Was supposed to hang with some friends Friday, but host was sick, so I stop ped by market for some fish. With swordfish, broccoli,& grilled corn, the 2008 Les Cretes “Cuvee Bois” Chardonnay. I liked this more on a previo us try- the oak seemed less integrated with a bit more bottle age. Good aci ds, full bodied, but despite the acids some buttery notes, and an overlay o f vanillla B-
With roast chicken, squash, caprese, & green salad, the 2009 Copain “tou s Ensemble” Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley). I found this rather disappointi ng at first- some interesting red fruit and smoke, but thin and disjointed, I actually switched to leftover rose for the meal. But I liked much better after a couple hours of air (and it showed fine on day 2 as well). Light t o medium body but with ample red fruits, mineral, smoke notes. B+/B
On a gorgeous Sunday, I had Ahi steak, green beans with tomatoes, and lefto ver squash, with the 2012 Stolpman Rose (Santa Ynez) Crisp, fresh, lighter styled, I’d buy again. B/B+ Monday Betsy was finally home for good after a peripatetic summer, she sai d she would take care of dinner. I was a bit perplexed by the ham and arugu la canapes, sushi, and baby bok choy combination (turned out she was teasin g me about a dream I had reported- and since forgotten). I opened the NV Pa ul Clouet Grand Cru Brut Champagne to celebrate her return. Big, toasty, a touch oxidative, this is not really my preferred style of Champagne, sure o thers would like more. . B-
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 pa rty where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivi ty, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.