Monday I invited one of my helpers home for dinner, where I grilled some wild sockeye and some summer veggies and served with a salad. I opened the 2001 Benton Lane Pinot Noir (Oregon). Light and pretty cherry fruit, but some toasty oak predominates. Not sure that this wine would thrill anyone- not enough of a fruitbomb for some, too oaky for others. I don't recall any geek I know who falls into the "delicate fruit with a lumberyard overlay" preference category, but for gobless oak this is your wine. Still, well-made, and ok with the salmon. B-/C+
Bob likes bigger reds,I could tell he wasn't really into the Pinot, so I poured the 2001 Chasse-Spleen (Moulis). Bigger than the Benton Lane, but rather quiet nose. Round and low-acid, dark fruit and surprisingly short finish. I'll pass on getting more of these. B-
Tuesday was sirloin on the grill, with some peas and salad. In addition to a glass of the Chasse-Spleen (a bit oxidized, not holding well) I opened a 375 of the 2001 Freestone Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa). Straightforwardly simple CalCab, some dark cassis/berry fruit and vanilla/oak notes. There's some decent structure for a cheap Cabernet, but less an ager than a "drink now with steak" type- so I did. B
But the winner over the last 3 nights was the 2004 Domaine de la Pepiere "Clos de Briords VV" Muscadet . Opened Sunday, with a glass Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (well, maybe 2 Tuesday) this is an exercise in minerality. Actually, seashells by the seashore. No, lime and limestone. Whatever- fresh, clean,minerally with great underlying fruit. Delicious, though you can tell it's tight and taut. I remember when I used to say with confidence "oh Muscadet, best to drink immediately on release." Here's one to put away. 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 party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency