TN: Faithful Hound and Dog House

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:

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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

Reply to
DaleW
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Why did I go with these? Because I had the Faithful Hound (though some years I've served Bassetti Vineyards Syrahs from Hug or ESJ for Basset birthday), and because I happened to see the Dog House for $9. I knew no one was a real wino who was coming.

As to other suggestions: I seldom see any Cuvee Buster bottlings, except the Thomas-Labaille, and find it hard to pay $30+ for any Sancerre (well, maybe Vatan)

Had the 2005 Denis and Francois Clair "Les Murgers des Dents de Chien" St. Aubin with dinner last night, but the name is about the rocks, not the dogs.

Dom. de la Noblaie Chinon Les Chiens-Chiens actually this is a decent wine at least in vintage I tried, but Faithful Hound better describes Lucy.

I'd happily drink Steinerhund, but last I looked it was over $50, not the thing for casual outdoor sipping.

B&H "Chien Lunatique"? Even more expensive, and I don't like.

Never paid for a Turley, don't plan on it.

Reply to
DaleW

Dale, I can highly recommend the 2007 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc as being an excellent wine from a great Marlborough vintage.

st.helier

Reply to
st.helier

M'Lord, I have not heard from you since you informed us you were crossing the pond. When? Where? Meet ? You may have responded to an old e-addy, I don't think I have re-set the senders details in OE.

swooper01@ozemail..com.au

hooroo & see you soon.

Reply to
Matt S

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