Tuesday night I was alone, with a bunch of leftovers, the 2011 Willi Schaef er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett #16. Lime and green apples, balance d acids, fun and food friendly. B+
Wednesday Betsy made duck breast with a red wine/plum sauce, on mizuna with corn on side. Cooking wine was the 2008 Paveil de Luze (Margaux) in 375 ml . Medium bodied, soft, floral, red berries, a little vanilla. Pleasant enou gh. B-
Dinner wine was the 2011 Vissoux/Chermette "les Trois Roches’ Moulin a V ent, Really gorgeous Gamay- bright red fruits with smoke and mineral notes, long finish, just a hint of tannin, good acids, very attractive with poten tial. B+/A-
Thursday I had dinner before a meeting, but had a small glass of both when I got home (both just out on counter). The Beaujolais showed some oxidatio n, but still nice structure underneath, the Bordeaux was spirity. pruney, a nd disjointed.
Friday I made a grilll packet of halibut with tomatoes and olives, grilled some fava beans and eggplant, and made salad and egg noodles. Wine was the 2010 Terre Nere “Le Vigne Niche” Etna Bianco. Full, sprightly, saline, structured like a white Burg but with a citrus/floral edge. Good finish. A
-/B+
Saturday we went for a hike across the river, visited a block party in neig hborhood, and then Betsy made chicken meatballs. Served with tomato sauce o ver spaghetti, salad, and the 2008 Biondi “Outis” Etna. Sour cherries, raspberry, tobacco. Medium bodied, elegant. B+/A-
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.