Sunday was lovely, and we went over to friends (hound in tow) for dinner on their deck. We carried the appetizers- radish leaf pesto on radish, garlic scape pesto crostini, celery with Robiola, and then when we sat down some sea bass crudo. Plus Nancy had a gazpacho shrimp cocktail
2014 Mt. Eden Edna Valley Chardonnay Good acids for CalChard, just a hint of oak, citrus fruit coming before the pear/apple white fruits. Good balance, nice length. Good value. B Dinner was ribs, corn, baked beans, & slaw2006 Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino Ambitious aging a Rosso this long, but it worked out fine. New producer to me. Midweight, black cherry and dried cherry, leather. Bright acids, still a hint of tannins, lovely and lively Sangiovese. B+
2009 Ch. de Flaugergues (Languedoc) This on the other hand is not my style. Big, jammy, and beginning to crack up, lots of alcohol and VA on nose. C+Incredible sunset sky to finish the evening, lots of fun.
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 party where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.