Dave made dinner Wednesday, a sausage/pepper strata that was really delicious. We had an open Chianti and Rueda around from night before, but I decided to open another half bottle, the 2004 Felsina Fontalloro. From 375 it was fairly open, pretty black cherry and plum fruit, anise, a bit of oak vanilla. Nice structure, the fruit in harmony with the acids and tannin. Really quite enjoyable, and I was sorry I shared with Dave and Betsy. :) A-/B+
With an "orange dinner" (smoked paprika chicken, orange rice, Indian glazed carrots), the NV Pinon Brut Rose (Touraine). Totally dry, strawberries and orange zest, nice mousse, maybe a touch austere for the food, but quite nice. B+
With salmon in a teriyaki-ish marinade (sake, mirin,ginger) over a soba/daikon/arugula salad with a dashi/soy dressing, the 2002 JJ Confuron Chambolle-Musigny. Big fruit, kirsch and raspberry, a bit of oak spice. This just really doesn't say Chambolle or even Burgundy to me, those it's certainly a solid enough PN. 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.