Sunday we celebrated Lucy the Basset's 5th birthday. She was a rescue dog, and probably only 9 months when we got her, but best we can do is go with anniversary of her arrival with her "forever family."
We had a birthday tea, with chips, mango salsa, tomatillo guacamole, sausage, cheese, and peach pie. A couple of themed wines were served:
2002 Mulderbosch "Faithful Hound" (Stellenbosch). Ripe black fruit, a bit oaky. Calms down a bit with air. As oak becomes more background noise, some earth, leather, and a hint of burnt rubber. Could pass for $20 Medoc from a ripe vintage. Could use a bit more acidic verve, but pleasant "Bordeaux blend." B
2005 Dog House "Charlie's Chard" Chardonnay I've liked the Faithful Hound before, but this was just bought based on name, I had low expectations. Back label emphasized vanilla, so I was expecting oaky. But it wasn't really- not much obvious oak, and surprisingly good acidity. The problem however was an edge of sweetness to the tropical fruit, that really seemed to dominate. I couldn't escape the sugar. B-/C+
There was also of course rawhide and doggie snacks. Canine attendees included 3 Yorkies, 2 Pugs, 1 Spaniel, and 1 English Bulldog. Fun was had by all:
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