody Chardonnay. Good acids, some wood tannin but no vanilla, maybe a bit shy on the pear/apple fruit. But ok in an austere Chardonnay kind of style. B-/B
2005 Andrew's Vat "Alder Ridge" Syrah Blackberry jam, cocoa, fruit forward, big rather than deep, not my preferred style but I think Dad liked it. B-
Tonight we went to Half Moon, a large restaurant on the waterfront. Packed due to gorgeous weather, we ate inside as wait for outside tables was long, but we still had nice Palisades/river views. I had blistered shishito peppers and then skate with tamarind, Betsy had ribs.
I had a glass of the 2007 Mill Harbor Sauvignon Blanc ( NZ but I don't know region). Gooseberry and grass, modest acidtity, a bit short. (Barely) acceptable. C+/B-
Betsy had the 2003 Campo Viejo Crianza Rioja, red berry fruit, light vanilla, a bit anonymous but a step above the SB. B-
My dad had the L de Lyeth Merlot, which I might have tried a sip enough, but since (as always) he added several ice cubes, I passed. :)
Nice evenings, even if no great wines!
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.