Wednesday with a Lebanese meatloaf, the 2005 Ch. d'Oupia Minervois. Medium-bodied but with both acidic and tannic structure, pepper overtones dancing over a good base of darker fruits. This seems more Syrah-like than other vintages. It's a little stern at first but opens nicely, and holds up well over 2 days. B+
And another Louis-Dressner import, the 2005 Pepiere "Cepage Cabernet" (VdP du Jardin de la France). I actually thought when I brought this up it was the Cuvee Granit, but it's a bottling I haven't tried before. So how is this red Muscadet? Damn tasty, actually. Balanced acidity, ripe red plum and raspberry fruit with a nice herby edge. A little friendlier now that the Minervois, also a B+
I usually think of the Minervois as an early drinker, but this one seems to maybe want to lie down for a couple of years. Both of these wines are excellent values for my tastes at about $10.
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.