Last night we leashed the basset hound and walked to some friends’ home, where Lucy’s poodle friend Jaja and some bones awaited her. A nice dinner awaited us, along with some wine (I had dropped off a few bottles previously)
With some nibbles (stuffed cherry peppers, proscuitto and mozzarella) and then garlicky grilled clams
NV Gatinois Grand Cru Brut Champagne A new grower Champagne for me. Fuller style, though with a fine delicate mousse. Rich, full, fresh apple with citrus zest and buttermilk biscuits. Very nice, and I’ll look for this again. B+
Betsy had brought a spinach/bacon/quail egg salad, and host made a wonderfully light veal Bolognese and pasta, with:
2001 Edmunds St John “Bassett” Syrah (ok, it originally said Bassetti, but with a marker it became a Mother’s Day gift from the hound to Betsy). This was really showing well- smoky, meaty, delicious dark fruits. Tannins are present but not obtrusive, good length, just delightful. A-
1997 Montevertine “Il Sodaccio” Full red cherry fruit, leather, anise. Pleasant and drinking well, but I don’t think there’s a lot in reserve here. Another argument for drinking up 1997 Tuscany. B
2008 Haut Gravet (St Emilion) Tight, eventually opens up a bit, plums, a bit of herb, some oak. B
Great night to sit outside and then walk home.
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.