Last night friends had the hound and I over for dinner (more practice for when she stays with them while we're away). Their yard is not fenced (and patio table is low enough for Lucy to steal food), so I got to practice eating and drinking while holding a leash. Nice steaks, squash, and salad (plus another guest brought good stuffed mushrooms).
NV Charles Ellner Champagne Brut Reserve Macoun apples, aromas of yeast rolls. Nice flavors, midweight, not a very "serious" Champagne, but decent deal for $25. B
2006 Cline Zinfandel (California) I have a soft spot for the Cline basic Zin since the 1999 (a great value), but it hasn't really measured up since. Straightforward red fruit, a little vanilla extract, medium acidity, soft short finish. Decent for "give me a glass of anonymous red wine", but not particularly Zinny. B-/C+2006 Guion "Cuvee Domaine" Bourgueil I was picking up a couple of "Cuvee Prestige" wines from this organic domaine, decided to try the basic cuvee too. Glad I did. Lovely simple (in a good way) Bourgueil. Just straightforward red berry and cherry fruit, with time a little smoke and herb emerge. Good acidity, decent length, a perfect red to serve cool on a hot night. Doesn't try to do anything more than be a nice dinner wine. 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.