with betsy away and my (quickly healing) injuries, i was the object of a lot of easter invites. once i decided my face wasn't going to put people off food, i accepted alex and hilary's as (1) they were closest and (2) alex was doing lamb (never understood the easter ham- how is that a sign of spring?).
nice enough to start outside, with a great tapenade from alex's sister visiting from provence, and the 2009 Rosa di Fonterenza. 100% sangiovese pink, medium acidity, good body, fresh cherries, earth, a little herbal edge. tasty b
counting kids i think 14 at table when we moved inside. we started with colored eggs - a tapping contest from alex's bulgarian grandmother, i was out in first round. if i am having hardboiled eggs, give me homemade mayo every time.
lunch was great garlicky leg of lamb, potatoes, and brussels sprouts
2007 Massamier La Mignarde "Cuvee des Oliviers" neglected to note appellation (trying not to be too geeky). ripe fruit, olives, herbs. touch of heat, not real distinctive but ok b-
1983 rausan-segla lush, plush, perfumed. Solid blacl plum fruit, spice, resolved tannins,. smooth texture, very good showing a-
wanda had made fresh strawberry tarts, but for me dessert was 1990 prince poniatowski aigle blanc vin de tris vouvray. one of the better bottles i've had from pp (who apparently is a cousin of alex's). Auslese sweetness, a little botrytis. apple, apricot, honey, good acids. b/b+
nice afternoon with friends
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.