Betsy is back tonight, and it's about time- my stomach is complaining. I've been pretty lazy this week- a few thawed leftovers from the fridge, a couple quicky dishes , and even one frozen pizza (I was in a hurry to feed David and I because I was taking a group into city). Assorted mostly inexpensive wines:
2002 Ch. Bonnet (Bordeaux Blanc) A bit green and grassy, citrus and green apple fruit. I'd go for a tad more acidity, but a decent $8 white. Tastes more Sauvignon-y than previous vintages. Used as a cooking wine for chicken breasts, but acceptable at table. B/B-2001 Vidal-Fleury Cotes du Rhone Not a huge fan of Vidal-Fleury recently, but had read a very positive note on this from a respected critic. A little smoke and some dark berry fruit, but ultimately this feels a little flat, tired, and short. I'll pass on any more. B-/C+
2003 Nicolas Potel "Cuvee Gerard Potel" Bourgogne Rouge Ripe but not cartoonish, spice and cherries on the nose, black cherry fruit with some light notes of damp soil and toast. I'm pretty down on 2003 Burgundy in general, but I do think that extra heat in some cases helped on the lower end bottles while it might have hurt in more favored terroir. This is a nice California Pinot Noir posing as Burgundy. B2004 Jean-Marc Brocard "Domaine Ste. Claire" Petit Chablis Sweet-tart green apple fruit with a lemon twist, chalky mineral notes on the finish. Pretty good for the appelation. Brocard seems to always do well on the lower end. B
2004 Clos Roche Blanche Sauvignon Clean gooseberry and mango fruit with just a hint of grass and flint. Very good acidity, nice finish for the level. Very good QPR. 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.