With grilled whole stripers, grilled artichokes, and salad, the 2007 Bavard "Les Champs Perrier" Bourgogne blanc. Fairly substantial. Citrus, brisk acids, a tad sharp but with good length. B
Also, the 2009 Willi Schaefer Graacher Riesling Trocken QbA. Reminds me a lot of an Alsace Riesling, with a little more in terms of floral and slate notes. Apple and lemon, good length, good value. B/B-
Visiting some friends, we were greeted with a chard and cheese tart with currants and pinenuts. I opted for white, the 2009 Grand Moulin Sauvignon (Touraine). Grapefruit, a little grass and gooseberry. Pleasant, refreshing, maybe could use a bit more oomph on finish. B-
We moved to table for some delicious Spanish themed chicken (saffron) and Israeli couscous, green beans, and a coupe reds:
2001 Sierra Cantabria Rioja Especial My offering. Solid red fruit, tobacco, cedar. But still a pretty good dose of vanilla extract, not sure this will ever totally integrate. But in midmodern style, not bad at all. B
2008 Cecilia Elba The island, I assume. Reasonably able, but I saw not signs of palindromes, exile, or big egos. Sweet, red fruits, a bit empty. Merlot/Sangio? B-/C+
Could the weather get more gorgeous? On a perfect night, we started tonight with a caprese salad. We have a lot of shade, and started a tad late with some non-early bird heirlooms, so other than some early cherries our garden tomato season has only been going couple of weeks. Now they are at peak. A crisp white to accompany, the 2008 Nora "Peitan" Albarino. Lemon, peaches, not a lot of length or complexity, but serves its purpose. B/B-
Main course was some 2.5" ribeyes, green beans, and small potatoes. With the 2005 Ch. Bourgneuf (Pomerol). A little reticent at first, blossomed fairly quickly. Black cherry, mocha, medium bodied. Not the biggest '05, but nice balance of fruit and tannin -maybe could use a tad more acidity? Earth, smoke, vanilla. Good length for under $30 Bordeaux. B/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.