Tuesday Betsy made "Shaking Beef" from a recipe by Charles Phan of the Slanted Door in SF. I told Betsy we could go white or red, she went with red, and I opened the 2004 Domaine Lafond "Roc-Epine" Côtes-du-Rhône. Big improvement over the 2003. Lighter-bodied CdR with very good acidity, bright raspberry and strawberry fruit with some herbiness. Nice little wine that doesn't compete with the food (besides the beef we had bok choy with mushrooms and fresh rice noodles) buit complements it. Wednesday I had seltzer with dinner (at office, before meeting), but had a glass of the leftovers when I got home. Seemed softer and less zippy, a nice spicy/herby Rhone. If you're looking for heft this one isn't for you. It's not compelling, but I'll order some to fill out a case ($9 before discount) next time I order at CSW. 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.