Friday, with salmon glazed with an assortment of Asian-like flavors (soy, ginger, black beans) & white rice, the 1999 Closel "Clos du Papillon" Savennieres. Softer than most Savennieres, with ripe apple fruit touched with a hint of beeswax and apricots. A bit of chalky minerality on the finish. Pleasant enough wine, but without the acidic zing I look for in Savennieres. B
Saturday morning I had the fun of dealing with a slashed tire on my car (and on my stepsons- cops said there were a dozen in town. I may reconsider my opposition to the death penalty). In between jacking, police reports, and trip to tirestore I made dinner - a crockpot dish of Senegalese chicken (thighs with onion sauce), served over brown rice. But before we could eat we spent the afternoon at a 50th birthday party for our friend Yoshi. An assortment of wines were served, but not an exciting lineup overall: NV Gimmonet Champagne I've liked Gimmonet's vintage offerings before, but this seemed thin and tired. Who wants thin tired Champagne? Probably storage issue. C+ NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Not complex, but at least lively. Rather coarse mousse,but nice apple and pear fruit. When's the last time I preferred the domestic bubbly to Champage? B-
1998 Villa Antinori I think this was Chianti Classico, though now they market this wine as a Toscano. Moderate acids, dried cherry fruit, decent finish. Drink up. Pleasant if unremarkable. B 2002 Beringer Founder's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Soft, sweet, short, where do I put this down? C 2004 Latour "Les Genievres "Macon-Lugny I was beginning to panic as the Tuscan was gone, but when I went to fridge to retrieve the Pepiere I had brought this was there open. Hmmm, actually not bad. Clean Granny Smith and Fuji apple fruit, decent acidity, and even a little flinty note to the finish. First thing I actually pour a real glass of, and I enjoy it. BWhew, that's over (actually a nice party, with nice people and good food).
Back at home, it's time for that Senegalese chicken. I wanted a red, but something with a little spice (this recipe is mostly chicken, onions, and cayenne), so decided to grab either a Rhone or a Zinfandel. First thing I saw in the cellar was the 2001 Rosenblum "Continente Vineyard" Zinfandel. Well, it has the spice, but it was a bit overwhelming. Running a little hot (like my first car), with rather thick berry (jam) fruit and some vanilla along with some peppery/zingy Zin character. OK with the dish, but at least half a bottle is left. Just TOO much for my tastes. B
The following day Betsy needs more than two bottles of red to use for cooking the lentils that go with the lamb shanks (separate thread). She uses the Zin, along with 90% of a couple of bottles that were lying around- I taste the rest:
2003 Vina Alarba OK, there's no complexity here, and it's soft ripe Grenache. But not bad for it's low low price, and there's a good finish for a cheap wine. B/B- 2002 Clos du Bois Merlot (Sonoma) Wait a second, did someone bring some of that Beringer to my house? Just kidding- this is soft and sweet, but not QUITE as short. Black plum fruit, easy if a bit limp. C+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.