Betsy decided she wanted to lose 5 (politely doesn't mention I could lose 20), and has returned to the Sonoma diet. First week she doesn't have wine. So I opened a half-bottle to go with chicken and veggies (snow peas, artichokes) en papillote and some grilled asparagus. The wine was the Box O' Birds Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough). Lots of NZ SB typicity -gooseberries, lime, a little grass and jalapeno. But a bit more concentration is needed, comes across as a tad dilute. Also suspect there's a touch of RS. Short finish. OK for the $6 I paid for half, but not looking for more. B-/C+
Last night was flank steak with chiles and garlic, with a broccoli/ pepper/chevre side. Wine was the 2006 Clos Roche Blanche "L'Arpent Rouge" Touraine. Pretty bright wine, all cherries and strawberries, a peppery spice. Pleasant herbal edge, a very nice wine that had enough body for the steak, but lively enough to handle the spice and the goat cheese. 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 party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.