Sunday we decided to have friends over for a Day Before Labor Day Party. Incredibly cool (65°F) cloudy day, we had a good time grilling, talking, drinking, and listening to the hound bay. I grilled sausage, steak, salmon, and veggies; Betsy made deviled eggs and I made mango salsa,; others brought salads and desserts. I had some open wines that were poured, plus:
2002 Selbach Dry Riesling (aka Fish Label)- peach and light citrus notes, modest acidity, not compelling. B-
2002 Andre Iché "Les Hérétiques" (VdP de l'Hérault). Rich dark berry fruit, ripe but not fat, some pleasantly funky notes. Great party wine at $6-7. B+/B A couple of Napa Cab fans were present, so I fetched a couple of (it turns out non-TCA-tainted) Beaulieu Cabernets:
1996 BV Rutherford - some flowers and earth on the nose, quiet but clear cassis and black cherry fruit. A little time made that earthiness seem more stereotypical "dust'" , but it was gone before I had a chance for a second glass. B++
1999 BV Napa Cab- sweet black cherry fruit, pleasant modest CS (though Betsy told me later she really disliked, said it tasted like cough medicine). B
Then, a Burg:
2001 Jean Michelot Pommard- let's just say there's a good reason not to buy $15 Pommards. Weedy, tannic, fruitl-deficient, short finish. C/C+
There was also a truly ghastly Chardonnay, but I forgot to get name before I took out recycling.
On Labor Day itself we worked around the house, then had a nice quiet dinner of leftovers. The wine was the 1998 Villadoria Barolo, which opened with a walloping dose of volatile acidity. The first glass smelled as if someone was stripping their fingernails,but it blew off after a few moments. Some violets and light oak on the nose, kirsch and red berry fruit. Surprising tannins for a cheapie Barolo. Not great Nebbiolo, but ok qpr for a moderately international Barolo. 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. Dale
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