Went up to Scarborough to friends for dinner, carried along the 2011 Pepier e “Clos des Briords” Muscadet, which was opened with some appetizers ( hummus, salsa, etc). Saline, green apple and citrus, wet rocks. Delightful. B+/A-
Jim had made jambalaya, there was also salad and dessert and cheese (Port Salut and Manchego). He served the 2011 Filon, a Spanish red (didn't note r eqgion) that I assume is Garnacha. This is a full-bodied unassuming red,no apparent oak, a little smoke and tar over ripe red fruits. This is a fruit bomb style I don’t gravitate towards, but more balance than most, and I ’d assume under $10, pretty fair value. Reminds me a bit of the old basic Borsao before they ramped up production tenfold. B-
Needed to practice my shucking, so with a few oysters Saturday, with the 2
007 Fevre “Bourgros” Chablis Grand Cru. Big and long, fresh acids, chal ky minerality, very good if young (I’ve had enough p’oxed Fevre not to be tempted to age). B+Main course was grilled teriyaki salmon, with a celeriac puree, bok choy, a nd arugula salad; wine was the 2009 Copain “Tous Ensemble” Pinot Noir ( Anderson Valley). Really enjoyable midweight, fresh with good acids, just a hint of cherry cola. Nice finish. I think I tend to like this lower level bottle more than some of Copain’s more expensive wines, but small samples . 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.